Ayurvedic South-India

Our trip begins in Chennai, also known as Madras, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and gateway to the southern part of India. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India with over 4.2 million residents; it is located in the southeast of India. The city is built around the fortress of St. George where the British East India Company until 1773 had a base. Despite the fact that Chennai is located on the coastal Bay of Bengal, fishing is not the major source of income. Chennai is known as the “Detroit of India” because of its auto industry. Many expatriates live in Chennai and the city is classed as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit according to the renowned tourist guide Lonely Planet.
To begin acclimatising, we will stay at the 5 star hotel Taj Club House. The Taj hotel is an ideal place to relax after your journey and is a great starting point to explore the city and enjoy some fabulous yoga whilst soaking up fantastic sea views. A comfortable place to stay ensures that you will be fully prepared to experience the contradictions that India has to offer.

After two nights in Chennai we leave by overnight train to Kovalam, a typical Indian beach resort in the centre of Ayurveda in the southern province of Kerala. We stay 9 nights at Moon Valley Cottage, a quiet hotel near the beach. It has a large roof terrace where the yoga classes will take place.

Kovalam is our base for further exploring. The charming town has an endless sight of coconut palms; in addition there are old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the “hippy” era. There are still plenty of tourists being treated at one of several Ayurvedic salons. We have compiled several day trips for you to experience the real India. In addition, you can enjoy 1 or 2 yoga classes a day tailored to your needs.

Are you going to discover with us?

12 days, as from € 1195,-

Highlights

  • 1 or 2 yoga classes a day and a restorative workshop to deepen your yoga practice
  • 5 traditional Ayurvedic massages (relaxing)** and 5 day trips
  • Discover the largest city in South India: Chennai
  • Meet the magic of Ayurveda and discover your energy type
  • Enjoy the beautiful nature and unique temples of South India
  • Go to the southernmost, magical tip of India
  • Enjoy the real India, for example: train travel, cooking, Indian food, Bollywood film
  • Group size up to 16
  • Do you have a lot of yoga experience or never done yoga before? There is a challenge for everyone
  • Extend your trip in India as you wish, we can help you with the preparation of your onward journey

**) The massage saloon has multiple other forms of massages, which you can book by paying the additional fee

All activities are optional, there is always an alternative based on your preferences.

Daytrips

Daytrip 1: Chennai

After our morning yoga practice and breakfast we will explore the city and visit the most characterful and traditional temple of Chennai; Kapaleeshwarar. This temple was built in the 7th century CE and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex has many rooms to admire and there are several daily rituals, sometimes accompanied by music. When we are ready to move on, we go for a walk along the 3km long promenade of Chennai. Here breathes the true and pure India: you can enjoy cricket competitions, fish markets and the Indian families who enjoy the sea breeze.

Daytrip 2: Kanyakumare

Kanyakumare, formerly knows as Cape Comorin, counts 20,000 inhabitants and is located in the southernmost part of the Indian mainland. Three seas flow together, namely the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar and the Indian Ocean. The place takes its name from goddess Devo Kanya Kumari (sister of Krishna) and the local woman pray to her for marriage. The goddess would remove the rigidity of our minds. Kanyakumare freely translated means; virgin girl.

Daytrip 3: Backwaters tour

South India is famous for its backwaters. It has a series of lagoons and lakes which run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The water network is home to five major lakes that we explore. We will enjoy the view by boat.

Daytrip 4: Ponmudi hills

Ponmudi is situated at an altitude of 1100 meters with breathtaking views of the Indian hills and nature. A welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life where you can relax or be active amid tranquil surroundings in nature. The road to the top has 22 hairpin bends. We pass picturesque tea gardens, beautiful waterfalls, rivers and views that make you dream. It lies parallel to the Arabian Sea and lies in the so-called golden valley.

Daytrip 5: Varkala beach

Today we will explore another beach. Papanasam beach, also known as Varkala, is situated about a 60 kilometers drive away from Kovalam. This beach has beautiful cliffs bordering the Arabian Sea. It is a wonderful place for swimming and sunbathing and the view at sunset is very worthwhile. There are several restaurants nearby and if you love to visit temples, the famous Sree Janardhana Swami temple is near the beach. In short, Varkala Beach is a place to suit all tastes.

 

* Note: You can decide which daytrips you want to join and when you want to do your ayurvedic massage treatment. Keep in mind that you can best take 1 to 2 hours rest after an Ayurvedic massage of 1 hour. Besides the day trips there are plenty of opportunities to experience the real India, such as exploring the city Trivandrum (30 minutes from Kovalam), a cooking workshop with an Indian family or a delightful walk on the wide beach of Kovalam.

Practical

Arrival & Departure

Arrival Chennai is at day 0, departure to Kovalam is on day 2
Arrival Kovalam is on day 3, leaving Kovalam on day 12

Accommodation

2 nights in 5 star hotel Taj Club House in Chennai
1 night in the train to Trivandrum
9 nights in Hotel Moon Valley Cottage

Nurture

Western/ayurvedic breakfast (bread, yogurt, fresh fruit)
Indian vegetarian dinner
Specific dietary requirements? Let us know when you make your booking

Prices

€1195,- for 11 nights in a twin room
€1345,- for a single room in Kovalam without air conditioning (9 nights) and a twin room in Chennai (2 nights)
€1495,- for a single room in Chennai & Kovalam with air conditioning (11 nights)

Included in package

All yoga classes and a restorative workshop
5 daytrips including transport
5 ayurvedic massages of 60 minutes
Daily (yogi) breakfast
10 times dinner including drinkable water
Train ride back to Chennai

Excluded in package

Return flight to Chennai (ticket price varies between 500-750 euro)
Transport from airport to the hotel (prepaid taxi to airport about 5 euros)
Vaccinations (check with your travel doctor)
Visa (tourist visa is about 50 Euro)
Travel and cancellation insurance (compulsory!)
Lunch
(Alcoholic) drinks
Other personal expenses

* Note: it is also possible to take a return ticket with multiple destinations. Outbound flight Chennai Airlines Trivandrum / Thiruvananthapuram.

Do you have any other questions? Please feel free to contact us.