The Oracle Greece Retreat

15 Day Spiritual Journey and Greek Island Yoga Retreat

10-24 July 2023

A 15 day spiritual and cultural journey exploring the myths,  meditations and sacred places of ancient Greece with 7 days on a magic Greek island.

Athens & the temple of Athena  |   monasteries of Meteora  |  Sacred Delphi and the Oracle   |  6 day Greek island Yoga Retreat   |   Kythira & Aphrodite  |  Apollo Personal Odyssey Day 
Mythologist, Travel guide, Transport, most Meals, Local Guides included
Daily Yoga & Meditation  |  Beautiful hotels and resorts | domestic flights 

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10-24 July 2023 ​This 14 day retreat is an adventure into the magic, myths, spirituality and culture of Greece within the framework of an immersive yoga program. With its ancient temples, architecture, gods, goddesses, pristine islands and places of astounding natural beauty, Greece is a place of pilgrimage and devotion. We interweave the stories and myths of ancient Greece with our daily yoga and meditation practices linking them to the sacred sites of Athens, Delphi, Meteora and the Ionian island Kythira. Through the myths and meditations of Athena, the Pythian Priestesses (the Oracle), Odysseus, Medusa, Aphrodite and the Poetess (Sappho) and others, we explore these archetypes within our own minds, hearts, lives and relationships, thereby healing the past, recognising our potential, opening to love, and visioning the future.

14 Day Greece Retreat. $6900 twin share. $8900 single.
$200 earlybird discount (pay by 1 April). Payment Plans available.

highlights

 We have planned an incredible journey with a mythological focus. Everything is taken care of  to ensure you get the most from every moment. Inclusions:

• Beautiful hotels and resorts throughout
• Daily morning and evening yoga, pranayama, meditation program
• Meditation and ritual at ancient, sacred temples
• Daily myths and stories of Ancient Greece. 
• 3 nights at Plaka Hotel, Athens with breakfast
• 2 nights at Douipiani Hotel, Meteora with breakfast and dinner (at nearby restaurant)
• 3 nights Kastalia Hotel, Delphi with breakfast and dinner
• 6 night retreat at Hotel Portodelfino, Kythera with breakfast and dinner​
• Luxury, air-conditioned private coach Athens-Meteora-Delphi-Athens
• Return domestic flights Athens-Kythera. 
• Odyssey Day - choose a personal challenge on Kythira - scuba diving, canyoning, Via Ferrata, abseiling, canoeing, zip line, mountain walking, experience local village life, or relax on a beach!
• 1 day Island Sailing and Snorkelling
• Natural herbs and cooking workshops
• Cultural tours with local guides in each destination and entrance fees
• Travel with Mandy BeckerKnox (Facilitator, Yoga, Meditation), Arya Beltaine (Mythology, Ancient History), Veronica Barcala (Guide, Travel Support)
• Program begins and end at Athens, Greece.

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itinerary

Day 1: Athens
Arrive at Athens International Airport (AIA) and take a taxi to our hotel located in aAthens' historical centre. Relax or explore the old city of Chennai at your leisure. Dinner and breakfast included.
Stay Plaka Hotel. 

Chennai hotel

Day 2: Athens
After morning yoga and breakfast, visit Theosophical Society & Peacock walking tour of Chennai historical sites. Shopping to browse clothes, textiles, shawls textiles, attire for Tirupati temple visit and ashram. Drive to Tirupati (3.30 hours). Yoga & dinner at hotel.
Stay Marasa Sarovar Hotel

Walking tour Chennai

Day 3: Athens - Meteora
Rise early. We walk the Srivari Mettu pilgrimage route barefoot up the 4000 steps to reach Tirumala Temple at the top of the sacred hill where we join the wave of pilgrims to enter the temple. Return to hotel to relax for afternoon. Afterwards, we visit the nearby natural wonder - the arch at Sila Thoranam.  Yoga & dinner at hotel.
Stay Marasa Sarovar Hotel

Tirupati hotel

Day 4: Meteora
After morning yoga and breakfast, drive 4.5 hours to Tiruvanamalai. Arrive at Sparsa Resort, our tranquil retreat accommodation with view to Mt Arunachala and close to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram. We go to the ashram for an orientation tour, and sunset arati (prayer). Evening yoga and dinner at hotel.
Stay Athena Hotel

