Title : SAROVARAM, Ayurvedic Back water resort
Author(s): Mr. APPU SIVAKUMAR
Mr. RADHESH R.
Mr. NAIZY NAZAR
Mr. KARTHIKA
Ms. SREEJA C.L.
Ms. SWAPNA
Sarovaram Ayurvedic resort is a heritage monument, located on the serene banks of Lake Ashtamudi, far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its rich Kerala architecture blends seamlessly with the luxuriant greenery of the surroundings. Coconut trees and a variety of herbal plants alongside the bewitching view of the lake provide a perfect setting to unwind and relax. Sumptuous Kerala cuisine, rejuvenating treatments and lively leisure activities make Sarovaram a complete holiday retreat.
Sarovaram lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala (known as God’s Own Country), 10 kilometers from Kollam, 80 Kilometers from Trivandrum and 165 Kilometers from Cochin in the extreme southwest of the Indian peninsula. Kerala is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats on the east. It is one of the famous Ayurverdic Backwater resort in Kollam district which is exclusively for foreigners. It is the sister concern of Aykara pharmaceuticals.
Aykara pharmaceutical, Kallada, Kollam has a 65 years old history in Ayurvedic treatment and medicine manufacturing. Founded by Vaidya Kalanidhi Aykara Gopala Pillai Vaidyar in 1937. This institution has a back up of decade of expertise in genuine ancient Ayurveda and its practise. With years of study and research, the Company now manufactures above 500 varieties of conventional ayurvedic medicines. And it has three patented products to its credit AYKAF (herbal cough remedy), PAVANAMRUTHAM (anti-flatulent) and DHATHU-64 (a herbal preparation for general health and vitality. The company has been awarded the Good Manufacturing Certificate (GMP) in 2002 by the Govt. of India as per the norms of World Health Organization, in recognition of its great contribution to Ayurveda.
Since they are interested in treatment along with medicine manufacturing they started Sarovaram on 2002 at the 4 acre coastal area of Ashtamudi, Kollam. When they got the plot and understood the new trend of tourism and they build a resort for Ayurvedic treatment like panchakarma.
Initial investment for the particular venture was Rs. 1,40,00,000/-. It was the plan of Dr. A G Muraleedharan (S/o Aykara Gopala Pillai Vaidyar) to start the new venture, now it is run by Dr. Kiran (S/o Dr. A G Muraleedharan). The majority of the capital was raised from their family owned crusher. The revenue generating from the resort is able to cover the cost. They crossed breakeven on 2005 and now the resort is in profit. Since they could satisfy the necessary conditions like treatment room, their length and breadth, cleaning facilities, availability of doctors, therapists, waste disposal mechanisms, 250 medicinal plants, garden, total area of not less than 1 acre they got certification in 2005 itself called Green Leaf Certification awarded by KTDC.
Lots of local people are working in Sarovaram in different fields of operation like therapy, cleaning, kitchen, sweepers, house keeping etc. which depends upon their qualifications. The resort is also providing boats to the local people for livelihood. There is a pharmacy and OP working in Sarovaram for the local people. When Sarovaram comes there the standard of living as well as the price of the land is increasing.
Sustainability initiatives like regular maintenance of the resort, correct payment of staff’s salary, environmental concerns like biogas plant for decomposing waste and it is using as fertiliser for the medicinal plant and they are having waste disposal facilities rather than polluting the lake.
In the initial stage they had problems like less visitors, lack of skilled staffs, financial crisis etc. Since majority of their funds were invested in the property, they couldn’t pay that much attention on the marketing aspects of the resort. But they could overcome these problems. When we checked the feedback book of the resort, we found lots of visitors are appreciated the friendly manner and good behaviour of the staffs and their treatments.
Now the government is imposing tax for treatment i.e. (15%). The main problem they are facing from the part of government is CRSW. (Coastal Regulation Act) According to this Act, the government is not allowed to construct resorts within 100m from the lake. But some of the cottages of Sarovaram is situated within the 100m from the Ashtamudi Lake. When this issued was raised, they filed stay in the court. They are not getting any support from the government. But when they got Green Leaf Certification they are getting subsidies from the government. Now there are 9 cottages in Sarovaram and the management is planning to build 3 more cottages for the visitors.
Initially DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) helped them in getting tourists and then Chartered Flight provide tourists by chartering the tourists’s visit and finally they met Ay-Tour in a Travel agent meet and get into tie-up with them. Since Ay-Tour is situated in Germany, they can send lot of German tourists to the resort. Apart from Germany, tourists are also coming from Spain, Switzerland and England through the website. Their is a specialist over there who frequently update the website. The resort is providing different treatment packages of specified date with specified price. Visitors are usually come there in season from November to March for the specified packages. The Ayurvedic treatment and the Backwater makes Sarovaram a unique one and this attracted the tourists to come over there.
Parppidam
Individual cottages aesthetically designed in traditional Kerala architecture style provide you an abode of tranquillity and calm. These traditional yet modern eco friendly cottages are provided with all facilities to make one feel at home in the bosom of nature. A total laid back atmosphere ideal for a bit of reminiscing and soul searching. All cottages have broad verandas with a view of the lake.
Oottupura
The bamboo-thatched restaurant seating about 35 people, which houses the carefully planned, multi-cuisine restaurant, offers you the spice of life. This eco friendly and modern restaurant offers a feast for the eyes too; it puts forward to you a glimpse of the spectacular, refreshing, delightful lake and the sprawling lawn and garden from under the bamboo-thatched roof. Fresh fish caught from the Lake Ashtamudi is prepared in mouth watering spicy Kerala style
Nedumpura
The conference hall with a seating capacity of 150 people conducts various cultural programmes for guests. The magnificent dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Kerala’s own martial art Kalaripayattu etc and Karnatic music are performed to give you a slice of the states’s rich cultural tradition.
Other leisure pastimes include indoor games and outdoor sport activities. One can also choose a relaxing canoeing among the placid water of the lake Ashtamudi or an exhilarating speed boat experience to stimulate your mind. Whatever it is , Sarovaram is designed to restore and retain the youth in you.
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