{"id":21325,"date":"2018-10-16T11:11:03","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T10:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/adventure-trips\/kerala-india-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers\/"},"modified":"2020-04-29T15:06:08","modified_gmt":"2020-04-29T14:06:08","slug":"kerala-india-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/kerala-india-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Serene India: Beach life & ancient yoga in Kerala"},"content":{"rendered":"

Immerse yourself in regular yoga sessions, learn how to cook traditional Keralan recipes and kayak through the region\u2019s lush mangroves <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":77598,"menu_order":189,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":null,"duration":8,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-FeaturedImage-1352x1414-1120x620.jpg","continent":"Asia","country":"India","countries":["India"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a32149","max":"\u00a32249"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2529","max":"\u20ac2659"},"usd":{"min":"$2899","max":"$3034"},"cad":{"min":"$3969","max":"$4159"},"aud":{"min":"$3949","max":"$4149"},"nzd":{"min":"$4399","max":"$4619"},"hkd":{"min":"$21589","max":"$22609"},"aed":{"min":"DH10139","max":"DH10629"}},"about":"

Immerse yourself in ancient yoga, encounter the flavors of Southern India and relax on soft white beaches on this serene wellness escape. <\/strong><\/p>\n

India is the birthplace of yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and you\u2019ll feel it more than ever in the southern state of Kerala. Offering a quieter route into India\u2019s vibrant culture, you\u2019ll find Kerala a relaxing counterpart to the manic energy of the northern cities.<\/p>\n

As you absorb yourself in daily yoga sessions, kayak through the lush landscape and uncover the secrets of the local cuisine, city life will soon seem like a distant dream.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[],"hidden":true,"seasons":[],"scenery":[],"activities":[],"activity_level":[],"key_locations":"","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Cochin Airport (COK) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"The call of Kochi ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome to Kerala. A private transfer will greet you at the hotel, ready to whisk you to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Meet your fellow travelers at the hotel, then you\u2019ll head out together to explore Fort Kochi\u2019s charming streets. Offering a rich blend of colonial history, ancient mosques and trendy cafes, Fort Kochi is a delight to discover. Stroll along the harbor, where you\u2019ll see fishermen casting giant Chinese nets out to sea, or weave through alleyways lined with galleries and boutiques. Enjoy a few sundowner drinks with your group, before making your way to a traditional restaurant for dinner. Keralan cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors; we recommend the seafood curries and crispy dhosa, in particular.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"The call of Kochi ","text":"

Welcome to Kerala. A private transfer will greet you at the hotel, ready to whisk you to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Meet your fellow travelers at the hotel, then you\u2019ll head out together to explore Fort Kochi\u2019s charming streets. Offering a rich blend of colonial history, ancient mosques and trendy cafes, Fort Kochi is a delight to discover. Stroll along the harbor, where you\u2019ll see fishermen casting giant Chinese nets out to sea, or weave through alleyways lined with galleries and boutiques. Enjoy a few sundowner drinks with your group, before making your way to a traditional restaurant for dinner. Keralan cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors; we recommend the seafood curries and crispy dhosa, in particular.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Cochin Airport (COK) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-beach-people-chinese-fishing-day1.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Morning yoga | cooking class","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Morning yoga & Keralan cuisine ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Begin your day with a yoga session, then you\u2019ll catch a ferry over to Vypin Island \u2013 think long sandy beaches and uninterrupted sea views. It\u2019s here where you\u2019ll be divided into two teams, each given mystery box containing a selection of secret ingredients. Under the guidance of local chef Neema, you\u2019ll learn how to transform these ingredients into traditional dishes, before feasting on your creations. After lunch, catch your transfer over to the tea hills of Munnar. Home to South India\u2019s largest tea-producing region, you\u2019ll find a canvas of terraced plantations shrouded by mists of cloud forest. Check into your beautiful mountain resort and take the rest of the evening to relax. Our recommendation? Sink into the outdoor pool, with panoramic views of the mountains unfolding around you.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Morning yoga & Keralan cuisine ","text":"

