10-Day Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Kerala's Temple District

Ennakkathara Arya Vaidya Shala is a working Ayurveda hospital, not a resort, and the retreat runs inside that clinical setting. The building is in Chottanikkara, a small town whose main landmark is the Chottanikkara Devi Temple — the centre is close enough that the temple's daily prayers carry through. Guests mention the town itself is pleasant to walk around, with a local community spirit.

The 10-day programme begins with a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Nikila Sudheer, who has 16 years' clinical experience and a BAMS degree from the University of Calicut. She assesses your constitution and health concerns, then prescribes the specific treatments you'll receive each day. Treatments typically include Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), steam baths, and Shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead), using herbal oils made on-site — the centre has its own medicine factory, which you can tour during the stay.

Yoga is taught by Jayesh Dhananjayan, who holds a master's degree in yoga and certifications in Hatha and Ashtanga. Sessions cover asanas, pranayama, kriyas and Yoga Nidra. Evenings include meditation and, on some days, a visit to the nearby temple to observe the evening rituals.

The schedule leaves downtime between treatments and meals, but the day is fairly structured: morning yoga, breakfast, a class on Ayurveda or yoga philosophy, your treatment session, lunch, tea and snacks, evening yoga/meditation, dinner. The doctor adjusts the plan after your consultation, so the exact order and treatments vary per guest.

The included excursion is a backwater cruise about 15 km from the centre — around 30 minutes by car. Fort Kochi, with its Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture, is 25 km away. Cherai Beach is 42 km, roughly 1.5 hours by taxi.

What's included

- 9 nights accommodation (choice of standard or premium, AC or non-AC) - Daily vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner - Water, tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day - Initial and follow-up consultation with Ayurveda doctor - Daily Ayurveda treatment (massage, steam bath, Shirodhara or similar, as prescribed) - Daily yoga class - Daily pranayama class - Daily meditation class - Class on Ayurveda basics and yoga philosophy - Visit to Chottanikkara Devi Temple - Visit to Ayurveda heritage centre and medicine factory - Backwater boat cruise - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available for €36 return) - Additional Ayurveda treatments not included in the programme - Personal expenses - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary