Ayurveda Kerala India

From being the 'science of life', Ayurveda has become the 'slice of life' for many with the advent and positive growth of rejuvenation centres and Ayurvedic resorts in the country.

People are willing to experience a 'healthier' side to an otherwise indulgent holiday by touring healing resorts as an escape from the mundane, hectic everyday existence. These resorts located at the outskirts of the cityscape over sprawling and pristine forests lure tourists into its peaceful and quiet edifices.

Let's discover and learn about some of the best Ayurveda resorts our country has:

1. Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kerala: Nestled on a hillock a few kilometres south of the Kovalam beach is the world's first Ayurvedic resort Somatheeram. Spread across a wide expanse of greenery, Kerala prides in Somatheeram as a getaway destination for those in search of an Ayurvedic haven away from the cacophony of city life. Established in 1985, Somatheeram has emerged as one of the frontrunners in encouraging a culture of Ayurvedic holidays and meditation tours among travel enthusiasts. The serenity of the resort by the sea, goodness of traditional Ayurvedic therapies and a healthy diet routine help people unwind here.

Acute health conditions of paralysis, fluctuating levels of blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol and breathing problems are first examined by a team of yoga experts and doctors after which a series of corresponding healing exercises and diet regime ensue.

Massage therapies: The massages here at Somatheeram serve more than a short-term purpose; the sessions are extensive and extend till days. 'Pizhichil' for instance is a special massage that uses a variety of herbal oils (lukewarm) and has been effective in curing diseases like paralysis and nervous disorders. Every session lasts 60-90 minutes over a span of 7-21 days. People with diabetes and obesity can go for the Ayurvedic 'Abhyangam' treatment which is again a type of oil massage for 45 minutes a day. 'Nasyam', 'Snehapanam' and 'Kizhi' are among the many treatments that have been proven medically capable of battling severe skin diseases, leukemia and sports injuries.

Yoga classes and boat tours in the backwaters too are included in Ayurveda packages at Somatheeram.

Where: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, South of Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram. About 21 kms from International Airport at Thiruvananthapuram and about 9 kms south of the famous Kovalam beach.

2. Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand: As the name suggests, the experience too replicates a blissful journey amid the towering and guarding Himalayas. Ananda focuses on an interesting and fruitful blend of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy with contemporary spa technology for complete wellness of the human body. Located 260 kms north of New Delhi, Ananda stands tall around Maharaja's palace estate with the views of the Ganges on one side and the mountain peaks on the other pleasing the tourist's eyes, mind and spirit upon waking up every morning. Yoga pavilions, landscaped gardens, terraces facing a clear sky, spas equipped with hydrotherapy services, a golf course on its Himalayan axle and Rejuvenation Cuisine are some of the many distinguishing features of the resort you can indulge in.