A R U N A C H A L A
​Meditation Retreat • South India

29 Oct - 10 Nov 2025. 12 nights/12 days

9 night Boutique Ashram Stay at Mt Arunachala • 3-nights Chennai • Program with world renowned teachers A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan • Ramana Maharshi Ashram Aarati & Program • Mt Arunachala Silent Walks • Meditation at Skandashram & Virupaksha Cave • Full Moon Girivalam (walking pilgrimage around the mountain) • Daily Meditation, Havan Fire Rituals & Hatha Yoga • Temple Visits and Sacred Sites • 2  days Sacred Silence • Meditation Mastery Workshops 
A pilgrimage and retreat at one of the most revered mountains in India, over the November full moon. Arunachala’s presence is deeply powerful, drawing seekers into its stillness and grace. This sacred mountain is where the great sage Ramana Maharshi lived his life in silent wisdom, guiding others toward self-realisation. Spending extended time here allows you to attune to its profound energy, dissolving distractions and awakening inner clarity.

A retreat for the true seeker

29 Oct -10 Nov 2025 ​​This 12 day/12 night retreat is a deep immersion into yogic meditation at one of the most powerful sacred sites on earth - Mt Arunachala. For centuries, seekers and sages have been drawn to Arunachala – the mountain revered as the embodiment of Shiva, and the ashrams, caves, temples and sites on and around the mountain are places of pilgrimage and devotion. Our retreat begins with a morning of meditation and yoga philosophy with world renowned teacher A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan in Chennai before we journey to Arunachala.
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This retreat is for those drawn to deep meditation, inner stillness, and the wisdom of non-duality. Whether you are new to self-enquiry or well-versed in meditation, the sacred presence of Arunachala will guide and deepen your practice.This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stillness and transformative presence of this sacred place. With daily meditation, profound teachings, and guided experiences, you will deepen your inner journey and reconnect with the essence of your being.

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at a glance...
• Wed 29 Oct - Mon 10 Nov 2025
• $4,100 twin-share 
​• $5,400 single
Picture
Cave on Mt Arunachala
"Arunachala is the spiritual heart of the world. It is the seat of knowledge. ​Arunachala is within and not without. The physical form is immaterial. Who can describe its glory?"   ~ Ramana Maharshi

retreat overview

This retreat is a deep immersion into yogic meditation staying at a small boutique ashram created and run on spiritual principles. 
  • Airport transfer on arrival, then 2 night stay in our tranquil Chennai hotel.
  • Morning program with master teachers A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan in Chennai.
  • Private, air-conditioned transport Chennai-Tiruvanamalai 
  • 9-night stay in beautiful, small and privately owned boutique ashram. 
  • Daily morning & evening program of yoga, pranayama, meditation, agni hotra fire ceremony, chanting.
  • Meditation Mastery Workshops
  • Daily visits to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, participation in evening program. Immersion in the teachings and presence of this great sage.
  • A few walks up Mt Arunachala to meditate at the Skand Ashram and the Virupaksha Cave.
  • Travel short distances around Tiruvanamalai by motor rickshaw.
  • Girivalam - full moon night-time walking pilgrimage around Mt Arunachala (14km or shorter option) with thousands of devotees.
  • Two days of total silence and meditative contemplation, with special Girivalam meditations and rituals.
  • ​Tours of ancient temples including the main Shiva Temple and two minor temples with local knowledgeable guides.
  • Private, air-conditioned transport Tiruvanamalai-Chennai.
  • 1-night city stay in a 5 star hotel in Chennai with dinner and breakfast.
  • Airport transfer on departure
There are a maximum of 14 places available on this retreat.
​Cost is $4,100 (twin share room), or $5,400 single room

the journey begins...

Arrival (29 Oct)
Arriving in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the tranquil Green Meadows Resort. You will most likely arrive late, so dinner not included in price. There is an onsite restaurant.

