Asmita Mukherjee 
Asmita Mukherjee | Palakkad
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest and most successful healing systems developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. In these modern times, there are very few institutes that provide Ayurvedic healing in its traditional format. Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village is one such institute which is one of the oldest and awarded NABH-certified hospitals designed as a resort, still providing traditional Ayurvedic healing in its authentic format.
We were invited to experience the magic of ancient Ayurvedic techniques in Kairali Healing Village at Palakkad, Kerala in September. September in Kerala is pleasant with less humidity, and perfect weather to truly enjoy the spice plantations, rolling hills, and meandering trails of the region.
After an hour-long flight from Hyderabad, when we landed in Coimbatore to board the chauffeur-driven car sent by Kairali to receive us, the sun had already started to go down and the temperature was fabulous due to a bout of fresh rain. The dewy petrichor of the post-rain evening was my fellow companion on the beautiful route to Palakkad where we would be relaxing in the lap of nature at the Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village. After a drive of 3 and a half hours, we entered the Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village in Palakkad, welcomed by the croaking of frogs and the chirping of crickets. My mind had already embarked on the healing journey with nature’s best music.
Kairali Ayurvedic Centre was formally founded in New Delhi in 1989. Due to the popularity gained by the centre, the pioneers of the healing village started the concept of stays and treatment in Palakkad. The Ayurvedic Healing Village was set up by K.V. Ramesh and Gita Ramesh in 1999, to carry forward the legacy of their forefathers who were ancient Ayurvedic vaidyas engaged in healing. The centre has a firm footing with over 33 treatment centres in India and 9 abroad.
The 60-acre healing village situated in the lap of the Western Ghats offers villas for guests according to 29-star signs. The beautiful 30 villas are made of red bricks in eco-friendly Laurie Baker-style. The villa allotted to us carried the name ‘Uthratathi’. Each and every material used in making the village is sustainable and locally sourced. The villas and suites of the Healing Village were recently renovated by utilising the time during the pandemic. We were told that an amphitheatre had also been recently added. On our way to the villa, 
we witnessed beautiful dense foliage of black pepper trees, coconut trees, peace lilies and other vegetation which covers the entire area. Artificial streams run between the pathways which are said to flow positive energy into the human body. The pleasant smell of flowers and trees was indeed an olfactory delight. Kairali’s healing process starts right from the time one enters the villa. The minimalist architecture, red bricks, eco-friendly red oxide floors and the Valampuri Conch which is found in every room heal the body and soothe the mind.
As it was quite late by the time we reached, we decided to call it a day by having our dinner. The resort cum hospital has a canteen, where pure veg food is customised for each individual staying at the property as recommended by the doctors. Interestingly the resort boasts of its own vegetable farm where most of the organic vegetables used in the canteen are produced. Noticeably in Kerala everywhere, lukewarm pink water called Pathimugam is provided with meals, which is a source of antioxidants and has a significant place in Ayurveda. The same Pathimugam accompanied every meal of ours at Kairali.
The next day’s beautiful morning started sharp at 6.00 am with a yoga session. After an hour of yoga, we were starved and gorged on freshly made fruit juice, fruit salad, and uttapams. Next scheduled was our Doctor Consultation where we were given a detailed description of our Ayurvedic Doshas. Our next item on the itinerary was a 45-minute-long Ayurvedic treatment. This schedule was rigorously followed by the Healing Village over the next two days also.
The Ayurvedic treatment that we had on the first day was Abhayangam, the next day it was Shirodhara and on the last day, it was Khizhi. The massage with ayurvedic oils provided during these treatments was truly relaxing.
Our three-day stay at the Healing Village was no less than bliss. Morning yoga, treatments, fulfilling meals made with organic vegetables, and evening meditation within the lap of Mother Nature gave us an opportunity to forget the negativity and enter the magical world of peace and healing.
The wellness package priced at INR 32,931 for 1 person and INR 50,283 for 2 persons, requires a minimum of 3 nights and 4 days stay.
asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in
asmitamukherjeehbiz@gmail.com
