Poonthottam Ayurvedasram

Set amidst the serene Kulakkad hills of Central Kerala, Poonthottam Ayurvedasram is more than a centre for healing—it is a sanctuary where leisure and stillness coexist in harmony. Surrounded by scenic paddy fields and plantations of rubber, coconut, and banana, the natural landscape offers a soothing retreat from modern life. The peaceful, biodiverse village setting not only enhances Ayurvedic therapies but also fosters a deep sense of relaxation and introspection, ideal for those seeking reconnection with nature.

Guests are invited to take leisurely walks through the ashram’s lush herbal gardens, which feature over 200 species of medicinal plants. These gardens serve both as the source of many Ayurvedic formulations and as a tranquil space for reflection, nature appreciation, and solitude. The yoga and meditation hall, imbued with stillness, provides a calming environment for daily sessions—often adapted to suit individual needs. Whether engaging in guided meditation or enjoying moments of quiet contemplation, the space nurtures inner peace and mental clarity.

Adding a rich cultural dimension to leisure, the Poonthottam Kalakshetra offers guests opportunities to experience and enjoy traditional Indian art forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Carnatic music. These performances serve as a therapeutic and enriching diversion, turning leisure into an act of soulful engagement rather than passive relaxation.

For more introspective leisure, guests can visit the on-site library, a haven for quiet reading and thought. Visitors are welcome to donate books, supporting the ashram’s educational mission and enhancing the intellectual experience of future guests. Guests may also bring along crafts, board games, or personal reading material to personalise their downtime and maintain a peaceful mental space.

The temple within the campus offers a gentle space for spiritual reflection, with daily rituals that contribute to emotional well-being and connect guests to the spiritual rhythm of the retreat. Participation or silent observation is welcomed, allowing a deeper engagement with the cultural roots of Ayurveda.

While the focus at Poonthottam remains on healing, guest comfort and recreation are equally prioritised. It is recommended that guests bring personal leisure essentials such as grooming items, mosquito repellent, and warm clothing during cooler periods to fully enjoy the surroundings. Modest, breathable attire is advised for relaxed exploration of the property or restful moments on the verandah.

Being in a natural setting, occasional interaction with insects and wildlife is part of the experience—an opportunity to reconnect with the raw purity of the environment. To sustain the ashram’s peaceful ethos, tipping is discouraged; instead, contributions may be made to the management, ensuring fair and respectful distribution among staff.

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, quiet spaces, and personal freedom, Poonthottam Ayurvedasram offers a leisure experience that deeply complements its healing philosophy. Whether enjoying nature, engaging with traditional arts, or simply embracing the stillness, guests leave with not only restored health but also a revitalised spirit.

At the heart of Poonthottam Ayurvedasram lies a deep-rooted commitment to authentic Panchakarma therapy—Ayurveda’s classical detoxification and rejuvenation protocol aimed at restoring balance across body, mind, and spirit. Set amidst the natural tranquillity of Central Kerala, the ashram provides an ideal environment for holistic and personalised healing.

Founded by Vaidya P.M.S. Raveendranath, a highly respected Ayurvedic physician with over thirty years of clinical experience, the centre follows traditional principles with uncompromising integrity. A graduate of Ayurveda College, Pathanjalipuri in Coimbatore, Vaidya Raveendranath trained under the legendary Vaidyamadhom Valiya Narayanan Namboodiri. His clinical approach focuses on Rasayana therapy, Panchakarma, and herbal medicine, delivered with an adherence to classical texts. Supporting him is his son, Mr. Jishnu Raveendranath, a Medical Science graduate from Sydney, who now serves as the CEO, integrating modern systems and sensibilities into the ashram’s operations.

The ashram is a fully-fledged Ayurvedic institution, housing an in-house herbal garden where fresh medicinal plants are cultivated for treatments. All medicines—whether for in-patient or out-patient use—are formulated and manufactured in-house, ensuring purity, effectiveness, and authenticity. The clinical team includes experienced Ayurvedic doctors, skilled therapists, and scholars, blending traditional practice with modern diagnostics and clinical acumen.

