South India Yoga Retreat
Magical and Authentic South India
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of South India while rejuvenating your body, mind, and soul through the practice of yoga. Our retreat offers a unique blend of yoga, meditation, and cultural immersion allowing you to explore the hidden gems of India whilst also nourishing your mind, body and soul. Our yoga and cultural retreat to India is suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners, from beginners to advanced, and for anyone who wants to discover the beauty and magic of India whilst also deepening their yoga practice and connecting with themselves and others.
Embark on a 14-day journey, venturing beyond the ordinary and immersing yourself in the abundant cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant traditions of this enchanting region. Prepare to be captivated by every moment of this unique journey, where each experience will leave you yearning for more.
We will be a smaller, boutique travelling group – between 8 -18 in size – which will allow us more flexibility to move freely and have the unique opportunity to dive deep into the local way of life.
INDIA – There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds… I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor.”Keith Bellows, VP – National Geographic Society
Experience the True India…and the True You
Yoga retreats are a fantastic way of not only immersing yourself into your own personal yoga practice but also to live yoga and its philosophy off the mat. Our immersion retreats allow you to step away from your life for a moment and an opportunity to adjust your perspective both internal and external.
What’s for certain is we’ll have lots of adventures filled with laughter, eat healthy vegetarian food, and explore YOU in the Mystical INDIA!
South India holds immense significance for a yoga, cultural, and heritage retreat due to its rich history, spiritual traditions, and natural beauty.
Day 01- 31st Jan: Drive from Chennai-Mahabalipuram
Arrive Chennai – Mahabalipuram (65 kms / approx. 1.30 hours)
You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and drive directly to Mahabalipuram. Check in to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 02 – 1st Feb :Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Mahabalipuram at around 0900 hrs. Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast, and was a well-established seaport between the 7th and 10th centuries. Visit the Panch Rathas or Five Ratha temples…. of the nine monolithic rock-cut temples found in Mahabalipuram, the most important are these, dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The Dharmaraja Ratha is named after the eldest Pandava and is the largest one in the lineup. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, the massive rock cut bas relief sculpture. It measures 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height, and depicts the story of Arjuna. Later, visit the Shore Temple … a five-storied structure made out of finely cut granite, and one of the earliest and most important structural temples. UNESCO has listed it among the world heritage sites.
Evening back to hotel by 1700 Hrs
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 03 – 2nd Feb: Drive from Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (110 kms/approx.3 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Pondicherry at 0900 hrs
Pondicherry – Aurobindo ashram – Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French-born woman known as ‘the Mother’, this spiritual community now has about 1200 members who work in the ashram’s many departments. Also, cover church of sacred hearts of Jesus, Pondicherry Museum, beaches, and a must-visit attraction of Pondicherry – Auroville. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 04 – 3rd Feb: Pondicherry
Morning excursion to Auroville and visit Pondicherry Museum and Beaches. Evening back to hotel and overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 05 – 4th Feb: Drive from Pondicherry –Coimbatore (385kms/ 8.5hrs approx.)
After early breakfast leave for Coimbatore by road at around 0830 Hrs
Transfer to hotel and overnight at hotel in Coimbatore.
Day 06 – 5th Feb: Coimbatore
Morning leave for Full day excursion to Isha Foundation a sacred space for self-transformation, where you can come dedicate time towards your inner growth
Evening transfer back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Coimbatore.
Day 07 – 6th Feb: Coimbatore – Thekkady (280 kms / 6-7 hours’ drive)
Today drive to Thekkady. Thekkady– 777 sq.km of lush green tropical forests is the natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear, and many colourful birds etc. Arrive & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 08 – 7th Feb: Thekkady – This morning after breakfast, take a spice plantation tour. The aroma and pleasant ambiance of the spice and tea plantations of Periyar are fascinating. Spices found in Thekkady include pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and curry leaves. You can also enjoy an elephant ride (on own) in Periyar. Return to your hotel & spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 09 – 8th Feb: – Thekkady – Alleppey Houseboat (130kms / approx. 4.5 hours)
Proceed to Alleppey by road after breakfast. After arrival, check-in at the houseboat in backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats, and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals, and waterways. Spend the rest of the day cruising through beautiful backwaters. Overnight at the Alleppey houseboat.
Day 10 – 9th Feb – Alleppey – Mararikulam ( 1 hr drive )
Today morning after breakfast drive to Mararikulam Marari originates from “Mararikulam “, one of the local fishing villages. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm and traditional Kerala Hospitality at its best. Check in to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Mararikulam
Day 11 – 10th Feb: Mararikulam
Mararikulam is blessed by a long shoreline that is privy to some of the best sunsets on the Kerala coast.This coastal village offers a tranquil setting for yoga and Ayurveda immersion.We will be at leisure at Marari Beach Resortis set in a coconut grove with ponds and thatched roof villas. We can rejuvenate with wellness treatments, practice yoga on the beach, and immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. Cooking session, visit to traditional dance and martial art schools.
