Main Info
Route: Delhi – Rishikesh – Cochin – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam
Theme: Wellness travel with meditation, backwaters, and Ayurveda.
Reconnect with your inner self on this rejuvenating journey that blends the spirituality of Rishikesh, the cultural charm of Cochin, and the serenity of Kerala’s backwaters and beaches. From yoga and meditation by the Ganga to floating on a traditional houseboat through Alleppey’s emerald canals, and indulging in Ayurvedic therapies in Kovalam, this 11-day itinerary is designed to nourish the body, mind, and soul. Ideal for wellness seekers, couples, and spiritual explorers alike.
Tour Information
| Departure | Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) |
|---|---|
| Included | – Accommodation in well-rated hotels and deluxe houseboat (10 nights) – Daily breakfast at hotels; all meals on the houseboat – Domestic flights: Delhi–Dehradun, Dehradun–Cochin (via Delhi) – Private transfers and intercity travel by air-conditioned vehicle – Sightseeing tours in Delhi, Rishikesh, Cochin, Thekkady, and Kovalam with English-speaking guides – Evening cultural performance in Thekkady (Kathakali or Kalaripayattu) – Guided boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Backwater cruise & overnight stay on traditional Kerala houseboat |
| Excluded | – Travel insurance – Meals not mentioned in itinerary – Ayurveda treatments (available as optional add-ons in Kovalam) – Entry tickets to monuments, parks, and sanctuaries – Camera/video camera fees – Personal expenses and tips – Additional beverages and special dietary requests on the houseboat |
Itinerary
On your arrival in Delhi airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
Your morning tour starts with Old Delhi, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD. You will visit the Raj Ghat where father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. You will be visiting the museum that was built to commemorate him. You will be driven past the iconic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, a very popular and a busy market in Old Delhi to the next stop - Jama Masjid, one of the iconic, historic and largest mosques in India - built by Shah Jahan. A rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk could be quite interesting as this part of the city is quite crowded as it is full of shops. These numerous shops sell delicious mouth-watering food, clothes, jewels, household, etc. and are virtually a shopper's paradise.
In the afternoon, you will visit Qutub Minar, touted as India's largest Minaret. Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1192 by Turk ruler Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Your next stop is India Gate, built in memory of the Unknown Soldier. You will be driven past the Parliament House, President's House and other Government Secretarial Buildings,. Overnight in Delhi.
Dehradun – Rishikesh (By surface approx. 1hrs drive)
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Dehradun and drive to Rishikesh. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Rishikesh, which stands for the "Plaits of the Sage" is a place of Ashrams where solace seekers come to spend their time in the serenity of God. Visit the Shivananda Ashram where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Also visit the Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga. Overnight at hotel.
Dehradun – Cochin (By flight) Via New Delhi
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast full day sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the I floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city.
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Thekkady. Thekkady is a town and a popular tourist destination located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India’s most famous sanctuaries. You can either go on a guided trek or a boat safari on Periyar Lake. The most popular way to explore Periyar is by taking a boat ride on Periyar Lake. The boat ride offers a chance to spot wildlife like elephants, bison, and various bird species while enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding forest. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance or a Kalaripayattu (martial art) show. These cultural experiences are a good way to get a taste of Kerala's art and traditions. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Alleppey. By noon board your private Houseboat for overnight stay.
Quote “Houseboat “experience through backwaters are very unique, but we suggest not to compare the facilities / luxury amenities with any of the star hotels “
“Houseboat or Kettuvallams “are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels
Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view.
Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you opportunity to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its own gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be the highlight of the tour.
The meals will be served on board.
Terms & Conditions at Houseboat-Alleppey
Ø Normal Houseboat cruise start from 12:00 Noon to 17:30hrs & next day from 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
Ø Between 1730hrs and 06:30hrs, the boat will be anchored in safer place (in the lake or canal) for dinner and overnight stay
Ø Meal plan applied on full board basis (i.e.; inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Ø The Menu will be Traditional Kerala with 01 non- veg for lunch & 01 non- veg for dinner
Ø Beverages like soft drinks & any additional dishes items apart from normal menu to order will be charged extra on actual.
Ø Air conditioners in the room will be switched from 2100 PM to 0600 AM
Day 09: Alleppey – Kovalam (By surface 4.5hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast Disembark from houseboat and drive to Kumarakom. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast Disembark from houseboat and drive to Kumarakom. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Later you will be transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
