10-Day Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Kerala, India

Ennakkathara Arya Vaidyasala is a small Ayurvedic hospital and retreat centre in Chottanikkara, about 45 minutes from Kochi. It's been in the same family for 47 years, and the current managing director, Dr. Nikila Sudheer, trained in Ayurvedic medicine at the University of Calicut and has 16 years of clinical experience. The setting is modest — reviews note it's "not in lush grounds" — but guests consistently praise the care, the food, and the genuine hospitality.

The retreat is structured around personalised Ayurvedic treatment. After your initial consultation, Dr. Nikila prescribes a daily therapy plan that might include Abhyanga (full-body massage with warm herbal oil), steam baths, or Shirodhara. The centre makes its own herbal oils and medicines, and you can visit their small factory during your stay to see how they're prepared.

Yoga sessions are led by Jayesh Dhananjayan, who holds a master's degree in yoga and is certified in both Hatha and Ashtanga styles. Morning classes focus on asanas and pranayama; evenings shift to meditation and relaxation techniques. He also runs a class on the basics of Ayurveda and yoga philosophy, which helps you understand the reasoning behind your treatments and diet.

The location is defined by the Chottanikkara Devi Temple next door. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, and the atmosphere of daily prayers and rituals spills over into the retreat. One evening you'll visit the temple as a group. Later in the week, there's a boat trip through the Kerala backwaters — about 30 minutes by car to the launch point — which reviewers describe as worthwhile.

Food is traditional Kerala vegetarian cooking, served three times a day plus snacks. Guests describe it as "healthy and tasty" and mention the "wonderful ladies in the kitchen" by name. If you have dietary restrictions, the kitchen can adapt.

The centre is not luxurious, but it's clean and comfortable. Rooms come with or without air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and either single or twin beds. Wi-Fi, parking, and drinking water are included. The pace is slow and the group is small — this is a place to rest, not to be entertained.

What's included

- 9 nights accommodation in your chosen room type - Daily vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Water, tea, coffee, and detox juices served throughout the day - Personalised Ayurveda consultation with Dr. Nikila Sudheer - Daily 30-minute Ayurvedic treatment (massage, Shirodhara, or similar) - Daily morning yoga session (asanas and pranayama) - Daily evening meditation session - Class on yoga philosophy and Ayurveda basics - Visit to Chottanikkara Devi Temple - Visit to Ayurveda heritage centre and herbal medicine factory - Backwater boat cruise - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking

What's not included

- Flights to and from Cochin International Airport (COK) - Airport transfers (available for €36 per person return) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional Ayurvedic treatments beyond the daily included session - Personal expenses - Activities not listed in the itinerary