Indian Ayurveda: A Vacation for the Soul

The inner mutilation of the soul can only be healed by handling the body just as a delicate petal. The body is a temple of the spirit and demands devotion & attention at times. It has often been observed that people tend to exert themselves and push boundaries in terms of stress and physical exertion. This can result into certain long-term damages which cannot be restored easily. For the souls who have been living restlessly in their chaotic lives, Ayurveda can prove to be a boon. Ayurveda promises to create an environment that leaved a person’s body & mind, composed. It is a concept that is speedily catching up with the west. It is a blessed art of medicine which has its roots deep within the heart of India. Ayurveda is being practiced in Kerala from ancient times, which makes people sometimes call it Kerala Ayurveda. India since long, has been known to be a pioneer in the art of combining the body with the soul through its some of the most ancient scientific techniques, such as Ayurveda, and so people come here most often in search of true nirvana. Moreover, they come here to escape from the life’s unending battles. Ayurveda is an ancient concept which gently focuses on the prevention of diseases and focuses on combining the five essential elements of nature. Ayurvedic practices date back thousands of years when ancient doctors used natural elements to cure their patients So, what place can be better than India to experience the divine techniques that enable people to get themselves replenished completely. You can enjoy authentic Ayurveda in various states of India. You can also enjoy Ayurveda in Delhi.

Ayurveda has emerged to be a way to inform oneself of what actually constitutes within the human body. This enables a person to understand what is the true wellbeing of the core; both inside as well as outside. This process not only helps a person to recognise what can create a peaceful spirit; it in turn facilitates an intervention of the proper way to protect and conduct one’s own body. India has an impressive variety of natural cures, for illnesses which are very hard to conquer. Plants and herbs play a significant role in Ayurvedic proceedings as they form the sole ingredients in almost every ayurvedic product. India possesses a wide range of herbs and natural medicines, which help to counter diseases affecting the vital organs in the human body.
Someone looking to gather peace within the chaotic humdrum of life can be sure to find exactly the same in India. People from faraway lands come to India so that they too can be a part of this holy adventure which takes them to the very core of Indian forests in search of natural remedies for bodily troubles. Wellness tourism is an emerging new area in which India has been excelling in recent times. This is due to the growing fascination of the world with ayurveda. This art has crossed borders in more than one way as it can be seen that even in the west; people are getting more inclined towards using organic and herbal solutions for their problems. Places like Kerala, Chennai and Delhi have been named as the prime destinations for ayurvedic pleasures. India can be a major game changer for those who have lost all hopes to lead a life full in complete wellness.
 Thus, an Ayurvedic vacation must be on the cards of people who plan to visit India in search of their true self, as this land of marvels offers the most explicit ways of exploring nature in its simplest form.

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Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurveda is made up of two words "ayus" and "veda". "Ayus" means life and "Veda" means knowledge or science. The complete term "Ayurveda" means the science or knowledge of life. The main purpose of Ayurveda is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. Ayurveda originated in India and is considered a few thousand years old science. Ayurveda in Kerala is being practiced for such a long time that a very popular term "Kerala Ayurveda" has come up.Kerala Ayurveda packages are being widely searched by people looking for ayurvedic treatments.

The best thing about Ayurveda is that one does not have to be sick to gain from Ayurveda. Even a healthy person can benefit from Ayurveda. There are various Kerala Ayurveda Packages available like Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Treatments Package, which is aimed at improving general health and well-being of the people. The Rejuvenation Package includes various specialised Ayurveda treatments, therapies and massages, some of which are Abhyangam (full body massage), Shiro-Abhyangam (Head massage), special Shoulder, Neck, Face, Foot massage with reflexology and full body Herbal Steam. Medicated oil applications as per the body constitution and vitiated doshas, Body polish, Nassayam are also included in the package. Yoga and Meditation included in the package also help in yielding better results. As Ayurveda offers specialised treatments, the final treatments/therapies/massages/medicines to be administered are decided by the Ayurveda Doctors after detailed consultation with the guest.

