Press and Testimonials 

Hallie Campbell in Harpers Abroad, January 2002 issue 
Article on 100 Finest Spas in the World

Located in a beautiful setting among the golden Chamundi Hills, outside the historic city of Mysore, this is fast becoming known as one of India’s most innovative Ayurveda centres. The vision of IVAC’s charismatic founder, Dr. Talavane Krishna, is to create an oasis where everything – architecture, gardens, accommodation, amenities, food, treatments and staff – is in harmony with Ayurvedic principles.

Guests can stay in the main house, with its high-ceilinged, spacious rooms or, better yet, in the traditional Karnatakan thatched cottages dotted about the grounds. They are lovingly decorated with local textiles and art, and many have a beautifully appointed treatment room attached. When you arrive, you are given a very detailed questionnaire to complete, as well as a consultation to help the highly qualified team of doctors determine your dosha and state of health. Pink-uniformed therapists then whisk you off for a heavenly round of treatments.

Every detail has been thought out; even the massage tables are specially designed for maximum comfort. The hand-picked staff are intelligent, upbeat and caring, with a genuine desire to please. At IVAC, the fountains, gardens and tree-lined walkways create an idyllic setting. Dr. Krishna presides over it all like a benevolent Prospero on his magical island, where burnt-out Calibans soon become blessed-out Ariels.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT Panchakarma, the Ayurvedic detox programme.

DINING Fresh, organic, vegetarian, mildly spiced Indian Ayurvedic cuisine. Other options on request.

WHO TO BRING Ideal for the special someone.

WHAT TO BRING Hair conditioner, mosquito repellent, and extra cash, because the Ayurvedic products used are excellent and you’ll want to take some home.

X-FACTOR State-of-the-art Ayurveda.

DOWNSIDE The beauty-salon stylists need to practice their blow-dry skills.

DESIRABLE DISTRACTIONS Sightseeing can be arranged. There are also astrology, Ayurvedic-cookery and yoga classes.

FACTS From $60 per room per night. Treatment package, from about $1100 per week (based on two people sharing), including meals, treatments and consultations. Ring +91 821 473437; or visit www.ayurindus.com. 

Hugh and Colleen Gantzer
Pit-Stops to a Powered Life
Article in "In Touch with Fashion" magazine

You are a Ferrari. You are born a high – speed, high – precision creation designed to complete in the grueling race of life. Sadly, however, you also have a built in obsolescence: ageing. And it starts at the moment of birth. If you want to be tickling over on all cylinders as your age increases, you’ve got to do what a Ferrari does in a Formula One race. You’ve got to make pit-stops for essential servicing. These human pit-stops are Spas. They restore something which no Formula One car has, but which we all have: a built – in self-repairing system. If, however, it is obstructed by a tense lifestyle, the system becomes stressed. It can no longer get rid of poisons, toxins and of fatigue. You feel tired, lifeless and it begins to show on your face and body. You can either relax for as long as it takes; or you can check into a Spa. These therapeutic centers work to remove stress – toxins much faster than unaided body can. And when the poisons are removed, you’ll be back on the fast track, rearing to go…

“I feel so detoxified today!” said Joan at breakfast. Joan had flown in from the UK to IVAC, The Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre, in Mysore. A couple had come to lose weight and planned to send their married children here from the States. A hostess from United Airlines was ready to leave, feeling trimmer, and fitter. Jackie was into the cleansing therapy of Panchakarma, which uses a variety of techniques to draw toxins out of the system… IVAC is the brainchild of NRI anesthesiologist, Dr. Talavane Krishna, who felt that he had to do his bit to re-establish the traditional wellness practices of Ayurveda on sound, hygienic and scientific lines.

There is a certain clinical atmosphere about IVAC and even our luxurious room was, technically referred to as a ‘ward’. Everyone who comes to IVAC for treatment has to be examined by the Ayurvedic physician attached to the Centre. Once the treatment has been prescribed, the male and female therapists take over. One of us was prescribed Abhyanga, which is a whole body massage, with medicated oils, reputed to revitalize the tissues, ensure sound sleep and improve the luster of the skin and circulation. Because Ayurveda is a holistic treatment, all therapies start with a prayer chanted in Sanskrit: it is very soothing, calming to the mind. Then the physical treatment begins, administered by two therapists, working in perfect co-ordination. The neck first, then the shoulders, where the tension knots hide. 

After a few minutes, it’s to the massage table, lying face down, with the arms stretched out, parallel to the body. This is when the main massage begins, smoothed by a thick warmed, oil poured on the back. Slowly, a wonderful, pampered feeling grows, almost as if the two therapists were one person with four hands, soothing, relaxing, releasing the muscles, all the way down the back to the legs, drawing out the tension as if they were rigid currents in the body being slowly drained away… the shower is a gentle wake up call with a scrub down to remove the soft, spicy flavour of the oil. A therapist always accompanies one from the treatment room: patients often feel as lax as if they had just woken from a deep and refreshing sleep!

