Immerse in lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and centuries-old Ayurvedic wellness practices. From historic Kochi to serene backwaters and the Ayurvedic bliss of Kovalam, this trip restores mind, body, and soul while inviting you to fully experience India’s living traditions.
The journey commences in historic Kochi, a melting pot of colonial influence and layered heritage. From there, it moves into the cool, tea-covered hills of Munnar before continuing to Thekkady—a world shaped by wildlife reserves and spice plantations alive with earthy, intoxicating scents. The experience then drifts into the backwaters of Alleppey, where you spend time aboard a luxurious houseboat before making your way to Kovalam on the Arabian Sea.
Kovalam unfolds in moments of pure Ayurvedic bliss: four days of treatments and therapies deeply rooted in India’s ancient practice of Ayurveda, guiding you toward the calmest and most centred version of yourself.
These fifteen days are steeped in culture, natural splendour, and holistic wellness that has truly stood the test of time—and even the most sceptical health critics.
TRIP OUTLINE
A 15-day journey through Kerala, India, immerses you in lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and centuries-old Ayurvedic wellness practices. From historic Kochi to serene backwaters and the Ayurvedic bliss of Kovalam, this trip restores mind, body, and soul while inviting you to fully experience India’s living traditions.
Day 1: Kochi
Welcome to Kochi, long known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. For centuries, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch traders arrived at this natural harbour, each leaving subtle imprints on its architecture, cuisine and customs.
Upon arrival, you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
Kochi unfolds across islands connected by ferries and bridges, its pace gentler than India’s larger cities.
Travellers often remark on its atmospheric charm, colonial façades softened by sea air, and the sense that history here is not preserved behind glass, but quietly woven into daily life.
Your Hotel
Malabar Escapes
View HotelMalabar Escapes Description
Located in the centre of Fort Cochin, Malabar House is a quaint heritage boutique hotel offering spectacular views of the parade ground. It is a hotel housing profound works of art that symbolise the passage between East and West through its bespoke collection. Its 17 unique rooms and suites skillfully blend modern and traditional design elements reminiscent of the area. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, Malabar House promises the highest calibre of hospitality.
This hotel in Kerala’s impeccable restaurant, Malabar Junction, combines the traditions of South India with nuanced culinary innovation. Delight in dance performances and classical music on the patio stage, or rejuvenate body and mind at the Ayurvedic centre. Situated amid the backwaters, plantation hills and old Fort Cochin, the hotel allows you to explore the history of this region to your heart’s content. Perhaps you might opt to spend a night or two in the hotel’s eco-friendly houseboat for a truly unique experience in Kerala.
Day 2: Kochi
Begin your day with a guided yoga session, grounding body and breath in the birthplace of the practice. Day two is all about culture and connection,
After breakfast, explore Kochi’s layered history through:
- The historic Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town
- Mattancherry Palace, adorned with intricate Ramayana murals
- The iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront
Midday, step into a local Keralan home for an intimate cooking demonstration and lunch. Discover the alchemy of curry leaves, coconut, and cardamom while experiencing authentic Syrian Christian hospitality.
In the evening, witness the elaborate preparation of Kathakali performers before enjoying a dramatic open-air dance drama illuminated by brass oil lamps. This centuries-old art form blends storytelling, martial movement, and spiritual symbolism.
Your Hotel
Malabar Escapes
View HotelMalabar Escapes Description
Located in the centre of Fort Cochin, Malabar House is a quaint heritage boutique hotel offering spectacular views of the parade ground. It is a hotel housing profound works of art that symbolise the passage between East and West through its bespoke collection. Its 17 unique rooms and suites skillfully blend modern and traditional design elements reminiscent of the area. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, Malabar House promises the highest calibre of hospitality.
This hotel in Kerala’s impeccable restaurant, Malabar Junction, combines the traditions of South India with nuanced culinary innovation. Delight in dance performances and classical music on the patio stage, or rejuvenate body and mind at the Ayurvedic centre. Situated amid the backwaters, plantation hills and old Fort Cochin, the hotel allows you to explore the history of this region to your heart’s content. Perhaps you might opt to spend a night or two in the hotel’s eco-friendly houseboat for a truly unique experience in Kerala.
