Arrive Kochi

Please be in Kochi no later than today. If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to depart on Tuesday morning (25 November) and connect same day to Kochi through Singapore with Singapore Airlines (SQ534 Singapore - Kochi arriving around 10.00pm).

We’ll base ourselves for a few days in Fort Kochi, an historic Portuguese port town with a very interesting and colourful history. See the Chinese fishing nets, the murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace, indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets, visit the Jewish quarter and the original grave of Vasco da Gama.

Accommodation: 5-star Hotel, Fort Kochi

Meals: No Meals included today

Kochi

You’ll have the morning free to settle in and relax before you meet the rest of the group. Share a fabulous seafood lunch at one of Kochi’s finest restaurants. This afternoon we will visit a number of the key sights and sites around Fort Kochi before enjoying a local Kathakali performance in the early evening.

Accommodation: 5-star Hotel, Fort Kochi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Kochi

After breakfast, join us for a Spice and Food History Walk that unravels the global spice connections of Fort Kochi before a curated lunch at a local bakery and café specialising in local cuisine. You will explore the rich cultural diversity of South India from Portuguese to Chinese to Jewish cuisine and more.

In the late afternoon we will head to a local village for an unforgettable evening dining on the backwaters. You’ll punt out to the Chinese Fishing nets to watch the sunset, see the traditional nets in action, a mesmerising sight as the key turns pink and gold and then enjoy a locally prepared dinner on a floating pontoon as you learn about how environmental changes are impacting this fragile community.

Accommodation: 5-star Hotel, Fort Kochi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Kochi - Munnar

Today we leave the coastal Kerala and climb the Western Ghats mountain range to the cooler climes of the town of Munnar, a hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite. Munnar is surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. After checking into our accommodation, enjoy a short guided walk with a local nature guide through a cardamom plantation. It's cool, quiet and very peaceful here.

Accommodation: Estate guest house on a working tea plantation
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Munnar

Wake up in the clouds...make sure you don't miss the stunning view as the sun rises this morning and the valley below the plantation awakens. After breakfast, you have the option to head out on a trek with a local nature guide through the tea plantations. You'll cover a good distance and climb to see some magnificent views - reasonable fitness is required. If that's not your cup of tea, that's ok...because there is plenty of just that! Take the chance to learn more about the many varieties of tea with a tea tasting and a local tea factory

Accommodation: Estate guest house on a working tea plantation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Munnar - Alleppey Backwaters

We’ll head back down towards the coast. We will board our houseboats in time for lunch where we will explore the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey on a kettuvallam houseboat - this is an experience of a life time! Traditional Keralan houseboats offer a relaxing and luxurious stay onboard with freshly prepared traditional delicacies. Make the most of the intriguing Alleppey backwater heaven from up close.

Accommodation: 5-star Houseboat (Air conditioned)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Alleppey Backwaters - Marari Beach

We will return to the wharf after breakfast and it's time for some real relaxation as we head to Marari Beach for five idyllic nights. The swaying coconut palms and golden sands of the beach make this spot perfect, and it's just the place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Long beach walks and pampering yourself with traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatments, yoga, massages and great organic cooking are definitely on the menu. 

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Your stay at Marari Beach includes:

• Daily Ayurveda Treatment - Rejuvenation therapy / Body purification therapy treatment

• Full-board Ayurveda Diet – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Daily Yoga and Meditation

• Personalised Sound Therapy Sessions with Sharon Greally

Accommodation: 5-star Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Marari Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On your departure day, you will be transferred to Kochi International Airport for your flight. An evening departure from Kochi back to Singapore (SQ535 Kochi - Singapore) connects with day flights to New Zealand or Australia. Alternatively, talk to Sarah about trip extensions - maybe a couple of days in Goa or explore Tamil Nadu?

• Fully escorted by Sarah Meikle and Sharon Greally

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• 5-star accommodation - heritage-style for 11 nights

• Most meals included:

  • Daily Breakfast

  • 8 x Lunches

  • 9 x Dinners

• Activities and monument entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed):

  • Fort Kochi sights and sites with Kathakali Performance

  • Kochi Spice and History Walk

  • Kerala Chinese Fishing Nets experience – Nilavila

  • Spice Plantation Hike at Munnar

  • Tea Factory Experience and Visit

  • Tea Tasting

  • Overnight houseboat experience

• Activities and inclusions at five night retreat:

  • Daily Ayurveda Treatment - Rejuvenation therapy / Body purification therapy treatment

  • Full-board Ayurveda Diet – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day

  • Daily Yoga and Meditation

  • Personalised Sound Therapy Sessions with Sharon Greally

• All airport transfers in India

• Air conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• All applicable taxes

• Plenty more surprises!

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed (there aren't many not included)

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Spending Money

• Indian entry visa

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary