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.
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.
Ayurveda,
yoga and meditation: European and Thai
treatments are employed in the spa boutiques here at Ananda. The Viceregal Hall
is the quaint hillside garden that doubles as a refuge post an exhaustive yoga
session. Marvel at the breathtaking panorama as
you sip on the Himalayan tea. For couples, the Kama Suite with steam shower and
exclusive massage facilities can surely add a sensual flavour to the Ayurveda
tour. The Ayurvedic treatments are fashioned according to the Himalayan
conditions. Use of less oil, slow and synchronised massages and regulation of a
nutritious diet go into the making of customised treatments for guests under
the supervision of physicians and therapists. An aftercare programme is planned
for the benefit of the client at the last leg of the Ayurveda trip.
Where: The Palace Estate,
Narendra Nagar, Dist. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Air: A 45-minute flight
from New Delhi to Dehradun Jolly
Grant airport followed by a one-hour drive.
Train: A four-hour journey
from New Delhi to Haridwar railway station followed by a one-hour drive.
Road: The driving time
between New Delhi and Narendra Nagar is approximately five and a half hours.
3. Devaaya, The Ayurveda and
Nature Cure Centre, Goa: If beaches and nightlife are the first things
that come to mind upon hearing Goa, then probably it's time to widen your
horizon. As much as it is a 'party' destination, Goa as a city has carved an
identity that appreciates art, culture and holistic living. And speaking of
holistic living, the city has emerged as one of the potential tourist spots on
the map of Ayurveda tourism in India. Coconut palms swinging to the rhythm of
the breeze and the Mandovi River flowing alongside one of the islands in Goa complete the scenery at Devaaya Ayurveda Centre in
Goa. Naturopathy becomes a way of life at this Ayurvedic paradise that brings together
the essential elements of 'Panchakarma' treatments with yoga, meditation,
music, lifestyle correction, diet planning and medicines for tourists. The
centre has been designed on the science of 'Vaastu Shastra' that adds to the
harmony of the overall rejuvenation process.
Where: Devaaya - Ayurveda &
Nature Cure Centre, Divar Island, Goa
4.
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, Kerala: The captivating beauty
of the Western Ghats and the rich flora define the picturesque town of Palakkad
in Kerala which is home to the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort. Ram Mohan, Vice
President of the Resort is proud to declare how the Ayurveda village has
travelled miles over the recent years, "Today, we have over 20 centres
abroad apart from the 25 centres across India." Ask him about the future
of Ayurveda tourism in India and he has his reservations, "The Indian
mindset is still not ready toembrace the
culture of Ayurveda in a manner that the European market has possibly built an
industry around. Patience is a virtue we have still not mastered the art of. It
is believed that Ayurveda is an expensive affair but so is allopathy. If we are
willing to shed a fortune on a bypass surgery then why not spend half the money
on a recreational therapy that will guarantee the elimination of the ailment
from its root?", asks Ram. The system of Ayurveda he asserts is "not
superficial but comes with permanent and effective results."
Agrees Niika Quistgard,
Founder and Director Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre forWomen,
Kerala and says, "People are often dissatisfied with allopathic medicines
and are wary of the side-effects of drugs; natural alternatives and organic
methods of healing are the preferred options. At Rasa Ayurveda we offer free
consultation and treatment to women. All remedies are derived from herbal
plants, a tradition that dates back to the era of our grandmothers," adds
Niika.
5.
The Leela, Udaipur: The city of lakes and
palaces, The Leela's ESPA Spa is yet another hot spot for Ayurvedic retreat.
The 'haveli' style architecture of spas, tents done up in shades of royalty and
opulence and the welcoming gardens contribute to the development of a relaxed
mind and soul of the human body. Tricia Bannister, Group Spa Manager, says,
"Our clientele has grown from in-house guests to both in-house and local
guests requesting for a wellness experience set amidst the cultural heritage of
Rajasthan." From hot stone massages, facials, yoga and meditation, The
Leela also features private yoga studio for visitors. On being asked if
Ayurveda treatment is a rich man's pastime Bannister replies, "There is a
range of Ayurvedic resorts available for spa travellers, from more relaxed, to
5-star properties. Ayurveda tourism is growing dramatically in India; both for
pure Ayurvedic treatments as well as Ayurvedic-inspired experiences. Travellers
from all income-levels are curious to experience new wellness treatments,"
adds Tricia.
Where: The
Leela Palace, Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Others
worth a note
- Keraleeyam Ayurvedic
Resort, Alleppey, Kerala
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