KERALA TOUR

The Keralan backwaters are an enchanting natural wonder. A mystical realm of swaying palm trees, serene lagoons, picturesque lakes, tranquil rivers, and lovely canals. Fed by the Arabian Sea and several regional rivers like Periyar, Pamba, and Meenachil, Keralan backwaters sprawl over a massive 900 km region. This amazing waterway system is one of God’s Own Country Kerala’s biggest attractions.

One of the best ways to explore this labyrinth of water is aboard a luxury houseboat cruise. Traditional Keralan Houseboats are quite a hit with international tourists. Repurposed for luxury travel, these houseboats now come equipped with all the amenities you’ll need for an enjoyable trip to the backwaters.

Kerala is known as the capital of Ayurveda—the 5,000-year-old Indian medicinal tradition. A holistic approach to healing and well-being, Ayurveda uses a multi-prong approach that comprises a plant-based organic and healthy diet, herb-based medicine, meditation, and yoga.

Kerala is a perfect destination for an ayurvedic treatment to rejuvenate your senses.

The Western Ghats that crisscross through the state of Kerala are renowned for their evergreen mountainous beauty, rolling tea gardens, misty hills, and gorgeous weather. They provide a much-needed respite from the heat and humidity of the plains of southern India.

No tour of Kerala would be complete without a tea plantation tour of Munnar. Our tea plantation tour takes you to the heart of this tea-producing paradise with a luxurious stay in a heritage tea garden. Spend your days walking around the manicured tea bushes that form a mosaic on the tea hills. On your tea-tasting tour, a knowledgeable tea taster will explain the nuances and subtleties of different flavors, aromas, and tastes of tea, and give you an educational rundown of the history of the region and its tea plantations.

With its pristine golden sand shoreline, the Marari beach is believed to have one of the best sunsets in all of India. National Geographic rates it as one of the best “hammock” beaches in the world.

Located in the village of Mararikulam in the district of Alappuzha (Alleppey), Marari is one of the country’s most iconic beaches and a big hit with foreigners due to its tranquil off-beat vibes. The beach is also the site for some splendid Ayurveda-inspired retreats that offer a range of rejuvenating therapies and treatments.

The ancient Kathakali dance form is one of Kerala’s primary cultural prides. The modern expression of this art form is traced back to the early 17th century. However, historians believe that as a classic art form, it has been in practice since the 1st century AD (Kingdom of Zamorin).

A composite of two Tamil words “katha” which means a story, and “kali” which means a play or performance. In Kathakali, performers wear colorful makeup (“chutti”), masks, and elaborate costumes. Dancers adorn themselves with heavy jewelry and headdresses.

Kathakali typically reenacts stories and legends from Hindu epics like Mahabharat and Ramayan—the wars between good and evil. A distinctive feature of Kathakali is flamboyant facial gestures and hand movements called “Mudras” which take years to perfect.

When you are in Kerala, make sure to treat yourself to a Kathakali performance.

Food in Kerala is sumptuous. Centuries of history as the nerve center of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean region has played a vital role in shaping the culinary landscape of Kerala.

Our bespoke cooking session at a local home introduces you to a world of amazing culinary adventures. Learn how to make Appam with Stew (pancakes prepared from fermented rice batter and coconut milk). If you are a vegetarian, learn how to put together Sadya—an elaborate vegetarian concoction of curries, pickles, and rice). You’ll also learn how to make the perfect Keralan Fish Curry Rice and plenty of other amazing dishes.

Spice is the southern India what the Silk Roads is to the North India—a shaper of history. For centuries, Kerala has been an important stopover in the global maritime spice trade that spanned from Europe to Southeast Asia via the Indian Ocean.

Our exclusive spice plantation tour in Kerala is a great way to immerse yourself in this history and learn how your favorite spices like cardamom, black pepper, cloves, etc. make their way to your table. No better place to learn this than the region where all the spice magic happens.

Ayurveda spas and treatments are one of the biggest tourist attractions of Kerala. As a medicinal tradition, Ayurveda is practiced all over India, but Kerala is considered the Ayurveda capital of India. Taking a holistic approach to healing, Ayurveda attempts to heal not just your body but also your soul by combining organic diets and herbal remedies with meditation, massages, and healthy lifestyle practices.

Our exclusive Ayurveda treatment features a range of classic treatments like Abhyanga (body massage), Shirodhara (herbal oil head rub therapy), oil baths (Pizhichil), Herbal Poultice massage and Nasya (nasal massage).

Kerala’s beaches are a gift from the divine. Golden sands, swaying coconut trees, gentle sea breeze, perfect blue skies, and the vast Arabian Sea.

Imagine having a beach all to yourself. Our exclusive beachside fiesta takes you on a picnic to an idyllic secluded beach on the Keralan shoreline.

Kerala is not just a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds. It is also a treat for the soul. Yoga and Ayurveda go hand in hand in Kerala. Kerala is home to many yoga and holistic wellness centers that offer a range of yoga and meditation programs. It would be an oversight to miss out on this experience.

Our bespoke yoga session conducted by a Keralan master is your key to unlocking the strength of your inner soul. You can choose from such options as Iyengar yoga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Ashtanga.

Holding a special place in the traditional culture of Kerala, Handlooms are the key to the textiles and crafts of Kerala. Locally known as “kaithari,” handlooms are used to produce Sarees (garments worn by women), Mundus (garments worn by men), and many other traditional garments.

Our exclusive handloom shopping tour takes you to the best centers of Kaithari craftsmanship, factories, and shops where you will get a first-hand experience of how Keralan Mundus and Sarees are prepared, and you will take home with you some memorable authentic Keralan souvenirs.