The pleasant little town of Kollengode, in the Annamalai foothills, had by now it’s own Raja (King) who held title to the crescent of fertile farmlands beyond. By all accounts, he had a wasteful and arrogant temperament.

When his niece, Dhatri, at age 20, become the senior lady of Kollengode, she wanted what most people of that age want. A little space. And so, Kalari Kovilakom was born, as a reaction to her uncle’s tyranny. Here was a place of seclusion and serene vistas, where the daughters of the family could grow, away from the whims and vagaries of kings.

The palace (or ‘kovilakom’) that Dhatri built came to be known as ‘Kalari’, because it was built on a site that contained a ritual space for ‘Kalari Payattu’, Kerala’s ancient martial art. Kalari Kovilakom is the Palace for Ayurveda, perhaps the first and only one of its kind. Its face is the face of the warrior-king, elegant and expansive. But its heart is that of a sage, offering a deep healing, a doorway to the union of the mind, body and spirit.

If the old legends are to be believed, healing is part of Kalari’s very soul. Stories are told of a Prince who came to the foothills of Kerala’s Annamalai Hills around the 10th century. It seems he was afflicted with a particularly troublesome skin ailment. So he came to cure himself in the healing spring waters of this land. Possibly, he also sought the medicinal Venga tree that grew here in profusion.

Dharmavarman stayed on to found a kingdom, Vengunad, ‘The Land of the Venga Tree’. And for all the days to come, his descendants held sway over these silent and green foothills. It was in the 19th century that they built Kalari Kovilakom.

Ayurveda Ingredients | Tools

A New Life : Today, Kalari Kovilakom has been restored and recreated into a unique experience in wellness. Combining the healing experience of India’s ancient medicinal system, Ayurveda, with the grace and scale of palace living.

So is it a spa? A Palace hotel? An ayurvedic hospital? An ashram? Kalari is beyond these simply because it is a little of all of these.

The intent and purpose of Kalari Kovilakom is to give you a chance to start your life all over again. Ayurveda, if correctly followed, promises not only a new body and mind, but a deep connection with the spirit. To the ancient Indians, this was a cosmic connection. A chance to be reborn in this life itself.

Shoeless Indulgences : To stay true to the traditions of the palace, no meat, leather footwear or alcohol are allowed at Kalari. You will see echoes of Ashram-like austerity. Yet, enjoy a rare level of amenities and service, part 21st century comfort, part 19th century romance. The original dwellings of the lords and ladies of Vengunad are still yours to delight in, unchanged from times past.

The kovilakam is restored as authentically, adding many modern facilities, without compromising the Palace’s original character. The air-conditioning, the luxury bath fittings and the four – poster beds will certainly lull you, but they shouldn’t mislead you. For Kalari offers unvarnished ayurveda, administered in its purest form, in accordance with millennia-old texts and traditions.

The Healing Touch of Pure Ayurveda : At Kalari, every therapy is personal. Treatments are customised for you doctors, often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep healing from within and without. Every treatment is based on your needs and your ayurvedic body type. Even the food you’re served is individual, with health drinks and herbal preparations that vary with your treatment.

The result is nothing less than a return to the womb. There are no game rooms, no shopping expeditions, no television sets. The evenings are alive with chanting and hymns, unsullied by the sounds of the city. In fact, apart from these post-dinner gatherings where guests and staff alike participate, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, to disturb your new-found inner silence.

You are in a space like no other on earth that we know of. An atmosphere that makes you conscious only of the potentials within, being slowly unlocked as your therapies progress.

Performing Dhara

Below given are the current programmes available in KALARI KOVILAKAM.

Anti Ageing | Rasayana Chikitsa : Aims at keeping the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition. The cells are revitalized and their composition is changed. The nerves and bones are kept soft and smoothened; tranquility of the mind is promoted. This prevents the process of ageing and makes the individual free from diseases even at an advanced age.

Ayurveda is not only a science, but also an art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve longevity. It can guide every individual in the proper choice of diet, living habits and exercise to restore balance in the body, mind and consciousness, thus preventing disease.

According to authentic Ayurvedic textbooks, rejuvenation must be done only after detoxifying the body. Keeping this principle, Kalari Kovilakam developed a special treatment programme, which goes well with the present lifestyle.

In this Anti ageing programme, the first 2 weeks are reserved for a cleansing treatment to eliminate the toxins. Then, the rejuvenation treatments start, with medicines and diet. Our programme is based on the prime treatment in ayurveda for reducing the aging processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and increasing the immunity of the system.

Anti Stress Programme | Manasanthy : It is a proven fact that the mind plays an important role in governing not just the actions we take, but their qualitative nature, ie, how well or badly we act. Anything which manipulates the mind will thus reflect on the body. People facing a lot of stress from their hectic lives thus end up with not only mental, but a host of physical problems too, usually called ‘lifestyle diseases’.

Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda, combined with Yoga offers the perfect answer for this. At Kalari Kovilakam, they have developed a special 14 days programme called ‘Manasanthy’, based on these two ancient systems of wellness. This programme is beneficial for those who are physically and mentally stressed, and/or suffer from conditions like insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, tension headaches and so on.

General Rejuvenation – Pancha karma : Panch karma is the classic 5-point revitalisation treatment that’s gaining worldwide fame these days Although Panchakarma is often thought of as the entire procedure, it really is one part of a group of therapies belonging to a class of cleansing procedures called ‘shodhana’. At Kalari, the Panchkarma process is more intensive, following closely the early texts of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.

Poorva Karma | Pre Purification Measures : Before the actual processes of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods and encourage the body to let go of the toxins.

Pradhana Karma – Main Procedure : There are five basic Shodhanas, or cleansing methods.

1. Nasyam [ Elimination of toxins through the nose.]
2. Vamanam [ Therapeutic vomiting.]
3. Virechanam [ Purgation.]
4. Vasthy [ Enema.]
5. Rakthamoksham [ Detoxification of the blood.]

Paschat Karma | Post Purification Measures : It is important to follow a diet and lifestyle that is harmonious with one’s constitution. If not patients could worsen their condition by suppressing the renewed healing energies. The toxins may then directly enter cleansed tissues and go deeper than before.

Slimming Programme | Thaulyakna Chikilsa : Diet pills lower the body’s fat set points by speeding up the organism, making both body and brain work faster. This increases Vata, which makes both body and mind crave for more sweets to balance.

Ayurveda believes in speeding up organism in healthy natural ways, with treatments to increase fat metabolism, exercise, herb-based diet supplements and the use of light non-kapha producing foods, which control vata while relieving the system of excess kapha.

Food Served in Kalari

Food For The Inner You : ‘You are what you eat’ isn’t just granny’s favourite saying. It’s one of the key underlying principles of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic diets, contrary to common belief, do not prohibit meats or wines. Rather, they stress moderation, and selection of foods in harmony with your body type.

Ayurveda also gives us the unique idea of food as medicine. The ancients believed that a person’s diet had the power to cure many ailments, large and small.

A Dispensary of Taste : Kalari Kovilakom’s pure Ayurvedic kitchen is a shrine to ideas first outlined by the ayurvedic physicians of more than a thousand years ago. Foods are prepared in brass, iron or clay vessels only. And chef Nayaranan Kutty weaves his pure vegetarian magic with only the minimum of oil and almost no chillis.

You may find your first meal at Kalari somewhat bland, specially if you’re a curry lover or a steak-eggs-ketchup-and-mustard kind of person. But within a day or two, something strange happens. Your palate softens, becomes more sensitive. Suddenly, the subtle flavours of pure spices and fresh tropical vegetables begin to come to the fore. Each meal becomes a medley of subtle textures and aromas, rather than the taste assaults most of us are used to. Even better, you need to eat less and less to feel completely sated!

Fresh Air for Starters : A meal in Kalari’s pillar-framed, breezy dining area usually begins with tumblers of lukewarm, herb-medicated waters, your serving being based on your body type and our physician’s recommendation. This helps to prime the stomach, readying it for the food to follow.

The highlight of the meal is next, a gleaming brass thali. It arrives covered in a banana leaf section, sliced to fit, and offset by rows of glistening katoris, or cups.

Working with your treatments in mind, chef Narayanan conjures up a harmony of tastes. A raw sprout and onion salad may be balanced with a creamy dish of the local bitter gourd. And a mound of the steaming, fibre-rich red rice could be complemented with a thick lentil and dry jackfruit combo. Whole wheat chapatis or dosas (Indian unleavened breads) could be served up with a piquant, low-spice sambar.

As with all the treatments at Kalari, our diet programmes are designed to stay with you long after you leave. Based on your ayurvedic body type, our physicians create comprehensive lists of foods that favour you and those that don’t. So if you can choose to be a little more conscious, you can easily carry your new-found sense of well- being into all your future meals.

GETTING THERE : Kalari Kovilakom Palace is located in the old princely capital town of Kollengode in the foothills of the Annamalai range, Kerala, India.

The nearest International Airport is Cochin, 105 km, or about two-and-a-half hours drive away. Coimbatore Airport. is 75 km away and Palghat is the nearest railway station (on the Mumbai-Trivandrum route), a mere hours’ drive.

Seasons

• Jan – Mar | These months are cool (well, 28-34 C) and dry
• Apr – May | Peak summer.
• June – Aug | These are the Monsoon (rainy) months. In ayurveda, this is considered a specially good time for healing.
• Sept – Dec | A pleasant and dry period, usually the main tourist season.

