This trip took us on an amazing odyssey across “the roof the world.” The Himalayan region of India is so extraordinary as to almost defy description. Days of travel along narrow, mountainous tracks took us into remote territory of vast breadth and scope. The contrast between the verdant sub-tropical environs of Dharamshala, and the high alpine tundra of the Changthang Plateau, where it froze at night, dispelled any preconceived notions about India.
In the shadow of snow covered mountain peaks, and barren, inhospitable landscapes, live incredibly welcoming and generous people. We were invited into homes for meals and to see how the local people live. Our visits to Buddhist monasteries built centuries ago in the most impossible places, gave us respect and appreciation for this gentle and peaceful way of being, which imbues the area culture.
You’ll see landscapes that look like fantastical imaginings, of jagged peaks and rock layers contorted by immense geological processes. Cascades of melt water from this region’s glaciers give rise to South Asia’s great rivers. From steep hillsides people carve terraces into the hillsides to grow crops and plant apple orchards. Our skilled drivers took us over seemingly impassable roads, deftly finding their way around every obstacle including rock falls, and washouts!
The trip ended in teeming Delhi with visits to the Taj Mahal by rail and the ornately decorated Akshardam Temple.
Our masterful guide Sarju smoothed every wrinkle: making our journey a magic carpet ride of never-to-be forgotten experiences. Turn the pages and enjoy the trip!
– Words by Robert McCubbin
We covered an amazing amount of ground in our “Journey to Himalayas” across the “roof of the world.” An extraordinary trip with extraordinary guide! The trip was for me, an enriching odyssey of spiritual, landscape and cultural elements, which I will always remember. The territory we journeyed across was remote, distant, at high altitude, rugged, and for few days very cold! There were physical and emotional challenges for us, which you navigated with skill and professionalism. As a guide you showed that you were fully informed about the people and places on the tour. I enjoyed the authentic experience with local people. This “journey” was not only about going places and seeing things, but about learning new things about a fascinating part of the world – and oneself in the process.
Sarju, I am still processing the experience of this trip, and foregoing seems inadequate to fully cover it all. For now, however, many thanks for an amazing journey “there and back again!” Cheers, Bob
Sarju, what can I say except thank you for giving me a trip of a lifetime! This will definitely be a trip that I will never forget. It has been filled with so many “wow” moments and has enriched my life in so many ways. Thank you for providing us so many opportunities to take in the culture and “experience” the moment with families, traditions, landscapes and just everything. There wasn’t a day that went by in all 30 days that I wasn’t thrilled to be here and experience some of what India has to offer. I know it is just a small sampling but it has been amazing.
Thank You for your guidance, your organization, the wonderful itinerary but especially for your kindness, compassion and generosity. I look forward to continuing our friendship in the future. Sincerely & with Love
I want to express my gratitude to you for putting together the most life changing trip of my life. India challenged me on physical, mental and spiritual level that stripped away old attachments and pre-conceptions, replacing them with clear light of awareness.
Though I did not get everything that I thought I wanted, I received way more wisdom, compassion and joy by opening myself to the offerings of present moment with Cathy, Bob, Chuck & yourself. Sarju Thanks. Namaste with Love!
I was fortunate to join the end of a 28-day tour and loved Sarju’s attentiveness to his clients needs and wishes. He is a resourceful and socially conscious guide, but also tons of fun to be with! Exploring the Taj Mahal was a wonderful experience thanks to Sarju and his lovely group of four tourists who really had obviously built a strong bond with him. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to travel with Journey to the Himalayas!
May the wind be always at your back.
Bob’s word. Ditto for me!
