Kerala backwaters at sunrise, seen from a secluded resort terrace

India · 2027

Ayurveda Immersion

with Dr. Hemant Gupta

Kerala, IndiaFebruary 19 – March 4, 2027

Two weeks of Ayurveda, Yoga, rest and cultural experiences in Kerala.

Discover the experience

The journey

Far from the everyday

Two weeks in the Kerala backwaters, surrounded by tropical landscapes, quiet waterways and the traditions of Ayurveda.

The retreat brings together personalized Ayurvedic care, nourishing food, Yoga, meditation, practical learning and time to explore Kerala.

The educational program covers Ayurveda’s history, philosophy and practical application. It is open to health practitioners, Yoga teachers and anyone interested in experiencing Ayurvedic therapies.

Travel by traditional boat through Kerala's palm-lined waterways

The setting

Your island retreat

Established in 2001, Rajah Island covers approximately 20 acres in Kerala’s famous backwaters, between a mangrove and bird sanctuary. The island is known for its tropical landscape, birdlife, sunrises and sunsets.

Traditional treatments are individualized, with meals designed in consideration of each participant’s Ayurvedic assessment and treatment protocol.

Morning and evening Yoga and meditation are offered for different levels, creating a gentle rhythm around each day.

A secluded Kerala resort at the water's edge

The experience

Your days, unhurried

Morning and evening Yoga and meditation. Personalized Ayurvedic therapies. Assessment-informed meals. Time to rest. Conversations, practical learning and evenings surrounded by the stillness of the backwaters.

Morning yoga in an open pavilion beside the Kerala backwaters

Each day includes care, time in nature and time to rest.

Morning yogaIndividual careFresh mealsAyurveda learningMeditationBackwater life
A quiet, refined Ayurvedic treatment room in Kerala

Personalized care

Care, made personal

Your stay begins with an individual Ayurvedic analysis and evaluation. Your treatment program is then prepared for you.

The retreat includes 12 days of personalized Panchakarma or traditional Ayurvedic treatments, supported by herbal protocols and meals coordinated with individual treatment plans. No single protocol is guaranteed for every person; all therapies depend on individual assessment and suitability. No particular result can be promised, and the experience is not a substitute for medical care.

Included

The shape of the stay

A considered program of accommodation, personalized care, nourishing meals, daily practice, learning and cultural experiences.

Double occupancy room with A/C and private bathroom
Dosha-specific vegetarian or vegan meals
Full Ayurvedic analysis and evaluation
12 days of personalized Panchakarma or traditional Ayurvedic treatments
Herbal protocols used with the treatment program
Deep relaxation and rejuvenation
Optional workshops and lessons on Ayurveda and Vedic sciences
Temple visits
Local spice farm visit
Ayurvedic cooking classes
Daily Yoga classes
Individual Yoga therapy assessment and a customized personal practice
Airfare is not included. Group flight coordination may be attempted where practical.

Accommodation

Stay at Rajah Island

Your accommodation at Rajah Island includes the Standard Room and Devdar Suite, set within the island’s tropical backwater landscape.

The Rajah Island main centre amid coconut palms and tropical gardens
Main CentreRajah Island
A Standard Room with twin carved wooden beds and garden views
Standard RoomRajah Island
The Devdar Suite with carved wood ceiling and deep red drapery
Devdar SuiteRajah Island
Rajah Island at night, its lantern-lit buildings reflected in the still backwaters
Island at NightRajah Island
Exploring Kerala's waterways and tropical landscapes by boat

Discover Kerala

Beyond the retreat

Visit temples, spice farms and local artisans. Take part in cooking classes and experience traditional music, dance, villages and the Kerala backwaters.

Portrait of Dr. Hemant Gupta
Dr. Hemant Gupta · Ottawa, Canada

Your host

Travel with
Dr. Hemant Gupta

Dr. Hemant Gupta, MD Ayurveda, is Founder & Director of Holistic Ayurveda Institute & Wellness Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

He has more than four decades of experience in Ayurveda, including Panchakarma, Marma Therapy, natural healing, teaching and Yoga. He will lead the retreat and its Ayurveda education program.