Accommodation

• 18 palatial suites that offer the experience of authentic palace living.
• The Old Guest Wing, with ’20s colonial Western-styled rooms.
• The Palace Wing, which has traditional Kerala architecture reminiscent of the ‘zenana’.

Culinary Experience : Ayurvedic vegetarian food, prepared in a pure Ayurvedic kitchen. The food served to you is based on your therapies, constitution & treatments and varies accordingly.

Healing and Wellness

• Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy: 14-, 21- and 28- day Ayurveda experiences.
• Rejuvenative and therapeutic programmes.
• Anti-ageing.
• Beauty and skin treatments.
• Anti-stress therapies.
• Personalised yoga.
• Training and demonstrations of Kalaripayattu.
• Kerala’s traditional Martial Art.

For more details visit
www.kalarikovilakam.com

Ayurveda is grounded in a metaphysics of the “five great elements” (Devanāgarī: [महा] पञ्चभूत;Prithvi- earth, Aap-water, Tej-fire, Vaayu-air and Akash-ether)—all of which compose the Universe, including the human body. Though the origin of Ayurveda is wrapped in mystery, yet if you believe legends, then Ayurveda was the creation of Lord Brahma himself. Ayurveda finds mention in the ancient Vedas and he was the one who created the four Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Legends apart, the fact is that Ayurveda has, since ages, managed to establish its credence despite the growth and development of modern treatment.

In India, Kerala is the only place where Ayurveda is practiced in the same previous way. The Ayurvedic doctors here, unlike the rest of India, are fairly well aware of the Sanskrit language. This enables them to understand the ancient system of treatment much better than others (since the early Ayurvedic books were written in Sanskrit). Moreover, the salubrious climate of Kerala and abundance of herbs and medicinal plants add to the effective treatment. Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June – November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment at least once in your life time.

Ayurveda, harmony of body, mind and soul : Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidian and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practiced ever since. Today, it’s a unique, indispensable branch of medicine – a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body’s humors – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.

Kerala, the land of Ayurveda : Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June – November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative packages.In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Monsoon, the ideal time for rejuvenation : Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmed. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

REJUVENATION THERAPY (RASAYANA CHKITSA) : Tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases ‘Ojas’ (primary vitality) and improves ‘Sattva’ (mental clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body. Includes head and face massage with medicated oils and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder by hand and foot, internal rejuvenation medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.

Body Immunization And Longevity Treatment (Kayakalpa Chikitsa) : Prime treatment for retarding the aging process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system. Includes intake of Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programme. Most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.

Body Sudation (Sweda Karma) : Medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.

Body Slimming : Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, an Ayurvedic diet of herbal juices etc. are part of the programme.

Beauty Care : Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifies the body.

Mental And Physical Well Being (Meditation and Yoga) : Mental and physical exercises meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind – designed to hone your concentration, improve health and help attain peace of mind through eight stages of training :

1. Disciplined behaviour (yama)
2. Self purification (niyama)
3. Bodily postures such as the lotus position (asana)
4. Control of breathing (pranayama)
5. Control of the senses (pratyahara)
6. Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (dharana)
7. Meditation (dhyana) and
8. Samadhi – a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.

Overall Fitness (Panchakarma Treatment) : A five fold treatment for mental and physical well being – tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMMES

Ayurvedha Dhara

Treatment for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria, hallucination and insanity. (Dhara) : Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner. Variations include Oordhwanga Dhara (good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin), Takra Dhara (for those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both head and body).

Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc. (Snehapanam) : Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.

Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis and burning sensation in the head. (Sirovasti) : Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician’s recommendation.

Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weaknesses and nervous disorders.(Pizhichil) : Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 1. ^{5 hours daily for 7 to 21 days.}

Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and certain rheumatic ailments.(Udvarthanam) : Therapeutic massage with herbal powders.

Treatment for musculo-skeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents.(Marma Chikitsa) : Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 marmas).

Treatment for nasal ailments. (Nasyam) : Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etc. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.

Ayurveda Nasyam

Treatment for ear ailments. (Karnapooranam) : Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.

Preventing cataract and strengthening vision. (Tharpanam) : A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.

Treatment for wasting of muscles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin diseases. (Njavarakizhi) :

The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags.

POPULAR AYURVEDA CENTRES IN KERALA

KALARI KOVILAKAM : A centuries old palace, once home to the kings of Vengunad, Kalari kovilakom is steeped in history. Today it provides the ideal setting for the age-old traditions of Ayurveda, offered with absolutely no compromises. Which makes life at Kalari Kovilakom a unique blending of two different worlds, one that quietly balances luxury and austerity – to bring about harmony of the outer, material world and the inner, spiritual world.

