Where Backwaters Whisper & Ancient Healing Blooms
Retreat Description
Immerse in Kerala’s 3000-year-old healing traditions where:
– Warm tropical climate enhances Panchakarma detox
– Brahminy Kites circle over yoga shalas
– Monsoon rains (June-Sept) amplify rejuvenation therapies
Set across 3 healing locations:
1. Kovalam (Beachfront Ashram)
2. Alleppey (Backwater Houseboat)
3. Varkala (Cliffside Ayurveda Resort)
Retreat Highlights
- Sunrise Yoga on Private Beach in Kovalam
- Traditional Kerala Panchakarma with 5th Generation Vaidya
- Meditation in Coconut Groves
- Ayurvedic Cooking Classes
- Backwater Yoga Cruise on Houseboat
- Kalari Martial Arts Demo (World's Oldest Martial Art)
- Sound Healing with Traditional Chenda Drums
- Sattvic Sadya Meals on Banana Leaf
- Herbal Garden Nature Walks
- Kathakali Relaxation Therapy (Classical Dance Meditation)
- AM: Welcome with Nalpamaradi Thailam foot massage
- PM: Guru Pooja (Teacher blessing ceremony) + Beachside Yin Yoga
- 6:00 AM: Surya Namaskar facing Arabian Sea
- 9:30 AM: Snehapanam (Medicated ghee intake)
- 4:00 PM: Kaya Seka (Full-body oil cascade)
- 11:00 AM: Virechanam (Purgation therapy)
- PM: Gentle restorative yoga + marma point workshop
- 6:30 AM: Houseboat deck yoga amidst paddy fields
- 1:00 PM: Kerala Sadya lunch served on banana leaf
- 5:00 PM: Navarakizhi (Rice bundle massage)
- 9:30 AM: Udwartanam (Herbal powder massage)
- 3:30 PM: Coconut palm climbing demo + tender coconut hydration
- AM: Kalarippayattu martial arts session
- PM: Kathakali makeup workshop (Theatre as meditation)
- 6:00 AM: Pranayama overlooking Papanasam Beach
- 9:30 AM: Shirodhara with medicated coconut oil
- 4:00 PM: Ayurvedic cooking class (Learn 5 medicinal recipes)
- 11:00 AM: Thalam (Herbal crown treatment)
- 5:00 PM: Moonlight Bharatanatyam (Movement meditation)
- AM: Kayakalpa facial with Kumkumadi Thailam
- PM: Closing ceremony with diyas floated in Arabian Sea
- AM: Final Pizhichil (Royal oil bath)
- Gift: Personalized Oushadha Churna (Herbal powder blend)
Meal Plan
Breakfast (7:30 AM)
- Puttu (Steamed rice cake) + Kadala curry
- Njavara rice kanji (Medicinal rice porridge)
- Fresh coconut water
Lunch (12:30 PM – Served on Banana Leaf)
- Red Rice + Olan (White pumpkin curry)
- Avial (36-vegetable stew)
- Kerala Sambar (Drumstick special)
- Rasam + Curd with Pacha Manga (Raw mango pickle)
Dinner (7:00 PM)
- Moong Dal Khichdi with Jeerakam (Cumin)
- Koorka Mezhukkupuratti (Chinese potato stir-fry)
- Warm Ashwagandha Milk
Special Features:
- 100% organic spices from local farms
- Fresh seafood options (for non-vegetarians)
- Medicinal payasams (Desserts with dashamoola herbs)
Kerala-Specific Packing List
Essential Additions
– Quick-dry clothing (High humidity)
– Waterproof yoga mat bag (Monsoon protection)
– Ayurvedic oils (Sesame for Abhyanga, Coconut for hair)
– Mosquito net (For traditional stays)
– Lightweight rain poncho (June-Sept)
Unique to Kerala
– White cotton mundu (Local wrap for treatments)
– Copper drinking vessel (Enhances water purification)
– Palm-leaf umbrella (Available locally)
Prohibited Items
✗ Black clothing (Attracts mosquitoes)
✗ Heavy perfumes (Interferes with aromatherapy)
- Warmer climate = Better oil absorption
- Stronger tradition of classical Ayurveda
- Integrated approach with kalaripayattu martial arts
Absolutely! Our programs cater to all levels. Therapies are customized after your initial prakriti (body type) assessment with the vaidya.
Intimate groups of 6-10 participants max for personalized attention. Houseboat sessions are private.
Yes! 60% of our guests are solo travelers. We offer gender-segregated dormitories or private rooms.
Beachfront cottages have AC, while traditional houseboats use natural ventilation (ceiling fans + river breezes).
Limited WiFi in common areas (Kovalam/Varkala). Houseboats have intentional digital detox
Expect handwoven palm-thatch roofs, open-air bathrooms with medicinal herb gardens, and hammock verandas
Kerala’s warmer climate allows:
– Longer massage durations (90-120 mins vs 60 mins)
– Special monsoon therapies (June-Sept) like Karkidaka Chikitsa
– Use of coconut oil instead of sesame for Pitta types
Yes! Alternatives like Lepanam (herbal paste application) are offered after consultation.
Yes, female/male therapists are assigned as per your comfort.
Definitely! Our red rice/ragi-based meals are naturally gluten-free. Inform us in advance.
Banana leaves:
– Release polyphenols that enhance food nutrition
– Are traditional in Kerala’s Sattvic Sadya feasts
– Keep food at ideal temperature
While available locally, it’s excluded from our retreat as it contradicts Ayurvedic principles.
Trivandrum (TRV) for Kovalam start. We arrange pickups from Cochin (COK) at extra cost.
All transfers are in AC vehicles with:
– Ayurvedic herbal water + cool towels
– Stops at spice plantations en route
Yes! Add 2 days for jungle yoga and spice garden tours (Extra Cost).
Mats are provided, but bring a non-slip towel for humid conditions.
Avoid denim—opt for light linen/cotton. Kerala’s humidity makes heavy fabrics uncomfortable.
Only June-Sept. We provide palm-leaf umbrellas for monsoon showers.
Typically 20-30% higher due to:
– Longer therapy times
– Fresh seafood inclusion – Multi-location logistics
Yes! We accept international payments via Wise/PayPal (3% processing fee).
Highly recommended for monsoon season cancellations.