An improved appearance is very much a part of distressing. IVAC even offers an Ayurvedic facial in their well-appointed beauty parlour. Soundaryavardhini starts with a cleansing with milk and rose water and then a scrub with dahi and rava. Eyes and lips are massaged with fragrant almond oil and a special herbal cream is applied on the face. Steam opens the pores, slices of cucumber are placed on the eyes and face pack of a herb called manjester and sandalwood paste is applied. After a while this is removed with a rose water spray and the skin cleansed again with a different cream. The final polishing is done with a mixture of rice and mint, which is then laved with rise water. The skin feels fresh, soft and rejuvenated.

The bottom line is that when we wished our new-found friends good-bye, while the wind-chimes at IVAC tinkled farewell, all the kinks and aches had vanished. And that was after just two days in the Centre. Had we spent a fortnight, we’d probably have left walking on Could Nine!

Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre - A Jewel of Ayurvedic Therapy
By Chris Kilham: Travel writer who has authored many books on Yoga and natural health, including Kava: medicine hunting in Paradise. 
Perhaps you are intrigued about Ayurvedic therapies, maybe even enough to consider making a pilgrimage to India to experience some of these legendary treatments first hand. Where are you going to go? 

India offers a broad range of choices, from the wholly unacceptable to the sublime. Some places of Ayurvedic treatment are so unfortunately seamy and unsanitary as to be truly scary. At the other end of the spectrum, deep into the realm of the sublime, the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC) offers all of the traditional therapies of Ayurveda, with unsurpassed amenities and attention to detail. In fact, at first glance you could mistake IVAC for a small, world-class spa, or an intimate, recondite lodging for the elite. 

Vaastu: The Ayurvedic Art of Household Harmony 
Shahannah and I arrived at IVAC after enduring several days of blazing heat and enough dust to last a lifetime. Our immediate impression, after just a few brief moments, was one of serenity. In shape contrast to the loud, crowded, dusty streets we’d been driving, IVAC offered peace, quite, cool shade and a pervasive sense of ease. “The effect that people experience here,” described IVAC’s founder Dr. Talavane Krishna, “is a result of the vaastu of this place. Vaastu is like the ancient Chinese system of Feng Shui, but even older, and more accurate. In vaastu, the careful placement and order of things encourages a harmonious flow of energy, and this supports harmony and good fortune. Here at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center we have taken extraordinary pains to make sure that everything conforms to the life-giving principles of vaastu. We want this place to be the very finest Ayurvedic center in the world”.

Dr. Krishna and his wife Anita have not only delved deeply into the vaastu system, but provide consultation to others who literally need to get their houses in order. The careful positioning of rooms fountains, shade trees, and all aspects of the IVAC facilities contributes, they say, to a powerful harmony. We certainly felt that harmony, whatever the cause.

A Healing Temple 
The Krishnas are joined in their efforts by Ayurvedic guru Dr. Krishna U.K. (another Krishna), and seasoned administrator Timoko Aoyagi, who share in crafting the careful program that puts IVAC in an elite Ayurvedic class. We entered the temple- like main building, with its cool, gently circulating air and clean marble floor, and I felt that anyone I know, however fussy, could immediately appreciate the place.

Treatment rooms for IVAC’s special therapies include all modern conveniences. Plumbing, which can be a nightmare in India, is modern, impeccable, and in working order. Rooms are exquisitely appointed with handcrafted furniture designed by Dr. Krishna. Tables, chairs, beds, massage tables, bathrooms, lighting and decorations are all one of a kind, and all beautiful. Standing in one room evidently proud of his handiwork, Dr. Krishna announced “We want a place that even the fussiest clients like Madonna would come to.” I suggested that Madonna might want twenty-four hour room service.” We would simply have to explain that we do not offer that,” Krishna replied.

From Rejuvenation to Cellulite Removal
Dr. Krishna, and anesthesiologist who practiced medicine for over twenty years in the West, understands how to run a health facility. A team of dedicated Ayurvedic physicians meets the health needs of all IVAC guests, each of whom fills out a detailed health questionnaire and undergoes a basic medical exam. On the basis of this examination, various courses of therapy are recommended.
Some people go to IVAC purely for rejuvenation purposes, for a good cleansing, invigorating massages, and yoga and meditation, all designed to leave them feeling refreshed and renewed. Others go for more serious health problem, including digestive disorders, obesity, circulatory problems and neurological problems. For all of these needs there are specific Ayurvedic therapies. “Did you know,” Anita Krishna pointed out “that some of the Ayurvedic massage methods actually get rid of cellulite?” Dr. Krishna concurred, describing how the intense circulation enhancing effect of certain Ayurvedic body work literally breaks up the fatty deposits of cellulite, restoring tone and luster to formerly lumpy, fatty skin. Shahannah and I suggested that an effective cellulite treatment alone could keep IVAC booked forever. Dr. Krishna nodded. “ Cellulite absolutely goes away with these massages. It is not difficult. Ayurveda has an answer for every problem.

