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Spice – Serenity – Sojourn

Join Jacqui & Shimon on an exciting adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Southern India.

Our journey begins in the city of Fort Kochi, an enclave, where the tapestry of history, art and culture converge with the echoes of ancient trade. We explore its laneways, markets, boutique shops, experience centuries old local practices, colonial architecture and fusion of cultures.

From here, the journey ascends to the misty hills of Munnar, famous for its rolling tea plantations and serene viewpoints. It is here we take part in an immersive tea-plucking experience alongside local workers, and share a traditional dining experience with plantation owners.

We then traverse the beautiful western ghats to Periyar wildlife sanctuary. We immerse ourselves in the aromatic richness of the Spice Plantations, uncovering the medicinal wonders of cardamom, pepper and cloves unveiling the distinctive flavours that distinguish Kerala cuisine. We will visit local markets to buy produce, source from the organic gardens and with our private chef immerse in an interactive culinary cooking experience. Nature walks, boating and yoga complement our stay.

We continue the journey through the renowned Kerala backwaters, where we spend two nights on Premium Houseboats. We immerse ourselves in village life, visiting a local school, church and community. Canoe through the backwaters and unwind on our private houseboats with chefs and crews ensuring an all-inclusive experience.

We then take a scenic train ride to Trivandrum, watching the vibrant tapestry of local life unfold outside your window, before arriving at a stunning cliff-top resort overlooking the coastal shores. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage with a visit to the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, and culminating your journey with our farewell dinner.

Woven throughout this tour is a unique blend of yoga, meditation and mindfulness personally facilitated by Jaqcui & Shimon.

Kochi  —  Munnar — Periyar — Alleppey/Houseboat — Trivandrum

12 Nights / 13 Days

Southern Serenity

Saturday, 13 February – Thursday, 25 February 2027

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
  • 12 Nights Premium Accommodation or similar.
  • 12 Daily Breakfasts
  • 06 Lunches
  • 08 Dinners
  • 2 Nights Premium Private Houseboat in the Keralan backwaters
  • Cultural Heritage & Nature Walks
  • Tea Plantation and plucking immersive experience
  • Spice Plantation experience
  • Market and Culinary Cooking Experience
  • 2 evening boat cruises
  • Air Conditioned Train Alleppey to Trivandrum
  • Yoga and meditation personally facilitated by Jacqui & Shimon
  • All sightseeing as per the program with Private Driver & Air-Conditioned Coach.
  • Airconditioned Train Alleppey to Trivandrum.
  • English Speaking Escort Guide.
  • Entrance fee to the monuments as per the program & applicable taxes.
  • Group Airport transfers within the included package dates.

From $ 6,895*
*AUD per person twin share

Single Room supplement available

Trip Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR:
  • Experience a cultural tuk-tuk & guided walking tour to experience the beautiful colonial architecture, churches, galleries and confluence cultures in the enclave of Fort Kochi.
  • Wander the narrow laneways and bazaars of Jew Town, visiting the Synagogue and delighting in artisans’ wares and hand-made incense at a local perfumery.
  • Witness sunset over Cochin Harbour on an evening Sunset Cruise.
  • Journey through the southern tea plantations, take part in an immersive tea-plucking experience alongside local workers, and share a traditional dining experience with plantation owners
  • Visit a Spice Plantation with a guided walk through aromatic pepper, cardamom, and clove gardens, followed by tea and local snacks at the Plantation House.
  • Visit local vegetable markets to select fresh ingredients, then join our Chef for an interactive cooking session showcasing the culinary art Keralan cuisine and its aromatic spices.
  • Enjoy an immersive nature walk amongst evergreen forest trails.
  • Cruise the waters on an afternoon Boat Ride in Periyar National Park.
  • Spend two tranquil nights meandering the beautiful backwaters of Kerela in your own private houseboats. We explore the local canals and village life of these communities.
  • Take a scenic train journey to Trivandrum, watching the tapestry of local life unfold outside your window, before arriving at a beautiful cliff-top resort overlooking the coastal shores.
  • Explore the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, renowned for its intricate architecture and deep spiritual heritage, followed by a leisurely walk through the local markets.
Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrival: Cochin International Airport.
Upon arrival and once you have cleared customs, you will be personally met by our representative in the arrivals area who will assist you to transfer from the airport and check into your hotel.

Day 2

Our journey begins in the city of Fort Kochi on the West Coast, an enclave, where the tapestry of history, art and culture converge with the echoes of ancient trade. We explore its laneways, markets, boutique shops, colonial architecture and its fusion of cultures. Witness sunset over Kochi Harbour on an evening Sunset Cruise.

Day 3

From here, the journey ascends to the misty hills of Munnar, famous for its rolling tea plantations and serene viewpoints. Lunch provides majestic views of the Annamalai Hills , and we then arrive at our mountain top resort and afternoon yoga.

Day 4

This morning, we visit a tea plantation and take part in an immersive tea-plucking experience alongside local workers. Afternoon at Leisure and yoga.

Day 5

Our Morning begins with a visit to a Charitable Trust who assist in development of sustainable crafts. The Trust provides a safe haven for specially abled children from the rural plantation-worker communities of Munnar. We then visit a plantation home to share a traditional dining experience with plantation owners.

Day 6

We traverse the beautiful Western Ghats. This afternoon, we visit a spice plantation, stroll through lush greenery, and immerse ourselves in its history, followed by tea and local snacks.

Day 7

This morning, we visit local vegetable markets to purchase fresh ingredients for our interactive cooking experience for Lunch with our Chef, who will demonstrate the culinary art of using spices. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy optional massage or resort activities.

Day 8

Enjoy morning Yoga & Meditation, followed by breakfast and Naturalist-led Nature Walk. This afternoon we cruise the waters on a Boat Ride of the Periyar National Park.

Day 9

This morning, we travel south to Alleppey, where we board premium houseboats for 2 nights with chefs and crews ensuring an all-inclusive experience throughout the renowned Kerala backwaters.

Day 10

Overnight onboard our premium houseboats, we unwind whilst Immersing in the tranquil backwater village life, visiting a local school, church and community.

Day 11

This morning, we disembark and take a train journey to Alleppey to Trivandrum, watching the tapestry of local life as it unfolds outside your window. Our journey continues onward to our 5-Star Clifftop Resort overlooking the coastal beaches and Arabian sea.

Day 12

This morning we explore the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, renowned for its intricate architecture and deep spiritual heritage, followed by a leisurely walk through the local markets. Afternoon at Leisure, Yoga & Mediation.

Day 13

Enjoy morning Yoga & Meditation. After breakfast at Leisure to explore the beachside town of Kovalam, market shopping for local shawls, jewellery and handicrafts.

Afternoon at leisure, before boarding your international flight home or onward journey.

Tour Exclusions
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
  • International Airfares.
  • Applicable Visa.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as gratuities, drinks, telephone calls, camera fees, laundry, or any other items.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance which is mandatory for this tour.
Cancellation Conditions
CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:
  • A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Further payment and cancellation conditions apply, refer to booking conditions provided at time of booking.

From: $ 6,895*

*AUD per person twin share

Prices are subject to change and availability.

For Tour Enquiries:

Contact Jacqui & Shimon – [email protected] or 0477 641 067

Payment and Travel Bookings:

Contact Kecci at Essence of India Tours
[email protected]

Payment plans are available for this package.
Prices are subject to availability and change without notice.
Booking terms and conditions apply
For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $15 bank service fee applies.

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Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.
Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients.

~Hippocrates

Essence of India Tours

For all enquiries:

 [email protected]

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