TEMPLES OF INDIA
Visit to the local fish market at 6 am with our celebrity Chef at Niramaaya Kovalam
Early mornings are sacred to any place that you are visiting. We have arranged a pre dawn tea at Niraamaya’s secluded beach, while you watch the spectacular Kovalam sunrise over the majestic Arabian Sea. Then we visit the the local fish market at 6 am with our celebrity Chef. The open air fish market is is situated at the harbour right where the boats come to unload. With views of t the harbour past the big Old Catholic church and mosques at the far end, the place is chaotic and brimming with daily activities. Our chef will guide through varieties of fish here and how to spot the best catch.
Walk the plantation - earn the tea, Tea tasting
Walk the talk with us through this enchanting tracks created by the tea pluckers while you experience the interesting variety of tea leaves that are grown here. The beautiful environs and serenity enveloping the Western Ghats is an experience of a lifetime. As you head into that are still covered in dew from the previous night. You walk past the serene view of hues of the landscape, while the workers are fully engaged in their daily tasks. Watch men and women carrying handmade baskets down their backs. You will be then tasting the variety of tea beautifully arranged on the table.
A Foodie Walk through Varanasi
You will be picked up from your hotel in Varanasi at 09:30 AM along with your English Speaking Guide and start your Varanasi foodie adventure. Experience the city while walking with all your senses and soak up the colors, sounds, sights, aromas and taste. This ancient city offers you the best of history coupled with the best in cuisine as well. The streets have a wide range of eateries, all offering delectably scrumptious food that is sure to suit every traveler’s appetite. You can indulge in some great street food items like Kachori & Jalebi, Banarsi Chat, Mallaiyo, Banarsi Pan and Lassi, served in many of the major bazaars and streets of old Varanasi. Upon conclusion of your tour, you will be taken back to your hotel within Varanasi.
Early mornings are sacred to any place that you are visiting. We have arranged a pre dawn tea at Niraamaya's secluded beach, while you watch the spectacular Kovalam sunrise over the majestic Arabian Sea. Then we isit the the local fish market at 6 am with our celebrity Chef. The open air fish market is is situated at the harbour right where the boats come to unload. With views of t the harbour past the big Old Catholic church and mosques at the far end, the place is chaotic annd brimming with daily activities. Our chef will guide through varieties of fish here and how to spot the best catch.
Knots of Compassion
Learn the 2500-year-old art of hand knotting, talk to the artisans practicing the craft for generations. Experience the love and innocence hidden at the grassroots of a rustic village. Learn to fetch milk from goat or maybe just watch it and make tea from freshly fetched milk, and a lot more.
Kathakali Dance Show
Today, we drive to the Cochin Cultural Center to enjoy the popular Kathakali Dance Show. The act begins with the Kelikutto and it is the call for the audience to shift their attention as the act is about to get started. Kelikutto is followed by Todayam. In this part, two allotted characters evoke the blessing of the Divine. This is consecutively followed by an entertaining dance piece purapaddu. Then the musicians take the stage and take the audience on a breath taking musical journey. This particular section of the act is called Melappada. All the other characters perform a debut in the Tiranokku section. This marks the beginning of the performance or the scene to be narrated.
Bollywood Tour
Today you are about to witness the magic of Bollywood. Remeber all those dancing around the trees? Mumbai is one of India’s largest city and home of the Bollywood movie industry. Enjoy a dance show based movie on films, music and dance, a signature style of Bollywood Films, which is largely a combination of formal and folk Indian traditional music and dance traditions fused with Middle Eastern techniques. Learn about the special effects, Bollywood sets, costume gallery in a Bollywood Museum. You will drive past homes of the famous Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and many more.
Learn the 2500-year-old art of hand knotting, talk to the artisans practicing the craft for generations. Experience the love and innocence hidden at the grassroots of a rustic village. Learn to fetch milk from goat or maybe just watch it and make tea from freshly fetched milk, and a lot more.
