Holidays with Ayurveda Treatments – A Big Hit

It is estimated that over 5 million trips are taken each year for the specific purpose of tourism for well-being. Furthermore, spa & wellness treatments also form part of trips taken for other purposes. The reason behind this growing trend is the general increase in awareness about the need for a balanced Mind-Body & Soul. The masses have understood that regular and holistic care of their selves is important to escape the mid /long term impact of stress. Preventive healthcare through alternative means therefore is growing in every part of the world. Ayurveda, the over 5000 years old traditional system of holistic-healthcare from India is seemingly one of the most popular and trusted alternative therapy across the world.

There are specialized resorts for Ayurveda retreats across the world, which have contributed significantly in the growth of international Ayurveda tourism.With the change in location come changes in components, duration and charges for treatments. However, the crux of Ayurveda remains intact as this stream of alternative medicine is now formally taught in many universities across the world. Even the assistants are formally trained in all good and high-quality Ayurveda centres. High on the list of preferred destinations for Ayurveda treatments of International tourists are Kerala and New Delhi in India. While Kerala Ayurveda in itself has become synonymous with Ayurveda in India, the northern state of Delhi and other nearby destinations like Haridwar and Rishikesh also have some very well-known centers for Ayurveda treatments.

For the typical traveler on a well-being holiday what matters most is the quality of treatments and of course the staff. Locales play an important role to the extent that one wants to be away from the noisy and polluted atmosphere. It is a well known fact that the retreats in Kerala are mostly away from the noisy cities and many are near the very popular Kerala Backwaters. A wellness oriented traveler generally takes up to a maximum of 2 hours of Ayurveda treatments and spends the rest of the day in Yoga and Meditation, often eating specially recommended food and walking the natural surrounds or boating in the houseboats.

Similarly, the traditional north Indian centers for Ayurveda treatments are in the interiors of green belts in Uttarakhand, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Delhi Ayurveda centers are more urban in appearance and cater to the global traveler who does not have time to really travel 2 days back and forth for a 2 Night experience at the Ayurveda center. Many 4 star and 5 star properties in North and South India have understood this latent demand and now top-notch professionals cater to the needs of  discerning guests from all over the world. Domestic, city travelers too throng these facilities for beauty, wellness and health treatments. Travelers from US, Latin America & Europe are the most prolific users of these services in North and South of India. The best part is the high percentage of repeat visits for this experience, meaning that the Ayurveda centers do deliver a satisfactory experience. Another factor growing this business in India is the relatively low prices when compared with Ayurveda treatment prices in other parts of the world. The Indian treatment can be 50% or still cheaper than treatments taken at Ayurveda resorts of the same stature in the western world.

Last but not the least, many of the travelers do undertake these trips to India because of the other eclectic experiences and colors of India that can be experienced in one go while the desired level of well-being is achieved. The same applies to domestic and international travelers who visit Wellness resorts the world over. It is holidaying with an eye on the goal of well-being.

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Kerala Holidays- Beaches, Backwaters, Hills and Ayurveda

Kerala, a coastal state at the south-western tip of India, is gaining more fans each year. This state is so blessed by nature that it is often called ‘God’s Own Country’. The state has an area of approx. 38800 sq.km . out of which approx. 1900 sq.km. are wetlands and approx. 9400 sq.km . area is covered by forests. The state has numerous rivers, water bodies and a network of waterways which interconnect many of its villages. The state has a 580 km. coastal line.

Given the above, the state is well known for its Beaches, Backwaters and Hills. The natural beauty is even more enjoyable because of long periods of favorable climate. Add to this the ever-smiling, mostly literate population of the state with a long history of hospitality establishments and you have an environment so wonderfully conducive to Tourism that the visitors just can’t have enough of it. Kerala Holiday packages in India are therefore a regular offering by Tour operators. The state offers holidays for all budgets starting from home-stays to the top of the line Luxury-Premium properties. Though most of Kerala Resorts are on Beach sites, the ones on hills and in Coffee and Spice plantations have their own set of dedicated and regular patrons.

The state administration is very aware of the winner that they have at hand and no stone is left unturned to highlight the wonders of Kerala. One such wonder is Kerala Ayurveda, the over 5000 year old system of holistic medicine which in modern world is well accepted as Alternative Medicine (when spoken in context of Allopathic medicine). Ayurveda means science of life and touches all aspects, namely- the physical, mental and spiritual. The following of this wonderful system of preventive and curative healthcare is growing steadily again after it was first introduced to the western world many decades back. The domestic population is also once again realizing the safety of no after-effects feature of this very effective system. With many universities teaching this system of medicine internationally and the over 2200 registered Ayurvedic hospitals tending to the needs of visitors; the world is now very well aware of the Kerala Ayurveda India offers.

