ABOUT THE AYURVEDA CLINIC

AYURVEDA CLINIC FACILITIES

In the countryside east of Bangalore, just half an hour from the airport lies thirty acres of beautifully cultivated land that SOUKYA is located on. Nine major structures are built in a traditional south Indian style around an oval, the centre of which is filled with lawns, flowers, trees and a symbolic Open Portal that encourages an open heart, mind and soul. These nine buildings including a medical centre, yoga hall, therapy centre, dining hall, and residential clusters are built at ground level to help the body to connect at all times with the magnetic force of the earth.

SOUKYA has been designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind and nature is retained as much as possible. Avenues of flowering trees have been planted to ensure the centre is surrounded by fresh flowers throughout the year.

The entrance with straight tree-lined drive helps to focus the mind and bring clarity of thought and intention. The ascending lamps along the drive help to elevate the person to a higher level. Three fountains at the end of the drive symbolise the mind, body and spirit. The lighting of specially made granite temple lamps removes negative energy and the resonance of the handcrafted bell also helps to clarify energies.

SWAGATH ('Welcome') & SAMPOORNA ('Whole')

The spacious administration and medical buildings are built with granite and traditional country roof tiles, specially handmade and baked for SOUKYA. They are laid on waterproofed panels of terracotta tiles laid on handmade cement rafters. The specially designed floor tiles are modeled on 400 year old Portuguese tiles at St. Xavier's Church in Cochin. The buildings have the South Indian traditional inner courtyards providing natural lighting and ventilation. Fountains and fish pools create an atmosphere of serenity.

SHANTHI ('Peace')

The yoga and meditation hall is an open-air circular structure modelled on a traditional mud-walled thatched roof hut. Low-rise mud walls, plastered by hand, surround a handmade black oxide floor which absorbs negative energy. The whole structure is covered by a large conical, intricate waterproof grassroof made by the master craftsmen of Tamil Nadu and secured without a central support, leaving the interior entirely free of obstructions. 32 people can practice yoga freely with an instructor on the raised ethnic stage which is also used for cultural activities and meetings. The stage is adorned with traditional mirror and colored glasswork and a centrepiece is a bright yellow sun on an electrifying blue sky. Mirrors reflect like stars, while stage walls are adorned with exquisite papermache craft work representing the rising and setting of the sun. The entrance has large flat stones over and through a fishpond with a bamboo fountain and lotus flowers. This encircling flowing water soothes the mind as the guests begin meditation.

SHALA ('Healing Abode')

The therapy centre has separate, identical male and female areas that mirror each other and share a comfortable waiting area with a view of medical herbs and plants. The building is adorned with Gujarati mirror and glass artwork and earthy red coloured walls which are believed to absorb the sun's energy into the building. On entering, patients meet with the physicians in the consultation room and then proceed to the spacious locker room, located next to showers and toilets. Each side has massage rooms for specialised Ayurvedic treatments and a large section with individual rooms devoted to specific hydrotherapy treatments: circular and horizontal jets, immersion baths, deluxe underwater massage, colonics, whirlpool jacuzzis and spinal, hip, arm and footbaths. The rooms are well ventilated with ample natural light providing maximum comfort. Nearby is an outdoor color therapy and mud pack area and a freestanding, traditionally decorated Turkish bath.

SADYA ('Feast')

The dining hall is divided into four main spaces: The spacious dining area has views of SOUKYA and its gardens, which are especially lovely in the evening, when the lamps that border the walkways are lit. There is also an informal salad and juice area with comfortable seating where guests can take refreshments, read, socialise, or simply relax and enjoy the view. The ample and modern kitchen at the back provides easy access to the dining areas. The gaming area to the side has a billiards table, table tennis and a carom board. Sit-down games include chess, solitaire and knots and crosses. Just next to the gaming area, an outdoor acupressure walkway connects the shower area to the elegant full-size swimming pool. The organic shape and design of the pool, partially shaded in the afternoon by overarching trees, were designed for maximum safety by maintaining a consistent depth of 4 feet. There are also outdoor volleyball and shuttle courts.

SADAN ('Home')

Spacious cottages and deluxe rooms designed to make one feel at home, provide guest accommodation. Rooms are tastefully decorated in a style that combines traditional and contemporary themes and an adjoining garden is ideal for practicing yoga or sunbathing.

The two-bedroom cottages (which can be divided into a suite and deluxe room) have a living and dining room with a private garden. Silk and cotton curtains adorn the rooms, with handmade four-poster beds are in the suites. There is a separate dressing area, luggage room, large bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower areas. The suite bathroom has stone steps leading to an outdoor shower between banana trees for a romantic moonlight bath. Treatments are sometimes given to guests in these suite bathrooms.

Deluxe rooms have private gardens and outdoor decks for sunbathing or yoga. They also have separate dressing areas and spacious bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower areas. Powerful pneumatic pumps provide good water pressure for showers, and the automatic switchover generator ensures power 24 hours a day. Hot water is supplied in large part by SOUKYA's solar water installation.

The entire grounds are planted with flowers, flowering shrubs, and trees attracting many colorful butterflies and birds. Organic vegetable gardens and fruit orchards enhance the beauty of the grounds and provide the kitchens with a variety of natural food. The entire property is secured by a substantial fence, and both the visitor's gate and the service entrance are guarded twenty-four hours a day by professional security staff. A 2.2-kilometer walking and jogging trail encircle the whole property, while there are opportunities for cycling and walking to nearby villages, accompanied by SOUKYA staff.