Venkateswara Tirupati Temple

Day 5: Meteora - Delphi
Morning yoga and breakfast at hotel. Visit ashram temple, library, walk to Golden Pond. Discussion group in outdoor area in ashram grounds with senior teachers. After lunch we do the Pradakshina, a 14 kilometre pilgrimage around the sacred mountain. Devotees worship Shiva by walking around the hill barefoot, there are eight lingams and many mandapas and holy tanks around the Arunachala hill. Evening prayer/aratri/meditation at ashram.
Yoga & dinner at hotel.
Stay Athena Hotel

Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Day 6: Delphi
After yoga and breakfast, 2 hour hike at Mt Arunachala to visit the Virupaksha Cave (via Skandashram) where Ramana Maharshi lived for 17 years (2 hours walking). Virupaksha Cave is where sage Virupaksha Deva, and later Sri Ramana Maharshi lived and meditated. Meditation here is a deep experience. Arati at ashram. Yoga and dinner at hotel. 
Stay Athena Hotel

Sacred Mt Arunachala

Day 7: Delphi
After yoga and breakfast drive 4 hours 45 minutes to the beautiful whitewashed French colony Pondicherry, with a stop for lunch on the way. In the afternoon explore Pondicherry at your leisure. Evening Program at Aurobindo Ashram. Yoga & dinner at hotel.
Stay Promenade Hotel

Stay on Pondicherry Promenade

Day 8: Delphi - Athens
Morning yoga and breakfast. A day at Auroville - the visionary city of the future conceptualised by the 'Mother', who along with Sri Aurobindo was the spiritual leader of the ashram. Our day begins at the Visitor Centre and includes a bicycle tour of Auroville and meditation at the Matrimandir. Yoga & dinner at hotel.
Stay Promenade Hotel

Matrimandir, Auroville

Day 9: Athens - Kythera
A big travel day. Drive 1.45 hours to Mahabalipuram where visit the Shore Temple and ancient carved temples. After lunch drive 1.45 hrs to Chennai to take our short flight to Coimbatore. It is then a 2 hour drive to our luxury mountain resort at Coonor in the heart of the Nilgiris (blue mountains) where we arrive in time for dinner.
Stay Kurumba Village Resort

Mahabalipuram

Day 10: Kythera 
Day 1 of our Mountain Meditation Retreat which includes Meditation Teacher Training Workshops and the Shivaratri Sadhana (meditation) preparing for the great night of Shiva at the ashram of Sadhguru. After yoga and breakfast, a morning meditation workshop, followed by a leisurely day in nature. Walks on the grounds and rainforest at your own pace, or choose a massage at the onsite spa. Yoga and dinner at hotel.
Stay Kurumba Village Resort

Coonor Resort

Day 11: Kythera
Day 2 of our Mountain Meditation Retreat. Morning meditation workshop. In the afternoon we drive to spectacular Lamb's Rock and Lady Canning’s Seat for the views and mountain walks. Return to hotel for yoga, dinner and evening meditation program.
​Stay Kurumba Village Resort

Toy Train Coonor - Ooty

Day 12: Kythera
Day 3 of our Mountain Meditation Retreat. In the afternoon we take the toy train from Coonor to Ooty. Winding uphill through majestic jungle, past waterfalls, through tunnels, over impossible bridges. This railway is UNESCO listed and is a spectacular journey to Ooty - the jewel of the Nilgiris. A day boating on the lake, visit botanical gardens, and drive to Doddabetta, Ooty’s highest peak at 2263 metres for sunset. Return to hotel for dinner and evening meditation program.
Stay Kurumba Village Resort

Hiking, Nigiris (Blue Mountains)

Day 13: Kythera
After morning yoga and breakfast, we drive 2.5 hours to the small rural village of Alandurai to our tranquil resort close to the Isha Foundation Ashram, home of Sadhguru. In the afternoon we go to the ashram to participate in the Shivaratri programs. We meditate in the temple by the powerful Dhyanalinga, then participate in the evening festivities & cultural program. Dinner at ashram.
Stay Divara Siruvani ​

Dvara Siruvani

23 July. Day 14: Kythera - Athens 
Day 3 of Shivaratri Meditation. After morning yoga and breakfast, we go to the ashram for the Adiyogi Pradakshina (3.2 km devotional walk) and the Shivaratri program which continues until the early hours of the morning, immersing ourselves in both the spectacle and sacredness of this profound night with many thousands of people.
Stay Plaka Hotel ​

AdiYoga Statue at Isha Foundation

24 July. Day 15: Departures
ASD

Dhyanalinga, Isha Foundation Ashram

Day 16: Retreat ends
After yoga and breakfast we close our retreat with a beautiful giving circle and ritual to say goodbye and end our retreat process. You will be transferred to Coimbatore (CJB) international airport (30 minutes) for your flight onwards or home.