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Overview -
Itinerary -
Ayurveda Spas
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Dates & Cost -
Book Now
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
- Houseboat Cruise in the backwaters of Kerala
- Spice and Perfume Bazaars of Fort Kochi
- Malabar Cuinse - Coastal Flavors & Culinary Heritage
- Spice & Tea Plantations in Munnar
- Periyar National Park – Tiger and Elephant reserve
- Visit Local Harbours & Markets
- Village Walks with local story tellers, and visits to local markets
- Theyyam – a dance where the human and divine worlds converge
- Kathakali – Kerala’s classical dance drama known for its mudras
- Ayurvedic Massage & Treatments (not included in the tour price)
FEATURES
- Small Group (10- 15 people) – ensures a container of safety and personalized care for your journey
- Experienced local guides – fluent in English and regional languages
- Exciting and Safe travel – taking the “hassle” out of being in India so you can relax and soak up the experience
- High Quality Amenities – top class accommodation, outstanding food, every effort made to accommodate dietary and personal needs
- Authentic Cultural Experience – Connections with local people open doors to remarkable experiences and encounters
TOUR OVERVIEW
This itinerary begins in Kochi, a historical hub of the spice trade with a rich, multicultural past evident in its unique architecture and bazaars known for its spices and perfumes. Here, you’ll witness a captivating Kathakali dance performance, famous for its expressive gestures and storytelling. Next, the journey ascends into the misty Western Ghats, starting in Munnar, a paradise of verdant tea and spice plantations. From there, you’ll travel to Thekkady to explore the Periyar National Park, renowned for its tiger and elephant reserve. The trip then shifts north to the Malabar coast, arriving in Thalassery, a town celebrated for its distinctive cuisine and political history. While in northern Kerala, you also can also experience a Theyyam dance, ancient ritual dance where the human and divine worlds powerfully converge. The final destination is Nileshwar, a tranquil haven of serene backwaters perfect for unwinding. Your trip concludes with the option of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments at an Ayurvedic spa, offering a peaceful end to your diverse exploration of Kerala.
PLACES ON THE MAIN TRIP
KOCHI (COCHIN) - Queen of Arabian Sea
Colonial Architecture, Spice and Perfume markets, Kathakali dance
MUNNAR – Tea growing hub of South India
Tea Estates, Spice planatations, Eravikulam National Park
THEKKADY – Tiger & Elephant Reserve
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting, Forest Trails
THALASSERY – City of Three Cs (Cricket, Cake & Circus)
Thalassery Cuisine, Muzhappilangad beach
NILESHWAR – Kerala’s Serene Cultural Escape
Backwater & Beaches, Houseboat Cruise, Theyyam dance
DANCES FROM KERALA
KATHAKALI - Indian Classical Dance Drama
Dance for showcasing stories from Hindu epics
THEYYAM – Sacred dance from North Kerala
In the heartlands of Kerala lies a performance so sacred it transcends the boundaries of art and religion – it is a window into celestial
- Cochin
- Munnar
- Thekkady
- Thalassery
- Nileshwar
- (15 DAYS)
- Add On: Ayurvedic Treatments
- (+3 Days)
PLEASE NOTE that this is a tentative itinerary. We do try to follow the original plan as close as possible. But the exact dates might differ depending on the road condition and other factors that can’t be controlled or predicted. The Pick-up and Drop-off date will not change. Please read TOS for details.
DAY 0: KOCHI / COCHIN
Late Evening/Night Pick Up at International Airport Kochi (COK).
Please make sure that you reach Cochin by the evening/night of Day 0.
DAY 1-6: WESTERN GHATSKochi, Munnar, Thekkady
The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a global biodiversity hotspot, running parallel to India’s western coast for 1600 km. Older than the Himalayas, these mountains significantly influence India’s monsoon patterns. They boast exceptional levels of endemism and diverse ecosystems, including evergreen forests, supporting thousands of unique plant and animal species.
Day 1: Kochi
Local sightseeing at Fort Kochi.
Day 2: Munnar
Fort Kochi to Munnar by road (135 km, 4-5 hours by road).
