Ayurveda means “The Science of Life.” Ayurvedic knowledge based practices  originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and address issues that are detrimental to a healthy lifestyle, devoid of diseases and disorders, .  These practices involve many therapeutic massages termed as ‘Panchakarma’. Panchakarma therapies have a proven track record in addressing reversal of long standing health disorders and chronic ailments. Along with managing health Ayurveda also prescribes nurturing the body, mind and soul to arrive at an optimal lifestyle. Due to this many resorts and retreats across India are offering Ayurveda as a solution for rejuvenation and recovery. Based in exotic locations these destinations are a treat to the soul. We, at AyurUniverse have curated 10 such Ayurvedic Wellness centers across India:

 Somatheeram Ayurveda Village

Location – Chowara Beach, Kerala

Closest Airport – Trivandrum International Airport

Somatheeram is located in the southernmost state of Kerala and boasts a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments and services. The resort is designed in a rustic fashion allowing one to truly relax and get away from the bustle of urban life. ‘Soma’ means drink (literally translates to an extract, or distillate) and ‘theeram’ means beach in Sanskrit.  In their own words, Somatheeram is in fact a village that offers a resort like experience with very authentic Ayurvedic treatments. It might be pertinent to keep in mind that the treatment rooms in Somatheeram are located at an elevation and so may not be easily accessible for those that have difficulty walking or climbing uphill. 

Duration of the Programs – Up to 14 days

Signature Treatments – Panchakarma treatment, Basic massages, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Sirodhara, Vashti, Sirovasthi, Udvarthanam, Abhyangam, Nasyam and Thalam. The folks at Somatheeram grow their own medicinal herbs and many of the doctors are 2nd or 3rd generation Ayurvedic doctors.

Ailments Treated: Psoriasis, Detoxification, Anti-aging, Slimming.

Highlights – Somatheeram has its own Ayurveda Academy where one may enroll in courses specializing in areas such as Ayurvedic theory, Ayurvedic cooking and cuisine. Local Attractions: Some local attractions are Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kanakakunnu Palace, Napier Museum, The Thiruvananthapuram zoo, Kerala Science and Technology Museum, Akkulam Tourist Village and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village

Location – Kovalam, Chowara Beach, Kerala

Closest Airport – Trivandrum International Airport

The Chowara region is an Ayurveda hub that houses many resorts and retreat centers specializing in Ayurvedic practices and Manaltheeram is one such Ayurvedic retreat center. It is a stone’s throw away from Somatheeram and is also fashioned as a village. The word ‘Manal’ is the Sanskrit term for sand. And it has been named appropriately so, because Manaltheeram sits very close to the coastline of Chowara beach. As a result, Manaltheeram offers a very relaxing holiday for vacationers with the benefit of an Ayurveda retreat.

Duration of the Programs – 7 to 14 days

Signature Treatments – Basic massages, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Sirodhara, Vashti, Sirovasthi, Udvarthanam, Abhyangam, Nasyam and Thalam. 

Ailments Treated: Psoriasis, Anti-aging, Slimming, Body immunization.

Highlights – The village resort is located near the Kovalam and Varkala beaches where vacationers can unwind. Buffet is separated as per doshas; for example, Vata food is separate from Pitta. A doctor is present on call if one is confused about whether they may eat certain foods or not.

Local Attractions: Some local attractions are Kovalam Beach, Veli Tourist Village, Akkulam Tourist Village, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Varkala Beach, Shankumugham Beach, Ponmudi and Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple  

Veda5 Ayurveda and Retreat Center

Location – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Closest Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Veda5 Ayurveda and Retreat Center is located in Rishikesh, an enchanting town that sits at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Center offers Ayurveda and Yoga wellness packages that can be customized to be the authentic Panchakarma treatment, or more indulgent detoxification programs. Yoga and meditation is highly endorsed with vast yoga pavilions and a meditation cave. Veda5 signature AyurYog Shodhan is an Ayurveda cleansing retreat that lasts 5 days, with a balanced combination of Yoga, Ayurvedic detox therapy, massages such as Abhyanga and Shirodhara, different types of meditation and all through following a personalized Ayurvedic diet. If one simply wants to experience a picturesque holiday in Rishikesh, then room and board packages are also available at Veda5.

