Two Ends of India, Two Complete Wellness Traditions
India's two most significant wellness traditions sit at opposite ends of the country — Rishikesh's yoga practice in the Himalayan foothills of the north, and Kerala's Ayurvedic medicine in the tropical south. This journey is built specifically to experience both properly, rather than rushing through either, connecting the Yoga Capital of the World with the birthplace of Ayurveda in one considered itinerary.
Four nights in Rishikesh establish a genuine daily yoga and pranayama rhythm on the banks of the Ganges, with the nightly Ganga Aarti as a recurring ritual — before the journey flies south to an entirely different climate, culture, and wellness philosophy.
In Kerala, an overnight backwater houseboat cruise through Alleppey's palm-lined canals leads into six nights at a Kovalam Ayurveda retreat — enough time for a genuine introductory Ayurvedic programme (daily Abhyanga and other therapies, physician consultation, Ayurvedic diet) without the full 14-day clinical commitment of a dedicated Panchakarma detox.
This is, deliberately, the most complete single wellness circuit we offer — two distinct traditions, two distinct landscapes, and enough time in each to let the experience actually settle rather than feeling like a whistle-stop tour.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Namaste! Welcome to India. On arrival at Dehradun Airport, meet our representative and drive to Rishikesh (approximately 35 km, ~1 hour). Check in to your ashram-style accommodation on the banks of the Ganges. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at the riverside ghats.
Begin the daily yoga rhythm — a morning session, then an afternoon walk across the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge through Tapovan. A second yoga and pranayama session follows before the evening Ganga Aarti.
Morning yoga followed by a foundational meditation session. In the afternoon, cross the Ram Jhula suspension bridge and explore the area near the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, associated with the Beatles' 1968 stay.
A final full day of Rishikesh practice — morning and evening yoga, with free time to enjoy the riverside pace ahead of tomorrow's flight south.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Delhi (approximately 240 km, ~6 hours) to connect with a flight to Kochi. On arrival in Kochi, drive to Alleppey (approximately 55 km, ~1.5 hours) and board your private houseboat for an evening cruise through the backwater canals, with fresh Kerala cuisine prepared aboard.
Wake to a peaceful sunrise over the backwaters and enjoy breakfast aboard as the houseboat completes its final morning cruise. Disembark and drive to Kovalam (approximately 160 km, ~3.5 hours). On arrival at your Ayurveda retreat, meet your physician for a consultation that shapes your six-day treatment plan.
Settle into the retreat's daily rhythm — morning yoga overlooking the Arabian Sea, followed by your prescribed daily Ayurvedic therapy (typically Abhyanga herbal oil massage). Afternoon free for the beach or pool.
Continue the daily programme of yoga and Ayurvedic therapy. In the late afternoon, walk up to the Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
Continued daily yoga and Ayurvedic therapy, with optional Shirodhara available — a continuous stream of warm medicated oil across the forehead, deeply calming to the nervous system.
Continue the daily wellness routine, or take an optional half-day excursion to nearby Thiruvananthapuram to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest and most revered Vishnu temples in India.
Your final full day of treatment — a concluding therapy session and a physician review of your programme, including personalised dietary and lifestyle guidance to carry forward after you leave.
Check out and drive to Kochi International Airport (approximately 160 km, ~3.5 hours) for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 11 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (4 Rishikesh, 1 houseboat, 6 Kovalam)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Internal flight, Delhi to Kochi
- ✓ Twice-daily yoga in Rishikesh; daily Ayurvedic therapy in Kovalam
- ✓ Ayurvedic physician consultation on arrival at Kovalam
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International airfare to/from Dehradun or from Kochi
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Optional white-water rafting in Rishikesh (payable locally)
- ✗ Optional Shirodhara or upgraded spa treatments (payable locally)
- ✗ Padmanabhaswamy Temple excursion (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Personal expenses
Your questions, answered
There's no direct flight between Dehradun and Kochi, so a connection via Delhi is the practical routing — we've built the drive and flight timing into Day 5 so it doesn't cut into your practice time at either end.
6 nights gives genuine daily therapy and a real taste of Ayurvedic treatment, but it is not the same as a full clinical Panchakarma detox, which requires the traditional 14-day minimum for proper preparation and rejuvenation phases. If Ayurveda is your primary goal rather than a complement to the Rishikesh yoga leg, our dedicated 14-Day Panchakarma Retreat is the more appropriate choice.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the treatment intensity, add extra rest days, or combine this with another wellness circuit. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
