Ayurveda is the soul and essence of Somatheeram, which has been providing Ayurvedic treatment the traditional way for more than 30 years and has rightfully earned the name ‘The Ayurveda People’. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life (Ayur = Life, Veda = Science), ayurveda is an ancient medical science which was developed in India thousands of years ago.
Kovalam is a popular heaven for tourists from all over the globe. It consists of two palm-fringed coves, the Lighthouse Beach and the Hawah Beach. Stony, sandy and a calm bay of blue waters, Kovalam is known for its magical ambience. One can walk into the sea about 100 metre without losing ground. Kovalam today is synonymous with picturesque soft sandy floor with coconut fringes, hordes of anglers and a large number of tourists.
PIZHICHIL – 14 Days
In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agilanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Weakness and Nervous Disorders etc.
NJAVARAKIZHI - 14 Days
It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical packs externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bags. This is applied by two to four masseurs for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types of rheumatism , pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.
DHARA - 14 Days - (THAKRA DHARA & KSHEERA DHARA THYLA DHARA)
In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for Insomnia, Vatha predominated diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases.
DASHAMOOLA KSHEERA DHARA
Medicated milk is poured all over the body and head with a special vessel from a certain height in a rhythmic manner. This treatment is good for insomnia, mental tensions, headache due to Pitha dominance, menopause problems etc.
SARVANGA KASHAYA DHARA
This treatment is a kind of sedation therapy using herbal decoction. This is a process by which the body is made to perspire by means of pouring warm decoction from special herbs with a special vessel from a certain height in a rhythmic manner and is rubbed into the body. This method removes 'ama' or toxins from the tissues and promotes fat metabolism, removes tension from muscles and also alleviates pain and stiffness of the joints and muscles, Fibromyalgia etc.
VASTHI - 14 Days (MATRA VASTHI, SNEHA VASTHI, KASHAYA VASTHI)
Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Gastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant Constipation.
SIROVASTHI - 14 Days
Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for Facial Paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other Vatha originated diseases.
UDVARTHANAM - 14 Days
This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 to 45 minutesdaily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for diseases like Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Obesity (excess fat) and certain Rheumatic ailments.
ABHYANGAM - 14 Days
Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given corresponding to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, especially for Diabetic gangrene etc.
NASYAM - 14 Days
Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied through the nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, some types of Skin Diseases etc.
SNEHAPANAM - 14 Days
Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis, Leukemia etc.
KIZHI - 14 Days
Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for Osteoarthritis, Arthritis with swelling, Spondilosis, Sports Injuries etc.
DHANYAMLA DHARA - 14 Days
Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Rheumatic complaints etc.
YONI PRAKSHALANAM
Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for Gynecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.
KATIVASTHI
In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.
UROVASTHI
Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for Asthma, other Respiratory problems, Heart Diseases and Muscular Chest Pain.
KSHEERADHOOMAM
This is fomentation with medicated cow's milk. This treatment is good for Facial Paralysis, Bell's Palsy, Speech Disorders and other Nervous Disorders of the face.
THALAM
Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ENT problems, Insomnia, Migraine etc.
LEPANAM
This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part. This is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.
MARMA MASSAGE
This massage stimulates all the vital points called "Mannan of the body. It helps to attain the equilibrium of Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. This massage is helpful for old trauma and injuries of sports, dance and martial arts. This also helps to strengthen the inner muscles and ligaments.
LEKHANEEYAM
It is a special treatment for Obesity. A very special herbal paste is massaged on the body in an upward direction. This is good for Obesity, Cellulities and to tone up the muscles and skin.
KARNAPOORNAM
This is a process of medicated fumes applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps to clean the ears and avoids ailments associated with the ear.
THARPANAM
This is the cleaning process for the eyes, which gives them a cooling effect, prevents eye diseases and strengthens the optic nerves.
MUKHALEPAM
This is a herbal face pack with specially made herbal powder and fresh cream. This prevents and avoids wrinkles and improves the skin tone. This is also good for the eyes.
MEDICATED STEAM BATH
Certain precious herbal leaves and herbs are boiled and the steam is passed to the whole body for 10 to 20 minutes. This is good for certain skin diseases, to eliminate impurities from the body, to improve the tone of the body, to reduce fat etc.
REJUVENATION THERAPY (RASAYANA CHIKILSA) – 14 Days
This treatment includes body massage with hand and foot by two masseurs with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. This therapy is for 90 minutes to 2 hours per day for 7 to 14 days. This therapy is to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, to tone up skin, to strengthen all systems so as to achieve ideal health and longevity.
BODY PURIFICATION THERAPY (SHODHANA CHIKILSA) – 15 Days
It is a process of purifying the whole body to attain proper balance of Vatha, Pitha and Kapha based on the Panchkarma and Swethakarma Treatment. The 15 day package process include Body Massage, Snehapanam, Nasyam, Virachanam(Medicated purgative), Snehavasthi, Dhara, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Karnapooranam, Tharpanam, Sirovasthi, Steam Bath, and internal herbal medicines.
