Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala for Visitors from United Arab Emirates

Visa guidance

Verify current requirements on the official Indian visa portal before applying — visa rules can change.

• e-Tourist Visa (30/60 days): Most common for short stays; multiple entries allowed.
• e-Ayush Visa (60 / 120 days): Launched July 2023. Specifically for non-surgical AYUSH treatment; longer stay than regular tourist.
• e-Medical Visa (60 days, triple entry): Treatment letter from registered Indian hospital required at application.

Travel logistics

Kerala has 4 international airports — Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV), Calicut (CCJ), and Kannur (CNN). Direct flights from United Arab Emirates land mainly at COK + TRV.

• Dubai International (DXB) Direct

  Emirates, Air India Express, IndiGo, Etihad — daily direct flights to Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV), Calicut (CCJ); ~4h

• Abu Dhabi International (AUH) Direct

  Etihad, Air India Express direct to COK + TRV daily; ~4h

• Sharjah International (SHJ) Direct

  Air Arabia, IndiGo to COK, TRV, CCJ; ~4h

Airport → centre. Most classified Panchakarma centres arrange complimentary or paid pickup from the nearest airport. Typical drive times: COK→Kottayam 1h, COK→Thrissur 1h 30m, TRV→Kollam 1h 30m, CCJ→Wayanad 2h, CCJ→Kottakkal 1h. Confirm at booking.

Cost in AED (approximate)

Static conversion at 1 AED ≈ ₹22.6. Exchange rates vary — confirm before quoting your booking.

AED cards via Razorpay UAE rails (Apple Pay supported). Cash AED accepted by many centres for incidentals. Avoid carrying > USD 10,000 cash equivalent.

Language & communication

English widely spoken at classified centres. Malayalam is local. Arabic-speaking staff at major centres serving GCC patients (Somatheeram, CGH Earth Kalari Kovilakom, Vaidyaratnam).

Insurance + payment

Most UAE health insurance does NOT cover Ayurveda treatment abroad. Niva Bupa and Star Health offer Ayurveda riders for UAE residents — verify with your insurer before travel.

Climate + best season

Best months: October–March (cool, dry). Karkidaka (mid-July to mid-August) for classical monsoon rejuvenation.

What to pack: Light cotton clothes year-round. Light woollens for hill stations (Wayanad, Munnar) in winter. Modest cover-ups for temple visits. Sunscreen, mosquito repellent.