What is Ayurveda? It’s a holistic ancient Indian medicine practice (more than 5,000 years old) to find harmony with prakriti—not just a diet and wellness regime. It’s different from allopathy since it treats the person and not disease. This science of healthy living and art of traditional healing teaches us to honour who we are. Unlike today, there was a time when man was one with nature and aloof with miseries. To have that balance once again, one must tap into the vast ocean of knowledge that mother Vedas has to offer or just lay down and let the magical hands of massage therapists heal your chakras (seven centres of spiritual energy). Not surprisingly, many opt for the latter one.
For those looking to get in touch with inner consciousness and believe in the “health is wealth” mantra, here are some of the top Ayurveda destinations our country has:
Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kerala
‘God’s Own Country’ prides itself on being the birthplace of Ayurveda. Enjoy brilliant therapeutic treatments in Somatheeram – the world’s first Ayurvedic resort – located near Kovalam Beach. The beautiful beach resort is the first choice for travellers on both Ayurvedic holidays and spiritual journeys. A therapy named ‘Pizhichil’ uses lukewarm herbal oils that help with paralysis treatment and nervous disorders. Whereas, ‘Nasyam’ and ‘Snehapanam’ can battle skin diseases and sport-related injuries. In addition to these massages, Yoga classes, elephant rides, cultural activities, and shopping tours to nearby places are also on offer.
Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan foothills, Ananda is a leading wellness retreat in North India. It combines well-being principles of East and West and focuses on the virtues of Ayurveda and Vedanta treatments as well as international wellness programmes. This tranquil retreat, in the outskirts of Rishikesh, is held in high esteem for its over 80 treatments ranging from beauty to fitness. Guest can relax in temperature-controlled outdoor lap pools or indulge in yoga classes, Vedanta lectures, cooking classes, and nature walks.
Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort, Goa
Most people don’t really explore the beauty of Goa beyond beaches and forts. Located in the heart of Panaji (Panjim), Devaaya is a luxurious Ayurveda retreat that offers residential programmes for ‘Panchakarma’, which is a proven practice to detoxify, cleanse, and rejuvenate body, mind and soul. A typical day for the guests includes Yoga sessions, naturopathy treatments, meditation, and cultural programmes. The centre has other facilities such as sauna, spa treatments, swimming pool, gym and jogging track.
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, Kerala
This eco-friendly resort lies in a quaint town named Palakkad which is blessed with the captivating beauty of Western Ghats. This premier wellness retreat conducts special workshops and health programmes that aims at relieving from stress, arthritis, migraine, weight loss, and more along with providing benefits of traditional Vedic hospitality. Guests are offered spa treatments with herbal oils and assigned beautiful villas as per their Zodiac signs.
Bay Leaf Ayurveda Spa Resort, Andhra Pradesh
Bay Leaf is a leading Ayurvedic resort in Visakhapatnam – a perfect destination in Andhra Pradesh to unwind. The Ayurvedic spa services offered here are: full body massage to remove toxins, oil treatments to nourish the hair, dry massages to stimulate blood flow, neck and shoulder massages to cure insomnia, and foot massages to revitalise the central nervous system. Stay at least a weekend in their rustic cottages for a profound experience.
Ayurvedagram, Karnataka
Step into a world of ethnic charm and comfort at Bengaluru’s most acknowledged health resort, Ayurvedagram in Whitefield. Set in an area of nine acres, this retreat offers holistic treatments (to non-residents as well) to cure arthritis, diabetes, obesity, depression, infertility, and joint pains. Wake up to the call of the birds and then opt for the signature facial with honey, cucumber and rose water. A typical day at Ayurvedagram includes morning walks, yoga sessions and group meditation with three intervals for food.
AVN Swasthya – The Ayurvedic Village, Tamil Nadu
This Ayurvedic retreat has comprehensive wellness programmes (both personalised and predefined) in a natural ambiance designed to ensure healing and comfort. Some of these are: ‘Vishranti’, ‘Ojasya’, ‘Visudhi’, ‘Jeevani’ and ‘Laagbhava’ offering complete detoxification, rejuvenation, stress relief, immunity enhancement, and skin and beauty care. Located in the famous temple city of Madurai, it is among the best Ayurvedic resorts in India that also provides Yoga classes by trained professionals.
So, keep calm and practice Ayurveda. Namaste!
