Wellness Tourism is a growing niche segmentin the tourism industry. Wellness tourism is travel under taken by tourists with the key purpose of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being. Destinations such as India have been conventionally associated with wellness. India is one of the most popular healthcare destinations among the South-Asian countries. According to the current estimates of Ernst and Young, Indian wellness industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of almost 12 per cent for the next five years and is estimated to reach Rs.1.5 trillion by 2020. India as a tourist destination has been a trend for American tourists seeking serenity and spiritual growth. Over 20 million Americans and more than a quarter of a billion people worldwide now practice yoga. Wellness tourism accounts for 14% of all domestic and international tourism expenditures. Today; Kerala is the most acclaimed tourist destination in India with its Global super brand 'God's Own Country' and is continuing as one of the leading tourist destinations of South Asia. The tourism campaign Kerala- God's Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and has become identical with the state. Kerala's tranquil climate, natural profusion of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are appropriate for curative and restorative packages. Wellness tourism has many exciting prospects for entrepreneurs. In order to cope with the growing demand for wellness, resorts, hospitals and medical practitioners, Government have taken sufficient measures to promote alternative health care in Kerala. This paper scrutinizes the diverse factors that contribute to Kerala’s strength as a preferred destination for Ayurveda based Wellness tourism.

KEYWORDS: Wellness Tourism, Wellness Travellers Entrepreneurship, Ayurveda.