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

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 

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

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

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward flight. 

Key: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)