The short answer
Kerala is the best known home of Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. A genuine retreat starts with a consultation with a doctor and builds a plan of treatments, diet and rest. Serious courses usually last two to three weeks, and the monsoon months are the traditional season.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda treats the body as a whole, using herbal oils, massage, diet and routine. In Kerala it is practised by qualified doctors in hospitals and clinics as well as resorts.
How long do you need?
| Stay | What to expect |
|---|---|
| A few treatments | Relaxing massages within a normal holiday |
| 7 nights | A short rejuvenation programme |
| 14 to 21 nights | A full course such as panchakarma |
How to choose a genuine retreat
Look for a resident doctor, a consultation before any treatment, a diet that matches your treatment and a quiet setting. Be wary of places that offer the same massage menu to everyone.
Before you bookAyurveda is medicine, not a spa treatment. Tell the doctor about any health conditions or medicines.
What happens at a consultation
At a genuine centre, a doctor sees you on arrival. They ask about your health, sleep, digestion and any medicines, and may check your pulse. From this they suggest a programme of treatments, a diet and a daily routine. The programme is reviewed as you go, often every day.
Common treatments
Abhyanga
A full body massage with warm herbal oil, often given by two therapists working together.
Shirodhara
A steady stream of warm oil poured across the forehead. Many people find it deeply calming.
Herbal steam and poultices
Steam baths and warm bundles of herbs used for muscles and joints.
Panchakarma
A full cleansing programme over two or three weeks, with a strict diet and medical supervision.
Resort, retreat or hospital
Kerala has three broad kinds of Ayurveda stay. Beach and backwater resorts offer good treatments alongside a normal holiday. Dedicated retreats focus fully on treatment, with set meals and routines. Traditional Ayurveda hospitals are simpler and more medical. We match the type to how serious you want to be, and to the comfort you expect.
How we help
Our Cochin team has worked with Ayurveda centres across Kerala for many years. We know which ones have resident doctors, which serve a proper treatment diet and which are mainly spas with an Ayurveda menu. We also plan the rest of your trip so you have time to adjust before a course and to rest afterwards.
From our Cochin officeLeave a day or two of quiet time after a full course. Doctors usually advise against long journeys or heavy food straight away.
Our Kerala expert
Based in Cochin
Our Kerala office has been planning trips from Cochin for 20 years. This guide reflects what we tell travellers who call us.
Ready to plan your Kerala trip?
We know which centres take Ayurveda seriously.
Frequently asked questions
The monsoon, June to September, is the traditional season, though treatments run all year.
Very little on a full course. Plan sightseeing before or after.
At a reputable centre with qualified doctors, yes. Always discuss your health first.
Most genuine centres ask you not to. Many serious retreats do not serve alcohol at all.
A genuine centre will arrange a consultation on arrival. Speak to your own doctor too if you have a health condition.
There are good centres near Kovalam, on the backwaters and in the hills. The right one depends on your goals and budget.