Siruvani Waterfall and Dam

Price is $4,200 shared room; $5,200 single room.
$700 deposit. 9 month payment plan available.

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journey of the heart

Have you dreamed of journeying to India to experience yoga at its source, immersing yourself in the spiritual and devotional practices dating back thousands of years? On this adventurous and spiritual journey we visit some of the most profound and sacred pilgrimage places in India, home to great sages and saints and contemporary masters.

You will have the opportunity to advance your yoga and meditation practice with daily sessions with our small group, and by drawing inspiration from the teachings of the great sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, and through an immersive mountain meditation retreat which includes a yogic meditation and mindfulness teacher training program. You'll learn how to integrate yoga and meditation into your daily life in a meaningful way, and also gain the knowledge to teach and share with others.

The retreat and training program has been designed and is led by Mandy BeckerKnox of Kookaburra Yoga in Perth Australia, a yoga practitioner and teacher with close to 30 years experience. Mandy is a dedicated to yogic living, developing many courses, programs and retreats across all areas of yoga including meditation, food and lifestyle. She continues to study deeply with contemporary masters A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan of Chennai who were themselves devout students of the legendary Krishnamacharya for many years. Krishnamacharya considered Mohan to be the lineage holder of this profoundly transformative body of yogic knowledge.

At heart, yoga is a spiritual path comprised of rituals and practices which evoke and connect us to the divine. Here in India, there is a rich, spiritual culture of soulful yoga, pilgrimage, prayer and generosity - which we are welcomed into.

This unique yoga journey is like no other. We journey through the diverse southern state of Tamil Nadu visiting profoundly important places of pilgrimage - from sacred Mt Arunachala to the new, epic statue of the adi-yoga (lord Shiva, the first yogi) at the impressive Isha Foundation Ashram. We traverse this great state, staying in historic cities and towns, peaceful villages and by spectacular mountains.

On arrival in Chennai you’ll be met at the airport and driven in comfort to our luxurious and tranquil heritage hotel Taj Connemara Hotel. Visit Theosophical Society gardens and enjoy the peacock walking tour through historic Mylapore. We visit clothing and textile store FabIndia to buy any needed indigenous style clothing, shawls, wraps etc for temples and ashrams where there are strict dress codes.

We drive to the temple town of Tirupati where we stay at our beautiful resort Marasa Sarovar. We rise early to walk the pilgrimage route of Srivari Mettu up the 4000 steps to join the 60,000 pilgrims who worship at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple is considered auspicious, and when deep and important wishes are made with belief and devotion, they are said to come true. 

Our next destination is the gorgeous and peaceful resort near Tiruvanamalai, another sacred pilgrimage destination, famous for the Ramana Maharshi Ashram at the foot of sacred Mt Arunachala. Sri Ramana Maharshi is an enlightened sage revered by millions throughout the world for his wisdom teachings. An immersive few days in the devotional ashram program, walks around and on the most revered mountain in South India, meditation in the caves of Ramana Maharshi and earlier realised sages. We also do the 14 kilometre walk around Mt Arunachala.

We drive south to the whitewashed, historic French town of Pondicherry, home to the Aurobindo Ashram where we join the program. We stay right on the beachfront at the quaint Promenade Hotel. A bike ride and tour of Auroville, the ‘city of dawn’ which was the utopian vision of Aurobindo and the Mother brought to life inthe 60's. We enjoy an interpretitive tour on pushbike, and meditate in the incredible Matrimandir temple. Auroville was created to bring a progressive harmony to transcend culture, politics and nationalities. Visiting here is truly a unique experience. 

We head back to Chennai via Mahabalipuram, a picturesque coastal temple town with its ancient Shore Temple and relief carvings in the rocks and caves. After an early lunch we go directly to Chennai airport for a short flight to Coimbatore. A couple of hours drive and we are in the Niligiris (blue mountains) where we stay in the incredible 5 star Kurumba Village Resort in Coonor.

Amidst the beauty of nature and the backdrop of the Blue Mountains we immerse ourselves in a 3 day Mountain Meditation Retreat, which includes a certified Yogic Meditation & Mindfulness Training Program to deepen your meditation knowledge and practice, and to provide you with the skills and practical experience to teach and share.

During our time in the Nilgiris, we also hike, and we take the famous UNESCO listed toy train through the mountain ranges to Ooty, the jewel of the Nilgiris, where we visit the botanical gardens, enjoy boating on the lake before sunset at Doddabetta, the highest peak. During the free afternoons you can hike, horeseride, relax, have a massage, or explore.