Begin your day with a yoga session, then you\u2019ll catch a ferry over to Vypin Island \u2013 think long sandy beaches and uninterrupted sea views. It\u2019s here where you\u2019ll be divided into two teams, each given mystery box containing a selection of secret ingredients. Under the guidance of local chef Neema, you\u2019ll learn how to transform these ingredients into traditional dishes, before feasting on your creations. After lunch, catch your transfer over to the tea hills of Munnar. Home to South India\u2019s largest tea-producing region, you\u2019ll find a canvas of terraced plantations shrouded by mists of cloud forest. Check into your beautiful mountain resort and take the rest of the evening to relax. Our recommendation? Sink into the outdoor pool, with panoramic views of the mountains unfolding around you.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Morning yoga | cooking class","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-yoga-beach-day2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Explore a tea plantation | evening at leisure ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Tea flavors & mountain indulgence","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today will see you head over to the Lockhart Estate, a tea plantation dating back to 1879. Spend the morning exploring the plantations, where you\u2019ll learn how to cultivate tea leaves alongside local farmers. Tuck into a freshly-made lunch on the estate, before spending the rest of the afternoon learning about the methods of tea production, with the opportunity to process your own pickings.To round off your visit, you\u2019ll enjoy an exclusive tea tasting with a range of local flavors to sample, before a relaxing evening at the resort.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Tea flavors & mountain indulgence","text":"

Today will see you head over to the Lockhart Estate, a tea plantation dating back to 1879. Spend the morning exploring the plantations, where you\u2019ll learn how to cultivate tea leaves alongside local farmers. Tuck into a freshly-made lunch on the estate, before spending the rest of the afternoon learning about the methods of tea production, with the opportunity to process your own pickings.To round off your visit, you\u2019ll enjoy an exclusive tea tasting with a range of local flavors to sample, before a relaxing evening at the resort.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Explore a tea plantation | evening at leisure ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-leaves-tea-day3-1.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Free day on the coast ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"From mountain to coast ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Rise at dawn to admire the highlands glowing with sunrise through the morning mists. You\u2019ll then catch your transfer back down to Kerala, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the coast as you please. Settle into your new hotel, a beautiful Keralan home on Vembanad Lake with an Ayurvedic spa and open-air bathrooms. Then, as evening draws in, hop aboard a kettavallum houseboat for a memorable sunset cruise.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"From mountain to coast ","text":"

Rise at dawn to admire the highlands glowing with sunrise through the morning mists. You\u2019ll then catch your transfer back down to Kerala, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the coast as you please. Settle into your new hotel, a beautiful Keralan home on Vembanad Lake with an Ayurvedic spa and open-air bathrooms. Then, as evening draws in, hop aboard a kettavallum houseboat for a memorable sunset cruise.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Free day on the coast ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-man-boat-lake-day4.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Backwater kayaking | evening at leisure ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Backwater kayaking & local cuisine ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome the day with a morning yoga session. Then, you\u2019ll want to fill up on breakfast at the hotel, because you\u2019ll be embarking on a day-long kayaking adventure through Kerala\u2019s famous backwaters. Navigate your way through hidden rivers and lush mangroves, with tall coconut trees arching gracefully overhead. Here, you\u2019ll encounter a peaceful world secluded in Kerala\u2019s backwaters: groups of school children flying kites, crab fishermen reeling in their catch, women in vibrant saris spinning reels on the riverbanks. Back at the hotel, enjoy a massage in the spa or head to the lakeside restaurant for local dishes such as karimeen: crispy fish wrapped in plantain leaves, served with a chilli marinade.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Backwater kayaking & local cuisine ","text":"

Welcome the day with a morning yoga session. Then, you\u2019ll want to fill up on breakfast at the hotel, because you\u2019ll be embarking on a day-long kayaking adventure through Kerala\u2019s famous backwaters. Navigate your way through hidden rivers and lush mangroves, with tall coconut trees arching gracefully overhead. Here, you\u2019ll encounter a peaceful world secluded in Kerala\u2019s backwaters: groups of school children flying kites, crab fishermen reeling in their catch, women in vibrant saris spinning reels on the riverbanks. Back at the hotel, enjoy a massage in the spa or head to the lakeside restaurant for local dishes such as karimeen: crispy fish wrapped in plantain leaves, served with a chilli marinade.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Backwater kayaking | evening at leisure ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-kayaking-day5.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Morning yoga | day at leisure ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Mindful meditation & coastal beauty ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Start your day with relaxing yoga session, before venturing half an hour up the coastline to Mararikulam. With azure sea, endless white sands and fishing boats dotted along the horizon, this is Southern India at its most picturesque. Check into your hotel, a luxurious retreat nestled between 30 acres of lily ponds and fruit trees, with the rest of the day all yours to spend however you please. Explore the boathouse library along the coast, book yourself into the Ayurvedic spa or unwind in an afternoon meditation session at the hotel. Then, as sunset falls over the coast, head to the open-air bar for a cold beer, or enjoy some fresh masala-fried squid at the nearby ocean grill.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Mindful meditation & coastal beauty ","text":"

