KERALA AYURVEDA & WELLNESS RETREAT

Morning/Afternoon:
Arrive at Kochi International Airport. You'll be greeted by our wellness coordinator with fresh coconut water and jasmine garlands.

Transfer to Brunton Boatyard or Fragrant Nature Kochi - a boutique heritage wellness hotel on the waterfront (1.5 hours).

Check-in & Initial Wellness Assessment:
Upon arrival, enjoy welcome herbal tea (tulsi and ginger). Meet your Ayurvedic physician (Vaidya) for comprehensive initial consultation (60-90 minutes):

Detailed health history questionnaire
Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha)
Tongue, eye, skin examination
Body constitution (Prakriti) analysis - determine your dominant dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Current health imbalances (Vikriti) assessment
Personalized treatment plan creation for your 14-day journey
Afternoon:
Light Ayurvedic lunch at hotel (sattvic cuisine - pure, wholesome, easy to digest).

Rest and acclimatize. Your room features:

Yoga mat and meditation cushions
Herbal tea station
Aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils
Ayurvedic toiletries (chemical-free)
Evening:
Gentle Introduction Yoga Session (60 min) - Meet your yoga instructor. Light stretching, breathing exercises (Pranayama), introduction to retreat schedule.

Sunset Harbor Cruise (Optional):
Relaxing boat ride on Kochi harbor watching Chinese fishing nets at dusk.

Dinner:
Early light dinner (6:30 PM) - Ayurvedic principle: eat light, early dinners for better digestion and sleep.

Evening Meditation (30 min):
Guided meditation to set intentions for your healing journey.

Overnight: Brunton Boatyard / Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

05:30 AM - Morning Routine Begins:
Wake-up herbal tea delivered to room.

06:00 AM - Sunrise Yoga (90 min):
Hatha yoga session focusing on gentle stretching, sun salutations (Surya Namaskar), breathing techniques. Outdoor waterfront yoga pavilion.

08:00 AM - Ayurvedic Breakfast:
Fresh fruit, porridge (kanji), dosa with sambar, herbal teas. Customized to your dosha.

09:30 AM - First Ayurvedic Treatment Session (90 min):

Day 2 Treatment: Abhyanga (Full Body Oil Massage)

Warm medicated herbal oil massage with synchronized strokes by two therapists
Improves circulation, removes toxins, calms nervous system
Oil selection based on your dosha (Vata: sesame/ashwagandha, Pitta: coconut/sandalwood, Kapha: mustard/eucalyptus)
Followed by herbal steam bath (Swedana) to open pores and eliminate toxins
Post-treatment:
Rest period (30 min). Fresh lime water with honey.

11:30 AM - Cultural Exploration:
Guided walking tour of Fort Kochi heritage area:

Chinese fishing nets (photo opportunity)
St. Francis Church (oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was buried)
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) with Kerala murals
Jewish Synagogue (16th century) with hand-painted tiles
Jew Town antique street
Explore spice markets, explaining medicinal properties of turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon.

01:00 PM - Lunch:
Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic thali on banana leaf. Includes rice, sambar, avial (mixed vegetables in coconut), thoran (stir-fry), pachadi (raita), buttermilk, payasam.

02:00 PM - Rest Period:
Return to hotel. Mandatory rest time (Ayurveda emphasizes rest for treatment efficacy).

04:00 PM - Wellness Workshop:
"Introduction to Ayurveda" Workshop (90 min)

Understanding the three doshas
Five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
Daily routines (Dinacharya) for optimal health
Ayurvedic nutrition basics
Q&A with Ayurvedic doctor
06:00 PM - Evening Meditation & Pranayama (60 min):
Breathing exercises: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Bhramari (humming bee), Kapalabhati (skull shining).
Guided meditation for stress release.

07:00 PM - Light Dinner:
Soup, vegetable curry, rice, herbal tea.

Evening:
Free time. Read in library, journal your experience, early sleep recommended (by 10 PM for Ayurvedic routine).