Day 3: Munnar
At dawn, witness Kochi stirring to life, fishermen casting nets, markets negotiating the morning’s catch, temple bells resonating across the water. After breakfast, journey inland to Munnar, climbing into the Western Ghats. Established as a British summer retreat in the 19th century, Munnar became the heart of India’s tea industry. Its rolling plantations were carefully cultivated by colonial planters seeking respite from coastal heat. Today, visitors speak of the cool mountain air and the hypnotic symmetry of tea estates cascading across the hillsides.
Check into your resort and enjoy a restful evening surrounded by mist and greenery.
Your Hotel
Blanket Hotel & Spa
View HotelBlanket Hotel & Spa Description
Experience Munnar in luxurious surroundings, where timeless hospitality meets the breathtaking beauty of nature. Blanket Hotel & Spa is among the finest 5-star, eco-friendly hotels in Munnar, ideally situated in Pallivasal near the enchanting Attukad Waterfalls and mist-covered tea hills. Its serene, secluded setting makes it perfect for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and couples seeking a peaceful retreat filled with scenic charm and gentle rejuvenation. The rooms and suites are spacious yet cosy, many boasting balconies or terraces that overlook either the valley or the waterfalls. Enjoy traditional Indian flavours prepared and presented in distinctive ways, or choose familiar options from the restaurant’s international menu.
Flavours here delight the palate, while the visual feast continually evolves, captivating the senses. From cascading waterfalls to lush greenery swaying in the breeze, dining at Blanket Hotel & Spa is an experience in itself. For relaxation, indulge in the hotel’s spa, a highlight offering Ayurvedic and traditional massages, yoga sessions, meditation areas, steam baths, sauna facilities, and a wide variety of treatments.
There is also a large outdoor infinity pool offering panoramic views of the rolling landscape of Munnar, which conceals numerous nature trails and tea plantations to explore. The hotel also features a gym and a recreation centre equipped with foosball, table tennis, chess, and billiards. Entertainment options include cooking demonstrations and afternoon tea plantation tours. A stay here is not only memorable and romantic, but also healing and revitalising.
Day 4: Munnar
Cycle through Letchmi Village, where plantation workers’ cottages line quiet roads and brightly painted temples punctuate emerald landscapes. The rhythm here is shaped by tea, introduced commercially in the late 1800s and still central to the region’s identity.
At Lockhart Tea Factory, follow the journey from leaf to cup, observing traditional processing methods that have changed little over the decades. Guests often find the interaction with tea pickers especially meaningful, gaining insight into daily life within the estates.
The tasting session reveals subtle variations in flavour shaped by altitude and soil, reinforcing Munnar’s reputation among connoisseurs.
Your Hotel
Blanket Hotel & Spa
View HotelBlanket Hotel & Spa Description
Experience Munnar in luxurious surroundings, where timeless hospitality meets the breathtaking beauty of nature. Blanket Hotel & Spa is among the finest 5-star, eco-friendly hotels in Munnar, ideally situated in Pallivasal near the enchanting Attukad Waterfalls and mist-covered tea hills. Its serene, secluded setting makes it perfect for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and couples seeking a peaceful retreat filled with scenic charm and gentle rejuvenation. The rooms and suites are spacious yet cosy, many boasting balconies or terraces that overlook either the valley or the waterfalls. Enjoy traditional Indian flavours prepared and presented in distinctive ways, or choose familiar options from the restaurant’s international menu.
Flavours here delight the palate, while the visual feast continually evolves, captivating the senses. From cascading waterfalls to lush greenery swaying in the breeze, dining at Blanket Hotel & Spa is an experience in itself. For relaxation, indulge in the hotel’s spa, a highlight offering Ayurvedic and traditional massages, yoga sessions, meditation areas, steam baths, sauna facilities, and a wide variety of treatments.