Day 3: Munnar
Tea Plantations, Spice Gardens, Tea Museums
Day 4: Thekkady
Munnar to Thekkady (90 km, 3 hrs)
Day 5: Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sactuary
Day 6: Kochi
Thekkady to Kochi (160 km, 4-5 hrs by road)
DAY 7-12: NORTH KERALA
Thalassery, Nileshwar
North Kerala, or Malabar is known for its beaches (like Bekal and Muzhappilangad), historic forts, and lush Wayanad hills with spice plantations and waterfalls. Explore local culture, unique cuisine, and serene backwaters, providing a peaceful escape from typical tourist trails.
Day 7: Thalassery
Kochi to Thalassery (282 km, 3.5 hours by train)
Day 8: Thalassery
City of 3 C’s – Cricket, Cake & Circus
Day 9: Thalassery
Possibility of witnessing Theyyam
Day 10: Nileshwar
Thalassery to Nileshwar (80 km, 2 hours by road)
Day 11: Nileshwar
Houseboat Cruise
Day 12: Nileshwar
Eat, Meditate, Yoga
DAY 13-15: KOCHI
Kochi’s shores have beckoned traders, travelers, and colonizers for over 600 years, creating a captivating fusion of cultures. Centuries of exchange with Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Arab merchants have shaped its unique identity. Visitors to historic Fort Kochi can explore iconic Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture, wander through Jew Town, and experience vibrant Kathakali performances. This rich past has transformed Kochi into an unlikely, yet harmonious, blend of medieval Portugal, Holland, and England, beautifully grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast.
Day 13: Kochi
Nileshwar – Kasargod – Kochi (368 km, 4.5 hrs by train)
Day 14: Kochi
Fort Kochi
Day15: Kochi
The price of the main tour covers your stay till the morning of Day 15.
- Add On: AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Day 15-18: AYURVEDA
Closer to the date, we will find some authentic place to get Ayurvedic treatments for three days
Day 15-18 : Ayurvedic Spa
The tour package covers your stay till the morning of Day 18.
AYURVEDA
KERALA … The Heartland of Ayurveda
Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” is a holistic system of medicine with roots in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasizes a personalized approach, recognizing each individual’s unique constitution (prakriti). Treatments focus on restoring harmony through diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicines, massage therapies, yoga, meditation, and detoxification procedures like Panchakarma. The goal is not just to alleviate symptoms but to address the root cause of disease, promoting overall well-being and disease resistance by harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.
Abhyanga
A full-body herbal oil massage that improves circulation, nourishes the skin, and promotes relaxation
Shirodhara
A therapy where a continuous stream of oil is poured on the forehead to calm the mind and relieve stress
Pizhichil
Known as a “royal oil bath,” this treatment involves continuously pouring warm medicated oil over the body for rejuvenation
Udwarthanam
A dry herbal powder massage used for exfoliation, toning the skin, and aiding in weight management
Kizhi
A massage using heated herbal poultices to relieve pain, swelling, and muscle spasms
Swedana
A herbal steam bath that helps to open pores, remove toxins, and improve muscle stiffness
Mukha Lepam
Known as an Ayurvedic facial, this treatment involves applying a paste of herbs and grains to the face. It is used to cleanse, brighten the skin, prevent discoloration, and reduce wrinkles
Spas offer these therapies in a serene environment, often alongside detoxification programs like Panchakarma. Beyond massages, these centers provide customized wellness plans with herbal medicines, specialized diets, and yoga, focusing on complete mind-body rejuvenation and stress relief. They aim to restore inner harmony and promote long-term health.
Jonathan Bryan Toews
Hockey Player for the Winnipeg Jets, former Chicago Blackhawks captain.
As some of you may know, I’ve been on a bit of a healing journey. I’ve had many ups and downs, brief moments of hope working with a whole bunch of different doctors and modalities, followed by doubting if things would ever improve. But I recently spent 5 weeks in India undergoing an Ayurvedic detox called a Panchakarma, and I’m happy to say things are trending. It’s too long of a story to share all the details here, but it’s been almost 5 years of searching for a way to heal the inflammatory and immune system issues that took me out of hockey. The wisdom of Ayurveda has taught me that everything I experience, I am responsible for. Not only did it teach me better diet choices specific to my body type, it has deepened my intuitive relationship with myself and the world around me.
