Kerala Ayurvedic Tour |
Duration: Depending on the treatment taken |
Destinations Covered: Cochin-Kalari Kovilakom-Cochin |
Days |
Tour Program |
Day 01 |
Arrive Cochin, pick up and transfer to Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort
On arrival at Cochin airport our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort, the palace for Ayurveda. Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort is located in the foothills of the Annamalai hills, at a distance of 105 km from Cochin airport. Overnight at the resort. |
Day 02 |
Consultation with the Doctor and start of the therapies
Today the experts will meet you and advise you the therapies you require. The duration of the each Ayurvedic Therapy is different and it may be from one week to four weeks or more. The resident doctor after consultation plans your programme and will also suggest your diet and the therapy commences in right earnest. Please remember that during this period you should not exert yourself and for best result no alcohol, no tobacco and strict vegetarian diet. The therapy involves various herbal massages, steam baths and yoga. If you follow all the directions of the "VAIDYA", we can assure you that you will come out totally relaxed and a great feeling of wellness. Overnights at the resort. |
Day 03 |
Transfer to Airport
After completion of the package you will be transferred to Cochin Airport for your onward Journey. |
Your Tour Includes: |
- Accommodation in Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort as required.
- All meals as suggested by the doctors.
- All applicable hotel & transport taxes.
- Government services tax of 3.09%.
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Your Tour Does Not Includes: |
- Any meals other than those specified.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
- Any other item not specified.
- International airfare.
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Prime Treatments in Ayurveda: |
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The Ayurveda-The Three Doshas(Medical Humours)
In Ayurveda, all bodily processes are said to be governed by a balance of three elements called the doshas. The 3 main doshas (medical humours) are Vata (resembles the classical element air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water).
Each is present in every individual, but the extent varies, creating hundreds of differing constitutions. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.
Vata
Vata, composed of air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance. Too much vata leads to "worries, insomnia, cramps and constipation. Vata controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind." Vata activates the nervous system, hearing and speech; and expresses as enthusiasm and creativity. Vata also controls the other two principles, Pitta and Kapha, and is usually the first cause of disease.
Pitta
Pitta is said to be composed of fire and water; it governs all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong. Pitta must be kept in balance, too. Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. A balanced Pitta mind makes one a good leader with a warm personality.
Kapha
Kapha is the watery humour. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance and lubricates the joints. It provides moisture to the skin; it helps to heal wounds and fills the spaces in the body; it gives biological strength, vigor and stability; it supports memory retention; it gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love." Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well as congestion and allergies.
Prime Treatments in Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort
Anti Ageing - Rasayana Chikitsa-28 Days.
Aims at keeping the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition. The cells are revitalized and their composition is changed. The nerves and bones are kept soft and smoothened; tranquility of the mind is promoted. This prevents the process of ageing and makes the individual free from diseases even at an advanced age.
Ayurveda is not only a science, but also an art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve longevity. It can guide every individual in the proper choice of diet, living habits and exercise to restore balance in the body, mind and consciousness, thus preventing disease.
According to authentic Ayurvedic textbooks, rejuvenation must be done only after detoxifying the body. Keeping this principle, Kalari Kovilakam developed a special treatment programme, which goes well with the present lifestyle.
In this Anti aging programme, the first 2 weeks are reserved for a cleansing treatment to eliminate the toxins. Then, the rejuvenation treatments start, with medicines and diet. Our programme is based on the prime treatment in ayurveda for reducing the aging processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and increasing the immunity of the system.
Key therapies: Nasyam, virechanam, vamanam, snehavasthi or kashayavasthi depend upon the constitution or dominant doshas along with some preparative treatments like Pizhichil, pouch massages, different types of uzhichil [massage], sirodhara, sirovasthi, kayasekam etc. for purifying the body. Followed by this cleansing, there will be some rejuvenating uzhichil [massage], uzhichil with special creams, njavarakizhi, Ksheera dhara, kashayadhara, udvardhanam, mukhalepam, thechukulli along with rasayanas and a nourishing diet.
Anti Stress Programme Manasanthy-14 Days
It is a proven fact that the mind plays an important role in governing not just the actions we take, but their qualitative nature, i.e., how well or badly we act. Anything which manipulates the mind will thus reflect on the body. People facing a lot of stress from their hectic lives thus end up with not only mental, but a host of physical problems too, usually called 'lifestyle diseases'.
