The Best Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats in Kerala, India
As the birthplace of both Yoga and Ayurveda, India is an obvious top choice for wellness and spiritual retreats. But being such a vast country, where in India should you go for your much-needed dose of zen?
While some people may recommend Rishikesh, dubbed the “Yoga capital of the world,” or the beaches of Goa, if you’re looking for a serene experience and holistic healing, consider one of the amazing yoga retreats and ayurveda resorts in Kerala!
Reasons to go on a Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in Kerala
Yoga and Ayurveda are both ancient practices with origins in India. However, did you know that the coastal state of Kerala is famed for being the purest source of authentic Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system based on the belief that the root cause of disease is stress or an imbalance in a person’s psyche. A fundamental Ayurvedic concept is that everything is connected. Thus, Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic healing approach, focusing on improving energy flow in the body. Learn more about yoga’s sister science here.
Ayurveda originates in Kerala and the state offers the broadest range of Ayurveda therapies in India and beyond. Aside from numerous yoga, wellness, and Ayurveda resorts in Kerala, the province boasts beautiful nature, from lush greenery to palm-lined beaches to a picturesque network of canals. Thus, Kerala yoga retreats provide an incredibly peaceful and nature-rich location for mind and body healing.
The Best Kerala Yoga Retreats
- Best Ayurveda Therapy and Yoga Retreat For Beginners – Elephant Pass Ayurvedic Yoga Retreat
- Best Intensive Ayurveda and Panchakarma Retreat – Ayurveda Living Village
- Best Budget Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat – Bodhi Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat
- Best Healing Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat – Namaste Ayurvedic Wellness Centre
- Best Kerala Yoga Retreat – Adishakti Yogashala
Best Ayurveda Therapy and Yoga Retreat For Beginners – Elephant Pass
If you’re new to the world of Ayurveda, I highly recommend this 7-day Elephant Pass retreat aimed at beginners.
Highlights include:
- Twice daily yoga
- Daily consultations and Ayurvedic medicine
- Daily Ayurvedic massages/therapies
Surrounded by the sights of natural greenery and the sounds of the serene Periyar river, you’ll find it effortless to relax and focus on your rejuvenation here. The onsite Ayurvedic doctor will tailor everything to your needs, from medicine and massage to therapy and meals.
You’ll also enjoy yoga every morning and evening, and there’s plenty of free time to explore the surroundings. Pick up for nearby Cochin international airport is also included for a stress free start to your retreat.
Check the schedule and available dates here.
Best Intensive Ayurveda Panchakarma Yoga Retreat – Ayurveda Living Village
Short retreats can serve as a nice break from the norm and an opportunity to recharge. However, if you’re looking for more profound healing or transformation, check out this 28-day complete wellness retreat at Ayurveda Living Village.
Highlights include:
- Daily Hatha yoga and pranayama
- Daily Ayurveda consultations and treatments
- Daily lectures/ activities like Ayurveda cooking lessons or meditation workshops
- Weekly sightseeing excursions
- Beachside location
Ayurveda Living Village is located in an incredibly peaceful spot just 30 meters from the Kaipamangalam Beach. Here, you’ll enjoy Ayurveda organic vegetarian food three times a day with home-grown or locally sourced produce.
The healing retreat features daily Ayurveda consultations, including an in-depth analysis of your current and past health. Based on this, you’ll receive the most suitable Ayurvedic massages and treatments for your healing. There’s also included excursions each week like houseboat tours, waterfall and rainforest tours and visiting an elephant centre.
Find out more about what’s included here.
Best Budget Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat – Bodhi Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat
If you’re short on either money or time, this 3-day Becoming One Yoga Retreat with Ayurveda will give you an excellent and affordable intro to the two ancient Indian practices.
Highlights include:
- Consultation with an onsite Ayurvedic doctor
- Daily Hatha yoga and pranayama
- A rejuvenating massage and steam bath
- Optional lectures and activities, such as a cookery demonstration
Run by Bodhi Yoga and Ayurveda, the short retreat takes place at Hinterland Village Resort, a traditional and charming homestay-style accommodation in the jungle near to Kochi. You can choose a shared or private room, depending on your budget and explore historic and multicultural Fort Cochin in your free time.
Each day starts with yoga and/or pranayama before breakfast, then a morning practice, lecture, or Ayurvedic treatment. Late afternoon, there’s a yoga asana workshop and many evenings have additional activities.
Learn more about the exciting schedule here.
Best Healing Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat – Namaste Ayurvedic Wellness Centre
Namaste Ayurvedic Wellness Center is one of the best Ayurveda resorts in Kerala, as they put 110% attention into every guest, creating tailored treatment plans.
Highlights include:
- Daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation
- 1 Yoga Nidra session
- Daily Ayurvedic massages and treatments
- Private Ayurvedic consultation
- Home-cooked traditional vegetarian Kerala cuisine
The wellness center is located in a picturesque village in Chalakudy, with eco-friendly cottages in a green environment.
When you first arrive, you’ll receive a private Ayurvedic consultation with the onsite doctor, Dr. Jibu, who will create a personalized Ayurvedic treatment plan. Thus, with such individual attention, you’ll experience positive changes to your health and well-being in just 5 short days.
Learn more and check availability here.
Best Kerala Yoga Retreat – Adishakti Yogashala
Sometimes the stressors of modern life can get too much. This 10-day digital detox retreat at Adishakti Yogashala will melt away all your worries and bring you back in touch with nature.
Highlights include:
- Daily yoga (various styles) and pranayama
- Daily Ayurveda treatments and massages
- Personal doctor consultation
- Cooking class and sightseeing activities
The retreat takes place at Pachamama Homestay, just a 10-minute stroll from Varkala beach. Here you’ll stay in a shared or private room and enjoy delicious yet healthy meals. The schedule includes twice-daily yoga, and throughout the retreat, you’ll learn various styles, such as Hatha, Iyengar, Yin, and Ashtanga.
Adishakti Yogashala also runs highly-rated 200-hour and 300–hour yoga teacher training should you wish to increase your yoga knowledge further.
Find out all the details here.
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Tips for Planning your Yoga Retreat in Kerala
Yoga retreats in Kerala are most enjoyable between September to March when the weather is sunny, dry and comfortable, and with little humidity.
As it is a tropical location, Kerala has a monsoon season, which runs from March to May. Some say that Kerala is at it’s most beautiful and green during the rainy season but if you want to avoid the wet weather then avoid visiting Kerala during this time.
Getting to Kerala is super easy as the state has four international airports – you’re most likely to fly into either Cochin international airport, near Kochi, or Trivandrum. Most Kerala retreats offer airport transfers to make your journey stress-free. Still, you’ll need to request this in advance, and there may be an additional fee.
Almost all visitors will need to apply for an Indian visa before traveling. Most nationalities can apply for an E-Visa which makes the process simpler and quicker.
Kerala is one of the more relaxed parts of India but women should still dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Light, loose fitting clothing is a good way to cover up while still keeping cool. If you’re unsure what to pack for your yoga retreat check out my yoga retreat packing list.
For further peace of mind, ensure you have travel insurance covering all activities you plan on doing in Kerala and any covid related cancellations or emergencies. I recommend World Nomads.
Lastly, researching is one of the most important parts of planning any trip. Thus, check the reviews for several Ayurveda retreats in Kerala on BookYogaRetreats before making your decision.
Read More Yoga in India Blog Posts:
My Complete Kerala Travel Guide
The Best Yoga Retreats in Goa, India