Duration of the Programs – Minimum 11 days stay for Panchakarma package. 3 days or more for remaining packages.

Signature Treatments – Rejuvenation, Ayurvedic and Yoga detox and Panchakarma.

Ailments Treated: Weight management, stress management, Digestion problems.

Highlights – Veda5 houses an organic farm that is the source of their produce, and pays particular attention to the Ayurvedic cuisine. 

Local Attractions: The local attractions nearby include white water rafting, nature walks and treks, Safaris, Ganga Aarti ritual on the banks of the river Ganga, Triveni Ghat and Local shopping for pashmina shawls among other engaging activities.

Shathayu Ayurveda Retreat

Location  – Bengaluru, Karnataka

Closest Airport – Bengaluru International Airport

Established in 1901, Shathayu Ayurveda Retreat offers three main holistic forms of treatments/therapy which are Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy respectively. These therapies are usually interspersed; although it’s not a compulsion to perform yoga or meditation, it is recommended. One may opt for a package that hones in on one therapy more than the other. For example, the Panchakarma is a 5 step Ayurveda treatment that involves massages, bastis (enemas) and other purgative karmas which are intended to cleanse the body. There is a greater emphasis on Ayurveda in such treatments however there may be a few yoga classes incorporated as a part of the therapy.

Duration of the Programs – 3 to 21 days

Signature Treatments – Weight management programs, Rejuvenation packages, Panchakarma programs. A wide variety of treatments are available which can be personalized to your preference, ranging from 2 to 30 days.

Ailments Treated: Weight management, Skincare management, Diabetes, Respiratory and Allergy management, Joint and spinal care which include Musculo-Neuro-Skeletal conditions like Osteo-Arthritis, Spondylosis, Sciatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gouty Arthritis, Repetitive Stress Injury & other Spinal & Joint related disorders. They also have a de-addiction program to aid against addiction to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.The Well-Being Sutra is a corporate wellness package aimed at treating conditions like Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, High cholesterol, Depression, Arthritis, Sinusitis etc. 

Highlights – The beautiful setting of the resort is such that it overlooks hills on three sides and a vast lake on the fourth. It is a child friendly destination for those travelling with their little ones; playgrounds, swimming pools and other activities such as cycling, mountain trekking to keep your tots and teens occupied.

Local attractions – Local attractions in the area include local shopping, local photography and art, Swimming, Culinary experience and Tour of Silicon Valley of India

Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village

Location – Palakkad, Kerala

Closest Airport – Coimbatore International Airport

Kairali is situated in Palakkad, a gateway city in the Westerns Ghats mountain range. This is a lush and densely forested region, reflected entirely in the tropical vibe of the resort. Kairali offers personalized Ayurveda treatments as well as yoga, meditation and courses on Ayurveda diet and cooking. The resort also deeply cares for social responsibility thereby allowing vacationers to have an ethical holiday. They offer to teach guests organic farming and gardening if interested.

Duration of the Programs – 5 to 28 days

Signature Treatments – Ayurvedic Treatments such as Panchakarma package, Preventive and Regenerative package, Rejuvenation and Detoxification program.

Ailments Treated – Ayurvedic Treatments with emphasis on ailments such as arthritis, sinusitis, migraines and post-pregnancy care. Bronchial diseases treatment, Nervous disability treatment, Eye care treatment, Hypertension treatment, Psoriasis treatment, Paralysis treatment, Facial paralysis treatment, Diabetes treatment, Cervical spondylitis treatment, Arthritis (Osteo and Rheumatoid) treatment, Slip disc treatment, Chronic back pain treatment and Weight reduction/management.

