tulåh was founded by Faizal E. Kottikollon from a deeply personal belief: that true health
begins with balance.
Inspired by a lifelong search for purpose and a deep reverence for both nature, his vision
was to create a place that helps people turn inward, restore balance, and rediscover a
deeper sense of wellbeing. tulåh is the expression of that vision, a sanctuary designed to
guide each person back to themselves.
This film is a short excerpt from a longer conversation with Faizal E. Kottikollon. You can watch the full 7-minute founder film here.
Faizal E. Kottikollon is an entrepreneur and
philanthropist who has built pioneering ventures across
engineering, construction and healthcare through his
family office, KEF Holdings.
tulåh was shaped by a deeply personal experience.
When progressive numbness in his hand led to severe
neck pain and surgery seemed inevitable, he brought
neurologists, physiotherapists and Ayurvedic doctors
together and found a path to healing. This experience
became the inspiration for tulåh and the vision to share
this integrative approach to healing with the world.
Shabana Faizal is an entrepreneur, cultural patron and
philanthropist who plays a central role in shaping the
vision and values of KEF Holdings. Through her work
across business, philanthropy and the arts, she has
championed initiatives that foster creativity, community
and cultural preservation, a commitment that saw her
named among India’s top 10 philanthropists in 2025.
At tulåh, Shabana’s creative sensibility is woven into all
aspects of the sanctuary’s artistic and cultural
expression. From the art and design to the rituals and
cultural experiences throughout the space, she has
helped create an environment where healing is enriched by beauty, culture and human connection.
Set within the lush landscapes of Kerala, a global centre
of Ayurveda today, tulåh is rooted in a region where
nature and healing traditions have evolved together for
centuries.
Near Calicut on India’s southwestern coast, this land is
cradled by the Western Ghats, one of the oldest
mountain ranges in the world, and the Arabian Sea.
Together they shape a climate and biodiversity that
nurture a living pharmacy of medicinal herbs and
plants, forming the very foundation of many ancient
healing traditions.
Built to LEED and WELL standards and guided
by a regenerative food philosophy, tulåh exists
in rhythm with the land and communities that
sustain it.
Designed to live in harmony with its
surroundings, the sanctuary incorporates solar
energy, aquifer recharge pits and responsible
water systems, alongside energy-efficient
radiant cooling. Across the sanctuary, seasonal
ingredients and locally sourced produce shape a
food philosophy that honours both nature and nourishment.
The Faizal & Shabana Foundation reflects a shared
belief that progress must serve people and
communities. Through initiatives in education,
healthcare, community development and the arts, the
Foundation works to create lasting opportunity and
meaningful change.
With a strong focus on education, its school
transformation initiatives have already impacted more
than X students in Y schools. The philosophy behind
this work also lives at the heart of tulåh: that
contributing to the wellbeing of others is an essential
part of a meaningful and happy life.
Meitra Hospital, tulåh’s sister institution in Calicut,
reflects the founders’ commitment to advancing
healthcare through clinical excellence and compassion.
Developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic,
Meitra brings together more than 200 specialists across
disciplines, providing tulåh with access to deep medical
expertise when required.
At tulåh, healing extends beyond the body to include
the clarity of the mind and the development of the
intellect. For this reason, the philosophy of Vedanta
forms an integral part of the tulåh experience.
Through a collaboration with the Vedanta Academy
founded by Swami A. Parthasarathy, a resident teacher
joins tulåh each month to guide daily sessions. As a
practical philosophy of life, Vedanta offers timeless
principles for clearer thinking, emotional balance and
wiser living, complementing the medical and
therapeutic work of the sanctuary.