There is also a large outdoor infinity pool offering panoramic views of the rolling landscape of Munnar, which conceals numerous nature trails and tea plantations to explore. The hotel also features a gym and a recreation centre equipped with foosball, table tennis, chess, and billiards. Entertainment options include cooking demonstrations and afternoon tea plantation tours. A stay here is not only memorable and romantic, but also healing and revitalising.
Day 5: Thekkady
Travel to Thekkady, near the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, a protected area established in 1934 and one of India’s oldest conservation zones. The landscape transitions into dense forest and spice plantations. Kerala produces a significant portion of India’s cardamom and pepper, commodities that historically drew global traders to its shores.
During your plantation visit, learn how cinnamon, cloves and vanilla are cultivated and harvested. Visitors often comment on the scent of the air itself, layered and fragrant, totally inimitable. Your eco-inspired retreat reflects traditional tribal architecture, harmonising with the surrounding hills and emphasising sustainable living.
Your Hotel
Spice Village by CGH-Earth Experience
View HotelSpice Village by CGH-Earth Experience Description
Situated on the cold Periyar highlands, this 4-star resort in Thekkady is situated in a spice garden that embodies the unadultered essence of pristine nature, modelled after the homes of the local Manan tribe.
This CGH Earth establishment embraces all things spice and heritage, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding countryside, lush in adventure and exploration. From their spice-enriched culinary feasts to the spice excursions offered, Spice Village is that great friend that introduces you to someone they truly like, and know you’ll grow to like just as much—they’re usually right, too.
The cuisine here is just as fundamental to the traditional experiences as being a success here. Every ingredient is sourced from within a 50-mile radius of the resort, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint, supporting local employment, and yielding a unique and often one-of-a-kind menu.
The Ayurveda centre at Spice Village offers a range of herbal massages and therapies to support your healing journey. The outdoor pool similarly offers moments of relaxation and tropical indulgence. Experiences include spice tastings, learning how to make paper at the paper-making centre, learning about the region’s botanical range during a naturalist walk, and visiting spice plantations. Staying at Spice Village is not simply about passing time, but immersing in the fundamentals of India’s distinctiveness.
Day 6: Thekkady
Morning yoga prepares you for a guided nature trail in Periyar National Park. The reserve spans approximately 925 square kilometres and is home to elephants, sambar deer and diverse birdlife. Though tiger sightings are rare, the protected ecosystem represents a long-standing commitment to wildlife preservation in India. Travellers frequently describe the forest walks as grounding and immersive, with the Cardamom Hills forming a dramatic backdrop. Later, visit a local school and participate in recycled paper making, reflecting Kerala’s emphasis on literacy and sustainability. Conclude with a live Kalaripayattu demonstration, an ancient martial art rooted in discipline and ritual.
Your Hotel
Spice Village by CGH-Earth Experience
View HotelSpice Village by CGH-Earth Experience Description
Situated on the cold Periyar highlands, this 4-star resort in Thekkady is situated in a spice garden that embodies the unadultered essence of pristine nature, modelled after the homes of the local Manan tribe.
This CGH Earth establishment embraces all things spice and heritage, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding countryside, lush in adventure and exploration. From their spice-enriched culinary feasts to the spice excursions offered, Spice Village is that great friend that introduces you to someone they truly like, and know you’ll grow to like just as much—they’re usually right, too.
The cuisine here is just as fundamental to the traditional experiences as being a success here. Every ingredient is sourced from within a 50-mile radius of the resort, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint, supporting local employment, and yielding a unique and often one-of-a-kind menu.
The Ayurveda centre at Spice Village offers a range of herbal massages and therapies to support your healing journey. The outdoor pool similarly offers moments of relaxation and tropical indulgence. Experiences include spice tastings, learning how to make paper at the paper-making centre, learning about the region’s botanical range during a naturalist walk, and visiting spice plantations. Staying at Spice Village is not simply about passing time, but immersing in the fundamentals of India’s distinctiveness.
Day 7: Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey, often called the Venice of the East due to its network of canals and lagoons. Historically, the backwaters served as vital trade routes before modern roads were developed. Board a traditional kettuvallom houseboat, originally used to transport rice and spices between villages.
These vessels are now carefully restored for comfort while preserving traditional design elements.