Overnight: Brunton Boatyard / Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Abhyanga + Swedana

05:30 AM - Morning Yoga (90 min):
Vinyasa flow with focus on detoxification poses (twists, forward folds).

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:00 AM - Second Ayurvedic Treatment:

Shirodhara (60 min)

Continuous stream of warm medicated oil poured on forehead (third eye)
Deeply calming, relieves stress, anxiety, insomnia
Balances nervous system, enhances mental clarity
Followed by brief scalp/head massage
11:00 AM - Departure to Munnar:
Scenic drive to Munnar hill station (130 km, 4 hours).

En route:
Stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls for photos and fresh air.
Pass through rubber plantations, cardamom estates, scenic mountain roads.

Packed Ayurvedic Lunch:
Enjoy en route (light, travel-friendly meal prepared by hotel).

03:00 PM - Arrive Munnar:
Check-in at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra or Fragrant Nature Munnar - luxury Ayurvedic resort amidst tea plantations at 1600m altitude.

Afternoon:
Settle into your plantation villa/cottage. Breathe fresh mountain air rich with tea fragrance.

Doctor Consultation:
Brief check-in with resident Ayurvedic physician. Review progress, adjust treatments if needed.

05:00 PM - Guided Nature Walk (60 min):
Walk through tea estates with naturalist. Learn about tea cultivation. Breathe pristine mountain air (natural pranayama!).

06:30 PM - Restorative Yoga (60 min):
Gentle yin yoga in mountain-view pavilion. Focus on deep stretching, relaxation.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Organic farm-to-table Ayurvedic meal. Vegetables from resort's organic garden.

09:00 PM - Sound Healing Session (30 min):
Tibetan singing bowls, nature sounds, deep relaxation before sleep.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats / Fragrant Nature, Munnar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Shirodhara

05:00 AM - Pre-Dawn Meditation (45 min):
Silent meditation in tea plantation gazebo. Watch sunrise over Western Ghats mountains.

06:00 AM - Sunrise Yoga (90 min):
Energizing Hatha yoga with mountain views. Focus on backbends to open heart chakra.

08:00 AM - Ayurvedic Breakfast:
Fresh fruit, idli, coconut chutney, herbal tea, fresh juice (seasonal).

09:30 AM - Morning Treatment Session:

Udvartana (60 min) - Ayurvedic Powder Massage

Dry powder massage using herbal powders (turmeric, chickpea, neem)
Exfoliates skin, reduces cellulite, improves circulation
Especially beneficial for Kapha types, weight management
Stimulates lymphatic drainage
Followed by Herbal Bath with rose petals and medicinal leaves.

11:30 AM - Free Time / Optional Activities:

Visit Tata Tea Museum (learn tea processing, tea tasting)
Relax at resort, read, journal
Personal spa time (resort spa facilities)
01:00 PM - Lunch:
Wholesome Ayurvedic meal with focus on digestive health.

02:30 PM - Ayurvedic Nutrition Cooking Class (90 min):
Learn to prepare:

Kitchari (cleansing one-pot meal)
Digestive spice blends (churnas)
Healing herbal teas
Dosha-balancing recipes to take home
04:30 PM - Tea Plantation Walk & Meditation (60 min):
Walking meditation through endless green tea gardens. Mindful breathing, connection with nature.

06:00 PM - Evening Yoga - Yin & Restorative (75 min):
Slow-paced yoga holding poses 3-5 minutes. Deep tissue release, flexibility.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Light, early dinner. Soup, steamed vegetables, quinoa, herbal tea.

08:30 PM - Vedic Chanting Session (30 min):
Learn ancient Sanskrit mantras for healing. Sound vibration therapy.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats / Fragrant Nature, Munnar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Udvartana + Herbal Bath

05:30 AM - Morning Routine:
Tongue scraping, oil pulling (Gandusha) - detox practices taught by wellness coordinator.

