India Yatra
IMMERSION
January 11th - 27th 2025
14-night journey of depth and discovery
in South India
From the mountains to the sea
Are you ready to explore India?
These fourteen-night experiences encapsulate the many reasons I've returned to visit India year after year. I will share the places and people that have guided and blessed me over the years, and together, we will make new discoveries and create new memories. I have been guiding these experiences since 2014, so you are in good hands with many years of experience. So if you are looking to begin 2025 like no other, continue reading...
This experience is more like a Yatra, a Yatra is a journey that is embarked upon for spiritual purposes. This is an incredible journey to the heart of Yoga through my favourite Indian state and home away from home Tamil Nadu.
This is quite a journey, we will be enjoying the flavours of Southern India's ancient temples as our focal point. Of course i'll share the material world of India during our stays in Chennai and Pondicherry to enliven your senses along the way. Together we will enjoy delicious meals, Southern India's traditional foods such as Idili, Masala Dosa, Thali plates, Masala chai and such sweet Indian sweets! I'll share my favourite boutiques for traditional items and sari shopping is a must experience.
During this adventure you'll meet some of my dear friends I've met during my studies and travels including my dear teacher Dr NC, one of the world's most experienced Yoga therapists and philosophy teachers.
You'll be blessed to receive a comprehensive South India cooking class at my friend Laksmi's house. You'll experience the ancient rituals of fire puja in the very place the great Sage Patanjali received the teachings of yoga under the guidance of my friend Selva who is a priest at Chidambaram temple.
Please read on for the full itinerary and how you can reserve your spot. This Yatra is unlike another, and given that we are travelling around, the schedule will vary each day. You will be collected from the airport if you arrive on the day of the retreat, everything will be taken care of, and I will do my best to ensure we have an amazing time together! You are also welcome to come a few days early just let me know I can give you the hotel details and I will share my travel contacts as required.
Your guide in this wonderful adventure!
Please reach out to discuss this incredible adventure
Rachel
“Just divine insight and presence by Rachel in the practices, design of yatra, and as our friend. Whether it was health or other challenges that emerged Rachel listens with a compassionate heart and supportive wisdom that is a rare gem. India is like no other country to visit. To know Rach was walking alongside me in all of these experiences, the learning, and unravelling was golden....thank you always Rach. And...the humour and laughs were always bubbling amongst us all because you encouraged us to be free! I headed home with one distinctive thought...anything is now possible, and it has been true.”
~ Louise 2023~
OUR ITINERARY
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As a gorgeous soft landing, we will have two nights at a rather lavish hotel with a gorgeous pool. We chill out around the pool as we adjust to the time zone and explore my favourite eating and shopping spots, so you'll have all you need for the trip. Including culturally appropriate clothing, so you are temple ready.
Chennai is the home of our yoga tradition and lineage, my India home away from home. You'll have time to swim and rest after significant air travel. You'll also meet Rachel's teacher and visit the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM).
The Yatra begins in it's fullness from here..
Om Namaḥ śivāya - is used as a greeting as well as a prayer!
This 800m-high extinct volcano dominates Tiruvannamalai. Arunachala’s a śīva mountain is at the centre of our visit where we climb the hill and meditate in the caves where Sri Ramana Maharśi lived and meditated (1899–1922). An infamous town that attracts spiritual seekers from India and beyond. We will climb part of the holy mountain, meditate in teh Sri Ramana caves and sit with the cool kids in some fabulous cafes. The main Śiva temple here is connected to the primordial element of fire/ Tejas.
"Let what comes come, lets what goes go and see what remains."
Sri Ramana Maharisi
In Pondicherry, we'll be departing from Tiruvannamalai to stay at a beautiful home owned by a French woman named Geraldine. With its delightful French influence, Pondicherry offers a charming backdrop for our adventures. Breakfast is included, but for other meals, you'll have the option to dine independently, with an estimated cost of $10 per meal if you choose to explore away from the group.
Pondicherry is perfect for leisurely strolls, so feel free to take time away from the group if you wish. The home also has a restaurant attached, giving you the option to dine in if you prefer.
During our stay, we'll embark on a cycling tour of the coastal town, indulge in a cooking class and sari tying session hosted by my dear friend, and visit a serene Ganesha temple. We'll also have the opportunity to explore the peaceful community of Auroville, preparing us for temple visits as we continue our journey to Citambaram.
Citambaram is a sacred temple town known as the home of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, and the legendary site where the great Sage Patanjali is said to have witnessed Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, the tandava. It is believed that Patanjali received the teachings of Yoga here. During our visit, we will stay in a humble hotel located at the temple gates, immersing ourselves in the sacred atmosphere for three transformative nights. We'll engage in rituals, puja ceremonies, and spend time wandering, meditating, and soaking in the ancient energy of the temple with its flagstones beneath our feet.
The sacred chant of "Om Namaḥ śivāya" resonates day and night in Citambaram, and we'll joyfully join in this mantra, offering our reverence and surrender to the divine. Get ready for a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience in this divine abode. Om Namaḥ śivāya!
In Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, we will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple emanates a powerful energy that we will attune to during our visit.
