Southern India Yātrā
A SPIRITUAL IMMERSION
January 9th - 23rd 2027
From the Moutains to the sea
Dear friend,
Every year I head to India on a personal pilgrimage and for 2027 you are invited. I've been leading these adventures for the past eleven years. These 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. So if you are looking to begin 2027 like no other, continue reading...
This experience is more like a "Yātrā " which is a sanskrit word for pilgrimage. This 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.
We will be enjoying the flavours of Southern India's ancient temples as our focal point. Of course i'll share my favourite shops, boutiques, cafes and resturants to enliven your senses along the way.India has many beautiful things to offer us. 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!
During this adventure you'll meet some of my dear friends I've met during my studies and travels including my dear teacher of over fifteen years Dr Chandrasekaran, one of the world's most experienced Yoga therapists and philosophy teachers. You'll be blessed to receive a comprehensive South India cooking class, you'll experience the ancient rituals of pūja in the very place the great Sage Patañjali received the teachings of yoga under the guidance of my friend Selva who is a priest at Chidambaram temple.
This is a uniquely personal adventure, not a tour or a retreat but me sharing my favourite people and places with you.
Your guide in this wonderful adventure!
Please reach out to discuss this incredible adventure.
Rachel
OUR ITINERARY
Chennai
We welcome you in India and have arranged a gorgeous soft landing, we will have two nights at a very comfortable 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 the Krishnamacharya tradition, my India home away from home. You'll have time to swim and rest after significant air travel.
We recieve a warm welcome from my teacher Dr Chandrasekaran and his family. Lectures on yoga and vedanta philosophy and teachings on the temples and traditions that we will be experiencing. There's an opportunity to receive a personal practice to support you in your journey. We will learn vedic mantras that we will chant as we travel.
Tiruvannamalai
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 the 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.
“It surpassed all expectations. The group was wonderfully diverse yet perfectly aligned, with such a lovely dynamic. Each day offered both stability and flexibility, with just the right balance of planning and spaciousness. Everything contributed to an experience that invited me to choose a different attitude.”
Sue S
Pondicherry
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. A delightful French breakfast of pastries and crepe is served. For those seeking solo time or for those who like to wander away from the group for other meals, you'll have the option to dine independently, with an estimated cost of $10 - $30 per meal depending on your style. There is a lively promenade to wander with fairy floss sellers and sunsets.
Pondicherry is perfect for leisurely strolls there are upmarket boutiques, bars and restuarants which a wonderful to enjoy before we travel more deeply into Tamil Nadu.
During our stay, we'll embark on a cycling tour of the coastal town, indulge in a cooking class and sari tying session and visit a serene Ganeśa temple preparing us for temple visits as we continue our journey to Citambaram.
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“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~
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!
We will take a local rikshaw and make offerings at a local Śakti temple in honor of Kali mā. We will enjoy a scenic boat trip around some local mangroves infamous for their bird life. We will visit grassroots projects supporting local people, cows and maintaining local temples.
Chitambaram
Thanjavur
In Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, we will have the opportunity for a guided visit the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Dedicated to Lord Śiva, this temple emanates a powerful energy that we will attune to during our visit. Our wonderful local guides share history, insights and teachings.
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.
Madurai
In Madurai, our main destination is the incredible Meenakshi Amman Temple, a Śakti temple that traces its origins back to the 4th century.
According to Hindu legend, the god Śiva 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 temple that newly wed couples come any pray for a child and when the child is born they bring it for a special baby shower. You can feel the feminine and family engergy as you wander and see the smiles of new born babes.
The ancient streets which line the four walls surrounding the temple are adorned with silver and brass, jewellary shops and family run businesses that have been there for many generations.
Down a hidden line is Ramana's home which has been turned into a small welcoming ashram that we meditate in as a group.
Our final destination offers us an opportunity to process our journey. Book onward travels within India. I will share my local travel agent with you who i've been using for the past decade.
“The destinations we visited revealed so much about the way of life in Southern India. I was thoroughly delighted and impressed by how lovely the people are immediately attractive in their warmth, their manners so graceful, and the children beautiful. It was a true taste of Southern India.” Robyn
HIGHLIGHTS
“This has been a truly magical spiritual journey, exactly what I had been longing for. It has been amazing to be guided by you, Rachel you are a beautiful teacher inside and out and along the way I have made wonderful friends. Most of all, I have learnt to love.” Vanessa
Fly into Chennai
Tiruvannamalai
Pondicherry
Citambaram
Thanjavur
Fly out of Madurai
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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 sharing and group travel is where we experince connection and growth) at a variety of hotels and bed and breakfasts. Hotel star ratings vary depending on the location and availibility locally.
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An air conditioned bus and driver will be our mode of transport throughout the trip.
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Regular chanting practices depending on our schedule - Yoga self-practice is encouraged; a yoga therapy consultation will be available at an additional cost.
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Regular 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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Two meals a day at all locations
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All tips
EXCLUSIONS
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A Yoga therapy consultation with Dr NC will may be available at an additional cost $100 AUD
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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 an 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
$6,495.00
Early Bird Offer!
Ending Friday 1st May 2026 8pm AEST
payment plan option available
This trip is bound to sellout.
Bookings are first come first served.
PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM VIA THE LINK BELOW FOR THE DETAILS
For any other questions or further information contact Rachel hello@rayoflightyoga.com
TRAVEL INFORMATION
We'll be providing 2-3 travel briefings over Zoom 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 9th and concludes at 12 noon on the 23rd, with drop-off at Madurai nternational Airport. You'll need to arrange an internal flight back to Chennai, or your onward destination 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.
Past Memories
“My experience exceeded all expectations. Dr NC was the highlight to meet such a remarkable man with such great talent was unforgettable. This journey has taught me to look inward for the answers to everything, and it has inspired me to begin my yoga journey.”
Dan
“This has been a truly magical spiritual journey, exactly what I had been longing for. It has been amazing to be guided by you, Rachel — you are a beautiful teacher inside and out and along the way I have made wonderful friends. Most of all, I have learnt to love.” Vanessa