Panchakarma Part 7: Kerala Backwaters, Cultural Nights & Deep Healing

By Day 16 of Panchakarma, I’ve truly lost track of the days. Time has softened here, replaced by the rhythm of treatments, meals, rest, and the constant soundtrack of the Arabian Ocean outside my window. This stage of the journey has been a blend of profound Ayurvedic therapies and glimpses of Kerala life that have deepened my appreciation for this healing land.

Life Between Treatments

Since my enema day, treatments have continued to evolve. I’ve had buttermilk and rice milk washes, herbal pastes applied to my whole body, synchronized massages, and the ever-comforting head drip therapy. Each session feels like a new layer of healing. The buttermilk treatments cooled and soothed my skin, while the herbal pastes wrapped me in the earthy smell of rice and herbs, grounding me completely.

The rooms where these treatments happen are designed in true Ayurvedic style, high ceilings, fans that can be turned off to avoid chills, and gauze sheets that wrap you after treatments. Even in the heat of Kerala, I sometimes find myself tucked under a blanket, letting the therapies do their work.

Outings into Kerala Life

I ventured into a local mall and hypermarket recently. Wandering through the aisles, I realised just how globalised the world has become. Spices, cereals, even brands like Maggi lined the shelves much like home. Prices were surprisingly similar too. I’d imagined bargains, but what I found instead was connection: that what nourishes people here also nourishes us at home.

The clothing shops reminded me that fashion is always local. Here, vinyl fabrics dominate practical for the damp climate where leather would quickly mould. In my room, even the welcome note warned: be careful with your leather goods. These small cultural insights add depth to the Panchakarma journey, reminding me that healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in the context of place and culture.

Kerala Backwaters Tour

One of the highlights of this stage has been a backwater tour. Picture mangrove swamps, kingfishers flashing brilliant blue, hawks soaring above, cranes gathering near the shore, and even the sudden appearance of a water snake. The backwaters are serene and alive at once.

Hundreds of boats lined the foreshore, evidence of the thriving tourist trade in summer. Some belong to hotels, others to private homes, but together they form a tapestry of life along the water. It was both calming and fascinating, a reminder of why Kerala is called God’s Own Country.

Cultural Nights & Ayurveda’s Roots

Another evening brought a cultural dance performance at Somatheeram, one of the sister properties. Girls in colourful dress moved with grace, carrying forward traditions that Baby Matthews, the visionary behind these Ayurvedic resorts, has been preserving since 1985. He was one of the first to transform Ayurveda from a purely clinical practice into a retreat model that welcomes people from around the world. Meeting him and seeing the scope of his vision reminded me just how much dedication it takes to carry ancient wisdom into modern life.

Balancing Work, Rest & Reflection

Although this is a retreat, I haven’t stopped learning. I’ve been taking online courses in intention-setting and forgiveness. It feels perfect to do this inner work here, where my body is cleansing and my mind is spacious. Some mornings I sit at breakfast with my notebook, sipping herbal tea, writing down reflections. By the time treatments end in the late afternoon, I’m tired but fulfilled.

I joke about being lazy, but the truth is, there’s nothing lazy about surrendering to healing. Each nap, each treatment, each simple meal is part of the work of renewal.

Looking Ahead

I’m considering visiting an elephant rehabilitation centre soon, another layer of connection to this place. But even if I don’t, I know that just being here is enough. Every wave I hear, every bird that crosses my path, every treatment I surrender to is part of a bigger tapestry of healing.

Final Reflections

By Day 16, Panchakarma has become more than a program, it’s become a way of life. The days unfold in a rhythm that feels both ancient and timeless: wake to the sound of the ocean, eat simple food, submit to treatments that detox body and mind, rest, reflect, repeat. Kerala itself is as much a healer as Ayurveda. Its culture, its people, its landscapes, all weave together into this experience.

If you’ve ever thought about Panchakarma, know this: it’s not just treatments and diets. It’s an immersion into another way of living, one that slows you down, clears you out, and brings you back to what matters. By the end of two weeks, I can feel not just my body changing, but my perspective shifting too.

Caroline x

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