Relax your body, mind and spirit and soak up some of India’s unique culture along the way. The beauty of travel is that it brings us closer not only to our planet and its people, but also to ourselves. Our Yoga, Wellness & Culture journey to South India brings together rejuvenating treatments, cultural hotspots, stunning scenery, bespoke experiences and mindful writing workshops. Indulge yourself with spa treatments and massages, unwind with yoga, soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches, relax on a houseboat cruise along the Keralan backwaters and experience Indian culture with a local homestay.
Join long term Indophile, Sharon Thrupp, as she explores all that South India has to offer. Sharon will lead several writing sessions exploring mindfulness, memoir and travel writing.
As with all Ekno experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience. With Sharon as your guide you will not only discover hidden experiences unique to India, but you can also relax safe in the knowledge that your security is foremost in our minds.
Arrival Mumbai
Overnight: Hotel, Mumbai
Mumbai
When we return to the mainland, we will have lunch at the famous Leopold Café. The café has been immortalised in various books and films and is a great spot for people watching. In the afternoon we will wander around the Colaba area and soak up the atmosphere and shop for souvenirs in the many street markets. You can also choose from one of our bespoke experiences for a unique perspective on Mumbai.
In the evening we will enjoy a traditional welcome feast at one of Mumbai’s many Indian restaurants.
*Optional bespoke extras:
- Early morning walking tour of old Mumbai, including the original Koli fishing villages, flower markets and Mumbai’s famous outdoor laundry.
- Rub shoulders with Mumbai’s elite and enjoy a high tea at the heritage TajMahal Palace Hotel (known as the Taj).
- Mumbai is a city of contrasts – explore the lively slums of Dharavi with a walking tour.
Overnight:Hotel, Mumbai
Mumbai to Dabolim
Overnight:Hotel, Dabolim
Dabolim to Mandrem Beach
In the afternoon we will transfer to Mandrem Beach, where we will spend the next 3 days indulging in rest and relaxation.
Overnight: Resort, Mandrem Beach
Mandrem Beach
Enjoy interacting with the locals and soak up the unique culture in the Portuguese influenced state of Goa. The days are completely yours to focus on self-care, reflection and new experiences.
*Optional bespoke extras include:
- Yoga
- Massage
- Day spa
- Ayurveda treatments
Overnight: Resort, Mandrem Beach
Mandrem Beach to Cochin
Overnight: Hotel, Cochin
Cochin
In the afternoon you can enjoy a stroll along the harbour or take some time to relax, write and reflect by yourself.
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a Kathakali dance performance this evening. Kathakali is a classical form of dance practiced in the state of Kerala and is a unique form of cultural storytelling.
Overnight: Hotel, Cochin
Cochin to Thekkady
In the afternoon you can explore the village or indulge in an Ayurvedic massage.
Overnight: Hotel, Thekkady
Alleppey Houseboat
Overnight: Houseboat, Alleppey
Alleppey Homestay
There will be time to take part in some mindful writing sessions lead by Sharon. These sessions will focus on travel writing and journeys and are a wonderful way to reflect on your time spent in India.
On our last night at the homestay we will share a farewell dinner comprising of South Indian delicacies.
Overnight: Homestay, Chennamkary (Alleppey)
Departure Cochin
Thank you for travelling with us and we look forward to seeing you on another Ekno Travels journey soon.
INCLUDES
Met at Mumbai Airport by an Ekno representative
10 nights’ hotel & resort accommodation with breakfast
2 nights’ accommodation in a homestay
1 night accommodation in a houseboat
Welcome and farewell dinners (Mumbai & Alleppey)
Lunch & dinners during houseboat cruise and homestay
2 internal flights – Mumbai to Goa, Goa to Cochin (via Bangalore or Mumbai)
All transfers by private vehicles as follows:
- Pickup and drop off at airports in Mumbai, Goa and Kochi
- Sightseeing in Mumbai
- Sightseeing in Goa
- Transport from Cochin to Alleppey and back to Cochin
1-day cookery class and market tour in Goa
Entrance fees to all sights and monuments as per the itinerary
Local English-speaking guides for Elephanta Island (Mumbai), Goa, Cochin and Thekkady
All charges related to transport such as tolls, parking, fuel etc.
Guided writing workshops throughout the tour, led by Sharon Thrupp
Accompanied throughout tour by English speaking guide
EXCLUDES
Return airfares to India
Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)
Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs
Tipping
Camera and video entry charges at local sights and monuments
Extra activities and transport not stipulated in the itinerary
Compulsory insurance of any kind
Optional Extras:
- Mumbai walking tour
- High tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Dharavi slum tour
- Yoga classes
- Massage
- Day spa
- Ayurveda treatments