More about Dr. Gupta+
  • Has contributed to Ayurveda education and curriculum development in Canada, the USA and internationally.
  • Received the Charak Award from AAPNA in 2011 for excellence in teaching and contribution to Ayurveda in North America.
  • Has participated in academic work, research, conferences and Ayurveda education internationally.

Previous journeys

Stories from those who came before

Being a trained western medical doctor who spent most of her career running Emergency Rooms, it was refreshing to learn how to prevent diseases before they occur. Most of all I cherish meeting the participants as strangers and leaving as friends.

Indu Gambhir, MD

Ottawa, Canada

The two-week Ayurveda session was an educational, therapeutic and tourism experience that I will never forget. I came home feeling incredibly exhilarated and with renewed determination to incorporate Ayurveda principles into my day-to-day life.

Rekha Toomey

Montreal, Canada

Plan your journey

We’ll help you prepare for the journey

Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive practical pre-departure information to help you plan your arrival, packing and stay in Kerala.

Getting to Kerala

Kochi International Airport (COK) is the primary arrival airport for the Rajah Island itinerary. Final flight guidance, recommended arrival times and transfer details will be shared before departure.

Kerala is served by several airports, including Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) and Kozhikode (CCJ). For this itinerary, Kochi is the arrival point.

Airport transfers

Coordinated transportation is provided between Kochi Airport and Rajah Island. Transfer details will be shared with participants before booking travel.

What to pack

Kerala’s tropical climate calls for light, comfortable clothing. Cotton and linen are ideal.

  • Lightweight cotton or linen clothing
  • Comfortable clothing for Yoga
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Small day bag for excursions
  • Sun protection
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Personal toiletries and essentials

Laundry service is available at Rajah Island.

Money & travel preparation

Participants will receive updated guidance before departure covering currency, payments, packing, airport arrival, transfers and other practical travel information.

Travel with confidence

You’ll receive flight, transfer, packing and payment information before departure.

February 19 – March 4, 2027 at Rajah Island, Kerala, India. Early-bird pricing is $2,900 CAD, followed by the regular price of $3,950 CAD.

India · 2027

February 19
to March 4

Kerala, India

An intimate small-group experience, with the space for personal attention.

Early birduntil November 30, 2026
$2,900 CAD
Regular
$3,950 CAD
Group minimum
10 participants

Prices are per person in Canadian dollars. The deposit, payment schedule and reservation terms will be confirmed before booking. Airfare is not included.

Practical details

Questions, answered

Is airfare included?+

No. International and domestic airfare are not included. Group flight coordination may be attempted where practical once the group is formed.

What accommodation and meals are planned?+

Accommodation at Rajah Island includes double occupancy rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Dosha-specific vegetarian or vegan meals are shaped around each participant’s assessment and treatment protocol.

Do I need previous Ayurveda experience?+

No previous experience is required. The journey is intended for relaxation, rejuvenation, practical learning and a direct Ayurveda and Yoga experience. It may appeal to health practitioners, Yoga teachers and anyone curious about Ayurvedic therapies.

Will everyone receive the same treatments?+

No. The stay is planned to begin with an individual Ayurvedic evaluation. Any therapies, herbal protocols or Panchakarma treatments depend on personal assessment and suitability and do not replace medical care.

How do I reserve a place?+

Request the tour details to register your interest. The journey is $2,900 CAD per person at the early-bird rate until November 30, 2026, and $3,950 CAD after that, with a minimum of 10 participants. The deposit, payment schedule and reservation terms will be confirmed before booking. No payment is being collected through this website.

Final itinerary details and reservation terms will be shared before booking.

Sunset across the Kerala backwaters

Kerala · 2027

Your place in Kerala awaits

February 19 – March 4, 2027

Join us for an intimate two-week experience of Ayurveda, rest, learning and Kerala.

Speak with us