Treatments at Poonthottam follow the fivefold Ayurvedic model: dietary regulation, internal and external therapies, herbal medications, Panchakarma detox, and therapeutic physical activities. Every patient begins with a detailed consultation to determine their Prakriti (body constitution), followed by a customised treatment programme. A wide range of conditions is addressed, including chronic disorders, lifestyle diseases, musculoskeletal issues, and stress-related imbalances. Treatments are immersive, long-term, and aimed at healing root causes, not just symptoms.

To accommodate these therapies, the ashram offers 23 private treatment rooms and 3 dedicated therapy rooms, ensuring privacy, comfort, and clinical efficiency.

In recognition of its exceptional standards in healthcare, Poonthottam Ayurvedasram received NABH Accreditation (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) on 10th January. This certification affirms its compliance with national benchmarks in safety, hygiene, ethical practice, and patient rights.

A cornerstone of the centre’s authenticity is its GMP-certified Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit, operational since 1989. Over 300 Ayurvedic formulations are produced here, many of them proprietary recipes developed under Vaidya Raveendranath’s guidance. All raw ingredients are locally sourced and rigorously quality-checked. A key innovation has been converting traditional kashayams (herbal decoctions) into preservative-free tablet form, improving ease of use without compromising efficacy. While primarily used for in-house patients, these medicines are also available at a dedicated outlet in Cherpulassery.

Education is central to Poonthottam’s mission. The Poonthottam School of Ayurveda, affiliated with the CRAV (Centre for Research in Ayurvedic and Allied Sciences) under the Ministry of AYUSH, offers hands-on training to aspiring Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. Following the traditional guru-shishya model, it facilitates in-depth learning through mentorship, structured workshops, and certification programmes—ensuring that classical Ayurveda is passed on with integrity and rigour.

The centre also integrates mind-body therapies into its treatment protocol. Mindfulness-based healing, led by Vaidya Vikas Neelakandhan, includes modalities such as stress management, self-inquiry, sound healing, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). These therapies are tailored to individual emotional constitutions and often include post-treatment follow-up plans, promoting sustained wellness even after departure.

Poonthottam operates under the Swasty Ayurveda Trust, a not-for-profit body dedicated to clinical practice, education, and community outreach. The Trust also supports free treatments for the underprivileged, clinical documentation of classical therapies, and public health education, helping Ayurveda remain a living and inclusive science.

Strict treatment protocols and campus guidelines are followed. Women are not treated during their menstrual cycle, and therapies are administered based on availability and clinical priority. Guests are requested to remain on campus throughout the course of their treatment and to adhere to the lifestyle instructions provided by physicians. Internal communication is facilitated by an intercom system, and Wi-Fi connectivity is available. Backup systems are in place to handle the rare occurrence of power outages.

In essence, Poonthottam Ayurvedasram represents the highest standards of traditional healing, with a well-rounded focus on clinical care, personalised therapies, ethical practice, and spiritual wellness. With its NABH accreditation, in-house pharmacy, dedicated treatment spaces, and a strong educational ethos, it stands as a beacon of authentic Ayurvedic care—offering not just recovery from illness, but transformation of the body, mind, and soul.

Panchakarma Program

Body Purification 

Relaxation And Rejuvenation 

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) is an arm of the Quality Council of India. Established in 2005 January, this board was set up to design and operate a set of healthcare standards for hospitals and healthcare providers. Poonthottam Ayurvedasram’s NABH certification guarantees guests from around the world the best standards and practices in healthcare. As a registered hospital, the property and its team of Ayurvedic experts offer a wellness experience designed with the best standards of staffing, patient care, safety, medication management, consent, records, and infection control.

• Reimbursement Insurance Support