Ayurvedic Experience & Tour

Hi there! I hope you’re keeping well in this unprecedented time. As you traverse this new and challenging territory, you’ll be getting used to your new role as fire fighter! Need a rest? Need some time out? Need to renergise? Got 30 Mins to spare? We’re moving our free Tuesday drop in meditation class at 1pm onto Facebook Live! If you don’t already know me, I co run Mudra, a Massage training centre and Yoga studio five minutes walk from Sheffield railway station see www.mudra...sheffield.co.uk Mudra is super accessible but even though it’s a spit from the station, you can’t come there at present. At least in person you can’t be in our space. But from the comfort of your own home you can! Please join me today at 1pm for a 30 minute session where you’ll be able to calm your nervous system down in preparation for dealing with the next fire you’ll be putting out. And by practicing simple techniques you’ll become a more effective firefighter at this extraordinary time. Please go to @mudrasheffield our Facebook page.
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This is the Kerala take on hand washing in this time of CV19

People on this page will get this...

Yoga with Subhash at Amara

Ayurvedic classes at Amara

Images of Amara, our Ayurvedic Retreat in 2020

Three nights in Thekkady and we are on the move again. It’s time to head back to Kovalam but this time to stay put for a week at our Ayurvedic Retreat. This year we’re taking residence, temporarily I hope, at Amara. This is a gorgeous and brand new centre http://amaraayurveda.com In some ways it’s better than Thapovan but that appearance is only superficial. To the Thapovan fans in our party, once you’ve stayed in Thapovan, brand spanking new means less atmosphere and Amara i...s waiting for the soul of the place to get embedded. Amara though, is really practicing what they preach and are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and guests will love the care that has been taken in every area of this top notch place to stay in Kerala.
It took all day to reach Amara and we arrived around 5pm to be greeted by new staff as well as Thapovan staff, who were here to make sure the substitute accommodation would do us.
As is the tradition that Prasad started, we had our ritual that the locals refer to as an inauguration. Our ceremony had five of us sat up front; Andreas from Thapovan, the Amara owner Flemin, Nishin - Prasads son, Anand and me. We all took turns to speak from our perspective, then we lit the traditional Kerala lamp. I was at the same time excited and overwhelmed as well as honoured.
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Thought: the boundaries and curfew of 6pm inside our hotel, in Peryar, must be to help reduce the impact that us humans have on the wildlife and nature. I imagine the presence of people brings the revenue to keep the reserve going. The boundaries, perhaps are required to allow enough wild to return to the animals. But they do make exceptions.
The night time trek is unmissable and has got to be one of the highlights of the stay in the wildlife reserve. Like last year, the fir...st animal we set our eyes on was the porcupine. This nocturnal animal is a huge rodent but it is made welcome at the Aryanivas as it feasts on left over vegetables and bread.
We had two guides, the lady whose name I can’t remember, carried the rifle. I was delighted that a female had been given such a responsible role. The man introduced himself, tongue in cheek I think, as The Boss. He didn’t speak much English but enough for us to understand. Immediately I saw him I felt safe. He reminded me of Garry, Phils friend, in height and gait, a tall fellow and very laid back but caring; perhaps more for the animals than us even. Walking in the dark is both exciting and scary but not to be missed. This nighttime walk, for me, took on a kind of moving meditation. Feeling my feet on the ground, my senses alert and very present to the moment. Through the forest we saw a few night time animals grazing, I guess it’s cooler to eat when the sun has set and in any case they’ll be less disturbed. We were in their dining area now though. The Boss, who had a torch tucked in his bandana, over one ear, carefully moved his beam around looking for wildlife. When he spotted an animal the woman ranger would also shine her light too. Boss explained how they did this with the least effect on the creature and told us not to shine our torches in the animals eyes, especially the elephants. After last year I thought we probably wouldn’t be that lucky to see those big beasts again, but I was wrong. About an hour and half into the trek, there they were, first one, then another and then a couple more. Again that surge of emotion and awe at getting to be close ish to this amazing animal.
We got back from our trek just before 1am. We’d been out in the dark in this wildlife reserve for nearly 3 hours. To bed.
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From seeing the plants used in Ayurvedic medicine growing, to learning the theory of Ayurveda and then putting it into practice. You do not have to be a therapist to participate. This is a fascinating and practical aspect of our holiday. You’ll experience two hours per day of engaging, absorbing and enjoyable teaching by Dr Anand who is a wonderful storyteller as well as educator.

