Kerala is known for beaches, hill stations, Backwaters, houseboats and Ayurveda. Kerala Ayurvedic treatment is the most respected in the world and we work with highly qualified Ayurveda professionals who will make this trip truly memorable.

Day 1: Arrival at Trivandrum Aiport
You will be given a warm welcome by MJ Tours & Travel at Trivandrum Airport and be transferred to Kovalam for your overnight stay. Trivandrum is the bustling capital of Kerala and is 11 km from Kovalam. The name Trivandrum is derived from 'Thiru Ananthapuram' referring to Lord Vishnu in the form of Sleeping on the Serpent. We will take you on a tour of this fascinating city.

Day 2: Kovalam
Take your time and get up late; we will be received at an Ayurvedic centre in Kovalam and learn all about the various Ayurveda treatments available here. On our return, we will visit the three famous beaches in Kovalam, namely Lighthouse Beach, a beach with an expansive view, Hawah Beach, with water sports, and Samudra Beach, offering tranquillity. After lunch we will head back to the beach for sunbathing and swimming. We will return to Kovalam.

Day 3: Kovalam / Trivandrum
After an early rise, we will be received at the Ayurvedic centre and each one of us will receive an Ayurveda Treatment known as Abhyanagam, which is a treatment offered for well-being of the entire body, toning up the tissues, increasing blood circulation and stimulating the nervous system. We will return to the hotel for lunch and relax during the afternoon. In the evening, we will take a trip to Trivandrum where you will visit the famous Sree Padmanabaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu to be thrilled by the colourful rituals. We will stay overnight at our hotel in Kovalam.

Day 4: Varkala
After breakfast, we will travel to Varkala, 58 km from Kovalam. Varkala is known as the home of Ayurvedic centres in Kerala and you will witness plenty of Ayurvedic centres near the Helipad. After checking in to a beautiful hotel near Varkala Beach, we will relax until lunch and after lunch visit the famous Janardanaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We will walk around Papanasam Beach (a cremation centre known as the South Kasi) to watch cremations being performed here. In the evening, we will be offered a Steam Bath, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment method for relief from muscle soreness and stiff joints, for immune system enhancement, lymphatic detoxification, improvement of blood circulation and relief of sinus congestion.

Day 5: Varkala
Continuing to make the most of Varkala as the most important place of Ayurveda in Kerala, in the morning we will receive another Ayurvedic treatment known as Kizhi. Herbal leaves or powders are compressed into small linen bags and then dipped in hot, medicated oil and applied to the body or afflicted area for 30 to 45 minutes. This provides relief for arthritis, spondylosis, muscle pains, injuries sustained during sports or accidents and lower back pain. It also improves blood circulation. After lunch we will head to the beach for sunbathing. In the evening, we will have dinner with a local family and stay one more night in the hotel in Varkala.

Day 6: Alleppey
After breakfast, we will travel to Alleppey, a Backwaters destination surrounded by Vembanad Lake. Alleppey is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'. Once we reach Alleppey, we will be welcomed to a wonderful houseboat where we will stay overnight.

Day 7: Alleppey
On our return, we will stay in a homestay with a local family at Alleppey near Kumarakom Lake and we will eat homemade Kerala Thali (a tray of assorted Kerala foods) for lunch. After lunch, we will travel through the lagoons and canals before reaching another Ayurvedic centre. Here, we will be given an Ayurvedic treatment called 'Thaila Dhara', a massage that helps to relieve mental tension, insomnia, stress, strains, memory loss and paralysis. The treatment will last around half an hour. We will have our dinner near Alleppey beach and return to our home stay for an overnight.

Day 8: Cherai beach
There will be time to sleep in before we travel to Cherai Beach, 75 km from Alleppey. Cherai Beach is located on Vypin Island and is an ideal beach for relaxation. We will relax there until lunch and after lunch take a boat trip into the Arabian Sea in the afternoon. Local fishermen will explain to us how they catch fish and talk about their lives as fishermen here. We will relax on the beach for the rest of the day and sleep in a beautiful hotel at Cherai Beach.

Day 9: Munnar
It will be worth getting up early for the amazing destination of Munnar, 135 km from Cherai Beach. Munnar is known for its greenery and scenic beauty. It has a number of waterfalls and peaks that keep its climate cool and pleasant. Tea plantations enhance its beauty. We will visit the Tata Tea factory where a guide will explain the various processes of tea making and we will sample some delicious tea before heading to our hotel. At around 5:30 p.m. we will go to a tea plantation with a guide who will explain all about the tea plant and its cultivation.

