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What does an average flight cost? How do I get a visa for India? I’m not used to travelling alone. Will I be OK? You only provide breakfast - where will I eat my other meals? Should I bring a waterproof or a brolly? What sort of footwear will I need? I like to relax on holiday with a beer. Is alcohol available? I’m vegetarian. Is it easy to get veggie food there? I’m not used to bargaining – will there be fixed prices? I’d like to stay on in Kerala after my yoga holiday. Is it easy to find accommodation? Does it matter if I haven’t done any yoga before? I’m not sure about doing yoga twice a day – is it compulsory? What if I needed an emergency doctor or dentist? If you have any other questions please email us
What does an average flight cost? Return flights from London start at £445. Check out www.cheapflights.com or www.travelrepublic.com for latest prices. How do I get a visa for India? In the UK, you need to apply to the High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, or to one of the Consulates in Birmingham (0121 212 2782) or Edinburgh (0131 229 2144). You can also apply by post, download an application form from: www.hcilondon.org I’m not used to travelling alone. Will I be OK?
Yes – one of the benefits of our Yoga Holidays is meeting like-minded people. Many of our guests do travel alone. We will meet you at Trivandrum airport and bring you safely to Kailasam. It’s then perfectly OK to walk around by yourself – even after dark, as Kailasam is not isolated. Kerala people are very friendly – we’re sure you won’t feel lonely! Will I be able to swim? Yes – the sea is good for swimming, with lifeguards employed on the two main Kovalam beaches. You can buy beach mats or hire chairs and umbrellas on the beach. If you prefer swimming pools, there are several open-air ones within walking distance – you will have to pay a small fee – about £3.00 a day. You only provide breakfast - where will I eat my other meals?
Most people enjoy eating at one of the restaurants overlooking the Arabian Sea. There’s a good choice! There are also two excellent vegetarian restaurants very near us – ‘Suprabatham’ and ‘The Lonely Planet’. Where can I change money?
You can change cash or traveller’s cheques at Trivandrum Airport, but you get a better rate in Kovalam itself. The nearest money changer is only 2 minutes’ walk from Kailasam. There are also ATM (cash point) machines in Kovalam Junction (5 minutes’ by rickshaw) where you can use your credit or debit cards with your PIN number. Should I bring a waterproof or a brolly?
An umbrella is better in hot weather and can also double as a sun-shade. If you forget, you can easily buy one at Kovalam Junction. What sort of footwear will I need?
Flat shoes or sandals are essential as some of the paths are uneven. It’s customary to take your shoes off when you go into a building – houses, some shops, all temples, etc. So it’s easier if you have flip-flops (thongs) or slip-on sandals. But don’t buy any specially – they are very cheap in Kovalam if you decide you need them. If you prefer not to go barefoot, bring an old pair of socks which you can throw away after the holiday. I like to relax on holiday with a beer. Is alcohol available?
Yes - in Kovalam, most of the restaurants sell beer and you can get Indian-made spirits in some of them. Tonic water and other mixers are available and wine is becoming increasingly available, although it is quite expensive. I’m vegetarian. Is it easy to get veggie food there?
Yes – one of the joys of southern India, is that vegetarian food is good and easily available. Do you allow smoking?
Kailasam house is non-smoking – but you can smoke in the garden or on the veranda – but please be thoughtful about other people who may not like cigarette smoke. Is Kovalam very noisy?
Some of the beach restaurants play music at night– but it’s not audible at Kailasam, where we can hear the waves and the chirring of crickets. There is no road at Kailasam, so no traffic noise. Most of the restaurants close about 11pm and there is little in the way of entertainment. Some of the restaurants do show free movie DVDs. You may also hear the drums of kathakali performances (Kerala drama) or the music of live dancing – but this can be fun to watch. You will also hear music from the temple. I’m not used to bargaining – will there be fixed prices?
There are fixed prices for some things – but for others you will need to bargain. A good guide is to think what the item is worth to you – and stick to your price. You can always ask us what the ‘going rate’ is before you buy. I’d like to stay on in Kerala after my yoga holiday. Is it easy to find accommodation?
Yes, it shouldn’t be a problem. One popular route includes a boat on the Backwaters, a visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Munnar in the mountains, and onto Cochin. You can do all that by public transport, but the more pleasant way is to hire a car and a driver when you get here. It is very reasonable. Some guests decide just to chill out in Kovalam for their extra time. Does it matter if I haven’t done any yoga before?
No – like everything in life, you start from where you are! Yoga is non-competitive, and it’s much more important to work with concentration and awareness than to force yourself into advanced postures for lengthy periods. If you haven't done any yoga before, you might like to practise sitting cross-legged on the floor - or on several cushions! I’m not sure about doing yoga twice a day – is it compulsory?
No – this is your holiday, so you can do as much – or as little – as you want. I’m a yoga teacher and am thinking about bringing my students to India. Would Kailasam be a suitable venue?
Yes – we do take private bookings. Please contact us direct or through Free Spirit Travel. Can I drink the water?
We advise you to drink only bottled water (available everywhere) and to avoid ice or drinks which may have been diluted – unless you know they have used bottled water. Will I get ill?
We sincerely hope not! If you drink bottled water and eat freshly cooked food you should be alright. Kerala seems to be much safer than North India for stomach upsets – and if you are staying in one place, rather than exhausting yourself with lengthy travels, you are also likely to stay well. If you are unlucky enough to get sick, or suffer diarrhoea, it’s important to avoid dehydration, by taking re-hydration salts (available in chemist shops before you leave home, and in Kerala). Local people drink coconut milk or strong black tea if they have diarrhoea. But please don’t worry – most people feel better in Kovalam than they do at home. What if I needed an emergency doctor or dentist?
There are doctors and a small cottage hospital in Kovalam, and good dentists and major hospitals in Trivandrum. Do you have ‘proper’ toilets?
Yes – we have western-style toilets in all the bathrooms at Kailasam. Most of the Kovalam restaurants also have sit-down toilets. Are mosquitoes a problem?
We do of course get mosquitoes, but they should not be a problem unless you sit outside at Kailasam after dusk, without using mosquito repellent. It’s fine to sit at the beach restaurants at night without using repellent. Light coloured clothing is better than black, which tends to attract mosquitoes. It’s a good idea to bring long trousers and long-sleeved blouses/shirts if you are prone to being bitten. We
have mosquito nets on the windows at Kailasam, and over the beds – to
help you get a good night’s sleep. If you have any other questions please email us
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