Ayurvedic Spa tourism in Kerala

Ayurvedic spa tourism in Kerala is gaining its momentum due to the climatic conditions and scenic design of this region. Kerala is blessed with monsoon seasons twice during the year, June to August and October to November. The efficacy of the treatment is found to be enhanced during this period. From long time, this form of treatment has attracted the interest of people from different parts of the world. Of all the popular alternative treatments, ayurveda is the most sought after. There are some great ayurvedic spas in Kerala.

Ayurvedic Spa: What makes it so special?

The main ingredients of spa treatments are herbal oils, honey, stones, exotic flowers, mud, etc. Ayurvedic spas on the other hand offer excellent treatments for diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, gastro-intestinal problems and other major diseases. Yoga, medicated massages, detoxification programmes, etc., are part of the packages. Steam, sauna and jacuzzi baths are also common in ayurvedic spas. The ambience of the spas creates a soothing and calming effect on the mind. The gentle fragrance, quietness and very light instrumental music will ensure the uninterrupted flow of positive energy.

Udvarthanam, general body massages and medicated steam baths. Dhara is a treatment meant for mental relaxation, wherein medicated herbal oils poured on to the head. This acts as a coolant to the head, which has a healing effect on people suffering from mental stress, insomnia, etc. Sirovasthi uses special oils that are anointed on the head, which heals chronic headaches. Nasyam is a method where prescribed oil or herbs are inhaled through the nose. This treatment clears sinuses and eliminates allergic conditions of the respiratory system. Pizhicil is a continuous massage of the whole body by therapist using warm herbal oil. Njavarakizhy is a treatment that lets the entire body perspire through external application of medicated rice concoctions. This treatment is good for joint pains, arthritis and skin diseases.

In addition to all the abovementioned treatments, there is another treatment that is popular and in vogue: the Panchakarma therapy. It is a total cleansing and rejuvenating therapy that is completed in two phases: the preparation phase and cleansing phase. Moreover, this therapy is to be followed under strict diet regime.

The recommended period for ayurvedic treatment is 7–28 days depending on the condition of the person. The treatment packages are anywhere in the range of $50 to $1500 for 3 weeks. Ayurvedic spas have their own benefits; mainly, spas are in demand as they have the potential to reduce the daily stress of life and boost one’s spirit and soul. The rejuvenation that you receive from ayurvedic spa treatment is beyond comparison.

Some Popular Ayurvedic Spas in Kerala

Here is a peek at the some of the best rated resorts in Kerala that offer Ayurvedic spa packages.

Marari Beach Resort

Marari Beach Resort is located in Alappuzha, Kerala. Amidst coconut trees, the resort offers both traditional and contemporary comfort. The resort is built like a fishing village with thatched roofs. The resort rates are all inclusive of accommodation, treatment and ayurvedic food. The rates start from $300 to $600. The salon attached to the resort offers manicures and pedicures, facials, massage therapies, beauty treatments and spa pool. The ayurvedic spa offers Dhara, Sirovasthi, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, general massages and medicated steam bath.

The Coconut Lagoon

The Coconut Lagoon, rated as one of the best by the National Geographic, is located at Kumarakom on the banks of Kavanar River. The place can be reached only by boat. There is a ferry that leaves at scheduled times from the mainland. I had been to the Lagoon and the scenery was absolutely enchanting. It has all the amenities of a five star accommodation. The rates start from $150 to $300. The Lagoon offers different ayurvedic treatments for different purposes, and all treatments are performed under the guidance of a qualified physician. The popular treatments are Dhara, Sirovasthi, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhy, Udvarthanam, Nasyam, etc. Massages, in general, such as Pancha Karma and medicated steam baths are also offered.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort

Palakkad is located at the eastern side of the Kerala. Surrounded by the Western Ghats and valleys, the landscape is an idyllic location for any tourists. The Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is situated in Palakkad, covering an area of 50 acres of lush green. The ayurvedic center attached to the resort offers treatment for variety of ailments. The Panchkarma therapy is very popular among tourists. It aims to eliminate the toxins through oil and sweating therapies. The oil application and sweating therapy helps in bringing the toxins into the digestive tract for elimination. The other various oleation and sweating therapies are Abhyangam, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Dhara and Elakizhi. It will be a beautiful experience altogether.

Vythiri Resort

Wayanad is a prominent place in Malabar, which has all the perfect ingredients for a natural holiday spot. The uniqueness lends a peculiar charm to the surroundings and nature lovers will never forget their journey. Amidst the topography is the Vythiri Resort. This resort is surrounded by coffee and cardamom plantations. The Resort Spa menu includes a wide range of treatments such as massages, medicated baths, beauty treatments, manicure and pedicure, toning and firming. The treatment is a combination of ayurveda, aroma therapy and modern massage techniques. The ambience is prefect for a good relaxing massage. Some of the popular massages are Marma massage, full body massage, foot and leg massage, and scalp massage. The beauty packages include honey-sesame body scrub and herbal body scrub.

Somatheeram

Somatheeram is considered the world’s first Ayuverdic resort. It is located at Chowara Beach on the south of Kovalam, near Trivandrum. It is surrounded by beaches and beautiful landscapes. Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort offers Panchakarma and Rasayana packages in its spa packages. These treatments are carried out under the guidance of expert ayurvedic doctors at the resort. The rates start from $150 to $300. The package is all inclusive of accommodation, treatment and ayurvedic food. Complimentary services such as Yoga classes and boat tours are also offered to the customers.

The concept of ayurvedic spa tourism is now being encashed by the Government of Kerala, which has further lead to its diligent promotion. The tourism department has laid down standards and guidelines to be followed by the resorts and ayurvedic centers while offering ayurvedic spas as a service. At present, majority of the resorts even offer ayurvedic spa treatments along with vegetarian diet so that the tourists do not have to even compromise with regard to food.

A note of caution: there are agents who can dupe you by taking you to resorts that do not have proper facilities or services. Hence, before booking, you must ensure that the resort is recognised by the government and has a proper license for operating a spa.