Upon arrival I felt like royalty as the welcoming team were so warm and gracious in their greeting.
A jasmine flower garland was placed around my neck, introductions made and I was guided into reception for a refreshing home-grown coconut welcome drink.
Tired from a few days of travel and several very busy months of work with little break, I was so happy to be here for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
I am sure they all thought, “Here comes another exhausted one…” but were confident in the knowledge that a different vibrant version would walk out of here.
At that moment, I knew I was in the right place for some personal reset time. I could already sense the nurturing atmosphere from everyone I met and the natural flow of Ayurvedic ancient wisdom rituals.
Guided to my room, I discovered a spacious sanctuary with everything one could wish for – a king bed, mozzie net, ceiling fans, air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, wardrobe, safe, desk and a herbal tea station, the signature drink of the cleanse.
Once settled, it was time to slip into the supplied uniform: white cotton pants, a long-sleeved top known as a kurta and a pair of slippers.
Comfortable and practical, it is worn throughout the day and works perfectly for yoga and walking sessions. Three sets are allocated to each guest along with a white gown for treatments.
It was so refreshing not to think about what to wear for two weeks. Better still, you can take the uniform home afterwards. So if you spot someone walking down the street Zen-like in a crisp white kurta, it could be me.
Next on the agenda was meeting my highly acclaimed Ayurvedic doctor Jouhar Kanhirala for my initial consultation.
After discussing my current health status and checking my pulse, blood pressure and tongue, he confidently explained that the two-week cleanse program he prescribed would help reinvigorate me. It was exactly what I wanted to hear.
My first activity after arrival was a cleansing massage in the treatment centre. Two therapists used a sand-like exfoliating material and scrubbed me from head to toe. It was vigorous and I walked out feeling fresher, lighter and sparkling clean.
Lunch followed and, as with everything here, it was individually prepared according to my dosha, or body constitution.
By this point I was already falling in love with the place and the journey had only just begun.
The Program
The Ayurvedic doctor designs each Panchakarma program according to the individual. It may include a ghee cleansing phase, daily massage treatments, yoga sessions and personalised meals.
Every morning begins with a yoga session (catering for every level) followed by a doctor’s consultation and a morning massage treatment.
The massage therapy girls have an angel like aura and work wonders on the mind body and spirit with their healing hands.
Every afternoon after treatments you receive your schedule and eating plan/menu for the following day.
Dining
The dining room is located within the beautiful old palace and overlooks tranquil gardens. Guests dine individually and silently to encourage mindful eating and are encouraged to engage all the senses while enjoying their meal.
The attentive waitstaff begin each meal with a hand rinse and tea before presenting your personalised Ayurvedic cooked vegetarian menu.
Many vegetables are grown in the Kalari Kovilakom gardens or sourced locally. The kitchen is meticulously maintained and meals are prepared shortly before serving.
Expect a balanced menu (for lunch and dinner) of natural nourishing soups, curries, vegetables, Indian dosa, all of which play a major role in the restorative journey.
Fresh fruit is served for breakfast – one variety only is the Ayurvedic way. I enjoyed mangoes, papaya, star fruit, avocado and sweet local chikku.
I loved eating with my right hand (cutlery free) where you could mix flavours and textures in a much more mindful way.
The no mobile phones allowed in the dining area is such a good call to encourage focused eating. Definitely want that habit to stick.
Activities
Individual schedules vary, but there is always a balance of treatments, activities and rest.
Movement is encouraged and the walking track loops approximately 500 metres through the gardens, offering birdsong, squirrels, mongoose sightings, neighbourhood sounds, sunshine and monsoon rain. Staff occasionally join guests for a stroll and a friendly check-in.
Daily fish feeding every afternoon is a relaxed opportunity to meet and mingle with staff and other guests.
Yoga
A morning yoga practice, yoga nidra and pranayama sessions are available and participation is highly encouraged to supplement the treatment program.
Attendance is optional, but the benefits are easily experienced both physically and emotionally.
Individual tuition can also be arranged for those not so familiar with the practice. The yoga shala is such a Zen space to spend time in and the teachers are very supportive.
Evening entertainment
After dinner at 7.30pm there is an engaging evening program ranging from cooking classes and Indian dance and music performances to Ayurvedic and yoga lectures and cultural presentations.
History buffs will enjoy learning about the fascinating life and the meticulous restoration of the palace. Every day you discover more awe-inspiring design details and it is wonderful to see the current custodians taking such loving care of this special part of history.
Good to know
Airport meet-and-greet services and transfers from Kochi to Kilari Kovilakom are available.
You will meet people here from all over the world along with many Indian nationals, all on a similar wellness journey. Many are regular repeat guests. Some visit annually and some every few years, but they return time and again and I completely understand why.
Conditions they can commonly treat include digestive and gut disorders, arthritis and joint pain, skin conditions, stress, anxiety and burn out, hormone and metabolic disorders, diabetes management, healthy aging and recovery after illness…while many just come for a health re-set.
Internet is available in your rooms. Guests are asked to use phones and laptops there rather than in communal spaces. There is also an emphasis on reducing time on devices to maintain presence.
There are various grades of rooms available and even some very unique options in the palace. They are all very clean, comfortable – twin and king bed configurations are available.
Daily laundry service is included and is a genuine treat.
As a gluten free coeliac, the food here is perfect – no wheat products are used. The kitchen team are made aware of any food allergies and happily work around that.
The team are incredibly supportive and committed to ensuring every guest feels nurtured and cared for throughout their stay.
The early detox days can be challenging for some, but the glow soon starts to emerge and the tougher days forgotten.
Once you leave this healing sanctuary you are armed with an individualised post lifestyle plan so you can continue your wellness journey and maintain your vitality.
They also look after the locals – Kalari Kovilakom offers a free community Ayurvedic drop-in health clinic for neighbouring village residents.
There is so much more to a two- or three-week stay here. I invite you to come and discover this authentic transformative wellness cocoon for yourself. You will thank me for the introduction.
Kalari Kovilakom by CGH Earth Ayurveda | Premium Ayurveda Retreat in Kerala
