Kerala Yoga Retreat Itinerary 14 Days

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, our tour representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kochi Fort. Check-in at the 8th Bastion Hotel. As the rest of the day is at leisure, take a stroll around Princess Street, the local lanes, and the historic Colonial Fort Kochi. Don’t miss the famous Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi. Visit the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Another must-see is the Santa Cruz Basilica. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance, known for its vibrant costumes, expressive gestures, and intricate makeup. Afterward, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Upon arrival in Cochin, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, embark on a scenic journey to Thekkady, passing through the picturesque Periyar Wildlife Reserve, renowned for its tea, rubber, and spice plantations. The National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, elephants, tigers, and numerous bird species. Once you reach Thekkady, check into the Village of Spice. The rest of the day is at your leisure for personal activities. In the evening, unwind with a session of yoga. The Village of Spice offers charming thatched-roof cottages with verandas surrounded by herb gardens and fruit trees. Experience rejuvenating treatments from skilled Ayurvedic doctors, and savor the delicious and spicy Kerala cuisine served at the local restaurants, offering a true taste of traditional life.

After a refreshing yoga session and a delicious breakfast, attend an introductory Ayurveda session with the resort’s doctor. Following that, take a leisurely stroll around Kumili and enjoy lunch at the hotel. Savor a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, and then relax with an overnight stay at the hotel. Spend the day exploring the beautiful high ranges, and later, visit the village of Kovimala, home to the Mannan Tribal Community, known for their unique rituals and culture. This community is led by an elected tribal ruler. Enjoy lunch at the King’s residence, then take a walk through the spice gardens, soaking in the breathtaking mountain views. In the evening, experience a traditional Tribal Dance called “Koothu,” performed by the community at the King’s home.

After your morning yoga session and a hearty breakfast, embark on a Spice Plantation tour. The Periyar region is one of the world’s oldest spice-growing areas, and spice gardens are vital to the local economy. Visit the Cardamom Hill Reserve, where you’ll discover a variety of spices. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading out for a jungle trek. This community-based initiative provides a secondary source of income for the Mannan tribal people, who were once bark collectors. During your trek, you’ll have the chance to spot various wildlife, including birds, deer, elephants, and gaur. In the evening, join a culinary class where the master chef shares valuable cooking tips. End the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After your yoga session and a delicious breakfast, check out from the hotel and head towards Kumarakom. On the way, enjoy a delightful lunch at Rani’s Plantation Bungalow, where you can interact with local families and share a meal with them. Continue your journey to Coconut Lagoon Hotel, where you’ll stay for the next four days. Kumarakom is situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake, surrounded by picturesque canals, streams, and beautiful landscapes. The local bird sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists, renowned for its abundance of migratory birds. The rest of the day is free to explore the resort and participate in various activities. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your morning with a bird-watching walk led by a naturalist. Following this, join a rejuvenating yoga session, and then enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the resort’s offerings. In the evening, embark on a serene sunset cruise aboard a Kettuvallam boat on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. After the boat ride, enjoy a delightful lunch, and later, savor a tasty dinner before settling in for a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

On the morning of the 7th day, experience a session of Kalaripayattu, a powerful martial art native to Kerala. At the Kalari in-house center, you’ll receive training in this ancient martial art, followed by a rejuvenating yoga session before breakfast. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy your own activities. You can also opt for a soothing Ayurvedic massage (additional charges apply). Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. In the late afternoon, if you’re interested in a culinary experience, join the in-house chef for a lesson on backwater cuisine. Finish the day with a tasty dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a refreshing yoga session before breakfast. Enjoy the resort’s various activities such as village walks, canoe rides, or a revitalizing Ayurvedic massage during your free time. Have lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Aymanam village, the setting of Arundhati Roy’s novel *The God of Small Things*. Afterward, embark on a traditional canoe ride through the narrow, winding canals, where you can observe the daily lives of local residents. Take a leisurely stroll through the famous Kuttanad village, surrounded by lush paddy fields and snake houses, which hold cultural significance for the locals. In the evening, experience the captivating Kathakali dance form, known for its elaborate expressions and its deep roots in ancient Sanskrit traditions. End the day with dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel.

After your morning yoga session and breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to Marari Beach, located along the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, check in at the Marari Beach Resort and enjoy a delicious lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the beach or pool, or take part in the resort’s activities, such as instrumental music sessions or exploring the Farm Kitchen and harvesting.

After your morning yoga session, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can unwind on the sandy beach and watch the fishing boats in action. For centuries, local fishermen have used traditional vessels to fish, without the aid of modern equipment. Every morning, just after sunrise, numerous boats head to the same location, known as the fish landing. In the evening, indulge in a seafood dinner before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After your morning yoga session and breakfast, take a cycling tour to explore the nearby villages, churches, and temples. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the beach or engage in the resort’s activities, such as instrumental music sessions, exploring the butterfly garden, visiting the kitchen garden and participating in harvesting, or enjoying a dhoti and saree demonstration. Afterward, savor lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Farm Kitchen. Conclude your day with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

After your morning yoga session and a delicious breakfast, spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach or pool, or take part in various hotel activities such as visiting the kitchen garden, exploring the butterfly garden, or attending instrumental music lessons. Enjoy lunch at the hotel. If you wish, you can take a drive to Alleppey and embark on a private houseboat ride. These boats are modern versions of the traditional kettuvallams, once used to transport spices and rice. Glide through the palm-lined backwaters and immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle of Kerala. Continue your journey through the lush greenery of the Kerala backwaters. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner party before returning to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After your morning yoga session and breakfast, head to Mattancherry in Old Kochi. Visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of Jew Town, and explore the Dutch Palace, known for its beautiful 17th-century mural paintings. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore further. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with a Brahmin family, part of the highest caste in Hindu society. Stroll through the local streets of Mattancherry and visit the bustling fruit market, where you can find fresh, organic produce at affordable prices. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the local neighborhoods, stopping at the Dhobi Khana. Finally, arrive at the 8th Bastion Hotel, check in, and take some time to rest or shop around Kochi Fort. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

On the final day of your trip, head to Cochin Airport to catch your flight back home, taking with you cherished memories of your journey.