Kerala – Shiva’s Journey
Just three weeks after a memorable first trip to Kerala, I found myself back in this enchanting region, this time accompanied by a group of 21 participants. Building on the success of the first journey – which you can read about on this page – I chose to make only a few adjustments while keeping a program that had already won everyone over: cultural visits, yoga sessions, classical dance performances, soothing massages, and delightful discoveries of local flavors.
This second trip promised to be just as magical, and once again, it exceeded all my expectations! Here’s a recap of an extraordinary week.
We stayed once more at the Travancore Heritage, a charming place where the traditional architecture of southern India blends harmoniously with colonial influences, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Nestled in the heart of nature, the hotel is surrounded by an astonishing diversity of plants, trees, and flowers. The lush greenery, with its vibrant and almost hypnotic shades, captivates from the very first glance.
Just a few minutes from the hotel, the Arabian Sea awaited us, with its inviting 25-degree waters… What a joy to start the day with a sunrise swim at 7 a.m.! The beach remained peaceful and uncrowded, no matter the time of day. At the far end of this golden stretch of sand stands a splendid temple dedicated to Shiva, adding a touch of spirituality to the enchanting scenery.
Kerala is also the birthplace of Kathakali, an ancient art form that combines theater, dance, music, and breathtaking visuals through elaborate costumes and spectacular makeup. We had the privilege of witnessing the behind-the-scenes preparation of a performance, discovering the intricate makeup process, where each brushstroke transforms the artists into mythological characters. It was a captivating and unforgettable experience.
To enrich our cultural exploration, I wanted to introduce three additional dance styles by organizing a special performance. We were treated to the elegance of Mohiniattam, a graceful dance native to Kerala, the vibrant energy of Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, and of course, the Bharatanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu, which I teach in Brussels. A huge thank you to Adri for this fascinating immersion into these ancient art forms.
Indian cities, while chaotic and noisy, are endlessly fascinating with their vibrant colors and the surprises they hold at every turn. In Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, we immersed ourselves in the local energy: exploring museums, savoring regional dishes served on banana leaves, and experiencing the lively bustle of the streets.
Kerala’s backwaters, a true gem of the region, form a mesmerizing network of over 1,500 kilometers of canals and lakes, both natural and man-made, stretching along the coast. This aquatic labyrinth is not only a vital artery for the local economy, connecting villages and markets, but also offers a stunning natural spectacle. Cruising through these serene waters, surrounded by palm trees and abundant wildlife, was a memorable and enchanting experience.
India is, above all, the birthplace of yoga, and every day we had the privilege of participating in multiple sessions. Combining postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and moments of meditation, these classes provided a true sanctuary of peace amidst our busy itinerary. Whether experienced yogis or complete beginners, everyone found these moments deeply enriching and restorative.
It’s impossible not to mention the cuisine, a true treasure of Kerala! Each meal was a burst of flavors, featuring an incredible variety of dishes, each more delicious than the last. The masterful use of spices added unparalleled depth and richness to every preparation. To top it off, we had the opportunity to participate in a cooking class led by a local chef. This was a chance to uncover the secrets of Kerala’s cuisine: the subtle interplay of spices, traditional preparation techniques, and the importance of fresh, local ingredients. It was a fun and enlightening experience, delighting our taste buds as much as our curiosity.
How to conclude, if not with immense gratitude? This journey was extraordinary, thanks above all to the energy, good humor, and curiosity of the participants. Each member of the group brought a unique touch that made this experience so special, and I hope I succeeded in sharing a bit of my love for India – a country that never ceases to amaze me.
A heartfelt thank you also to our Indian partners, without whom this trip would not have been possible, as well as to the exceptional team at Travancore Heritage for their unwavering attentiveness and kindness. I also wish to acknowledge Rossi, the director of our Bulgarian travel agency, and Viney, the head of our Indian travel agency, for their invaluable support and flawless organization.
Great news for those tempted by this adventure: I’ll be organizing the same trip in 2025, at the same time of year. If you’re interested, feel free to email me, and I’ll provide you with all the details.
