India: No better healing place in the world

There is no better place than India to calm one’s mind, to find inner peace. That’s what I was thinking, staring at the map of the world. I needed to get away for a while. And take a break from my busy life. From family obligations and a job I had no interest in anymore. I just wanted to forget about negative feelings, stress and fear. I had my road map ready. From Kochi to Marari, from Munnar to Varanasi, I would experience a spiritual quest that would lead me to Ayurvedic treatment, meditation and prayers.

I have always heard good things about the regions of Kerala. My friends had told me about hundreds of kilometers of sea coasts and golden sand beaches. They had told me about the silver coloured backwaters and the tea plantations hills. It seemed like India’s “God’s own country” had a special place in my heart already.

It was also known to have the best Ayurvedic traditional massages and Ashrams in fabulous nature settings. I had enjoyed a yoga retreat in Goa five years ago, I wanted to explore another part of India. And Kerala seemed like a very good choice.

I started my trip in Kochi, on the tropical Malabar coast. My goal was to go to the little village of Marari for an Ayurvedic experience. But I had to land in this rather big city first. The best way to explore it is by Rickshaw. I decided to trust Salim the driver waiting outside the hotel. “Please take me to the best places in town”. So off we went, exploring the multiple faces of Kochi. I was amazed by the incredible blend of medieval Dutch and Portuguese houses, English villages and ancient mosques. How great was it to wander around the Jewish quarter and feel the majesty of a 400 years old synagogue. This city had a lot of diversity and it made me feel good thinking that different cultures could live in harmony.

It soothed me to watch the fishermen swiping their giant Chinese style fishing nets. Kochi or “the queen of the Arabian sea” definitely breaks the stereotypes about India. There I felt safe and couldn’t wait to marvel at more of what Kerala had to offer.

The short 1 hour and a half journey to Marari was truly an enchantment. Looking at the dark blue sea on the right side and at the silver river on the left side. It was so peaceful and calming. With those infinite lines of coconut trees. This is it I thought. And it also made sense why Kerala literally means… “Land of coconut trees”.

The little village of Marari was quiet and tranquil. The room in the cosy little guesthouse run by a lovely couple was simple. And decorated in a nice traditional way. It gave me a sense of homey feeling. I was here because a friend recommended the Ayurvedic massage treatment. It is believed to restore the natural balance to our mind, body and soul. And I was so much looking forward to it.

I had no ideas about how it would be like. And I was a bit surprised when my host took me to the doctor’s village consultation room. This was not a Spa, it was a traditional medical house tucked in the middle of a tropical garden. I reminded myself not to overthink as I was here to let it go. So the nurse guided me to a room with a wooden table to lie down. I didn’t feel shy, the people there made me feel really comfortable and relaxed.

The massage lasted more or less forty minutes during which I was hypnotized by the smell of the warm oil and spices. I felt almost in levitation. I understood at that moment why it took such an important part in the Indian lifestyle.

After a few days in lovely Marari, I had sensed what kind of tranquility the sea side could bring. Now I wanted to have an experience in the hills.

The Ashram was nestled in the middle of stunning tea plantations in the town of Munnar. I would continue my inner quest surrounded by forests and greens. In a cooler weather.

This restful hideaway was simple. And simplicity was what I was looking for. In order to get rid of all the hassle, I had to wake up every morning at dawn to meditate. The sound of devotional music was extremely soothing. This place was the right escape from the madness of a city life.

There I did’t worry about any problems. Time was like suspended. I was on a healthy vegetarian diet. Was eating with hands, observing silence. This felt natural.

I practiced Karma Yoga, meaning helping one another by doing good deeds and common tasks. It made me feel like a better me. A better me that still wanted to explore more of spiritual India. And I decided to go to Varanasi.

At Mid distance from Kolkata and New Delhi stands the spiritual capital city of India.

Housing more than two thousand temples, it is also known as “the city of lights”. The Ganges Holy river is used to bathe and wash the sins away, but also to perform funeral rites. So the hindu pilgrimage site can be rather awe-inspiring. But I felt there was a lot of beauty looking at this colourful city.

When you take an early morning boat and witness the thanksgiving prayers to the river, you realize how peaceful and sacred this magical place is. I was there during the Holi festival, which symbolises spring and new beginnings. It made this feeling even more intense.

Finding myself covered in a rainbow of colours I couldn’t help thinking: What if inner tranquility could be found everywhere? In the small details of what doesn’t seem important at first.

To explore these magical places, click on the cities of the map.

This post was brought to you by Air Asia.