Main Tour: Feb/Mar (15 Days)
With Add On: Feb/Mar (18 Days)
Pick Up and Drop Off: Kochi International Airport (COK)
COST
|
Main Package: (15 Days) |
Booking Amount |
Full Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Share (Per Person) (Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds if needed) |
$ 2417 CAD |
$ 7250 CAD |
| Single Occupancy (Each person has an individual room) |
$ 2917 CAD |
$ 8750 CAD |
|
With ADD ON of Three days at Ayurvedic Spa: Feb/Mar 2026 (18 Days) |
Booking Deposit |
Full Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Share (Per Person) (Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds if needed) |
$ 2817 CAD |
$ 8450 CAD |
| Single Occupancy (Each person has an individual room) |
$ 3417 CAD |
$ 10250 CAD |
PRICE INCLUSIVE OF
- All Accommodation/Lodging while in India
- Cost of all meals, except where otherwise specified (Alcohol Exclusive)Please check itinerary for details.
- All Transportation costs within India (Air Travel, Trains & Cars/Taxi)
- Entrance Fee and Guide Services for Museums and Monuments
- Permits and other fees incurred while traveling in India
- Cost of special events like Cooking Evening or a Culture Show
PRICE EXCLUSIVE OF
- International flight to/from India
- Visa Fees for India
- Any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the tour
- Room Charges at hotels for snacks, drinks and laundry etc.
- Any medical or other insurance coverage such as travel insurance
- Excess Baggage Fees on flights within India
- Tips and Gratuities to the local staff in India
- Religious Offerings and Dana
- Pay Pal (Transactional) charges, for people not able to deposit the money directly into the bank in Canada.
BOOKING & PAYMENT
To book your spot on this trip, please make the booking deposit, into the bank account of “Journey to Himalayas”. The full balance of your trip is due 90 days before the trip start.
CANCELLATION FEE
More than 15 weeks before the trip: 50% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Between 10 and 15 weeks before the trip: 100% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Within 10 weeks of the trip’s start: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited (no refund). Please read TOS for details.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Booking for this trip will is closed for now
Be the first one to hear about it’s offering by signing up for the “Journey to Himalayas” Newsletter
BOOKING & PAYMENT
To register/book (confirm your spot) for this trip, you are required to
1. Register Online (Book Now)
2. Make a payment of the booking amount or full amount of the trip package.
After you register on the website, you will get the banking info in the email.
Payment Options:
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- BANK DEPOSIT
You can deposit directly into the “Journey to Himalayas” bank account in Canada (CIBC). You can go to the bank personally or send the money by email transfer or wire transfer. We also accept money through TransferWise. Your order will get confirmed only after we have received money in our bank account.
- BANK DEPOSIT
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- PAY PAL (JTH Website)
You can use your credit or debit card to directly make the payment.
- PAY PAL (JTH Website)
PLEASE NOTE:
Your booking deposit is non-refundable. The full balance of your trip is due 90 days before the trip starts.
CANCELLATION FEE:
More than 15 weeks before the trip: 50% of Booking Deposit is forfeited. Between 10 and 15 weeks before the trip: 100% of Booking Deposit is forfeited. Within 10 weeks of the trip’s start: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited (no refund).
Please read TOS for details.
ONLINE REGISTRATION: If you are paying by “Bank Deposit”, you will not be required to make any payment through this website. We still encourage/suggest our clients to go through the steps in the “Book Now” section to register themselves online. This helps us to keep your information updated. We will need this information to make hotel and travel bookings in India. Through your account profile, you will also be able to check the status of your payment. Thank You!
TWIN SHARE: Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Each person has an individual room