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Kochi & Alleppey Art Retreat

20th February  to 23rd February 

Kochi (formerly Cochin) is a vibrant port city in Kerala, India, known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" for its natural harbor and rich spice trade history, blending colonial charm (Portuguese, Dutch, British) with modern dynamism, featuring stunning backwaters, beaches, diverse cultures, and serving as Kerala's commercial hub with significant IT, manufacturing, and maritime industries, all centered around its historic Fort Kochi area and bustling Ernakulam mainland. 

Hosted at Crowne Plaza Kochi is a luxurious waterfront retreat nestled along the serene Vembanad Lake. Blending contemporary elegance with breathtaking backwater views, it offers a perfect escape for relaxation and refinement. With world-class hospitality, fine dining, and tranquil surroundings, it promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Kerala. an inspiring setting for your creative escape.


Retreat Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Immersion in Fort Kochi

Arrive in Kochi by noon and make your way to Crowne Plaza Kochi, where we warmly welcome you. Enjoy a smooth and quick check-in, allowing you to settle in and unwind.

Afternoon | Fort Kochi Walk & Welcome Lunch
We begin our 4-day art retreat with a leisurely walk through the charming lanes of Fort Kochi—a place where history, art, and culture beautifully intersect.

A Grand Welcome Lunch awaits you at Forte Kochi, offering thoughtfully curated flavours in a heritage setting.

Post Lunch | First Art Session
Our first art session takes place at Kashi Art Gallery, the creative heartbeat of Fort Kochi. Spend time browsing contemporary artworks by emerging Indian artists, soaking in inspiration from this iconic space.

Evening | Heritage Stroll
Stroll along Princess Street, known for its indie boutiques, pastel-hued buildings, and Indo-European architecture.
Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets n soak in a breezy sunset framed by drifting ships. 
Vist St. Francis Church, where quiet corridors and old-world charm narrate Kochi’s earliest colonial past.

Dinner | At Leisure

For dinner, you may choose to stay back by the beach and enjoy the serene coastal vibe or head back to the hotel for a relaxed evening.


 

Day 2: Art Afloat in Alleppey Backwaters

  • Morning | Drive to Alleppey
  • After breakfast, we drive to Alleppey (approx. 1.5 hours), where a serene backwater experience awaits.
Mid-Morning | Backwater Cruise
Step onto a traditional boat and drift gently through Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Time slows as coconut palms lean over quiet canals, children wave from their verandas, and fishermen glide through narrow waterways. This is Kerala at its gentlest—unhurried, rhythmic, and deeply soothing.

Art Session II | On the Backwaters

Our second art session unfolds right on the boat, with the backwaters as our studio. Surrounded by shifting reflections, soft breezes, and endless greens, we create while floating through nature’s calm.

Lunch | A Traditional Kerala Feast
Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala lunch served onboard—
karimeen fry, thoran, sambar, steamed rice, banana chips, and more—simple, soulful flavours that perfectly complement the setting.

As we cruise, pass emerald paddy fields, toddy shops, lotus-filled canals, and spot vibrant birds along the banks. The journey offers a beautiful window into everyday life shaped by water and nature.

Evening | Return to Kochi

By evening, we head back to Kochi. Unwind, relax, and enjoy a slow evening at leisure after a day spent creating and drifting through calm waters.

Day 3: Creating, Culture & Living Traditions

Morning | Art Session III

We begin the day with our third art session, easing into creativity while reflecting on the inspirations gathered so far—backwaters, heritage streets, textures, and stories. A gentle, unhurried session to ground our practice before stepping into the city’s cultural layers.

Late Morning | Mattancherry Exploration
Post the art session, we head to Mattancherry, where spice-laden air, antique shops, and centuries of cultural exchange come together.

Explore the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) and its stunning murals, stroll down Jew Street with its treasure-filled stores, and step into the serene Paradesi Synagogue, admired for its hand-painted tiles, vintage chandeliers, and timeless calm.

Lunch | Riverside Dining
Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the river at Ginger House, surrounded by water views and colonial-era charm.

Afternoon | Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Spend the afternoon at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, engaging with contemporary art across historic spaces—where global ideas meet local narratives.

Evening | Kathakali Performance

As evening falls, witness a traditional Kathakali performance, an evocative blend of expressive gestures, elaborate costumes, live music, and ancient storytelling.

Day 4: Reflection, Closure & Farewell

Morning | Final Art Session – Retrospection

We begin our final day with a closing art session, reflecting on the experiences, inspirations, and learnings from the past three days. This session is about revisiting moments, memories, and personal journeys—bringing together everything we’ve seen, felt, and created during the retreat.

Late Morning | Leisure & Last-Minute Shopping

After the session, enjoy some last-minute shopping around Kochi—pick up spices, handmade crafts, art souvenirs, or keepsakes to take a piece of this journey home.

Midday | Group Moments

We gather for group photographs, capturing friendships, shared creativity, and memories made over four beautiful days.

Farewell | Until We Meet Again

With hearts full and sketchbooks richer, we bid farewell—carrying back stories, inspiration, and a renewed creative spirit.

Cost of experience: ₹41,500 ( Twin sharing)

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Whats Included:

  • Accommodation at the Crown Plaza (Twin sharing)
  • All art sessions focused on oil pastels
  • Professional grade art material 
  • Access to all cultural and nature activities
  • Breakfast & Lunches
  • Local travel during the retreat
  • Personal guidance from experienced instructors

Whats Excluded:

  • Flight tickets
  • Dinners 
  • Transport for any personal visit
  • Anything not mentioned in itinerary