Ayurveda, combined with Yoga offers the perfect answer for this.
At Kalari Kovilakam, we've developed a special 7 to 14 days programme called 'Manasanthy', based on these two ancient systems of wellness.
Key therapies: the classical treatments like Uzhichil, Sirodhara, Sirovasthy, Nasyam, Kateevasthy, Nj avarakizhi, Sarvanga dhara, Pichu, Thalam, Thalapothichil etc. are provided in its authentic form. All these are supported by special Yoga therapies, herbal medicines and herbal teas according to the constitution.
This programme is beneficial for those who are physically and mentally stressed, and/or suffer from conditions like insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, tension headaches and so on. It's also good for those who travel a lot, late night workers, I.T. professionals and computer users in general.
General Rejuvenation - Pancha karma-21 to 28 Days
Panch karma is the classic 5-point revitalisation treatment that's gaining worldwide fame these days.
Although Panchakarma is often thought of as the entire procedure, it really is one part of a group of therapies belonging to a class of cleansing procedures called 'shodhana' At Kalari, the Panchkarma process is more intensive, following closely the early texts of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.
Poorvakarma - Pre Purification Measures
Before the actual process of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods and encourage the body to let go of the toxins. The two procedures are 'Snehanam' and 'Swedanam'. Snehanam means oleating the body, helping the toxins to move towards the gastrointestinal tract. It also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and to nourish the nervous system.
Swedanam means 'sudation' or sweating, which is followed by snehanam. This procedure liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins in to the gastrointestinal tract. After this Snehanam and swedanam,doshas become well 'ripened'. A particular panchakarma is then given according to the individual's constitution and disorder.
Pradhana karma - Main procedure
There are five basic Shodhanas, or cleansing methods.
1) Nasyam Elimination of toxins through the nose.
2) Vamanam Therapeutic vomiting.
3) Virechanam ` Purgation.
4) Vasthy Enema.
5) Rakthamoksham Detoxification of the blood.
Paschat karma - post purification measures.
It is important to follow a diet and lifestyle that is harmonious with one's constitution. If not patients could worsen their condition by suppressing the renewed healing energies. The toxins may then directly enter cleansed tissues and go deeper than before.
Some things to avoid are loud talking, bumpy rides, long walks, excessive sitting and excessive eating, if experiencing indigestion. Avoid eating unwholesome food, daytime sleep and sexual indulgence in excess. Take 'Rasayanas' to rebuild the damaged tissues and to give a new level of strength and energy. Herbs and foods can be used specifically to rebuild tissue layers and herbs also have a direct rejuvenative effect on the various organs and tissue layers.
Key therapies
Snehapanam, uzhichil, sirodhara, sirovasthy, podikizhi, elekizhi, dhanyakizhi, njavarakizhi, pizhichil, narangakizhi, dasamoolaksheera dhara,kativasthi, urovasthi, nasyam, vamanam, virechanam, kashayavasthi, ksheeravasthi, snehavasthi, mathravasthi etc. are the treatments included in this package.
Slimming Programme - Thaulyakna Chikilsa-21 to 28 Days.
Diet pills lower the body's fat set points by speeding up the organism, making both body and brain work faster. This increases Vata, which makes both body and mind crave for more sweets to balance.
Ayurveda believes in speeding up organism in healthy natural ways, with treatments to increase fat metabolism, exercise, herb-based diet supplements and the use of light non-kapha producing foods, which control vata while relieving the system of excess kapha.
In Kalari Kovilakam, there is a programme for 28 days including yoga, which assures you of genuine metabolic change.
Key treatments: Udvardhanam, Padabhyangam, Kalari uzhichil, lepanam, medicated steam bath, podikizhi, internal medication and herbal teas.
Saundarya - Beauty Care Programme-10 Days.
According to Ayurveda, beauty is not just limited to attractive physical features or a slim and trim body figure but it also includes a healthy mental and spiritual state. This inner beauty is necessary, if the outer appearance is to be preserved.
Ayurveda explains about seven functional units called Dhathu or Tissue. The tissue which most often needs rejuvenation is the largest of all our organs, the skin. The derivative of these seven tissues is called 'Ojas', the essence. It is Ojas that bestows glow and that special aura of inner vitality, without which even the most flawless countenance looks lifeless. To achieve purity of Ojas, functioning capacity of the seven tissues has to be enhanced.