Meditation with the Mohans (30 Oct)
After breakfast, we have a welcome circle, and then a morning program with world renowned master teachers, authors and educators A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan of Svastha Yoga. Lunch and dinner included.​

Travel to Arunachala (31 Oct)
In the morning, we travel 4.5 hours by private coach to the temple town Tiruvanamalai for our meditation retreat. We stay in a beautiful, tiny boutique ashram in lush gardens surrounded by rice fields a few km outside Tiruvanamalai. Onsite is a consecrated meditation hall, restaurant, and outdoor shala for daily agni hotra and pujas. There are 8 twin share rooms which are spacious and airy with some looking out to the mountain. We therefore have space for a maximum of 16 people on this retreat. Food is traditional, homely South Indian - sattvic and pure vegetarian. Our gracious hosts have created a beautiful sanctuary and provide much care and support of everyone attending.

Daily rhythms (1-8 Nov)
Our daily program includes an early morning program of silent meditation, havan fire ceremonies, yoga and movement meditation, chanting of sacred mantras. After breakfast on some mornings there are Meditation Mastery sessions and Satsang where you receive guidance and refinement of meditation and pranayama techniques.

Other mornings we visit the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, walk in silence on Mt Arunachala, meditate in the tiny Skandashram at the top of the mountain and the Virupaksha Cave where Ramana lived in silence for many years. We also visit the temples of Tiruvanamalai and pariticipate in the pujas and rituals with a local guide. Our modes of transport while in Tiruvanamalai are open-air rickshaws.

Each day we enjoy a lovingly prepared lunch, and after an afternoon rest, we spend the afternoon and early evening at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram for the chanting of the Vedas, Puja, and Tamil Parayana (chanting). Participating in the evening ashram program is deeply uplifting and moving. We return to our ashram in the evenings by open air motor rickshaws for a light dinner and to sleep in the field of energy of Mt Arunachala.

Full Moon Pilgrimage
On the 5 November is the purnima (full moon), an auspicious time at Arunachala where up to 500,000 pilgrims visit the town and do the Giriprakshina (14km walk around the mountain visiting each of the 8 lingams). On this day there are special rituals and meditations. Those who which to, will join the pilgrims for the circumambulation around the mountain. There will be the option to do a short 1-2km section of the walk, or to do the whole 14km walk which takes 4-6 hours. There are no inbetweens, as it is not possible to turn back, and there are no vehicles allowed on the route the prilgrims walk on this evening.

Following the full moon Giriprakshina, we sink into meditative silence for 2 full days which is our time for deep extended meditations, introspection, journalling, meditation mastery sessions, and the direct emobodied experience of Advaita Vedanta. We don't leave our ashram for these two days, and our external activities are reduced to enable us to connect to the inner guru, to the wisdom of Arunachala, and the Shiva-Shakti deities of the mountain.

After these days of silent awareness, we begin to externalise our awareness again, and consciously create our waking reality according to the guidance, vision and wisdom received.

During our time at Arunachala, we visit ancient temples and sacred sites with guides to deepen our experience and increase our understanding and cultural awareness.

Return (9 Nov)
We journey back to Chennai by private coach for a night at the beautiful 5 star Raintree Hotel located on St Mary's Road, near an exclusive shopping precinct ideal for any gifts, clothes or homewares you'd like to take home. You might like to enjoy lunch at the charming Chamiers Cafe close by.​

You may choose to fly home on the last day of the retreat on the 10th November, or the following morning. Checkout time is 12pm on the 11th. You will need to organise your own transfer to the airport, which you can do with the hotel reception.

Read on to see our daily itinerary, options and costs...
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Arunachala South India Meditation Retreat