Start your day with relaxing yoga session, before venturing half an hour up the coastline to Mararikulam. With azure sea, endless white sands and fishing boats dotted along the horizon, this is Southern India at its most picturesque. Check into your hotel, a luxurious retreat nestled between 30 acres of lily ponds and fruit trees, with the rest of the day all yours to spend however you please. Explore the boathouse library along the coast, book yourself into the Ayurvedic spa or unwind in an afternoon meditation session at the hotel. Then, as sunset falls over the coast, head to the open-air bar for a cold beer, or enjoy some fresh masala-fried squid at the nearby ocean grill.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Morning yoga | day at leisure ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-beach-india-day6-1.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Morning yoga | candlelit feast ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Sun-soaked charms & candlelit feasts","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your day begins with an immersive yoga and meditation session, with another sun-soaked day on the beach ahead of you. There\u2019s plenty to be savored here, from organic cooking classes to wildlife walks led by local naturalists. Explore the fishing villages dotted along the coast, or visit the harbor to see the daily catch hauled in. Or, simply relax on the beach with a book in hand and the warm Arabian Sea at your disposal \u2013 the choice is yours. In the evening, gather with your group for a candlelit feast, with a spread of fragrant curries and seafood dishes to tuck into.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Sun-soaked charms & candlelit feasts","text":"

Your day begins with an immersive yoga and meditation session, with another sun-soaked day on the beach ahead of you. There\u2019s plenty to be savored here, from organic cooking classes to wildlife walks led by local naturalists. Explore the fishing villages dotted along the coast, or visit the harbor to see the daily catch hauled in. Or, simply relax on the beach with a book in hand and the warm Arabian Sea at your disposal \u2013 the choice is yours. In the evening, gather with your group for a candlelit feast, with a spread of fragrant curries and seafood dishes to tuck into.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Morning yoga | candlelit feast ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-beach-people-day7.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Cochin International Airport (COK)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Goodbye, Kerala ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you might have time for a last dip in the pool before arranging your transfer back to the airport. It\u2019s a 90-minute drive, but the hotel can help organize taxis for a reasonable price. Want to see more of India? Enjoy a prequel to this trip with our longer adventure in Rajasthan<\/a>, Kerala\u2019s majestic northern neighbor.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Goodbye, Kerala ","text":"

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you might have time for a last dip in the pool before arranging your transfer back to the airport. It\u2019s a 90-minute drive, but the hotel can help organize taxis for a reasonable price. Want to see more of India? Enjoy a prequel to this trip with our longer adventure in Rajasthan<\/a>, Kerala\u2019s majestic northern neighbor.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Cochin International Airport (COK)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEA-Itinerary-kerela-boat-lake-day8-1.jpg"],"day":8}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":[],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","e","g","t","m","b","l","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"","answer":"Fly into and out of Cochin International Airport (COK).\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please ensure that your flight lands no later than 11am on day 1, so that you arrive at the hotel in time for your welcome meeting at 2pm. You can depart anytime on the last day, but please be aware that you\u2019ll need to factor in five hours between leaving the hotel and your flight departure time.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"In the backwaters of Alleppey, many people stay the night on kettuvallum houseboats. But between petrol fumes, blaring music and crowded parking spaces, we prefer to draw on the facilities of a luxury canal-front hotel.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"All included meals will be served in a buffet format, so you can pick and choose between a wide range of dishes and experience the diversity of Keralan cuisine first-hand.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom","short_description":"Idyllic riverside escape in Kerala's Kuttanad region ","description":"Coconut Lagoon\u2019s wooden bungalows and mansion house lie on the banks of picturesque Vembanad Lake. Rooms come with shady verandahs, there\u2019s a large communal pool and excellent curries at the onsite Aymanam restaurant.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEAcoconutlagoon1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"The Marari Beach, Mararikulam","short_description":"Eco-friendly coastal retreat ","description":"A super-stylish hotel with heart, thanks to initiatives such as plastic-free toiletries, solar panels and rainwater harvesting, plus a project with local female weavers who make the elegant towels in the guests\u2019 thatch-roof bungalows.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEAmararibeach1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"The Blanket, Munnar","short_description":"Five-star retreat in the misty tea hills ","description":"Surrounded by scenic views of the mountains, you\u2019ll feel immersed in the Southern Indian landscape here.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/KEAfogresort1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/21325"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}