Ayurveda is an ancient Sanskrit knowledge, both spiritual and practical.
At one level it is a non-invasive medical science which aims for health
and wholeness of the entire person. At a higher level it is nothing less
than a radical and spiritual insight into the source and secret of life.
The medical aspect of Ayurveda involves balancing the three doshas
("humours") of the body, to produce equilibrium and well-being.
Herbal oil treatments, massage and steam baths are combined with dietary
recommendations, all based on individual medical consultation.
According to Ayurveda, the body operates over cycles which are multiples
of seven. Traditional treatments are therefore conducted over 7, 14, or 28 days.
The seven day Rejuvenation programme at the Taj Garden Retreat,
Kumarakom, is a traditional course of massages and oil treatments,
combined with gentle Yoga and meditation instruction, all by highly
qualified medical personnel.
The Taj Garden Retreat itself is an old Colonial building, now
completely refurbished, built out over the Vembanad Lake bird
sanctuary, with a backdrop of coconut palms.
The Taj group of hotels offers the highest levels of comfort and
luxury, and the Ayurveda course is introduced by a fascinating
week of immersion in the cultural context of Ayurveda, the
Knowledge of Life, in tropical South India.
All truly relaxing, courtesy of the Taj group of hotels.
Day 1 Mid-morning departure from UK on Gulf Air.
Day 2 Early morning arrival in Chennai (Madras). Stay at the Fisherman’s Cove
Hotel, built on the ramparts of an old Dutch Fort at Covelong Beach.
Afternoon visit to the 7th century Kapaleeshwara Hindu temple in the city.
Day 3 All day visit to the World Heritage monuments at Mahaballipuram,
45 minutes’ drive along the coast. Here some of the great Hindu stories
are told in 1300 year old stone.
Day 4 All day visit to the town of Kanchipuram, ancient city of culture and source
of India’s finest silks.
Day 5 Midday flight to Cochin, fabled spice city of the Malabar Coast.
Stay at the Taj Residency Ernakulam. Evening visit to the Cochin
Cultural Centre for performance of traditional Kathakali dancing.
Day 6 Visit the sights of Cochin, including the 16th century Synagogue (there have
been Jewish traders here for more than 2000 years), Mattancherry Palace, spice
and antique shops.
Day 7 Drive to Kottayam, 65km South of Cochin, a town of ancient churches predating
the European missionaries by a thousand years. Short onward drive to Kumarakom,
to stay at the Taj Garden Retreat.
Days 8 - 14 Seven day Ayurveda Rejuvenation programme at the Taj Garden Retreat.
Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda in the mornings, with afternoons free for
leisurely boat trips on the tropical backwaters, or birdwatching on the lake
which borders the hotel. Or just relax and allow yourself to be pampered...
Day 15 A leisurely 120km drive along the coast to Varkala, to the Taj Garden Retreat,
built along the sea cliffs.
Day 16
Early morning 50km drive to Trivandrum international airport, for return
flight on Gulf Air. Early evening arrival in UK.
