Spice – Spirit – Serenity
Join Lisa Allwell on an exciting wellness 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.
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.
Our next stop is a haven of rejuvenation at our beachside Ayurvedic Centre, a tropical paradise with palm fringed beaches overlooking the Arabian sea. Here we experience 3 days of personalised Ayurvedic treatments, Meditation, Yoga Nidra and a wellness program throughout the day of various styles of Yoga and Ayurvedic Cuisine.
Our final day together we explore the nearby beachside town of Kovalam, where we spend the morning market shopping for local shawls, jewellery and handicrafts.
Our journey culminates with a Farewell dinner at our Clifftop Hotel, where we soak in the panoramic view of the ocean, before boarding your international flight home.
Woven throughout this tour is a unique blend of yoga, meditation and mindfulness personally facilitated by Lisa Allwell.

Kochi — Periyar — Alleppey/Houseboat — Trivandrum
11 Nights / 12 Days
Southern India: Spice | Spirit | Serenity
Wednesday, 19 February – Sunday, 2 March 2025
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 11 Nights including 09 Nights Premium Accommodation and 02 Nights Premium Houseboats or similar.
- 11 Daily Breakfasts including 3 meals of Ayurvedic Cuisine.
- 08 Lunches including 3 meals of Ayurvedic Cuisine.
- 08 Dinners including 3 meals of Ayurvedic Cuisine.
- 03 Days Personalised Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga and Meditation.
- All sightseeing as per the program with Private Driver & Air-Conditioned Coach.
- Airconditioned Train Alleppey to Trivandrum.
- English Speaking Local Guides.
- Entrance fee to the monuments as per the program & applicable taxes.
- Group Airport transfers within the included package dates.

From $ 5,995*
*AUD per person twin share
Single Room supplements available
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.
- Walk amidst the Spice Plantation where aromatics of pepper, cardamom and clove meld with fresh mountain air.
- Visit local vegetable markets to purchase fresh ingredients for an interactive cooking experience with our Chef, who will demonstrate the culinary art of using spices.
- Enjoy an immersive nature walk amongst evergreen forest trails.
- Cruise the waters on an afternoon Boat Ride in Periyar National Park.
- Spend 2 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 train journey to Trivandrum watching the tapestry of local life as it unfolds outside your window.
- 03 Nights stay at a beachside Ayurveda Centre, including:
- 3 Days personalised Ayurvedic Treatments in consultation with your Ayurvedic Doctor.
- Daily Wellness program of Meditation, Yoga Nidra and various styles of Yoga and Ayurvedic Cuisine.
- Ayurvedic knowledge evening with guest speaking Ayurvedic Doctor.
- Half Day Tour of Kovalam exploring beaches and spend the morning market shopping for local shawls, jewellery and handicrafts.
- Farewell Dinner at a 5-Star Clifftop Hotel.
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 hall 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
We traverse the beautiful Western Ghats and walk amidst the Spice Plantation. Afternoon at leisure with Metre Tea & Local Snacks.
Day 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
Overnight onboard our premium houseboats, we unwind whilst Immersing in the tranquil backwater village life, visiting a local school, church and community.
Day 8
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 haven of rejuvenation at our beachside Ayurvedic Centre.
Day 9
Commencing 6am, our day consists of daily Meditation, multiple choices of Yoga and Yoga Nidra throughout the day. Experience daily personalised treatments in accordance with the Doctor and all Ayurvedic meals.
Day 10
Commencing 6am, our day consists of daily Meditation, multiple choices of Yoga and Yoga Nidra throughout the day. Experience daily personalised treatments in accordance with the Doctor and all Ayurvedic meals.
Day 11
Commencing 6am, our day consists of daily Meditation, multiple choices of Yoga and Yoga Nidra throughout the morning. Experience daily personalised treatments in accordance with the Doctor and Ayurvedic breakfast and lunch. After lunch, we check out and transfer to our 5-Star Clifftop Hotel.
Day 12
Enjoy morning Yoga & Meditation. After breakfast we explore the nearby beachside town of Kovalam, where we spend the morning market shopping for local shawls, jewellery and handicrafts. Afternoon at leisure. Optional Day Use Room at Hotel.
Our journey culminates with a Farewell dinner at our Clifftop Hotel where we soak in the panoramic view of the ocean before boarding your international flight home or onward journey.
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:
- 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: $ 5,995*
*AUD per person twin share
Prices are subject to change and availability.
For Tour Enquiries:
Contact Lisa Allwell – [email protected]
For Payments, International Flight Options, Visa & Insurance:
Contact Paula 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.