book now

daily itinerary

29 Oct – Arrival in Chennai
  • Airport pickup and transfer to our hotel which is a lovely and tranquil Kerala style resort in Mylapore, out of the city centre.
  • Please note that if you arrive prior to the retreat commencement date the airport transfer is not included and will need to paid separately.​​
30 Oct – Meditation with the Mohans
  • After breakfast, an opening circle. Then a morning of learning and guided practice with world renowned master teachers A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan. 
  • Your afternoon is free for exploring Chennai.
  • Dinner at hotel provided.
31 Oct – Journey to Arunachala
  • 7.00am: Breakfast at hotel
  • 8.00am: Travel to Tiruvannamalai by private coach (4.5 hours)
  • 1.00pm: Arrival at our boutique ashram, check-in and lunch
  • 3.00pm Orientation & Info Session
  • 4.00pm:  Opening circle
  • 6.00pm: Fire ceremony 
  • 7.00pm: Dinner and rest​
1 Nov, 2 Nov, 3 Nov, 4 Nov – Embodying Silence & Stillness
  • 6.00am: Meditation
  • 6.45am: Agni Hotra Fire Ritual
  • 7.30am: Chai
  • 7.50am: Yoga
  • 9.00am: Breakfast
  • 10.00am: Ramana Maharshi Ashram visits - silent meditation at Skandashram & Virupaksha Cave; Or Temple Visit
  • 1.00pm: Lunch 
  • 4.00pm: Ramana Maharshi Ashram - Vedic chanting, puja & Tamil Parayana
  • 7.00pm: Return to ashram, light dinner, & silent meditation
5 Nov – Full Moon Pilgrimage (Purnima)
  • 6.00am: Meditation
  • 6.45am: Agni Hotra Fire Ritual
  • 7.30am: Chai
  • 7.50am: Yoga
  • 9.00am: Breakfast
  • 10.00am Giriprakshina Meditation
  • 1.00pm: Lunch
  • 5.30pm: Special Fire Ceremony
  • 6.30pm Dinner
  • 7.00pm: Join thousands of pilgrims for the Full Moon Giriprakshina (14km circumambulation of Arunachala) or opt for a shorter 2km segment
  • Return to ashram late​
6–7 Nov – Deep Silence & Self-Inquiry
  • Two full days of meditative silence & introspection
  • Special Giriprakshina Sadhana
  • Extended meditation sessions & personal practice
  • Journalling & self-inquiry through Advaita Vedanta
  • Meditation Mastery and Advaita Vedanta Philosophy sessions
  • All meals taken in silence
  • Reduced external activities to focus on inner awareness
​8 Nov – Reawakening & Sacred Exploration
  • 6.00am: Meditation
  • 6.45am: Agni Hotra Fire Ritual
  • 7.30am: Chai
  • 7.50am: Yoga
  • 9.00am: Breakfast
  • 10.00am: Visits to temples & sacred sites. Local pujas & rituals with a guide.
  • 1.00pm: Lunch
  • 4.00pm: Ramana Ashram Vedic chanting & puja
  • 7.00pm: Return to ashram, dinner & silent meditation
9 Nov – Closing Rituals & Journey to Chennai
  • 6.00am: Meditation
  • 6.45am: Agni Hotra Fire Ritual
  • 7.30am: Chai
  • 7.50am: Yoga
  • 9.00am: Breakfast
  • 10.00am: Closing Circle
  • 11.00am: Depart for Chennai by private coach (4.5 hours)
  • 3.30pm: Arrival at Raintree Hotel, check-in
  • Afternoon at leisure for shopping or relaxation
  • 7.00pm: Farewell dinner
10 Nov – Departure
  • Breakfast at your leisure​
  • 12.00pm: Checkout
  • Flights home (self-arranged airport transfer)​

evenings at the ashram...
"Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. Turn your vision inward and the whole world will be full of supreme spirit." ~ Ramana Maharshi

Options and price

Earlybird Price (book by 1 June)
  • $4100 twin share room throughout - 12 nights. 
  • $5400 single room - 12 nights
  • $60 airport transfer on arrival (if arriving before retreat start date of 29 Oct)

Inclusions

  • ​Transfer from Chennai Airport (MAA) on arrival to hotel. 
  • 2 nights - Chennai hotel with 2 x Breakfast and 1 x Dinner. Single or twin-share rooms.​
  • 9 night boutique ashram stay with full board and daily yoga and meditation sessions in twin share or single rooms.
  • Outings and activities as stated in the itinerary.
  • English speaking guide service in Tiruvanamalai. Entrance fees at temples and ashrams.
  • Air conditioned transport service for transfers to and from Chennai.
  • Last night - 5 Star accommodation in Chennai with Dinner and Breakfast. Single or twin-share rooms​
At your expense...
  • ​Airport transfers (if you are arriving and leaving outside tour times and dates).
  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary. 
  • Laundry
  • Personal shopping
  • Tips, gratuities and donations
  • ​Transport costs not mentioned in itinerary.