Thanjavur is also renowned for its distinctive painting style, characterized by the lavish use of materials such as gold foil, lace, and semi-precious stones to embellish the artwork. Additionally, the city is known for its unique style of embossed metal plates. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Thanjavur.
In Madurai, our main destination is the incredible Meenakshi Amman Temple, a marvel that traces its origins back to the 4th century.
According to Hindu legend, the god Shiva arrived in Madurai in the form of Sundareswarar to wed Meenakshi, the daughter of the Pandya ruler. Meenakshi herself was a manifestation of the goddess Parvati. The Meenakshi Amman Temple stands as a testament to their divine union, making it a sacred site where we connect with both the masculine and feminine energies, symbolized by Shiva and Shakti.
Exploring the Meenakshi Amman Temple is not just a journey through history and mythology but also an opportunity for spiritual contemplation and reflection. It's a place where one can experience the divine presence and feel a deep connection.
Daily rituals, pujas (worship ceremonies), and festivals infuse the temple with a palpable sense of devotion and fervor. The atmosphere is alive with the sounds of bhajans (devotional songs), the scent of incense, and the sight of devotees offering prayers and performing rituals.
Kanyakumari, our final destination and the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu, holds a special place in many hearts, including mine. I recall my first visit here in 2006 with fondness, and I'm eager to return almost two decades later.
This coastal town is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is famous for its breathtaking ocean sunrise, sunset, and moonrise, offering mesmerizing views that captivate visitors from all over the world. The Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated off the coast, stand as iconic landmarks, symbolizing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
Kanyakumari is also a revered pilgrimage center, drawing devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace. At the heart of the town lies a temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari, after whom the town is named. The temple is a sacred site where devotees gather to pay homage to the divine feminine and seek her blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.
As we explore Kanyakumari, we'll be immersed in its vibrant tapestry of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and spiritual significance, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
Arrive Chennai 11th & 12th January (2 nights)
13th - 15th Tiruvannamalai (2 nights)
15th - 18th we arrive in Pondicherry (3 nights)
18th - 21st January we arrive in Citambaram (3 nights)
21st Thanjavur (1 night)
22nd Madurai (1 night)
23rd - 27th Kanyakumari (3 nights)
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Transfers if you arrive and depart on dates the retreat begins and finishes - if not you'll need to make your own which we can help you with.
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Twin share accommodation (sorry no single rooms) at a vary of hotels and bed and breakfasts stars vary depending on the location and availbiility locally
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An air conditioned bus and driver will be our mode of transport throughout the trip
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Semi regular full spectrum Yoga and chanting practices depending on our schedule - self practice is encouraged a yoga therapy consultation maybe available at an additional cost
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Meditation and circle time to process our experiences
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A traditional South Indian cooking class
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Cycling tour of Pondi
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Sari/ lungi tying workshop
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Temple rituals and ceremonies with special guides
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner at all locations -except for Pondicherry & Citamabaram where there's free time to wander.
EXCLUSIONS
Chennai
Tiruvannamalai
Pondicherry
Chitambaram
Thanjavur
Madurai
Kanyakumari
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A Yoga therapy consultation with Dr NC may be available as an addition
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Alcoholic drinks during the trip
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Additional room service or meals outside of the group arrangements or inclusions
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Additional transport rickshaws if you want to out and about
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Additional travel can be arranged please ask for our favourite travel agent for amazing service
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Additional tips and charitable donations should you wish to give
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We suggest you'll need a max of $350 AUD spending money max unless you want to purchase items.
INVESTMENT & BOOKING
This trip is bound to sellout.
Bookings are first come first served | 5 spaces remaining.
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Investment
Early bird: $5499 AUD per person twin room (full payment before 01/09/24)
Full Price: $5995 twin room
To secure your sacred space a $1000 AUD deposit is required.
All payments to be finalized by 14th November 2024
PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM VIA THE LINK BELOW
TRAVEL INFORMATION
We'll be providing 2-3 Zoom travel briefings to ensure you're well-prepared for your journey. Additionally, we'll have a WhatsApp group where you can connect with fellow travelers, facilitating coordination for booking flights and additional travel experiences together.
The retreat officially begins at 11 am in Chennai on January 11th and concludes at 12 noon on the 27th, with drop-off at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. You'll need to arrange an internal flight back to Chennai, but rest assured, we'll assist you with all your travel needs.
Please note that there are no direct flights from Sydney to Chennai, so you might consider extending your trip with a night or two in Singapore en route. For assistance with flights, I recommend working with a travel agent who can provide support and flexibility in case of any changes to your travel plans.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please make sure you are fully able to attend before securing your spot.
Your $1000 deposit is non-refundable, while all additional payments are refundable up to 90 days prior to our departure date. After this period, our policy is strictly no refunds and no changes. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance that aligns with your risk tolerance level.
Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur. Exceptions or discounts cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, complete or for arriving late or leaving early.
Please note that travel insurance is mandatory for this trip and must be purchased no later than 30 days after registration. Kindly provide proof of travel insurance as soon as possible.
Additionally, please be aware that an Indian e-visa is required for entry into the country. You can apply for this visa up to 30 days before your departure date, but not before.
For any other questions or further information
contact Rachel rayoflightyoga000@gmail.com
Past Memories
