By Neha Kirpal
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a unique Ayurveda wellness centre in the serene Shivalik Foothills of Himachal Pradesh. Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam (VVAC) blends Kerala’s classical Ayurveda with state-of-the-art infrastructure and top-notch hospitality.
Spanning 25 acres and surrounded by 250 acres of lush green forests, VVAC offers comprehensive ailment-focused treatments, personalised wellness programmes and a tranquil environment for holistic healing.
Its relaxing setting, landscaped terraces and lush greenery provide the perfect environment for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Designed as a holistic healing and wellness centre, VVAC integrates Kerala’s classical Panchakarma therapies with spiritual wellness.
On the first day, I experienced a relaxing treatment called Kashaya Dhara, in which warm medicated oil is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way. The next day, I experienced Shashtika Pinda Sweda, a nourishing Panchakarma therapy performed with bolus of rice.
“We get a mix of patients here. There is a lot of stress that people have these days, in their professional and personal lives. Some of the people who come here are conscious about their health, and so are interested in doing a rejuvenation therapy. Others come with a particular ailment, such as diabetes, thyroid, PCOS and cholesterol,” elaborated Dr Sunina PR, Ayurveda Physician, VVAC.
Apart from Ayurveda, the centre also offers Naturopathy treatments. “The main difference between the two is that Ayurveda has oil and herb-based treatments that are applied to one’s body. We have our own Kashyapura where we prepare the medicines and apply them on the body as per the ailments. Ayurveda also uses internal drugs, so it is a drug-based therapy. On the other hand, naturopathy has completely drugless therapies. It only focuses on the five elements of nature,” explained Chetan Saklani, General Manager, VVAC.
Every day, the centre has morning yoga and evening meditation sessions. “Here, we practice Ashtanga yoga, which is Maharishi Patanjali’s concept. Whatever problems we have in life today, whether related to our lifestyle, family problems, social or political, can be prevented by Ashtanga yoga,” said Devpal Kumar, yoga instructor, VVAC. A daily aarti and occasional yagya is also held from time to time.
The Tulsi Cafeteria serves a healthy Sattvik menu, consisting of protein-rich foods, whole grains and balanced nutrients. Inspired by the life of Krishna, there are three temples on campus – for Dhanwantri, Krishna and Kali.
One can walk around the expansive space through organic farms growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants, or spend time with cows in the gaushala. Apart from that, the centre also has a collection of books, several board games, darts, archery, croquet, badminton, pottery, DIY crafts, art supplies and movie nights to keep guests entertained.
