ayurveda and spa holidays

After an early morning breakfast, you will leave for a day trip to Kanyakumari also known as Cape Comorin. It is a remarkable town surrounded by mountains, encircled by seas and lined with paddy fields and coconut groves.

You will visit the temple of the virgin sea goddess, Kanya Devi which is an important Hindu pilgrimage site mentioned in a many ancient scriptures. Be enchanted by the exquisite wooden carvings in the Padmanaphapuram Palace. This fine example of traditional Kerala architectural finesse is the largest wooden palace complex in all of Asia.

You will take a thrilling ferry ride up to the magnificent Vivekananda Memorial set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Sit in quiet contemplation at the site where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated and gained enlightenment. You can also pay your respects to Mahatma Gandhi considered as 'Father of the Nation' by Indians at a beautiful memorial built for him called the Gandhi Mandapam. You will then head back to Kovalam to spend overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast you will drive 2-3 hours to Thottapally where you will board a delightful Houseboat to spend the night. Traverse the placid backwaters set amidst lush greenery and stop en route to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty and local village life activities. On the boat you will be served mouth watering delicacies prepared by the kitchen crew. Spend the night cruising leisurely under the moonlight.

After breakfast you will check out from the houseboat and drive 4 hours to Thekkady (Periyar). After checking into the Hotel, you can spend the evening unwinding at the Hotel or exploring the town of Thekkady famed for its vast spice gardens and the wilderness of Periyar. Alternately you can also book an appointment with the in house doctor for traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

You will have an early morning date with nature. Head out for an adventurous excursion on a boat into the Periyar National Park. Accompanied by a local naturalist you can spot wild elephants, bisons, wild boars, numerous exotic birds as well as majestic tigers in their natural habitats.

On your return from the jungle, you will have breakfast and head out to uncover secrets of the finest Indian spices. Explore luxuriant spice gardens and tranquil tea estates on a bullock cart, a ride unique to India! In the evening rejuvenate yourself with an Ayurvedic Massage designed especially for stress relief.

At sunrise you will enjoy a yoga session with a proficient instructor in the hotel premises, followed by breakfast. Drive 4 hours to Munnar, a picturesque hill station with lush green forests and stunning tea estates. Have a wild afternoon excursion to Eravikulam National Park which houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna. You can spot elephants, Nilgiri langurs, leopards and the famous endangered Nilgiri Tahr (wild goat).

Revive your senses with an early morning yoga session led by an expert instructor in the hotel premises. After breakfast you can visit serene tea and coffee plantations. Enjoy a guided tour of the tea making process in a manufacturing unit where you can buy the finest Indian tea for yourself and as gifts. Later, you will drive 4 hours to reach Cochin. You will check in and stay overnight at a Cochin hotel.

The effervescent seaside town of Cochin, the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and a world class port. Absorb the multiculturalism which is an amalgamation of Dutch, Jewish, British, Arab, and Chinese influences apparent in Cochin's culture, architecture and art.

After breakfast proceed for a tour of Cochin. You will behold the picturesque view of the beautifully silhouetted Chinese Fishing Nets over the clear waters of the sea, a truly unique sight. You will then head to the Jew town area to visit the oldest active synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations. Get mesmerized by its beautiful architecture and collection of rare antiques.

You will uncover Kerala's fascinating history at the grand Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese and now converted into a Museum. Enjoy your lunch in a family home with mouthwatering local delicacies and fascinating conversations. You will be free to explore the town on your own in the evening.

After breakfast you will drive 4 hours to Kovalam. On arrival, you will check into an Ayurvedic Treatment Centre. The term Ayurveda literally means 'the science of life.' It is an ancient healing method developed in India. Take a well needed break from your stressful daily life to heal your mind, body and spirit. Consult with an in-house doctor about your individual ailments and requirements and then decide on a course of Ayurvedic treatment.

The seaside town of Kovalam offers golden crescent beaches, swaying palms, tall lighthouses and an interesting cultural history. Begin your transformative journey of wellness in this beautiful and serene setting for the next 7 days. You can also explore this town and nearby places in the course of your treatment.

Note- The duration of treatments can vary from 7 to 21 days depending on your requirement and as advised by your doctor