Ultimate Ayurvedic Detox: A Journey of Healing and Renewal in Kerala

This Ayurvedic detox retreat is a two-week Panchakarma programme at Pranavam Ayurveda in Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala, built around a personal Ayurvedic doctor, a treatment plan made for you, and a gentler pace of life by the Malabar coast. It suits anyone who wants a deep reset, from people with long-standing digestive trouble, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, skin or joint complaints, to those who simply want a wellbeing tune-up at the turn of the year. It is hosted by two UK-based Ayurvedic practitioners from Sadhama, Dmitry Glazkov and Karen, with guest yoga teacher Kiranjot.

What to Expect

The retreat moves through three parts: cleanse, learn and celebrate. After a private consultation with your own doctor, you receive a bespoke Panchakarma plan with two therapy sessions a day. Treatments draw on oil massage, steam therapy, herbal tonics and traditional Kerala rejuvenation procedures, which may include Shirodhara, warm oil poured over the forehead, or herb compresses soaked in hot ghee. Midway through, a day of rest follows the doctor's instructions for the virechana cleanse.

A sample day begins with yoga, meditation or pranayama at 7am, treatments at 8.30am, breakfast, then a workshop at 10am. Lunch is at 1pm, treatments resume at 2pm, and the late afternoon is left for rest or the cultural programme. Dinner is at 6pm. The workshops are optional, so you can spend free time resting instead.

Workshops cover Ayurvedic diet and nutrition, yoga, massage, marma points, daily routine (dinacharya) and home remedies. Evenings bring classical Indian dance and Keralan martial arts. A welcome ceremony with traditional musicians and Kerala drummers opens the stay, and there are group outings to the beach, a local temple, the backwaters, a craft village and the cinema, plus a New Year's Eve celebration at the retreat.

Your Hosts

Dmitry Glazkov of Sadhama specialises in Ayurvedic yoga. His sessions show how to adapt Hatha yoga to Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and how to judge which practices, breathwork and tools suit your own constitution.

Karen of Sadhama brings expertise in Ayurvedic cookery and diet. She leads the culinary workshops on choosing and preparing food for your type, whether the aim is better digestion, weight management or more energy.

Kiranjot teaches Kundalini yoga as a guest teacher, alternating morning classes with Dmitry. She works with kriyas of breath, movement, mantra and meditation to support the cleanse.

Dmitry and Karen travel with the group and are your main contacts throughout. The Pranavam team of doctors and therapists adds its own teaching.

The Setting

Pranavam Ayurveda is in Kozhikode, Kerala. Accommodation includes a Basic Room for single occupancy, with attached bathroom, ceiling fan, television, nurse call bell and Wi-Fi, and Deluxe Rooms that can be shared by two or taken singly. Meals are vegetarian and mildly spiced, with little or no chilli, and kitchari on cleansing days. Fresh juices and snacks are provided, and a dietary consultation shapes your meal plan.

Airport pick-up and drop-off from Calicut (CCJ) is included on arrival day.

Before You Go

All meals, consultations, prescribed herbal medicines, treatments, workshops, yoga classes, guided meditation and excursions are included. Flights, Indian visa fees (a 30-day e-tourist visa is recommended), travel insurance and any card payment fees are not.