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Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India
February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India
February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India
February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India
February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India
February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Don't miss out on an experience of a lifetime. Spaces are limited. Register now.
 
Highlights
Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

The experience of South India is lush, languorous and profoundly rooted in nature and healing. This deeply restoring Yoga & Ayurvedic Tour of South India takes place in the beautiful state of Kerala, the birthplace of Ayurveda, India’s science of wellness, described as “one of the ten paradises of the world” by National Geographic. Together we will explore the multi-faceted beauty of Kerala, from the oasis of its internationally renowned beaches to the sanctuary of its Ayurvedic spas. We will venture into nature preserves brimming with wildlife and cruise bucolic backwaters teeming with rural life. We will tour ancient coastal towns boasting magnificent temples, heritage palaces and historic landmarks, and take solitary strolls through palmed-lined jungle paths. We will enjoy evenings together dining on the renowned cuisine of Kerala and be wowed by masterful performances of the distinctive music and dance of South India. 

 

Our journey begins in the historic Arabian Sea port of Kochin, an international trade hub and spice center since the Portuguese arrived in 1500. We will wander thru the quaint winding lanes of the town’s old Jewish district, exploring its centuries old spice markets and antique emporiums and its 16th-century synagogue. The next day, we will board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a leisurely overnight cruise through Kerala’s peaceful backwaters, then venture further south to one of Kerala’s most highly rated Ayurvedic spas for three days devoted to restoration and daily Ayurvedic treatments. We continue south to Kovalam, where the gorgeous Taj Kovalam Retreat will serve as our base for daily yoga, sunning by the sea and a daytime excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the continent, with historic and religious sites.

 

Appropriately enough, our trip comes to a festive conclusion on Shivaratri, the day India recognizes Shiva, the Original Yogi and divine embodiment of transformation.

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Pricing

Single Room

$ ($3895)Show Details

Double Shared Room

$ ($3095)Show Details
 
Included
  • 8 nights luxury accommodation
  • all breakfasts
  • private drivers and AC transport
  • private, top-notch guides
  • overnight cruise on Kerala Backwaters Houseboat
  • visit to Kerala Ayurvedic facility
  • South Indian Kathakali dance concert
  • daily yoga with Ann
  • taxes
  • Airfare
  • most meals
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • travel insurance
  • gratuities
 
Payment and Cancellation Policy:

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your space. Final Balance Policy: Final payment must be received by ... December 9, 2016, in order to be eligible for the early bird pricing, and all payments are non-refundable. Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation, your entire payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit if the cancellation is made before December 9, 2016. Payments are non-refundable after this date. Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip. There are many travel insurance companies to choose from, but Travelex and World Nomads are two reputable organizations for worldwide travel coverage.

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Ann Dyer Cervantes
Ann Dyer Cervantes reconnects her students to the innate pleasure of moving their bodies for classes that bring joy as well as results. Her teaching —  grounded in her beginnings in Iyengar Yoga, a degree in dance, and the study of somatics — inspires and integrates the body, heart, and mind while keeping her students safe. Classes often include chant, breathwork, and meditation for a complete yoga practice. Her teaching in international retreats draws inspiration from the art, poetry, music, and spiritual traditions of the local culture for an exceptionally deep, memorable retreat experience.  Ann is the Owner/Director of Mountain Yoga in Oakland. She has led international yoga retreats for over 20 years.

Years Teaching

20 + years

Style

Vinyasa, Iyengar, chanting, and meditation

Inspiration

You, yoga, art, and life

My Profile & Retreats
 

FAQ

What airport do I fly into?

For the South only, fly into Cochin (airport code: COK) on Feb 19th and out of Trivandrum (airport code: TRV) on Feb 27th

For both North and South trips, fly into of Delhi (airport code: DEL) on Feb 8th and out of Trivandrum (airport code: TRV) on Feb 27th

 

*Your departure flight out of Delhi should be scheduled for no earlier than 9 p.m. on Feb 18th to allow for any flight delays from Varanasi into Delhi. 

Are there group airfares?

No, there are no group airfares, as we will have people joining us from all over the US, with some arriving early, some arriving late, some using miles, etc. We are happy to provide guidance and review any itineraries you find. Please contact us before purchasing flights, and as always, travel insurance is strongly recommended.

 

Are airport transfers included in the price of our trip?

Yes, private airport transfers are included in the price of your trip. Whenever you arrive, day or night, you will be met by a private driver and transported to the group hotel. Note: if you arrive early and decide to stay at an alternate location other than our group hotel, you will be responsible for coordinating and paying for your own transportation directly with the hotel where you will be staying.

What vaccinations do you need?

There are no required vaccinations for travel to India. However, there are some recommended (suggested) vaccinations given by the CDC. To see the complete list of what is recommended, please visit the CDC Website and consult with your primary care physician to make a decision on what is best for you.  

What are the accommodations like?

We will be staying at well-known 4- and 5-star hotels chosen for their location and quality of service throughout Southern India. We've used them all for groups in the past. Please contact us at [email protected] for details on where you will be staying for your specific itinerary.

Are gratuities included in the price of my trip?

No, gratuities are not included in the total trip price. Tips are an essential part of the economy in India and are greatly appreciated. We suggest $10 to $20 per-person per-day for housekeeping and restaurant staff as well as your local guides, drivers, and principal guide, who will be with you for the entire duration of the trip.

Are all levels of yoga experience welcome, from beginning to more advanced?

Yes, all levels are welcome. You will find that wherever you are in your practice, you will get just what you need out of the yoga classes on this retreat. International Yoga works only with experienced and extremely qualified teachers, which ensures that everyone's yoga needs will be met.

Do I need a visa for travel to India?

Yes! The India visa process can often be a confusing and lengthy process, which is why we strongly suggest using a visa-processing service such as Travel Visa Pro, which can assist you in getting your visa in a fraction of the time for a nominal fee. If you prefer to do it on your own, you have a few options, which are listed in the travel planner we will provide you with when you register.

What if I am traveling alone?

We get hundreds of travelers each year who go on retreat alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate, a single supplement will apply.

 

If you prefer to have your own private room, a single supplement will apply.

Do I need to bring a mat and will props be available during yoga classes?

Yes, please bring your own mat, in addition to blocks and a strap, if you like to use props during your practice.

How many people are expected on this retreat?

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 12 to 25 attendees is a general average.

What is the weather like?

November to March is the ideal time to visit India in terms of weather. In the north, it can get quite cool (50s to 60s) with the weather starting to warm up in February and March (70s to 80s). In the south, the temperature averages between 80 to90 F with only occasional rain.

February 19-27, 2017

Yoga & Ayurveda in Southern India

Don't miss out on an experience of a lifetime. Spaces are limited. Register now.