06:00 AM - Yoga (90 min):
Focus on hip openers and forward folds to release stored emotions.

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:30 AM - Major Treatment Session:

Pizhichil (90 min) - Royal Ayurvedic Treatment

"The King's Treatment" - reserved for royalty in ancient times
Warm medicated oil poured continuously over body in rhythmic streams
Simultaneous gentle massage by two therapists
Extremely rejuvenating, improves circulation, relieves pain
Nourishes tissues, enhances immunity
Followed by steam therapy
Post-treatment Rest (60 min):
Mandatory rest in treatment room with soft music. Herbal tea served.

12:30 PM - Lunch

02:00 PM - Free Afternoon for Deep Rest:
Ayurveda emphasizes rest during intensive treatments.

Sleep/nap in your villa
Gentle reading
Journaling
Sit in nature
04:00 PM - Wellness Consultation:
One-on-one session with Ayurvedic doctor. Discuss progress, diet, lifestyle modifications.

05:30 PM - Gentle Walk (30 min):
Light movement to integrate treatments.

06:00 PM - Meditation & Yoga Nidra (60 min):
Guided deep relaxation (yogic sleep). Profoundly restorative.

07:30 PM - Dinner

Early to Bed:
Lights out by 9:30 PM for optimal healing.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats / Fragrant Nature, Munnar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Pizhichil + Steam

06:00 AM - Morning Yoga (90 min)

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:00 AM - Final Munnar Treatment:

Njavarakizhi (75 min) - Rice Bolus Massage

Warm boluses (cloth bundles) filled with medicated rice cooked in milk and herbal decoction
Massage entire body with these warm bundles
Highly nourishing, improves skin texture, strengthens muscles
Anti-aging properties, reduces joint pain
Unique to Kerala Ayurveda
11:00 AM - Departure to Thekkady (90 km, 3 hours)

Drive through cardamom hills, spice plantations, scenic Western Ghats.

01:00 PM - Arrive Thekkady:
Check-in at Spice Village CGH Earth - an eco-wellness resort with cottages designed like tribal huts, surrounded by organic spice gardens.

Lunch:
Organic farm lunch with spices from resort gardens.

03:00 PM - Guided Spice Plantation Walk with Herbalist (90 min):
Walk through resort's organic gardens with Ayurvedic herbalist.

Learn medicinal properties of:

Turmeric (anti-inflammatory, liver cleanser)
Cardamom (digestive aid, breath freshener)
Black pepper (improves nutrient absorption)
Ginger (nausea relief, circulation)
Cinnamon (blood sugar regulation)
Tulsi/Holy Basil (adaptogen, immunity)
Neem (antibacterial, skin health)
Ashwagandha (stress relief, vitality)
Learn to identify plants, how to use them in daily life.

05:00 PM - Sunset Boat Cruise on Periyar Lake (60 min):
Silent electric boat on lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot elephants, deer, birds at water's edge. Meditative experience in nature.

06:30 PM - Evening Yoga (60 min):
Gentle flow in spice garden pavilion.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Traditional Kerala sadya (feast on banana leaf) with Ayurvedic preparations.

08:30 PM - Herbal Tea Ceremony:
Learn to prepare healing teas from spices. Tasting session.

Overnight: Spice Village CGH Earth, Thekkady
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Njavarakizhi

05:30 AM - Forest Bathing & Meditation (60 min):
Guided forest walk (Shinrin-yoku - Japanese practice of forest bathing for wellness). Breathing exercises amidst nature.

07:00 AM - Yoga (90 min):
Outdoor yoga in spice garden with bird songs.

