8 Popular Kerala Ayurvedic Resorts

At Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Ayurvedic treatment is also about getting back to nature. The resort is set amongst 50 acres of lush land in the Palakkad district of Kerala. There's even a stream running past each cottage! Although it's a resort, Ayurveda is treated seriously there. Only vegetarian food is served, and no alcohol. Guests are also encouraged to participate in early morning mediation and yoga sessions. The resort has its own organic garden, and swimming pool. Room rates start from around $150 per night, including meals, consultation, one Ayurvedic herbal oil therapy, yoga and meditation. Seven night rejuvenation packages start from around $1,200.

The world's first Ayurvedic resort and also one of the top hotels in Kovalam, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort offers a range of yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation programs for complete mind and body restoration. Guests can enjoy cultural performances in the evenings as well. The nearby beach is an added attraction. Somatheeram added nine new Kerala style houses to the premises in 2010. Room rates start from $70 per night, during the monsoon season. Seven night rejuvenation packages start from around $1,200.

Intimate and private, the Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort has only eight rooms nestled on an island between the Arabian Sea and the Karamana river near Trivandrum. As its name implies, there are backwaters on one side and beach on the other. And all rooms have a view. Magical! Room rates start from $105 per night, including breakfast. Seven night rejuvenation packages start from around $1,080.

If money is no object, head straight to Kalari Kovilakom -- the palace of the ancient Vengunad Kingdom in Kerala, now converted into a palace for Ayurveda by CGH Group. It's quite out of this world. No meat, leather footwear, or alcohol are allowed at Kalari. There's no TV, or any entertainment for that matter. Hymns are chanted in the evenings. Every therapy is personal and customized, often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep healing from within and without. Even the food is served according to individual requirements. The aim, according to the resort, is to give guests a chance to start their lives over again and be reborn. 14 night packages start from around $6,800.

Another affordable option for Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, the Ideal Ayurvedic Resort is located in Kovalam. It's situated on the edge of a small village within a canopy of coconut palms, five minutes walk from Chowara Beach. Although not as luxurious as other Ayurvedic resorts, treatment is still of a high standard and is administered by doctors. Yoga and meditation complement the wide range of packages available. 14 day rejuvenation packages start from around $1,700. Rooms, without treatment, start from around $40 per night.