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The literal translation of Kerala is 'land of the coconut and palm tree'. The palm trees provide a constant back drop to the gentle and relaxing atmosphere, the sights and sounds, the colours and warmth that is Kerala.

Kerala is the lush, green state which forms the south-west strip of India. Its name is thought to mean ‘land of coconuts and palms’ – and when you visit you can see why – palm trees are everywhere! They provide food, drink, wood, rope, oil and many other products.

With the Arabian sea on the west, and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east, and a network of 44 rivers, Kerala is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia.

The state capital, Trivandrum, is half an hour away from Kailasam by bus,  rickshaw or taxi, with shops, museum and art gallery, temples and other facilities.

The climate is tropical, but sea breezes keep temperatures pleasant. The maximum daytime temperature is usually about 32 – 33° C.

The dry season is officially from November until May, with the monsoon arriving in June. However, there can be some rain at any time of year, although you usually enjoy sunny weather during the yoga holidays.

The local language is Malayalam, but English is widely spoken. Kerala has an excellent educational system, with the highest literacy rate in India (virtually 100%). With its world-class health-care systems, Kerala enjoys India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates.

We are sure you will find the Kerala people very friendly and warm – be prepared to make friends during your visit here! 

Kovalam Village     … a friendly village by the Arabian Sea in southern Kerala.

Two curved, sandy beaches – Eve’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach – provide the picturesque setting for seaside holidays, popular with Indian people and foreigners.

Eve’s Beach is fringed with palms whilst Lighthouse Beach has a backdrop of restaurants and small shops. There are quieter beaches available if you wish.

The sea is good for swimming and body-boarding, with well-trained lifeguards to keep an eye on everyone’s safety

Sunset is a special time and it’s wonderful to sit in a restaurant or on the sand and watch the sun sink down into the sea

The red-and-white striped lighthouse at the end of the beach is a great landmark. Fishing is still carried out in the traditional way, and it’s fascinating to watch – or even help - the men haul in their nets.

There are good facilities for internet and international telephone connections in Kovalam.

Your day:    

There are two yoga classes each day – on the specially designed, palm-leaf-shaded roof.

You may take either or both, and there is no yoga on Saturdays.

Diana leads the classes, she has over 10 years experience and specialises in the Sivananda style which originated in South India. 

Between classes, you will find plenty of time to relax, try an ayurvedic treatment or explore the local vicinity.  

The treatments are available from the Ayurvedic centre run by Mohan. He has over 10 years experience in Kerala and the UK, and specialises in traditional Kerala foot massage, and massage and applications of herbs and oil to the body, as the ideal complementary therapy for yoga.

Many people find that two or three massages relieves stiffness, increases flexibility, and improves posture work. 

Treatments are also available to relax the stressed or worrying mind, cleanse the body of toxins, strengthen the immune system and revitalise the body to perfect health. Price depends on the length of each treatment and how many are required. Many conditions will respond to three or four treatments, sometimes less. As a general guide, one full body massage is approximately £9 - 10.

You can visit local sights, laze on a sun-bed and swim in the sea, or at one of the local hotel’s swimming pools (for a small charge). Yoga classes are specifically arranged so that the middle weekend of the holiday is available for you to do some sightseeing further afield, or take an overnight backwater trip along the Kerala waterways.

When it’s cooler, in the evening, you can browse for jewellery, clothes, handicrafts and gifts from the shops. You can also enjoy having your own designs created – or your favourite clothes copied – by the skilled Kovalam tailors.

They are happy to advise you on places to visit nearby: temples, festivals, and markets where you can experience the Kerala way of life. For total relaxation, a trip to the tranquil Backwaters is a must – enjoy being punted through the rivers, alive with birds and other wildlife.

In the evening eat out at one of the many local restaurants. Kovalam restaurants cater for all tastes – with good fresh seafood and an excellent choice for vegetarians, in fact Kerala is known for its vegetarian cuisine. There are western-style dishes or local curries – you can ask them to be made less spicy if you like.

2008/9 Programme

Rooms and prices

These holidays are based at Kailasam, a private house, set in its own colourful garden.

It’s just 3 minutes’ walk to the sandy beach and the Arabian Sea.

There is a massage and ayurveda treatment room in the garden where you can take advantage of the ancient healing and rejuvenation arts of South India.

The comfortable guest-bedrooms are all en-suite, with western-style toilets and showers.

The house is recently completely refurbished and redecorated and can sleep a maximum of 12 people (5 single rooms, 1 double room and 2 twin rooms).

All rooms are attractively decorated and have hot water, ceiling fans and mosquito nets on the windows.

You are welcome to use the kitchen to make hot drinks or to chill drinking water or soft drinks. There are comfortable seats and beds in the shade for relaxing during the day.

Extra days can be arranged on a bed and breakfast basis - please ask. 

For more information visit the Kailasam web site.

Updated 11/11/2008