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:
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 withdiabetesandobesitycan 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 andsportsinjuries.
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.Anandain theHimalayas, Uttarakhand:As the name suggests, the experience too replicates a blissfuljourneyamid 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 themountain 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 breathtakingpanoramaas you sip on the Himalayan tea. For couples, the Kama Suite with steam shower and exclusive massage facilities can surely add a sensual flavor 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 toDehradunJolly 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.
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 traveled 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 toembracethe 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."
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 Leelaalso 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.
Others worth a note
- Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort, Alleppey, Kerala
-Mamoos Place, Goa
-Ashok Country Resort, New Delhi
-Sunrise Health Resort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Indias-5-leading-Ayurveda-destinations/articleshow/15339457.cms