I would love to invite you to join myself and Marita on this transformative 100-hour Restorative Yoga and Nervous System Immersion. Set in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, at the sacred foothills of Arunachala, this immersive course is ideal for yoga teachers, dedicated students and anyone seeking to use yoga to slow down, restore balance, and gently soothe the nervous system.
India Yoga Immersion
100hr Restorative Yoga & Nervous System Immersion
Do you or your students feel caught in cycles of stress, exhaustion, or emotional overwhelm?
Are you looking to teach in a way that truly helps people nourish and regulate their nervous systems?
In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, many students arrive on the mat with nervous system dysregulation, chronic tension, burnout, or even trauma. Restorative yoga provides a gentle yet powerful pathway to healing and resilience. Through stillness, supported postures, mindful breathing, and a trauma-aware approach, restorative yoga invites the body into deep rest, replenishment, and nervous system balance.
India 100hr Restorative Yoga & Nervous System Immersion
100 Hours | 12 Day Residential in India
| Dates | Register |
|---|---|
| April 28 - May 9, 2026 | Register Now |
Payment plan available. Residential priced from $4170 (includes tuition, two meals per day and 11 nights in a shared room, other accommodation options subject to availability).
Course Content
- History, philosophy & essence of Restorative Yoga
- Autonomic nervous system function, Polyvagal Theory, vagus nerve, & stress physiology
- Koshas, kleshas, and healing pathways
- Key restorative postures, with variations and adaptations for individual needs
- Therapeutic sequencing for mental health
- Trauma-sensitive language, space‑holding, and co-regulation
- Building home practice and lifetime stress‑management tools
- Yoga nidra techniques
- Peer teaching, feedback, and mentoring
- Guided cultural excursions; an opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice
- Understand how stress and trauma affect the nervous system, and how yoga can support healing
- Be able to guide students safely into states of deep rest and regulation, even if they struggle to slow down or relax
- Have powerful new tools in your teaching repertoire that are inclusive, effective, and accessible for all bodies
- Feel more grounded and supported in your own nervous system, so you can teach from a place of calm and clarity
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a 100-hour Restorative Yoga and Nervous System certification, acknowledging their ability to apply these techniques in personal or professional settings.
What’s Included?
- All training including pre and post course support
- Teacher training manuals
- Practical training with real teaching experience
- Incredible line up of senior yoga teachers
- 11 nights’ accommodation
- Two meals per day
- Ashram, temple and sacred site visits
Airfares and insurance are not included in costs.
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.
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
1500 year old Arunachalesvara Temple at the base of Arunachala hill. Image credit: Govind Swamy
Matrubhuteswara Temple – Image credit: gururamana.org
Yoga is a lot about giving and receiving. It has been proposed that we only keep what we have by giving it away, which is one of the main motivations for teaching and training others to teach.
The yoga we teach at Byron Yoga Centre and on this Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand is called Purna, meaning integrated or complete. Purna Yoga represents a holistic approach to yoga integrating not just the physical postures but also philosophy, meditation, pranayama breath control and the yogic personal and social code of ethics. The postural instruction is alignment focused. Sequences range from gentle restorative to dynamic. Blocks, belts and bolsters are available to be used to support and modify postures safely.
You will receive a certificate of completion and this can be counted as 100 hours towards Byron Yoga Centre’s 300-hour Level 2 Yoga Teacher Training Program.
This 100 hour training can be counted as your CPD (Continuous Professional Development) as required by Yoga Alliance (YACEP) and Yoga Australia.
You may be able to claim this training on tax!
As a contractor/sole trader yoga teacher operating in Australia, you’re entitled to claim a range of expenses as tax deductions if they directly support your teaching activities. We’ve put together a breakdown of some eligible expenses you might consider claiming to help ease the financial pressure and let you focus on what’s important – teaching yoga! Read more here.
The path to becoming a certified yoga teacher can be life-changing, and choosing the right yoga course is a big decision. One decision you will need to make is whether to complete your yoga teacher training course in person or opt for the online route.
At Byron Yoga Centre, we firmly believe in the transformative power of in-person YTT. We’ve put together just four advantages to completing a YTT course face-to-face. Read more.