Fabulous Food:
A constant issue in India, especially for those who are not seasoned Asian travelers is obtaining safe, wholesome food. In this regard, IVAC is a paragon of virtue. Food is expertly prepared by talented cooks who produce delicately seasoned foods using fastidiously clean methods and appliances. When we sat down to lunch at IVAC we were genuinely surprised by the exquisite quality of the food. “ Everything about a place must be good.” Anita explained. “ You cannot leave any part to chance. Food is very important and even more so when a person is undergoing cleansing or some kind of treatment. Often food is one of their few comforts, so of course it must be the finest quality and with the best taste.

Massage of a lifetime:
As we described in our journal entry, we ere both treated to exotic massages at IVAC. I’m pretty seasoned in this area. I used to work as a masseur, and I have probably had a thousand massages of different kinds. With that said, I can state unequivocally that I have never in my years experienced anything like the massage at IVAC: First two pairs of hands, and then four, kneaded, stretched, loosened, rubbed and energized me until my entire body felt as though it was singing with new cellular life. “ Many people undergo this treatment every day for one or two weeks,” Dr. Krishna told me. “ In some cases, they may even take a month’s course.” I cant imagine that kind of extraordinary treatment three days in a row. It must truly be life changing. 

Sometimes a great notion
Periodically, we encounter people who are engaged in a work of such breathtaking excellence that their story must be told. This is the case with IVAC. The sheer fanatical attention to detail with which the Krishnas are undertaking their work is truly high art. Frankly, that kind of dedication and vision is what is required to create a world class centre that combines extraordinary therapies from antiquity with unsurpasses modern facilities. If you are considering making a pilgrimage to the land of Ayurveda, IVAC is a worthy destination.

Dr. Raj Kumar 
Famous Kannada Cine actor 

"I came here limping but now I am able to walk briskly. The facilities at IVAC are excellent and not only does one get well here, he also learns a lot from the healing hands and nimble fingers of the therapists." 

Chris Kilham 
Author of many books on yoga and natural health says in his book Tales from the Medicine Trail

"India offers a broad range of choices, from the wholly unacceptable to the sublime; some places of Ayurvedic treatments are so unfortunately seamy and unsanitary as to be truly scary. At the other end of the spectrum, deep in the realm of the sublime, the IVAC offers all traditional therapies of Ayurveda, with unsurpassed amenities and attention to detail. In fact at first glance, you could mistake IVAC for a small, world class spa or an intimate, recondite lodging for the elite." 

Bina Gupta, Brooklyn, New York, USA 

"Our experience at IVAC has been great. Our main motive in coming here was to lose weight. My husband Ganesh did very well and lost about 6 kgs in a month and that is great. I lost only 2 kgs in a month but the treatments cured my insomnia which I have suffered for several years and could not be treated by doctors in the US. Now I am able to sleep very well.
We plan to return soon for 2 more weeks.". 

Dr. Susan Hoyt Clinical Psychologist, USA 

"My stay at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre was very pleasurable and relaxing and rejuvenating experience which was remarkably healing for the mind, body and soul. The staff are exceptional and dedicated to making one's stay as pleasant and healing as possible. ".  

Dr. Andrew Weil 
Harvard Medical Graduate and international authority on integrated medicine 

"The experience was positive and interesting for all of us. The staff is of the highest possible calibre".

Ms.Cheiko Matsui 
President, Cox and Kings Japan 


'I found there was a real Ayurvedic center, IVAC, in Mysore. It is not commercialised but genuine. It was a wonderful experience, which gave me power and youth. The facilities are of international standards and one feels very safe in a family environment. There is a presence of softness, purity and care in the people, the treatments and the facilities." 

David Linde 
Thomson’s Resort Holiday Service Manager for USA, Mexico, the Bahamas and India 

“A thoroughly enriching experience, with a supremely polished and professional staff that knock the spots off my Kerala encounters. An unequivocally wholehearted five-star recommendation!” 

Dr.Joanna Herman- Germany 

"I am really glad I did the panchakarma at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre and have felt really good since. It was amazing what it did to my yoga - I was so light and bendy afterwards that postures that have been eluding me for ages seemed to just come easily. The masseurs were thorough with their strokes and the treatment rooms were spotless. I also have to mention the Ayurvedic food, which was quite consistently delicious on all days of my stay." 

Khushma Mehta- South Africa 

Hello Dr Krishna,
Thank you very much for your kind message. I hope that you had a very
good Christmas yourself. I hope that you are still planning on visiting us in South Africa. My inlaws went to India a month ago and spent about 9 days
at your Ayurvedic center in Mysore. They had a really wonderful time there and have come home thoroughly rejuvenated.

Regards,
Khushma Mehta 

Neeta Shah- Australia 

"This is my second visit to IVAC in six months for the treatment of my daughter. I will never forget the things I have experienced here in my lifetime. I would always recommend this Ayurveda Centre to all my friends and relatives. It is Paradise.

I highly appreciate the personalized service given by the doctors and in particular the staff working here. By seeing that smile and politeness on all the faces, you feel half the battle is over. 

Last but not the least the food at this center is excellent."