To book

  • click through to our booking site:  https://momence.com/s/113721959
  • pay the $1400 deposit ($700 is the non-refundable portion if you cancel)
  • we will email you directly with an invoice for the balance which is to be paid by 1 September. 
accommodation at our Arunachala Boutique Ashram

If you would like to join this powerful, spiritual retreat experience, you can proceed to book and pay your deposit. 

Facts & Questions

You will find relevant and important information in the F&Q table below. Please read it carefully before committing to this tour. Here is the important travel info to get started...
  • To enter India it is a requirement that you have a passport valid with at least 6 months from date of travel.
  • To enter India you need to obtain an entry visa. Visas must be organised in advance in your own country. For anyone travelling from Australia this must be done online in advance of the retreat. You can apply for an e-visa directly through the India Government's online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Do noy use any other website for this.
  • You must book your own international flight to arrive at Chennai on the commencement date or before. You will need to arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA) by the 29 October.
  • Your departure is also from Chennai. Book your departure flight on the 10th November or later.
  • You can book extra nights at the beginning or end of tour if you would like to arrive early or depart later.
  • Book your international flight as early as possible to secure a good price. We usually fly Singapore Airlines as they have the shortest travel times, and we have never had an issue with this airline. You are welcome to book with the airline of your choice. We have provided details of the Singapore Airlines flights from Perth, Western Australia arriving and departing at the most convenient times for this retreat.​
  • You must have a travel insurance policy with relevant inclusions and provide us with your Certificate of Currency prior to departure. You should organise travel insurance at the time of booking international flights to ensure you are covered in the event you need to cancel. Travel insurance is compulsory on this trip.
Why choose Kookaburra YOGA FOR YOUR RETREAT?
  • Established, reputable business. Kookaburra Retreats are offered by Kookaburra Yoga which is owned and directed by Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox in Perth, Australia. Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre is well established having been operating for twenty years.
  • Retreat management experience. Kookaburra Yoga have offered professionally organised and facilitated international retreats for over ten years. Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of participants. 
  • Local expertise. Kookaburra Yoga's international retreat program is coordinated by local, licensed travel agents who manage the logistics, transportation, bookings and take care of the practical needs of participants. The organisation and management of retreats is mainly invisible to participants enabling them to focus on their own inner and outer journey.
  • Health & Safety. Our venues are carefully selected to ensure they are of a high standard to support the health and wellbeing of participants. When travelling we take every precaution to ensure the hygiene and health of participants. We carry a first aid kit and keep our first aid knowledge up to date. 
  • Quality food. Food is an integral part of our retreats and menus and ingredients are planned and considered to ensure they are nourishing, health-promoting and conducive to yoga and meditation.
  • High quality program. Directors Mandy and Robert facilitate Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. They are both exceptional yoga and meditation instructors with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience. They have literally taught thousands of people yoga and to meditate and how to effectively apply the knowledge gained to enhance and transform lives.
  • Professional leadership. Both Robert and Mandy have worked professionally in high-level leadership positions in government and the not-for-profit sector and are leaders and skilful group facilitators able to guide individuals and groups safely through peak experiences and the transformational change which often occurs on retreat. ​
  • Value for money. Retreats are fully inclusive with meals, transport, accommodation sightseeing taken care of and included in the cost. We are upfront about any potential additional costs allowing participants to budget and plan.
  • Culturally sensitive. We do our best to adapt to our environment and educate our guests to be attuned and respectful of customs and cultural sensitivities.
  • Socially responsible. We care for people and the planet. All our retreats cause as little harm as possible. We choose vegetarian venues (vegan where possible). We contribute generously to local organisations and charities and encourage the same of our participants.
  • Personal development. Kookaburra Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. You'll be gently guided to explore limitations and obstacles to achieving your potential and become equipped with the tools, techniques and practical wisdom to evolve and grow. Kookaburra Retreats are transformational and potentially life-changing!
Do I need experience in Yoga to attend a retreat?
We welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery to attend this retreat. The yoga and meditation practices on each retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring and respectful manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of each participant and you always have the option not to participate in all the programmed sessions and activities. The Ayurvedic Healing component of the retreat doesn't have any prerequisites - just a desire to be well!
​DO I NEED to organise passport, Visa, INSURANCE and International flights?
  • To enter India it is a requirement that you have a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of travel.
  • To enter India you need to obtain an entry visa. Visas must be organised in advance in your own country. For anyone travelling from Australia this must be done online in advance of the retreat. Visit http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/ for more information and to apply online.
  • You must book your own international flight arriving at Chennai. You will need to arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA). You will leave from Chennai so therefore your return flight should be booked departing  Chennai International Airport (MAA). We usually fly Singapore Airlines and have never had an issue with this airline. You are welcome to book with the airline of your choice.
  • You must have a travel insurance policy with relevant inclusions and provide us with your Certificate of Currency prior to departure. This is a condition of attending all international Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. You should organise your travel insurance at the time of booking your international flights to ensure you are covered in the event you need to cancel.
CANCELLATION POLICY
  • There is an initial $1490 payment upon booking.
  • The non refundable deposit portion of this is $700. This is your commitment to attend and is generally nonrefundable unless we can offer your place to a waitlisted person or you find someone to take your place. 
  • In exceptional circumstances we may refund part of the deposit to you. ​Even then only the unused portion of the deposit is refundable (we book accommodation, transport etc as soon as you register to secure seats)
  • If you cancel 0-8 weeks before the retreat the full amount is payable.
  • If you cancel 8-12 weeks before the retreat 50% of the retreat fee will be refunded to you.
  • If you cancel more than 12 weeks prior to the retreat your full payment (except for the deposit) will be refunded to you.
  • If you need to cancel due to ill health or the death of someone close to you, your travel insurance policy may refund your deposit and all other money paid back to you. Please check with your insurer. 
  • Travel insurance on this retreat is compulsory.
  • If Kookaburra Yoga cancels this retreat 12 weeks or more prior to the commencement date all monies paid will be refunded within 30 days.
  • If Kookaburra Yoga cancels this retreat due within 12 weeks of the tour commencement date due to a natural disaster or unforeseen acts of God, full refunds may not be possible. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
  • Ensure you organise travel insurance as soon as you book. Your insurance policy should cover you in the event you are unable to travel or need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check your policy carefully to ensure you have suitable cover.
What if I am not in perfect condition or if I get sick?
  • You should be fine to attend this retreat if you are in a reasonable state of health. If you have any specific conditions or concerns please check with your own health care provider.
  • If you get sick while travelling, our local organiser will assist you to receive the most appropriate and best medical attention and care as soon as possible.​
what isn't included in the cost?
  • international airfare
  • travel insurance (compulsory)
  • entry visa (approx AUD$150)
  • extra night's accommodation before and after tour.
  • Airport transfer if you arrive earlier than the tour start date.
  • Airport transfer on departure.
  • Extra nights accommodation can be selected when booking and will be added to your final invoice if you select this option when booking.
  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary.
  • any additional outings and transport not mentioned in itinerary
  • any items ordered through room service including food or laundry service
  • tips for service staff (estimate approx $100 in total)
  • discretionary donations to ashrams, temples and charities (estimate approx $50 in total)
  • international transfer fees and credit card fees when making your payment to our Indian travel agent (approx $100-$150)
PAYMENT DETAILS
EARLYBIRD PAYMENT SCHEDULE
  • Book by 1 June. Pay in full by 1 September. Pay $1490 on booking.
  • Price $4100 twin share throughout.
  • Price $4300 single room (2 nights Chennai) + twin share (9 nights Tiruvanamalai)
  • $5200 single throughout (if available). Extra nights at beginning or end extra.
  • PAYMENT ON BOOKING: $1490. $700 deposit is non-refundable if you cancel.
  • 2ND PAYMENT DUE: Once you have booked and paid your deposit, you'll receive an invoice with details on paying the balance which will be based on the option you select. You can make the final payment to our Australian bank account. If your final payment is not received by this date, the standard price will apply.

