About Kalari Kovilakom

Kalari Kovilakom is the haven of Ayurvedic healing set in truly blissful location of Pallakad in Kerala. The 200-year Palace is located in the old princely capital town of Kollengode in the foothills of the Annamalai range. 105 km, or about two-and-a-half hours drive away from Cochin, it is among the best resorts for Ayurveda and wellness. The first and only one of its kind, the royal palace keeps alive the 5000-year old tradition of Ayurveda along with classical Kathakali dance and Carnatic music. As legends state, this heavenly location is blessed with therapeutic powers, therefore the king who discovered the area and many following his example came here to get holistic natural treatment.

Keeping the olden traditions alive, the CGH property of Kalari Kovilakom offers a pampering stay of Ayurvedic healing. It is certified and accredited by the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers). Non-leather footwear and white-cotton Indian kurta pyjamas are the norm in the resort. Additionally, it is eco-friendly, banning the use of plastic and chemicals, using things that can be recycled.

Accommodation and Food

The traditional Ayurveda resort of Kalari Kovilakom has 18 Palatial Suites. Experience authentic living in the 200-year old Palace. There are two sections to the accommodation, the Old Guest Wing and the lavish Palace Wing. The Guest Wing is furnished with 20's colonial Western-styled rooms with four-poster beds and traditional polished decorative tiled floors. The traditional Kerala architecture of the Palace Wing is reminiscent of the "zenana" (traditional Indian women's private quarters). All rooms are air-conditioned and have modern western style en suite facilities.

Following the Ayurvedic philosophy of Kalari Kovilakom, even the food served is purely vegetarian. Dishes cooked are simple and nutritious outlined by principles of Ayurveda that have been listed more than a thousand years ago. Food is prepared in brass, iron or clay vessels only, as prescribe in ancient texts of Ayurveda. Light oil, less chilly and no use of artificial flavors create delicious meals.

Relish savory food at Kalari's pillar-framed, breezy dining area. Every serving is based on individual body type and our physician's recommendation. Meals usually start with tumblers of lukewarm, herb-medicated waters. This helps to prime the stomach, readying it for the food to follow. The highlight of the meal is the gleaming brass thali (or platter) covered in a banana leaf section, sliced to fit, and rows of glistening katoris. A usual meal comprise of raw sprout and onion salad, creamy dish of the local bitter gourd, a mound of the steaming, fibre-rich red rice, thick lentil and dry jackfruit combo, whole wheat chapatis or dosas (Indian unleavened breads), low-spice sambar, etc. The food served is based on your therapies, constitution & treatments, varying accordingly. Consumption of Alcohol is prohibited.

Other activities and facilities

Facilities at the Kalari Kovilakom include the fully-equipped Ayurveda center that has treatments designed according to your ailment and to balance the body, mind and soul. The in-house Yoga and Meditation classes take place in the large meditation hall, or sometimes 'Machan', a loft-like space next to the main palace. Afternoon sessions of Yoga are reserved for 'Yoga Nidra', a special meditative technique that brings about deep relaxation in the individual. There are also regular demonstrations of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's traditional Martial Art.

Spa and Ayurveda

At Kalari, every Spa therapy is personal and crafted for the individual. The treatments are customised by the doctors, often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep Ayurvedic healing. Even the food served is personalized, with health drinks and herbal preparations that vary with your treatment. There are 12 therapy and massage rooms that offer a complete range of treatments. Expert masseuses and therapists work with you. Massages and therapies pamper you entirely from head to toe, bringing new life to tired muscles, bones and tendons.

Packages available

Stress Relief “Manashanthy” Programme: This programme is designed to cure the effects of stress in life. The treatment is beneficial for those who are physically and mentally stressed. The ailments like insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, tension headaches and so on.

Rejuvenation “Panchakarma” Package: : Panchkarma is the classic 5-point rejuvenation treatment of Ayurveda. In five steps this entire procedure comprise complete cleansing, elimination of toxins, opening up blocked channels, speeding up metabolism, boosting immunity, etc. There are many rituals, massages, therapies involved along with diet, yoga and meditation.