A LITTLE OF MY STORY
It felt freeing to wake up without a plan, after unloading my suitcase full of mental fatigue and emotional weight. Somatheeram Ayurveda and Yoga Center, near Trivandrum, is a place I lovingly call my home away from home. I returned there in January 2025 with my husband. While he stayed and enjoyed their rejuvenating program for four days, I extended my stay to two full weeks to truly pamper myself. I needed to reenergize before diving into the many agendas ahead on this trip.
Also, travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about turning life’s noise into rhythm. It helps us tune into our inner balance, even amidst the world’s chaos.
Since this was my second visit, I’ll skip the daily routine at the resort that I wrote about last year find it here.
But I was happy to slip back into the rhythm of it all and re-adapt to the rigorous yet rewarding lifestyle. I was especially glad to see Dr. Sobhna Kumari again and receive her motherly affection. She was assisted by Dr. Vaisakh, who was always kind and cheerful. Thankam, my therapist, along with her assistants, took wonderful care of me. Though I am not an early riser but I looked forward to the morning yoga and meditation sessions with Master James. I remain deeply grateful to each one of them.
My heartfelt thanks to Prasad ji, Ramesh ji, and many others in the dining hall for serving nourishing, soulful meals. I’m also grateful to Thanu and the front desk team. Speaking of which, the reception area was humorously dubbed “the Apple Store” by a fellow guest, as it’s the only place where Wi-Fi is accessible. Most evenings, one would find guests gathered there, catching up with loved ones or the outside world.
All the garden staff were well-trained to greet guests with warm smiles and make kind inquiries about their well-being. What made this visit even more special was the opportunity to meet Mrs. Theresa, the founder of Somatheeram — a graceful and compassionate lady in her mid-eighties.
Though no longer actively managing daily operations, she could often be seen making her rounds through the gardens, gently offering instructions to those tending the plants or speaking with the chef in the dining area. At other times, I saw her chatting casually with guests in the recreation zone. Her presence was both humble and heartwarming
The overall environment at Somatheeram was deeply nourishing for both heart and soul. Of course, one must arrive with an open mind and minimal expectations to receive what the place has to offer in its own quiet, meaningful way.
During my stay, I formed lasting friendships with guests from Germany, France, Italy, London, Canada and Argentina. It was heartening to witness the universal threads that women across cultures share – whether it was a love for shopping, exchanging recipes and beauty tips, or simply the desire to feel lighter and healthier. The dining hall was the real melting pot. That’s where most of our friendships deepened, through laughter, philosophical conversations, or just light-hearted banter. After dinner, some of us would stroll beyond the campus, browsing local shops and reconnecting with familiar shopkeepers. I built bonds there too.
Most of the guests were solo travelers. They probably had busy lives back home and had come seeking me-time, personal growth, and physical detox. Many were repeat visitors who had been coming for years, truly living and loving the rhythm of yoga, meditation, and massage. I met at least three guests who had been coming for over twenty years – a true testament to the healing power of Ayurveda.
Being originally from India, I often found myself explaining cultural and spiritual concepts to curious guests, and in return, I learned so much from their life journeys. A nearby Shiva temple was celebrating its annual festival. One early morning, I skipped yoga and walked from the beach to visit the temple. Amidst the festivities, I noticed a large banyan tree adorned with hanging baskets. I believe people tie them with wishes, either for having a child or for the well-being of their children. Toward the end of my stay, I attended the final day’s vibrant carnival parade with a friend. It was a spectacular blend of color, rhythm, and joy. The cultural expression felt like a perfect fusion of faith and art.
Along with soaking in the serenity of the resort, where fruits and flowers were in full bloom, I often took peaceful strolls along the beach, letting the rhythm of the waves sync with my breath. In the evenings, the western sky over the ocean would often glow golden at sunset, casting a warm radiance that felt almost otherworldly. From my cottage, the view through the swaying coconut branches looked like something straight out of a painting. The melodious chantings from the temple added to that still serenity.
During my stay, I also had the joy of experiencing several special events: the celebration of Republic Day, elegant classical dance and music performances, and the 95th birthday of Dr. Raman, the esteemed director of all Ayurvedic hospitals in Kerala.
Adding to the fun, I participated in pottery-making and leaf-weaving sessions. With a keen interest in preserving indigenous art forms, I found these simple, grounding activities unexpectedly delightful. While the pottery-making was led by an artisan from outside, it was the regular garden attendants who gleefully taught me how to weave coconut leaves, a technique traditionally used to cover rooftops, keeping out rainwater and maintaining cool shade beneath.
This trip reminded me that travel doesn’t just change our scenery. It turns clocks into compasses. It helps us stop racing against time and start moving with purpose. I was amazed to see how people from around the world have developed deep faith in Ayurveda and Yoga, while many in India, caught up in the daily hustle, rarely find the time to benefit from these ancient treasures. Slowly but surely, this wellness movement is growing, and I’m grateful to be a small part of its journey.
Travel isn’t always about distance; sometimes, it’s about returning to yourself.
~ Manorama Choudhury
Thank you for reading! Feel free to like, share, and explore more of my posts. Stay tuned!
Tapan kumar Mohanty
05/16/2025It seems that it is near to sea beach. Needless to say the environment is pleasing n relaxing. Tranquility gives chances to rediscover ourselves n redefines creativity in a softer sense.
Keep it up. Best wishes.
Manorama Choudhury
05/17/2025Yes, it is by the beach. Lovely place indeed. Thank you for taking time to enjoy my blog.
Dr. R. K. Das
05/17/2025Thrilled to go through the eminently readable write – up on your trip to Somatheeram Ayurveda and Yoga Centre in Kerala, which I found not only rich in facts and informations about this wellness centre that attracts thousands from foreign lands seeking peace, serenity and health, but also captivated by your language and style that keeps the reader entirely engrossed. Thank you for sharing your experiences, our wealth.
Manorama Choudhury
05/17/2025I always hope to blend informative detail with engaging storytelling, and I’m glad you found both the facts and the flow enriching. Your appreciation truly means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!