Today you are about to witness the magic of Bollywood. Remeber all those dancing around the trees? Mumbai is one of India’s largest city and home of the Bollywood movie industry. Enjoy a dance show based movie on films, music and dance, a signature style of Bollywood Films, which is largely a combination of formal and folk Indian traditional music and dance traditions fused with Middle Eastern techniques. Learn about the special effects, Bollywood sets, costume gallery in a Bollywood Museum. You will drive past homes of the famous Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and many more.
Today, we drive to the Cochin Cultural Center to enjoy the popular Kathakali Dance Show. The act begins with the Kelikutto and it is the call for the audience to shift their attention as the act is about to get started. Kelikutto is followed by Todayam. In this part, two allotted characters evoke the blessing of the Divine. This is consecutively followed by an entertaining dance piece purapaddu. Then the musicians take the stage and take the audience on a breath taking musical journey. This particular section of the act is called Melappada. All the other characters perform a debut in the Tiranokku section. This marks the beginning of the performance or the scene to be narrated.
Pushkar Camel Fair
You are here to experience the cattle trading at Pushkar Camel Fair that invoolves various other shows and competitions, such as camle beauty contests. Visit the famous Brahma Temple, the only place in India where Lord Brahma – the creator in the Holy Trinity is worshipped. Sit in peace at the Holy Pushkar Lake. Later in the evening you can join for some interesting games and dance shows organised by Ministry of Tourism at Pushkar Ground.
Dev Deepawali
In the evening, we wil be visiting the ghats of River Ganges to experience the grand celebrations of Dev Diwali. Be a witness to the the lights spread by millions of earthen lamps lighted by the thousands of devotees. Its just not the ghats but also the temples that are fully lit with millions of diyas. It is beleieved that on this day, the Gods descend on Earth. Every ghat is adorned with diyas and grand ceremonies. Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns. The best time to enjoy this tour is between 20 and 24 November.
Nehru Boat Race Trophy at Alleppey
Get ready to be enchanted by India’s very own Olympics on water. There are a variety of boat races in the trophy but the most famous of them is the Snake Boat Race. The boats actually have nothing to do with snakes except their shape. These boats are long canoes and generally carry 90-110 rowers. Getting its name after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, the man who was started this race in 1950s, these boats mostly represent the nearby villages who battle for the beautiful Nehru Trophy.
You are here to experience the cattle trading at Pushkar Camel Fair that invoolves various other shows and competitions, such as camle beauty contests. Visit the famous Brahma Temple, the only place in India where Lord Brahma - the creator in the Holy Trinity is worshipped. Sit in peace at the Holy Pushkar Lake. Later in the evening you can join for some interesting games and dance shows organised by Ministry of Tourism at Pushkar Ground.
Get ready to be enchanted by India's very own Olympics on water. There are a variety of boat races in the trophy but the most famous of them is the Snake Boat Race. The boats actually have nothing to do with snakes except their shape. These boats are long canoes and generally carry 90-110 rowers. Getting its name after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, the man who was started this race in 1950s, these boats mostly represent the nearby villages who battle for the beautiful Nehru Trophy.
In the evening, we wil be visiting the ghats of River Ganges to experience the grand celebrations of Dev Diwali. Be a witness to the the lights spread by millions of earthen lamps lighted by the thousands of devotees. Its just not the ghats but also the temples that are fully lit with millions of diyas. It is beleieved that on this day, the Gods descend on Earth. Every ghat is adorned with diyas and grand ceremonies. Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns. The best time to enjoy this tour is between 20 and 24 November.
Sunrise yoga on the platform by the cliff overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea for 30 mins at Niramaaya Kovalam
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 epicentre of Trade in sandalwood, spice and ivory. We transfer you to a motor boat that cruises through pristine coconut groves on either side of the river leading you upto Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets the 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 Niraamaya Signature Spa therapy (60 mins). This deeply relaxing massage is the ideal antidote to ease all stress.