The basic principle of Ayurveda is that the universe is made up of five elements viz Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Ether. All these five elements are represented in human body by three "Doshas", namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Excess accumulation of these doshas in the body causes imbalance and results in various health issues. Specific treatments, therapies, massages, diets and some lifestyle changes are suggested by Ayurveda to overcome these.Special attention is given to diet as it forms the basis of all treatments. The diet is prescribed by the Doctors based on individual constitutional type. A detailed diet chart is prepared for individuals and different categories of food are included. Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Legumes and Nuts and Dairy products form an integral part of the diet.

Panchakarma is one of the most popular treatments of Ayurveda. As the name suggests 'Panch' meaning 'five', it consists of five major procedures. It is meant to purify the whole body by elimination of accumulated toxins. The Panchakarma is as effective for a healthy person as for someone facing various health conditions and problems. It has a preventive, restorative and rejuvenative effect on the body. First the body is prepared for the actual process of elimination with Deepana and Pachana, which includes oral medication. After this, Oleation is done both internally and externally. Medicated ghee/oils are administered and specialised massages are done to lubricate the body channels and loosen the toxins. In the Eliminative phase, the final Panchakarma treatments are done based on one's body type.

As mentioned above, there is no fixed package in Ayurveda and the treatments/therapies shown in the packages are indicative only as to what kind of treatment/therapies one can expect. The final treatments/therapies are decided by the Doctors only after a detailed consultation in person, which makes Ayurveda special and effective.

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What to expect from a Holiday Package

Planning a holiday has never been easier with the wide choice of HolidayPackages available! With the fast paced, hectic personal and professional lifestyle, people do look forward to getting a good relaxing break. With the availability of Holiday packages, planning a holiday has become much easier. Holiday packages saves a lot of time, energy and money allowing one to relax and enjoy the holidays. One just needs find out their expectations from that holiday. Once you know what you are looking for, it then comes down to only shortlisting the right package and you are ready to go.

Holiday packages in India are planned in such a way that people with different expectations can get what they are looking for. If someone is looking for budget holidays in India, one may find many holiday packages which budget pricing. These packages generally involve staying at B&Bs or low priced hotels. The transfers in these packages are planned primarily on seat in coach basis to save transportation costs. Even the tours like city tours etc. planned in these holiday packages are planned in groups and on seat in coach basis. Most of the time, the meals included in the package are based on set menu, thus saving money on food as well. One has to be careful and prepared while choosing these packages as they involve budget accommodations which sometimes does not meet the expectations of travellers.

One can also opt for a mid-segment holiday package, where generally 3* accommodations are included. For Kerala Tour Packages, most of the tourists opt for this segment as it gives them reasonably good stay options and still costs cheaper. As Kerala is as famous for its backwaters, hill stations, beaches as much for its Ayurveda packages, these tour packages are the best way to see a lot of places, have different experiences and still not spend much .Transportations /transfers involved here are also generally on seat in coach basis, but one can expect good food.

Holiday Destination

For the ones who want nothing but the best, there are also various luxury holiday packages available. Comfort and Experience form the basis of these kinds of packages. The properties are carefully chosen considering the distances from airport, city, approachability, etc. All the tours and transfers included in the package are private transfers and tours. In these high luxury packages, only the breakfast is included as most luxury hotels do not offer packages on MAP or AP basis unless they are in areas where there are no other options easily available.The itinerary is individually planned keeping in mind the expectations of the guest from the holiday. One may find a huge difference in pricing of these luxury holiday packages as well as it all depends on what kind of room the guest wants to book. Some guests may do with the basic starting category room type while some may ask for a slightly better or the most luxurious room/suite available.

The tour package can be selected as per your budget, but do not forget to read through the complete terms and conditions in the package. One also needs to be very careful about the booking policy, cancellation policy and if there are any hidden costs involved. Be careful while choosing the package and enjoy your holidays.

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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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