STANDARD PRICE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
  • Book anytime (subject to availability). Pay in full by 1 October.
  • Price $4400 twin share throughout.
  • Price $4600 single room (2 nights Chennai) + twin share (9 nights Tiruvanamalai)
  • $5500 single throughout (if available).
  • Extra nights at beginning or end extra, transfer.
  • PAYMENT ON BOOKING: $1490. $700 deposit is non-refundable if you cancel.
  • 2ND PAYMENT DUE:  Once you have booked and paid your deposit, you'll receive an invoice with details on paying the balance which will be based on the option you select. You can make the final payment to our Australian bank account by 1st October.

IMPORTANT  Please see cancellation policy, and ensure you organise travel insurance as soon as you book. Your insurance policy should cover you in the event you are unable to travel or need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check your policy carefully to ensure you have suitable cover.​
What is the Retreat Size?
  • This is a small group retreat, with a maximum of 14 people.
  • This retreat is subject to a minimum of 6​ participants.
What health considerations are there?
  • Travel insurance is mandatory and you must provide us with your Certificate of Currency prior to travel.
  • We advise participants to seek medical advice regarding any pre-existing medical conditions before signing up for this retreat.
  • Vaccinations are not mandatory. Advice changes depending on risks at any given time. We encourage participants to seek the advice of a travel health specialist. 
  • We suggest you travel with a small medical/first aid kit which may include natural or allopathic medicines to prevent or treat gastro conditions, respiratory infections including colds and flus, and mosquito-borne viruses. 
  • ​If you become ill, we will assist you to receive the best medical attention possible. This will be at your own expense and should be claimable through your insurance policy.
Is travelling in India safe?
  • We have travelled to India many times and provide participants with advice and assistance to stay safe in the country.
  • There are inherent risks in any form of travelling. These are largely mitigated through careful planning, engaging the services of reputable local travel agencies, and encouraging scrupulous hygiene and food awareness.​
What should i wear?
Tamil Nadu is hot and humid during the days reaching temperatures of up to 32 degrees and warm in the evenings with lows of about 24 degrees (celsius). There may be some rain as this retreat is at the end of the wet season. Clothes should be suited to this type of weather. You can purchase light cotton clothing in the marketplaces. Please note that the weather is variable during the mountain meditation retreat at Coonor where it may be cold.
  • When visiting temples, and in fact any public places, dress should be conservative with legs to the ankles, and shoulders covered. At traditional temples both men and women are expected to wear traditional Indian dress. You will have opportunities to purchase suitable clothing in Chennai.
  • Bring bathers for swimming in the chennai hotel if you like. There is not a pool at our ashram in Tiruvanamalai.
  • For yoga, wear whatever clothes you are comfortable to move and stretch and sit in. We recommend bringing or buying a shawl for meditation, and you will need mala beads for meditation which can be purchased at the marketplaces.
  • During the ashram visits, you are required to wear white and pale coloured modest clothing.
  • Mosquitos will be an issue in the evenings, so loose, long cotton clothing is ideal. Don't forget mozzie repellant.
CONTACTS IN INDIA
TOUR ORGANISER
Mandy BeckerKnox 
m: + 61 422 318 104; e: [email protected]

TRAVEL AGENT
Name: Christy Gomez. + 91 0484 4062000 I
INFORmATION FOR YOUR VISA
To enter India you need to obtain an entry visa. Visas must be organised in advance in your own country. For anyone travelling from Australia this must be done online in advance of the retreat. You can apply for an e-visa directly through the India Government's online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

REFEREE OR CONTACT FROM INDIA:
Name: Christy Gomez. Company: Indian Panorama
Address: Pavana Building, K.P. Vallon Road, Kadavanthra P.O, Cochin, Kerala - 682020
Phone: + 91 0484 4062000
Email: [email protected]

YOUR MAIN ADDRESS IN INDIA:
Shivalaya Boutique Stay
Address: Adi Annamalai, Shivalaya Arunachala Odaikkare Street, Post, Kottangal, Tamil Nadu 606604, India
Phone: +91 94009 59607

YOUR CONTACT PHONE NO. IN INDIA
If not taking your own mobile phone, you can use Mandy's whatsapp number. Provided when you book.
Click through to our booking site, pay your deposit and secure your place to join this mystical meditation retreat at Mt Arunachala. 

why join us?

Professional, caring facilitation​

Mandy BeckerKnox leads the Kookaburra Yoga Journeys in India. This retreat is facilitated by Mandy, who has visited India many times and led many international retreats in India for over 15 years. She has decades experience teaching yoga and meditation and is a skilful group facilitator and teacher. Mandy has worked professionally in senior leadership roles and knows how to respectfully and intuitively guide and support people to realise their full potential.
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Transformational program

This retreat is a cultural and spiritual immersion. The program is focussed on the devotional and transformational practice of traditional yoga. You will learn and practice everyday and will be guided and supported to release inner obstacles, creating an inner freedom and peace. The program includes deep practical experience, knowledge and skills to help you on your yogic path and in everyday life. 

