Ayurvedic cure and discovery of South India (17N/18D)

Ayurvedic cure and discovery of South India

Come and explore all the diversity of this itinerary in South India . Discover the magnificent and, at times mystical, Hindu temples in the sacred cities of Tamil Nadu , notice the mix of culture in Pondicherry, the charming old French colonial city, travel through the Indian countryside before crossing the mountain of the Western Ghats, explore the plantations of teas and spices, sail on the Backwaters, these jungle-lined canals and lagoons and reach the Malabar coast in the historic city of Cochin.

You travel from East to West the two great regions of South India. You will be marked by its multicultural, warm and smiling inhabitants. Tamil Nadu offers a great architectural and cultural richness. A region where Hindu fervor is omnipresent. Kerala is a nature -oriented region; between jungle, countryside, mountain, tea plantation, lakes and rivers. Not to mention beautiful beaches that punctuates the start and end of your trip.

A perfect balance between discovery and relaxation for a successful holiday! A circuit accompanied by your driver while remaining flexible to your desires and preferences. You are ready? So, let yourself be guided and leave with a light mind.

The charm of South India offers an ideal setting for recharging one’s batteries. Between sacred places and green landscapes, the Kerala region has always been renowned for its Ayurvedic cures of unparalleled quality.

We invite you for 14 days on a unique journey of well-being and relaxation. Let yourself be carried away by the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala and rejuvenate yourself physically and internally during an Ayurvedic cure.Considered the oldest holistic medicine in the world with 5000 years of history, Ayurveda is still deeply rooted in the current daily life of the Indian population. More than a medicine, it is a real art of living that allows you to relax, regain energy and rebalance your interior. Your treatment takes place in a very beautiful Ayurvedic hotel-hospital in the heart of Kerala, yoga, Ayurvedic massages and treatments, dietetic food, rest, relaxation and meditation.

Kerala has an unbroken tradition of Ayurveda which has overcome numerous invasions and intrusions, both foreign and local. For hundreds of years, the Ayurveda Vaidyas (traditional practitioners of Ayurveda) were virtually the only access for people seeking cure from any kind of disease in Kerala.

Between the discovery of magnificent landscapes with lush nature and rejuvenation thanks to Ayurvedic treatments , yoga and massages , you will return from this trip to South India completely out of place, relaxed, full of energy and with a liberated mind. A perfect stay for travelling, disconnecting and taking time for yourself, while combining cultural discoveries.

CHENNAI–MAHABALIPURAM

Day 1

First step in South India

” Vanakkam “, your driver welcomes you at the airport by welcoming you in Tamil. You get acquainted during the road that takes you to your hotel in the city of Mahäbalipuram . This village, former port of the Pallavas dynasty dating from the 7th century is famous for the many temples it houses but also for its magnificent beach. Depending on your arrival time, drop off your belongings at your hotel and go for a walk on the beach and enjoy the sea air which will invigorate you after your flight. In the evening, why not let yourself be transported by the spicy dishes of Tamil cuisine. You have arrived in India!

MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

Day 2

Remains of the Pallavas dynasty

Wake up early to discover the famous set of temples on the shore gradually reveal themselves at sunrise. Like huge sandcastles that rise on the magnificent beach of Mahäbalipuram. Observe the thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva then walk to the gigantic bas-relief of the “Descent of the Ganges”. Note the precision of the Indian sculptors of this period. Then, you continue with the visit of the famous Fives Rathas , five temples in the form of chariots in procession, each carved from a single rock of granite. In the afternoon, you reach Pondicherry, a former French colonial trading post with a unique atmosphere and charm. Night at the hotel

PONDICHERRY

Day 3

The white city

After your breakfast, you meet your South India travel experts at our premises before starting the “Shanti Walk” with your English-speaking guide who will take you back in time through colonial architecture, along streets with French names. Then, you pass through the Indian district and visit a giant market with a thousand colors and a thousand scents. You are charmed by this mixed city. At the end of the day, why not take a stroll on the Promenade which borders the sea, a real place of life for the inhabitants of Pondicherry. A city that enchants you. Night at the hotel.

PONDICHERRY – TANJORE

Day 4

The famous temples of the Chola dynasty

Today, discover the magnificent temples erected by the kings of the Chola dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries, classified by UNESCO. Discover the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple , a large tower typical of South India and a true jewel of Chola art. It is in this temple that the Bharatanatyam , the famous dance of Tamil Nadu , was born, which takes up the cosmic dance of Shiva. Then, marvel at the thousands of statues in honor of Shiva at the thousand-year-old temple of Gangaikondacholapuram , whose calm and tranquility are very relaxing. You visit the Darasuram temple and its many sculpted columns and return to your hotel in Tanjore.

