Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine was developed by ancient sages through keen observation of life and functions. This system of medicine has prevailed for the past 5000 years, visualises the universe as a constant play of energies an imbalance of which induces disease and discomfort in the body. In this system of medicine priority has always been on prescribing an appropriate life-style blended to astrological, climate and geographical conditions. Kerala has a rich tradition in Ayurveda and the people adhere to a strict Ayurvedic life-style. Physicians classify a patients' health based on the degree of imbalance of the three doshas namely Vata, Pitha and Kapha. Vata is that which constitutes bodily movement and activity; Pitha, the entire bio-chemical process operating in a body and Kapha is the entire physical volume in living organisms. A disturbance in any of the three doshas results in a particular disease and the treatment administered accordingly. Treatments vary in duration and intensity. Treatment is either with medicines or with oil baths and massages. Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma processes of Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Vasti (enema), Raktamoksham (bloodletting) and Naysa (nasal medication) for rejuvenating the body and mind.

Kerala has a special type of Ayurvedic treatment. Though the texts of lessons studied are the same the system of treatment is entirely different and far more effective as well. These special Kerala treatments include Pizhichil (oil bath), Ilakizhi (leaf bundle massage), Navarkizhi (rice bundle massage) etc. which are widely and effectively used in the rheumatic astringent, paralysis, facial palsy, motorneuron disease, ankylosing spondylitis, acute infective polyneuritis, various spinal problems, gastric or peptic ulcers etc.

Healthy mind is seen only in a healthy body - ayurveda believes. Mental aberrations can lead to ill health and vice versa. According to Ayurvedic Theory, no one can cure mental diseases permanently but reassurances, consolation and dietic treatment with the aid of drugs which have got soothing effect and which will restore the mental equilibrium will help in correcting the condition.

Ayurveda is not merely a collection of effective drugs, herbs and remedies, but is essentially knowledge of the art and science of living which man will need as long as there is life on this earth. Kerala Ayurveda tour packages

Kerala Ayurveda Tours India Places visited: Cochin, Alleppey, Trivandrum, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Cochin

DAY 01 DELHI
Arrive Delhi, receive upon arrival and straight drive to hotel. Night stay at Delhi.

DAY 02 DELHI
Delhi - Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for day tour of Old & New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Evening will be at leisure. Overnight Delhi.

DAY 03 DELHI - AGRA - DELHI
Delhi - Agra - By road covering 201 km in 4hr.

Proceed by surface for Agra after breakfast. ENROUTE VISIT SIKANDRA.

Reach Agra and check into hotel.

Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those days was considered to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the RIVER YAMUNA to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire.

The coming of Babar heralded a new era, which was to see Agra at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.

In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India.

Proceed for sightseeing.

Visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

In the evening drive back to Delhi. Night stay at Delhi.

Day 04: Morning transfer to catch flight for Cochin.
Arrive by flight to Cochin. Transfer to Hotel Casino. Afternoon city sightseeing - Dutch Palace, Synagogue Old Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 05: Morning sightseeing of Ernakulam,
including the visit to Parishath Thamburan Museum and the Museum of Kerala History of Edapally . Late evening attend a preformance of Kathakali Dance.

Day 06: Drive to Alleppey and board the houseboat.
It will take you on a backwater cruise and back to hotel for the night .

Day 07: Houseboat/ disembark from the house boat and continue your drive to Trivandrum.
Afternoon city tour - Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Shri Chitra Art Gallery and Fort Area, continue your drive to Kovalam and overnight at Ayurvedic Beach Resort.

Day 08 - 09: Day free for relaxation and optional Ayurvedic Therapy/Yoga/Meditation.
During your stay in Kovalam Beach you may take time off to visit the Kalari Martial Arts Gymnasium in Trivandrum or take a full day excursion to Kanyakumari.

Day 10: Leave for your final departure.