As you cruise through palm-lined waterways, daily life unfolds along the banks: fishermen casting lines, children waving from narrow paths, women weaving coir rope. Many guests describe the experience as meditative, a slow immersion into Kerala’s rural heart.
Your Hotel
Blue Jelly Houseboat
View HotelBlue Jelly Houseboat Description
Having earned the esteemed label of “the floating palaces of Kerala”, Blue Jelly Houseboat provides unmatched luxury services and facilities reminiscent of five-star hotels. All of these houseboats have been customised to provide an ineffably unique stay in Kerala, operating in the Alleppey backwaters. The fleet of houseboats can accommodate couples and large groups alike.
Choose between a five-bedroom houseboat with a conference room and lobby, or a simple one-bedroom houseboat with a Jacuzzi bathroom and a deck with a couch to take in the scenery of the backwaters and beyond. Perhaps the Goldilocks effect is what you seek, requiring something between big and small; in that case, the three-bedroom houseboat might be just right.
Beyond the stay on any Blue Jelly Houseboat is the cuisine: a true feast for the senses and a delightful homage to the traditions and flavours Kerala is known for. The sightseeing adventures with Blue Jelly Houseboat are just as captivating as everything that has come before. Meander through serene scenery as the sun sets on the horizon, delighting in the sights and sounds of the backwaters.
Day 8: Kovalam
After breakfast on the water, travel south to Kovalam, once a quiet fishing village that gained prominence in the 1930s under the patronage of the Travancore royal family. By the 1970s, it had become an international beach destination while retaining its coastal charm.
Crescent-shaped beaches and calm Arabian Sea waters define its landscape. Your Ayurveda retreat blends heritage architecture with holistic wellness traditions that have been practised in Kerala for over 3,000 years.
Visitors frequently note the immediate shift in pace upon arrival, the sea breeze, the scent of medicinal oils, and the promise of restoration pulsating in each moment.
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 9: Kovalam
Your personalised Ayurveda programme begins with a consultation by an experienced physician who prescribes therapies aligned with your constitution, or dosha. Ayurveda, meaning “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, developed in India more than two millennia ago.
Daily treatments aim to detoxify, rebalance and restore vitality through herbal oils, massage and guided practices. Yoga and meditation deepen the experience, while meals are tailored to support internal harmony.
Many previous guests describe this period as transformative, noting improved sleep, mental clarity and a renewed sense of equilibrium that extends well beyond departure.
Full Board Wellness Programme
This six-night personalised Ayurveda experience includes:
- Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
- Daily 60-minute yoga session
- Personal consultation with an Ayurveda physician
- Prescribed herbal medicines
- Tailored full board Ayurvedic cuisine
- One wellness cooking class
- Guided meditation session
- Yoga Nidra session
- Preferential laundry service
These days are dedicated to restoration, balance, and internal recalibration.
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 10: Kovalam
Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
Daily 60-minute yoga session
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 11: Kovalam
Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
Daily 60-minute yoga session
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 12: Kovalam
Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
Daily 60-minute yoga session
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 13: Kovalam
Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
Daily 60-minute yoga session
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 14: Kovalam
Daily 90-minute Ayurveda therapy
Daily 60-minute yoga session
Your Hotel
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
View HotelNiraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra Description
The setting of Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is among the most beautiful in South India, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and golden dunes. Celebrate nature at this 5-star Kovalam beach hotel in Kerala, perched on a striking cliff edge and shaded by windy coconut trees. The historical huts nod to the region’s past while inviting total immersion in the present. The award-winning Niraamaya Spa features ten Ayurvedic rooms offering holistic therapies that take visitors on a distinctive health journey.
The resort also sits near one of Kovalam’s most prominent ports, subtly reflecting both its timeless beauty and evolving nautical significance. Accommodations range from cottages and family villas to garden rooms and tree bungalows, while the restaurant and bar serve dishes that are both globally inspired and locally rooted. Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra offers a soft landing for those who love the ocean, the heritage of Kovalam, and luxury in perfect harmony.
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying with you the calm and clarity cultivated over the past two weeks.
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