Set amid 30 acres of certified organic farmland in Whitefield, Bengaluru, SOUKYA – Dr. Mathai's International Holistic Health Centre – is a residential integrative health destination that brings together Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, Homeopathy and complementary therapies. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Isaac Mathai and Dr. Suja Issac, SOUKYA was created around the belief that lasting wellbeing requires attention to the whole person – mind, body and spirit – rather than simply treating individual symptoms.

SOUKYA combines traditional systems of medicine with modern medical understanding, with each guest undergoing an individual health assessment before a personalised treatment plan is developed. The centre caters to both preventive wellness and medical needs, including lifestyle-related conditions, chronic illnesses and complex health concerns.

The experience is residential and immersive. Guests live within a peaceful, nature-rich environment, follow personalized treatment and dietary plans, and have access to yoga, walking trails, gardens and other activities that complement their health programme.

About the Center

SOUKYA sits on a 30-acre campus that includes certified organic farmland, medicinal gardens, mature trees and landscaped gardens, allowing guests to undertake their health journey in a quiet natural environment away from the bustle of Bengaluru. SOUKYA's defining feature is its integrative approach to healthcare. The centre brings together different systems of traditional and natural medicine rather than treating them as isolated disciplines. It is India's first NABH-accredited AYUSH Hospital for Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga and Naturopathy, with accreditation dating to 2012 and has been awarded the National Tourism Award.

Unlike a conventional Ayurveda resort or spa, SOUKYA functions as a residential holistic health centre where several systems of medicine are brought together under medical supervision. The combination of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga and Homeopathy, supported by complementary therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology and therapeutic massages, enables treatment plans to be tailored to the individual's needs.

SOUKYA was founded in 2002 by Dr. Isaac Mathai and Dr. Suja Issac. Dr. Mathai, a Homeopathic physician, developed the medical and integrative treatment model, while Dr. Suja shaped the centre's environment, architecture, landscaping, nutrition and overall guest experience.

Dr. Mathai's work grew from an interest in combining different healing disciplines. His training includes Homeopathy in London, Chinese pulse diagnosis and acupuncture in Nanjing, and mind-body medicine at Harvard Medical School. His vision was to move beyond treating symptoms and create a model of healthcare centred on prevention, healing and long-term well-being.

Dr. Suja, who has a background in food and nutrition, developed SOUKYA's ovo-vegetarian dietary programme and played a central role in its architecture and landscape design. Her design philosophy emphasizes natural light and ventilation, local materials, sustainability and a close relationship between buildings and nature.

The SOUKYA campus was designed as part of the healing experience rather than simply as accommodation around a treatment centre. The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Indian forms, including the Kerala nalukettu-style layout used in parts of the reception and medical buildings. Handmade local tiles, natural materials, open corridors, landscaped gardens, traditional roof forms and abundant natural light contribute to an environment that feels residential rather than clinical. The Yoga Hall has a more rustic, hut-like character with mud walls.

The centre is equally relevant for guests seeking preventive wellness and rejuvenation and for those looking for structured support for chronic or lifestyle-related health concerns. Its 30-acre organic setting provides a quiet backdrop for an immersive stay, while its medical team ensures that the experience remains personalised and clinically supervised.

SOUKYA has welcomed members of the British Royal Family, with then Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visiting the centre for holistic health and rejuvenation. In November 2019, Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday at SOUKYA, where the couple experienced its integrative therapies, yoga, meditation and organic vegetarian cuisine. The royal connection has continued over the years, with Camilla making several private visits and King Charles returning to SOUKYA in 2024. Their association with the centre reflects their long-standing interest in integrative medicine and Ayurveda.

Sustainability

Sustainability has been part of SOUKYA's philosophy since its inception. The property generates approximately 220 kW of solar power, while a wind turbine supplies power for lighting in the dining area. Rainwater is collected in a dedicated pond for use in the gardens and farm. The certified organic farm produces vegetables, fruits and other crops, while the medicinal garden grows more than 130 varieties of Ayurvedic, herbal and aromatic plants, supplying a major proportion of ingredients used for in-house Ayurvedic oils and medicines.

Other initiatives include biogas generation using cow dung and food and agricultural waste, vermicomposting and organic honey production. Nearly 3,000 trees have been planted across the property, supporting the area's biodiversity and birdlife. A distinctive feature of SOUKYA's sustainability model is its low-carbon approach to commuting: the centre states that 97% of its staff walk to work.

Why Book Through AyurUniverse?

For nearly a decade, AyurUniverse and SOUKYA have partnered to provide guests with a 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 10 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.

Food

Food is an integral part of the SOUKYA treatment philosophy. Doctors, nutritionists and culinary specialists work together to create personalized, body-type-specific cuisine designed to complement each guest's treatment programme. The centre serves predominantly Sattvic, organic ovo-vegetarian food, prepared with an emphasis on low fat, low salt and low spice. The menu includes Indian, regional and international dishes, allowing healthy food to remain varied and enjoyable throughout a longer stay.

Much of the produce is grown on the property's certified organic farm. The farm includes vegetables, fruits and crops such as coconuts and mangoes, while the medicinal garden supplies ingredients for the preparation of Ayurvedic oils and medicines. Guests can also take part in cooking demonstrations, providing an opportunity to learn more about healthy and Sattvic cuisine.

Health Insurance

As an NABH-certified Ayurveda hospital, treatment programs at SOUKYA may qualify for reimbursement under private health insurance or supplementary natural-therapy plans, subject to your policy's terms. Guests are recommended to confirm their coverage directly with their insurer before booking, since cashless insurance is not available on-site and guests will need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement afterward.

The AyurUniverse team will coordinate with SOUKYA to compile and provide all the supporting documentation (medical reports, invoices, treatment summaries) guests need to submit their claims smoothly.