Ayurvedic Tourism - Where To Find Authentic Ayurveda- Part One India
- victoria ward
- Jan 23
- 6 min read
As part of my exploration into Herbal Tourism , and curation of the Herbal Travel Directory,
I have naturally been drawn to countries that are rich in Ayurvedic heritage and still rely on this incredible system as daily healthcare. Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the multifaceted philosophy that is Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic tourism is leading the way in the global upsurge in Wellness tourism, both India and Sri Lanka are popular destinations for 'healthy holidays'. Part One of my foray into Ayurvedic Tourism focuses on India, the birthplace of Ayurveda.
Way back in early 2000 I completed my Medical Herbalism BSc, part of my course was a work placement which I undertook at a small Ayurvedic clinic in Kerala. It was here I got my first hands on training in Ayurvedic massage and immersion into this wonderful ancient healthcare system. I was struck by how different the experience was compared with my earlier Swedish massage training in the UK as part of an aromatherapy course. The warm aromatic oils, breathwork and stimulation of marma points elevated Ayurvedic massage way beyond the physical and into a deeper, spiritual realm.
This intiation into Ayurveda remained close to my heart, the lovely clinic with medicinal herbs growing along the approach, exotic scents welcoming you as you entered the clinic building. Indeed this was a professional medical clinic, complete with doctors and stethoscopes, but unlike any clinic I had entered before.
Where To Go For Ayurvedic Tourism- India
The most authentic Ayurveda practices are to be found in its origin country of India, holding over 3,000 years of heritage. Ayurveda is a highly valued cultural asset that attracts over 300,000 wellness travellers annually.
'Heal In India' is a government-led initiative to promote health tourism in India,as in the next few years health tourism is expected to boom. Ayush, the department responsible for overseeing this, wants India to be seen a global hub for health/medical/wellness travellers and herbal tourism. Their recently launched medical/wellness e-visa encourages travellers to come to India for health, read How To Get A Wellness/Medical Visa For India
What To Expect From Ayurvedic Tourism
Ayurvedic Tourism includes a range of wellness programmes you can try ranging from a very deep immersion into a full 21-day Panchakarma detox, to more casual resort visits for yoga sessions and Ayurvedic massages.
What Is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenaton programme offered by many Ayurvedic centres throughout India. Panchakarma translates as 'five actions' and is a serious, immersive programme which should be undertaken over at least two weeks and under the supervision of highly trained practitioners.
Any programme will be personalised to suit the individual and their health needs, consultaton with an Ayurvedic physician will determine the scope of the programme but it typically will involve the following five primary procedures (source-Ayurveda Institute)-
Vamana (emesis)
This procedure involves therapeutic vomiting induced by ingesting herbal preparations. Vamana is primarily used to expel excess Kapha dosha from the body and is beneficial for conditions such as respiratory disorders, allergies, and obesity.
Virechana (purgation)
Virechana involves the administration of purgative herbs to induce controlled bowel movements and eliminate excess Pitta dosha and toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to improve digestion, cleanse the liver and blood, and alleviate conditions such as skin disorders, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.
Basti (enema therapy)
Basti is a therapeutic enema procedure that involves the administration of medicated oils, herbal decoctions, or other substances through the rectum. Basti is considered the most important of the Panchakarma procedures and is used to balance all three doshas. It helps to nourish and lubricate the colon, remove accumulated toxins, and alleviate conditions such as constipation, gas, and lower back pain.
Nasya (nasal administration)
Nasya involves the administration of medicated oils or herbal preparations into the nasal passages. It is used to cleanse and rejuvenate the sinuses, improve respiratory function, and balance the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. Nasya is beneficial for conditions such as sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, and neurological disorders.
Rakta Mokshana (bloodletting)
Rakta Mokshana is the least common of the Panchakarma procedures and involves the removal of impure blood from the body using specialised techniques such as leech therapy or venesection. It is used to purify the blood, remove toxins, and alleviate conditions such as skin disorders, joint pain, and inflammation.
Kerala
'God's Own Country' and the Ayurvedic hotspot of India, 70% of tourists visiting this beautiful Southern state on the Malabar coast are doing so for Ayurveda medical care and luxury wellness.
There over 100 government (Ayush) run hospitals, 800 pharmaceutical facilties, 800 dispensaries and 120 resorts all dedicated to Ayurvedic medicine in this southern state.
The humid climate and fertile soil create perfect conditions for the cultivation of medicinal plants and wild species also thrive. Herb farming and wildcrafting is an important part of herbal tourism as they give value to land and help protect wild space. Herbal Tourism is sustainable ecotourism in practice. One identified threat to herbal tourism is the scarcity of rarer herbs, often they are over-harvested from the wild or struggling to grow due to habitat loss.
Generation of healers in Kerala have continued Ayurvedic practices in their communities, these 'Vaidyas' as they are known in Kerala, today study for up to 12 years before they can use the title Vaidya.
Aanandakosha Ayurveda Retreat, Kovalom
This retreat centre in Kerala offers a full range of Ayurvedic treatments including panchakarma.
Kolatakkal is a town in Kerala which has earnt global recognition as a centre of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is to home to a leading Ayurvedic Hospital founded in 1902-
This centre of healing, research and medicine produces some outstanding Ayurvedic products including this fermented herbal formulation which I first discovered in Sri Lanka and took daily-
The product below is a fermented Ashwagandha decoction from the same company-
Check my Herbal Travel Directory for further Ayurvedic places of interest to visit in Kerala.
Rishikesh
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Ganges River weaves it way through the hills, is the holy city of Rishikesh. Famously visited by the Beatles in the 1960s, Rishikesh is a pilgrimage site and yoga paradise, full of ashrams and of course, rich in Ayurveda. There are many to choose from here to suit all needs.
If you are looking for a smaller retreat for authentic panchakarma have a look at Eva Ayurveda.
For a large Ayush registered medical centre, there this training hospital All India Institute of Medical Sciences .
Goa
Goa is a small coastal state with a rich Portuguese heritage which makes for a unique cultural blend. Goa was once one of the go-to hippy destinations of the 60s and 70s, becoming hugely popular with backpackers and ravers in the following decades.
Today Goa still retains it's hippy vibe but is edging closer to the 'luxury' tourism spot, having lost some of the cheap-stay, backpacker appeal.
It is home to many Ayurvedic resorts and clincs, from cosy and cheap to large and luxurious, here you can combine a bit of wellness with a beach holiday or dive in deep for the full detox.
Arambol in North Goa is very laid back, and a less touristy beach resort compared with Baga and Candolim in the North. It is a yoga hotspot too.
A bit further down the coast is Arpora where you will find a good value little clinic offering a full range of treatments including panchakarma.
This highy recommended luxury retreat centre is located next to the Mandrem River in North Goa-
Learn more ....
Discover more about Ayurveda either in UK, India or online with practitioner Virginia Compton who runs regular retreats -
Recommended Books on Ayurveda
If you have a Herbal Tourism attraction you would like me to cover, please get in touch victoriaemward@gmail.com.
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