Spice Trails, Still Waters & Sacred Wellness
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Start & End: Cochin, India → Cochin, India
Highlights: Walk & Wellness | Cochin Heritage | Munnar Tea Highlands | Thekkady Spice Plantations | Kerala Backwaters | Mararikulam Ayurveda Retreat
Price: From $2,565* per person based on 4 guests travelling
Enjoy 15%^ savings on selected Signature Journeys
Book and deposit by 10 July 2026 to enjoy 15%^ savings on selected Signature Journeys.
Step into a region where nature, culture and wellbeing come together in effortless balance.
This Signature Walk & Wellness Journey through Kerala unfolds at a considered pace — moving from the historic coastal influences of Cochin into the cool, mist-covered hills of Munnar, before descending into the waterways, villages and quiet coastal retreats that define this southern region of India.
Along the way, you’ll experience moments designed to restore and reconnect. Walk through tea plantations and spice forests, share in local traditions, and spend time on the tranquil backwaters where life moves to a slower rhythm.
Your journey concludes by the Arabian Sea in Mararikulam — where Ayurveda, meditation and time at leisure allow space to fully unwind.
This is a journey shaped by contrast and harmony — combining cultural depth, natural beauty and intentional wellbeing.
Itinerary Highlights
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On arrival in Cochin, you will be met and transferred to Fort House, a quietly positioned heritage-style retreat overlooking the water — offering a relaxed introduction to Cochin’s rich cultural history.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and take in the gentle rhythm of the harbour.
Overnight: Fort House, Cochin or similar
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After breakfast, explore Cochin’s historic quarters on a guided tour.
Begin in Mattancherry, visiting the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace, before continuing to St. Francis Church and the iconic Chinese fishing nets that line the harbour — each reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Later, return to the calm of Fort House, where the waterfront setting offers a quiet contrast to the day’s exploration.
An introductory Ayurveda and yoga session provides a considered beginning to the wellness elements of your journey.
Overnight: Fort House, Cochin or similar
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Travel inland to Munnar, where the landscape opens into rolling hills of tea plantations and forest.
Your stay at Ambady Estate places you within this landscape — a boutique plantation retreat surrounded by greenery, offering a more intimate connection to the region.
In the evening, enjoy a walk through the Cardamom woodlands along plantation trails, where you’ll encounter native flora and fauna, distinctive rock formations and quiet viewpoints across the surrounding hills.
Walk duration: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Overnight: Ambady Estate, Munnar or similar
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This morning, set out on the guided Letchmi Hill Trek, one of the region’s most scenic walks through Munnar’s tea highlands.
Meander through grasslands, shola forest and tea plantations, following trails and rocky slopes to elevated viewpoints that open across the surrounding hills. The walk offers a more immersive perspective of the landscape, away from the pace of the town below.
Later, return to Ambady Estate and visit a local tea estate for a deeper understanding of the craft, followed by a tasting experience.
Walk duration: Approximately 3.5-4 hours
Overnight: Ambady Estate, Munnar or similar
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Depart for Thekkady, where dense forest and spice plantations shape the landscape. Nearby, Periyar National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and birdlife.
Your stay at Cardamom County by Xandari is set within this natural environment — a peaceful retreat surrounded by forest.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight: Cardamom County by Xandari, Thekkady or similar
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Begin the day with a one-hour guided yoga session.
Later, visit a working spice plantation with a local expert, walking through cardamom, pepper and other native crops while gaining insight into their cultivation and the region’s long-standing spice traditions. The experience is followed by lunch.
Return to Cardamom County for a relaxed afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Cardamom County by Xandari, Thekkady or similar
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After breakfast, journey to the backwaters of Kumarakom.
On arrival, experience a traditional houseboat cruise through the waterways (approximately 4-5 hours), where village life unfolds along the canals. Lunch is served on board as you travel through this unique landscape.
Continue to Rhythm Kumarakom, a lakeside retreat set along the backwaters, offering a quiet setting to unwind.
Overnight: Rhythm Kumarakom or similar
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Enjoy a relaxed morning at Rhythm Kumarakom, overlooking the backwaters.
Later, join a hands-on cooking experience on a local farm, preparing traditional dishes using regional ingredients, followed by lunch featuring what you’ve created.
Return to your retreat for an afternoon at leisure.
A private Mohiniyattam dance performance is included, taking place this evening.
Overnight: Rhythm Kumarakom or similar
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Begin the day with a guided Village Rubble Tour, offering a deeper insight into the structure and rhythm of a traditional Keralan village.
Visit a local fishing harbour, where you’ll gain an understanding of the fishing economy and daily life, with the opportunity to witness a live fish auction. Continue to a local family home to enjoy a traditional Keralan breakfast, offering a more personal connection to the community.
Spend time exploring the village by tuk-tuk and on foot, with the opportunity to observe daily routines and local practices that define the region.
Later, travel to Mararikulam, where your stay at Abad Turtle Beach Resort is set along a quiet stretch of coastline, surrounded by coconut groves and the Arabian Sea.
On arrival, meet with an Ayurveda specialist to tailor your wellness experience for the days ahead.
Overnight: Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Mararikulam or similar
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Begin the day with guided meditation and contemplation, drawing on traditional teachings from the Upanishads.
The remainder of the day is at leisure — with the option to enjoy Ayurveda treatments (additional cost), relax by the ocean, or simply embrace the slower pace of coastal life.
Overnight: Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Mararikulam or similar
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A full day to experience the retreat at your own pace.
Optional Ayurveda treatments (additional cost) are available, or you may choose to spend time enjoying the beach, pool or resort surroundings.
Overnight: Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Mararikulam or similar
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Transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward flight.
