The Kerala Ayurveda Retreat is a deeply restorative 6-day journey into the ancient healing science of Ayurveda — one of the world's oldest holistic health systems, born in the forests and ashrams of Kerala over 5,000 years ago. This is not a spa holiday; it is a structured wellness experience that combines classical Panchakarma treatments, morning yoga, Ayurvedic meals and mindful coastal living.
You'll stay at one of Kerala's finest certified Ayurveda resorts, supervised by qualified Ayurvedic physicians who conduct an initial consultation and design a personalised programme for your mind-body type (Prakriti). Between treatments, explore Varkala's dramatic cliffs, the backwater canals of Kollam and the temple culture of Thiruvananthapuram.
Route: Thiruvananthapuram → Varkala → Kollam → Thiruvananthapuram
Physician-supervised classical Panchakarma — Abhyanga massage, Shirodhara oil therapy, Nasyam and Kizhi herbal poultice treatments tailored to your Prakriti.
Morning yoga overlooking the Arabian Sea cliff at Varkala — hatha asanas, breathing exercises and guided meditation led by a certified yoga instructor.
Every meal is prepared by an Ayurvedic chef using seasonal, dosha-balancing ingredients — traditional Kerala sadhya meals served on banana leaf with herbal teas.
Explore Varkala's dramatic 15-metre red laterite cliffs above the Arabian Sea — swim at Papanasam beach, believed to have sacred purifying properties.
Visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram — one of Kerala's most sacred Vishnu temples with exquisite Dravidian architecture.
A half-day boat cruise on Ashtamudi Lake — Kerala's second largest lake — through paddy fields, toddy tapper villages and coconut-lined canals.
Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport. Your guide and private vehicle will be waiting. Transfer to the Ayurveda wellness resort in Varkala (approx. 55 km). After check-in, meet your Ayurvedic physician for a detailed initial consultation — pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha), body constitution assessment and personalised treatment plan. Light therapeutic welcome dinner. Early rest to begin your healing journey.
Begin the day with a 6 AM guided yoga session on the cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. After a light Ayurvedic breakfast, begin your first treatment session: Abhyanga (full-body warm oil massage by two therapists in synchrony) followed by Shirodhara (continuous warm medicated oil poured on the forehead). Afternoon rest and self-care. Evening walk along Varkala's clifftop promenade, watching the sunset over the sea. Ayurvedic dinner.
Morning yoga and pranayama. Today's treatments include Ela Kizhi (herbal poultice massage using fresh herbs and medicated oils heated in muslin bundles, excellent for joint and muscle conditions) and Nasyam (medicated nasal oil drops for clearing the sinuses, improving clarity and treating respiratory conditions). Post-treatment, afternoon free time at Papanasam beach — the sacred sea bathing is considered to be purifying in Hindu belief. Optional Kalari self-defence demonstration in the evening.
After morning yoga and a light breakfast, drive to Kollam (approx. 40 km). Board a traditional kettuvallam for a scenic 3-hour cruise on Ashtamudi Lake — Kerala's second-largest lake, a Ramsar-designated wetland teeming with birdlife. Glide through cashew groves, toddy tapper villages and narrow canal networks. Enjoy a packed Ayurvedic lunch on board. Return to Varkala by evening. Gentle restorative yoga and meditation session before dinner.
Morning treatment session: Udvartana (herbal powder exfoliation massage to improve circulation and aid weight management) and Netra Tarpana (medicated ghee eye bath for eye health and relaxation). Post-treatment, drive to Thiruvananthapuram (55 km). Visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple (exterior) and the Napier Museum of Art and Natural History. Browse the Chalai Bazaar for Ayurvedic products, herbal teas and spices to take home. Farewell dinner at a heritage restaurant.
Morning yoga and meditation. Final physician consultation — review of your wellness programme, lifestyle and dietary recommendations to continue at home, and a personalised Ayurvedic medicine kit. After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey. Tour ends with renewed energy and a holistic toolkit for lifelong wellness.
"The Shirodhara treatment on Day 2 was the most relaxing experience of my life. I came with chronic back pain and left feeling 10 years younger. The physician was incredibly knowledgeable."
Feb 2026"Varkala cliffs at sunrise during yoga — I'll never forget it. The Ayurvedic food was surprisingly delicious and I didn't miss regular food at all. Completely transformative."
Jan 2026"As a doctor myself I was sceptical, but the Nadi Pariksha diagnosis was remarkably accurate. Came back having genuinely detoxed. The Ashtamudi cruise was a lovely bonus day."
Dec 2025"I booked this after burnout from work. Five days of total switch-off — no screens, no stress, just nature and healing. The take-home medicines and diet plan have genuinely helped."
Nov 2025