Health and travel
Travel arrangements
Trivandrum
(TRV) is the nearest airport. Scheduled flights depart daily from
London Heathrow throughout the year. Current operators include Sri
Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airlines and Kuwait Air. Charter flights,
with Manos Holidays and others, are available from London Gatwick between
November and March. There are also regular connections to other major
British and European cities and beyond.
Travel arrangements and insurance are your own responsibility. Please contact Free Spirit Travel UK (our booking agent) if you need help and advice: Tel + 44 (0) 1273 564230
A visa is required to travel. In the UK contact: Indian High Commission,
Aldwych, London WC2. www.hcilondon.org
On arrival, we will meet you at Trivandrum airport and provide a complimentary
taxi transfer to Kovalam (25 minutes). There is a short walk to Kailasam.
A porter will carry your luggage (on his head!)
Health
Your doctor will be able to advise you about immunisations – there
are currently no compulsory ones for India, unless you have come from
an area with yellow fever. Both homoeopathic and allopathic medicines
are available against malaria, although the risk is very small in this
area and many people prefer not to take allopathic drugs.
Most visitors to Kerala enjoy excellent health whilst here – and even feel better than at home. We advise you to drink only bottled water (easily available everywhere) and to avoid ice and drinks diluted with water.
The beach area and the path between Kailasam and the sea are flat, but some of the paths are uneven and there are steep hills in Kovalam. This may not, therefore, be a suitable holiday if you have breathing or walking difficulties.
Whilst we will do all we can to ensure your enjoyment and safety, we do expect you to take responsibility for yourself and for your yoga practice whilst staying with us.