Highlights – Offers additional services such as astrology reading, palmistry, lessons on Indian philosophies and rituals. It appears on National Geographic traveler’s top 50 Wellness Destinations in the world and top 10 in Asia. They offer training in Ayurveda. 

Local attractions – Malampuzha dam, Fantasy Water Park and Palakkad fort.

 Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center

Location – Mysuru, Karnataka

Closest Airport – Bengaluru International Airport or Mysuru Airport

Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center is located in the southern Indian city of Mysuru, also popularly categorized as the Ashtanga Yoga capital of India. This center offers the classic Panchakarma treatment, a range of therapies directed at specific conditions, yoga and meditation. They also use PhotoBioModulation technology or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) which is a form of cold laser therapy used to treat ailments such as acne, hair loss and pain relief among others. Indus Valley has a bucolic yet pleasurable ambience. The treatment rooms are set in rustic huts with lush landscaping all around.

Duration of the Programs – 2 to 30 days

Signature Treatments – Rejuvenation package, Panchakarma package, Weight loss package and Wellness vacations.

Ailments Treated – Indus Valley’s treatments are directed at treating conditions such as PCOS, Psoriasis, Hypothyroidism, Acne, Digestive issues and Fibromyalgia among others. 

Highlights – The Indus Valley Foundation (IVAC) is an extension of the resort which aims to recruit and train youth from underprivileged and marginalized communities and localities. A number of the Ayurveda therapists that one will encounter at Indus Valley are from such backgrounds but have been educated and empowered via the foundation. Local Attractions – One may visit the nearby Chamundi Hill Temple by climbing 1000 steps to reach the top. Early morning walks and hikes, Nature walks, treks and local shopping.

SwaSwara 

Location – Gokarna, Karnataka

Closest Airport – Goa International Airport

SwaSwara lies in the beach town of Gokarna, in northern Karnataka. The Ayurveda experience at SwaSwara can be tailored to suit your needs, from the gentle Swa Well-being program (3 nights onwards) to a week long Rejuvenation holiday, or the intensive 2 week Panchakarma treatment. These programs can be accompanied by other relaxing activities such as bird watching, meditative art, pottery or cooking classes.

Duration of the Programs – 4 to 22 days

Signature Treatments – Preparatory toxin removal methods which are Snehanam and Swedanam. The former involves oleation of the body, internally and externally while the latter induces sweating. 

Highlights – Bounded on two sides by the popular Om Beach of the Arabian sea, this resort offers so much. Its proximity to the ocean ensures many water sports that one can pursue, along with an opportunity to explore matters of the spiritual nature, as Gokarna is home to many Shiva temples such as Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple. 

Local attractions – Om Beach, Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple.

Isola Di Cocco Ayurvedic Beach Resort

Location – Trivandrum, Kerala

Closest Airport – Trivandrum International Airport

If you would like to have an immersive Ayurveda treatment and experience all that the southern state of Kerala has to offer, then Isola di Cocco is your answer. The resort is enclosed in the midst of a coconut grove and the banks of the river Poovar. Ayurtheeram is the Ayurvedic wing of the resort that offers treatments such as Panchakarma and Ayurveda rejuvenation along with yoga practice. One may stay at Isola and take treatment at Ayurtheeram or stay at Ayurtheeram itself. 

Duration of the Programs – 4 to 36 days

Signature Treatments – A number of relaxing and therapeutic Ayurvedic massages at Ayurtheeram. You may have basic head and body massage, or specialized Sirodhara and steam treatments such as Nasyam or Kativasthy.

Ailments Treated – Body and Mind relaxation program, Anti-Aging Program, Rejuvenation program for old age disorders, De-stress Therapy, Spine and Neck care program, Psoriasis treatment, Arthritis treatment.

