Kadakampally Surendran unveils Ayurbodha package in London

Thiruvananthapuram: Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran unveiled 'Ayurbodha', the latest offering of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) that blends tourism and knowledge of Ayurveda, at the World Travel Mart in London on Tuesday.

Under the initiative, the traveller can stay at any of the KTDC properties located in the State and learn about the ancient medicinal stream of Ayurveda. The focus would be on basic home remedies and diet regimes, Ayurvedic practices for the rejuvenation of body and soul, secrets of pressure points, basics of ‘panchakarma’ treatment and the history and use of medicinal plants. What’s more, the traveller will also be granted an ‘Ayurbodha’ certificate.

‘Ayurbodha’ will be offered in KTDC’s flagship properties like ‘Samudra’ at Kovalam beach; Aranya Nivas, a jungle lodge at Thekkady situated inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve on the banks of Periyar river; the colonial era tea estate bungalow ‘Tea County’ at Munnar in the picturesque Western Ghats tea plantations; and the ancient Dutch palace-turned-resort of Bolgatty Island Resort in Kochi.

“Ayurveda, as a wellness system and a mainstay tourism product, has been largely confined to treatments and massages. While Kerala is known as a destination for spending serene and peaceful holidays, our time-tested tradition of the ancient Ayurveda can enrich every visitor's experience,” Mr. Surendran said. The launch was attended by  Dr. Venu V, tourism principal secretary; Mr. Bala Kiran, tourism director; Mr. R. Rahul, KTDC managing director, KTDC; and industry buyers from various countries.