Take A Journey Through 5 Of South India’s Finest Ayurvedic Retreats

Around the world, Ayurvedic retreats are rapidly gaining popularity as people seek holistic approaches to enhance their mental and physical well-being. This growing trend reflects a rising interest in ancient wisdom and natural therapies to rejuvenate and heal.  Ayurveda emerged in India, with estimates placing its origin over 3,000 years ago. The country is home to several distinctive Ayurvedic retreats, each space crafts a unique experience. From eco-conscious Ayurvedic resorts to elegant biophilic properties, this curated list of wellness retreats gives you a glimpse of the various niches within these wellness getaways. DP puts together a guide to the most well-rated Indian Ayurvedic retreats in Southern India.

1. Holistic Wellness at Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort, Mararikulam, Kerala

An award-winning beachfront retreat in Kerala, Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort is a favourite among celebrities and exclusives. The property provides guests with a holistic wellness experience alongside offering a tranquil environment encompassed by nature and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic treatments, With its awe-inspiring private beach, state-of-the-art facilities, and attentive staff, Carnoustie provides an ideal escape for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and spiritual harmony.

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The sprawling resort offers customised Ayurvedic programmes tailored to individual needs and health conditions. The property’s treatments are based on Ayurveda, Yoga, diet, and nutrition. Their most popular programmes include Geriatric Care, Stroke and Cancer Rehabilitation, Celiac Care, Stress Management, Pain and Injury Management, Anti-ageing, and Weight Loss. Carnoustie stands out for its traditional Ayurvedic approach that includes authentic herbs, therapies, and practices, which provides a genuine and immersive experience. In addition to Ayurvedic treatments, Carnoustie’s treatments include yoga, meditation, and cooking classes to promote overall well-being.

#DP loves the resort’s beachfront setting that provides a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

 2. Long-lasting Wellness at Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Healing Village, Coimbatore

This property aims to create an eco-friendly healing community based on Ayurveda principles and natural farming. It focuses on not just the physical, but emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors to make it a complete healing experience for the guest. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the village provides a serene environment for guests to rejuvenate and heal. With a team of experienced Ayurvedic practitioners and doctors, Vaidyagrama offers personalised treatment plans, including massages, therapies, and dietary guidance, to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

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Vaidyagrama offers Ayurveda care for medical conditions varying from arthritis to stress to musculoskeletal disorders to women’s health to reproductive issues to neurological disorders and cancer, amongst others. The property’s Panchakarma therapy is popular among its guests. It involves several steps, each tailored to the guest. Doctors use their knowledge, training, experience, and intuition to plan a schedule that helps the body cleanse, repair, and rejuvenate as fast and efficiently as possible so that it can heal faster, easier, and more completely. 

#DP loves the retreat’s guest cottages with Kerala Nalukettu-style architecture with individual courtyards where guests can be one with nature. 

3. Sleep Therapy in the Wilderness at Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly

“Niraamaya Retreats Samroha Athirappilly stands for transformative experiences, offering our guests the ultimate destination for self-reflection and growth through travel,” remarks VM Sreejidh, General Manager, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly. Niraamaya Retreats Samroha is a luxurious tropical retreat nestled in the arresting natural surroundings of Athirappilly. The design philosophy of the resort centres around ‘Rediscover Yourself in the Wilderness,’ seamlessly marrying modern comfort with the beauty of nature. The property harmonises contemporary elegance with old-world charm, crafting a tranquil and immersive ambience for guests. The resort features guest rooms, cottages, and villas with private pools, all offering panoramic views of the Athirappilly Falls and encompassing landscapes. 

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The Niraamaya Spa provides a range of natural and holistic therapies, including traditional Ayurvedic treatments and international therapies. Its wellness philosophy is rooted in the integration of physical and mental well-being, creating sustainable journeys towards healthier lifestyles. Niraamaya Retreats Samroha’s key wellness programmes include Ayurvedic Treatments, Yoga and Meditation Sessions, Sleep Therapy, and Sound Healing. “Located near the majestic Athirappilly Falls, the resort provides a serene environment for exploring and expanding the spirit and mind. Guests can enjoy several activities, from thrilling treks through the lush forests and visits to the waterfalls to professionally crafted wellness offerings such as Yoga and Ayurveda treatments. For those seeking stability and peace of mind, we offer tailor-made programmes to rejuvenate and restore balance,” adds VM Sreejidh, General Manager, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly. 

