9-Day Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Retreat in Kerala's Backwaters

The retreat is based at Heritage Waterfront Retreat, also known as BackWater Paradise, a 100-year-old Kerala home in Veliyanadu, in the heart of the Kuttanad region, often called the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala.' The property sits directly on the backwater canals, with views of the water from the wide verandah. The architecture is traditional – tiled sloping roofs, warm wood, and a calm, landscaped garden. It's rustic and charming rather than luxurious, and that's part of its appeal.

Your mornings begin with a yoga practice, which varies daily but is designed to be accessible to all levels. Led by Dr. Anusha Achu Kurian, an Ayurvedic clinician and certified yoga therapy trainer, the sessions focus on breath, alignment, and therapeutic movement. After yoga, you can opt for Ayurvedic treatments – massages, oil therapies, and other procedures – which are arranged based on your dosha assessment during the online consultation. These treatments are done by experienced practitioners using traditional techniques.

The afternoons are for exploring. You can take a speedboat ride on Vembanad Lake, drift through the canals on a houseboat, or join a canoe tour that ends with a traditional Kerala vegetarian lunch served on a banana leaf. Kayaking and fishing are included, and you can also arrange sightseeing trips to local villages and temples. In the evenings, there's group Smriti meditation – a practice that focuses on mindful memory and awareness – and after that, dinner, often with a view of the sunset over the water.

What really distinguishes this retreat is the combination of these elements in an authentic setting. You get real Ayurvedic care, genuine meditation practice, and a taste of Kerala village life, all in one place. It's not a glossy wellness resort; it's a deep, personal immersion into a way of life that's been going on for centuries around these backwaters.

What's included

- 8 nights accommodation - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Specialized workshops - Group excursions/activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Parking

What's not included

- Flights costs - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Meals - Ayurveda treatments - Individual smriti meditation counselling