08:30 AM - Breakfast

09:30 AM - Treatment Session:

Kizhi (Podi/Ela Kizhi) (75 min)

Massage with warm herbal pouches/boluses
Podi Kizhi: dry powder poultice (good for pain, inflammation)
Ela Kizhi: fresh herb leaves poultice (detoxifying)
Choice based on your dosha and condition
Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation
Steam therapy
11:30 AM - Free Time:

Rest at resort
Visit resort's Ayurvedic library
Herbal tea by the pool
01:00 PM - Lunch

02:30 PM - Ayurvedic Workshop:
"Home Remedies & Daily Wellness Practices"

Learn simple home treatments for common ailments
Seasonal routines (Ritucharya)
Self-massage techniques (Abhyanga at home)
Herbal remedies you can make
Practical tips to maintain wellness post-retreat
04:30 PM - Optional Activity:

Bamboo Rafting on Periyar (90 min) - gentle adventure
OR Elephant Rehabilitation Center visit (ethical, no riding)
OR Rest at resort spa
06:30 PM - Restorative Yoga & Meditation (75 min)

08:00 PM - Dinner

Overnight: Spice Village CGH Earth, Thekkady
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Kizhi + Steam

06:00 AM - Morning Yoga (90 min)

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:00 AM - Treatment Before Departure:

Nasyam (30 min) - Nasal Therapy

Medicated oil drops administered into nostrils
Clears sinuses, improves breathing, mental clarity
Beneficial for allergies, headaches
Part of Panchakarma detox
Followed by facial massage and steam inhalation
10:30 AM - Depart for Kumarakom (125 km, 3.5 hours)

Scenic drive descending from hills to backwaters.

02:00 PM - Arrive Kumarakom:
Check-in at Kumarakom Lake Resort or Vivanta by Taj - Kumarakom - luxury Ayurvedic spa resort on Vembanad Lake shores.

Lunch:
Light meal with Kerala seafood (if non-vegetarian) or vegetarian specialties.

03:30 PM - Settle In:
Villa/cottage with private sit-out overlooking backwaters. Watch traditional snake boats, kingfishers, herons.

04:30 PM - Sunset Canoe Ride on Backwaters (60 min):
Silent canoe through narrow canals. Observe village life, paddy fields, coconut groves. Meditative, peaceful.

06:00 PM - Evening Yoga by the Lake (75 min):
Gentle flow with sunset backdrop.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish in banana leaf - Kerala specialty) or vegetarian thali.

08:30 PM - Moonlight Meditation (30 min):
Lakeside meditation under stars.

Overnight: Kumarakom Lake Resort / Vivanta by Taj
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Nasyam

05:30 AM - Sunrise Meditation & Pranayama (60 min):
Watch sun rise over Vembanad Lake. Breathing exercises in fresh lakeside air.

06:45 AM - Yoga (90 min):
Focus on balancing poses. Improve stability and inner balance.

08:30 AM - Breakfast

09:30 AM - Signature Treatment:

Dhara (120 min) - Extended Shirodhara + Full Body

Prolonged Shirodhara session (45 min continuous oil stream)
Full body Abhyanga
Scalp and face massage
Herbal steam
Deeply calming, spiritual experience
Profound stress relief, mental clarity
12:00 PM - Post-treatment rest (60 min)

01:00 PM - Lunch

02:30 PM - Free Afternoon:

Ayurvedic spa facilities (Jacuzzi, steam, sauna)
Swimming pool
Hammock time
Bird watching (Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary nearby)
Personal reflection, journaling
05:00 PM - Wellness Talk:
"Ayurveda for Women's Health" or "Men's Vitality" (based on group composition)

Hormonal balance
Reproductive health
Aging gracefully
06:30 PM - Yin Yoga (75 min)

08:00 PM - Dinner

Overnight: Kumarakom Lake Resort / Vivanta by Taj
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Extended Dhara Session

06:00 AM - Morning Yoga (90 min)

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:00 AM - Final Treatment at Resort:

Takradhara (60 min)

Medicated buttermilk poured on forehead (alternative to oil Shirodhara)
Cooling effect, excellent for Pitta dosha
Relieves skin issues, headaches, stress
Enhances hair health
Steam therapy
11:00 AM - Checkout & Transfer to Alleppey (15 km, 30 min)

12:00 PM - Board Luxury Ayurvedic Houseboat:

Check-in to premium Ayurvedic Wellness Houseboat (1-2 bedrooms with attached bath, living area, private deck).