Highlights – Enjoy all the amenities of a resort along with sightseeing and activities such as backwater river cruises endemic to Kerala. Stay in cottages built in the traditional Kerala style architecture, and enjoy the diverse cuisine of Kerala.

Local attractions – Varkala Beach, Varkala Cliff, Janardanaswamy Temple, Kappil Beach, Varkala Aquarium, Golden Island (Ponnumthuruthu) Varkala, Anchuthengu Fort, Odayam Beach Varkala. 

Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort

Location – Mararikulam, Kerala

Closest Airport – Cochin International Airport

Carnoustie is located in the beach village of Mararikulam in Kerala that lies on the shores of the Arabian sea. The resort’s main attraction is the Aryavaidyasala (Ayurveda Spa) for the wellness aspect of the retreat. Carnoustie is said to have a holistic approach to wellness, not only concentrating on Ayurvedic treatments, but intermixing with yoga, pranic healing/marma, mantra, naturopathy, and special Ayurveda diets and cuisine. 

Duration of the Programs – 5 to 22 days

Signature Treatments – Detoxification program, marma/pranic healing program, anti-ageing program, Ayurveda rejuvenation program.

Ailments Treated – Digestion problems, Insomnia, Migraine, Anxiety Disorder, Headaches, Chronic Depression and combating Mental Stress.

Highlights – Carnoustie was featured in Featured in Forbes, “5 Top Wellness Retreats for Ultimate Renewal 2017”. Other amenities to enjoy at this resort include plush pool villas, swimming pools, house boat rides and activities such as Kerala art and dance performances. 

Local attractions – The nearby Marari Beach, Fort Kochi tours, Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, the International Coir Museum, Pathiramanal, St. Andrew’s Basilica Church and Cafe Littoral. 

Devaaya Ayurveda and Nature Cure

Location – Panjim, Goa

Closest Airport – Dabolim International Airport, Goa

Devaaya is a part of the Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat hotel in Goa’s Divar island. It is 10 km from Panjim, Goa’s capital city, and situated amidst swaying palm trees and lush green paddy fields. Devaaya offers authentic Panchakarma treatment, Wellness packages, Naturopathy and Yoga. Panchakarma package options include 15 days, 22 days and 30 days. As per their website, these days include rest days because some of the Panchakarma treatments are intensive and require some respite. The wellness package can be personalized and the treatments include but are not limited to Abhyanga, Svedan, Nasya, ShiroDhara, Karnapuran, Synchronised Abhyangam, Padabhyanga and Health Consultation. In their Naturopathy therapy, Devaaya uses a combination of diet, exercise, massages and hydrotherapy to detoxify the body. Diet is an important factor in naturopathy and involves fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals. Some concerns addressed by Naturopathy are Obesity, High BP, Spondylitis, Abdominal disorders and Diabetes Mellitus.

Duration of the Programs – 3 to 23 days

Signature Treatments – Panchakarma, Rejuvenation, Ayurveda Therapy, Yoga retreat, Stress management, Detoxification and Weight loss.

Ailments Treated – Stress, Pain, Weight, Diabetes, Joint Pain, Rheumatism, Obesity, Partial Paralysis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, High BP, Ulcers, Women’s Health, Geriatric Care, Post Chemotherapy, Preventive Healthcare, Thyroid Management, Hair and Skin care. 

Highlights – They offer training courses on Ayurveda which last about 15 days. 

Local attractions – Some local attractions are Basilica of Jesus, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Boat cruise, Aguada Fort, Miramar Beach, Calangute Beach, Water Sports, Scuba Diving and Water rafting at Valpoi river.

These chosen destinations are ranked based on authenticity of Ayurvedic treatments, packaging price, facilities and luxury.Let this curated list entice you to explore wellness options your body craves for along with exploring beautiful locales you have only dreamed of but not experienced. Let Ayurveda lead you on a journey of Wellness!. 

Written by Priya B.