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7. Spend Your Days With Healing and Ayurveda at this Retreat in Himachal

Practise yoga, indulge in scared rituals and aartis and reconnect with yourself at the Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam

There are moments when you need to pause, reflect and reset. The constant buzz of urban life and the unending deadlines and digital distractions often disconnect us from ourselves. Seeking that elusive balance between body, mind and soul, I took a three-hour train journey from New Delhi to Chandigarh, followed by a scenic drive through the Shivalik foothills. My final destination is Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam (VVAC) in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

Spread across 25 acres of land, VVAC is in the heart of nature, surrounded by dense forests and wrapped in the healing air of the Himalayas. From the moment you arrive, herbs mingle with the pure mountain air, inviting you to slow down and calm your senses. I was informed that VVAC is no ordinary wellness center. It is backed by the legacy of the Thaikkattu Mooss family, custodians of Ayurvedic wisdom since 1941. Their mission here is not just to heal but to help you reconnect with yourself, a philosophy I experienced firsthand during my stay.

My wellness journey began with a detailed consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, who assessed my constitution and current imbalances attentively. Based on this diagnosis, I was prescribed a customised wellness plan that included therapies, lifestyle adjustments and diet recommendations designed to detoxify and revitalise my body over the long term. VVAC’s three-storey treatment block is the beating heart of this sanctuary. Here, I underwent Abhyanga, a full-body massage with medicated oils that felt like a reset button for both body and mind, followed by Shirodhara, where a stream of warm oil cascades rhythmically onto the forehead, helping me to dissolve layers of stress. The skilled therapists worked with care and precision; their hands seemingly tuned to soothe more than just physical ailments. Guests at VVAC also have access to personalised Panchakarma treatments, which address a wide range of health issues, such as arthritis, hypertension, skin disorders, anxiety, and more. Separate treatment areas for men and women ensure privacy, and the entire facility is accessibility-friendly.

Healing at VVAC extends to the kitchen. Meals are not just about nutrition; they are part of the therapeutic journey. The Tulsi Vanam cafeteria, curated by renowned nutritionist Sangeeta Khanna, serves sattvic (pure and balanced) meals tailored to your Ayurvedic dosha. Ingredients are harvested fresh from VVAC’s 15-acre organic farm, adding authenticity to each bite.

I savoured Mung Dosas for breakfast, Matar Sabzi with Jowar roti for lunch, and soothing Palak Khichdi with vegetable soup for dinner. Simple yet flavourful, every dish was crafted to nourish, reminding me that food is also a key element to holistic wellness.

The center boasts 60 well-appointed rooms across three residential blocks – Madhav, Krishna, and Govind. The accommodations cater to various needs, offering Studio (single occupancy), Standard (double occupancy), and Premium (suitable for families or groups of four). I stayed in a standard room that featured attached bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and laundry services, ensuring comfort during my wellness journey. I was told that the campus can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it one of the most extensive facilities of its kind in the region.

What truly sets VVAC apart is its commitment to spiritual well-being. The presence of three temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali and Lord Dhanwantri lends a sacred energy to the campus. I found profound peace participating in daily aartis, feeding cows at the Govind Ji Gaushala and meditating under the open sky. These rituals added meaning to my stay, grounding me in a sense of purpose and stillness.

The warmth and compassion of the staff made the experience even more enriching. Attentive, gentle and genuinely invested in your wellness journey, they create an atmosphere that feels like home – a safe space where healing begins when you arrive. As I prepared to leave VVAC, I realised something powerful: rejuvenation is not just about physical recovery; it is about rediscovering who you are beneath the noise. Now, with a clearer mind, I am ready to step back into the world with fresh energy and, most importantly, with balance.