Meet the Rinpoche (head monk) for some Budhhist immersion, Buddhist Village experience
Start your day as the sun rise behind the majestic Himalayas and the sound of cymbals and Sanskrit mantras fill the walls of Thikse monastery. Be a part of the whole conondrum of teh morning where you have a steaming cup of butter tea with the novice monks. Sit and chat with Rimpoche (Head Monk) for a Buddhist immersion. Post breakfast, we will visit a Budhhist village where we can walk through white-washed chortens and mud-brick homes strewn across barley fields and the winding road leads up to a medieval monastery. Adorned by fluttering prayer flags wielded in the wind, life in a Buddhist village bursts with the vibrant colours of seasonal activity. Partake in the seasonal farming activities like apricot picking and the making of Chang or rice-wine. Try your hand at archery too, which is the one of the local sports here
Own an elephant for a day
What if you can have an elephant of your own for yourself for a day? Be a Mahout (elephant trainer) yourself and learn the skills from those who have been doing it from generations. Spend your time riding, feeding,bathing, painting, and playing with them.
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 epicentre of Trade in sandalwood, spice and ivory. We transfer you to a motor boat that cruises through pristine coconut groves on either side of the river leading you upto Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets the 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 Niraamaya Signature Spa therapy (60 mins). This deeply relaxing massage is the ideal antidote to ease all stress.
What if you can have an elephant of your own for yourself for a day? Be a Mahout (elephant trainer) yourself and learn the skills from those who have been doing it from generations. Spend your time riding, feeding,bathing, painting, and playing with them.
Start your day as the sun rise behind the majestic Himalayas and the sound of cymbals and Sanskrit mantras fill the walls of Thikse monastery. Be a part of the whole conondrum of teh morning where you have a steaming cup of butter tea with the novice monks. Sit and chat with Rimpoche (Head Monk) for a Buddhist immersion. Post breakfast, we will visit a Budhhist village where we can walk through white-washed chortens and mud-brick homes strewn across barley fields and the winding road leads up to a medieval monastery. Adorned by fluttering prayer flags wielded in the wind, life in a Buddhist village bursts with the vibrant colours of seasonal activity. Partake in the seasonal farming activities like apricot picking and the making of Chang or rice-wine. Try your hand at archery too, which is the one of the local sports here
Yoga facing the Taj Mahal
For Yoga enthusiasts, there is nothing more calming and memorable than a Yoga session in the lush green gardens of Agra, merely 150 metres away from the Taj Mahal. Learn or enhance your Yoga techniques from an accomplished teacher, and experience the physical and therapeutic benefits of this ancient Indian practice without the experience of which, your trip will remain incomplete. The session includes your general warm-up and stretching exercises followed by Yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. We recommend sunrise as an ideal time for this session though timings can be arranged as per your requirement as well.
Ganga Aarti
Your personalised tour guide will pick you up from your respective hotel and we will begin our journey to the ghats of Varanasi for a spectacular experience of evening Aarti. We all know that the Hindus in India worship the River Ganges as a goddess, and every evening, Aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. You can choose. Its either from the ghat or from the waterside in a boat, you can witness this grand tradition that features precise choreography of rituals that are performed by several priests then, accompanied by the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras.
Ayurvedic Massage Experience in Kochi
Come to the designated location to experience this unique and personalized ayurvedic massage session offered by an experienced therapist. Multiple start times of the day is available for you to choose from. Start your session with a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician to analyze your personal doshas, the constitution of your body, and decide whether you are Vata, Pitta or Kapha type or a combination of either two or three doshas. Accordingly, the type of oil that suits you the best will be chosen and then you will begin the massage. The session of whole body massage is about an hour and, after the session is over, it is recommended for you to leave the oil as is for another hour or so, but alternatively you can also take a shower afterwards. Complete the session with a relaxed body and mind.