Special Features:

Personal Ayurvedic chef on board
Yoga deck on boat
Meals customized to your dosha
Quiet electric engine (no noise pollution)
Private cruise (not shared)
12:30 PM - Lunch on Board:
Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine with Ayurvedic principles. Watch backwaters glide by.

Afternoon:
Cruise through narrow canals (off main routes). Experience authentic village life:

Women washing clothes in canals
Children swimming and playing
Fishermen casting nets
Toddy tappers climbing coconut palms
Coir-making, rice cultivation
Tranquil paddy fields
04:00 PM - Sunset Yoga on Houseboat Deck (60 min):
Gentle stretches while cruising. Sunset over palm-fringed waterways.

05:30 PM - Anchor for Evening:
Houseboat parks in serene location (secluded canal or lake).

06:30 PM - Meditation & Reflection (45 min):
Silent meditation with backwater sounds - birds, gentle water lapping.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Candlelit dinner on deck under stars. Traditional Kerala fish curry (or vegetarian), appam, avial, fresh coconut. Chef explains Ayurvedic properties of each ingredient.

Evening:
Relax on deck. Moonlight on waters. Total silence except nature sounds.

Overnight: Luxury Ayurvedic Houseboat, Alleppey Backwaters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Takradhara

05:30 AM - Sunrise on Backwaters:
Wake to dawn chorus of birds. Watch village awaken.

06:00 AM - Morning Yoga on Deck (60 min):
Sun salutations with sunrise backdrop. Magical experience.

07:30 AM - Breakfast on Board:
Fresh fruit, coconut pancakes, herbal tea while cruising.

09:00 AM - Disembark at Alleppey Jetty

09:30 AM - Transfer to Marari Beach (15 km, 30 min)

10:30 AM - Check-in at Marari Beach Resort (CGH Earth):
Eco-luxury beach resort with villas nestled in coconut groves, steps from pristine beach.

11:00 AM - Settle In & Beach Time:
Private beach access. Pristine sand, minimal crowds. Kerala's cleanest beaches.

12:00 PM - Treatment Session:

Mukhalepam (45 min) - Ayurvedic Facial

Herbal face mask with turmeric, sandalwood, multani mitti
Face, neck, shoulder massage
Improves complexion, reduces blemishes
Anti-aging properties
Natural glow
01:00 PM - Lunch:
Beachside restaurant. Fresh seafood or Ayurvedic vegetarian.

02:30 PM - Free Beach Time:

Swim in Arabian Sea (gentle waves, safe)
Beach walk (walking meditation)
Hammock under palm trees
Read, rest, rejuvenate
05:00 PM - Beach Yoga (75 min):
Barefoot yoga on sand. Grounding, connecting with earth element. Sunset backdrop.

07:00 PM - Dinner:
Fresh catch of the day grilled with Ayurvedic spices, or farm vegetables. Beachside ambiance.

08:00 PM - Bonfire on Beach (Optional):
Traditional Kerala music performance. Storytelling. Star gazing.

Overnight: Marari Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Mukhalepam (Ayurvedic Facial)

05:30 AM - Beach Meditation & Pranayama (60 min):
Sunrise meditation on beach. Ocean waves as sound therapy. Breathing exercises with sea breeze (natural prana).

07:00 AM - Yoga on Beach (90 min):
Energizing Vinyasa flow on sand.

08:30 AM - Breakfast

09:30 AM - Signature Beach Treatment:

Ayurvedic Body Scrub & Wrap (90 min)

Full body exfoliation with coconut, sea salt, turmeric scrub
Herbal body wrap (detoxifying)
Shower with herbal water
Coconut oil massage
Leaves skin glowing, soft
Detoxifies through skin
11:30 AM - Sea Bath:
Ocean swimming - natural thalassotherapy (seawater healing).

