Ayurveda medical tourism in India is growing rapidly, attracting travellers from across the globe who seek health and wellness treatments rooted in ancient Indian senses. As one of the oldest healthcare systems, Ayurveda offers a natural, preventive and curative approach to physical and mental wellness. Internationally recognised for its therapeutic and rejuvenating benefits, Ayurveda draws visitors seeking relief from chronic illnesses, stress and lifestyle disorders. The Indian Government too has been actively promoting Ayurveda as part of its broader Incredible India and Heal in India campaigns, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global health and wellness hub.
Key Ayurvedic destinations include Kerala, Goa, Rishikesh and Maharashtra host numerous accredited Ayurvedic centres and wellness resorts. These are some locations where travellers, international and domestic, arrive for cost-effective treatments which are not only authentic but offer in-depth experiences, often integrating cultural immersion.
Let’s understand the emerging Ayurveda tourism treat from the eyes of Venkatesh Anilkumar, Founder, Sacred Lotus Retreat in Fort Kochi, Kerala.
Kerala - The heart of Ayurveda Medical Tourism
Often called God’s Own Country, Kerala is the epicentre of Ayurveda medical tourism globally and is celebrated for its authentic Ayurvedic offerings. It features a rich natural environment – lush greenery, peaceful backwaters and a warm, tropical climate – that enhances the therapeutic effect of Ayurvedic treatments. The state’s hospitality industry has seamlessly integrated Ayurveda into its tourism with luxury resorts like Sacred Lotus Retreat in Fort Kochi, offering Ayurvedic panchakarma therapies, treatments and yoga, all led by experienced practitioners, Ayurvedic doctors, carefully curated herbal treatments, organic diets, yoga and meditation sessions.
Emphasising on Kerala’s unique connection to Ayurveda, shaped by centuries of tradition and expertise, Anilkumar says, ““The Ayurveda experience in Kerala is unique, shaped by generations of practitioners who have preserved and perfected its distinctive treatments,” adding that his own family has been deeply embedded in Ayurvedic practice for over a century now. “All these have had a significant influence on how we formulate our treatments at Sacred Lotus and how we curate our products at Aarshaveda,” he shares.
The distinct style of Ayurveda practised in Kerala includes treatments such as Pizhichil, a therapeutic oil massage and Njavara Kizhi, a form of therapeutic massage with medicinal rice, which blend curative and rejuvenative elements. “Here we rely mostly on fresh herbs and treatments that use oil and ghee and other styles of Ayurveda treatments that have evolved out of Kerala,” says he, highlighting the authenticity and local sourcing integral to Kerala's Ayurvedic practices.
Sacred Lotus Retreat: A sanctuary of tradition and modernity
The Retreat combines the essence of Kerala’s Ayurvedic traditions with modern wellness amenities, providing a poised environment that gives relaxation and healing. The retreat specialises in Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy, alongside other traditional Kerala treatments and yoga, all led by skilled practitioners. “While many guests come for specific treatments, we enhance their experience by delivering these therapies in a serene environment that fosters relaxation and true rejuvenation,” says Anilkumar.
To cater to the evolving expectations of wellness travellers, Sacred Lotus has introduced Sound Healing and Smrithi Meditation, which complement Ayurveda’s holistic approach and address modern wellness needs like stress management and lifestyle disease prevention. According to Anilkumar, the Sacred Lotus approach introduces “a lifestyle that is simple, pure and easy to adapt into their one life. This lifestyle which includes both Ayurveda and Yoga practices help them effectively prevent or manage most of the lifestyle diseases and issues like diabetes, cholesterol, etc.” These additions represent the retreat’s commitment to balancing tradition with contemporary wellness trends.
Maintaining Ayurvedic authenticity amidst a growing demand for luxury is a core value at Sacred Lotus Retreat. Anilkumar notes, “The Ayurveda treatments we provide are all documented and we have created an SOP that ensures that even if the therapist and doctors change our treatment, protocols remain authentic and unchanged.” The medicines used are produced by Aarshaveda Wellness, a family-owned company with over a century of heritage, ensuring quality and tradition.
Sacred Lotus integrates tradition with comfort, understanding the modern traveller’s desire for both. “We ensure our guests experience our treatments comfortably. The modern-day consumer wants the best of tradition and comfort, and we have tried to incorporate that into our treatment experiences,” he remarks, underscoring how the retreat harmonises Kerala’s Ayurvedic legacy with luxury hospitality.
Future plans
As demand for Ayurveda tourism grows, Anilkumar envisions expansion for Sacred Lotus Retreat. Plans include branching out to other parts of Kerala, other Indian states, and eventually countries with similar climates. "Our SOPs and brand manual is robust and easily replicable with proper training," he explains, ensuring that the essence of Kerala’s Ayurvedic experience can be delivered consistently. Sacred Lotus also plans to enrich its offerings with new wellness programmes, expanding the therapeutic possibilities for guests seeking not just physical health, but mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Kerala’s holistic and culturally rooted wellness practices have placed it on the global map for Ayurveda tourism. Through the retreat, Anilkumar aims to bring an authentic yet contemporary Ayurvedic experience, merging time-honoured traditions with modern wellness requirements. For travellers seeking not only treatments but a transformation in lifestyle, the retreat offers a sanctuary where wellness is truly a way of life. As he puts it, “We continue to be deeply rooted in tradition, ensuring that our guests experience our treatments in a comfortable and luxury setting that offers them relaxation and rejuvenation.”