For Yoga enthusiasts, there is nothing more calming and memorable than a Yoga session in the lush green gardens of Agra, merely 150 metres away from the Taj Mahal. Learn or enhance your Yoga techniques from an accomplished teacher, and experience the physical and therapeutic benefits of this ancient Indian practice without the experience of which, your trip will remain incomplete. The session includes your general warm-up and stretching exercises followed by Yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. We recommend sunrise as an ideal time for this session though timings can be arranged as per your requirement as well.
Come to the designated location to experience this unique and personalized ayurvedic massage session offered by an experienced therapist. Multiple start times of the day is available for you to choose from. Start your session with a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician to analyze your personal doshas, the constitution of your body, and decide whether you are Vata, Pitta or Kapha type or a combination of either two or three doshas. Accordingly, the type of oil that suits you the best will be chosen and then you will begin the massage. The session of whole body massage is about an hour and, after the session is over, it is recommended for you to leave the oil as is for another hour or so, but alternatively you can also take a shower afterwards. Complete the session with a relaxed body and mind.
Your personalised tour guide will pick you up from your respective hotel and we will begin our journey to the ghats of Varanasi for a spectacular experience of evening Aarti. We all know that the Hindus in India worship the River Ganges as a goddess, and every evening, Aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. You can choose. Its either from the ghat or from the waterside in a boat, you can witness this grand tradition that features precise choreography of rituals that are performed by several priests then, accompanied by the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras.
Old Delhi Bicycle Tour
Old City wall, Kulcha Bakery, Jama Masjid, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Spice Market, Old Mansions, Breakfast
Bike tour to Sham Valley
Enjoy solo ride or with your partner/friend on a bike to the scenic Sham valley. Visit the Magnetic hill and the main villages and monasteries of the valley (Spituk, Phyang, Alchi, Likir, Basgo). A guide will be accompanying the group. Motorbike and petrol are included.
Jaipur's Balloon Safari - Fly Over the Pink City
You will be picked up from your hotel early morning to the launch site, for hot tea, coffee and light refreshments. Today, you will be experiencing Jaipur from up above the skies in a colourfu hot air balloon. Start your tour early as one cannot afford to miss the sight of the rising sun as you take off for a one-hour ride. Depending upon the direction of the wind, you can either be floating above the rural fields, lakes, hidden palaces and traditional Rajasthani villages nestled in the Aravali Mountains, or over Jal Mahal palace or Amer Fort.
Old City wall, Kulcha Bakery, Jama Masjid, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Spice Market, Old Mansions, Breakfast
You will be picked up from your hotel early morning to the launch site, for hot tea, coffee and light refreshments. Today, you will be experiencing Jaipur from up above the skies in a colourfu hot air balloon. Start your tour early as one cannot afford to miss the sight of the rising sun as you take off for a one-hour ride. Depending upon the direction of the wind, you can either be floating above the rural fields, lakes, hidden palaces and traditional Rajasthani villages nestled in the Aravali Mountains, or over Jal Mahal palace or Amer Fort.
Enjoy solo ride or with your partner/friend on a bike to the scenic Sham valley. Visit the Magnetic hill and the main villages and monasteries of the valley (Spituk, Phyang, Alchi, Likir, Basgo). A guide will be accompanying the group. Motorbike and petrol are included.
Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour
No guide books can give you this experience in Old Delhi. Today, we will be getting detailed insight into the history and heritage of India on a rather slow pace. While on one hand you will discover the lifestyle and age old practices of the locals, on the other our experts will show you around the city. Local tales breathes life into the history of one of the greatest heritage cities in the world. Our rickshaw drivers are trained according so that you can slow discover the charms of Old Delhi.
Morning Tour of Mumbai Dabbawalas and Dhobi Ghat
You will be starting your tour from the Churchgate Railway Station, the starting point of our tour. You are about to witness the fames dabbawalas of Mumbai and how they continue to use their 125 yeard old system. How they the dabbawalas disembarking the dabbas in their wooden carts from the local train? How they segregate the boxes and transfer them in trolleys for delivery. You wil then board the local train to Mahalaxmi Station where you will observe and engage with teh the dabbawalas where they guide you about the alphanumeric color coding system they invented and how their flawless method has attracted top business schools in the world. Thereafter you will be then moving to to the open air laundry area firmly known as Dhobi Ghat, which is a unique feature of Mumbai. In this massive area where the laundrymen soak clothes in sudsy water, thrash them on the flogging stones, then toss into huge vats and hang them out to dry. There are about 200 families working here together.
Trek to Mount Miracle at dawn
The environs of Niraamaya Retreat include our coffee and cardamom estate that sprawls right upto the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary Border.Our eager team will accompany on this 4 km trek to the top. For the inspired choose to do this trek at dawn and watch sunrise at the ‘heavens gateway’ from Mount Miracle.This walk is a great opportunity to catch local wildlife such as the Gaur or ‘Indian Bison’ and various species of deer. The highlight is looking out for the diversity of birds that team this area. White bellied treepies, Rufous woodpeckers. Better still listen for the songbirds like the Waynad laughing thrush, and the melancholic tune of the ‘Whistling Schoolboy’, the endemic Malabar whistling thrush.While Malabar grey hornbills are easily spotted the ‘steam locomotive’ sound of a flying Great pied hornbill or the Malabar pied hornbill will remain embedded in your memory. Spotting these majestically casqued rare Hornbills could make your vacation unforgettable. Our team could put together a small picnic backpack for you if you wish to linger longer in nature.
No guide books can give you this experience in Old Delhi. Today, we will be getting detailed insight into the history and heritage of India on a rather slow pace. While on one hand you will discover the lifestyle and age old practices of the locals, on the other our experts will show you around the city. Local tales breathes life into the history of one of the greatest heritage cities in the world. Our rickshaw drivers are trained according so that you can slow discover the charms of Old Delhi.
The environs of Niraamaya Retreat include our coffee and cardamom estate that sprawls right upto the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary Border.Our eager team will accompany on this 4 km trek to the top. For the inspired choose to do this trek at dawn and watch sunrise at the ‘heavens gateway’ from Mount Miracle.This walk is a great opportunity to catch local wildlife such as the Gaur or ‘Indian Bison’ and various species of deer. The highlight is looking out for the diversity of birds that team this area. White bellied treepies, Rufous woodpeckers. Better still listen for the songbirds like the Waynad laughing thrush, and the melancholic tune of the ‘Whistling Schoolboy’, the endemic Malabar whistling thrush.While Malabar grey hornbills are easily spotted the ‘steam locomotive’ sound of a flying Great pied hornbill or the Malabar pied hornbill will remain embedded in your memory. Spotting these majestically casqued rare Hornbills could make your vacation unforgettable. Our team could put together a small picnic backpack for you if you wish to linger longer in nature.
You will be starting your tour from the Churchgate Railway Station. You are about to witness the fames dabbawalas of Mumbai and how they continue to use their 125 yeard old system. How they disembarking the dabbas in their wooden carts from the local train? How they segregate the boxes and transfer them in trolleys for delivery. You will then board the local train to Mahalaxmi Station where you will observe and engage with teh the dabbawalas where they guide you about the alphanumeric color coding system they invented and how their flawless method has attracted top business schools in the world. Thereafter you will be then moving to to the open air laundry area firmly known as Dhobi Ghat.