12:00 PM - Beach Walk to Fishing Village (60 min):
Visit traditional Kerala fishing village. See fishermen haul nets, traditional boat making. Cultural immersion.

01:30 PM - Lunch

03:00 PM - Ayurvedic Wellness Consultation:
Final detailed consultation with senior Ayurvedic doctor.

Review entire 14-day journey
Assess improvements
Personalized post-retreat plan:
Daily routines (wake time, meal times, sleep)
Recommended diet for your dosha
Herbal supplements (if needed)
Seasonal adjustments
Exercise recommendations
Stress management techniques
Written wellness report to take home
05:00 PM - Free Time:
Personal beach time. Reflection. Gratitude practice.

06:00 PM - Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra (75 min):
Deep relaxation. Integration of 12 days of healing.

07:30 PM - Special Farewell Dinner:
Traditional Kerala sadya (vegetarian feast on banana leaf) with 15+ dishes. Chef explains each dish's Ayurvedic benefits.

09:00 PM - Closing Ceremony (30 min):
Group sharing circle (if group retreat). Certificate of completion. Blessings from Ayurvedic doctor.

Overnight: Marari Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Body Scrub & Wrap

06:00 AM - Final Beach Sunrise Yoga (90 min):
Celebratory practice. Heart-opening poses. Gratitude meditation.

08:00 AM - Breakfast

09:00 AM - Last Treatment:

Pada Abhyanga (45 min) - Ayurvedic Foot Massage

Foot and lower leg massage with warm medicated oil
Reflexology points stimulation
Improves sleep, grounding
Balances Vata dosha
Calming before travel
10:30 AM - Checkout & Drive to Varkala (85 km, 2 hours)

Coastal drive through fishing villages, coconut groves.

12:30 PM - Arrive Varkala:
Check-in at Swaswara CGH Earth or The Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram Varkala - wellness resorts on dramatic red cliffs overlooking Arabian Sea.

Lunch:
Cliff-top restaurant with stunning ocean views.

02:00 PM - Explore Varkala:
Unique cliff beach with natural mineral springs. Walk clifftop path lined with cafes, yoga centers.

Papanasam Beach (means "destroyer of sins") - sacred beach where people scatter ashes. Natural springs with medicinal properties.

04:00 PM - Visit Janardhan Temple (300 years old):
Ancient Vishnu temple. Peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

05:30 PM - Cliff-top Sunset Yoga (75 min):
Spectacular location. Ocean 50 feet below. Sunset over Arabian Sea.

07:30 PM - Dinner:
Organic farm-to-table meal at resort.

Evening:
Relax. Pack. Prepare for journey's end.

Overnight: Swaswara / Gateway Hotel, Varkala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Treatments: Pada Abhyanga

05:30 AM - Final Sunrise Meditation (60 min):
Cliff-top meditation. Watch sun emerge from Arabian Sea. Closing intentions. Gratitude practice.

07:00 AM - Farewell Yoga (90 min):
Gentle, integrative practice. Emphasize taking learnings home. Pranayama for travel.

08:30 AM - Farewell Breakfast:
Special organic breakfast. Herbal teas. Fresh fruits.

10:00 AM - Final Doctor Consultation (30 min):
Pick up:

Written Ayurvedic wellness report
Personalized diet plan
Recommended herbs/supplements (can purchase at resort)
Follow-up consultation schedule (video calls available)
Recipes for Ayurvedic meals
Yoga sequences for home practice
11:00 AM - Checkout

Departure Options:

Option A - Same Day Departure:
Transfer to Trivandrum Airport (50 km, 1 hour) for afternoon/evening flights.

Option B - Extended Stay:
Add 1-2 extra days in Varkala for:

More beach time
Personal reflection
Shopping for Ayurvedic products
Leisure without scheduled treatments
Packed Ayurvedic Lunch:
For your journey home.