Scent of the Spice Coast: Kerala Backwaters & Wellness

Welcome to Kerala. Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, a BlingoTrips representative will greet you and provide a private transfer to your boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey, enjoying the coastal breeze and the distinct colonial architecture of your surroundings.

Embark on a guided morning walking tour of Fort Kochi. Stroll past the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, visit St. Francis Church, and explore the beautifully preserved Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture with a captivating Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form unique to Kerala.

Leave the coast behind as you take a scenic drive winding up into the Western Ghats. Arrive in Munnar, a tranquil hill station renowned for its endless expanses of emerald-green tea estates. Check into your heritage tea plantation bungalow, a serene retreat offering panoramic views of the mist-shrouded valleys.

Spend the day immersed in the slow-paced life of a tea estate. Visit the Tea Museum to learn the history of local cultivation, followed by an exclusive tea-tasting session where you will learn to discern subtle flavor profiles. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a gentle nature walk or simply relax with a book on your bungalow's veranda.

After breakfast, travel to Thekkady, the gateway to Periyar National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a sensory journey with a guided tour of a local spice plantation, learning about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Return to your nature-inspired eco-lodge for a peaceful evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Drive down from the hills to the lush backwaters of Kumarakom. Around noon, step aboard your private luxury houseboat—a beautifully converted traditional Kettuvallam. Drift slowly through the labyrinth of palm-fringed canals and lagoons. Your private chef will prepare exquisite Kerala delicacies on board as you watch the village life gently pass by from your open-air deck.

Wake up to the gentle lapping of water and a freshly prepared breakfast on your houseboat. Disembark in the late morning and take a short drive to the pristine sands of Marari Beach. Check into your beachfront eco-resort, your sanctuary for the final leg of the journey, where the focus shifts entirely to wellness and relaxation.

Embrace the holistic traditions of Kerala today. Engage in an authentic Ayurvedic consultation followed by a restorative massage or therapy customized to your body's needs. Spend the rest of the day practicing yoga, swimming in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, or lounging in a hammock beneath the coconut palms.

Your final full day is entirely at leisure, epitomizing the concept of slow travel. Walk for miles along the quiet, sandy shores of Marari, read by the pool, or take a bicycle ride to a nearby fishing village. In the evening, enjoy a farewell seafood dinner at your resort as you watch a spectacular sunset over the ocean.

After a final rejuvenating morning, a BlingoTrips chauffeur will transfer you back to Cochin International Airport (approx. 2 hours) in perfect time for your onward flight, leaving you thoroughly rested and recharged.