Sample Schedule of India Yoga Immersion
| 7:00am - Asana Practice |
| 8:00am - Breakfast |
| 10:00am - Intro to Restorative Yoga and the Nervous System |
| 10:30am - Break |
| 11:00am - Benefits of a Restorative Practice |
| 12:30pm - Lunch |
| 2:00pm - Anatomy of the Nervous System |
| 3:30pm - Break |
| 4:00pm - Supportive Practice, Gentle Flow/ Restorative Yoga/ Yoga Nidra |
| 6:00pm - Dinner |
| 7:00pm - Journal and Self Reflection |
Words can’t describe the rich and inspirational experience I’ve just had in India with BYC. It will take weeks and maybe months of reflection to fully appreciate and process. Thanks to John, Betty and Pujan, we got to experience India through their connections and lived experience in this incredible country. I’m going home with a full heart and mountains of gratitude.
We were hosted by Bryon Yoga at a retreat in India. It was a fabulous trip with meditation, yoga and spiritual teachings and experiences. I would highly recommend.
The accommodation was well set up to cater for our group. The rooms were lovely and it was great to have access to the upstairs lounge/kitchen area to make a tea/coffee any time we needed. All the meals were fantastic. Delicious healthy and nutritious food with a good quantity available so we didn’t go hungry. I liked that we could pick and choose which sessions to attend. This allowed me to learn more in the areas that I wanted to expand my knowledge and also do other activities e.g. massage or sightseeing at other times.
John Betty and Pujan delivered a great program. The amount of yoga vs spiritual activities was well balanced. Pujan and Betty worked tirelessly to deliver whatever we wanted using their contacts and resources. Enjoyed the mandala drawing and Kieran singing and fire ceremony. John used his expertise to ensure the program was full and interesting.
The guest house was comfortable and the yoga space was perfect. You all did a great job of listening to everyone’s needs, thoughts and suggestions. I felt very held, safe and listened to.
The accommodation was so very clean, new and comfortably laid out. It was great to have ceiling fans; and air for night sleeping. What a bonus to have a pool! Rooftop was such a special location for yoga, discussions or just alone quiet time. I loved everything about this place. The meals were delicious. My gratitude for the very generous and relevant gluten free catering. I loved it all and look forward to doing again for continuing exploration and deepening practice, knowledge, experiences and commitment.
Accommodation was great. The different levels and break out areas was effective. Food excellent. Washing of clothes fantastic. Pool yeh ???? good location to town. Loved how things could change at the groups request. Very appreciative of the time effort and thought that went into the retreat. A great job!
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. There is also an option for single occupancy. All rooms have air-conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the flights we will be taking – and you are most welcome to join us.
Sydney to India:
Date: 28/04/2026
Flight: QF 67
9:05am departs Sydney
16:35pm arrives Bengaluru (Bangalore)
John will meet you at the airport and we will travel together to Tiruvanamalai
India to Sydney:
Date: 10/05/2026
Flight: QF 68
18:35pm departs Bengaluru (Bangalore)
10:15am (next day) arrives Sydney
You’ll need very little money once you’re there – except for shopping and eating out one meal per day.
The Indian rupee is the official currency in the Republic of India.
You are welcome to exchange a small amount of money at the Bengaluru Airport, however you will get a better exchange rate in the town of Tiruvannamalai.
Check with your bank about fees and rates.
Vaccinations as recommended by Travel Doctor:
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
- Polio
In Tamil Nadu, late April to early May typically falls within the summer or pre-monsoon season, characterized by high temperatures and clear skies. Expect hot and dry weather with average temperatures ranging from 32-40°C.
To visit India you will need to apply for a visa.
You can do so via indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Bring very little clothing- the shopping in India is amazing.
Other than that bring your usual toiletries and creature comforts.
Comfortable footwear for walking.
Please dress respectably.
We recommend taking out travel insurance before travelling to India.
There is good healthcare (both western and eastern) in the area if needed.
Internet is easily accessible from the accommodation.
We can also assist if you need to get a local sim card. Otherwise you can make calls via WhatsApp (or similar providers) once connected to the internet.