EXPLORE

ITINERARY ROUTING:

Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Backwaters – Mararikulam

SKETCH ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARRIVAL KOCHI
DAY 02: IN KOCHI
DAY 03: KOCHI – MUNNAR
DAY 04: MUNNAR
DAY 05: MUNNAR – THEKKADY
DAY 06: THEKKADY
DAY 07: THEKKADY – BACKWATERS
DAY 08: BACKWATERS
DAY 09: BACKWATERS – MARARIKULAM
DAY 10: IN MARARIKULAM
DAY 11: IN MARARIKULAM
DAY 12: MARARIKULAM – KOCHI – ONWARDS

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Arrive in Kochi by an International flight.
• Interact with an Ayurvedic doctor and a yoga guru on the first day. Discuss expectations from the tour whilst you get introduced to the holistic philosophy of Yoga and Ayurveda. Amble around the Chinese fishing nets during sunset to get a sense of the place.
• Enjoy a Yoga session in the morning and learn about the science of spirituality. Embark on a guided tour later to get acquainted with Kochi’s history and heritage which is a wonderful mix of Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences. Partake in an evening meditation session and introduction to some of the tenets of Hinduism - Karma, Dharma and Rebirth.
• Drive to the cooler climes of Munnar – south India's largest tea-growing region. Relax, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the views of the rolling tea gardens. Enjoy an evening session of meditation followed by an introduction to the history and mythology of Kerala.
• A morning Yoga session is followed by the basics of Tamasic, Rajasic, Sattvic food of the Ayurveda philosophy and their effect on body and mind. Enjoy a nature hike with a local guide to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Spend the evening listening to stories of the Trinity of the Hindu Pantheon: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.
• Drive to Thekkady abundant with rainforest, spice plantations and canopies. Evening meditation session and chanting of mantras followed by a review session with the yoga guru.
• Yoga session in the morning is followed by an introduction to the Bhagvad Gita and the Puranas. Visit a spice plantation, interact with the hosts and enjoy an organic local lunch. In the evening, enjoy a session of meditation followed by stories from the Upanishads.
• Drive to the Backwaters with its drenched greens and coconut palms. Take a day cruise on a Kettuvallam (houseboats) which were used to ferry rice in the backwaters. Lunch on board. Disembark and continue to a resort. Enjoy a private Mohiniyattam dance performance in the evening.
• Morning Yoga session and a deep dive into Ayurveda – an ancient method of healing that developed in India, thousands of years ago. Later, join the host for a cooking class followed by lunch. Evening meditation session, satsang and chanting followed by another review session with the yoga guru.
• Drive to Mararikulam, a quiet fishing village by the Arabian Sea. Later in the day meet the in-house Ayurveda specialist who will customize the next two days for each guest. Ayurveda is based on the premise that the five elements of the universe: air, fire, water, earth and ether are also present in the human body which makes for a unique Prakruti (constitution) in each one of us. The sessions are tailored according to each person's Prakruti. Evening session includes meditation and dancing.
• Morning Yoga on the beach followed by an Ayurveda session later in the day. Evening Meditation includes Silence and Contemplation on the Mahavakyas of the Upanishads – and what each person understands from it.
• Morning Yoga on the beach followed by an Ayurveda session later in the day. Evening meditation and introduction to practicing gratitude, appreciation and boundless love followed by a final review and feedback session with your yoga guru.
• Transfer to Kochi airport for your onward flight or extend your stay at Mararikulam.

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