Our Soundarya programme emphasises this. Herbal-based facial scrubs and lotions are selected according to the dosha predominance. These rejuvenate the cells and remove wrinkles. Rejuvenative herbal preparations are used to re-animate the skin with regular massage.
Key therapies: 'Udwarthanam with special powders, Uzhichil with special oils, Mukhalepam - face pack with special herbs, Thechukuli-Special decoction baths, Njavara theppu - rice-pudding application. Flower baths with floral oils are also included in this programme.
Fact Sheet: Karali Kovilakom Ayurvedic Resort
Kalari Kovilakom is the Palace for Ayurveda, perhaps the first and only one of its kind. Today, Karari kovilakom has been restored and recreated into a unique experience in wellness. Combining the healing experience of India's ancient medicinal system, Ayurveda with the sumptousness of palace living.
So is it a spa? A Palace hotel? An ayurvedic hospital? An ashram? Kalari is beyond these simply because it is a little of all of these. The intent and purpose of Kalari Kovilakom is to give you a chance to start your life all over again. Ayurveda, if correctly followed, promises not only a new body and mind, but a deep connection with the spirit.
Shoeless indulgences
To stay true to the old conventions of the Palace, no meat, leather footwear or alcohol are allowed at Kalari.
You will see echoes of Ashram-like austerity. Yet, enjoy a rare level of amenities and service, part 21st century comfort, part 19th century romance.
The residences of the lords and ladies of Vengunad are still yours to delight in, unchanged from times past. We restored them as authentically as we could. Then added as many modern facilities as we dared, without compromising the Palace's original character.
The air-conditioning, the luxury bath fittings and the four - poster beds will certainly lull you, but they shouldn't mislead you. For Kalari offers unvarnished ayurveda, administered in its purest form, in accordance with millennia-old texts and traditions.
The healing touch of pure Ayurveda
At Kalari, every therapy is personal. Our treatments are customised for you by our doctors, often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep healing from within and without. Every treatment is based on your needs and your ayurvedic body type. Even the food you're served is individual, with health drinks and herbal preparations that vary with your treatment.
The result is nothing less than a return to the womb. There are no game rooms, no shopping expeditions, no television sets. The evenings are alive with chanting and hymns, unsullied by the sounds of the city. In fact, apart from these post-dinner gatherings where guests and staff alike participate, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, to disturb your new-found inner silence.
You are in a space like no other on earth that we know of. An atmosphere that makes you conscious only of the potentials within, being slowly unlocked as your therapies progress
Accommodations
- 18 palatial suites that offer the experience of authentic palace living.
- The Old Guest Wing, with '20s colonial Western-styled rooms.
- The Palace Wing, which has traditional Kerala architecture reminiscent of the 'zenana' (harem)
Culinary Experience
- Ayurvedic vegetarian food, prepared in a pure Ayurvedic kitchen. The food served to you is based on your therapies, and varies accordingly
Healing and Wellness
- Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy: 14-, 21- and 28- day Ayurveda experiences.
- Rejuvenative and therapeutic programmes.
- Anti-ageing.
- Beauty and skin treatments.
- Anti-stress therapies.
- Personalised yoga.
- Training and demonstrations of Kalaripayattu.
- Kerala's traditional Martial Art.
Treatment Facilities
- Ayurveda treatment rooms, catering to 10 persons simultaneously.
- Ayurvedic beauty therapy centre.
- Extensive gardens growing Ayurvedic herbs.
- Yoga, meditation and chanting hall.
- Well-stocked library.
- Traditional Kalari arena.
- Spaces for music and cultural performances
The Princely Path
Kalari Kovilakom offers ayurveda unveiled in its most authentic form. The herbs used are pure and freshly picked, usually from the herb gardens maintained on Kalari Kovilakom's own extensive grounds.
All food is prepared in a full fledged ayurvedic kitchen using pure spices and ingredients to create simple, yet delicious vegetarian meals that form an integral part of the treatments. And the therapies are in strict accord with the ancient texts of Ayurveda.
Through a combination of massages, herbal treatments, medicines, diet and purifying baths, the Kalari experience promises you a chance to see the world afresh, to be twice born. 10 therapy and massage rooms offer a complete range of treatments. Expert masseuses and therapists work with you from head to toe, bringing new life to tired muscles, bones and tendons. The healing continues at our Yoga and meditation centres, and even at the dining table. And of course, hovering protectively over your whole treatment are Doctors Shreelatha and Jain, qualified ayurvedic physicians with years of clinical experience.