Fort Kochi and Munnar: the two halves of a Samya retreat

Most retreats keep you in one place. Ours moves. You spend two days in Fort Kochi, an old port town on the Arabian Sea, and then five days in Munnar, high in the tea hills of the Western Ghats.

The change of scene is part of the experience. The coast is where you arrive, slow down and settle into the practice. The hills are where you go deeper.

Two days in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi has welcomed traders and travellers for centuries, and it shows. Portuguese, Dutch and British buildings sit alongside Kerala homes, old spice warehouses and street art, and the waterfront is known for its giant Chinese fishing nets.

Your first two days are about arriving:

• Tuk-tuk sightseeing, the easiest way to explore the town’s old lanes, waterfront and markets
• Cultural immersion through local art performances and Kerala traditions
• Yoga and meditation from the very first morning
• Beautiful stays and your first Kerala meals

Five days in Munnar

From the coast, the road climbs into the Western Ghats. Munnar sits at around 1,600 metres, surrounded by tea estates that roll over the hills in every direction. Mornings are cool and often misty, which makes it a wonderful place to slow down.

Most of the retreat happens here:

• Trekking on forest trails and open ridges
• Wild elephant watching from a safe distance. They’re wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed
• River swims after a morning on the trail
• Group activities that turn a group of strangers into friends

What stays the same

Wherever you are, Kerala meals are served every day, and yoga and meditation are part of every day. Ayurvedic massage is part of the week too, to help your body rest and recover.

Achu and Nithin guide the whole journey. They were born and raised in Kerala, so you see both places through the eyes of people who know them well.

Getting there

Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK). Airport pick-up and drop-off are included.