~ FEEL INDIA ~ SOUTH ~

PLEASE NOTE ~ Your travel will likely commence your travel a day before the retreat starts.

Day 1 ~ February 9th

Chennai

Arrive in Chennai by flight, to be met by our tour guide on arrival to airport.
CHENNAI  ~ The capital of Tamil Nadu state,  formerly named Madras. Seen as the gatekeeper of South Indian art, culture & traditions. Located on the Coromandel Coast  of the bay of bengal ~ A bustling city full of culture, colours & life.
At some point in the day we will share an opening ceremony & circle to begin to connect as a group.
Depending on arrival time there may be a city tour on the first day to take in the sights & awaken your senses.
Dinner will be in the hotel to keep the first evening restful whilst you land from the travel.
Ending the day with a guided meditation relaxation & sound bath to ground us & leave us ready for bed.

Accommodation ~ Chennai ~ The Residancy hotel 

Day 2~ February 10th

Chennai ~ Mamalapuram

Morning yoga session at the hotel & breakfast before heading out for a day in Mamalapuram.
Visit many glorious sites, with guided tours including ~ Shore Temple ~ One of the oldest in South India, built in the 8th century BC & designed to capture the first rays of light from the rising sun. ~ Arjuna ~ The largest bas-relief in the world. This enormous rock shaped like a whale's back is decorated with figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts & birds in what is believed to represent the creation of the World.  ~ Rathas ~ Monolithic temples shaped like chariots. Carved to look like a wooden structure, even with details of knots & yet carved in stone.
MALAPURAM / MAHABALIPURAM ~ A beautiful sea port town, found along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in Tamil Nadu state ~ We spent time exploring it’s treasures in 2016 & it is truly an awe inspiring place! Speckled with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, courtesy of the ancient Pallava dynasty (3rd - 9th century BC), who were great patrons of art & crafts, it offers so many spectacular sites to take in. Its awe-inspiring cave temples, sculptures & monuments leave one marvelling at the skill of the craftsmen of that time. Many of the temples, built with granite, relate the stories from the Hindu epic ~ Mahabharata. Once a thriving port, Mamalapuram is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site complex. Known for it’s art, craft, sculpting, sea food & more. With beautiful beaches & warm sea, it is slowly becoming the surfing hub of the country.
When we brought people here in 2016 & 2025 we were all blown away with the treasures it holds!
Culminate the day with a restorative sound bath & relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Chennai ~ The Residancy hotel 

Day 3 ~ February 11th

Chennai ~ Auroville ~ Pondicherry ~ 165 km travel

Commence the day with breakfast. We will try to fit yoga later into the day, as it’s good to get going towards an amazing day exploring Auroville.
Auroville ~ a fascinating universal community based place, with a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The concept of Auroville – an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity – commencing mid 1960s the concept was developed & put before the Govt. of India, who gave their backing & took it to the General Assembly of UNESCO. In 1966 UNESCO passed a unanimous resolution commending it as a project of importance to the future of humanity, thereby giving their full encouragement. Sandra has been before & it is truly an amazing place where so much about humanities potential could be learnt. ~ There’s a documentary on it, that’s worth a watch!
Ending the day with a restful relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Pondicherry ~ Shenbaga Hotel

Day 4 ~ February 12th

Pondicherry ~ Auroville ~ Pondicherry

Commence the day with yoga & breakfast before heading out for a city tour, followed by some free time to explore the area.
PONDICHERRY ~ Now officially Pudecherry, hosts colonial structures from it’s French connection with gorgeous seafront promenades, communities, tree-lined boulevards, unexplored pristine beaches & enchanting backwaters. Known for textiles, silk & traditional doll-making as well as high quality pottery, handmade paper, leather & aromatics. French is still popularly spoken & understood by residents from all walks of life & used in schools as a second language.
Culminate the day with a relaxation session in the evening.

