14 Days – Kerala Ayurveda Retreat with Somatheeram, Backwaters & Beach

Arrive at Kochi International Airport, where you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The first day is kept light so you can rest after your flight and settle into Kerala’s relaxed rhythm. Kochi is one of South India’s most charming coastal cities, known for its old trading history, colonial architecture and spice connections.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short walk around Fort Kochi or spend the evening at leisure. This easy beginning helps the journey feel calm from the start, especially for long-haul travellers arriving from Europe, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, begin a slow-paced sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, one of the most photographed landmarks of Kerala’s coast. Continue to St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and the old Jewish quarter, where narrow lanes, antique shops and spice warehouses reflect Kochi’s layered history.

The afternoon can be kept flexible. You may explore local cafés, shop for spices and handmade souvenirs, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Fort Kochi. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical Kerala art form known for expressive gestures, elaborate costumes and storytelling.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, drive from Kochi to Munnar, Kerala’s famous hill station surrounded by rolling tea plantations and mist-covered valleys. The route gradually climbs from the coastal plains into the Western Ghats, passing small towns, waterfalls, spice gardens and forested slopes.

On arrival, check in at your hotel or hill resort and relax. Munnar’s cool climate and green landscape make it a perfect transition from city sightseeing to wellness travel. The evening is free to enjoy the resort, sip fresh local tea or take a quiet walk near the property.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Start the day with a relaxed exploration of Munnar’s tea country. Visit tea plantations, scenic viewpoints and the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the region’s plantation history and tea-making process. Depending on the weather and pace, you may also visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point or a nearby valley viewpoint.

The sightseeing is intentionally kept gentle, with enough time to enjoy nature rather than rush between attractions. Munnar is ideal for travellers who enjoy fresh mountain air, soft walking trails, photography and peaceful resort time. The evening is free for rest or an optional wellness treatment at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

This day is planned as a slower hill-country wellness day. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed plantation walk or spend time at your resort overlooking the tea gardens. Guests who prefer more activity can choose a light nature walk, tea-tasting session or short visit to a nearby viewpoint.

The focus of this day is rest and gentle preparation before the backwater and Ayurveda part of the journey. You may book an optional massage, enjoy yoga at the resort if available, or simply spend time reading, relaxing and enjoying Munnar’s calm mountain atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive down from the hills toward Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. On arrival, board your private houseboat and begin a peaceful cruise through narrow canals, open lakes, coconut groves and paddy fields.

The houseboat experience is one of the highlights of this Kerala wellness holiday. Watch daily village life along the waterways, enjoy freshly prepared meals on board and spend the evening surrounded by still water and soft tropical scenery. This day is ideal for couples, slow travellers and guests looking for a deeply relaxing Kerala experience.

Overnight stay on a private houseboat in Alleppey.

Wake up to the calm beauty of the backwaters and enjoy breakfast on board. After disembarking from the houseboat, drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful lakeside destination on Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is known for its backwater resorts, birdlife, coconut-lined canals and quiet rural atmosphere.

Check in at your resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may enjoy lake views, relax by the pool, take a gentle walk through the resort gardens or choose an optional spa treatment. This is a good point in the itinerary to slow down further before the structured Ayurveda retreat begins.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Spend the day relaxing in Kumarakom. After breakfast, you can choose a soft backwater experience such as a canoe ride, village walk, birdwatching around Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or simply enjoy the resort’s peaceful lakefront setting.

This day is intentionally free from heavy sightseeing. Guests may use the time for rest, spa, reading, photography or gentle wellness activities. Kumarakom’s calm environment makes it an excellent bridge between the houseboat experience and the dedicated Ayurveda program at Somatheeram.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, drive from Kumarakom to Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort near Chowara Beach, close to Kovalam and Trivandrum. The journey takes you from the backwater region toward Kerala’s southern coast, where the wellness retreat portion of the tour begins.

On arrival, check in at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort. Later, meet the Ayurveda doctor for an initial consultation. Based on your body constitution, health condition and wellness goals, the resort team will usually suggest a personalized treatment plan, diet routine and daily schedule. The rest of the day is for rest, orientation and settling into the retreat environment.

Overnight stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

Begin your personalized Ayurveda program at Somatheeram. The day may include doctor-prescribed therapies, Ayurvedic meals, rest periods, yoga and meditation depending on the recommended program. The focus is on restoring balance, reducing stress and allowing the body to slow down.

Guests are encouraged to follow the retreat routine closely, including meal timing, rest periods and treatment guidance. Unlike a normal sightseeing day, this part of the tour is designed around healing, relaxation and discipline. The beachside location adds a peaceful setting for gentle walks and quiet reflection.

Overnight stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

Continue the Ayurveda program with therapies as prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the selected wellness package, the day may include oil massage, herbal therapies, steam treatment, relaxation techniques, yoga or meditation sessions.

The rest of the day should remain quiet. Spend time in the resort, enjoy the sea breeze, walk gently near Chowara Beach or relax after your treatment. Ayurveda works best when the schedule is not overloaded, so this day avoids sightseeing and focuses fully on recovery and balance.

Overnight stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

Continue your Ayurveda treatments, yoga and wellness meals at the resort. By this stage, most travellers begin to feel settled into the retreat routine, with the body adapting to the therapies, lighter meals and slower daily rhythm.

If your treatment schedule and doctor’s advice allow, you may take a short optional visit to Trivandrum for light sightseeing. Possible places include the exterior area of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum or local markets. This excursion should remain short and gentle so it does not disturb the wellness routine.

Overnight stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

Enjoy your final full day at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort. Continue the recommended therapies, yoga, meditation and wellness meals. This is the day to fully absorb the calm atmosphere and complete the retreat experience without distractions.

Guests may use the free time for quiet beach walks, journaling, reading or resting. Avoid long excursions or tiring activities on this day so the journey ends with a sense of balance, comfort and renewal. In the evening, prepare for departure the next day.

Overnight stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

After breakfast, check out from Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward flight. Trivandrum is the most convenient departure point for this itinerary because the resort is located near the Kovalam / Chowara coastal region.

Your Kerala Ayurveda retreat concludes with memories of Fort Kochi’s heritage, Munnar’s tea hills, the Alleppey houseboat, Kumarakom’s backwaters and a peaceful Ayurveda stay by the sea at Somatheeram.

Tour concludes with wellness, relaxation and memorable Kerala experiences.