TRAVEL SPECIAL .....It's time to detox

It's time to detox

Make the most of your nature getaways by opting for a wellness regime

With the stressful lives that we lead, just getting away from the chaos to a quiet destination doesn’t help much. To get more out of your break, apart from picking a tranquil getaway amidst nature, it is more important that you opt for a destination which offers an added long-term wellness feature. Our country has a^- myriad wellness retreats sprinkled across its vast area, which pack in a wholesome mix of organic meals, spas or yoga programmes. Then there are some that bridge the gap between a boutique resort and luxury ashram. Organisations and properties dedicate many long term and short term programs that _ you -^can - consider depending on your need. We bring to a glimpse of a few destinations that boast of a rather large concentration of health and wellness retreats in our country.

AUROVILLE, PONDICHERRY

Auroville is a city within the city of Puducherry (or Pondicherry). Auroville sprawls across 20 square kilometres of scattered settlements in the midst of forested, semi-urban, and beach areas. If you are here for more than a week to 10 days, you can do more than just get a feel of the place. Auroville packs in a lot more than what meets the eye at first glance; it offers programmes and workshops that open a window to different ways of living and receiving the world. Seminars and workshops are designed to help improve the communication between the body and mindusing a holistic approach. This includes yoga programs that take place along Auroville Beach’s long sandy stretch that’s designed to make the most of the morning sun and serene backdrop of the sea.

PALAKKAD, KERALA

There is no better place to engulf your senses with nature and rejuvenate with natural medicine than the sweet scented forests of Palakkad. Time spent amidst the many retreats fringing the Pala tree lined jungles allow you to experience the authentic healing practices of ancient India. Relax in the lap of modern holistic luxury offered by Mother Nature to go back home rejuvenated. Many institutes offer long term programs to take care of various ailments and aches. People from all over the world turn to Palakkad for Ayurvedic remedies to tackle their problem in order to inculcate and follow the disciplined routine once home.

HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS, UTTARAKHAND

Getting away from a fast paced life to the serene Himalayas is the first step towards the synergy of mind, body and soul. The Himalayan foothills are home to some of the best retreats that pack in the wonders of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta with a modern approach. Fitness and healthy organic cuisine, which help restore balance and harmonise energy, is the primary focus. The areas around the Sal forests, bordering the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges River valley offer some of the most luxurious escapes. Furthermore, some of these institutions also offer weight loss programs of international repute.

DHARAMSHALA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Dharamshala, the abode of the Dalai Lama, is perfect for those of you who wish to experience positive energy and the grandeur of the Himalayas. The serene hill station is also considered safe for solo women travellers. Whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner or a beginner, the destination offers many properties that will help you connect with yourself in an incredible and inspiring environment with the help of experienced professionals. Dharamshala, the seat of Tibetan Buddhism, also plays host to many weekly rejuvenating programs, held by certified professionals. This includes Reiki, yoga and many other interesting traditional and modern healing programs.

VELLIANGIRI MOUNTAINS, TAMIL NADU

If you are looking to pursue a course in meditation, the Velliangiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu, offer a perfect backdrop. Yoga retreats here offer four major paths of yoga - gnana (knowledge), karma (action), kriya (energy), and bhakti (devotion). These centers with a belief system rooted deeply in the Vedas attract followers from all over the world. It is perfect for those looking to attain yoga and meditation training for the long term as well as for those looking to get away from the stressful urban lives and draw a basic insight into the principles of yoga and meditation.

VARKALA, KERALA

Nestled at the edge of 15m-high red laterite cliffs, Varkala, is a coastal town and municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district. Its surreal setting is home to a rich flora with a small strand of beach protruding into the sea from the edge of Varkala’s cliff. Besides, the slow-pace of the town makes it perfect to escape the crowds. All this calls out to those who seek a different approach to healing. Fusing a surf school and yoga retreat into one, healing programs here offer a unique and energising twist. The waves welcome you in the morning and you can embrace yoga at sunset, rendering your day complete. In between, traditional meals, meditation classes, massages and seminars on rejuvenation help you gain more out of your stay. Verkala offers a renewed approach to unwind, which is a hit amongst the millennial.

Compiled by Shireen Kanchwala

ETTR 30NOV17