MARARI BEACH : Sprawled expansively across 25 acres of land, Marari Beach resort, like its namesake, is separated from the sea by a windbreak of stretching palms. There are a mere 52 cottages, so the sense of space here is much more dramatic. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees. The winding village pathways are a faithful echo of the originals.

THE TRAVANCORE HERITAGE -AYURVEDA CENTRE : Travancore Heritage is located just 23 kms from Trivandrum, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala, known as ‘god’s own country’ in the southern most part of India. The nearest international airport is Trivandrum. The resort is situated by the side of the Kovalam – Poovar road, and is only 40 minutes drive from the airport.

AQUASERENE : Tucked away in a peninsula surrounded by water. Aquaserene is a green, green planet of shimmering lagoon, meandering canals, whispering palms and the tang of the ocean. Aquaserene. It’s another world. And it’s waiting for you in God’s Own Country – Kerala.

POOVAR ISLAND RESORT : Located in Kerala, India which was recently chosen by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 10 paradises found on earth and one of the 50 ‘Must See’ places of the world. Get away from the Noise and Pollution of the Big cities and have a Holiday in the lap of Mother Nature.

KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT : Nestled in the mangrove woods surrounding the Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, the Lake Resort offers you a getaway of a lifetime.

VAGAMON HIDE OUT : This man made heritage hideout is located at Vagamon, (Idukki), barely 100 kms away from Cochin International Airport.

ESTUARY ISLAND : is world class resort located at Poovar, near Trivandrum in the state of Kerala, India. The uniqueness starts from the natural setting – where a lake, river, sea and beach meet.

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI KOVALAM BEACH : 15 kms from Trivandrum (Thiruvanathapuram) Airport, Kerala’s largest resort with 194 guest rooms and suites is spread over 44 acres. The Leela Kovalam Beach, Kerala built on a rock-face, is cradled between two wide sweeping beaches and has a panoramic view of the famous Kovalam coastline.

COCONUT LAGOON : Coconut Lagoon is our attempt to capture the essence of the Kerala experience and then offer it in a unique setting. We like to believe that this is the reason why Condé Nast Traveller rated Coconut Lagoon among the 25 best getaways in the world.

SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC BEACH RESORT : is the first of its kind for holidayers to combine the threesome; a Beach Resort with Ayurveda and Yoga. Somatheeram, sitting atop a hill spreads over an area of 15 acres of lush greenery. Its accommodations are widely scattered down the contoured hills amongst the verdant coconut groves and other naturally preserved plants.

UDAY SAMUDRA : The ayurvedic philosophy says, an individual bundle of ‘spirit’, desires to express itself! uses the subjective consciousness or Satwa to manifest sense organs and mind. Spirit and mind then introduces themselves into the physical body, which consists of the five (pancha) great (maha) eternal elements (bhutas) together called the Panchamahabhutas which arise from Tamas (inertia).

KAIRALI AYURVEDIC RESORT : Situated in the scenic town of Palakkad in Kerala, the famed southern state of India, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is the perfect retreat for the discerning traveler.Palakkad is well connected by rail, road and air. Palakkad is just a 6 hour drive from Bangalore .The nearest airport is Coimbatore which is just an hours drive away.

TAJ GARDEN RETREAT : Located at the Taj Residency, Calicut, the Taj Ayurveda Centre offers the perfect combination of comfortable luxury and authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Rated as the number one Ayurvedic centre in the country by the U.K. newspaper “Guardian” and winner of the “Green Leaf Award” by the India Department of Tourism, this Centre adheres to the highest standards of Ayurveda principles as well as guest satisfaction.

ASTHAMUDI AYURVEDA RESORT : Ashtamudi Resorts is a family concern run by the owner-couple, Lekshmi and Venu, who lived outside India for over 15 years. The Resort is a dream-come-true project of the couple. The theme of this resort is the re-creation of a South Travancore kingdom and the guests who come here will have the comforts of a Maharaja to enjoy.

KERALEEYAM LAKE SIDE AYURVEDIC RESORT : Heritage style air conditioned rooms with modern private facilities attached. The facility has a panoramic backwater frontage.Interiors reflect ambience of traditional Kerala homes.

LAKE PALACE BACKWATER RESORT : Lake Palace is a luxury resort located in Alleppey at the banks of Vembanadu Lake, adjacent to the venue of the legendary Nehru Trophy boat race.

SWASWARA : Life… the journey that takes you beyond the sun, the sand and the sea to the soul of the beach. And to experience this in a better way is the journey through Yoga.

For More Information on Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Packages , Visit

• http://www.nagarjun.com/
• http://www.ayurvedatourpackages.com/
• http://www.ayuryog.com/
• http://www.ayurveda-in.com