Kerala Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreat Near Sacred Temple

Ennakkathara Arya Vaidyasala is a family-run Ayurvedic treatment centre that's been operating since 1977. It's not a luxury resort — think clean, practical rooms with ceiling fans and attached bathrooms, run by people who've been doing this work for decades. The centre sits near the Chottanikkara Devi Temple, and the temple's daily rituals set the rhythm of life here.

Each day starts with a yoga session led by Jayesh Dhananjayan, a certified Hatha and Ashtanga instructor with a master's degree in yoga. He covers asanas, pranayama, and meditation across the morning and evening classes. Between sessions, you'll have your Ayurvedic treatment — typically Abhyanga, a full-body oil massage followed by a steam bath. Dr. Nikila Sudheer, who's been practising for 16 years and trained at the University of Calicut, runs your initial consultation and oversees all treatments.

The food is pure Kerala vegetarian, cooked fresh in the centre's kitchen by the same team every day. Guests mention it's simple, wholesome, and tasty — not fancy, but satisfying. Herbal water is always available, and the menu is adjusted based on your dosha and any health conditions Dr. Nikila notes.

One afternoon includes a guided visit to the nearby temple and the family's Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit, where you can see how their oils and formulations are made the traditional way. The optional backwater cruise (extra cost) takes about half a day and shows you a different side of Kerala.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily Abhyanga massage with steam bath - Daily yoga sessions (morning and evening) - Pranayama and meditation classes - Personalized Ayurveda consultation - Body constitution analysis (Prakrithi) - Classes on Ayurveda and yoga philosophy - Guided temple visit - Visit to Ayurveda medicine manufacturing unit - Diet and lifestyle recommendations - Herbal drinking water - Yoga mat and accessories - Free WiFi - Free parking

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Personal expenses - Airport transfers (available for €36 return) - Backwater cruise (optional extra) - Additional Ayurvedic treatments beyond daily Abhyanga - Activities not mentioned in the itinerary