Camel Safari/ Sunset Camel Safari
Begin your experience with a 3pm pickup from your hotel or the train station in Jaisalmer. Settle inside your private, air-conditioned vehicle and relax as you leave the ‘Golden City’ behind and travel west to the famous Sam Sand Dunes — a swathe of beautiful, silky dunes that stretches for around 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). On arrival, meet the camels in your convoy and clamber up into the saddle for your ride. Then, set off through the stark sands and pink-hued dunes as the sun starts to sink in the sky. Enjoy the views and stop to take photos of the stunning scenery, made even more magical by the setting sun. After your 2- to 3-hour camel trek, arrive at a desert camp at about 6:30pm for dinner. Take a seat and savor a delicious buffet dinner of Rajasthani cuisine by the flickering light of campfires and traditional mashaal torches. As you eat and take in the enchanting setting, enjoy live entertainment in the shape of folk music and traditional dancing displays. After dinner, relax on a private transfer back to Jaisalmer, where your experience ends with a drop-off at your hotel at about 9pm. Please note: this tour is seasonal and operates from October to March
Leopard Safari Private Day Tour From Jodhpur
We will pick you up from Jodhpur around 12 PM and travel to Jawai in a private car. Leopard Safari is one of the best activities of Jawai. Increasing population of leopards in 60 kilometre area of Jawai makes Jawai the best place in the world for leopard sighting and photography. As per our research and daily tracking, we have sorted 8-15 leopard safari zone where we take our visitors for the safari, which ususally takes place in the evening. The interesting fact is that humans and leopard stay in harmny here. Our leopard tour experts share great knowledge of Jawai and bera leopards behaviour and the best to know about the the life of leopards in jawai leopard hills. After the safari, we have arrange dinner at Jawai Local Palace.
Ride, bathe and feed Elephants at the sanctuary
Today, you are going to spend time with the Gods of the Jungle. You will be accompanied to a private area located at Anavachal road in Thekkady that offers elephant rides. There are half an hour to one hour elephant interaction programs that run here. A day in the midst of nature is a day well spent, so in that case the rustic hill town of Thekkady has a lot to offer. You can also visit the local markets, sip some coffee and buy some homemade chocolates.
Begin your experience with a 3pm pickup from your hotel or the train station in Jaisalmer. Settle inside your private, air-conditioned vehicle and relax as you leave the ‘Golden City’ behind and travel west to the famous Sam Sand Dunes — a swathe of beautiful, silky dunes that stretches for around 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). On arrival, meet the camels in your convoy and clamber up into the saddle for your ride. Then, set off through the stark sands and pink-hued dunes as the sun starts to sink in the sky. Enjoy the views and stop to take photos of the stunning scenery, made even more magical by the setting sun. After your 2- to 3-hour camel trek, arrive at a desert camp at about 6:30pm for dinner. Take a seat and savor a delicious buffet dinner of Rajasthani cuisine by the flickering light of campfires and traditional mashaal torches. As you eat and take in the enchanting setting, enjoy live entertainment in the shape of folk music and traditional dancing displays. After dinner, relax on a private transfer back to Jaisalmer, where your experience ends with a drop-off at your hotel at about 9pm. Please note: this tour is seasonal and operates from October to March
Today, you are going to spend time with the Gods of the Jungle. You will be accompanied to a private area located at Anavachal road in Thekkady that offers elephant rides. There are half an hour to one hour elephant interaction programs that run here. A day in the midst of nature is a day well spent, so in that case the rustic hill town of Thekkady has a lot to offer. You can also visit the local markets, sip some coffee and buy some homemade chocolates.
We will pick you up from Jodhpur around 12 PM and travel to Jawai in a private car. Leopard Safari is one of the best activities of Jawai. Increasing population of leopards in 60 kilometre area of Jawai makes Jawai the best place in the world for leopard sighting and photography. As per our research and daily tracking, we have sorted 8-15 leopard safari zone where we take our visitors for the safari, which ususally takes place in the evening. The interesting fact is that humans and leopard stay in harmny here. Our leopard tour experts share great knowledge of Jawai and bera leopards behaviour and the best to know about the the life of leopards in jawai leopard hills. After the safari, we have arrange dinner at Jawai Local Palace.