E N G A G E T H E S E N S E S
A Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in South India, April 2018 to engage the senses and discover bliss. An immersive, sensory journey into the culture, spirituality and astoundingly beautiful and unique environment of Kerala in South India. Kerala is known for its extensive backwaters, nature reserves, coastal temples, historic ports and laid-back old cities, and Ayurvedic resorts. Start your journey in Cochin, the famous port city of the south where we stay in an incredible resort looking out over the harbour. A whirlwind exploration of the old city on foot and by bike, cooking classes with 5 star chefs, sunset yoga on the hotel rooftop, and more. We drive inland and up into the balmy hills where we stay at a peaceful, luxurious sanctuary on a spice plantation near Thekkady, we walk through the spice fields and take a boat tour through the Periyar Tiger Reserve at sunset, then spend a day in beautiful nature hiking and rafting through the reserve amongst the tigers, elephants and wild animals From here it’s another spectacular drive through rolling hills and spice plantations to Alleppey where we emabark our luxurious houseboat for a tranquil night drifting through the tropical backwaters, in the early evening canoeing to small villages along tiny canals. Then it’s on to the traditional Sivananda Ashram for a 3 day Yoga and Meditation Immersion in this gorgeous ashram on the banks of Neyar Dam for a program with a focus on the 5 points of Hatha Yoga - asana, pranayama, relaxation, meditation and diet. It’s not far to our final destination Soma Manaltheeram Ayurvedic Village set on a clifftop overlooking a private beach. Here you’ll experience a full 7 day Ayurvedic healing program to revitalise, cleanse or address specific health concerns - tailored for you by a team of doctors, therapists and chefs at India’s first and best Ayurvedic Resort. On our final full day together in India we drive down to Kayakumari, India’s southern most point and a sacred pilgrimage site with its temples by the sea. After lunch, a sacred healing ritual and sunset meditation we head back to our resort for a restful sleep before our journey home the next day. This tour is led by Robert and Mandy from Kookaburra Yoga, teachers and yogis with expertise gained from decades of experience, along with local guides, scholars, mystics and masters who will guide you on an unforgettable and life-changing journey through the sublime physical landscape of South India, the healing modalities of Yoga and Ayurveda, and the inner landscapes of indriya (senses), manas (mind), buddhi (innate intelligence) and ananda (bliss of an unburdened soul). A journey designed to truly rekindle your love of life, replenish your life force and support optimal, vibrant health. You’ll emerge with a lighter heart, renewed energy and enthusiasm, clarity and purpose. We include here on this page the full itinerary, costs & inclusions and a facts and questions section. If you would have any questions or would like to chat call or email Kookaburra Yoga and we're happy to help. |
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Highlights & inclusions...
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Ayurveda Retreat Inclusions
Cost is from $3500 |
Sunday 22 April: Cochin
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will met by our Indian tour executive and transferred to our luxurious 5 star hotel on a private island in Kochi Harbour which we access by speedboat. Rest of the day relax and for those who interested, enjoy the sunset cruise by hotel boat & cooking class in the hotel. Overnight stay at Vivanta by Taj– Sea Facing room |
Monday 23 April: Cochin Day Tour
Morning time meditation & yoga. After breakfast explore multicultural Cochin on a guided sightseeing tour by boat, foot and bike. We visit iconic sites including Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, Jew Town, Folklore Museum. Evening time enjoy the Kathakali dance Performance at the famous Kerala Kathakali Centre. Overnight stay at Vivanta by Taj. |
Tuesday 24 April: Cochin - Thekkady/Periyar (5 hrs drive)
Morning meditation & yoga. After breakfast drive to Thekkady and check in to the Hotel Shalimar Spice Garden. Afternoon time spice garden visit & evening time enjoy the Kalarippayattu performance at Theatre. Overnight stay at Shalimar Spice Garden – Elegant Room |
Wednesday 25 April: Thekkady/Periyar
Morning time meditation & yoga. After breakfast enjoy elephant, tiger and other wildlife spotting on the jungle trek and bamboo rafting through Periyar Tiger Reserve from 9:30am to 2:30pm then in then in the afternoon enjoy a scenic boat safari from 3:30pm to 5pm. Overnight stay at Shalimar Spice Garden. |
Thursday 26th April: Alleppey Houseboat
After breakfast depart for Alleppey and at 12:00noon you will be embarking deluxe/Premium houseboat for enjoy the thrilling experience on the Kerala backwater. On this cruise you’ll see beautiful villages, paddy fields, small churches and temples. Your crew will prepare delicious meals on board. Evening time enjoy the sunset yoga & meditation on flat land by bank of the Lake. Overnight stay at Deluxe houseboat air conditioned at night. |
Friday 27th April: Alleppey - Sivananda Ashram Nevyar Dam (5hrs drive)
Morning meditation & yoga. After breakfast drive to Sivananda Ashram, Neyyar Dam, and check in to the Sivananda Ashram. Sivananda Yoga Intensive Yoga & Meditation Program for 3 days. Our Sunset practice on an astounding lake. Stay at Ashram – Air Conditioned Room. |
Wednesday 2 May - Wed 9 May Soma Manaltheeram Resort
Rejuvenation Package 7 days A 7 day Ayurvedic program personally prescribed and monitored by a resident doctor to rebuild vitality and health. 2 treatments (massages, saunas, body wraps etc) every day. Personalised and sumptuous ayurvedic diet. Cultural shows in the evenings. Daily yoga, meditation, ayurvedic lectures and cooking classes. Time to relax, explore the local beaches, village and temples. |
This retreat is a journey of the senses...you'll take in spectacular visual landscapes and draw prana directly from nature; breathe and live amongst the aromas of the spice fields; indulge in the delicately balanced flavours of the cuisine; and discover solace and healing through the touch of your Ayurvedic therapists. You journey mindfully through space & time, clearing and creating an inner space of peacefulness, creativity and purpose. Why this journey is special and could transform your life...
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MeditationWe start each day at sunrise with Mano Yoga - a powerful healing meditation practice. At sunset we practice Raja Yoga meditation and pranayama. In the evenings you'll be lulled into a deep, blissful state of relaxation during guided healing meditation. During our stay at Sivananda Ashram you'll experience a deep and immersive meditation intensive.
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Spectacular landscapesKerala, historically known as Keralam, is often referred to as 'God's Own Country and is India's most relaxed and beautiful state - with its serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, exotic wildlife, waterfalls and lush hill stations.The beauty and stillness of the landscape settles into your heart and soul - you will never forget it!
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Total surrenderYoga 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.
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Cost per person |
3500 |
* Price in AUD and is for shared room. $1200 Surcharge for Single Room. |
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Single Room Surcharge |
Extra nights before tour - shared room |
Extra nights before tour - single room |
Extra nights after tour - shared cottage |
Extra nights after tour - single cottage |
1200 |
150 |
280 |
190 |
280 |
per person |
per person |
per person |
per person |
per person |
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yoga at its source... You may have practiced or even taught yoga for many years in your home country and be ready to take the next step - to experience yoga at its source. We'd love you to join our retreat for an immersive, fully supported Indian experience. Yoga in India has changed over recent years with a proliferation of 200 hr yoga teacher trainings and retreats varying in quality and authenticity. We encourage you to be discerning, to be safe, and select a program and organisation which nurtures and supports every aspect of who you are. Even if you don't travel with Kookaburra Yoga, we are happy to share our knowledge and experience to assist you to enrich your travels and yoga education - just be in touch!
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