Trivandrum International Airport to Grant Visa on Arrival

Holidaymakers taking flights to God’s Own Country, Kerala will certainly be a happy lot now as state’s popular international gateway, Trivandrum Airport may very soon offer visa on arrival (T-VoA). The facility is sure to lure the impulsive holidaymakers who often remain tentative about their travel plans.

The airport will offer visa on arrival with a maximum validity of 30 days to citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia. Presently, citizens of France, Germany and Russia on India bound flights can only get visa on arrival.

The move is sure to boost the state’s tourism with growth in the number of foreign tourists on flights to India connecting Kerala.

Besides Trivandrum, Goa and Bangalore may also issue T-VoA very soon. Earlier, only Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata’s international airports provided this facility to foreign visitors on flights to India from select countries.

Though the facility will definitely offer a convenient travel option to foreign tourists on flights to India, there are certain rules and restrictions related to it that are expected to be followed to the dot. T-VoA will strictly be restricted for recreation, sightseeing or meeting friends or relatives in the country, excluding any other purpose or activity.

Furthermore, those on flights to India and applying for T-VoA must have a passport with minimum six-month validity. Applicants should also not have a residence or occupation registered in their names in India to qualify for tourist visa on arrival.

News Reference

Find Out Which Airlines are Preferred for Flights to South India

South India is a major tourist magnet that attracts travellers from all over the globe. A vast number of airlines offer direct and indirect flights to different destinations in South India like Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin and Hyderabad.

South India is a treat for all those who hope to discover beautiful Indian landscapes, architecture and ancient culture. Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are inundated with mesmeric tourist spots beguiling tourists from all over the world.

A number of airlines operate flights to several South Indian airports offering a world of choice to the travellers. While some travellers prefer cheap flights to India, others prefer good in-flight services, and still some seek the thrill of flying aboard an Airbus A380. Take a look at the most preferred airlines from six UK Airports namely London's Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle for travellers booking flights to India's five key International airports in South.


Bengaluru (Bangalore) International Airport – (BLR)

Cheap Flights: Emirates, Oman Air and Air India.

Direct Flights: British Airways from London Heathrow is the only option.

Indirect Flights: Following airlines from various UK airports appear to be the most preferred ones:

London Heathrow (LHR): Emirates, Oman Air, Air India, Jet Airways, Etihad Airways and Kingfisher Airlines.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Emirates and Qatar Airways

Manchester Airport (MAN): British Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa

Birmingham Airport (BHX): Lufthansa and Emirates

Glasgow International Airport (GLA) - British Airways and Emirates

Newcastle Airport (NCL) - British Airways and Emirates

Baggage Allowance: Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India and British Airways (Each with 46 kg).


Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Cheap Flights from UK: Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and British Airways

Direct Flights: British Airways from London Heathrow is the only option.

Indirect Flights: The airlines that travellers prefer most include:

London Heathrow: Oman Air, Emirates, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways

London Gatwick Airport: Emirates and Qatar Airways

Manchester Airport: British Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates

Birmingham Airport: Emirates

Glasgow International Airport: British Airways and Emirates

Newcastle Airport: British Airways and Emirates

Baggage Allowance: Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India and British Airways


Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport (TRV)

Cheap Flights: Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates

Direct Flights: No direct flights to Trivandrum are available.

Indirect Flights: Travellers find the following airlines to be the most ideal:

London Heathrow: Oman Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways and Jet Airways

London Gatwick Airport: Emirates and Qatar Airways

Manchester Airport: Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates

Birmingham, Glasgow & Newcastle Airport: Emirates

Baggage Allowance: Jet Airways (with 46 kg) and Emirates (30 kg)


Cochin (Kochi) International Airport (COK)

Cheap Flights: Kuwait Airways and Oman Air

Direct Flights: No direct flights to Cochin are available.

Indirect Flights: Most travellers seek to book following airlines:

London Heathrow: Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Oman Air, Jet Airways and Air India

London Gatwick Airport: Emirates and Qatar Airways

Manchester Airport: Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates

Birmingham, Glasgow & Newcastle Airport: Emirates

Baggage Allowance: Jet Airways (with 46 kg) and Emirates (30 kg)


Hyderabad International Airport (HYD)

Cheap Flights: British Airways, Oman Air and Emirates

Direct Flights: British Airways from London Heathrow is the only option.

Indirect Flights: Ideal airlines operating indirect flights include:

London Heathrow: Qatar Airways, Air India, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines

London Gatwick Airport: Emirates and Qatar Airways

Manchester Airport: Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Emirates

Birmingham, Glasgow & Newcastle Airport: Emirates

Baggage Allowance: Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher Airlines (46 kg) and Emirates (30 kg)

In-flight Services: Travellers who consider good in-flight services as the key factor for booking air tickets to South India airports usually choose from Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates and Kingfisher.


Popular Stopover flights

Dubai is the most popular stopover for Britons taking indirect flights to various Indian destinations including South India.

Airbus A380 Charm

For all those travellers who seek the thrill of travelling aboard an Airbus A380, Emirates is the only option which operates the superjumbo on selected flights from UK to Dubai.

Flights to Trivandrum take One to God's Own Country

Trivandrum is a not to be missed destination for anyone taking cheap flights to India. Be it tremendous natural beauty or astounding historical monuments, Trivandrum crawls with a plethora of excellent sights, sounds, and smells.


