Ayushakti, a global leader in Ayurvedic healthcare, has launched its latest franchise outlet in Punawale, a growing suburb of Pimpri-Chinchwad. This marks Ayushakti’s 7th franchise in Maharashtra and the 29th outlet overall, reinforcing its mission to make ancient healing accessible across the region.

The new centre, located at Longitude Building, Gaikwad Nagar, Koyate Vasti Road, is equipped with two therapy rooms, two consultation areas, and a trained team of Ayurvedic experts. All practitioners have been trained under the guidance of Co-founder Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and CEO Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram, ensuring consistency in the quality and authenticity of treatments.

Patients visiting the Punawale franchise will benefit from a variety of Ayurvedic services, including deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha), Panchkarma detox therapies, massages, steam treatments, herbal remedies, marma techniques, and customised diet plans.

Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, shared her enthusiasm during the launch event, saying, “I am very glad to launch yet another outlet in a short span, in Maharashtra. We wholeheartedly look forward to serve our customers here and help them heal. Our expansion comes with the thought of touching as many individuals on planet Earth and helping them live a healthy life.”

She further added, “The response we have received over the past year has been phenomenal, which makes us excited about adding new outlets across India.”

Founded in 1987 by Master healer Late Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr. Smita Naram, Ayushakti has been on a mission to transform community health through the power of ancient Ayurvedic practices. The company currently operates in nine countries and has helped over a million people worldwide.

Located amidst lush greenery and just steps from Kerala’s iconic waterfalls, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly is a rainforest wellness hideaway that naturally embodies the essence of cooling rejuvenation. The constant mist of the nearby Athirappilly waterfalls, shaded forest canopies, and elevated riverside air create a cool microclimate that enhances every wellness experience.

Signature Cooling Therapies at Samroha Include:

• Takradhara by the Falls - A tranquil Ayurvedic treatment using a continuous stream of cool medicated buttermilk over the forehead, performed to the soothing soundtrack of cascading water, ideal for heat-induced stress and anxiety.
  
  

• Aloe & Cucumber Body Wraps - Deeply hydrating and anti-inflammatory, these wraps soothe sun-exposed skin and leave guests feeling refreshed and rebalanced.
  
  

• Herbal Oil Couple Massages - Featuring cooling oils with ingredients like vetiver and mint, this therapy calms muscular tension while offering a shared moment of deep relaxation.
  
  

• Hydrotherapy Rituals & Forest Meditation - Morning walks through shaded rainforest paths lead to riverside meditation spots, offering grounding and natural detoxification through movement and breath.
  
  

• Open-Air Yoga & Cooling Pranayama  - Held in pavilions that overlook the misty valley, these sessions incorporate gentle asanas and breathing techniques to lower body temperature and calm the Pitta dosha.
  
  

Across Niraamaya Retreats: A Summer-Focused Wellness Ethos

All Niraamaya locations are embracing the season with thoughtful cooling practices:

• Floral hydrotherapy baths using rose, jasmine, and sandalwood
  

• Herbal teas and infused waters with vetiver, fennel, and tulsi
  

• Gourmet wellness dining rich in seasonal, cooling ingredients
  

• Tailored summer wellness programs including Ayurveda, yoga, and nutrition
  

Crafting the Ultimate Summer Refresh

What makes a wellness retreat truly memorable in the summer is its ability to merge natural surroundings, healing traditions, and personalized care. At Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly, this philosophy comes alive in every detail, from the therapies to the setting itself.

As guests seek new ways to thrive in the heat, cooling therapies offer more than relief, they offer renewal. Resorts that embrace this philosophy are not only in tune with the seasons but are leading the way in modern, sustainable wellness.

Before Dharana at Shillim became a sanctuary for holistic wellness, it was simply a valley in the Sahyadri ranges—rich in biodiversity but battling deforestation and degradation. Touched by its beauty and the environmental damage unfolding before their eyes, brothers William and Denzil de Souza set out on a mission to preserve this untouched corner of the Western Ghats.

What followed was a remarkable act of guardianship: the acquisition of 2,500 acres of land—not for development, but for protection. Over the next 15 years, the family committed themselves to restoring Shillim’s natural ecosystem. Through afforestation, water conservation, and careful land stewardship, the valley was allowed to heal. Today, it is home to over one million trees and a thriving native habitat.

In 2013, this journey evolved into something even more profound with the launch of Dharana at Shillim by Gavin de Souza, second son of the late William de Souza. Spread across 320 acres within the protected 2,500-acre valley, Dharana is more than just a retreat—it’s a living, breathing model of mindful luxury that blends wellness, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

Not a single tree was felled in its construction. Instead, Dharana’s architecture was shaped by the contours of the land, using earthen and bamboo materials. Rooted in Ayurveda and functional medicine, the retreat’s wellness approach honours both ancient traditions and modern science.

At the heart of Dharana are six key sustainability pillars:

• Nature-Integrated Design: Built to exist in harmony with the landscape, every structure deepens the connection between guest and nature.

• Earth-to-Table Nutrition: Food is sourced from on-site organic farms using regenerative agriculture.

• Zero-Waste Living: From composting to plastic-free packaging, Dharana leads by example in waste reduction.

• Forest Conservation: Thousands of native species have been planted to rebuild biodiversity, with a goal to reforest 10% of scrubland by 2030.

• Clean Energy: Solar panels meet 20% of Dharana’s energy needs, reducing diesel consumption by 90,000 litres annually.

• Community Empowerment: Training local women in sustainable practices, Dharana aims to support over 5,000 families by 2030.

This Earth Day, Dharana at Shillim stands as a reminder that true luxury lies in living with purpose, in harmony with the earth. Here, every guest is invited not just to unwind—but to reconnect, rejuvenate, and play a part in a greater story of healing and hope.