SOUTHERN SERENITY – SOUTH INDIA TOUR -
Saturday, 13 February – Thursday, 25 February 2027
Spice · Serenity · Sojourn
Join Jacqui & Shimon for a richly textured journey through the soulful landscapes of Southern India.
Our adventure opens in Fort Kochi — a coastal enclave where layers of history, art, and culture meet the lingering rhythms of ancient trade routes. We wander narrow laneways and vibrant markets, browse boutique stores, encounter age-old local traditions, and admire colonial architecture shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
SOUTHERN SERENITY – SOUTH INDIA TOUR
$6895.00
TWINS SHARE
Single room supplements available
- Saturday, 13 February – Thursday, 25 February 2027
- 12 Nights Premium or Heritage Accommodation or similar.
- Kochi — Munnar — Periyar — Alleppey/Houseboat — Trivandrum
- Airport transfers within the included package dates.
From the coast, we travel upward into the cool, mist-draped hills of Munnar, renowned for its sweeping tea estates and tranquil vistas. Here, we step into plantation life, taking part in a hands-on tea-plucking experience with local workers, followed by an intimate, traditional meal shared with plantation hosts.
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.
Our hotel in Kovalam
SOUTHERN SERENITY 2027
Saturday, 13 February – Thursday, 25 February 2027
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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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.
*Images credit to Essence of India Tours
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.
- 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 & cancellations conditions apply, refer to the booking conditions provided at the time of booking.
