Take some time to absorb the colorful culture that surrounds the Retreat. Our Team has prepared a selection of culturally enriching excursions.Choose from guided Temple visits in Trivandrum to bathing elephants to just meandering through the Poovar backwaters and Mangroves till the amazing Golden Sand Beach. There is something for everyone that will enrich your vacation and leave you with more than just photographic memories.A glimpse of the real India, which will reside in your heart for years to come.

Trivandrum Cultural Immersion

Spend the day discovering Trivandrum’s rich history.

Depart from the Hotel with our knowledgeable Tour Advisor. We first take you for a look around of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name.
It has been in the news for one of the richest treasure troves ever found. Imagine over One Trillion U.S. Dollars’ worth of gold and gems in just one of seven vaults inside.

After that we walk down an amazing bazaar street. This colourful market is Kerala's hidden treasure and a prime shopping destination for the 'daring' buyer only.

A quick vist to Kuthiramalika Palace with its fascinating 122 carved wooden horses The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.

An optional trip to Sri Utharam thirunal Palace

At the end of the bazaar we reach Ganapathy temple with a chance to enter. Please note photography is not allowed at this divine place of worship.

Lunch is an amazing Sadhya Meal served on a banana leaf in Trivandrum's world famous "shabby chic" restaurant. After lunch if you are still ready for more cultural immersion we head on to Napier museum.

This museum was started in 1855 and has rare archeological artifacts and ancient ornaments. It also houses an art gallery.

After this enlightening afternoon Our Tour Advisor brings you back to the comforts of Niraamaya Retreats.

Backwater Cruise and Beach Picnic

A short 20 minutes drive south of Niraamaya retreats, The Poovar estuary so named by the erstwhile king Marthanda Varma of Travancore was the epicenter of Trade in sandalwood, spice and ivory.
We transfer you to a motor boat that cruises through unspoiled coconut groves on either side of the river with a glimpse of rural life.

The boat leads you up to Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets Arabian Sea.
Our Recreation team will set up a luxurious sunbed while you enjoy a special picnic hamper that our chef has prepared and relax in this amazing spot over a glass of chilled wine.

After your afternoon of leisure our team will pack up your picnic and on return the boat will take you through a pristine Mangrove Forest .This stretch is full of aqutic bird’s busy hunting for fish. Back at the Boat Jetty our Driver will transfer you back to retreat.

Sparkling Sunset Cruise

A short 20 minutes drive south of Niraamaya retreats, The Poovar estuary so named by the erstwhile king Marthanda Varma of Travancore was the epicenter of Trade in sandalwood, spice and ivory.

We transfer you in the late evening to a motor boat that cruises through unspoiled coconut groves on either side of the river with a glimpse of rural life.

The boat leads you up to Golden Sand Beach where you can see where backwater meets Arabian Sea.
Sip chilled Sparkling wine as you enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the motor boat and enjoy a selection of Deluxe canapé’s that our Team has put together for you.

On return the boat meanders through a pristine Mangrove Forest .This stretch is full of aquatic bird’s busy hunting for fish,
Back at the Boat Jetty our Driver will transfer you back to retreat

Secrets of Chandra Beach

A leisure afternoon Hi -Tea, at the far end of our secluded Chandra Beach. Our Beach butlers will set up a cozy sun mattress and umbrella, for you to laze on. Learn about the secret origin of this beach as you walk down through this stretch below our retreat.

Meanwhile our Chef will delight you with delectable nibbles ranging from Tuna Samosas to Tropical fruit tartlets and Cardamom cashewnut biscotti, to pair with a selection of superior Teas.

Fisherman’s Delight

Visit to the local fish market at 7 am with our celebrity Chef. The open air fish market which is situated at Vizingjam harbour where the boats come to unload.

Spend time watching the ancient custom of fish auctions as each boat arrives back from a long night at sea.
Ancient Vizingjam was the capital of Venad and has such atmosphere that you just have to keep your camera going. The view across the harbour looks past the big Old Catholic church right on the beach and 2 distant mosques at the far end.
Choose the fish that you want our Chef to cook for your dinner and don’t forget to mention the cooking style you prefer.

Later that night enjoy a three course dinner with the freshest fish that you selected!

Picnic with the Asian Elephant

An hour’s drive out of the Retreat, through rubber plantations, is located one of Kerala’s secret nature hideaways. A Dam across the Neyyar river has created a scenic reservoir that teams with wildlife.

While enlightened founders have built a Lion safari nearby, the outstanding feature is the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre near Kottur camp a short 7 kms away. Here you have a rare chance of a close encounter with Asia’s behemoth. Elephas Maximas. This camp of tamed elephants spends their leisure time here when they are free of their Festival duties. Join the elephant trainers in helping bathe these animals. Look out for baby elephants frolicking while being trained and muster courage to go on atop the magnificent Asian Elephant for a twenty minute unforgettable ride.

Our Team will put together a Picnic Lunch Hamper with a Chilled bottle of Wine for your enjoyment in these natural surroundings, as well as take care of all park entry, safari and elephant ride fees. Spend the day at relaxing and return back to the Retreat in the evening

Boutique

Keep some time aside to browse through our handpicked selection of local crafts, statuettes and exquisite fabrics.
We pride ourselves in promoting local South Indian artisans with our array of Channapatna toys and bric- a-brac. These handmade wooden objects are coloured with natural vegetable dyes. Take home a souvenir or gift from the vibrant culture of India