After our Mountain Retreat we drive to the rural village of Alandarai which is only 15 minutes from the  Isha Foundation Ashram. We stay in a tranquil resort with an outlook over the rice-fields to the distant hills. We are here to immerse ourselves in the Shivaratri Festival at the ashram and walk around the iconic Adi-Yoga (1st yogi) Bust, an enormous sculpted statue of Lord Shiva and meditate in the ashram's temple by powerful dhyanalinga. We join 100,000s of pilgrims who visit the ashram for the auspicious event. It will be an incredible spectacle and deeply spiritual night of connection with the divine. 

Our final day is a day of rest and time in nature, consolidating all we have experienced and learnt during our incredible 16 day spiritual adventure. Our program ends at Coimbatore where you can take your connecting flight home.

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Tiruvanamalai

Sri Ramana Maharshi & disciples at Mt Arunachala

Exploring Pondicherry Bazaar

Natural Arch in Sila Thoranam near Tiruvanamalai

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Tamil Nadu traditional cuisine

Pondicherry Street

Chennai hotel. Comfortable accommodation throughout.

Beauty, colour, connection

Matrimandir by night

Mahashivaratri at Isha Foundation

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why join us?

Professional, caring facilitation​

Mandy BeckerKnox and Robert Becker lead 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 a decade. Mandy 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 a teacher training component, giving you the practical experience, knowledge and skills to share yogic meditation & mindfulness safely with integrity. You will learn and practice the Yoga of Krishnamacharya, as taught by A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan.

Attention to detail

Kookaburra Yoga works closely with local organisers, venues and licensed travel agents at our destinations to ensure that every practicality is considered and taken care of and that any 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.

Hatha Yoga

Morning and late afternoon Yoga sessions incorporate an integrated system of Hatha and Raja Yoga - ensuring the practices are holistic and beneficial on every level of being. Asanas are of 4 types: those which bring inner quiet; those which bring focus and body awareness; those which bring humility and detachment; and those which increase confidence and vitality.

Meditation

We start each day at sunrise with pranayama and meditation, followed by a dynamic asana practice. The afternoons and evenings are for a deep, quiet practice. This retreat features a 3 Mountain Meditation Retreat which includes Yogic Meditation Teacher Training. During this time we also prepare for Shivaratri with a Sadhana (meditation) program.

Stunning venues

You will stay in incredible, carefully chosen venues on this retreat which are close to the ashrams and spiritual centres we visit, yet are tranquil and serene with spaces conducive to our yogic practice. On a profound and immersive yogic pilgrimage such as this, we ensure your accommodation should be comfortable and restful enabling you to sleep well, eat well, rest deeply and have the time and space to safely integrate and process all you experience.

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 tours, adventures and excursions to counterbalance and soften the deep retreat process. 

Vegetarian cuisine

The food we share and recommend on this retreat is fresh, mainly 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.

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Costs

Base Cost - shared room

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$4,000 earlybird
​$4,200 full

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All inclusions as listed.

• Twin share or double A/C room throughout
• Earlybird price until 4 months prior to start date
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Single Room Supplement

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+$1,000

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• All inclusions as listed.
• Single room throughout.​​​​

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Inclusions

• ​Transfer from Chennai Airport (MAA) on arrival and to Coimbatore airport (CJB) on departure (for those arriving on the tour commencement date and departing on the tour end date). 
• 4 & 5 Star accommodation throughout with Breakfast & Dinner​
• Daily morning and afternoon/evening yoga and meditation sessions
• Domestic flight from Chennai to Coimbatore
• English speaking guide service throughout. Entrance fees at monuments, temples and ashrams.
• Air conditioned transport service for all transfers and sightseeing tours
• ​Personalised assistance from local travel agent and guides
• ​All applicable taxes​​

At your expense

• International flight, Indian visa, compulsory travel insurance.
• Bank fees for part payment of retreat cost to Indian travel agent (approx $50)
  
• Airport transfers (if you are arriving and leaving outside tour dates).
• Lunches, extra food 
• Laundry
• Personal shopping
• Tips and gratuities

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Facts & Questions

You will find relevant information in the F&Q table below. But here is a bit of important travel info to get started...

• 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. You can apply for an e-visa directly through the India Government's online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
• 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).
• You will leave from Coimbatore so therefore your return flight should be booked departing from Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) on final tour date or afterwards.
• Both airports are international so you should easily find flights directly to and from these airports. Book flights as early as possible to secure a good price. 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. 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 Coimbatore so therefore your return flight should be booked departing from Coimbatore International Airport (CJB). Both airports are international so you should easily find flights directly to and from these airports. 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

• We ask for a deposit of $700 upon booking a place on this Retreat.
• Your deposit 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 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 0-4 weeks before the retreat the full amount is payable.
• If you cancel 4-6 weeks before the retreat 75% of your what you've paid (not including deposit) will be refunded to you.
• If you cancel more than 6 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 we have a waitlist and can fill your place from this, all money paid (except for deposit) will be refunded to you regardless of when you cancel. 

