Amal Tamara

Quiet Healing on the Kerala Backwaters

Amal Tamara is an intimate Ayurveda retreat in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, opened in 2022 by Tamara Leisure Experiences, a group also known for its resorts in Coorg and Kodaikanal. With only 19 rooms, the retreat is designed around privacy and calm, and it is aimed at guests who come for a genuine course of treatment rather than a spa break. The minimum stay is seven nights.

Location

The retreat lies in the village of Mannancherry, between the town of Alappuzha and the Marari coast, overlooking the lagoons and waterways of the Kerala backwaters. Cochin International Airport is approximately 75 km away, a drive of about two hours, and airport transfers are included in the programme. Marari Beach, the coir villages and old churches of the coast are within easy reach for short excursions.

Accommodation

All rooms face the water and come in three categories: Astha rooms of around 450 sq ft, the larger Ekta rooms of around 550 sq ft and the spacious Idha rooms of around 750 sq ft. The interiors are simple and natural, leaving the view and the garden to set the mood.

Ayurveda Treatments

An in-house team of Ayurvedic doctors (vaidyas) and dieticians assesses each guest on arrival and then consults daily before, during and after the treatment period. The retreat offers eight curative programmes, covering areas such as immunity, rejuvenation and anti-ageing and support for chronic conditions, built on the classical principle of Chikitsa Chatushpada – the cooperation of doctor, therapist, medicine and patient. Daily treatments, Ayurvedic medicines and yoga sessions are part of every stay, and meals are vegetarian, prepared from organic ingredients according to each guest's prescribed diet. After departure the team keeps in touch with follow-up calls to help guests maintain their new routine at home.

Facilities

• Daily doctor and dietician consultations
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• Ayurveda treatment rooms and in-house Ayurvedic medicines
• Vegetarian restaurant with individually planned menus
• Library and quiet meditation spaces
• Cultural evenings: Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and a Vedic fire ritual
• Backwater cruise and village visits
• Transfers from Cochin International Airport