Overnight ~ Pondicherry ~ Shenbaga Hotel

Day 5 ~ February 13th

Pondicherry ~ Thanjavur ~ 185 km between them

After yoga & breakfast set off on a beautiful drive to Thanjavur.
Enjoying an afternoon city tour on arrival - en route you will visit ~ Chidambram ~ a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The dance represents the five activities of God: creation, preservation, destruction, veil & blessing. One of the three 'great living Chola temples'. ~ Gangaikondacholapuram ~ built in the 11th century, was the capital of the Chola reign & has a huge temple dedicated to Shiva, a temple that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. & Swamimalai ~ An Ayurvedic treatment center, where we will learn about the ancient system of traditional medicine that is ayurveda.
THANAVUR ~ Popularly called Tanjore, in Tamil Nadu reflects the legacy of the mighty Cholas & ancient temples that are works of art ~ a glorious tribute to its former kings & scattered with gorgeous monuments. In the heart of the town, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswarar Temple that was built in the 11th century & is adorned with unique carvings & sculptures, along with inscriptions that give an account of life 1,000 years ago. While the temples are awe-inspiring, the city's opulent palaces are no less, testifying of the grandeur of the ancient Dravidian civilisation.
End the day being soothed by a relaxing sound bath & meditation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Thanjavur ~ Hotel Sangam

Day 6 ~ February 14th

Thanjavur ~ Madurai ~ 185 km between them

After breakfast, we will journey towards Madurai. Potentially yoga ing later in the day of having a day off.
Taking in the vistas & landscapes of our surroundings as we go. Arriving to an afternoon a city tour to experience some of it main temples & it’s unique energy.
MADURAI ~ Known to be one of the oldest oldest living cities, possibly in the world. It is a big pilgrimage site for Hindu’s. It offers magnificent & grand temples with awe-inspiring architecture. The most spectacular said to be Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, known as the heartbeat of the city & always being visited by thousands of devotees. Madurai once traded with ancient Rome & it preserves its distinct character in various arts & textiles. From exquisite sarees to wooden toys & sculptures, Madurai is a hub of shopping, where visitors can find a fine selection of unique & handmade products. The city is vibrant & surrounded by serene  hills. Madurai is a beautiful area with waterfalls, hills a plenty.
End the day with a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Madurai ~ Hotel Fortune Pandiyan

Day 7 ~ February 15th

Madurai ~ Munnar ~ 160 km

After breakfast we will begin the journey to Madurai. Potentially yoga ing later in the day or having a day off.
This day we will cross from the state of Tamil Nadu & into Kerala.
MUNNAR ~ A beautiful hill station located in the Idukki district, known for its lush tea plantations, cool climate, scenic landscapes & glorious wildlife. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,6000 meters above sea level.
After check-in at hotel & a chill we will enjoy a guided afternoon walk through the lush hills, often shrouded in ethereal clouds. Beautiful scenery unfolding all around us. Learn how Munnar's cool temperatures made the region a favorite summer retreat during the British colonial era. See the rolling tea plantations. We will also visit the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you'll find a vast man-made lake & spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
End the day with a relaxation session after dinner.

Accommodation ~ Winternote hotel

Day 8 ~ February 16th

Munnar ~ Alleppey ~ 170 km between

A morning off yoga so as to get a fuller day on the boat, Setting off to Allepey after breakfast.
Checking in to our houseboat & starting a beautiful & dreamy cruise that last all day, where it’s full board & some drinks are included. Floating through tranquil surroundings of verdant paddy fields, rustic homes, vast coconut groves & swaying coconut palms, seeing locals way of river life. Also visiting the Vembanad Lake.
ALLEPEY / ALAPPUZHA ~ An area of immense beauty & a city on the Laccadive Sea border. Best known for it’s labyrinth of lakes, canals & lagoons, with several fresh water rivers criss crossing it. Known as India’s venice due to it’s water systems connecting people & livelihoods. It has been trading with Greece & Rome since the middle ages with a fascinating history.
Enjoy dinner over looking the serene waters, before ending the day with a relaxation session surrounded by nature.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in our own Deluxe houseboat

Day 9 ~ February 17th

Alleppey ~ Kumarakom ~ 40 km between them

After yoga & breakfast with a view on the houseboat we will rejoin our tour bus & proceed our journey.
Arriving into a wonderful spa hotel with a vast swimming pool where we can relax & book ourselves in for spa treatments if we wish.