So , the four pillars of Tourism in Kerala have been recognised as Beaches, Backwaters, Hills and Ayurveda. Ayurveda resorts Kerala has are known world over for the treatments offered for general well-being as well as for curative and cosmetic procedures. Integrated with Yoga and meditation, the Ayurvedic procedures work wonders and that is why the world is literally re-discovering this science of life. It is due to all the above reasons that the average duration of stay for a foreign tourist in Kerala is 16.1 days. Average duration of stay for domestic tourists is 6.8 days. Out of over 10 million tourists that Kerala received last year, over 8,00,000 were foreigners from Britain, France and Russia.

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Most Appropriate Ayurveda treatment in Delhi

NCR (National Capital Region) Delhi has been transformed beyond recognition for someone who had visited the city a decade or so back. The pace of change is not letting up yet. The relentless pace is taking its toll of people who are now over-stressed and just do not get time for exercise and preventive healthcare. Fortunately, most of these people understand that mindless pill-popping is only going to get them in to further health troubles. Hence, at the first sign of serious health issues a hunt begins for the most appropriate treatment center  One very positive development which has taken place is the growth of Ayurveda in Delhi through various clinics, day spas and Hospitals along with all the modern infrastructure and satellite township growth.

There are at least 3 major full-fledged Ayurveda Hospitals in the Delhi-NCR and two of those also have super-specialty wings. Add to these around 10 well-known Ayurveda clinics run by doctors who are as old as Delhi Ayurveda culture itself. While Ayurveda always had a following in Delhi, the 90’s saw a cultural shift and for some time the economic growth blinded people to all things traditional. Luckily, the clinics upgraded the facilities over the last 2 decades and have continued to highlight the successes of Ayurveda in fighting lifestyle disease to media. This and the fact there are literally no after-effects of Ayurveda treatments for preventive healthcare gradually brought back the holistic well-being seeker  to Ayurveda. The use of heavy metals in Ayurveda is ages-old but it is strongly recommended that such treatments be only taken under expert care and in larger facilities where clinical test facilities also exist.

In addition to holistic healthcare the need for beauty care without chemical exposure has gradually endeared Ayurveda to the cosmetic and beauty-care seeker. There are now a plethora of small and big Ayurveda treatment centers in Delhi offering a whole range of rejuvenating and cosmetic / beauty care services. Almost all the major 5star hotels in town also now offer Ayurveda treatments along with the international treatments for rejuvenation, cosmetic and beauty care. However, if it is the authentic Ayurveda experience with traditional ambiance that you seek then only a couple of these 50 odd locations in Delhi-NCR shall qualify.

The help for finding the authentic Ayurveda experience can be sought from experts who promote Delhi Ayurveda Packages along with packages for Kerala Ayurveda and such other related experiences for well-being. Generally such experts shall offer a detailed website and would like to know of your understanding and comfort with Ayurveda treatments. One needs to be wary of agents who recommend Panchakarma treatments at the drop of a hat. While it is a fact that a Panchakarma treatment has no after-effects when administered to a healthy person but the price difference between a soothing and rejuvenation massage and a Panchakarma treatment at a decent centre can be huge. A certain degree of awareness is required in recommending Ayurveda treatments / packages and the experts do not shy away from seeking the Ayurveda Doctor’s advice if there is need for a second opinion.

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Holiday packages with Ayurveda Treatments in India

Off-the-beaten track holidays and holidays for well-being are steadily becoming more popular with travellers across the world. Increasingly, the travellers want to visit a serene location for some peaceful time, away from the stresses of routine life as also they want to regain their vigour and spirit to prepare for a right start to their lives with a fresh perspective.

India, the culture rich land of eclectic colours with its vast expanse offers satisfying experiences to all types of travellers. Especially, the rich flora and fauna and the traditional Ayurveda treatments are generating a lot of interest with the globe-trotters in recent years. Almost 10% of all travellers to India experience Ayurveda treatments for beauty, recharging their bodies, detoxification through Panchakarma or for alleviating the impact of lifestyle and health issues.

Understanding the need to regulate the quality of ingredients and services, the government of India has started a certification process for Ayurveda Resorts and Hospitals. This becomes especially important in Kerala, where the tourist boom has also resulted in many falsely claiming to be proponents of original Kerala Ayurveda. However, the guests should be cautious when selecting a Resort or Hospital. It is highly recommended that the services of a focused Tour Operator be hired to select and book the right resort for the experience that you seek. A complete holistic experience in Ayurveda is never complete without proper guidance on Food, Yoga and Meditation. Therefore, someone simply claiming to be a great Ayurveda expert may not be able to give you a holistic experience. At the end of the day, it is a complete hospitality experience that most guests want and the knowledgeable Tour operators address this demand expertly.
  

