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Explore the Beauty of Shillim on Your Wellness Journey from Lonavala

Welcome to Shillim Valley, a diverse ecological hotspot that is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna. The lush Shillim Forests remain protected and thriving, serving as a haven for numerous migratory bird species. Along with the natural beauty, the valley boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, points of interest, and cultural heritage sites that are frequently overlooked. If you’re embarking on a wellness journey in Shillim, make sure to check out these five must-visit locations!

Simplicity and togetherness best describe life in the peaceful Shillimb Village. This is a community of paddy, wheat, and vegetable farmers who utilize the gifts of the valley to sustain themselves! The Dharana Wellness Retreat emphasizes visits to the village, making the understanding and experience of this life an effective antithesis to urban living. As a hub to the entire valley, the Shillimb Village is home to around 800 people.

As a Spiritual Retreat in India, excursions to the Wageshwar Temple are highly recommended! Estimated to have been built 6-7 centuries ago, the temple continues to survive natural elements, standing as a monument to historical architecture. A temple to Lord Shiva, its location results in it being submerged for the majority of the year. This interesting factor makes the Wageshwar Temple one of the Best Places to Visit Near Pawna Lake, especially in the summer months. 

  • Tikona Fort

This 16th Century Fort is not only an interesting looking glass into the empires of before but also an invigorating trek! The climb from the base of this triangular hill to the top takes about 2 hours and is complete with a trail and scenic views as you ascend. At the top, the ruins of the fort lean into a time when the valley was held as an important strategic location. 

  • Bedse Caves

Dating back to the 1st century BCE, these ancient caves are one of the most interesting Places to Visit Near Lonavala. Offering stunning views of the surrounding Hills and Valleys, these caves were used extensively by Buddhist Monks, as indicated by the intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist deities. The Buddhist way of living can be identified with how the caves are structured. One half of the cave houses a large prayer house, while the other half has multiple smaller areas for private study and meditation. 

Formed artificially as a reservoir of the Pawna Dam, this lake has become an essential part of the valley, its functioning, and its ecosystem. A modern classic, Pawna Lake is a stop for many when considering the Places to Visit Near Lonavala. Due to the size of the lake, there are calm, serene, and undisturbed waters to be found almost anywhere. Water is tied closely to health, wellness, and peace, something channeled within the lake’s deep blue waters…

These locations can all be experienced during your stay at the Dharana Wellness Retreat near Mumbai. A sanctuary for the body, mind, and spirit, the retreat invites you to explore your current relationship with Wellness. The experts at the Dharana Wellness Retreat offer a range of holistic programs tailored to your specific goals. With their guidance, you can unlock your full potential in terms of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. To book a programme, click this link.

Dharana Ayurvedic Panchakarma

For life-changing physical and emotional purification

Minimum length of stay: 14/21/28 nights

The ultimate in holistic cleansing systems. This legendary system of detoxification is taken to the next level at Dharana. Using our unique Ayurvedic analysis methods, which combine both manual pulse diagnosis with scientific Naadi Tarangini technology, we first determine the imbalances of your dosha – the three bio-energetic principles which make up every human body. This enables us to then determine the Prakruthi and Vikruthi of each individual, which is the gateway to establishing your innate constitution and where you have been drawn out of balance by everything from emotional stress to how you eat and exercise.

 

Programme inclusions

FAQ

 Following a prescribed pre-Panchakarma diet can enhance the effectiveness of the programme & prepare the body for the programme. Our team will provide you with detailed pre-cleanse recommendations tailored to your individual needs.

 Yes, you can still engage in gentle physical activities like yoga during Panchakarma. However, we recommend avoiding strenuous exercises to ensure your body can fully utilise the energy to heal during the detoxification process.

  We encourage guests to prioritise their wellbeing during their stay, and we understand the need to balance work commitments. Our tranquil environment and supportive staff will facilitate your ability to work remotely, if necessary.

   Our Ayurvedic practitioners are highly qualified and experienced in Panchakarma therapies. They hold degrees and certifications in Ayurveda and are dedicated to providing personalised care throughout your journey.

It is normal to experience mild discomfort or detoxification reactions, sometimes referred to as a ‘healing crisis,’ during Panchakarma. Our team will closely monitor your progress and provide gentle remedies and support to alleviate any discomfort.

 Before starting Panchakarma, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history and current medications to ensure your safety. Certain medications may need to be temporarily discontinued during the programme to prevent interactions.

The experience of Panchakarma varies for each individual, but you may initially feel a mix of physical and emotional effects as your body undergoes detoxification, sometimes referred to as a ‘healing crisis’.

Weight loss can occur as a natural side effect of Panchakarma due to the elimination of toxins and improved digestion. However, the primary goal of the programme is holistic purification and rejuvenation rather than solely weight loss.

Following Panchakarma, we recommend gradually reintroducing nourishing foods that are easy to digest. Our team will provide you with post-cleanse dietary recommendations to support your body’s transition back to regular eating habits.

To sustain the benefits of Panchakarma, we encourage incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine, including mindful eating, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and proper self-care practices.

The frequency of Panchakarma programmes depends on individual health goals and needs. Our Ayurvedic practitioners will work with you to determine the optimal timing for repeating the programme to maintain and enhance your wellbeing.

Guests above the age of 17 are eligible to opt for programmes for 5 nights and above.