When you hear the word “Kottakkal,” it immediately brings to mind none other than Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier’s Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, a renowned Ayurvedic center with over a century of legacy. Revered not just in India, but across the globe, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala stands as a symbol of Indian alternative medicine and holistic healing.
Arya Vaidya Sala was founded in 1902, a period when Ayurveda was deeply ingrained in the lives of Keralites. Despite the twentieth century witnessing the rapid rise of modern medicine, Arya Vaidya Sala remained resilient, continuing to provide traditional treatments and medicines. This unwavering commitment helped it thrive through the century, and today, in the twenty-first century, it stands in even higher demand as alternative and natural medicine have become increasingly sought after around the world.
Alongside the rise of Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal town also flourished and grew in prosperity. Historically, Kottakkal was a strategic military location during the days of Valluvanad and the Samoothiri (Zamorin), from which the town derived its name. In Malayalam, “Kotta” means fort and “kal” means place, reflecting its historical significance as a fortified area.
Modern-day Kottakkal has expanded significantly, stretching from Edarikode to Randathani in the west along NH 66. While the new alignment of NH 66 bypasses Kottakkal town, running through the western area of Changuvetty, the Puthur Bypass has now become the town’s eastern boundary. The Changuvetty-to-Puthur road remains the heart of Kottakkal, while the Edarikkode-Randathani stretch is emerging as a new business and commercial hub, featuring modern hospitals, hypermarkets, and hotels, reflecting the town’s dynamic growth and modernization.
Kottakkal is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The largest railway station in Malappuram district, Tirur, is just 14 kilometers away, while Angadipuram railway station on the Shornur-Nilambur line is also easily accessible from Kottakkal. For air travel, Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ) is located 25 kilometers away, a convenient 40-minute drive, making Kottakkal a well-linked and easily accessible town.
Economy
The economy of Kottakkal is indeed centered on Ayurveda and medical tourism, particularly due to the presence of Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS), a premier institution of Ayurvedic treatment, research, and medicine manufacturing. Kottakkal has developed into a hub for medical tourism, attracting patients not only from different parts of India but also internationally, especially from the Middle East.
AVS remains a key draw for patients worldwide, known for its traditional and effective Ayurvedic treatments. Other Ayurvedic hospitals and clinics have also emerged in Kottakkal, catering to the increasing demand for alternative medicine, with a special focus on Middle Eastern patients. Milife Medicity, Alikkutty Hospital, Garden International and Ayurgreen are major alternative healthcare providers in Kottakkal. The strong Kerala diaspora in Gulf countries has been instrumental in marketing Kottakkal’s Ayurvedic services, creating a network that promotes the town as a destination for healing.
While Malappuram district has the natural potential to develop broader tourism, such as eco-tourism with its scenic beaches, mountains, and rivers, the region’s tourism sector remains largely focused on medical tourism.
The presence of modern super-specialty hospitals like Aster MIMS and ALMAS in Kottakkal and the surrounding region has further diversified the healthcare services available. While Kottakkal is primarily renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments, these hospitals offer cutting-edge medical care, providing a comprehensive healthcare system that combines both traditional and modern medicine.
Aster MIMS and ALMAS provide advanced medical services, including specialties like cardiology, neurology, oncology, and critical care, which complement the region’s focus on alternative medicine. This blend of services makes Kottakkal an even more attractive destination for medical tourism, as patients can access a full spectrum of care—ranging from holistic Ayurvedic treatments at Ayurvedic hositals to the latest in medical technology at these super-specialty hospitals.
The availability of modern healthcare infrastructure alongside traditional treatments enhances the overall healthcare experience, meeting the needs of both local residents and international medical tourists, especially those from the Middle East. This combination retaines Kottakkal’s position as a key medical hub in the region.
Neighboring towns like Manjeri, Valanchery, Edappal, and Kondotty have indeed emerged as important medical tourism destinations, benefiting from the medical infrastructure and reputation established by Kottakkal.
According to the local survey conducted by Jyothik Research, the medical tourism industry in Kottakkal has seen significant economic impact, with over one million USD being spent by foreign tourists, particularly for Ayurvedic treatments. This figure highlights the substantial contribution of medical tourism to the local economy. However, the total revenue from Ayurvedic medicine production and sales is likely much larger, given the global demand for Ayurveda-based products manufactured in Kottakkal.
Beyond medical tourism, the perfume industry, especially centered around Oud, has experienced rapid growth. Oud, a luxury fragrance highly sought after by Arabs, has become a booming business in Kottakkal. Local entrepreneurs have capitalized on this demand, and the town is now recognized for its high-quality perfume production, catering primarily to Arabs.
The fast food and restaurant business has also flourished, with a unique market niche in Arabic cuisine. Many restaurants in Kottakkal offer a wide variety of Arabic dishes, making it one of the rare places in Kerala where tourists and locals alike can access authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. This includes popular Arabic dishes such as shawarma, hummus, kebabs, and mandi.
Add a Comment