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, single room supplement, airport transfer if you arrive earlier than the tour start date, or leave later than the tour end date.
• These options can be selected when booking and will be added to your final invoice if you select this option when booking.
• some lunches and snacks (budget approx $15 per meal)
• 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 $150-$200 in total)
• discretionary donations to ashrams, temples and charities (estimate approx $100 in total)

PAYMENT DETAILS

• DEPOSIT ON BOOKING: $700. Payable to Kookaburra Yoga. Deposit is non-refundable.
• 2ND PAYMENT DUE: 4 months prior to travel: $2,000 (SHARED ROOM) or $3,000 (SINGLE ROOM). Once you have booked and paid your deposit, you'll receive instructions to make your second instalment payment direct to our travel agent by the 1st December. Please note that international transfer fees/credit card fees will apply. These will vary depending on your payment method and your your bank.
• FINAL PAYMENT DUE: 2 months prior to travel $1000   Your final payment of $1,000 (+ any extra nights, single room supplement booked).  You will receive an invoice with the final amount payable.
• PAYMENT PLANS. If you opt to pay by payment plan, you will need to pay the $700 deposit on booking. The balance will be paid monthly for 6 months. There is an additional 10% fee for payment plans.
• IMPORTANT  cut off date for cancellations without penalty is 3 months prior to travel. Please see cancellation policy below.
• 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 with your insurer.
• If Kookaburra Yoga cancels this retreat prior to the commencement date all monies paid will be refunded within 30 days.
• If Kookaburra Yoga cancels this retreat due to a natural disaster or unforeseen acts of god, refunds may not be possible. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance.

What is the Retreat Size?

• There is a maximum of 12 places for participants
• This retreat is subject to a minimum of 4 participants.

What health considerations are there?

• 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. In Perth we recommend Travel Health Fremantle who have our travel itinerararies on file so they can provide you with specific advice.
• 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 and mosquito-borne viruses.
• Travel insurance is mandatory. In the event that you be come 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.
• We take our own children to India and they sometimes accompany us on retreats. We wouldn't consider risking their wellbeing and equally we wouldn't consider risking the wellbeing of participants.

What should i wear?

Tamil Nadu is hot during the days reaching temperatures of up to 32 degrees and warm in the evenings with lows of about 24 degrees (celsius). The weather should be dry, with the monsoon season starting later in May or June. 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 and shoulders covered. At traditional temples both men and women are expected to wear traditional Indian dress. You will have opportunies to purchase some clothing in Chennai which is not expensive.
• Bring bathers for swimming. While there are no issues in hotel pools and othe pool and private beach at our retreat centre, if swimming in public places, modesty is essential and a sarong or tshirt over your bathers is recommended for women.
• 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 stay you are required to wear white and pale coloured modest clothing, even during your hatha yoga practice.
• Mosquitos will be an issue in the evenings, so loose, long cotton clothing is ideal.

CONTACTS IN INDIA

TOUR ORGANISERS
Mandy BeckerKnox & Robert Becker
m: + 61 422 318 104; e: info@kookaburrayoga.com

TRAVEL AGENT
Name: Christy Gomez. Company: Indian Panorama
Address: Pavana Building, K.P. Vallon Road, Kadavanthra P.O, Cochin, Kerala - 682020
Phone: ++ 91 0484 4062000 I Mobile : 09746074145
Email: christy@indianpanorama.in

ACCOMMODATION VENUES
Fragrant Nature Hotel, Cochin
Address: Calvathy Bazaar Road, Kochi
Phone: +91(0) 484 221 3600

Cardomom County Resort
Address: Kumily Thekkady Road,, Periyar
Phone: +91 94474 14344

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre & Ashram
Address: Neyyar Dam, Trivandrum, Kerala 695572
Phone: +91 94460 89992

Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village
Address: Manaltheeram Road, Kovalam, Chowara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695501
Phone: +91 471 226 6222

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 I Mobile : 09746074145
Email: christy@indianpanorama.in

YOUR MAIN ADDRESS IN INDIA:
Taj Connemara Hotel Chennai
Address: Binny Rd, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India
Phone: +91 44 6600 0000

YOUR CONTACT PHONE NO. IN INDIA
If not taking your own mobile phone, you can use Mandy's number +61 422 318 104

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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!