Kumarakom Retreat
Dates: 24th July – 26th July
Art Medium: Oil Pastel
Step away from the rush of everyday life and immerse yourself in a soulful blend of art, nature, and slow living amidst the serene backwaters of Kumarakom.
Set within the enchanting Coconut Lagoon, accessible only by boat, this retreat is designed for women who wish to pause, create, reconnect with themselves, and embrace the timeless beauty of Kerala's backwater life. 🌿✨
Whether you're a beginner or someone who already loves art, this experience is about expression, not perfection.
🌿 Why Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
At Coconut Lagoon in the backwaters of Kumarakom, you will live in 150-year-old tharavad mansions that were painstakingly transplanted and restored for you to experience these abodes of tradition.
No two rooms are alike, from the furniture to the aesthetics and the materials. They’re unique, just like the memories of your handmade holiday.
🌿 What This Retreat Is About
- Slowing down and reconnecting with nature
- Exploring creativity through guided art sessions
- Meaningful conversations with like-minded women
- Experiencing living in at the back waters
- Giving yourself the space to just be
- Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine, rich in local flavors and traditional recipes.
No prior art experience is needed.
Only curiosity.
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
For the woman who has been postponing her pause.
For the creative soul who longs for space.
For the beginner who always wanted to try.
For the seeker who knows there is more to life than rushing through it.
What You’ll Carry Back
A braver heart.
A sketchbook filled with moments.
And the quiet confidence to keep creating long after the hills fade into memory.
Come away with us to Kumarakom.
Let nature take over.
Let yourself soften.
3 Days of Art, Nature & Slow Living in Kumarakom
Day 1 | Arrive • Settle In • Create
Arrive at the charming CGH earth Coconut Lagoon and settle into the tranquil surroundings of Vembanad backwaters. After a traditional Kerala lunch, we’ll gather for introductions and our first art session, easing into a weekend of creativity, connection, and slow living.
☕ Chaya Vallom – Traditional Tea Boat Experience (4:00 PM)
Experience one of Kerala's most charming traditions as the iconic Chaya Vallom (Tea Boat) makes its way across the tranquil backwaters of Coconut Lagoon. Every evening, a local village elder affectionately known as Chaya Chechi arrives by wooden boat, carrying freshly brewed tea and delicious local snacks prepared by the resort's kitchen.
Sunset Cruise (5:30 pm)
Moments trickle away like the streams that join the canals at Coconut Lagoon, paced like a languorous fairytale.
As you watch the sun go down from the middle of Lake Vembanad aboard a beautifully restored ‘Ketuvallam’,all of yesterday’s worries seem lost in the fiery clouds. The boat glides through the waters, taking you closer and closer to the magnificent sun as it disappears into the horizon.
Enjoy a relaxed evening amidst nature before dinner and an overnight stay at the resort.
Day 2 | Art • Explore • Wander
Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a guided art session where we’ll explore colours, techniques, and nature-inspired creativity.
Afterwards, head out for a delicious Sadhya lunch an elaborate, traditional vegetarian feast native to the Indian state of Kerala.
After a refreshing afternoon nap, we gather for our evening art session, where creativity flows amidst the serene backwater surroundings. If you prefer, you may choose to unwind with one of Coconut Lagoon's optional experiences or simply relaxing by the tranquil waters. The evening is yours to create, explore, and rejuvenate at your own pace.
Day 3 | Breakfast & Goodbyes
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fellow participants before it’s time to say goodbye. Leave with beautiful artworks, newfound inspiration, and cherished memories of a creative retreat in the heart of Kumarakom.
Cost of experience: ₹42,500(Twin sharing per person(+ 5% GST)
Inclusions:
• 2 nights accommodation at CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon
• All meals
• Authentic Sadhya cuisine experience
• Guided art sessions with professional art grade supplies provided
• Chaya Vallom experience
• Sunset Cruise
• Curated, founder-led retreat experience
Exclusions:
• Travel to the Kumarakom( we will help you to arrange the transport)
• Personal shopping, additional snacks, or beverages outside planned meals
• Any paid activity at the resort
• Any personal expenses
• Anything not explicitly mentioned in the Inclusions
Optional activities:
Vembanad Chronicles (3:00 pm)
Discover the secrets of Vembanad with our Naturalists' insightful presentation, revealing the beauty and charm
of this unique ecosystem.
