11-Day Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Immersion in Kerala, India

Ennakkathara Arya Vaidyasala has been operating as an Ayurvedic treatment centre since 1977, now in its third generation. The clinic is known locally for treating arthritis, neurological complaints, and skin conditions, and the retreat draws on that clinical background. Dr. Nikila Sudheer, the managing director and senior physician, has 16 years of experience and a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery from the University of Calicut. She conducts the initial consultation and prescribes your treatment plan.

The daily rhythm is straightforward: yoga and pranayama in the morning, then your scheduled Ayurvedic treatments (typically Abhyanga, Udwarthanam, Swedana, or Shirodhara depending on your needs), lunch, an afternoon workshop on Ayurvedic principles, dinner, and an evening meditation session. Workshops are hands-on — you learn to identify your dosha, understand how to adjust your diet and routine seasonally, and practise basic marma point awareness.

The setting is not a jungle resort; Chottanikkara is a small town on the outskirts of Kochi, and the centre sits close to the Chottanikkara Devi Temple. Past guests mention enjoying the local community feel and the temple rituals. The backwater cruise (about 30 minutes away) and Cherai beach (1.5 hours) offer a change of pace if you want to explore beyond the centre.

Meals are Kerala vegetarian — rice, sambar, thoran, rasam, fresh coconut chutneys — prepared by the kitchen staff and adjusted for dietary needs. Herbal drinking water is available throughout the day. The pace is slow, and digital detox is encouraged but not enforced.

What's included

- 10 nights accommodation - Daily sattvic vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Evening tea with snacks - Herbal drinking water - Body constitution analysis (Prakriti assessment) - Personalised Ayurveda consultation - Daily Ayurvedic treatments (Abhyanga, Udwarthanam, Swedana, Shirodhara, etc.) - Daily yoga and pranayama sessions - Evening meditation and journaling sessions - Daily Ayurveda workshops - One-day excursion to temple, Ayurveda Heritage Centre, and backwaters - Yoga mat and accessories - Expert consultations with Ayurvedic doctors and yoga instructors - All taxes

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available for €36 return) - Special tours not included in itinerary - Tips and gratuities - Personal expenses