TANJORE–CHETTINAD

Day 5

Window on the Indian countryside and forgotten palaces

This morning, visit one of the largest temples in the region: the Brihadishvara Temple . A masterpiece of religious architecture, in the Dravidian style. After lunch, you are delighted to take the road again between rice fields and green fields. You observe many small palaces characteristic of the region. They are more or less maintained and, for the most part, serve as film sets or wedding receptions. Arrived at Chettinad , you visit the fortress of Thirumayam and the temple of Sri Gokarneshwara . And why not take a walk in the village, to discover the sumptuous palaces forgotten by the Chettiars, a rich Tamil trading community . Night at the hotel.

CHETTINAD–MADURAI

Day 6

Tamil cultural capital

You leave early in the morning to reach Madurai , a holy city blessed by Shiva and a major place of Hindu pilgrimage. You will certainly come across more than one Sadhu there , recognizable by their painted faces. These people have broken all social ties in order to devote their lives to the spiritual quest. You visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace . Then, feel the serenity that emanates from the Sri Meenakshi Temple complex , one of the most vibrant temples in South India . In the evening, to the tune of Nagaswaram , an Indian instrument used in temples, you witness the symbolic procession by the priests of Shiva near his wife.

MADURAI–MUNNAR

Day 7

The calm of the tea plantations

This morning, have one last Idli Vada , a good Tamil breakfast, renowned for its health benefits, consisting of fermented chickpea flour and rice. You leave Tamil Nadu to begin your stay in Kerala . Look out the window, you are surrounded by the Western Ghats, the green mountains of southern India ! The road is winding but fantastic. Take a breath of fresh air and stroll through the heart of the tea plantations, an invigorating calm after the fervor of Indian cities. Visit Top Station , one of the region’s tea roasting factories, where you learn about all the stages, from harvesting to tasting. Night at the hotel.

MUNNAR–THEKKADY

Day 8

The spice region

Today, you will travel through the various tea and spice plantations, lakes and eucalyptus forests, where small hamlets are hidden in the heart of the Western Ghats mountain . You visit a spice garden in the region, renowned throughout the world. Between cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, chilli, vanilla and star anise, all your senses are awakened . Discover the manufacturing secrets of the famous Indian Masala which flavors most Indian dishes. These spices also have many benefits, used in particular in Ayurvedic medicine. Stock up on spices for you and your loved ones and head to Thekkady , a village on the edge of the Periyar Nature Reserve .

THEKKADI- MANALTHEERAM AYURVEDA BEACH VILLAGE

AYURVEDIC CURE

Day 9

1st day of the Ayurvedic cure for a perfect reconnection to your body

Originating in India, Ayurveda is an alternative medicine based on the science of life; “Ayus” means life and “Veda” knowledge. This medicine has the singularity of treating the body without ever forgetting the mind, whether for a particular health problem or simply to deepen the search for its balance. Participating in such a retreat will allow you to open up about your well-being and let go of the outside world. The center’s chef will offer you a healthy and vegetarian diet based on the culinary traditions of Kerala and Ayurveda. Meals can be personalized according to your needs and your doctor’s instructions.

On the day of your arrival, you benefit from aconsultation with the doctor who defines your program and assigns you the appropriate care. He will carry out a personalized follow-up throughout your program. This is an important step during which the doctor will spend time with you in order to know your way of life from childhood until today, by raising certain points such as the rhythm of life, food, sleep. ..

Thus your doctor will be able to prescribe the treatment that will suit you, but if your health does not require treatment, we are sure that you will appreciate the quality of the massages, contributing to your body awareness and promoting anchoring.

2ND DAY OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Day 10

You attend a daily yoga session and enjoy daily Ayurveda treatments.

1h30 to 2h30 of Ayurvedic care and treatment per day

(according to the Ayurvedic doctor’s protocol, each day the care can be different, and therefore their duration as well).

Daily yoga and meditation sessions are included in the stay.

All medications during treatment are included.

At the end of the stay, the doctor will indicate for each patient the need to continue the treatment (without obligation, in addition).

3RD DAY OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Day 11

Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, relaxation.

Did you know that in Ayurvedic philosophy, the universe is made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth and space. These elements are represented in man by three doshas or energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When one of the doshas accumulates in the body beyond the desirable limit, the body loses its balance. Each individual has a distinct balance. Our health and well-being depend on the proper balance of the three doshas. Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to help individuals maintain balance between the doshas. The Ayurvedic treatment that will be given to you will, among other things, restore any imbalance between these elements.

4TH DAY OF TREATMENT

Day 12

Every day during the cure, you follow the program defined by the Vaidya. You therefore benefit from care, massages and treatments (allow 1 to 2 hours of care each day on average, according to the doctor’s personalized protocol for you). You can also perform yoga and meditation daily.

During your free time, enjoy the enchanting setting of your accommodation, nature, swimming pool, guaranteed rejuvenation.

5TH DAY OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Day 13

Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, relaxation.

The Ayurveda system not only aims to improve your general well-being and good health, but also to improve your holistic well-being. Ayurveda provides a framework within which we can rework our lifestyle to optimize our bodily functions. This centuries-old healing tradition uses natural herbs and oils, all of which have immense medicinal value. The systems created are based on more than 5,000 years of knowledge transmitted by the Vedas. Ayurveda is a treatment system that helps you age gracefully while being the epitome of good physical health.

6TH DAY OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Day 14

In addition to your daily care and meditation, take advantage of your free time to discover your hotel’s orchard, made up of mango trees, papaya shrubs and a huge pineapple plantation.

Also, to get a better idea of Indian cuisine and at the same time healthy, you can attend Indian cooking demonstrations.

7^TH & LAST DAY OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Day 15

Last day of your Ayurvedic treatment.

THEKKADY – HOUSEBOAT

Day 16

Relaxing day on the Backwaters

This morning, leave the scenery of the Western Ghats for the backwaters of Kerala , an immense network of lagoons and canals bordered by lush nature and small authentic villages . There’s nothing better to take advantage of this setting than to board a House-boat, a traditional floating house whose crew welcomes you. You are delighted with this day of great tranquility on the calm waters of this little tropical Venice. An ideal way to observe the life of its inhabitants at different times of the day, both on the water and in the ancient teak, mahogany and rosewood houses on the shores. Bask in the sound of birds and sleep on a Houseboat.

HOUSEBOAT – COCHIN

Day 17

Cultural and historical capital of Kerala

After a good night’s sleep, you disembark in the morning and meet your driver who will take you to Cochin. This city is a true example of cultural diversity, due to its different peoples who colonized the city during history and all the communities and religions that live there today. Stroll through the alleys of the Fort of Cochin, the historic heart of the city. Discover the oldest church in the country, a 16th century synagogue, the Portuguese or “Dutch” palace, and mosques that line the roads. In the evening, watch a performance of Kathakali , a dance theater of Kerala art . Night at the hotel.

COCHIN – COCHIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Day 18

Indian smiles in your suitcases

Get up early for a walk along the harbor and admire “Chinese plaice”, a traditional fishing net. Observe the fishermen who sell their fish in many small stalls. Depending on the schedule of your return flight, why not try a traditional Ayurvedic massage that helps rebalance the body. Taste a last chicken curry and sip a last Chai Masala , a mixture of tea and spices accompanied by a cloud of milk. Then, your driver and your French-speaking guide will take you to the airport. You thank them for all their incredible moments spent. Our services are ending. Our Travel team wishes you a pleasant return.

Note: Ayurvedic cure itinerary can change as per demand or ayurvedic doctor suggestion too. Above 7 days ayurvedic cure itinerary is in a general way.

Tarif: 2500 Euro per person.

Inclue:

Welcome by your travel expert or our representative upon your arrival at the airport
Full board in a double room/ single for the Ayurvedic cure with all meals
Accommodation in a double or single room throughout the tour with breakfast & dinner
The accompaniment of a local guide in major tourist place, Tamilnadu, & Kochin
Consultations with the Ayurvedic doctor from the day of arrival to the day of departure, every day
Daily Ayurvedic treatments: duration from 1h30 to 2h30 per day. The type and duration of care will be determined during consultation with the doctor.
Yoga & meditation classes offered daily
All transfers from airport/hotel to hotel/airport
All transportation on the tour by private vehicle with English speaking driver
Entrances to all the sites mentioned in the program
Government taxes and service taxes.
Graded activities included in the program.
One night in luxury Houseboat with all meals
The heritage guided walk in the alleys of Pondicherry
The Kathakali show in Cochin
Welcome by Hindu Brahmin Pujari or Persist in the cosmic temple of the lord Nataraja