Kerala Relaxation Retreat

Friday, August 11: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Start your relaxation retreat by arriving at the Kochi International Airport. From there, transfer to your hotel and unwind after your journey. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the beautiful Fort Kochi Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. In the evening, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, famous for its colonial architecture and charming streets lined with art galleries, cafes, and shops.

• Fort Kochi Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pepper Cafe, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Indulge in their fluffy idlis and crispy dosas, with an average cost of about Rs. 150 per person.
• For lunch, head to Dal Roti, a popular restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their flavorful biryani and butter chicken, with an average cost of about Rs. 300 per person.
• Savor a delightful dinner at Oceanos Fishnet, a seafood specialty restaurant located near the beach. Enjoy their fresh catch of the day, prepared in various mouth-watering styles, with an average cost of about Rs. 500 per person.

Saturday, August 12: Backwater Houseboat Experience

Embark on a tranquil journey through the famous Kerala backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the picturesque canals, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful villages. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch prepared on board and relax as you witness the idyllic beauty of the backwaters. In the evening, dock at a serene spot and spend the night on the houseboat, surrounded by nature.

• Kerala Backwater Houseboat: Estimated Cost - $150 per person, Time Spent - Full day (overnight stay)

Restaurants

• Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café Malabari, located just a short walk from the houseboat. Indulge in traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed chai. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
• Savor a delightful lunch at Spice Garden, a charming restaurant nestled amidst the backwaters. Feast on a variety of Kerala specialties such as fish curry and aviyal, all cooked to perfection. The average cost for a meal here is about $12 per person.
• Treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Zam Zam Restaurant, known for its delectable seafood dishes. Enjoy mouthwatering prawn masala and fish fry, accompanied by refreshing drinks. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.

Sunday, August 13: Ayurvedic Spa and Yoga Retreat

Indulge in a rejuvenating day at an Ayurvedic spa and yoga retreat. Start your morning with a soothing yoga session, followed by a traditional Ayurvedic breakfast. Experience various Ayurvedic treatments and massages tailored to your preferences, promoting relaxation and well-being. In the evening, participate in a meditation session to unwind and find inner peace.

• Ayurvedic Spa and Yoga Retreat: Estimated Cost - $100 per person, Time Spent - Full day

Monday, August 14: Hill Station Exploration

Escape to the cool and refreshing hill station of Munnar. Explore the lush tea plantations and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region. Take a leisurely hike through the scenic valleys and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, savor a cup of freshly brewed tea while watching a mesmerizing sunset.

• Munnar Tea Plantations: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 4 hours
• Tea Museum: Estimated Cost - $5 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Hiking in Munnar: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours

Tuesday, August 15: Beach Relaxation in Varkala

End your Kerala relaxation retreat with a visit to the serene beach town of Varkala. Spend the morning unwinding on the beautiful Varkala Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or yoga session on the beach. In the afternoon, explore the cliffside area of Varkala, dotted with cafes, shops, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Arabian Sea. Witness a breathtaking sunset as you bid farewell to Kerala.

• Varkala Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Cliffside Area of Varkala: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Café Arabica, known for its delicious South Indian fare. Average cost for a meal is about $7 per person.
• For lunch, head to Darjeeling Cafe and enjoy their wide range of options from Indian to international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• End your day with a delightful dinner at Abba Restaurant, offering a variety of seafood dishes and local Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a truly off the beaten path experience, head to the enchanting village of Mararikulam, located south of Kochi. This secluded coastal village offers pristine beaches, tranquility, and a chance to witness the local way of life. Enjoy long walks on the beach, interact with friendly fishermen, and savor delicious seafood prepared in traditional Kerala style. It's a perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

Another local favorite is the Alleppey Backwaters, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Rent a private houseboat or hop on a local canoe to explore the narrow canals and witness the beauty of the backwaters. Experience the mesmerizing sunset over the water and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by your boat crew. It's a magical and serene experience that will leave you feeling completely relaxed.

Check out hotel and flight prices for your Kerala relaxation retreat here.