Kairali- The Ayurvedic Healing Village | Ayurvedic Health Resort

An
Interesting Article in Hindu says that Time stands Still For you In Kairali-
The Ayurvedic Healing Village

A very nice and descriptive article about the
Ayurvedic Healing Village was published in the prestigious newspaper The Hindu.
The author Shalini Satish has beautifully penned down her own experience during
her stay at the Ayurvedic Healing Village.
She describes it as a place where the time stands still for you, a place
that is all about tranquillity, peace and wellness of the mind body and soul.

Every aspect of the resort offers the guests
with nothing but positivity and wellbeing. Spread across 50 acres of luxuriant
greenery, Kairali Ayurvedic Village is a tranquil island away from the hustle
and bustle of city life.

Time stands
still in Kairali

SHALINI SATISH

With massages that de-stress, food
that detoxifies, and an ambience that soothes you Kairali Health Resorts simply
offers you bliss! Shalini Satish

I
was in the land of fish and chips; in the land of lanky coconut trees and
pristine backwaters. I was in the land where the science of Ayurveda has
transcended time; in the land where this ancient practice is a prided legacy. I
was in God’s own country to experience the healing touch of Ayurveda.

At
the foothills of the Western Ghats is the unassuming town of Palakkad,
popularly known as the granary of Kerala. Amidst the green cover and prosperous
paddy is Kairali, an Ayurvedic Health Resort. Spread across 50 acres of
luxuriant greenery, Kairali is an oasis of calm and a blissful retreat from the
cacophony of our cities. Being a premier health resort, Kairali was ranked
among the top 50 wellness Meccas in the world by National Geographic Traveler
in 2008.

Starry effect

Thirty
aesthetic cottages named after Indian zodiac signs dot the expanse of the
resort’s sprawling lawns.Aswathi,Karthika,Bharani,Makariyam,Punartham,AvittamandUthradamare a few jewels in the
tiara of this resort. The cottages are designed to conform to Vaastu Shastra
and are unique in name, style and decor. Bricks and stones used in the
construction of each cottage are visibly different from the other. The red
oxide coating on the floor acts as a natural coolant. The divine Valambari
Conch (Turbinella pyrum)
is placed in every cottage to emanate positive vibrations. A cascading rivulet
running by the side of the cottages creates a harmonious atmosphere.

Plants
with therapeutic value are interspersed between trees of leak, mango, guava,
pine and coconut. Medicinal plants are grown in the herbal garden. Blooms of
jasmine, hibiscus and anthurium adorn the stone walkways. The coconut trees are
the only high-rises here andsambraniis
the room freshener.

It’s
back to basics at Kairali. The day begins with yoga. The food served is
vegetarian. Fruits and vegetables are home grown. Warm herbal water is favoured
over bottled water. Fresh juices are in and iced colas are out. Until it
becomes a routine, the guests are cajoled to unwind while being pampered with
good food and great hospitality.

Chasing
butterflies, reading by the poolside, watching a kingfisher pick up its meal
from the gurgling water and relaxing on an old rocking chair. For a
city-dweller like me, these simple pleasures are hard to come by. Strolling in
the 10-acre organic garden was an experience in itself.

Within
a few feet from each other were plants of pineapple, chilli, tomato, bitter
gourd, pumpkin, ladies’finger, eggplant, banana, snake gourd and a lot more. As
we were taken on a tour of the garden we were told that these were fruits of
labour and no chemicals went into making them look fresh and healthy.

Dating
the sun

The
outdoor yoga session was a unique experience. This was the first time I was
doing to the suryanamaskara (sun salutation) with the sun in my line of sight.
I joined Europeans and Americans at the yoga session and we spent an hour
together performing variousasanas(exercises)
and chantingsholkas. After
stretching and bending we were treated to an amazing concoction of lime and
mint. It was worth the effort of pulling myself out of bed early in the
morning!

Through
traditional techniques of Ayurveda qualified doctors administer treatments to
cure ailments and relieve stress. The vivacious chief doctor, Dr. T. R.
Chandrashekaran has been Ayurvedic practitioner for over four decades. Seasoned
masseurs use their deft touch and the power of herbs and traditional oils
alleviate stress.

Kairali
is all about good health and happiness. As the warm oil was rubbed over my
body, my muscles loosened and relaxed. I realised that a good massage is a
great treat for an over-worked body. A steam bath followed the massage and I
rocked myself to sleep on a hammock listening to birdsongs and gazing at the
sky above. Indulging massages followed by delicious meals and an inviting cosy
bed. It was blissful to say the least.

I
was told thatPanchakarma(a
five-fold procedure for cleansing the body) and detoxification and rejuvenation
therapies are the most common treatments opted by visitors. The guests are
encouraged to practise yoga and meditation in the natural setting that
complements the holistic treatment.Dhara,Abhyangam,Pizhichil,NavarakizhiandNasyamare a few of the many
Ayurvedic treatments on offer. The doctor prescribes a special diet for guests
undergoing treatment.

Every
aspect of the resort from the sounds one hears and the water one drinks to the
activities one indulges in, aim at imbibing the positive energy exuded by the
elements of nature. Butterflies flit from leaf to flower with boundless joy.
Birds wait eagerly to snatch a catch from water while fish dart across the
stream. Lying in the lap of nature amidst the sound of falling water, the
golden glow of the sun’s rays, the hiss of the wind and the kiss of the breeze
is the perfect setting to switch off your mind and derail its train of endless
thoughts.

Quick Facts Getting there Palakkad is
less than two hours away from the Coimbatore and Cochin airports. Palakkad has
a railway station and good road and rail links with all major cities. Season:
The Resort has visitors all year through. The weather is at its best between
November and February. March, April and May can be oppressive but the trees act
as protective umbrellas and the weather is tolerable. June, July and August is
the time to visit if you want to experience the monsoons. Accommodation:
Deluxe, Classic, Royal and the exclusive Maharaja suites are the four
classifications of the 30 cottages at the Resort. Leisure packages: Rs. 2999
per person per night on a double occupancy basis. Treatment packages: Rs.
35,000 (taxes extra) onwards for 7-nights/8-days person on a double occupancy
basis. This package includes accommodation in a Deluxe Villa, one Ayurvedic
treatment a day, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), complementary yoga
and meditation sessions, consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, one lifestyle
evaluation session and the use of the resort’s facilities. For more details log
on to www.kairali.com