The Art Of Ancient Healing

At Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village In Kerala, Ancient Science And Natural Beauty Help Heal Frayed Bodies And Minds

- Arunima Mazumdar

I wake up at the crack of dawn and grabbing my yoga mat, head to the tennis court-turned-yoga podium. Several people have already assembled and are following the yoga teacher’s movements. With morning lethargy seeped deep into my being, I join in—reluctantly at first, but slowly surrendering to the serene setting. We’re facing east, so the rising sun warms our faces and the birdsong fills the air. Soon, I am doing the Bhujangasana like a pro.

An hour later, fully awake and with a post-workout high, I feel fresher than ever. Most of the feeling is attributed to where I am this morning—amidst lofty coconut trees and nature brimming with exuberance, I have switched offmy mobile data and begun to slow down. A quick shower later, I am ready to start my day at Kairali, the Ayurvedic Healing Village.

Tucked away amid the winding lanes of the sleepy town of Palakkad in Kerala, Kairali, at first glance, comes across as a striking luxury resort. However, it is not just a retreat but a recognised healing centre and hospital. While some guests are here for serious treatments like pain management, digestive disorders, and skin diseases, others indulge in general rejuvenation therapies and wellness programmes. Patients come here from around the globe. Kairali is sought after for treatments of arthritis, skin diseases, stress-related illnesses among other things and every person who comes here is prescribed a certain diet and medication by the in-house doctors.