Plan your sacred journey from God’s Own Country with confidence — from visa formalities to comfortable stays and guided ziyarat.
Introduction
Umrah is a profound spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide. For residents of Kerala, whether departing from Kochi (COK), Calicut (CCJ) or Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), there are many tailored Umrah packages available in 2026 designed to meet diverse needs—budget travelers, families, seniors, and those seeking a luxury pilgrimage experience. This guide explains package types, typical inclusions, travel logistics, visa requirements, sample itineraries, health and safety advice, and practical tips to help pilgrims from Kerala plan a smooth and spiritually rewarding trip.
Why Choose an Umrah Package from Kerala?
Kerala pilgrims benefit from several regional advantages:
- Multiple airports: Convenient departures from Kochi, Calicut and Trivandrum reduce domestic travel time.
- Local language support: Many agencies and group leaders from Kerala speak Malayalam, Urdu and Hindi — helpful for first-time pilgrims.
- Community groups: Local mosques and organizations often run group bookings, which can offer cost savings and peer support.
- Ground experience: Kerala-based operators are familiar with the particular needs of Malabar, Travancore and Kochi pilgrims, including dietary preferences and family arrangements.
Types of Umrah Packages Offered
Travel operators in Kerala generally provide four main categories of Umrah packages:
1. Budget / Economy Packages
Designed for affordability, these packages include economy-class flights (sometimes with one stop), 3-star hotels or economy apartments, shared transport in Saudi Arabia and group-guided rituals. They are suitable for students, young professionals and budget-conscious families.
2. Standard / Family Packages
The standard option balances comfort and cost. Typically includes 3–4 star hotels close to Haram, airport transfers, AC coaches for intercity travel, guided ziyarat and a partial meal plan. Family rooms and child-friendly services are common.
3. Deluxe / Premium Packages
These include 4–5 star hotels with better amenities, smaller group sizes, private transfers and more flexible itineraries. Deluxe packages are recommended for elderly pilgrims and families seeking more rest and convenience.
4. Luxury & Customized Packages
For pilgrims seeking exclusivity: Haram-view suites, private cars with chauffeurs, business-class flights, personalized religious guides, longer stays and bespoke itineraries. These can be tailored for accessibility needs or private group events.
Popular Durations & Estimated Price Ranges
Package duration influences cost and pace. Below are typical options with indicative starting prices per person (2026 estimates — subject to seasonal changes):
- 7 Days: Short, focused Umrah — starts around ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000.
- 10 Days: Balanced schedule for worship and basic ziyarat — starts around ₹95,000 – ₹1,50,000.
- 14 Days: Comfortable pace with more ziyarat time — starts around ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,90,000.
- 21–28 Days: Longer stays for deeper immersion; prices vary widely based on hotel class and flight upgrades.
Note: Prices fluctuate with demand (Ramadan and school holidays cost more), currency rates, airline availability and hotel choices. Always request a written cost breakdown before booking.
Accommodation — What to Expect
Hotel selection is a major determinant of comfort. Kerala packages usually offer:
- 3-star hotels: Economical, clean and functional; may require short shuttle rides to the Haram.
- 4-star hotels: Good amenities and often within walking distance to Haram entrances.
- 5-star hotels: Luxury rooms, concierge services and sometimes direct Haram views for premium packages.
Agencies typically specify distance to the Haram (e.g., walking distance, 5–15 minutes, shuttle required) — verify this to match mobility needs, especially for elderly pilgrims.
Flights & Transfers from Kerala
Packages include round-trip flights from Kochi (COK), Calicut (CCJ) or Trivandrum (TRV) to Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED). Routes may be direct (seasonal) or via Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha, Muscat). Common carriers include Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India Express and other regional airlines depending on timing and cost.
In Saudi Arabia, transfers are by air-conditioned coaches or private cars. Intercity transfers (Makkah ⇄ Madinah) are included in most full packages. Premium packages offer private vehicles and door-to-door assistance.
Visa Processing & Required Documents
Kerala travel agents typically handle Umrah visa applications. Commonly required documents include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from travel date.
- Recent passport-size photographs following Saudi specifications.
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations.
- Vaccination certificates mandated by Saudi authorities (e.g., meningococcal; COVID-19 requirements if applicable).
- Filled visa application and agency authorization letter.
Processing times range from a few days to two weeks. Submit documents early and confirm photo and passport details to avoid delays.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary (Kerala → Jeddah/Madinah → Makkah → Madinah → Kerala)
- Day 1: Depart from Kochi/Calicut/Trivandrum, arrive Jeddah/Madinah, transfer to Makkah, rest and prepare for Ihram.
- Day 2: Enter Ihram and perform Umrah (Tawaf and Sa’i), rest and pray at Haram.
- Days 3–4: Additional prayers, optional ziyarat in Makkah (Jabal al-Noor, Cave of Hira), personal worship time.
- Day 5: Transfer to Madinah, check in near Masjid an-Nabawi and offer prayers.
- Days 6–8: Ziyarat in Madinah: Quba Mosque, Uhud, Masjid Qiblatain and time in the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Day 9: Free day for personal worship and shopping.
- Day 10: Transfer to airport and fly back to Kerala with heartfelt dua and memories.
Typical Inclusions & Exclusions
Most comprehensive Umrah packages from Kerala include:
- Round-trip airfare (Kerala ⇄ JED/MED) and airport taxes.
- Umrah visa processing and agency facilitation.
- Hotel accommodation (as per chosen category) with specified meal plan.
- Airport transfers, intercity transport (Makkah ↔ Madinah) and shuttle service to Haram.
- Guided ziyarat and local support with 24/7 helpline.
Common exclusions: international travel insurance (recommended), personal expenses, optional private ziyarat charges, tipping/gratuities, and any services not explicitly listed in the package.
Health, Safety & Practical Tips
To ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage:
- Carry necessary medicines and a basic first-aid kit; disclose chronic conditions to your agency.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself during Tawaf and Sa’i to avoid exhaustion.
- Pack Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, a lightweight prayer mat, and essential toiletries.
- Keep both physical and digital copies of passport, visa, travel insurance and emergency contacts.
- Attend the agency’s pre-departure briefing in Malayalam or English to understand rituals and local rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does Umrah visa processing take?
A: Typically between 5–14 working days depending on embassy workload and completeness of documents. Apply early, especially before Ramadan and other peak months.
Q: Are there direct flights from Kerala to Jeddah or Madinah?
A: Direct flights are sometimes available seasonally. Most routes involve a stopover in Gulf hubs. Your agent will suggest the fastest and most cost-effective options at booking.
Q: Can elderly pilgrims find suitable accommodations?
A: Yes — many packages offer accessible rooms, hotels close to the Haram and private transfers. Always specify mobility or medical needs at the time of booking.
