Kerala Wellness Odyssey & Ayurveda Retreat

Cochin is a cultural mosaic, and today’s guided tour unveils this rich heritage. Visit St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, followed by a stop at the vibrant Jewish Synagogue and Dutch-influenced Mattancherry Palace. Wander through the heritage district’s antique shops, cafes, and boutique stores. After some leisure time in the afternoon, enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Kerala art form known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and storytelling.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard Hotel/ similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Cochin to Periyar, passing through lush landscapes of tea and rubber plantations. En route, stop at a beautiful plantation bungalow in Kanjirapally for an authentic Keralan lunch with a local family. Upon arrival in Periyar, settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure or explore the spice village.

Travel Time & Distance: ~4.5 hours, 170 km
Accommodation: Spice Village, an eco-lodge inspired by tribal village life/ similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Early risers can embark on a guided nature trek with a tribal tracker through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s diverse flora and fauna. After breakfast, return to your hotel to relax. In the afternoon, head to Lake Periyar for a scenic boat ride, where sightings of elephants, bison, and exotic bird species are common.

Accommodation: Spice Village
Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Periyar and travel to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. Board a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat), made from natural materials like bamboo and coconut fiber, for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Drift through the lush canals and lakes, passing rustic villages and witnessing daily life along the banks. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard by a private chef.

Travel Time & Distance: ~4 hours, 150 km
Accommodation: Private Houseboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on your houseboat, disembark at the Kumarakom resort jetty and check into your lakeside resort. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the resort’s amenities or simply relaxing amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, where the soft evening light offers a perfect backdrop to the natural beauty of Kerala’s backwaters.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon, a boutique eco-resort set on the shores of Vembanad Lake/ similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day of leisure in Kumarakom, where options abound. Explore the butterfly garden, try paddleboarding, or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Later, experience an authentic Ayurvedic therapy to prepare for the wellness retreat ahead. In the evening, transfer to Ernakulam railway station for your overnight train to Gokarna, traveling in a comfortable, first-class air-conditioned coach.

Travel Time & Distance: ~1.5-hour drive to Ernakulam, 60 km; 12-hour train journey to Gokarna, 720 km
Accommodation: Overnight Train (First Class AC Coach)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in Gokarna in the morning and transfer to SwaSwara, an exclusive wellness retreat designed to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Over the next five days, immerse yourself in a carefully curated program that includes:

Ayurvedic Consultations: Meet with Ayurvedic doctors to assess your health and personalize your treatment plan.
Therapeutic Massages: Relax with a range of massages using aromatic oils and healing herbs.
Yoga & Meditation: Participate in group and private sessions tailored to balance and rejuvenate.
Art Therapy & Creative Workshops: Engage in art therapy, pottery, and music therapy to explore creative mindfulness.
Nature Walks & Cooking Classes: Discover the local flora on guided nature walks, and learn Ayurvedic cooking techniques in hands-on classes.
Healthy Gourmet Cuisine: Enjoy nutritious, balanced meals designed to complement your wellness regimen.
Each day brings a blend of structured activities and personal time, allowing for a deep, restorative experience

Accommodation: SwaSwara, a luxury wellness resort on Gokarna Beach
Meals Included: Full Board (Ayurvedic and gourmet meals)

After a morning spent reflecting on your transformative journey, transfer to Goa International Airport for your return flight.

Travel Time & Distance: ~3.5 hours, 160 km