Visit to the spice plantation. At first I thought we were being taken to a different place. When Jigeesh pulled in I asked about this it seemed they had misunderstood where to take us. So after a little detour we were back on track for the Hindustan, which is now a annual visit. I’m glad about that as the other place was just selling spices etc without the plantation to look at where these plants are found in their natural habitat. Pepper growing on its vine, cardamom aka que...en of spices, where we find emerald jewels of not yet ripened fruit sprouting from the root crown. Leaves for hypertension and cones to regulate diabetes. As we walk on up we see the natural viagra plant as well as Sataveri to balance female hormones. There on the stall for culinary use is the giant Indian bay leaf as well as fresh cinnamon bark. I also stick up on the peculiar named asofoiteda spice for adding to our curries to reduce the gas causing properties in our westernised cooking.
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From Allepy to Thekkady. Signs and shops and evidence of people and their daily occupations morphs into flora of many different types, but the highlight is a snake crossing the road! The driver assured us, ‘its only a little bit poisonous. A tea break with drinks and papaya. Anita, todays guide, hates fruits but the man insists she try theirs, I thought it was perfect but it doesn’t convert her. Back in the coach, climbing ever higher into mountains and more sights tinged wit...h familiarity for me and I eventually succumb to travel weariness. My energy is low and I’m overwhelmed by the irritation in my lower body from too many insect bites. I want to scratch my legs until the skin is relieved but this is a mistake. I’ve been bitten in more ways than one though and I distract myself by silently naming; papaya, tapioca, banana, pineapple, jack fruit, rubber, morning glory of this glorious journey. Lush and verdant are words that describe the sights on this moving picture. Just when my back can’t take anymore we reach Thekkady and pause to receive permission to enter into the next stop. I know that the giant resin cat model underneath the sign for Periyar Tiger reserve will be the only one we see, these animals are reserved too. There will be plenty of other animals to look out for though and the ubiquitous monkey comes into view. We arrive at Aryanivas and are shown straight to lunch, while rooms are allocated and luggage is installed. In this home we are to stay for three nights. It’s time to use our eyes for the type of moving, living sights and places that they call eco tourism. First put some roots down and rest to refresh for this next phase of the holiday. On route I picked up Ayurvedic remedy for swollen ankles and cream for mossie bites. I need to feel more physically comfortable so I begin my regime. Easing the stinging of my legs gave relief enough for an afternoon nap. Even though the clattering of monkey feet on the tin roof and the diverse array of birds were calling me to look outside some internal attention was required first. My first priority; erecting the mossie net, done, I lay my travel tired body down to rest. The external would be there once I’d recharged for a couple of hours.
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From the bustle of Cochin to Alappuzha aka Alleppey, found on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's best known for houseboat cruises along the stunning Kerala backwaters, a network of canals and lagoons. Words like tranquil and serene were used by our party, to describe the experience but they don’t really begin to describe it either. Our trip is indescribable and trying to use words is impossible. Standing on the boat looking out on the spacious expa...nse of silken surface we were silently floating into heaven or some other divine place. Silver & gold shimmers as the rise of the sun tenderly settled rays over all it touched. Cliches arise as we attempt to share our experience with words and then there was the Sanskrit chant also striving to put words to our feeling. Chidonanda roopaha shivoham shivoham Translated it means that eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva, love and pure consciousness.
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Cochin Arts & Culture: experience an insight into Kerala history and also modern life, from the evolution of religion & spirituality to current open mindedness on subjects such as sexuality, fashion and food. You only have to read the Anglo Indian newspaper, The Hindu, to gain a window into the lifestyles of the people and learn about what is on the minds of the population of Kerala. We all want something different out of this holiday and India has something different to offe...r each traveller. Come with an open mind, watch and listen. Take time, maybe a long time, to draw your conclusions. Let the experience plant seeds that require careful cultivation. You will get more out of this trip if you leave your western mind behind as much as possible and pick it up when you get back home. What some conclude as backward, discordant, dirty, childish and prefer the more clinical kind of holiday may be missing that India plays their tune by a different scale. If you are seeking a holiday of contrasts; a rainbow of colours, a sea of hues, a landscape of natural beauty and a deep connection, to the people and to yourself then this holiday is for you.
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After the beach we travel by rail to our next destination. It’s hard to leave Kovalam and The Little Elephant home we’ve made for ourselves. Accompanied by Sunita, we experience the hustle and bustle of the railway station and travel to our next destination, Cochin. Take our seats and settle in to our comfy carriage. This five hour journey is unhurried. Through dusty windows we see Kerala life go by or join in the conversations and process the holiday so far. Questions arise ...from being in India; lots of questions. From the seasoned traveller to the complete beginner this is a holiday where the heart and soul are blasted open. Resistance is futile. Do not take this trip if you don’t want to be moved from your established comfort. While the outside can be easily viewed, our internal experience of this trip requires attention to find settlement. So taking time to explore with your fellow travellers is all part of the journey and can enrich your time. Sitting on the train without sitting on your impressions and concerns and talking things through might not find definite answers but the contributions to a shared experience where we all support each other, is welcomed.
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