Sacred Kerala Trails - Backwaters, Hills & Healing

Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Routing: Kochi - Guruvayur - Thrissur - Munnar - Thekkady - Vagamon - Pathanamthitta (Sabarimala) - Kumarakom - Varkala/Kovalam - Trivandrum

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kochi – Heritage City Tour
Arrive at Cochin International Airport and proceed to Fort Kochi, a town that reflects Kerala’s colonial past. Visit:

• Chinese Fishing Nets – iconic symbols of Kochi’s maritime history
• St. Francis Church – the oldest European church in India
• Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue – walk through lanes rich with spice shops and antiques
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – admire Kerala murals and royal artifacts
  Evening at leisure with an optional Kathakali performance.

Overnight in Kochi.

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Day 2: Kochi to Guruvayur – Spiritual Sojourn
After breakfast, drive to Guruvayur (approx. 3.5 hrs). Visit the sacred Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage centers.
If time permits, explore:

• Mammiyoor Shiva Temple nearby
• Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Camp) – home to temple elephants in a heritage palace setting

Overnight in Guruvayur.

Day 3: Guruvayur to Munnar via Thrissur – Culture to Hills
Depart for Munnar (approx. 6 hrs). En route, stop at Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural capital:

• Visit the grand Vadakkunnathan Temple (UNESCO heritage)
• Quick view of Shakthan Thampuran Palace (if time permits)
  Then, continue your scenic ascent to Munnar, with its emerald tea estates, misty valleys, and cool climate.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 4: Munnar Exploration – Tea, Wildlife & Misty Hills
Explore Munnar’s prime attractions:

• Eravikulam National Park – home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
• Tea Museum by Tata – a deep dive into the region's tea history
• Mattupetty Dam & Lake – for boating and scenic vistas
• Echo Point – for sound-reflecting hills and views
  Optional visit to Top Station for stunning views of the Western Ghats.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady – Jungle Adventure
Drive to Thekkady (approx. 4 hrs), a haven for nature lovers and wildlife seekers. Enjoy:

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• A guided spice plantation tour – learn about Kerala’s famed spices
• A boat safari on Periyar Lake – spot elephants, bison, and exotic birds
• Optional jeep safari in the forest buffer zone
  Evening at leisure for local shopping (spices, handicrafts).

Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 6: Thekkady to Vagamon – Offbeat Hill Escape
Take a scenic drive to Vagamon (approx. 2.5 hrs), a serene hill station dotted with pine forests, meadows, and rolling valleys. Activities include:

• Trekking to viewpoints like Thangalpara, Murugan Hill, or Kurisumala
• Optional paragliding (seasonal, weather-permitting)
• Relax amidst the meadows, tea gardens, and mist-covered landscapes

Overnight in Vagamon.

Day 7: Vagamon to Pathanamthitta – Sabarimala Base
After breakfast, drive to Pathanamthitta (approx. 3.5 hrs), the spiritual hub and base town for Sabarimala Temple.

• Visit Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple or explore the riverbank ghats
• Ideal for those planning to trek to Sabarimala (open during Mandala season – Nov-Jan and Makaravilakku)

Overnight in Pathanamthitta

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Day 8: Sabarimala Pilgrimage – A Sacred Trek of Devotion (Seasonal)
Today is dedicated to the spiritually profound Sabarimala Temple, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in South India, located in the dense forests of the Western Ghats.

• Embark on a trek through the sacred forest paths to reach Sannidhanam, the main temple.
• Devotees (only males aged 10–60) undertake strict vratham (austerity practices) before the journey.
• Feel the energy of thousands chanting "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" as you ascend.
• Return in the evening to Pathanamthitta or basecamp for rest.

Overnight near Sabarimala/Pathanamthitta.

Day 9: Pathanamthitta to Kumarakom – Backwater Bliss
After a spiritual immersion, unwind with a scenic drive to Kumarakom (approx. 3.5–4 hrs), nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake.

• Board your private houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through Kerala’s famed backwaters.
• Drift past lush coconut palms, traditional village life, and serene lagoons.
• Relish authentic Kerala meals prepared onboard as you sail into the sunset.

Overnight on the houseboat in Kumarakom.

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Day 10: Begin Ayurveda Retreat – Rejuvenation Begins
Disembark your houseboat and check in to a serene Ayurveda wellness retreat in Kumarakom or Varkala.

• Start your 3-day healing program with a consultation from certified Ayurvedic doctors.
• Enjoy your first session of Abhyanga (herbal oil massage) or Shirodhara (oil stream therapy).
• Participate in guided yoga and meditation by tranquil surroundings.

Overnight at the wellness resort.

Days 11–12: Ayurveda & Wellness – Heal, Restore, Rebalance
Dedicate these days to holistic wellness and inner balance.

• Personalized Ayurvedic therapies such as Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, or Nasya based on your body constitution.
• Therapeutic herbal diets and detoxifying herbal drinks to support the healing process.
• Sunrise yoga sessions, calming pranayama, and mindful meditation sessions by nature.
• Take time for reflection, reading, or simply bask in the quietude.

Overnight at the retreat.

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Day 13: Varkala or Kovalam – Coastal Charm & Relaxation
After your Ayurveda experience, travel to the beach town of Varkala (or Kovalam, based on your preference).

• Relax on the cliff-side beaches of Varkala or the crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach.
• Optional spa sessions or seaside Ayurvedic therapies to conclude your wellness journey.
• Explore quaint cafes, indulge in souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy a mesmerizing sunset by the Arabian Sea.

Overnight in Varkala or Kovalam.

Day 14: Departure from Trivandrum – Farewell Kerala
After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport (approx. 1–1.5 hrs depending on location).
Carry home the essence of Kerala – a blend of spirituality, wellness, and natural beauty that will stay with you forever.

Tour Ends with Blissful Memories.