BODY IMMUNIZATION / LONGEVITY TREATMENT (KAYAKALPA CHIKILSA) – 28 Days
This is the prime treatment in Ayurveda for reducing the ageing process, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and immunisation of the system. Giving RASAYANA (Very special Ayurvedic medicine) internally is the main part of this programme, based on the Panchakarma and Swethakarma treatment. The 28-day package process includes Body massage, Snehapanam, Virechanam, Nasyam, Snehavasthi, Dhara, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Tharpanam, Sirovasthi, Karnapooranam and Medicated Steam Bath. This treatment is best effective if taken before the age of 60, for either sex.
MANASANTHY – 10 Days
The human mind is full of stress and strain which creates hormonal imbalance and psychosomatic disorders such as Hypertension, Ulcerative Colitis, Ischaemic Heart Disease, Peptic Ulcer, Diabetic Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Migraine, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc. This is a combination of Yoga Meditation and Ayurveda Therapy with holistic method. This treatment is very effective for stress management as well as for the purification of your body and mind helping you to attain the right balance and temperament of the mind. This therapy includes Yoga, Meditation, Rejuvenation Therapy, Dhara, Njavarakizhy, Thalam, Herbal Steam Bath, Herbal Pack etc, with intake of Herbal Medicines.
PSORIASIS TREATMENT PROGRAMME (SIOHMA CHIKILSA) – 21 Days
This is an effective treatment for all types of psoriasis. This special Ayurvedic treatment programme lasts for 21 to 28 days. This programme includes special Lapanam, Abhyangam, Snehapanam, Pizhichil, Medicated Steam Bath and Sirovasthi along with exclusively prepared internal herbal medicines.
SLIMMING PROGRAMME - 21 Days
This includes two types of massages (1) Medicated Herbal Powder Massage (2) Medicated Herbal Oil Massage. These two massages will be given for 28 days. This programme also includes medicated steam bath, intake of herbal juices and herbal tea. A very special Ayurvedic diet is advised during the treatment period.
BEAUTY CARE PROGRAMME - 10 Days
One looks beautiful and radiant only when beauty of the inner body surfaces. Inner beauty can be achieved through Yoga, Meditation and use of beauty enhancers. Outer beauty includes the obvious traits such as contours of the body, texture of the skin and the quality of the hair and nails.
Massage is the easy method for the proper circulation of vital fluids to give a beautifullusture to the skin. In this programme herbal face pack, herbal cream massage, massage with special oils, fruit juices, herbal juices, body pack, head pack, steam bath or herbal bath and intake of herbal juices are included. This treatment improves the skin complexion, skin tone and Muscle tone.
SPINE AND NECK CARE PROGRAMME - 10 Days
This special treatment keeps your spine and neck healthy and cures problems related to neck and spine. This programme includes Special Massages, Kativasthi, Snehavasthi, Kashayavasthi, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Special Exercises etc.
REJUVENATION MASSAGE
This massage includes whole body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand and foot, head massage, face massage for one and half hours. This is good for rejuvenating the body, to reduce mental tension, sexual weakness, to improve vitality etc.
BODY UZHICHIL
Body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand to tone up the body and to improve the blood circulation etc.
AYURVEDA ANTI AGEING PROGRAMME - 22 Days
The various cells and tissues of the body undergo changes as age advances. So it is necessary to rejuvenate the body systems for a better harmony of the body, mind and soul. Ayurveda prescribes treatment for repairing the wear and tear of the body due to ageing process. After proper purification by evacuating measures, one can increase the vital energy called 'ojas' which improves strength and vitality through the 'Rasayana' intake.
This process ensures prolonged lifespan, youthfulness, good health, fine complexion, stoutness, intellect, power of retention and strength. The 28 day package process includes body massages with special oils and herbal juices, njavaratheppu (Massage with rice pudding), narangakizhi, kayasekam with medicated oil or decoctions or milk, snehapanam, virechana, ksheeravasthy, snehavasthy thalapothichil, sirodhara, head massage with special herbal juices, thalam, srubhath, herbal bath, steam bath and Rasayana intake with very special diet.
Somatheeram, welcomes you to the world of Authentic & Traditional Ayurveda. This award winning Ayurveda Hospital set on a tropical gardens and prime beachfront location in South India. Here you can benefit from traditional Ayurvedic therapy as well as Yoga in a blissfully peaceful environment. Somatheeram, the world’s first Ayurveda hospital set in a resort ambiance to provide Ayurveda treatments / programmes for persons/patients from all over the world. It is located at Chowara Beach with over 15 acres of greenery all around on a hillock 9 km south of the famous Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
See HotelJourney to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
