Bengaluru – Mysore – Ooty – Kochi – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Kovalam – Thiruvananthapuram – Out
South India Ayurveda Tour is an experiential health tourism itinerary outlining the seasoned heritage of south. Considered as the originator of Ayurveda, the region is known to follow the discipline in the most authentic and holistic form. This is the main reason why Ayurveda tour packages to South India sell like hotcakes. The inclusion of varied South Indian landscapes including royal Mysore, hill station of Ooty, classic Kochi, alluring backwater experience from Alleppey to Kumarakom and treasured Thiruvananthapuram add on to the bountiful experiences of this cherished tour itinerary. Towards the end, the tour lands a traveller to the ultimate rejuvenation zone of Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram. Dotted with many Green Leaf and Olive Leaf Certified Ayurvedic Resorts, this is the balmy Ayurvedic destination. It has beaches, bliss and balance of everything that makes it a splendid holiday retreat.
Day 01: Bangalore / Bengaluru
Upon arrival in Bangalore / Bengaluru, meet Incredible India Tour representative for assisted transfer to the hotel. This is a metropolitan city frequented by many business and leisure travellers. Also, the city is a comfortable gateway to South India. Spend the noon in leisure. Begin a city tour of Bengaluru and visit the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens and Cubbon Park in the leisurely evening. Return to the hotel for overnight stay and dinner.
Day 02: Bengaluru
After breakfast, continue discovering the heritage of Bengaluru with a visit to the stately Vidhana Soudha. Built in 1956, this is Bengaluru’s vast state secretariat and the largest civic structure of its kind in India. Next in the itinerary is the visit to Tipu’s Summer Palace, a two-storey teak wood palace built on the lines of palace in Srirangapatnam. Post lunch, a visit to Bull Temple in Basvanagudi is scheduled. This 16th century temple hosts a massive monolithic Nandi bull statue and attracts a large number of visitors’ everyday. In the evening, navigate through Ulsoor Lake, a scenic attraction of Bengaluru trip. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03: Bengaluru - Mysore
After breakfast, check out Bengaluru for a royal tour to Mysore. Situated 200 km away from Bangalore, this city is a priced jewel in south India. Strikingly rich in history, landscape and heritage, this sensory city is often termed as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Upon arrival here, check in the hotel. Visit the replete Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Palace. This iconic structure comes to life during the Mysore Dassara celebrations. Next in the series is the visit to Srirangapatna, which once served as the headquarters of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Built in 1897, this palatial structure was the residence of Wodeyars and is still counted amongst the largest palaces in the world. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04: Mysore – Ooty
Check out Mysore for Ooty, a snooty hill settlement via road. (230 kms / 5 hrs) Once upon a time, Ooty was known as the British summer capital in South India. And now, it is the prized jewel for many south Indians who take summer refuge here and experience the bliss of Nilgiri range. Upon arrival here, check in the hotel and after comforting yourself in the room; begin aromatherapy session within the hotel's spa premises. This therapy, through the use of essential oils relaxes the mind, body and soul. The first Ayurveda experience will be based in Ooty. Rest of the day is free at leisure in Ooty's enchanting surroundings. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05: Ooty
Rise up in the morning with the refreshing aura on your face, thanks to Aromatherapy and begin the enchanting day in Ooty. After breakfast, visit the famous Botanical Gardens. The gardens spread over 50 acre area offer bountiful views of the mountainous scenery. The park, located below the Doddabetta peak allows travellers to soak in the panoramic views of the Blue Mountains. Next in the series is the artificial Ooty Lake for a charming boating experience amidst the lofty mountains. Post lunch, option for trekking is open. These treks allow travellers to discover the natural bounties of Ooty in a more elaborate way. Also, they can visit the famous tea gardens of South India in Ooty. The tea produced here is mild in flavour. Enjoy the aromatic brews here with evening tea and return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Ooty - Kochi
Next morning, check out snooty Ooty for Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea. (281 km / 4 hrs) This is the gateway to God’s own country in Kerala and also is one of the most visited destinations here. Lined by coconut palms, this is gently green destination famed for its salubrious weather and equable surroundings. Upon arrival, check in the Ayurvedic resort for a two night stay. Rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, witness the spectacular dance drama of Kathakali at the city’s cultural center. Return to the resort for overnight stay.
