Kerala Yoga & Meditation Tour

In Kerala, yoga & meditation are practiced and taught by experts to promote healthy living among people. When it comes to rejuvenating yourself, going to meditation and yoga centers at Kerala amidst the serene environment is the best option. Just take a deep breath, close your eyes and sit comfortably in a meditative position. Don't let you mind wander and concentrate on your breathing. After 10 minutes, when you open up your eyes, a new calm would have taken over. Along with Ayurveda, yoga and meditation in Kerala is the most sought after way of living. In fact, it is said that only in Kerala you can find dedicated professionals who devote their entire lives for the well being of others.

Yoga is an ancient science that has existed through time till this day. Many people are taking up this ancient practice of attaining calm and peace to be relieved off their tension and frustration of fast paced life. However, there is no instant recipe for attaining the benefits of yoga. In order to benefit from this practice, one needs to put in sincere efforts. The sages in ancient India used to meditate for years together, oblivious to their surroundings.

These exercises if done the right way, are very helpful in honing up concentration levels and help in the attainment of peace and tranquility. You can see results almost immediately if you put in sincere efforts. Just the mere glow on your face will pull people towards you like a magnet. Not just the glow, your body will be free of most ailments and will be more flexible than ever before.

Meditation is not just about concentration, it is concentrating while freeing your mind off unwanted thoughts and finally reaching a stage where there is just silence, total emptiness. It cannot be reached immediately. It may take days or even months to attain full concentration and free your mind off disturbing thoughts. Once your mind is alone and clear, you will find yourself reaching a higher level of tranquility.

In Kerala, trained meditation experts try to take you to that higher level of consciousness and make sure when you go back home, you are a different person. Anyone going for an Ayurvedic treatment is prescribed certain yogic exercises and meditation. This is to ensure that along with body and mind, the soul is also cleansed. So get set to be cleansed thoroughly and see life from a whole new perspective.

Duration: 10 Days
Destination: Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Kanyakumari

DAY 01 - Cochin
Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centurieslater, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Afternoon proceed for city tour of Cochin which includes Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace etc. Overnight will be at Cochin.

DAY 02 - Cochin - Munnar
By Road 150 km in 4 hr, Breakfast will be at hotel. In the morning depart for Munnar (approx.4 hours journey), enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.

Arrive Munnar and check in at hotel.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower, which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. Overnight will be at Munnar.

DAY 03 - Munnar
Morning proceed for Munnar sightseeing after breakfast. Move through the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers. Munnar has lush green hills all around - a place difficult to describe. Very low population and moved away from the city pollution makes Munnar a specialdestination. Sightseeing includes Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttuputty dam and the Indo Swiss project. You can also enjoy boating in the Lake. Overnight will be at Munnar.

DAY 04 - Munnar - Thekkady
By Road - 150 km in 4 hr, Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and wild forests. Arrive at Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4 hours. Check in at hotel.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands. In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

DAY 05 - Thekkady
Today you can visit the rare species of plants and animals. Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Enjoy a boat ride at the lake watching wild animals and birds. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

DAY 06 - Thekkady - Kumarakom
By Road- 175 km in 5 hr. In the morning proceed to Kumarakom after breakfast. Arrive at Kumarakom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours enjoying the beauty of the traditional Keralian houses.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratorybirds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarakom. It is a picturesque world of backwaters thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway. Check in at Hotel. In the afternoon enjoy Ayurveda Massages at the resort. Overnight will be at Kumarakom.

DAY 07 - Kumarakom
After breakfast proceed to visit BIRD PARK of Kumarakom. Enjoy a day cruise at the backwaters or Vembanad Lake. Afternoon will be at leisure attending YOGA CLASSES. Overnight will be at Kumarakom.

DAY 08 - Kumarakom - Kovalam
By Road- 120 km in 3 hr, Drive to Kovalam after breakfast - the international beach Resort with full of Coconut trees. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful Bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.
Evening enjoy the beach. Spend time at the resort meditating or practicing yoga. Overnight will be at resort in Kovalam.

DAY 09 - Kovalam
Breakfast will be at hotel. Participate in the YOGA AND MEDITATION CLASS. Relax in the evening and spend the night at KOVALAM.

DAY 10 - Kovalam - Home/next destination
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer at leisure for train or flight to the next destination.