South India Yoga Journey 2011

Our journey starts in Chennai
(formerly Madras)

Our 2011 journey starts on Friday 18th November in Chennai where we stay at the Kerala style hotel Hotel Green Meadows. On Saturday visit the peaceful Theospohical Society gardens before taking a bus south of the city to the residence of A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan at Pallava Beach near the seaside village Mahbalipuram. On the way we visit an artists’ village and cultural centre.

Krishnamacharya Yoga at Seaside Retreat 
with the A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan 

Our first week in India is with A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan at Svastha Retreat Centre and will be a highlight and is an unbelievable opportunity to experience yoga at its source with true masters. The Mohans have been teaching yoga in the lineage of Krishnamacharya for close to four decades now. They are a direct link to the original teachings that have transformed yoga in the last century, and laid the foundation for its therapeutic applications. Their studies span the spectrum of traditional Indian wisdom, from yoga and ayurveda to rituals, mantras, and many other aspects, anchoring this program in the authentic practices of yoga and ayurveda. We will be accommodated in brand new serviced apartments onsite.

Ancient Shore temples of Mahabalipuram

During our time at Pallava Beach there will be time to explore the beautiful seaside village of Mahabalipuram and its many anicient temples which were carved from stone throusands of years ago. Mahabalipuram is popular with Indian tourists as it has many attractions, a lovely coastline and various cultural events to participate in.

Ashram life at Arunachala

After our week of study with the Mohans we journey south-west to tithe Ramana Maharshi Ashram at the foot of the sacred hill Arunachala, revered as an abode of Lord Shiva. Ramana Maharshi was the most famous Indian sage of the 20th century and inspired millions of people in India and abroad. He was renowned for his saintly life, for his teachings of Self-Enquiry and for the feelings of deep peace that visitors experienced in his presence. The ashram still embodies the spirit and presence of Maharshi and is a deeply peaceful place to practice meditation, experience the rhythm of ashram life and consolidate the lessons and practices given to us by the Mohans.

The romance of India by train

India has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world and a trip across the country by train is. Waking at dawn to the rhythm of the train, a cup of steaming chai tead and the sun rising over the Indian plains is a memorable experience. Our overnight train arrives at Kottayam in Kerala late morning. If you would prefer you can stay in Chennai for the night and fly to Kerala the next morning instead of journeying by train (extra cost for this option).

Kerala Houseboat

We drive to the Kumakarom Lake where we board our luxury houseboats for a serene two nights drifting through the lakes and backwaters of the region. We pass many villages and explore the smaller canals of Alleppey by canoe. In the evenings we have classical musicians onboard for ambient twilight concerts. Food is gourmet Kerala cuisine. If you like seafood you may wish to indulge in freshly caught prawns and lobsters cooked onboard. We visit a bird sanctuary and an elephant sanctuary where you can help bathe the elephants in the river.

Ayurvedic Rejuvenation & Healing
in an oceanfront Ayurvedic Health Resort 

Our final five nights are spent at the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort where we undertake a yoga retreat and customised Ayurvedic rejuvenation or cleansing program. Included is a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician and two assigned therapists who will take care of your daily treatments (massages, oil therapies etc). Organic food will be prepared specifically for your constitution or you may opt for Gourmet Kerala cuisine! Somatheeram is a 10 acre landscaped custom-designed resort on the beach. As well as the Ayurvedic therapies, daily activities can include yoga, meditation, Kerala martial arts, swimming, cooking classes or you may wish to simply relax!

To get the most from your stay at Somatheeram you may wish to stay longer than the 6 days included in this tour. Details can be found on the About Somatheeram page.

Return home refreshed and renewed

This concludes our 20 day yoga journey in India. You will be transferred to Trivandrum Airport where you can meet your flight home, or you may wish to visit the nearby port city of Cochin or other remarkable destinations in India such as the Taj Mahal!