Ecology.Art.education

Eco-Cultural
Women's Retreat
Kerala, India
November 17-23, 2025
7 days, 6 nights
Hi, I'm Sonya!
I am a second generation Indian American living in Madison, Wisconsin. I am an artist, ecologist, and educator.
Join me on a trip to Kerala, India, to learn about
artisan fishing and forest communities and the ecosystems they are a part of.


Chinese fishing net, Kerala
Explore Kerala with our guides: Indian social entrepreneurs who are committed to showing you the real India - culture, nature, wellness and food!
This trip is crafted with women at the heart of all experiences.
Within the communities we visit, tours spotlight women's unique livelihoods, art and resilience.

An overview of our adventure!
Wander through historic Kochi to sample past and present cultural heritage and cuisine
Learn about coastal livelihoods and the impacts of climate change
Gather with indigenous women and listen to stories of community life in the forest
Travel deep to the heart of the rainforest for Ayurvedic immersion
Visit a pottery workshop reviving an ancient Indian tradition

Rainforest, Athirapally

Lila Art Cafe, Fort Kochi
FAQs
What's included!
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2 Zoom gatherings with Sonya and the other retreat participants before the retreat (tent. June & Oct)
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Guides (Sonya, Manju and tour operators)
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Private transport in a 10-seater mini-bus for all planned activities
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Round-trip transfers from/to Cochin International Airport (COK)
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6 nights of accommodations (3 at Fort House, 2 at Rainforest, 1 at Clay Fingers)
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All meals
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Tours on all days
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Filtered, bottled water (1 per day)
* changes to itinerary may occur based on availability
Some items not included...
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
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Tips for staff
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Extra costs guests might incur on their own
Other helpful tips
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Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.
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Research travel insurance early! We'll talk more about this during our zoom meetings
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Talk to your health care provider about vaccinations needed for travel
Members of our group will need...
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An excellent attitude toward different cultural norms
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An openness to be in a place with different levels of noise, traffic, and standards of personal space (while in more populated destinations)
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A commitment to travel with a group and follow a common itinerary