Talk on Ayurveda (3:00 pm)
Attend a session on Ayurveda treatments. (Cross a little wooden bridge on your morning walk, and you will find
yourself at our Ayurveda Centre. As you indulge in massages and treatments that replenish, rejuvenate and
holistically heal, you will be more attuned to the self than ever. Our experienced physicians will recommend
customised treatments based on an analysis of your body’s constitution, and specific needs.)
Chaya Vallom (4:00 pm)
Every day at 4 pm, a charming tradition unfolds on our tranquil waters. Chaya Chechi, our beloved hostess - an
elderly lady from the local village, sets sail in a wooden boat, carrying a treasure trove of treats prepared in our
kitchen. As she glides across the Coconut Lagoon, the scent of steaming tea and freshly prepared snacks wafts
through the air, beckoning you to a delightful afternoon ritual. Inspired by the nostalgic tales of old, when tea
and bites were lovingly ferried to workers in the paddy fields, we're thrilled to revive this quaint custom, infused
with warmth and community spirit. Join us for a charming tea-time experience that will leave your heart full and
your senses enchanted.
Cooking Demo (4:30 pm)
Discover the flavors of Kerala at our cooking demonstration, where our expert chefs showcase traditional
Kerala recipes, highlighting the intricacies of local spices and cooking techniques. As they share their culinary
expertise, they might just reveal a secret or two, passed down through generations, from their grandmothers'
kitchens to ours. This culinary journey at Coconut Lagoon offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Kerala's
cuisine. And, as a special memento, you might even take home a cherished recipe to recreate the magic in your
own kitchen!
Sunset Cruise (5:30 pm)
Moments trickle away like the streams that join the canals at Coconut Lagoon, paced like a languorous fairytale.
As you watch the sun go down from the middle of Lake Vembanad aboard a beautifully restored ‘Ketuvallam’ ,all of yesterday’s worries seem lost in the fiery clouds. The boat glides through the waters, taking you closer andcloser to the magnificent sun as it disappears into the horizon.
Meditation (6:45 pm)
Step into a meditation session and begin your pursuit of peace. Let go of your stress as you meditate in a serene
ambience.
Cultural Performances (7:30 pm)
The best way to understand Kerala’s historic tales is to watch them being performed in front of your eyes. Catch
traditional performances of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottanthullal, Bharatanatyam, or immerse in the melodies
of the flautist or the tabla player.
Kayaking 7 am to 6 pm | ₹1,500 per hour, per person*
Take a kayak for an easy and fun way to enjoy the Kavanar River or the Vembanad lake. Multiple kayak options
and time durations are offered, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Kayaking (Sunrise & Sunset) 7 am to 6 pm | ₹2,000 per hour, per person*
Take a kayak for an easy and fun way to enjoy the Kavanar River or the Vembanad lake. Multiple kayak options
and time durations are offered, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Stand up Paddling 7 am to 6 pm | ₹2,000 per hour, per person*
Enjoy exploring Kumarakom's backwaters and Vembanad lake with a Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP). A super fun
way to explore the waterways! If you have never used a SUP before, our experienced instructor will help you
paddle around the lagoon until you are ready to venture out onto the river.
Hobie Sailing 7 am to 6 pm | ₹5,000 for 1 person. Prior reservation required*
Sail across the Vembanad Lake at your own pace and let the Rhythm of the backwaters be the soundtrack of your
own adventure.
Canoe Ride (Motorized) 7 am to 6 pm | ₹2,800 for two hours, 4 persons min*
Explore the multiple canals that web across Kumarakomʼs waterscape, to get an intimate glimpse of life on the backwaters.
Speed Boat Ride 8 am to 6 pm | ₹5,000 per hour, 4 persons max* | ₹7,000 per hour, 6 persons max*
A thrilling ride on the backwaters, passing by the Kumarakom bird sanctuary and the Pathiramanal Island where
you can immerse in the breathtaking beauty of nature on both sides of the lake.
Electric Bicycles 8 am to 6 pm | ₹250 per hour, per person*
Protect the backwaters and reduce your carbon footprint by touring Vembanad on eco-friendly electric bikes.
Discover life on the backwaters as you explore paddy fields, lakeside villages, and more with Vaan Electric Bicycles,
now for hire at Coconut Lagoon.
FACILITATOR
The retreat is led by the Founder of The Itchy Boots, known for curating soulful women-only creative retreats.
Pragya Mittal
Through thoughtfully curated art retreats, she invites others to slow down, create deeply, and connect with both nature and self.
Get in touch
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