This 15-day, once in a lifetime journey weaves together time at an Ayurvedic retreat, a devotional ashram, backwater waterways, tea-covered mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, and centuries-old cultural sites.
Rather than rushing from place to place, our voyage is designed as a gradual unfolding. We begin on the Arabian Sea with restorative practices and Ayurvedic support, move inward to sacred community life at Amritapuri Ashram, and then travel through Kerala’s lush interior by houseboat, forest, and mountain. Along the way, we engage local traditions, food, music, movement, and land with respect and curiosity.
Lesley’s teaching and Seema’s expert guidance will anchor the retreat. Expect daily yoga, meditation, and inquiry appropriate to the setting and the arc of the journey. Practices will emphasize steadiness, listening, and integration, allowing the outer pilgrimage to support inner clarity and connection.
Retreat at a Glace
Dates:
January 23 – February 6, 2027 (15 Days)
Cost:
$6,500 Single Room
$5,200 Shared Double Room
*To hold your spot, a deposit of $900.00 will be collected. All retreat payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Absolutely no exceptions will be made to this policy.
Packages Include:
Single /double/twin room accommodation includes all meals in Kovalam resort.
Single / double / twin accommodation including dinner and breakfast in hotel.
One night backwater cruise includes all three meals on board houseboat.
Cooking lesson and lunch with the Keralan family.
Kathakali dance performance in Thekkady theatre.
Transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle.
Services of government licensed local tour guide as per itinerary.
Tea estate and factory visits in Munnar.
Trekking, Spice & coffee garden visits in Thekkady
Daily supply of bottled mineral water.
Boat cruise in Periyar Lake or bullock car ride.
Applicable entrance to monuments, Parks & government taxes.
Your Teachers and Guides
Lesley Desaulniers
Lesley has been studying yoga and meditation since 1996, taking her practice to New York, Russia, India and back. In her early twenties, Lesley was a resident at Ananda Ashram in upstate New York, where she intensively studied Sanskrit, meditation, philosophy, yoga, and chanting. She was later certified by master teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life and went on to teach at the Jivamukti Yoga Center in downtown Manhattan.
Seema Johari
Seema Johari Agarwal is the daughter of Sri Harish Johari, a highly regarded spiritual teacher who wrote many books on the chakras, numerology, Ayurveda, geometry, gemstones and philosophy. Seema has made it her life's work to honor her creative and spiritual heritage by sharing the beneficial knowledge she grew up with. She gives courses and workshops around the world and founded the 'Harish Johari House' in Haridwar, India.
Itinerary
Kovalam • Trivandrum • Amritapuri • Kumarakom • Alleppey • Thekkady • Munnar • Cochin
Saturday, Jan 23 | Arrival in Trivandrum → Kovalam
Arrive in Trivandrum and transfer to Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort, located on the coast in Kovalam.
Check-in is available from 2:00 PM (early check-in can be arranged if desired).
Evening at leisure to rest, settle in, and recover from travel.
Sunday–Tuesday, Jan 24–26 | Kovalam
Three full opening days at Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort to support grounding, nervous system regulation, and a gentle transition into retreat rhythm.
Daily yoga and meditation
Optional Ayurvedic treatments
Time for rest, ocean views, and integration
All meals included
Wednesday, Jan 27 | Kovalam → Amritapuri
Depart Kovalam and travel north to Amritapuri Ashram.
En route, visit Trivandrum city, including significant temple, palace, and museum sites reflecting Dravidian culture.
Arrive at Amritapuri and settle into ashram accommodations.
Thursday, Jan 28 | Amritapuri
Full day at Amma’s Ashram (Matha Amritanandamayi Mission). This day emphasizes simplicity, service, and collective spiritual practice.
Participation in ashram life
Yoga, meditation, and devotional atmosphere
All meals provided
Friday, Jan 29 | Amritapuri → Kumarakom
Travel to Kumarakom, located on the shores of Vembanad Lake.
Check into lakeside resort.
Afternoon and evening at leisure to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Saturday, Jan 30 | Kumarakom → Backwater Houseboat
Transfer to a private houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise.
Slow travel through Kerala’s waterways
Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
Time for rest, journaling, and quiet observation
Overnight on the houseboat.
Sunday, Jan 31 | Alleppey → Thekkady
Disembark from the houseboat and continue inland to Thekkady.
Guided visit to a spice, coffee, and cocoa plantation
Traditional Kathakali dance performance
Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s classical martial art
Monday, Feb 1 | Thekkady
Guided nature walk or trek in Periyar National Park, with opportunities to observe birds and wildlife
Visit a rural village via bullock cart, experiencing local agriculture and daily life or enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, with wildlife viewing from the water
Tuesday, Feb 2 | Thekkady → Munnar
Travel to Munnar, home to vast tea plantations and high mountain scenery.
En route: Visit an elephant sanctuary (interaction opportunities vary and can be adjusted based on group values)
Visit the Tea Museum, exploring the history and culture of tea production in the region
Wednesday, Feb 3 | Munnar
Visit a tea estate and participate in tea harvesting and observe the production process plus learn traditional methods of preparing Indian chai
Visit Eravikulam (Rajamali) National Park, home to rare wildlife including the Nilgiri Tahr
Thursday, Feb 4 | Munnar → Cochin
Travel to Cochin (Kochi), a historic port city shaped by Indian, Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
Friday, Feb 5 | Cochin
Saturday, Feb 6 | Departure
Transfer to Cochin International Airport for onward travel.