How about starting your day with a yoga session amidst pristine natural beauty, surrounded with paddy fields and palm trees? Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village in Kerala's Palakkad town, is one such destination, considered an idyllic gateway for discerning travellers hoping to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
As conventional as possible, the timetable follows the old-age lifestyle, a far cry from city hassles. De-stressing, lounging in an old rocking chair with a book by the poolside with only distraction being a kingfisher's playful splashing - the experience is divine.
Yes, travelling from Coimbatore Airport to the village could be dull and dreary, but it's worth the effort.
All traces of fatigue immediately vanish as you enter the village, surrounded by 600 coconut, 200 teak and 20 mango trees.
The 50-acre lush-green property is dotted with well-lit spacious cottages that serve as an ideal destination for those looking for body and mind healing.
The 31 villas divided into Maharaja Suites (two), Royal Villas (five), Classic Villas (16) and Deluxe Villas (eight), are designed on "vaastu shastra" principles and are allocated to guests on the basis of their sun sign. Great thought!
Facilities are abundant.
Sample this - a group of qualified Ayurvedic doctors administer treatment to cure a variety of ailments.
A unique blend of modern luxury holiday and natural beauty, one of its unique features is a waterbody flowing alongside each room, bringing solace and peace to one's mind.
Yoga and meditation are an essential part of the Ayurvedic way of life and the resort offers both private and group classes. However, if someone wants to holiday without any schedule in hand, avoid Kairali because the only way to make the most of the place is by following its timetable.
T.R. Chandrashekaran, who has been an Ayurvedic practitioner for over four decades, says the power of herbs and traditional oils is magical.
Co-headed by the husband-wife duo of managing director K.V. Ramesh and joint managing director Gita Ramesh, the former hailing from a family of traditional Ayurveda physicians, the hospitality division was launched in 1999 with the motto to becoming the leader among wellness resorts, Ayurvedic retreats and healing villages.
Kairali Ayurvedic Group director Abhilash. K. Ramesh said that the intention was to create a place where one can actually "recuperate from stress and strain and undergo treatment for ailments while holidaying".
Keeping the modern lifestyle and eating habits in mind, Ayurveda has great relevance.
"The changed eating habits and modern lifestyles make even a very young person prone to the likes of obesity, spondylitis, arthritis and premature ageing. Our therapies are based on the traditional, fundamental principles of nature, Ayurvedic medicines and oils," Abhilash Ramesh added.
The menu is vegetarian and guests are advised to abstain from alcohol and smoking during their stay.
A multi-cuisine restaurant serves wholesome feasts and a qualified dietician helps guests to choose an ideal diet made from organic vegetables grown in Kairali's own garden.
From 19-year-olds to 90-year-olds, the place is meant for nature lovers keen to explore the benefits of Ayurveda.
Some of the most preferred treatments include detoxification and purification of the body by Panchkarma, a five-fold body cleansing procedure.
Also experience the soothing spa and massage therapy given by a group of young and middle-aged women. The session consists of a health spa, royal makeover and other face massage done with herbs, plants and other natural products.
The place attracts both Indian and international travellers alike due to its exceptional Ayurvedic standards as it has its own potent herbal range grown in its organic herbal garden.
Being in Kairali is divine.
FAQs:
Getting there: Palakkad is less than an hour from the Coimbatore airport and two hours from Kochi. It also has a railway station and is well connected to major cities.
Season: It receives visitors throughout the year, but best time to visit the place is between November and February. Those who like the monsoon can check out the place in June, July and August.
Accommodation: The cottages are divided into four categories - Deluxe, Classic, Royal and the exclusive Maharaja suites.
Treatment packages: Rs.35,000 (taxes extra) onwards for 7-nights/8-days per person on a double occupancy basis. This package includes accommodation in a Deluxe Villa, one Ayurvedic treatment a day, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), complementary yoga and meditation sessions, consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, one lifestyle evaluation session and the use of the resort's facilities.