Attention to detail

Kookaburra Yoga works closely with local organisers, venues and licensed travel agents at our destinations to ensure that practicalities taken care of and that local assistance is on hand should we need it. This means we can focus on delivering a powerful, transformative retreat program and you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of.

Rhythm and routine

While we journey through the beautiful landscapes and places of pilgrimage we establish a rhythm and routine to our days bring calmness, lightness, steadiness and resilience to your body, mind and soul - even in the midst of the movement and activity of India. You'll gain the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and poise.

Balanced itinerary

You are travelling a long way for this retreat, and we believe it is therefore important to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of this diverse country of contrasts, to learn about its culture and open our hearts to its beautiful and very generous people. We include some outings to counterbalance and soften the deep retreat process. 

Vegetarian cuisine

The food we share and recommend on this retreat is fresh, organic and vegetarian.  The right food combined with refraining from too many indulgences, support your practice of yoga and meditation, and helps to restore health and vitality to your body. Indian vegetarian food is incredibly diverse and well balanced. Food in India is a highlight and pleasure! 

Relax & let go

Yoga was traditionally practiced in the ashrams of India under the guidance of a Guru - away from distractions and outside influence. On our retreats we leave behind all those concerns and distractions to deeply and profoundly realise the spiritual and material benefits of yoga, returning to our lives with renewed energy and focus.

musings on Arunachala

Mt Arunachala. Almost a week living here under the sacred mountain with daily pilgrimages to the ashram of the great sage Ramana Maharshi at the foot of the mountain for aarati and puja at his mahasamadhi shrine followed by the most sublime devotional singing. The humidity here is intense, and our silent walks up the mountain were hot and sweaty, stopping for freshly squeezed orange juice before continuing quietly to the tiny austere Skandashram where Ramana lived with his mother, who he recognised as self-realised, and the Virupaksha Cave where Ramana lived alone in total silence for 17 years. The atmosphere at both places is like nowhere else. The field of silent awareness is tangible, immediately the mind becomes quiet, silent even, and expansive, as if expanding into the mind of the sage. It is possible to sit for a long time here in silent, blissful awareness. And people come from all over the world to do just this. The whole mountain has an otherworldly quietness. There is no place on the mountain Ramana didn't step. This is my 4th stay at Tiruvanamalai, once you've been to Arunachala once, it calls you back again and again. 

Every Purnima (Full Moon) half a million people arrive at the small town of Tiruvanamalai for a pilgrimage to Mt Arunachala which is considered to be Lord Shiva himself. Around the mountain are 8 lingams with small temples each representing the deities of the 8 directions. On the full moon the road around the mountain is closed to traffic and pilgrims walk the 14km in moonlight seeking the blessings at each of the 8 lingams. It has long been a dream to come here for the full moon. Having done the full Giri Pradakshina a few times (circumambulation around the mountain, bowing to the 8 directions) we opted to walk for a few kilometres with the crowd before returning to our quiet haven outside the town. 

There are many stories and myths about Arunachala. The hill itself is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva. The 3 gods who make up the Trimurti are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Long ago, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. Both Brahma and Vishnu forgot their highest sacred duties of creating and preserving, and competed with each other resulting in chaos on Earth. In order to settle the dispute and restore order, Lord Shiva manifested as a column of light shining high into the sky and deep into the earth, and then took the form of Arunachala. Shiva said that the one who sees both his head and feet is the greatest. Brahma and Vishnu, no matter how hard they tried, failed with Lord Shiva deemed the greatest! Following this, the Devas, prayed to Lord Shiva for peace. Shiva, in response to their prayers, bowed down to the mountain and a small torch appeared on top of it, which everyone worshiped. Then the Devas came to earth and formed the 8 lingams around the mountain. Each are prayed to for different reasons, for blessing and support in life. This torch at the very top of the mountain is still lit once a year in reverance to the legend of Lord Shiva and Arunachala. 
Mandy, November 2024
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