The issues are similar if not same when a domestic traveller wants to visit an Ayurveda facility for a staycation, i.e., short stay in the nearby region of home. The effort is to gain the best experience at the smallest expense. Unfortunately, all Ayurveda treatment centres displaying Hindu gods and mythical figures with a 24x7 lit-lamp are not equipped to give the authentic experience. The subject is also important for foreign travellers away from Kerala but who yearn for the authentic Ayurveda experience. It is for this reason that a certain degree of expertise is required to recommend the right Ayurveda treatment centre for travellers. A select group of practitioners are famous for the authentic Delhi Ayurveda. From 5star luxury to an actual Ashram like setting, some of the Delhi and North Indian centres actually excel at providing the authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

Of course, there are providers of Holidays packages in India who shall claim to be able to cater to all your needs. It is therefore important to visit their websites to check out their area of expertise. Whether they have the range of Ayurveda packages that an expert should have will be a good starting point. Same goes for vacations with nature or in serene locations. One needs to be cautious when dealing with a generalist because even if they may succeed at giving you the right experience, the price shall not be right.

In light of above, it is highly recommended that hiring the right tour operator should be your choice. I.B.M. Institute for Business Value, set out to answer the very question of whether hiring a Tour operator made sense? In a survey of more than 2,000 travellers worldwide, 20 percent said it took them more than five hours to search and book travel online. Nearly half said it required more than two hours. It is also established that the right tour operators and agents win “nearly every time,” “on both price and service. In other words, the agents suggested alternate routes, gave advice on visas and just generally acted, well, more human than their computer counterparts.”

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Spa Packages Galore

The spa culture has been making quiet but deep inroads in the lifestyles of the wellness conscious and well-to-do. Before many from this group realize they subconsciously start accepting the fact that a great skin to go with a great body shall really be thrilling. The availability of choices and in almost all major neighbourhoods does the rest. Today finding a suitable Spa package in Delhi is easier than one would imagine. Not only is the media full of options but the online space is competing to offer the cheapest experience of spa in Delhi.

Today there are over 2300 recognized spas in the country and the number is increasing rapidly. Almost all major starred hospitality properties also have their top of the line Spa in Delhi and other parts of the country. The treatments offered are a fusion of modern and traditional techniques for rejuvenation and beauty care and some of the spas have evolved to have widely acknowledged signature treatments. The choices of spa packages are expanding and now regular events are also being organised in spa Delhi circuit to recognize and award those who stand out from the crowd.

As expected the growth is not limited to Delhi but across the length and breadth of the country one can notice new brands and franchises launching spas. Some brands make that extra effort to enhance the customer experience of a destination by bringing in unique and larger than life facilities for spa. Spa in Agra is one such example where one of the leading hotels of the country is offering luxurious treatments at probably the largest spa in the country. At 100,000square feet, the spa is enormous and the range of treatments offered there is truly regal in scale. One can enjoy a visit to the Tajmahal and then relax in the comfort of 5star luxury while enjoying the Agra spa package. This and many other such experiences are carving out a new meaning to experiential luxury and pampering in india.

It is important to mention here that a person seeking spa treatments in India can pick from a whole range of options. One can find spa treatment starting from US$10 and going on to US$200 per treatment but the ambience, the quality of ingredients, the staff, the level of service and the overall experience is what sets one apart from the other. However, the major challenge which this growth industry is facing is the availability of trained manpower. It is said that the spa and wellness business is going to add over 3 million jobs to the Indian economy. If the projected turnover of 30,000crore(US$6bn approximately) in services is to be achieved over the next 4years then this manpower is absolutely essential and many institutes are churning out numbers in that pursuit. However, it is the top end establishments which shall mop-up all the early supplies of trained manpower. This opens up a unique opportunity for expat workers from developed world which can take leadership positions in the Indian market and use their years of experience and superior knowledge to everyone’s benefit.

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Holidays in India

A trip to India is always special because you will find diverse landscapes, history, culture and a lot more to gain experience of a lifetime. People from all over the world visit the country and are often amazed at the diversity. India is a vast country and the tourists can visit a number of places depending upon their choice. You can try the north east or head to historical places on the west. Thespecial holiday deals will ensure that you get maximum benefits from your trip.

The Kerala destination which has recently gained a lot of popularity from tourist’s world over is Kerala. Every year tourists throng Kerala, which has something to offer for everyone. Ayurveda is being practiced in Kerala for a very long time. It offers various packages from rejuvenation to lifestyle diseases, joint care, skin care, beauty treatments, spine care, old age care and much more. Kerala Ayurveda is one of the most popular form of alternative medicine. You can also holiday in Kovalam, Alleppey, Munnar, Kollam and Kochi. The Backwaters of Kerala offers the best visual experience and attracts lots of visitors.

