Escaping Cold Winters for Wayanad’s Warmth
For years, my work took me to different parts of the world — Kabul, Amman, and Rome among them. The jobs were demanding, the environments often difficult, and the winters long and unforgiving. December and January meant icy winds and heavy coats. But each year, I had something to look forward to: a trip to Kerala.
Kerala, and especially Wayanad, became my sanctuary. While much of the world froze, here the climate was gentle and refreshing. I came to Wayanad simply to relax — to disconnect from computers and phones, to let the green mountains and coffee plantations wash the stress away. It was during one of these holidays that I discovered something that would change my life: Ayurveda.
My First Encounter With Ayurveda
Until that time, Ayurveda was just a word to me — something I had heard of, but never experienced. Then one day, my wife Dhanya suggested visiting an Ayurveda center run by a family friend. Curious, I agreed.
That was the day I experienced Abhyangam — a full-body oil massage. The moment the warm medicated oils touched my skin and the therapist’s hands moved in rhythmic strokes, I felt an almost immediate calm. Halfway through, I nearly fell asleep. By the end, I felt lighter, calmer, and deeply relaxed. My skin felt healthier, my sleep improved, and my mind was clearer.
In the following days, I went back for two more sessions. Each time, the effect was the same: deep relaxation, stress melting away, a renewed sense of balance. I realised Ayurveda was not just a treatment — it was a holistic approach to wellness that modern life desperately needed.
When Travellers Discover Ayurveda
Over the years, as I lived and worked abroad, I hosted many friends and family members in Kerala. Part of my joy was showing them the state’s beauty — the backwaters, Kochi’s heritage streets, Kovalam’s beaches.
In 2020, just before the world shut down due to COVID-19, a couple of friends visited from the Netherlands. I had prepared a full itinerary for them, eager to showcase Kerala’s highlights. But everything changed the day after their arrival when they experienced Ayurveda massages for the first time.
Believe it or not, they cancelled the entire itinerary. Instead of long drives and busy sightseeing, they chose to focus entirely on Ayurveda. Their days were filled with therapies, short local outings to Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the Tea Museum, and one wildlife safari. The rest of the time, they immersed themselves in stress-relief treatments and holistic wellness.
Not long after, another couple came to stay — this time specifically seeking Ayurveda. One struggled with insomnia, the other with hair loss. Both left Wayanad with noticeable improvements. For me, it was deeply satisfying: I was able to welcome friends, spend time with them, and see them leave healthier than when they arrived.
Ayurveda and Wayanad: A Perfect Match
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, and Wayanad provides the ideal environment to experience it. The clean mountain air, the endless greenery, the calm rhythm of plantation life — everything here supports healing.
Ayurveda is not just about massages. It is a complete system of health, developed over 5,000 years, that uses herbal oils, dietary adjustments, yoga, and meditation to restore balance in the body and mind. But for travellers, the most accessible introduction is through therapies like Abhyangam (full-body massage) or Shirodhara (oil gently poured over the forehead). These treatments are both deeply relaxing and surprisingly energising, making them perfect for holidays that combine rest with discovery.
Ayurveda at Pranavam Resort
When we built Pranavam Resort, I knew Ayurveda had to be part of the experience. Guests don’t just come here for the views — they come to reconnect with themselves. Today, we have two dedicated spa rooms, one for men and one for women, with trained therapists offering personalised treatments.
Some of the therapies we provide include:
- Abhyangam – full-body massage for stress relief, better sleep, and skin health.
- Shirodhara – a continuous stream of warm oil on the forehead to calm the nervous system.
- Pizhichil – warm medicated oil poured over the body, excellent for rejuvenation.
- Head & Foot Massages – perfect for travellers looking for quick relaxation.
We also encourage guests to combine Ayurveda with yoga, meditation, and nature walks through our 100-acre coffee plantation. The result is not just a holiday but a retreat — an opportunity to return home lighter, calmer, and more balanced.
Why Travellers Choose Ayurveda Holidays
From my own first experience to the stories of friends and guests, one thing is clear: Ayurveda holidays are different. They are not about ticking sights off a list but about slowing down, restoring balance, and finding joy in simplicity.
Whether you are escaping cold winters, recovering from stress, or simply curious about an ancient healing system, Ayurveda in Wayanad offers something unique. It is travel with purpose — one that rejuvenates the body, calms the mind, and uplifts the spirit.
An Invitation to Experience Ayurveda
Looking back, I never expected that one massage would change the way I looked at wellness, travel, and even hospitality. But it did. Today, Ayurveda is not only a part of my personal life but also an integral part of what we offer at Pranavam Resort.
So when you next plan a holiday, come not just to see Wayanad, but to feel it. Let Ayurveda help you relax, reset, and return home transformed.
At Pranavam, we are ready to welcome you to an experience that is as ancient as it is timeless.
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