Relax in Kerala: Houseboat Cruise & Beachside Escape

Overview
Inclusion
Itinerary

Embark on an immersive 13-day retreat through the tranquil landscapes of Kerala and Karnataka, where ancient Ayurveda traditions and holistic wellness await. This tour combines the best of Kerala’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and therapeutic practices, offering a transformative experience. From the spice-scented plantations of Periyar and tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the soul-nurturing wellness haven at SwaSwara, each day is meticulously planned to harmonize mind, body, and soul. Engage in activities designed to rejuvenate you holistically, including personalized Ayurveda therapies, yoga sessions, nature treks, and a diet of nourishing gourmet cuisine.

 

  • Luxurious Ayurvedic Retreat at SwaSwara, Gokarna
  • 5-night Stay at SwaSwara inclusive of wellness treatments, therapeutic massages, oils, yoga, meditation, art therapy, and gourmet meals
  • Captivating Sightseeing Tour of Cochin including a private boat cruise at sunset
  • Authentic Keralan Lunch with a local family in Kanjirapally
  • Spice Plantation Tour in Periyar, including a tea and rubber plantation visit
  • Overnight Houseboat Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters in Alleppey
  • Traditional Kathakali Dance Performance in Cochin
  • First-Class Air-Conditioned Train from Ernakulam to Gokarna

Included/Excluded

  • Meet & greet assistance on arrival
  • All airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
  • 12 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast and full board at SwaSwara and on the houseboat
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Cochin, including tickets for the Kathakali dance show
  • Spice plantation visit and nature trek in Periyar
  • Spice plantation visit and nature trek in Periyar
  • First-class overnight train travel from Ernakulam to Gokarna
  • Mineral water throughout the tour
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance and visa fees
  • Monument Entrances Fees
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not specified in the meal plan
  • Camera and video fees
  • 5% GST applicable on Gross Billing

Tour Plan

01 Arrive in Cochin

Welcome to Cochin! Upon arrival, meet your guide at the airport, who will transfer you to your hotel in Fort Cochin, the heart of Kerala's colonial history. Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Cochin’s quaint, cobbled streets or relax at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a serene private boat cruise along Cochin’s harbor as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a picturesque glow over the city’s iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard Hotel / similar
Meals Included: None

02 Cultural Exploration of Cochin & Kathakali Dance

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

03 Scenic Journey to Periyar via Spice & Tea Plantations

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

04 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Exploration & Boat Ride

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

05 Periyar to Alleppey for a Houseboat Experience

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

06 Alleppey to Kumarakom – Sunset Cruise

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

07 Leisure in Kumarakom & Overnight Train to Gokarna

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

08-12 Wellness & Ayurveda Retreat at SwaSwara, Gokarna

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)

13 Departure from Gokarna to Goa Airport

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

Reviews

  • star ratingDoes what it says on the tin  - A very good tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The breakfast at local hotel was lovely - I had paneer paratha and a masala omelette.

    avatar thumb Ste D
    November 16, 2024

    star ratingAmazing Taj Mahal Tour  - We booked our trip with Aarav Travels. The day trip was amazing , our guide Me Subodh was excellent and his amazing knowledge..I would highly recommend..
    Please do not buy... read more

    avatar thumb Nikkiz01
    May 20, 2023
  • star ratingGreat trip  - Views and locations with hotels were great. Also, the driver provided was very humble and a very nice person.

    avatar thumb Ravi R
    September 27, 2023

    star ratingAmazing experience of the Taj Mahal  - The views were amazing even though we were disappointed that it was cloudy so we couldn’t view the sunset or the sunrise so maybe check your weather report before you... read more

    avatar thumb AramideSanni
    May 7, 2023
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