Page 35 - Connect 2024-25

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Wellness Tourism in Indiaellness Tourism in India

A Health-Inspired Vacation

Riddhi Mahamuni, Pratiksha Hasabnis, PGDM II

Introduction
India, with its ancient traditions and spirituality, has long
been associated with holistic health practices through
Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation. This old-age natural
healing system focuses on the balance of mind, body, and
spirit. Unlike medical tourism, which focuses on treating
specific health issues, wellness tourism emphasizes
overall health and prevention. Yoga, another ancient
Indian practice, promotes physical fitness, mental clarity,
and spiritual growth. The combination of these practices
with modern wellness amenities has given rise to a
unique wellness tourism experience in the country. From
the serene Himalayan retreats to the lush backwaters
of Kerala, India’s diverse landscape offers an array of
wellness experiences that cater to the modern traveler’s
quest for healing, relaxation, and inner peace. The
number of people concerned about their mental health
has increased since the pandemic. And this has changed
the way many of us want to travel.
The Roots of Wellness in India
India’s wellness tourism is deeply combined with its Similarly, Yoga, which originated in India around 5,000
rich cultural heritage, significantly shaped by ancient years ago, is now widely acknowledged for its positive
practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation. effects on both physical and mental health. This practice
Ayurveda, referred to as the “science of life,” is one of goes beyond simple physical exercise; it is a path toward
the oldest holistic healing systems globally, with origins self-discovery and inner peace, harmonizing the body,
that trace back over 3,000 years. It focuses on achieving mind, and spirit. Meditation, often practiced alongside
balance among the mind, body, and spirit to promote Yoga, is essential to wellness tourism, offering visitors
optimal health. Key Ayurvedic treatments, such as a way to develop mindfulness and attain spiritual
detoxifying Panchakarma therapies and calming herbal awareness.
oil massages, are central to India’s wellness tourism
offerings.

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