Goa is a desirable place to visit and there are different Goa holiday packages. The extended beach is the place where you can spend quality time with your partner. Swimming, scuba diving and water scooting are some of the water sports which will keep you entertained. Goa is famous for its nightlife, especially night parties at the beaches. Goa cuisine is also a hit with the tourists who cannot have enough of it.

If you are on a honeymoon trip to India then don’t miss the Nagoa beach in Daman and Diu which is famous for the atmosphere. The scenic beauty is astonishingand leaves you spell bound. You can get a feel of the tribal life while visiting Bucharwada village to have a taste of tribal life. Damanganga and the Moti Darman Fort are important tourist centers.

Karnataka is a special place among visitors who opt for holidays in India. The temples and pilgrimage centers along with places like Agumbe, Madkeri, Kudremukh, Karwar and Gokarna are notable among tourists. The Bannerghatta and Nagarhole national parks have rare animals.

If you are fond of history, then there are holiday deals which will take you to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mount Abu, etc.There are various forts and tombs which describe the history of the country well.Gujarat is famous for various pilgrim centers and temples. The national forests, sanctuaries, kite festival and book fairs are famous among tourists.

The holidays in India can well be stretched to the Far Eastwherebeaches of Digha, Mondarmoni, Puri are prominent. Ratha Yatra in Orissa is an important event and can be opted through holiday deals. Darjeeling,Sunderbans, Assam, and other north eastern states are importanttourist destinations.

There are plenty of holiday deals which will take you to some of the important reserve forest and sanctuaries in India. These are Gir Tiger Reserve, Corbett National Park, Chilka Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore national Park, etc. Thehill stations in north India like Shimla & Manali, Nainital, and Dehradun offer scenic beauty and pleasant ambience. The temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath are world famous along with Gongotri and Yamunotri which you can choose for holidays in India. Choose your packages wisely. Don’t fall for ‘cheap’ packages. Check the website of the service provider, get complete information about the package and then decide.

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Destination Kerala

The God’s own country or Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India. Being situated at the southernmost tip of the country, it has the bestenvironmentalextravaganza one can imagine. Tall mountains, green valleys and deep sea can be found here.When you travel to Kerala, you will have an experience like never before.Kerala provides every element of a complete holiday; leisure, relaxation, fun, rejuvenation, health and peace. 

The place has an incredible charm of its own which makes it one of the most popular state with tourists. The backwaters,villages, green fields, beaches and the atmosphere attract thousands of visitor severy year. Some of the famous tourpackages of Kerala are Enjoy Kerala Backwaters, Kerala Escape and Kerala Ayurveda.These offerstravelers a great experience. The Kerala Ayurveda package offers the authentic Ayurveda treatments and therapies for rejuvenation and/or any specific ailments. Enjoy Kerala Backwaters package offers accommodation in a luxury Resort & Spa, spa treatments, sunset cruise and much more.

The backwaters are parallel to the Malabar Coast and consist of different lakes including the Vembanand and Ashtamudi Lakes. The numerous canals are used for traveling through houseboats. The snake boat contest is famous which is conducted during August and September.

There are plenty of beaches in Kerala and the Kovalam, Alappuzha, Nattika, Varkala, Cherai, Kappad beachesarenotable.You can spend the leisure time on the beach or take part in various adventure sports held there.Scuba diving, beach volleyball and Paragliding are very popular among the visitors.

Houseboat rides are an experience one must have while visiting Kerala. These houseboats ply on various routes in Kerala. Kochi, Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Kottayam, Kollam, Kasargod, Alappuzha are famous backwater destinations in Kerala.

Kerala also offers various hill stations.The Munnar, Ponmudi, Thekkady, Vagamonand Wayanad are popularhill stations in Kerala. You will be amazed to see the natural beauty, misty mountain peaks, green valleys, scenic landscapes and lots more.The Eastern part of Kerala, the Nilgiris, is famous for the dense forests,gorges and valleys. The national parks here attract lots of visitors.

Being a place with richcustoms and traditions, thefestivals of Onam, Thrissur, Pooram and Vishu attracts lots of visitors from around the world. Also Id and Christmas along with other festivals are celebrated by the residents. People of all religions stay in Kerala and celebrate their festivals together. Most of the people take part in all the festivals irrespective of the religion they belong to. No discrimination takes place on the basis of religion in Kerala.

Kerala is very well connected with all the major states in India by roadways, railways and airways. Kerala has three international airports of Thiruvanathapuram, Cochin and Kozhikode and many domestic and international airlines have direct fights to Kerala.

Although one may find many hotels and tour operators for Kerala, one must be cautious to choose the right tour operator, who would understand what you want and create a special customized package for you. Why wait? Gograb a ticket and head out to Kerala.

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