Coastal Wellness
Starting from: Flexible
Season: All year
Duration: 8+ days
Highlights: Kochi - Alleppey houseboat - Vembanad lake - Marari beach - Poovar beach - Kovalam beach - Thiruvananthapuram
Starting from: Flexible
Season: All year
Duration: 8+ days
Highlights: Kochi - Alleppey houseboat - Vembanad lake - Marari beach - Poovar beach - Kovalam beach - Thiruvananthapuram
Nestled between the Arabian sea on the west and the lush Western Ghat hills on the east, Kerala is truly God’s own country. What's more - it is also the home of Ayurveda, a 5000 year old system of healing, that has upheld its prominence and continues to be embraced worldwide.
It’s network of rivers and lagoons provide the backdrop for an experience that is in harmony with nature. It’s thick forests, exotic wildlife and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters play host to many a traveler wishing to leave the hurriedness of the daily existence behind. And as you spend the day on one of its many serene beaches across the 800km shoreline, you can always count on the warmest hospitality with its unique traditional flavor.
Be prepared to be blown away by the magnificent natural beauty. But also be prepared to be humbled as you witness the simplicity and mutual respect with which people from all faiths coexist here, evidenced by the overlapping shadows of towers, minarets and spires that sit cheek by jowl in every city, town and village.
While the therapies are based on the science of Ayurveda, you can hope to look forward to a luxurious spa experience replete with saunas, massages, thoughtfully prepared meals that are organically grown and support the rejuvenation therapy. Relax in the backwaters and spend a night cruising on a houseboat before heading to the beautiful coast. Experience village life, local people and fantastic local cuisine.
We help with all the arrangements - a private vehicle with a driver, local guides where necessary, handpicked quality accommodation as per your choice, a personalized itinerary, and local assistance during your trip; to make sure that this is the trip of a lifetime!
Each of our holidays is a personal experience and our goal is to design an itinerary that matches your dream trip. Below is a 8 day / 7 night itinerary to give a general idea of our Coastal Wellness itinerary starting from Kochi and ending at Thiruvananthapuram:
Kochi is the gateway to Kerala. Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport by our local guide. After check in, spend the day visiting some historical landmarks like the church of St’ Francis, one of the oldest European churches in India, which stands testament to the colonial era.
Catch a glimpse of the Chinese fishing nets. This is the only location in the entire world outside China where such fishing nets can be seen in use. They are about 10 meters in height, the entire structure being a fixed land installation. Set up on the bamboo teaks are held horizontally with the help of huge mechanisms which are lowered into the sea. These nets are made-up of teak wood and bamboo poles and each net is handled by four men. It is certainly a very unique and unusual method of fishing and makes for a very interesting sight.
Head to the Mattancherry palace also known as Dutch palace. It was built as a present from the Portuguese to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. It is a fine example of Kerala type architecture with colonial influence. Walk through the halls decorated with murals depicting the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The great works of Sanskrit poet Kalidasa have also been depicted. The life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin since 1864, along with other memorabilia like swords, daggers and coins take you back to the grandeur and royalty of a bygone era.
Also stop by the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi. Spend time admiring the details of the brilliant frescoes and murals. The seven large canvas paintings including a beautiful imitation of the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci along with the stain glass windows, complete your journey into the art that was iconic of the 16rg century when Portugal ruled the seas.
Drive to Alleppey from where you take a relaxing boat ride to your resort on the Vembanad lake. It is famous for the snake boat races during the Onam festival in August. A snake boat rhythmically being propelled by 100 pairs of hands and enthusiastic crowd cheering along the lake’s banks, is a sight to behold.
Spend the next two days in traditional wooden homes admiring the beautiful views over the lake.
Kumarakom boasts of one of the best Ayurveda spa’s in the world. Pamper yourself… depending on your preferences and time availabilitye, we can recommend a program for you. The more in-depth programs are also overseen by medical professionals so to cater to your specific needs.
A boat ride at sunrise, bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary during the day, canoeing are some other great options if you would like to venture out from your resort.
Every single one of our travelers has hailed this experience as one of their most unique ones. Stay on a houseboat to enjoy an authentic experience of life on the backwaters and the time when rice, spices and coir were carried by boats through the canals of Kumarkom.
As you navigate the backwaters, enjoy all the creature comforts that the houseboat offers, including delectable local cuisine prepared by your own personal chef. Start your day with an early morning Yoga session and watch Kalaripayattu practice (Kerala martial arts), followed by a hot cup of filter coffee and a hot breakfast.
You may choose to do a day cruise or to dock for the night where you get to watch the sunset from your houseboat.
After the tranquility of the backwaters, move onto to experience Kerala's beautiful coastline. Drive to a coast where you will stay in a village by the sea amidst paddy fields, coconut groves and fruit orchards for the next couple of days.
As you sunbathe on and walk the golden beaches, experience for yourself why it is one of the 19 places shortlisted by CNN this year for travel enthusiasts to visit in 2019. A visit to the village on food or on a bicycle can also be arranged if you are would like to get a taste of rural culture and livelihood.
This is another great place to further pamper yourself with Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies.
Top your experience off with a 2 night stay on an island resort. Two nights in a cottage afloat on the backwaters overlooking the sea, flanked by coconut groves and a beautiful golden sand beach on the other side, this island resort makes for a unique stay.
Spend your day relaxing or take cooking lessons. You have multiple restaurants and cuisines to choose from, including a floating restaurant and a sunken restaurant which is situated in the middle of the main swimming pool.
You have various options for Ayurveda treatments here along with a restaurant that serves only Ayurveda food, especially designated for the clients that are opting for the Ayurveda treatments.
End your day with a Kathakali performance, Kerala’s dance form that originated 5000 years ago. Drama, storytelling, dance, music and ritual express themselves through artists adorned in the most colorful costumes, head gear and make up.
We love customizing our itineraries to suit your travel schedule as well as your choice of pace and activities. We will tweak the plan to balance your daily travelling time. We would be happy to accommodate any preferences you have.
Here are some of the ways in which we can customize this trip:
- Add extra days to slow down the pace or enrich your itinerary with more time for activities or detours
- Cut a day or two from the itinerary to allow for reduced time or budget
- Create a themed itinerary with an emphasis on your favorite activity or interest like history, culture, art, architecture, cuisine etc.
Price from: USD per person on a twin-sharing basis
Inclusions:
- Accommodation with breakfast for 7 nights
- Chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned car for 8 days
- Current applicable taxes
- Contact person in India
Note: These prices are not applicable for festival dates and Christmas-New Years period.
Notes:
We offer a variety of comfortable vehicles for different group sizes with a local driver, and a guide for the sightseeing.
Our accommodations are all well rated and located so as to balance your daily travel time.
Your detailed itinerary will include must-see attractions and offbeat sights. We can also add tours and activities of your choice, restaurant recommendations and any other special interests you have. Some of this might require adding extra time to the trip.
And of course, we are always available for questions or assistance during your trip.
Additional information for your trip will be sent to you after the booking. This will include details about weather and clothing, currencies and payments, electricity system, food and water, safety, contact info, and other useful tips.