Key: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D), No meals included (–)
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What’s Included
This Signature Walk & Wellness Journey includes the essential elements required for a seamless and considered travel experience.
✔ Privately operated journey with dedicated local guides and private transfers throughout
✔ Accommodation for 11 nights, including:
• 2 nights in Cochin (Fort House)
• 2 nights in Munnar (Ambady Estate)
• 2 nights in Thekkady (Cardamom County by Xandari)
• 2 nights in Kumarakom (Rhythm Kumarakom)
• 3 nights in Mararikulam (Abad Turtle Beach Resort)
✔ Daily breakfast, plus selected lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary
✔ Guided sightseeing and experiences, including cultural visits, walking experiences and wellness sessions
✔ All transport within India, including private vehicles, rail and domestic flights as required
✔ Entrance fees to monuments and sites as outlined in the itinerary
✔ Time to personalise your experience, with optional activities and wellness treatments available
Why Choose A Signature Journey By National Travel
⭐ We curate — we do not catalogue
Every Signature Journey is carefully curated and refined by our team. These are not off-the-shelf packages, but thoughtfully designed private journeys for a more considered way of travelling — saving you the time and complexity of planning it alone.
⭐ We work with trusted global partners
Our relationships with leading travel providers and on-ground specialists give you access to exceptional experiences, seamless delivery, and trusted support throughout your journey — with the reassurance that every detail is backed by local expertise.
⭐ We take care of the detail
From accommodation and touring to transfers and beyond, every element is thoughtfully coordinated to ensure your journey flows seamlessly from beginning to end — so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
⭐ Designed to deliver more
Each journey is shaped through our global network and on-ground insight — bringing together thoughtful inclusions, local access and considered experiences that go beyond standard packages.
⭐ A better travelled world
We believe travel should deepen connection — to people, places, and culture. Every journey is designed to leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Pricing
This Signature Journey is thoughtfully designed as a private, curated experience — shaped around how you prefer to travel, whether independently or shared with those closest to you.
With pricing structured across different group sizes, the journey becomes increasingly rewarding when experienced together — offering greater value alongside a more personalised way to travel.
Enjoy 15%^ savings on selected Signature Journeys
Book and deposit by 10 July 2026 to enjoy 15%^ savings on selected Signature Journeys.
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MAY-SEP' 2026 - $3,746
OCT-MAR' 2027 - $4,782
APR-SEP' 2027 - $4,065
OCT-15 DEC’ 2027 - $5,258
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MAY-SEP' 2026 - $2,789
OCT-MAR' 2027 - $3,343
APR-SEP' 2027 - $2,984
OCT-15 DEC’ 2027 - $3,632
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MAY-SEP' 2026 - On Request
OCT-MAR' 2027 - On Request
APR-SEP' 2027 - On Request
OCT-15 DEC’ 2027 - On Request
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MAY-SEP' 2026 - $2,565
OCT-MAR' 2027 - $3,160
APR-SEP' 2027 - $2,739
OCT-15 DEC’ 2027 - $3,398
Know Before You Go
This journey is designed to balance gentle activity with time to unwind, offering a considered pace throughout.
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This journey includes a mix of light walking and moderate trekking experiences, balanced with ample time at leisure. A good level of general fitness and comfort walking for extended periods is recommended.
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Select experiences are designed to immerse you in Kerala’s landscapes:
Letchmi Hill Trek, Munnar — approximately 3.5–4 hours (moderate)
Plantation Walk, Ambady Estate — approximately 1.5–2 hours (moderate)
Walks are flexible and can be approached at your own pace, with some trails including uneven ground, gentle inclines and natural terrain underfoot. -
The best time to experience Kerala is from October to May, when conditions are dry, warm and ideal for exploring the backwaters, highlands and coastline.
The monsoon season (June–September) brings lush landscapes and fewer travellers, though rainfall may impact outdoor activities. -
Ayurveda and wellness treatments are available throughout your stay in Mararikulam (additional cost) and can be tailored to your individual preferences.
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Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and any personal medication.
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This is a journey designed to feel unhurried — with a thoughtful balance of guided experiences and time to pause, ensuring space to fully absorb each destination.
Discover Kerala with National Travel
Begin planning a journey that blends culture, landscape and quiet restoration in one of India’s most serene regions.
*Pricing is based on configurations as shown. This journey includes accommodation, selected meals, private transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary. It does not include international airfares from Australia, additional meals, beverages (other than water provided with meals) or services not mentioned, optional tours, expenses of a personal nature, travel insurance, visa fees (if applicable), or early check-in and late check-out unless specified.
^Offer valid on new bookings only made between 1 June 2026 and 10 July 2026 unless withdrawn earlier. Offer applies to selected Signature Journeys only and is subject to availability, capacity control, minimum booking requirements and supplier confirmation. The advertised Signature Journey package may be customised at the time of booking; however, the value of the Signature Journey package after any amendments must be equal to or greater than the advertised package price in order to qualify for the 15% saving. Where amendments reduce the Signature Journey package value below the advertised package price, the 15% saving will not apply. The 15% saving applies to the Signature Journey package only and does not apply to flights, travel insurance, visas, additional pre or post package accommodation, optional touring or other ancillary arrangements unless otherwise stated. Offer is not combinable with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Prices, availability and itinerary inclusions are subject to change without notice.
For National Travel full terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.nationaltravel.com.au/terms-and-conditions
Whether travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a private group, this Signature Journey can be tailored to suit your style.
For wellness coaches and community leaders, there is also the opportunity to host your own group experience — bringing together like-minded travellers in a setting designed for connection, restoration and shared experience.