It does take pride when it calls itself the world's first ever 'Ayurvedic resort.' And with more than one good reason too - right from its attractive location at the Chowara Beach, 9 km south of the world-famous Kovalam Beach in Trivandrum (nee Thiruvananthapuram), which further accentuates Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort's serene ambience to its 15-acre expanse on a green hillock that allows you to have a magnificent view of the blue (alas!
muddy brown during the monsoons) waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.
A visit on a balmy November day reveals the many splendours that Somatheeram has in store for the casual traveller as well as those coming to Kerala's shores seeking the wonderful healing powers of Ayurveda. A 45-minute bus trip from Thampanoor (Trivandrum's central point where all the roads meets, not to mention the railway station and the KSTRC bus stand that serve thoussands of commuters a day) leaves one at a rather quaint bus stop at Chowara; a casual glance around and a signage of the Resort can be seen. A left turn from the main road takes one right upto the majestic and one might add, very 'Kerala' gates of the Resort.
A few winding stairs later, you enter the well-appointed reception-cum-waiting room. Well-thumbed paperbacks abound on the wooden shelves here; apparently the Resort's patrons like to have a dose of their favourite writer here as well.
A guided tour which follows speaks volumes about how Somatheeram has maanaged to carve a niche for itself in the traditional healthcare sector with a consummate blending of tourism. In hindsight, it seems that Somatheeram's management may have been pioneers in their own right - for they almost singlehandedly ushered in medical tourism in Kerala, when the word was still unheard of on these shores.
Today, it describes itself as 'a complete resort with Tradition, Culture, History, Ayurveda, Yoga , Beach and Nature.'
And its USP? A breathtakingly beautiful landscape where one can rejuvenate both body and soul with ayurveda, yoga and meditation.
For more details and bookings:
T: +91 471 2268 101
F: +91 471 2267 600
E: mail@somatheeram.in
