5 Days Bliss

Poovar - Vizhinjam Rd, Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Kerala 695521, India

Places covered

• Trivandrum, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Periyar

Itinerary

• Day 1 – Picked up at the Trivandrum airport and driven to the retreat. 25 mins drive through the town of Trivandrum.
  
  Check in at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra. Lunch will be served at Samsara Cafe. You are at leisure for the evening. The only spoiler will be the spa treatments lined up for this evening. You will be treated to 60 mins Abhyanga Snana, a blissfully rhythmic body massage with warm medicated oils, facilitates circulation and relieves fatigue and body aches. At 6 pm we will entertain you with a performance centered on Carnatic music an Indian classical form of music. An authentic Kerala dinner tweaked to the sensibilities of your palate will follow.|
  
  Day 2 – The glorious heritage of Kovalam:
  
  Pre-dawn tea will be served at the pristine secluded beach. Watch the spectacular Kovalam sunrise and the play of colours over the majestic Arabian Sea. Visit to the local fish market at 6 am with our celebrity Chef. The open-air fish market which is situated at the harbour where the boats come to unload. It has such atmosphere that you just have to keep your camera going. The view across the harbour looks past the big Old Catholic church right on the beach and 2 distant mosques at the far end. Back at the retreat, your breakfast awaits post which we will take a trip around Kovalam to experience the attractions. We first take you for a look around of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. It has been in the news for one of the richest treasure troves ever found. It is now supposed to be even richer than the Vatican. After that, we walk down an amazing bazaar street. This colorful market is Kerala's hidden treasure and a prime shopping destination for the 'daring' buyer only. At the end of the bazaar we reach Ganapathy temple with a chance to enter. Please note photography is not allowed at this divine place of worship. Today lunch is an amazing Sadhya Meal served on a banana leaf in Trivandrum's world famous "shabby chic" restaurant. After lunch, we head on to Kuthiramalika Palace museum. A classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated here. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore. Post your return you are at leisure, however, do not miss the sunset over a cocktail at Madira Bar. Dinner of your choice will be served at the retreat.|
  
  Day 3 – Backwaters, sun, sand & sea:
  
  You start your day with sunrise Yoga on the platform by the cliff overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea for 30 mins. This light workout will be followed by breakfast at Cafe Samsara. A short 20 minutes drive south of Niraamaya retreats, The Poovar estuary so named by the erstwhile king Marthanda Varma of Travancore was the epicenter of Trade in sandalwood, spice, and ivory. We transfer you to a motorboat that cruises through pristine coconut groves on either side of the river leading you up to Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets Arabian Sea. Enjoy a special picnic hamper that our chef has prepared and relax in this amazing spot over a glass of chilled wine. On return, the boat will take you through a pristine Mangrove Forest, before you transfer back to retreat. Back at the retreat enjoy a classic high tea on your porch while your pre-booked spa therapy awaits - the Signature Spa therapy (60 mins). This deeply relaxing massage is the ideal antidote to ease all stress.|
  
  Day 4 - Despatch to Thekkady:
  
  After Breakfast check out from Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra and depart for Thekkady, India largest wildlife sanctuary and a dream destination for all tourists. Along this 6 hour drive, you will go through into the panoramic Western Ghat from small quaint towns to rubber plantations into lush green tea plantations and scenic valleys up a winding road. Check in at Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club. Visit acres of verdant groves and enjoy a guided spice plantation tour. Experience how spices such as cardamom, pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves are grown. These exotic and fresh spices make for a great takeaway. You are at leisure. Dinner will be served at the retreat.|
  
  Day 5 - Introduction to Periyar:
  
  Today you are spoilt for choice in the adventure! Choose a 4 km trek from within the retreat to Mount Miracle at dawn, a great opportunity to catch the local wildlife such as the 'Gaur' or Indian Bison and various species of deer and the beautiful Periyar sunrise. For the less adventurous we have a secret cheat pathway to the top. Or look out for one of the rarest animals on earth. The Periyar Tiger Sanctuary is one of the few places where these big cats can prowl freely. Elusive as they may sound, catch even a flash of yellow and black and you will return awed and inspired. Also a great opportunity to experience an elephant back ride which is an absolute must. Our elephant trainers will accompany you to the jungle camp where you can ride and bathe these gentle giants. End this amazing tour by feeding elephants by hand. For lunch today our Chef will organize a handy backpack which offers delectable and nutritious gourmet delights. Post your return to the retreat, your evening is at leisure. Enjoy the calls of exotic birds that surround you or enjoy a quiet read over mountain coffee made with beans from our own garden. This evening we take you to watch Kalaripayattu, This is the oldest form of martial arts indigenous to Kerala with carefully measured movements and of course the clash of swords guaranteed to leave you mesmerized. The performance will be followed by dinner at the retreat.|
  
  Day 6 – Check out from Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club Thekkady. Dispatch to Cochin Airport.

Inclusion

• Accommodation for 3 nights at Surya Samudra - Kovalam (In Rock Garden Room-free upgrade subject to availability) and 2 nights at Cardamom Club - Thekkady.
  Ayurveda massage treatment (2 for each person) at our award-winning Niraamaya Spa.
  All meals, Indian wine, and beer.
  Local sightseeing tours, plantation walk.
  Pickup and drop from Thiruvananthapuram / Cochin airport, transfers between the properties.

Exclusion

• Monument entry charges
  Traveler
  Sightseeing
  Activities - Water Sports

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