Day 10: Munnar
Surrounded by tea plantations and greenery, we will be received at an Ayurvedic centre where we will be offered a Panchkarma treatment, which literally means 'five therapies', and consists of: Vamana, a medicated emesis therapy; Virechana, a purgation therapy that removes pitta toxins from the body; Basti, known as the mother of all Panchakarma treatments, which cleanses the accumulated toxins from all of the three doshas, Veta, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon; Nasya, medicated oil that is passed through the nose; and Roktamokshana, detoxification of the blood, You will be able to choose one of these Panchakarma treatments and after the treatment you may relax for the rest of the day amidst the tea plantations.

Day 11: Kochi (Fort Kochi)
After breakfast, we will start our journey to Cochin, 125 km from Munnar. On our way, we will stop at Attukal waterfalls where we can bathe and enjoy the water splashing upon ourselves. We will check in at our hotel at Fort Kochi and relax until the afternoon. In the afternoon, we will visit Mattanchery Dutch Palace, depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi, and the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the British Commonwealth of Nations. In the evening, you will be a spectator at a Kerala Kathakali Dance show, which will last for two hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Day 12: Kochi area
This will be a day for complete relaxation and time to yourselves. In the evening, we will walk around St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets before returning to the hotel for our final night.

Day 13: Transfer to Kochi Airport
You will be transferred to Kochi Airport, which is just a 30-minute journey from Fort Kochi. We will leave you with the hope that we will have been able to serve all your needs to the highest standards and that you will have enjoyed a wonderful and memorable visit in our beautiful country.

Happy journey!

From 865 per person based on 8 people

Package Includes:

• Ayurvedic Treatment Abhyanagam in Kovalam
• Steam Bath in Varkala
• Ayurvedic Treatment Kizhi in Varkala
• Dinner with a local family in Varkala
• Ayurvedic Treatment 'Thaila Dhara' in Alleppey
• Boat Trip at Vypin Island
• Ayurvedic Treatment Panchkarma in Munnar
• Kathakali Dance Performance in Cochin

Package does not include:

• The Flight tickets
• Any international airfare and airport tax
• Visa Charges
• Lunch and Dinner unless stated otherwise
• Any personal, medical and evacuation insurance
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Tips

Extra costs

• Depending on your arrival and departure time you may have to pay for the additional nights stay.

The Covid-19 Health Crisis in South India?

As of 11/01/2023
All the restrictions related to this health crisis have been completely lifted. Travelers wishing to come to India are no longer required to undergo a PCR test or present a vaccination status. No health measures are currently affecting the daily life of Indians. Last August, mass media once again attempted to instill fear with the Nipah virus, of which less than ten cases were diagnosed in Kerala, in Kozhikode (Calicut). However, absolutely no specific measures were taken regarding it.

When to Visit South India?

Do you want to enjoy the Indian sun without suffering from the heat, with few or no rainy days? It's in the winter that you should come, more precisely between mid-December and mid-March.

The climate in South India is predominantly tropical, both dry and humid. Humid in the west — the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala — and dry in the east, meaning in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The so-called humid period is characterized by more significant rainfall. The humidity level in South India is very high, and the periods of intense heat — from March to September, with May and June being the hottest months — can be challenging to endure, unless, of course, you seek refuge in mountainous areas.

When to Visit Tamil Nadu?

As mentioned above, ideally between mid-December and mid-March. The monsoon usually arrives at the end of October, and the rains become regular and abundant until at least the end of November. In recent years, heavy rains have extended until early January, causing numerous floods in the North of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai. Conversely, if the monsoon is absent, the rains concentrate in the first half of November. During the months of July and August and until the end of September, temperatures are high, with more rainy days in August.

When to Visit Kerala?

Plan your trip between early December and late March, the most pleasant period. Considered as the garden of India, with its lush nature, Kerala experiences more significant precipitation than Tamil Nadu. There are two monsoon periods: the first starting in June and ending in September — with the heaviest rainfall observed in July and June — and a second monsoon in October, with the return of some heavy showers that taper off in November.

Internet in India?

The vast majority of hotels offer Wi-Fi. However, it is not uncommon for it not to work for various reasons! It is better to have your own access! If you have a smartphone and wish to communicate and navigate via the internet during your stay, we recommend buying a SIM card upon arrival at the airport, where this purchase is particularly facilitated for foreigners. The 30-day internet (data) package costs around 3 euros. In addition, your driver will share his own internet connection during your various journeys. Remember to inquire with your phone operator to obtain a possible unlocking code in order to substitute your French chip with the one we will provide you.