CNN’s Destination India explores health and wellness retreats

India is known to be a destination with roots steeped in the traditions of wellness and spirituality. It has flourished through centuries making it the ideal destination for a perfect mental and physical detox. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest, wellness traditions and unprecedented powerful healing techniques. This season of CNN's 'Destination India' focuses on the most unique wellness locations across India known for their unique traditions and natural experiences.

Highlights of the 30-minute special include:

Wellness for Everyone

The Anahata Healing Centre - India’s finest yoga retreat is Bangalore’s one stop destination for natural healing experiences. Founder Kiran Ravandar brings his expertise of a decade under one roof, providing a philosophy for health and wellness. Coming from a small village outside of Bengaluru, where he opened the Anahata Healing Arts Center in 2014, the center welcomes individuals where they can reconnect with themselves and with nature through a “simplistic lifestyle.” The center also offers a unique cultural exchange through yoga and the ancient art of Ayurveda, both extremely popular with the local community and with visitors. The doors of the center are always open making it a natural healing place for everyone.

Healing powers of Nature

While modern medicine is truly a marvel in India, Dr. Issac Mathai takes a more natural approach to healing focusing on the five elements of nature (earth, water, air, fire and ether). Dr. Mathai runs the Soukya International Holistic Health Center in Bangalore which provides an excellent service from hydro-baths to mud body wraps. His goal is to eliminate toxins in the body which he says are the root cause of diseases. The center is known for its traditional holistic healing that compliments medical treatment focusing on a complete approach to health.

Silence! How long could you go without saying a word?

Vipassana meditation is a non-sectarian technique to purify the mind. This ancient meditation practice has been in India for centuries which brings the body a real sense of peace and nirvana to lead a happy, purposeful life. CNN travels to one of India’s leading Vipassana retreat, Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy to find out more about the 10-day practice that requires one to train their brain to stop reacting to the vicissitudes of life - in complete silence.

Breathing your way to a better self 

Thousands of people travel to India every year to master the art of yoga. A soulful sojourn in the verdant lap of the Himalayas houses the beautiful Ananda Spa, sitting atop the spiritual town of Rishikesh. The spa offers the magic of pranayama, a form of yoga that focuses solely on breathing. Considering the extreme commercialization of Yoga around the world, Ananda takes you back to its purest, most traditional form.

Spa Cuisine – Atmantan Wellness Centre

Spa cuisine, as a concept, has always been misunderstood as tasteless, capturing mini portions of ultra-healthy, weight-loss friendly food. However, Atmantan Wellness Centre re-defines the cuisine philosophy, amalgamating the food synergy where flavors and nutrients are skillfully combined to serve the body in the best and most delicious way. The culinary sophistication which the center offers, paints every plate like an artwork and is mindfully prepared with organic, locally sourced food. The culinary team at Atmantan sees food as one of life’s pleasures and goes above and beyond to ensure that their guest’s palates are pleased.

‘Destination India’ is produced by CNN Vision, the global creative production powerhouse of CNN International, which brings the world’s breath-taking diversity into cinematic focus, telling stories that inspire audiences around the world.

Watch the promo here: https://cnn.it/2xgjxUm