PRactical Info

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, a visa is required before you board your flight. You must have a valid visa to enter India. For the most up-to-date information on Indian visas, please contact your local Indian embassy. To apply for an e-Visa, which is sufficient for most guests at Tuval Tribe Retreat, visit this page. For a regular visa, visit this page. We recommend applying well in advance!

How do I get to India?
Check SkyScanner for the best connections and prices from anywhere in the world to India.

How do I get to Kerala?
Kerala is a beautiful state on the southwest coast of India. The main airport serving Kerala is Cochin International Airport (COK), which has both domestic and international flights. You can also fly into Trivandrum or Calicut airports, depending on your route. For booking local flights, check ClearTrip or MakeMyTrip.

How do I get to the retreat from the airport?
We can arrange transfers between Cochin International Airport (or other local airports) and Tuval Tribe Retreat. Please email us for more details. We recommend changing money at the airport, as drivers only accept Indian rupees. Payment for transfers is made directly to the driver. Be sure to send us your flight details (including arrival time, date, airline, flight number, and city of departure) at least 4 weeks in advance. In case of cancellations or delays, please notify us promptly to avoid additional taxi charges. Our transfer vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 2 guests for comfort. If your travel dates don’t align with your chosen detox course, get in touch with us, and we will suggest alternative accommodation options.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Kerala?
It’s recommended to consult with your GP, travel health clinic, or physician 4 to 8 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations typically include hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and polio. Kerala is not considered a high-risk area for malaria, but you should research and make your own decision about taking malaria tablets.

How do I exchange money?
You can exchange currency at the airport on arrival or use one of the exchange bureaus near the retreat. There are also several ATMs within a 10-minute drive from the retreat.

What kind of clothes will I need?
During the cooler months (December and January), early mornings and evenings can be a bit chilly, so bring a light sweater or warm yoga clothes for your early practices. As the day warms up, temperatures average 28–30°C, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. You don’t need to cover your shoulders and arms unless visiting religious sites. We also offer an affordable 24-hour laundry service, so there’s no need to over-pack.

What should I bring with me?

• Bathing suit (it’s difficult to find one nearby)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, beach towel or sarong, beach bag, mosquito repellent
• Flip-flops for indoor use (our terrace and dining areas are shoe-free)
• Earplugs, probiotics, and a small medical kit (e.g., tea tree oil, plasters, antihistamine cream for insect bites, Paracetamol)
• A torch or headlamp (due to occasional power outages)
• International driver’s license if you plan to rent a scooter or motorcycle
• More than one method of getting cash (e.g., 2 ATM cards from different banks or 1 debit and 1 credit card)

Can I walk to the beach from the retreat?
Tuval Tribe Retreat is located in a peaceful, secluded area away from the busy tourist zones. The nearest beaches are accessible by small taxis, which are usually available at the retreat. Many guests prefer to share a taxi to the beach, but you can also enjoy our beautiful garden and large pool during the day for relaxation.

I would like to take a detox course at the retreat but am staying elsewhere, is that possible?
For some of our detox programs, we offer a limited number of spots for non-residential guests. Please contact us for availability.

I would like to attend the detox course, but my partner does not do detox, can they stay at the retreat as well?
Yes, we offer a limited number of “room and meals only” options for non-detoxing partners on most courses. Please reach out to us to discuss the rates and availability.