Food, treatments, yoga, meditation and evening performances were excellent. Everybody was very friendly and helpful. A special experience, in a special place with special people. Definitely want to come back.
We didn't come for leisure nor came for treatment. We came here as a family to pause, rejuvenate, and restart. If we were looking for a luxury resort, as a local Keralite I'd choose the ones within 100 kms where I live, no need to travel this far in the scorching summer to Palakkad. We didn't have any serious ailments that our General Practitioners couldn't fix. But, we felt to look back and pause our life to see what can be improved. Kairali simply facilitated our wish and let us slow our pace with a gentle pleasant nudge. These nudges came in the form of daily ayurvedic treatments, semi controlled food, the gentle and calm ambience created mostly by its smiling local staff. If I were to rate this facility as a luxury resort, I'd end up giving a 5 out of 10 for the money we paid. If I were to rate the ayurvedic treatment centre, I'd give it the rating of a decent standard alternative medicine clinic, nothing special. But the magic happens when you combine resort, treatment, environment, the people, the strange food, and most importantly rural Palakkad. Set your true goal and try for yourself, it'll work. We came to pause, rejuvenate, and restart, and we did.…
Kairali is quite an experience. To be honest, I thought it was just another spa, and what's not to like about getting two massages a day? I was looking for some quiet time to do some writing, and the chalets and the grounds looked green and inviting, with coconut trees dotted around, and birds-of-paradise plants everywhere. Not only did I get massages, I got an education. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian discipline that marries herb-infused oil massages and dietary and yogic instruction to impart a sort of holistic wellness schema for your inside and outside based on the doctor's assessment of the balance/imbalance of the tridoshas (sort of like "energies") that you have. This is established by a blood test and a consultation when you arrive and the "treatment" is tailored to your health needs and goals as well. The massages - 2 a day, delivered by two therapists of the same gender as you working in synchrony - are generally relaxing. These massages are not for knot-releasing, they are soothing and relaxing. The massages are complemented by diet and other treatments like purgations and enemas (which is eschewed) which supposedly deliver more health benefits, but I was too timid to try them. The yoga/meditation/pranayama (breathing techniques) are held at sunrise and sunset in a new airy building with lovely big windows and lots of light. I did not participate in these either, preferring to walk around the neighborhood or to the local river to watch animals and people going about their daily tasks. What I was not prepared for was the incredible hospitality and friendliness of the people who work in Kairali. Everyone really cares that you are well and enquire how your treatments are progressing and how you are doing. Many of the people who live in the villages around there work at Kairali, and so I would meet people I would recognize, stop and chat with on my daily walks. Fresh fruit and coconut water were added to my diet (beware, your diet may preclude these things). Mine did too, initially but, upon request, my doctor adjusted my diet to include dosas and fruit and coconut water). I am interested in plants and woodworking, and the horticulture overseer gave me and a friend a tour of the working farm where they grow a huge variety of ornamental, medicinal, and food plants; there is also a livestock farm which is fun to visit. The fantastic people at the office arranged trips to local sights including Thiruvallathur temple, one of the most impressive temples I have seen with Kerala-style architecture and impressive wood- and stonework, and arranged shopping expeditions for anyone so inclined. I do woodworking, and the carpentry shop allowed me to watch and learn (and occasionally participate). The kitchen staff are incredible - they are run off their feet but always have a smile and a nod to any request - I tip my hat to them. The grounds staff keep the grounds pretty, and they too are friendly and obliging. So to my conclusion - this is a fantastic place for just chilling and meeting a huge variety of people. The "guests" come from all over the country and, now covid is a little bit in abeyance, a few other countries too. Many are repeat visitors, which tells you something. So to my conclusion: If you are in the market for a few days to a few weeks of hanging out with great people in a green and relaxing environment, go for it.…
I am really excited to write my review about my stay at kairali! I had such an awesome experience from the entrance. The hospitality offered by every staff was remarkable. The ambience was just wow.....food, cleanliness and service was great! Definitely I prefer this place to visit atleast once a year for rejuvenation and relaxation.
A very good location of this retreat space. It was perfect relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a place like this, easily unwind from the usual city life. Best vacation and kudos to the warm and caring hosts.
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