We traveled with a small group to Panchakarma in Kerala, India, in January 2025, and with the permission of one of the participants, we are sharing a blog post about their experience. All photos are from me.
My Ayurveda Retreat in India: Two Weeks of Healing
Spending two weeks at an Ayurvedic center in India was a transformative experience filled with new insights, deep cleansing for both body and mind, and true rejuvenation. Here is a diary-style summary of my journey and the healing process I went through.
Arrival and First Steps
The journey from Kochi Airport took about 2.5–3 hours, and I arrived at the center in the afternoon. My first step was meeting with the doctor, who outlined my treatment plan and introduced me to the procedures. After settling in, I enjoyed a cup of tea, and before the evening treatments, we took a boat ride to explore the surroundings. Since the evening procedures ran late, I had my dinner as the last person in the around and had to drink a jug of turmeric-infused liquid throughout the night..
The First Days: Yoga, Massages, and Rice Soup
Every morning started at 6 AM with yoga, followed by breakfast. During the first few days, I was still eating regular food, which was delicious. Throughout the day, I had Ayurvedic massages, and after lunch, I felt a deep fatigue, so I rested until afternoon tea. Each day, I had to drink a jug of a special cleansing liquid, which helped detoxify the body.
Ghee Days: Internal Cleansing
On the third day, I started my ghee (clarified butter) regimen. Each morning before 6 AM, I was given a specific amount of ghee to consume, with the dosage increasing daily:
- Day 1: 50ml
- Day 2: 100ml
- Day 3: 150ml (already unpleasant, but manageable)
- Day 4: 200ml (the body started reacting)
- Day 5: 250ml (difficult to swallow, but the cleansing effect was noticeable)
During these days, my diet consisted only of rice soup and chickpea pancakes, along with warm ginger water. My fatigue increased, but the daily massages helped with recovery. After completing the ghee detox, my appetite returned strongly, which was a great relief.
Exiting the Process & Restoring Energy
Once the ghee regimen ended, I started my day with rice water for breakfast, gradually adding mung beans throughout the day. This small change in taste felt incredibly satisfying. An oil massage helped me relax, and the exhaustion turned into a deep sense of peace.
Returning to Regular Food
As I transitioned out of the cleanse, I could once again enjoy a more varied diet. During the day, we visited the city, shopped at FabIndia, and explored the surroundings. I felt completely restored, with my energy levels fully replenished.
Final Days & Departure
The last few days were dedicated to treatments, yoga, and peaceful rejuvenation. As a farewell gift, I received 2.8 meters of traditional fabric, a meaningful local token. By Thursday evening, my pen had run out of ink, which felt like a symbolic sign that my journey here was coming to an end.
On departure day, I had one final oil massage, feeling completely ready to return home. This experience was something I will never forget—a true retreat for both body and mind.