KUMARAKOM ~ A group of small islands on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, which is a true dreamland. A secluded & relaxing destination to end our yogaventure in. Sparkling waters & bright green mangrove forests all around, coconut trees lining the embankments.  The bird sanctuary located in this enchanting destination spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of birds including ~ Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowl, cuckoos, wild ducks & migratory birds like the Siberian stork.
End the day with a relaxation session after dinner.

Accommodation ~ Abad whispering palms hotel

Day 10 ~ February 18th

 Kumarakom

Start this deliciosuly slow day with yoga & breakfast then  chill out ~relaxing by the pool, in the spa or book yourselves in for ayurvedic treatments. 
Ending the day with a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Abad whispering palms hotel

Day 11 ~ February 19th

Kumarakom ~ Cochin ~ 55 km between them

Yoga & breakfast then our travel takes us to our last destination of this tour ~ Cochin. 
Stopping on route at the beautiful Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. Visit a coconut oil extraction plant where you can watch the process of extracting oil from dried coconut. On to visiting the rural village area of Vaikom where we will take a ride on a country canoe, ending near the lunch venue, where you will enjoy a traditional Keralan vegetarian lunch served on a banana leaf, which is included in tour price. After lunch, acquaint yourself with the villagers & their way of life. Watching the various activities that this area is know for ~ making ropes with coconut fiber; mat- weaving with leaves of wild pineapple; collecting sand from the river bed; fishing and farming; straw mat weaving, coconut processing, coir-making, handicrafts & more.
COCHIN / KOCHI ~ A beautiful part of the southwest coastline of Kerala. Hosting an all-weather harbour & a grand seascape marked as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Cochin Port is a cruise port & peaceful city. It is the top supplier of aromatic spices to global markets. The Kochi kingdom dates back to the 12th century & it’s believed that Chinese & Arab traders were the first visitors to Kochi who paved the way for Portuguese & Dutch visitors, followed by the British Raj in this region. This place has been a safe haven for travel enthusiasts for several decades.
Explore the area a while before retreating to the hotel for dinner & relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Cochin ~ Hotel Casino

Day 12 ~ February 20th

Cochin

Enjoy a last yoga, followed by breakfast.
On to a guided City tour of Fort Kochi & Mattancherry, a lovely part of town with lots to see. Visiting St. Francis’ Church, built in the year 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars & known to be the oldest European church in India. It was restored in the year 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795. We’ll also visit a Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese. Later in 17th century they modified it & presented it to the Raja (King) of Kochi (Cochin). The Palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics, Mahabharata & Ramayana. Later we’ll visit the Jewish quarter & it’s synagogue, built in the year 1568, is magnificently  decorated  by Chinese  tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. A beautiful part of town we remember well from our visits here. Explore the lovely shops around this part of town & the spice market. We will visit the Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) which are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan brought them here.  For our last evening together we will enjoy a Kathakali dance show ~ An art which has evolved from many social & religious theatrical forms which existed in the southern region in ancient times.
Ending the day with dinner & a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Cochin ~ Hotel Casino

~ English speaking tour guide that stays with us throughout the whole trip.
~ All transport mentioned in the itinerary.
~ Accommodation for 12 nights in a twin room in 4 star accomodation.
~ Daily breakfast & some extra meals ~ Full board on houseboat & lunch in Vaikom.
~ Bottled water throughout & several welcome drinks at hotels.
~ Transportation in air-conditioned Mini Coach to & from hotels, airports, between cities & during excursions.
~ Entrance fees to lots of temples, museums, a dance show, spice plantation tour & all guided in English ~ Most excursions have been highlighted in bold.
~ Boat rides
~ Assistance by our representatives at the airports, hotels.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

~ Expenses of a personal nature ~ drinks & meals.
~Any International flights to & from India & UK transfers.
~ Visa for the country ~ https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
~ Personal Travel Insurance
~ Yoga mat & equipment
~ Tips ~ We will create a kitty at the start to make it easier