Thrissur

Right at the start of my journey, I reach Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala and an important transportation hub in southern India. I arrive via the well-connected Thrissur Railway Station, which regularly receives trains from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.

For onward travel, the frequent train services offer a convenient way to reach other fascinating destinations in Kerala and beyond. So it is with me.

I will soon be traveling on to Palakad, the location of Poomully Mannar.

Poomully, Palakad

Poomully Mannar, a historic estate in the Indian state of Kerala, is famous for its traditional Ayurvedic healing. Poomully Mannar was once the residence of a distinguished family of scholars and healers who were deeply rooted in the Ayurvedic tradition. Today, it is a center for authentic Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats that attracts visitors from all over the world, including myself.

Poomully Mannar’s Ayurvedic approach is based on centuries-old knowledge and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. Ayurveda is practiced here in its purest form, with a focus on holistic healing and prevention. Treatments include a variety of therapies, including Panchakarma, Abhyanga (oil massage) and Shirodhara (oil forehead pouring), which are individually tailored to the needs of the patient.

Healing is achieved not only through physical treatments, but also through diet, yoga and meditation, which promote the balance of body, mind and spirit. The use of natural remedies and herbs grown in the property’s lush gardens emphasizes the authentic and sustainable practice.

While I myself was skeptical at first; I must say that the combination of meditation, nutritional diet, massage treatments and rest, rest, rest have brought about some recovery.

Thrissur

After a good 2 weeks in Poomully Mannar, I am on my way back to Kochi and stop off again in Thrissur, before taking buses and making a few stops along the coast towards Kochi.

Kodungallur

Kodungallur in the Indian state of Kerala is known for its important religious sites, including the oldest mosque in India – the Cheraman Juma Masjid. This mosque was built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad in 629 AD and is a symbolic testimony to the early arrival of Islam in India.

The Cheraman Juma Masjid was founded by Malik Deenar, a companion of Prophet Muhammad who traveled to Kerala to spread Islam. The architecture of the mosque combines traditional Kerala style elements with Islamic designs, which emphasizes its cultural and historical significance.

Today, the Cheraman Juma Masjid is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural heritage that attracts visitors and worshippers from all over the world.

When I was there, I didn’t notice any overflowing streams of tourists. On the contrary, the imam took a lot of time to show and explain the mosque and the oldest part of it to me. A wonderful experience. Many thanks for that.

Azhikode

Azhikode, a picturesque village in Kerala, is home to St. Thomas Church, which houses a special treasure – the relic of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The church, which is perched on a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, is an important place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world.

The relic of St. Thomas, which is kept in the altar of the church, attracts believers who ask for spiritual intercession and healing.

When I was there, it was quite quiet. I called for the priest and waited for a while.
He then unlocked the altar for me so that I could take a look at a small part of the forearm bone of St. Thomas.

The spectacular thing about this place is the unspectacular.

Kochi

The last stop on my trip was once again Kochi, or rather the continental part called Ernakulam. Here you can have a good time and slowly chill out towards the west again.
If you like, you will find western lifestyle and food culture on Fort Kochi, but also cultural highlights in the form of the “Kochi-Muziris Biennale”. It is not open all year round, but if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time, you should definitely visit this top-class exhibition.