South India Yoga Journey Itinerary

Friday 18th November: Arrive

Book your flight so you arrive at Chennai (formerly Madras) Airport (MAA) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu by Friday 18th November. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel: Green Meadows Resort (4/364 A, Anna Salai, Palavakkam) where you can recover from your flight in the tranquil grounds.

If you wish to travel on the same flight as the tour leader please book:Thai Airways flight TG486. Departing Perth 9.10am (18th Nov) arriving Chennai 23.05pm (18th Nov).

Saturday 19th November 
Chennai-Mahabalipuram

After a sleep-in if you need it, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, followed by a visit to the tranquil grounds of the Theosophical Society in our chartered a/c bus. After lunch, we drive south of the city to the Dakshinachitra Artists’ Village & Cultural Centre where you can visit the the gallery, watch a cultural program at an open air theatre and browse the outdoor handicraft market and fair-trade curio shop. The Artist’s Village is the best location on our tour for buying authentic hand-made, local handicrafts, woollen items such as shawls and pashminas, textiles and local art and craft. We continue south to Pallava Beach, just outside Mahbalipuram. We check in to our fully serviced apartments at the Svastha Yoga Centre and enjoy dinner by the sea.

Sunday 19th November 
Mahabalipuram

After morning yoga and breakfast, the day is yours to explore the seaside village of Mahabalipuram and visit the many anicent temples including the famous Shore Temple. Dinner at Svastha.

Monday 21st - Saturday 26th November 
Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda Centre, Pallava Beach

Our 6 day course of yoga with AG and Indra Mohan begins. Each day we will be guided through some of the profound teachings and practices of the great yogi Krishnamacharya. A.G. and Indra Mohan were close students of Krishnamacharya for more than twenty years and are highly regarded around the world as authoritative and genuine exponents of his teachings. Each participant will have private yoga sessions with Indra Mohan who will devise a unique program of yoga and meditation practices tailored to the individual. During our time at Pallava Beach there will be time in the afternoons and evenings to explore the beautiful seaside village of Mahabalipuram and surrounds, shop in the the many handicraft and curio stores where there is an array of beautiful items for sale. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Svastha is included. All participants issued with a certificate of participation (40 hours).

Sunday 27th -Tuesday 29th November 
Ashram life at Arunachala

After our week of study with the Mohans we journey south-west on our private a/c bus to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram at the foot of the sacred hill Arunachala. Our stay at Ramana Maharshi Ashram gives you a taste of the rhythm, routine and simplicity of life in a spiritual ashram. This quiet time is an opportunity to integrate and put into practice the lessons imparted by the Mohans.The ashram was the home of Ramana Maharshi and is a peaceful, inspiring, reflective place dedicated to his life and teachings.The ashram is located near Tiruvannamalai which is famous for its classical temples. Our stay here includes daily walks around Arunchala.

Sunday 27th -Tuesday 29th November 
Ashram life at Arunachala

India has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world and a trip across the country by train is a romantic way to see the diversity of the Indian landscape, village life and to meet some friendly locals! Waking at dawn to the chai wallah and sunrise over the Indian plains is a memorable experience. Accommodation is 1st class/2tier sleeper.

Wednesday 30th Nov - Friday 2nd December 
Kerala Houseboat

We arrive at the Alleppey Railway Station at 11am where we transfer to our luxury houseboat for 2 nights on the backwaters of Kerala. Kerala is a southern state of India renowned for its incredible natural beauty. The state is comprised of a comprehensive water system of tidal lakes and canals. Our luxurious traditional houseboat drifts past villages, rice fields giving insight into the daily life of villagers. The houseboats are well appointed and staffed with a small, experienced crew and a gourmet chef who will prepare traditional Keralese cuisine. Also included are daily canoe tours and evening cultural programs onboard with classical Indian musicians playing chants and bhajans.

Friday 2nd Dec - 7th Dec 
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

Time now to relax and rejuevante before returning home or journeying on. The next 5 nights are spent at the blissful Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort near Trivandrum. On arrival a team of two experienced doctors examine you to define your Dosha type and current state of health. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in the Doshas is the decisive factor for all illness. Based on this principle, a personal diet and treatment plan is drawn up on the basis of the individual needs of your body, soul and mind. A program of restorative massage and treatments follow over the next four days. Somatheeram is set in idyllic tropical gardens by the sea. The cottages, grounds and program are conjucive to deep relaxation. Your individualised program balanced with rest, swimming in the oceanfront pool, and gentle walks on the shore. Also included are daily yoga, pranayama and meditation classes. There is also the opportunity to attend cooking classes, participate in cultural programs and learn traditional Kerala martial arts.

Wednesday 7th December: Depart

You will be transferred to Trivandrum Airport to meet your return flight...or stay on at Somatheeram...or journey on to explore more of the many wonders of India.