Just three weeks after a memorable first trip to Kerala, I found myself back in this enchanting region, this time accompanied by a group of 21 participants. Building on the success of the first journey – which you can read about on this page – I chose to make only a few adjustments while keeping a program that had already won everyone over: cultural visits, yoga sessions, classical dance performances, soothing massages, and delightful discoveries of local flavors.
This second trip promised to be just as magical, and once again, it exceeded all my expectations! Here’s a recap of an extraordinary week.
We stayed once more at the Travancore Heritage, a charming place where the traditional architecture of southern India blends harmoniously with colonial influences, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Nestled in the heart of nature, the hotel is surrounded by an astonishing diversity of plants, trees, and flowers. The lush greenery, with its vibrant and almost hypnotic shades, captivates from the very first glance.
Just a few minutes from the hotel, the Arabian Sea awaited us, with its inviting 25-degree waters… What a joy to start the day with a sunrise swim at 7 a.m.! The beach remained peaceful and uncrowded, no matter the time of day. At the far end of this golden stretch of sand stands a splendid temple dedicated to Shiva, adding a touch of spirituality to the enchanting scenery.
Kerala is also the birthplace of Kathakali, an ancient art form that combines theater, dance, music, and breathtaking visuals through elaborate costumes and spectacular makeup. We had the privilege of witnessing the behind-the-scenes preparation of a performance, discovering the intricate makeup process, where each brushstroke transforms the artists into mythological characters. It was a captivating and unforgettable experience.
To enrich our cultural exploration, I wanted to introduce three additional dance styles by organizing a special performance. We were treated to the elegance of Mohiniattam, a graceful dance native to Kerala, the vibrant energy of Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, and of course, the Bharatanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu, which I teach in Brussels. A huge thank you to Adri for this fascinating immersion into these ancient art forms.
Indian cities, while chaotic and noisy, are endlessly fascinating with their vibrant colors and the surprises they hold at every turn. In Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, we immersed ourselves in the local energy: exploring museums, savoring regional dishes served on banana leaves, and experiencing the lively bustle of the streets.
Kerala’s backwaters, a true gem of the region, form a mesmerizing network of over 1,500 kilometers of canals and lakes, both natural and man-made, stretching along the coast. This aquatic labyrinth is not only a vital artery for the local economy, connecting villages and markets, but also offers a stunning natural spectacle. Cruising through these serene waters, surrounded by palm trees and abundant wildlife, was a memorable and enchanting experience.
India is, above all, the birthplace of yoga, and every day we had the privilege of participating in multiple sessions. Combining postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and moments of meditation, these classes provided a true sanctuary of peace amidst our busy itinerary. Whether experienced yogis or complete beginners, everyone found these moments deeply enriching and restorative.
It’s impossible not to mention the cuisine, a true treasure of Kerala! Each meal was a burst of flavors, featuring an incredible variety of dishes, each more delicious than the last. The masterful use of spices added unparalleled depth and richness to every preparation. To top it off, we had the opportunity to participate in a cooking class led by a local chef. This was a chance to uncover the secrets of Kerala’s cuisine: the subtle interplay of spices, traditional preparation techniques, and the importance of fresh, local ingredients. It was a fun and enlightening experience, delighting our taste buds as much as our curiosity.
How to conclude, if not with immense gratitude? This journey was extraordinary, thanks above all to the energy, good humor, and curiosity of the participants. Each member of the group brought a unique touch that made this experience so special, and I hope I succeeded in sharing a bit of my love for India – a country that never ceases to amaze me.
A heartfelt thank you also to our Indian partners, without whom this trip would not have been possible, as well as to the exceptional team at Travancore Heritage for their unwavering attentiveness and kindness. I also wish to acknowledge Rossi, the director of our Bulgarian travel agency, and Viney, the head of our Indian travel agency, for their invaluable support and flawless organization.
Great news for those tempted by this adventure: I’ll be organizing the same trip in 2025, at the same time of year. If you’re interested, feel free to email me, and I’ll provide you with all the details.
