From the green forests and dense wildlife of Periyar to backwaters of Kumarakom, from culture and heritage of Cochin to beaches of Kovalam and Varkala – Kerala is a complete destination for nature, heritage and wildlife lovers.
BODHI Retreats takes you on a voyage of discovery through this unforgettable land.
Why visit Kerala with us?
Kerala’s laid back vibe presents a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of India’s North Indian cities. Kerala is like a balm for the soul. The gentle ripples of Kerala’s vast network of backwaters set the pace of life here and shares a coast with popular beach destination like Varkala.
Go on an overnight or multi-day backwater cruise in Alleppey that takes you past quaint villages
and endless rows of coconut trees. The mantra here is — relax, rejuvenate, refresh, repeat.
Learn more about how Munnar’s aromatic tea leaves make the journey from the slopes to the cup.
Savour a traditional Kerala meal consisting of rice and a multitude of vegetable and meat dishes and served on a banana leaf.
Kerala’s glorious coastline beckons with its sandy beaches and warm waters. Catch some sun on the shores of Varkala or Kovalam, sign up for an early morning yoga session, and indulge in a luxurious seaside massage.
In Kochi, Kerala’s port city, watch fishermen cast their nets and admire its architecture influenced by Dutch, British and Portuguese history. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kerala with traditional theatre and dance performances.
Arrival Trivandrum and transfer to Neyyear Dam Sivanada Ashram (33Kms/1 hr:15mins)
On Arrival, the group will be welcomed and received by the local representative from Kerala
at the Trivandrum Airport. We drive straight to the Ashram. Check in to Ashram.
7 th September- Ashram Retreat
8 th September- Ashram Retreat
9 th September- Ashram Retreat
Neyyear Dam Sivanada Ashram, Trivandrum to Varkala (66 Kms/ 3-4 hours )
After breakfast we check out of the Ashram and drive towards Varkala and on the way we visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is approximately one hour drive from the Ashram and It is one of the richest temples in the world, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. We spend around one hour at the temple and later drive to Varkala.
Later, on way to Varkala you can stop by the Anjengo Fort which is a historical fort 12 kms before we arrive into Varkala. The fort was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and offers a glimpse into the colonial past of Kerala. You can explore the ruins of the fort, visit the nearby cemetery, and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea. On arrival we check in to the property and relax. Evening we can explore the beach area or just relax at the property for the day.
Start the day with a visit to Janardanaswamy Temple. Janardanaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Varkala in Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Janardana. The temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Later visit, The Papanasam Beach, also known as Varkala Beach, is one of the best beaches in Kerala because of the view it offers from the cliff top. Papanasam Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located in the town of Varkala in Kerala, India. The beach is also known as Varkala Beach and is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala, famous for its stunning views, clear waters, and sandy shores.
Mangrove forests are eerily beautiful and quite adventurous. We will start the day by kayaking for four kilometres inside these mangroves near Varkala, visiting the mangrove forests at Nedungolam near Varkala. Located at a distance of 18 km from Varkala, this can be a highlight of the trip when you explore the mangroves known for their eerie beauty and serenity.
After breakfast drive to Allepey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful coastal town located in the south Indian state of Kerala. The town is known for its backwaters, lagoons, canals, and beaches, making it a popular tourist destination in Kerala. One of the main attractions of Alleppey is the backwaters, which are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that extend over a vast area. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the backwaters and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape, which is dotted with lush greenery, coconut groves, and traditional villages.
Alleppey is also famous for its traditional houseboats, which are locally known as Kettuvallams. These houseboats are made of wood and are designed to offer a comfortable and luxurious experience to visitors, with modern amenities like air-conditioning, private bedrooms, and attached bathrooms. Visitors can take a leisurely ride on the houseboats and enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters, while also experiencing the local culture and cuisine.
On Arrival in Alleppey, we check into our houseboat and relax while it moves on the backwaters. You will be served authentic traditional Keralite meal while you enjoy the serenity of the calm and peaceful backwaters.
Overnight in Alleppey Houseboat.
Today after breakfast we check out of the houseboat and drive to the hilly side of Kerala, Munnar. Enjoy the picturesque hill-station as you drive through the serpentine roads surrounded by lush green hills. En-route, visit the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls (not a major fall) and the spice plantations. Reach Munnar by evening. Check in and relax for the evening.
After breakfast leave the hotel to embark on an exploration of this beautiful hill town. Visit the famous tourist attractions of Munnar- the vast Mattupetty Dam, the dense green Eravikulam National Park, and the lush green Tea Estates.
Enjoy lunch at one of the authentic Munnari eating joints in the town and later indulge in the aromatic spice plantation, and witness unique colors of roses at the Rose Garden.
Evening witness one of the traditional form of martial arts of Kerala, Kalaripayattu, performed by the local troupes from the region. The highlight of the performance that these martial arts literally play with fire during
Top Station and drive to Kochi (160 Kms/5-6 hrs)
Earlier the better, deemed as one of the most beautiful destinations in Munnar by many, the Top Station is located about 32 kilometres away from the city centre. This is the highest point in Munnar, and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats from here. With its low-lying clouds and abundant foliage, Top Station is an excellent example of natural beauty. Drive back to Munnar and drive to Kochi. On the way stop for lunch. Reach Kochi by evening and retire for the day.
Early morning visit the Fort Kochi Beach where you will see rows of colossal Chinese fishing nets suspended over the sea as fishermen collect the night’s catch. Walk alongside the shoreline and busy seaport dotted with colonial-style bungalows.
Check out the ruins of Fort Emmanuel, which is the first Portuguese fort on the continent. Enjoy the breakfast at your hotel or at one of the nice Portuguese architecture cafes in the fort kochi area.
Later, spend your day in Kochi exploring the adjacent historic areas of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Mattancherry is best-known for 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, aka the Dutch Palace, which houses frescoes and regal art and artifacts. From here it’s a short walk to the Paradesi Synagogue, also dating to the 16th century and the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Next, head to Fort Cochin to visit the oldest church in India, St. Francis Church, and the nearby Dutch Cemetery, believed to be the oldest graveyard in the country.
Make a stop at the beautiful Santa Cruz Basilica before making your way over to the shore for a photo op with the city’s famous Chinese fishing nets as the sun sets into the sea.
Top off your first evening with a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight in Kochi
Start the last day of your tour in Kerala with The Hill Palace, a sprawling property spread over 54 acres once served as the official residence of the king of Cochin. As one of the largest archaeological museums in Kerala, it houses many exhibits like royal crowns and ornaments. Get a glimpse of the royal living and opulence of the Maharajas of Cochin. This palace remains closed for tourists on Mondays and national holidays. After exploring the rich heritage of the Archaeological Museum, take a stroll at the adjacent Deer Park.
Later, drive to Airport for your flight back home with loads of memories of Kerala.
