A tiled timber treatment pavilion with a massage table and cotton drapes, in a misty forest

Heal | Ayur-Shala

Heal the body, the mind, the soul.

The Ayur-Shala is a sanctuary of treatment pavilions set in the forest, offering Ayurveda in the Kerala tradition: a Vedic approach to caring for the body, calming the mind and nourishing the inner soul.

In the Kerala tradition, treatments are given by Vaidyas, practitioners of Ayurveda, using warm herbal oils and time-honoured methods. The oils are prepared under the Vaidya’s guidance, with herbs from the Sanjeevani Vatika wherever the season allows.

It begins with a conversation

Every stay at the Ayur-Shala starts with a consultation with the Vaidya, who listens to how you live, eat, sleep and feel, and then suggests the therapies, diet and daily rhythm best suited to you.

Heal | Therapies

Traditional therapies.

Each therapy is given in the quiet of a private forest pavilion, at an unhurried pace.

AbhyangaFull-body massage with warm herbal oils, to ease the body and settle the mind.

ShirodharaA slow, steady stream of warm oil over the forehead, for deep calm.

KizhiWarm herbal poultices pressed rhythmically over the body, to loosen stiffness.

PizhichilWarm medicated oil poured gently and continuously over the body.

MarmaA soothing massage that works on the body’s vital points, for rest and renewal.

NasyamGentle facial steam followed by herbal drops, a classical cleansing therapy.

MukhalepamA herbal face pack of fresh, natural ingredients, to cleanse and nourish the skin.

Kashaya SnanaA herbal steam bath to complete the treatment.

Heal | Programmes

Stay a little longer.

Ayurveda works best over days, not hours. For guests who wish to go deeper, the Vaidya can shape a programme of three days or more, with daily therapies, a Sattvic diet from Anna Purna Shala, and morning yoga at the Prana Deck.

Restore

Abhyanga with Kizhi, for a body that is tired from travel and long days among the ghats.

Calm

Abhyanga with Shirodhara, for a busy mind and restful sleep.

Complete

Abhyanga, Kizhi and Shirodhara together, for body and mind alike.

Traditional wellness therapies, not a substitute for medical care. Please share any health conditions with the Vaidya at your consultation.

Also at La Aranya

Keep exploring.

A stone-stepped pool scattered with rose petals, terracotta basins at its edge and the Ganga beyond at dawn

Heal

Vaidya Kund

A bathing pool blessed with Gangajal, infused each dawn with Tulsi, Neem and rose petals.

An octagonal bamboo yoga deck under a cane roof, reaching toward the river

Heal

Prana Deck

An octagonal bamboo platform for sunrise pranayama and gentle yoga, open to the river.

A small earth-and-lime amphitheatre at twilight, a sitar and singing bowls resting on the stage

Heal

Nada Kuti

A small open-air amphitheatre for live, unamplified acoustic music.

Concept in development

Help shape La Aranya.

Booking is not open yet. Your view will shape what we build. We would love to hear:

Would you stay here on a visit to Varanasi?
Which offerings matter most to you?
What is missing?