#DP loves Niraamaya Retreats Samroha’s Sleep Therapy programme, which combines Ayurvedic treatments, meditation, and a serene environment for deep relaxation. Their customised therapies address sleep issues with soothing massages, herbal remedies, and calming rituals to promote restful sleep and overall well-being.

4. Naturopathy and Yogic Wellness at Kshemavana, Bengaluru

The word Kshemavana is an amalgamation of Kshema and Vana. ‘Kshema’ means well-being, and ‘vana’ translates to forest. Spread across 20 acres of a lush green forest, Kshemavana has been built with the least impact on the surrounding natural landscapes. Under the guidance of Ayush Kasliwal and his team Charvi Jain, Vijedra Sharma and Siddarth Sharma from the Jaipur-based AKFD Studio designed Kshemavana or the ‘forest of wellness’ in a manner that respects nature and collaborates with the philosophies of the institution to craft a tranquil and holistic environment ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. The team at AKFD worked alongside Maasterminnds Architects & Interior Designers, Kolhapur by Maahesh Doiphode to conceptualise the space. The architecture reflects ancient Vastu principles, with colours, designs, and structures inspired by animals such as turtles (Kurma) and the bull (Nandi). 

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Moreover, Kshemavana’s distinctive wellness programmes include Diet and Fasting Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Mud Therapy, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, and Reflexology. The therapy sessions are based on the five pillars of well-being: Mind-body medicine, sleep medicine, nutritional medicine, energy medicine, and gut medicine. The therapies include the centuries-old ancient Indian healing sciences of Naturopathy and Yoga. “Our in-house experts understand one’s personal wellness needs and design wellness programmes that can be as short as a weekend or extend up to two weeks of an enjoyable stay. By the end of the wellness programme, one is certain to learn more about optimal health on all levels: physical, psychological, and spiritual,” concludes Shraddha Amit, Director at Kshemavana. 

#DP loves Kshemavana’s distinctive architecture, the Kurma block in particular as it features a turtle, an animal of great mythological importance. It houses a yoga and meditation room and a temperature-controlled pool. 

5. Self Discovery at CGH Earth – SwaSwara, Gokarna

“SwaSwara is a space designed for the exploration and discovery of the self,” says Mini Chandran, Head of Strategic Alliances and Product Development at CGH Earth Wellness. “The holistic, wellness-oriented programmes using traditional Ayurveda, Naturopathy, meditative art, healthy cuisine, and the flowing architecture encompassing nature all conspire to enable you to reset and refocus. To open up the shuttered windows in the mind and kickstart your pilgrimage to the self.” 

The property’s bespoke wellness programmes are known as Swa Wellbeing, Ayurveda Rejuvenation, Ayurveda Detox, and Panchakarma. Swa Wellbeing is the most popular one, allowing guests to slow down and listen to their ‘swara’ or inner song. The programme helps practitioners find balance from within to combat the daily rigours of modern life, combining various mind and body techniques based on the concepts of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation, interactive healthy cooking workshops, and more. 

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Surrounded by 26 acres of verdant gardens, this tranquil beach resort is home to 24 Konkan villas, which blend seamlessly with the landscape. Overlooking Om Beach, the guest villas are constructed using local materials such as laterite and coconut thatch and showcase visually arresting interiors and decor accessories that pay homage to the terrain. Each villa boasts a biophilic design aesthetic with an open courtyard garden planted with exotic plants and herbs. 

SwaSwara is the perfect venue for an Ayurvedic retreat amidst nature. The property has all the ingredients for a holistic wellness getaway. Its team comprises experienced Ayurvedic experts who craft customised programmes based on each guest’s particular needs and requirements. Additionally, SwaSwara’s expert team curates bespoke guest activities, such as yoga sessions, bird-watching, cooking workshops, and spiritual trips to nearby places of worship. 

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#DP loves SwaSwara’s naturally cooled yoga deck overlooking Om Beach where intermediate level Yoga is practised every morning. This deck offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

As you embark on a journey to explore the most well-rated Ayurvedic retreats in India, remember that you’re not just going on a holiday, you’re investing in your mental and physical well-being. Ayurveda, with its deep-rooted wisdom and holistic approach, offers a path to rejuvenation, balance, and inner peace. The growing interest in Ayurvedic retreats showcases our collective desire to reconnect with time-honoured traditions and therapies that promote healing and harmony.