Day 12 – 11th Feb: Mararikulam
Day excursion to Cochin to visit Fort Cochin – covering the spice markets, Jew Street and Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets. Evening back to Mararikulam
Day 13 – 12th Feb: Mararikulam
In House Activities at Marari Beach
Yoga – 7am
Meet the Yoga master at the yoga centre and begin a journey to wellness, amidst a gentle breeze and chirping birds.
Butterfly Garden Visit – 9am
A space with natural moisture, sunlight and wildflowers, our butterfly garden is amok with the fluttering of colourful, gossamer wings.
Birdwatching – 10am
Many winged visitors frequent the groves of Marari beach. A walk through the resort will have you eavesdropping on the songs of some beautiful species.
Environmental tour – 11.30am
Take a guided tour with our naturalist around the property and learn about eco-sensitivity and the different ways we practice sustainability and working with the local community
Palm leaf craft – 12.30 pm kids activity
Spend a quiet afternoon learning a fun craft with coconut palm leaf. A great way for children to express their creativity and make something unique and special.
Fish feeding – 2.30pm kids activity
The fish feeding activity id an incredibly fun and rewarding experience for everyone. Additionally, observing the fish eat can be quite entertaining as they can be playful and excited when it is time to eat.
Earth lab – 3pm
The Earth Lab welcomes you to the micro world, where you look really close, and voila, a whole new world is revealed to you. Spend some quality time at the Earth Lab and behold micro-organisms with a microscope.
Archery – 4pm
Enjoy a light game of Archery, an opportunity to improve your concentration and focus. A fun activity that one can enjoy on a quiet afternoon at Marari beach.
Cooking demonstration – 4.30pm
Marari beach’s master chefs share some of their skills with you at the evening cookery classes. Here you will learn the secret of traditional Kerala cooking and of course, you will enter the magical world of Indian spices.
Ayurvedic Massage and Spa treatments
The Wellness Package at Marari beach resort is designed to enhance your overall well-being and provide you with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. To make the most out of your stay, we offer you the following supplements to your wellness package:
- Ayurvedic Massage: Ayurvedic massages are known for their therapeutic benefits. They help to relax your muscles, relieve stress, and improve blood circulation. This ancient healing technique uses herbal oils and natural ingredients to restore balance and harmony to your body and mind.
- Organic Food and Nutrition Consultation: A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining overall wellness. Our nutrition experts will provide you with personalized advice on incorporating organic, nutrient-rich foods into your daily meals. They will also assist you in creating a meal plan that suits your specific dietary needs and goals.
- Village Tour – Experience Mararikulam village life on a 2-hour tuk-tuk tour of the village. The tour covers Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kanichukulangara Devi Temple, visits to a Khadi weaving unit, a Coconut oil extracting centre run by a local family, as well as a small-scale coir mat weaving centre.
- Detoxification Program: Detoxification is a great way to cleanse your body and eliminate toxins. Our detox program includes herbal teas, juice cleanses, and specialized treatments to help flush out impurities and boost your energy levels.
- Craft tour, Coir Museum and Mat Factory Outlet, Bird Photography and many more… it can be planned as per the interest of majority of participants.
Day 14 – 13th Feb Departure
Today, drop to Cochin airport (90kms/ 1.5hrs approx.) for onwards journey.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- The package cost includes 13 nights of accommodation in well-appointed rooms in the specified hotels or equivalent, based on twin sharing.
- Single supplement option is available with additional fees.
- Yoga and Meditation sessions every day.
- Buffet Breakfast and Daily Dinner
- Assistance at the airports and all destinations during the entire trip.
- Services of local English-speaking guides during sightseeing tours at Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Trichy, Cochin.
EXCLUSIONS
- Your international return flights to India are not included.
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Visa fees. A Visa is required to visit India.
- Additional meals and all drinks (other than specified) throughout itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature,e.g. – laundry, telephone bills, drinks, camera fees, souvenirs and tipping etc.
- Entrance fees to sights and monuments if not specified.
- Any item not specified.
Nivriti (Founder Mystique Moksha) completed her post-graduation in Yoga Therapies from SVYASA, Bangalore India. Nivriti has been teaching yoga for the last 15 years and has completed more than 3000 hours of yoga training. In addition to her extensive yoga knowledge and experience, she also holds a degree in Advance Pranic healing and Pranic Psychotherapy from MCKS World Pranic Healing Foundation and practicing as a healer and psychotherapist. She travelled various countries teaching and experiencing various cultures and customs.
She has been eagerly accepted into the international community of yoga as she brings in traditional and classical practice with such a rich sense of fun. This quality enables her students to get a more manageable grasp of these ancient yogic concepts. She believes that happiness is the basis of Yoga and living life to its fullest in a correct yogic way. After relocating to Australia in January 2015, she continued her passion of sharing the health benefits of yoga and healing to the community of Australia.
She is moving in her own way as well, with her own persona and unique energy. The more she travels, the more she is unfolding, and the more she unfolds the more enigmatic she is becoming. Born and raised in India, she has a deep-rooted connection with the cultural values and grew up listening to interesting stories which unravels how yoga originated from land of Bharat. Moving ahead, she is truly enthusiastic to take this journey of ‘MYSTICAL INDIA’ with beautiful yogis and yoginis of Australia.