A retreat from urban chaos
NESTLED amid the verdant landscape of Palakkad, Kerala, an ayurvedic healing village is more than just a wellness retreat; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Located just 90 km from Coimbatore, this tranquil oasis provided us — a group of five professionals — a much-needed respite from the relentless demands of city life. Our diverse group included a Parsi couple from Mumbai (the wife, a journalist, and her husband, an amateur photographer), a mountaineering expert, a public relations professional and myself. Together, we embarked on a transformative four-day journey that left us feeling deeply rejuvenated, both physically and mentally.
At first, I was uncertain. Could I really go four days without alcohol or non-vegetarian food? Yet, within hours of arriving, the lush-green environment and calming atmosphere soothed these concerns. As we immersed ourselves in the village’s serene surroundings, our cravings simply melted away. The focus on natural wellness was so immersive and refreshing those indulgent habits seemed trivial in comparison.
Each morning began with a warm, herb-infused water cleanse, a ritual that set the tone for the day. From there, we moved to a gentle but invigorating yoga session that helped awaken the body and the mind. After yoga, a period of rest prepared us for the day’s highlight: a restorative naturopathy massage, followed by a steam bath. The oils and powdered soap used in the steam treatment left us feeling profoundly refreshed.
Throughout the day, we sipped six kinds of herbal tea, each crafted with ayurvedic herbs that energised and relaxed us in equal measure. Sitting on comfortable chairs and sipping tea amid the village’s green surroundings, we could almost feel the stresses of city life lifting. Our meals were another revelation: pure vegetarian, organic and sourced directly from the retreat’s own 60-acre garden. Each breakfast, lunch and dinner were a culinary delight, with flavours and dishes that changed daily, showcasing the richness of nature’s bounty.
Exploring the place was itself an experience in serenity. With Feng Shui-inspired huts and serene water bodies, the grounds radiated calm and tranquillity, creating a palpable sense of wellbeing. Evenings brought an hour of meditation, deepening our sense of peaceful and enabling restful and undisturbed sleep. Walking around the village under starlit skies before a light dinner, we found ourselves savouring a slower and more mindful rhythm.
By the end of our retreat, each of us was lighter in body and spirit. The wellness routine had helped us shed two kilos without even trying, simply by embracing a harmonious, natural way of living. Although it’s challenging to maintain such a lifestyle amid the high pressures of urban jobs, it reminded us of the power of nature to heal and nurture. The healing village gave us not only a break but also a glimpse into what life can feel like when we reconnect with nature — an experience that I hope to revisit someday.
