Join John Ogilvie, founder of Byron Yoga Centre, and Marita Dortins, head yoga teacher trainer, on a deeply immersive journey into the heart of India.
An ideal opportunity to take your yoga practice, and your life, to another level. Let us guide and nurture you throughout your journey, supporting your own personal transformation, as well as guiding you to develop a deeper, holistic understanding of yoga.
We will personally meet you at the Bangalore airport and take you to our purpose-built peaceful guest house in Tiruvanamalai. Marita and I will stay on site with you, keeping you safe and guiding you through the different spiritual journeys and adventures. At the end of our stay we will then travel back to the Bangalore airport.
A Spiritual Journey into India
An opportunity to truly unwind and take time to nurture yourself and experience the delights of the rich Indian culture. Experienced yogis can explore and enhance their practice, while new students can deepen their understanding of yoga asana (poses) and philosophy in a supportive and nurturing environment. Immerse yourself in the Indian culture and this ancient Indian practice at the heart of yoga itself! Held in a tranquil and supportive environment.
Find what you’re looking for below:
12 Day India Yoga Retreat Dates
12 Day Yoga Retreat in India 12 – 23 March 2027
| Dates | Register |
|---|---|
| March 12 - 23, 2027 | Register Now |
India Yoga Retreat Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation at the foothill of the sacred Hill of Arunachala.
- Airport transfers in India.
- Daily itinerary including yoga, meditation and spiritual enrichment.
- Day trip to the French Colonial town of Pondicherry, as well as visit the famous Matrimandir and have lunch at the spiritual Auroville centre to explore.
- Traditional and nutritious Indian meals – 2 meals each day onsite included in price. The third meal you will be given the opportunity to eat out and taste the local cuisine.
- You will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yoga asana (poses), philosophy, meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and relaxation techniques.
- A half day visit to a very special temple called Aathi Tiruvarangam, Manalurpet; which is quite a rare and an ancient Vishnu temple.
- Our flexible schedule is designed for you to explore your yoga practice but also immerse yourself in the local Indian culture with plenty of free time to explore. Create your own yoga retreat, and participate in as many or few activities as you wish.
The following options are available at an additional cost:
- On site massage by local masseuse
- Local Ayurvedic Doctor with clinic nearby will be offering sessions
1500 year old Arunachalesvara Temple at the base of Arunachala hill. Image credit: Govind Swamy
View from Pondicherry Lighthouse. Image credit: Karthik Easvur
The Sacred Location
The Holy Hill of Arunachala, in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu has been a focal point of worship, meditation and retreat for centuries. The scriptures, sages and saints tell us that this mysterious Hill is, in fact, the form of Shiva himself. The great saint Ramana Maharshi was ‘irresistibly’ attracted here after his Awakening, coming to Arunachala in search of his Father and remained here for his life.
There are many ashrams, temples and tombs of great saints in the ambit of Arunachala and seekers, practitioners and devotees from many traditions come to partake in the rarefied vibrational atmosphere that is especially tangible at the Samadhi of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. It seems the whole hill emanates a strong sense of deep stillness and silence that cannot be talked about but experienced. It has been a perfect place for ardent seekers to come and retreat into deep meditation and contemplation. Many great beings have attained liberation here.
Interesting reading:
The Ramana Maharshi Ashram
Arunachala
davidgodman.org
A couple of easily accessible books are:
- ‘Ramana Maharshi and the Path of Self-Knowledge’ by Arthur Osborne
- ‘Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi’ by David Godman
Accommodation
Sangam House
This unique home was crafted with love and has a western aesthetic quality with larger rooms, windows and attention to detail in the finishings and overall feel. The architect for Sangam was Suhasini Ayer, from Auroville, where she designed the well known Visitors Center. What makes this place exceptional is its extraordinary view of Holy Arunachala from the roof and its proximity to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, which is just a 10 minute walk from the front door.
Sangam Retreat House has a variety of exquisite shared spaces for group gatherings and for places to escape to, to be alone in contemplation and meditation.
The veranda, roof and areas in the garden around the swimming pool are lovely areas to be alone.
Sangam House has an elevator, filtered water in the taps throughout the house, yoga mats, hair dryers, electrical sockets that will accept UK, US and IN plugs (Voltage is 220 and 110 devices cannot be used without a converter) and 2 washing machines that can be used by participants (clothes can to be sent out for ironing at a low cost).
Sangam Retreat House is an alcohol, smoking and drug-free zone.
Rooms
The rooms have been aesthetically finished with comfort and beauty in mind. The hotel boasts comfortably appointed twin share and triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Your Hosts
Your facilitators John Ogilvie (founder and CEO of Byron Yoga Centre) and Marita Dortins (Head Yoga Teacher Trainer at Byron Yoga Centre) are some of the best, and offer a wealth of knowledge, passion, and yoga experience.
A Typical Day
06:45 Yoga flow class
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Alternate spiritual talks / meditation / wellness session
10:30 Gentle hatha yoga class
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Spend the afternoon exploring the town (supervised or independently), relaxing by the pool, or book a massage treatment or ayurvedic session
16:30 Restorative/ yin class (alternating daily)
18:00 Dinner out
Frequently Asked Questions
