Soul Mantra Journeys

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Koch

Arrive in Kochi, the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. Also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, it is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Starting from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlements in India.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for 1 nights’ stay.

This evening, watch a spectacular Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in India. One of the most complex and highly stylized Indian art forms, this performance is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music, and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Reach early for the unique opportunity to see the performers dressing up in their very elaborate and colorful costumes and painting their faces with make up to create the special persona for the performance.

Day 2 Discover Kochi; DRIVE from Kochi to Periyar (60 Kms / 01 ½ Hrs)

After breakfast, take a guided walk through the historic Fort Kochi area. This morning, we will visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, & St. Francis Church and see the authentic Chinese fishing nets still in active use by the fishermen in Kerala.

Later, in time, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, the spice plantation hub of Kerala. Upon arrival in Periyar, check into your hotel for 2 nights’ stay.

This evening, watch Kalaripayattu performance- one of the oldest form of martial arts that’s also known as the mother of all martial arts. Kalarippayattu consists of punches, leg moves, stretches, twists, and jumps performed in a particular sequence. In Periyar, you get a unique opportunity to witness a performance of this ancient art along with the locals at the village arena.

Day 3 A Day in Periyar

Early this morning, we take a guided walk with a naturalist in Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Observe some rare species of flora and fauna along with a variety of birds. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few elephants and wildlife across the lake. On this afternoon, experience elephant safari through the plantation. Undisturbed by the mechanical roar of a car or jeep, open to the skies accompanied only by the rhythmic sound of the elephant, enjoy the ride through spice scented breeze. Take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. The spice plantations in Periyar are captivating farms growing different spices in different sections of the plantations. You will be intrigued to see the vast variety of spices ranging from cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper, chilli, turmeric etc.

Day 4 Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom [80 Kms / 02 Hrs]

Early this morning, after a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kumarakom. It is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam {16 kilometres- 30 minutes}, in Kerala, India, kottayam is famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.

Upon arrival in Kumarakom, check in to your hotel for 02 Nights’ stay. Rest of the day is free for personal activities and expressions

Day 5 In Kumarakom

Early this morning, enjoy a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for bird watching. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a small piece of heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this preservation ground is a habitat to plenty of common as well as endangered species of residential and migratory birds. These include Siberian Cranes, Parrots, Herons, Owls, Egrets, Darters, and Waterfowls. Exploring the sprawling 14 acres in a canoe is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating things to do in Kumarakom.

Also visit Pathiramanal, the fascinating island that’s also called the Sands of Midnight, located on the Vembanad Lake. It can be reached by boat from here.

Day 6 Kumarakom – Alleppey [Houseboat]

This morning, board your houseboat to cruise through resort jetty. Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'Kettuvallam'. Discover the daily life along the backwaters and watch the circle of life in endless shades of green. Enjoy the comfort of a floating suite, relax and discover the flavors of Kerala served on the sundeck as the fascinating life along the waterfront passes by.

Day 7 Drive from Alleppey to Marari [20 Kms / ½ Hrs]

After breakfast, drive to Marari, a fishermen’s village. Upon arrival in Marari, check into your hotel for 08 nights’ stay (01 Nights Relax + 07 Night rejuvenation retreat.)

Day 8 to Day 14 Drive from Alleppey to Marari [20 Kms / ½ Hrs]

This wellness retreat is designed for rejuvenation and complete relaxation by reconnecting your mind, body and soul. This Ayurvedic wellness retreat offers a complete lifestyle change by introducing you to ancient Indian therapies of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation.

Upon arrival, the Ayurveda doctor will assess your body as per the 5000 year old principles of Ayurveda. According to your Ayurvedic assessment, a schedule of therapeutic massages and Ayurvedic diet will be planned for all 8 days of your stay. Enjoy daily sessions of Yoga and Meditation, followed by Ayurvedic massage, an ancient Indian therapy that aims to re-energize your chakras and balance the flow of energy in the body. The vegetarian menu is especially designed as per your body assessment by the Ayurveda doctor. Immerse yourself in the ancient wisdom of India and enjoy the following spiritual and cultural experiences, during your wellness retreat:

A learning on Ayurveda that explains the concepts of Ayurveda and how this ancient Indian science has the power to change our genes.
A sunset cruise along the backwaters of Kerala.
A special blessing ceremony at the temple of 9 planets where the head priest will conduct a special prayer for you with live fire and chanting to worship the 9 planets.
A village walk through the neighboring fishermen’s village to get a glimpse into the local life along the coast of Kerala.
A cooking demonstration with the Ayurveda chef of the resort, who will explain about Ayurvedic cuisine and share a few Ayurveda recipes.

[Note: The 07 Nights’ Wellness Retreat is inclusive of * all meals * daily morning yoga and meditation * consultation with Ayurveda doctor * 2 sessions of Ayurveda massage daily i.e. total 14 massages per person * activities, as described in itinerary]

Day 15 Drive from Marari to Kochi [45 Kms / 1 ½ Hrs]

This morning, enjoy breakfast & embark on your return drive to Kochi. In time, you’ll be transferred to the airport to connect to your flight back home or towards your next destination.65