Trivandrum makes for one jewel of a holiday destination. Full of intoxicating natural delights like palm fringed beaches, huge tracts of verdant tropical greenery, captivating dream like sunsets, virginal lagoons, and gently sloping hills, Trivandrum captures the imagination. Almost everyone who takes one of those cheap flights to India makes it a point to visit Trivandrum as the destination is amongst the most popular places in Asia. Being the erstwhile home of many kings and dynasties, Trivandrum is also a treasure trove of historical monuments. Here are some of the prized jewels from Trivandrum.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India and the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean makes for an exhilarating spot. Kanyakumari is famed for the worship of the goddess Devi Kanya and pilgrims flock to the destination in hordes. A little offshore is the Vivekananda Memorial, the meditation spot of the famed Swami Vivekananda. The mandapam here offers an excellent insight into the wonderful blend of diverse architectural styles from different parts of India. Kanyakumari remains one of the biggest reasons for spending on Trivandrum flight tickets.

Kovalam

The globally renowned Kovalam beach is just some 16 km from Trivandrum and has been luring travellers right since the 1930s. Taking herbal massages, swimming, and sunbathing are amongst the numerous leisure activities at the beach. Kovalam also stays alive with delightful cultural performances. Shopping zones, cheap affordable cottages, swimming pools, Ayurvedic health centres, and the famed Ashoka Beach resort are some of the other draws here. Kovalam, along with Kanyakumari, remains another major reason for hopping on to some flight to Trivandrum.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Dating back from 16th Century, the wooden Padmanabhapuram Palace is a dazzling piece of Trivandrum’s unique architectural style. While the floors have been polished with a mixture of local plant juices, crushed shells, egg whites, and coconuts, the ceilings are carved with exquisite rosewood floral patterns. Besides architectural wonders, the palace is also full of marvellous interesting items such as secret underground passages, Lord Krishna’s pictures, chairs carved with Chinese designs, mural paintings, Saraswati temple, granite dance hall, and Belgian mirrors. One of the more gory attractions of the palace is a hanging cage, where prisoners died an excruciating death at the beaks and claws of eagles. The palace has an outer cyclopean wall, which was erected without the use of mortar.

Varkala

The calm serene hamlet of Varkala has plenty of tourist magnets. This sea resort is known for its mineral rich water springs that supposedly have many medicinal properties. Two of the biggest attractions in Varkala are the Janardhanaswamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The huge sprawling Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary spells sheer bliss for any nature enthusiast. Eucalyptus plantations, long sloping hills, and fauna life like elephants, sambhar deers, lions, and leopards together make the sanctuary a wonderful getaway to the wild side. Many travellers have discovered that the joy visiting the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary makes up a lot for the money spent on those cheap flights to India.

Neyyar Dam

Taking a picnic to the Neyyar Dam is a great way to have a day trip in Trivandrum. Boating in the Neyyar Lake here and wondering through the wilderness of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are two of the most popular pastimes for visitors. The sanctuary gives one the chance to get up close to exotic animal life like tigers, elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, different snake species, and porcupines. For a further taste of wildlife, one can always head to the nearby lion safari park and crocodile breeding centre.

Ponmudi

This pristine hill resort is a trekker’s paradise. Trees blooming with colorful flowers, serene orchids, and natural springs make the place a treat to the eye. While going to Ponmudi, numerous travelers also stop at ‘Golden Valley’ for a quick dip in the refreshing cool crystal clear mountain stream there.

Kerala Appropriately Crowned the Best Asian Holiday Destination

Kerala holidays is an enchanting experience with eye-catching landscapes, brain drifting backwaters, incredible mounds, wonderful wildlife parks and sanctuaries and dazzling sun-kissed beaches. The region offers a host of opportunities for the travellers who are looking for adventurous getaway along with serene natural beauty.

A mesmerising blend of multiple cultures, traditions and notions, Kerala is a holiday destination of a lifetime. The place incorporates everything that charms and appeals to the most astute of travellers. Be it the wonderful beaches, misty hill stations, spiritual pilgrim centres or grand historic monuments – just one visit to the God’s own country and you will know why Kerala has all the lovely epithets associated.

The capital of the state, Trivandrum is a popular destination with palm fringed beaches, virginal lagoons, undulating mountains, verdant tropical greenery and captivating sunsets. Trivandrum flights continue to transport an ever increasing number of tourists to Kerala as the state has made an indelible mark on the world tourism map.

In a poll carried out by an independent online travel magazine ‘Smart Travel Asia’, Kerala has been voted by travellers as the best Asian holiday destination beating the likes of Bali, Phuket and the Maldives. Nearly 60 percent of voters who took part in the poll are based in Asia, while 20 per cent live in UK/Europe and 20 per cent in North America.

Last month, Trivandrum also hosted the first Indian edition of the British Hay on Wye Literature Festival which saw a number of literary enthusiasts of international fame heading towards the God’s Own Country.

Most international travellers booking flights to India for the first time pick Kerala for their holidays. Flights to Trivandrum are available from many UK airports however Heathrow is a preferred airport to depart from for a great choice of flights and timings.

Despite many accolades and natural grandeur that is not to be found anywhere else, the state is considered as a pocket friendly destination with a number of cheap flights and some of the best hotels in India.