Day 07: Kochi
Wake up early in the morning and meet the doctors and Ayurvedic physicians here for an hour long session on Ayurveda. This is a 5000 years old holistic science, considered to be the best medicinal therapy in India. These doctors here provide counseling to tourists on their body constitution and prescribe some easy remedies and Ayurveda treatments to be followed as per the requirements. Sattvik Breakfast will be served here. After breakfast, discover Kochi through its must visit attractions of Chinese Fishing Nets, Bolghatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace. After brief sightseeing, indulge in the Ayurvedic Massage. Dinner and overnight in Kochi.
Day 08: Kochi – Ayurveda Session
Another day in Kochi extends the Ayurveda’s influence on the traveller. Some more therapies as per the body constitution can be availed. If not interested, then relax in Kochi and wait for another memorable experience to unfold in Kerala. Overnight stay.
Day 9: Alleppey (Houseboat) – Kumarakom
Check out the Ayurveda Resort in Kochi and begin a drive towards Alleppey (70 km), the alluring backwater destination. This stretch from Alleppey to Kumarakom is known for the iconic houseboat Kettuvallam experience and offers scenic bliss to the travellers. Upon arrival here, alight the car and board the jetty which will take them to the eco-friendly houseboat. The astounding fact about this houseboat is that still it is woven traditionally with bamboo and not even a single nail is used in its construction.
The journey upon the backwaters will display the best of Kerala's rural life, village people and other classic attractions in a great way. Lunch and Dinner will be served on the houseboat.
Day 10: Kumarakom – Kovalam (Ayurvedic Beach Resort)
Alight the houseboat after breakfast and begin another soothing journey to the balmy paradise of Kovalam. This is the most popular beach destination in Kerala and offers a good number of certified Green Leaf and Olive Leaf Ayurveda Resorts for ultimate rejuvenation. Upon arrival here, check in the Ayurvedic Resort for a four day stay.
Unlike other Indian beaches, this is comparatively quiet and offers soothing comfort to the tourists. Mapped by huge number of fringed coconut palms and rolled with tides continuously; this is an ultimate relaxation zone for travellers. Visit the Kovalam beach and spend hours in observing the gigantic ocean in motion. Return to the resort for overnight stay.
Day 11: Kovalam Relax
Begin an Ayurvedic day here with massage and Shirodhara. During this process, medicated lukewarm oil will be poured onto forehead, followed by a gentle massage on the temples. This will help strengthen the physical constitution of the body. After this, relax in Kovalam and spend the day in the languid pace here. Overnight in Kovalam
Day 12: Kovalam – Kanyakumari - Kovalam
After breakfast, move for an excursion towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of Indian mainland. This is also the sacred meeting-point of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Enroute Kanyakumari, visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, which is the best specimen of traditional Keralan architecture. This is Asia’s largest wooden palace complex built by Travancore rulers as their seat of kingdom. Upon reaching Kanyakumari, visit the beach which in itself is a rare geographical attraction followed by a visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial on an island. Spot the mellow sunset on the beach and return to Kovalam for overnight stay.
Day 13: – Kovalam – Thiruvananthapuram Sightseeing
Next day again is filled with enriched glimpses of Thiruvananthapuram, the evergreen city of India and the capital of Kerala. Check in the hotel for overnight stay. During the exploration, the city reveals the richest temple in the world ever, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Puttan Malika Palace. Further visit to Chitra Art Gallery and Napier Museum displays the knack and inclination of Travancore rulers for painting, crafts and sculpture.
Day 14: – Thiruvananthapuram – Departure
In time transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and board the connecting flight to the onward destination.
NOTE – Ayurveda Therapies are nothing but a spiritual treatment prescribed by specified doctors and physicians. The range of treatments given in the itinerary is just for reference. They may vary according to each tourist’s body constitution and the treatments will be given only on the prescription of the head physician at the Ayurvedic Resort.
