Set in Chowara, on Kerala's southern coast just outside Trivandrum, Dr Franklin's Panchakarma Institute & Research Centre traces its Ayurvedic lineage back over 400 years. Founded in 1997 by Dr Franklin and now led by Managing Director Dr Sony Joseph, the centre has grown into one of the region's most established names for authentic, holistic, doctor-led Panchakarma care.

Dr Franklin's offers guests a truly transformative path to healing. Whether they are looking to rejuvenate, restore balance, or find relief from a long-standing ailments, the doctors and therapists help tailor individual care to what the body actually needs. Every treatment and every patient is guided by Ayurveda’s twin purpose, to protect health, boost longevity and to eliminate disease and restore balance to the body.

Every treatment plan is built and supervised by experienced physicians from a real first consultation, not a fixed template because authentic Panchakarma only works when it's tailored to the person in front of you. This is where guests come when they want the real thing, and not a spa version of it.

About Dr Franklin's

Dr Franklin's roots stretch back through four centuries of traditional Ayurvedic medical practice in the same family. Dr Franklin himself was academically qualified with a degree and postgraduate degree in Ayurveda and served the Kerala Government, rising to the post of Chief District Medical Officer, before establishing the centre in 1997. The centre is now directed by Dr Sony Joseph, a Senior Consultant with over 15 years of experience in Ayurvedic procedures, supported by a team of resident doctors, including Dr Soumya Franklin (Dr Franklin's daughter), Dr Ajith Kumar, Dr Udayashanker, Dr Janadathan and Dr Ratheesh.

The centre combines classical Ayurvedic treatment with the comforts of a modern health resort. It offers 69 rooms across two wings, an in-house Ayurvedic restaurant, a swimming pool, and grounds just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Every guest's programme begins with a doctor's consultation and is adjusted throughout the stay as their body responds to treatment. To maintain the quality and authenticity of its treatments, Dr Franklin's owns its own medicine-manufacturing unit and pharmacy, supplementing this with medicines sourced from established Ayurvedic pharmacies.

Dr Franklin operates a single centre in Chowara, Kerala, with no branches or affiliated centres in India or abroad.

Food

At Dr. Franklin's, diet and treatment go hand in hand. An improper diet is considered a root cause of illness, while a proper one supports both healing and long-term prevention and longevity. The centre's in-house restaurant, Life 'n' Leaf, serves a wide variety of Ayurvedic vegetarian food, prepared according to each guest's dosha profile and doctor's advice.

Non-vegetarian food, smoking, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the premises, and the dining experience is fully vegetarian and 'sattvic' throughout the stay.

Rooms

Dr Franklin's is built around a simple idea that healing works best when nature and comfort work together. The resort offers 69 rooms across two wings, ranging from simple standard rooms to air-conditioned cottages, so every guest can find a stay that feels restful and personal, whichever category they choose. Each room is designed with care, giving guests a tranquil environment that complements the treatment they've come here for.

All in-house guests have access to a full Ayurvedic diet (full board), with medicines included at no extra cost throughout the treatment days.

Ayurveda & Panchakarma

Dr. Franklin's has built its reputation on Panchakarma above all else - it's the treatment this centre specializes in and the one four generations of the family have practiced and refined. Ayurveda holds that the root cause of many ailments can be traced back to inefficient digestion, brought on by poor dietary choices, lifestyle habits and occupational stress. At Dr Franklin's, treatment is built around correcting this imbalance through Panchakarma with a structured, three-stage cleansing and rejuvenating process for the body, mind and soul.

• Poorvakarma (preparatory procedures): internal and external oleation (Snehana) and sudation therapies (Swedana) such as kizhi, pizhichil and dhara, alongside treatments to correct digestion and metabolism
• Pradhanakarma (the main purification procedures): body-purification therapies including vamana, virechana, nasya, snehavasthi and kashaya vasthi
• Paschatkarma (the follow-up phase): dietary regimens, rejuvenation therapies and lifestyle guidance to sustain the results

The first two stages are typically completed in 21–28 days, with the full three-stage journey including rejuvenating herbal preparations and dietary follow-up, taking around 51 days. Daily treatment generally runs 2–3 hours and guests have ongoing access to their doctor to track progress.

The centre also observes Karkidaka Chikitsa, the traditional monsoon-season Ayurvedic treatment period (July–August).

During this period, Kerala's climate shifts to cold, humid, windy conditions which are believed to unsettle the body's tridosha balance (vata, pitta, kapha), lowering immunity and making the body more prone to digestive, respiratory, joint and allergy-related issues. Treatments during this period include Panchakarma, herbal remedies and dietary adjustments aimed at eliminating toxins and promoting overall health. Programs are typically built around Shodhana Chikitsa (Panchakarma-style purification), Shamana Chikitsa (herbal symptom management), and rejuvenation therapies to restore immunity — often incorporating treatments like Abhyangam, Pizhichil, Nasyam, Njavarakizhi, and medicated steam baths, alongside a specific diet.

Daily group yoga sessions run each morning, with private sessions available on request for an additional charge. Sessions draw on Asana, Pranayama, Mantra and Yoga Nidra practices, complementing the Ayurvedic treatment programme with movement, breathwork and rest.

What’s Included in Your Ayurveda Stay

Every treatment programme at Dr Franklin's begins with a doctor's consultation and is tailored to the individual guest, with daily treatments typically running 2–3 hours. Across all packages, guests have ongoing access to doctors, an Ayurvedic diet issued after consultation, and a follow-up diet and herbal plan on completion. Group yoga is available at an additional per-day charge, with private sessions offered at a higher rate. Complimentary airport transfers apply to bookings of 7 nights or more.

Note: Exact duration, room categories and pricing for each package can be tailored on enquiry; the ranges above reflect the standard duration listed for these programmes.

Package Exclusions:

• International airfare
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional sightseeing and excursions
• Post-checkout medicines
• Additional treatments not prescribed within the package
• Airport Transfers

Why Book Through AyurUniverse?

For nearly a decade, AyurUniverse and Dr Franklin have partnered to provide guests with a seamless and personalized wellness journey from the moment they plan their visit until they complete their stay. From pre-arrival online doctor consultations, a hassle-free booking experience to airport transfers, insurance assistance and on-ground support, AyurUniverse ensures every aspect of the guest experience is carefully coordinated.

Backed by over 15 years of expertise as a trusted wellness platform and thousands of successful Ayurveda bookings and satisfied customers, AyurUniverse also offers dedicated wellness advisors who guide guests through every step, including pre-arrival consultations with their in-house Ayurvedic doctor or the center’s therapist and personalized treatment planning.