If you’re heading to Kerala for Ayurveda, there’s plenty of places that offer genuine Ayurvedic treatments. One of the places that comes to my mind is the Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort near Kovalam. It’s known for maintaining traditional Ayurvedic practices and it’s literally in the middle of beautiful natural surroundings. They offer therapies like Abhyanga and Shirodhara you mentioned, which are great for stress relief, and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and near the beach — that alone helps you de-stress.
Another great spot is Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort in Palakkad. Their approach is holistic and personalized — they’ll really take time to understand your specific dosha imbalances and tailor the treatments for you. They have a bunch of classical treatments and their therapists are trained in authentic methods. You won’t find just some random massages here.
For how long you should stay, it kinda depends on what you are looking to achieve. If it’s stress relief and rejuvenation you’re after, a week is a good start. But honestly, Ayurveda works a little slow and deeply, so if you can spare like 2 weeks, it might be even better. Programs like Panchakarma, a detox process, often require a minimum of 14-21 days for full effectiveness, especially for deeper cleansing and stress relief.
Remember, while you’re there, they might suggest some dietary and lifestyle changes — I’d say give ‘em a try! Like early morning yoga and breakfasts with lots of fruits. Those adjustments can make the therapies more effective. Just don’t go in expecting overnight miracles; Ayurveda is patient and gentle, and that’s the beauty of it. Safe travels!
