14 days of pilgrimage to the hidden mystical South India: Madurai, Rameshwaram, Pattamadai, Kanyakumari, Neyyardam, Varkala, Alappuzha & Kovalam Beach.
November 12 to 25, 2026
14 days – 13 nights
If you are a spiritual practitioner or have ever felt curious about discovering more about the purpose of your existence and the philosophies of the East for attaining happiness, India is a central and active axis—the headquarters of the sciences of consciousness: Yoga, Ayurveda, Jyotish, etc. We, who have traveled through and lived in the lands of northern & southern India, can attest that they are two very different worlds. South India is warm, green, vast, expansive, wild, humid, and home to temples of enormous scale, built over multiple generations. The history of southern India spans more than four thousand years, during which the region saw the rise and fall of numerous dynasties and empires. Amid all this transformation, something very unique and majestic has emerged.
South India captured our hearts because of the love and respect its people have for their land, their agricultural practices, their temples, and their many faiths. The south is embraced and protected by wide stretches of ocean, while the north is guarded by the immense Himalayan mountain ranges—two extreme guardians preserving the intact magic of this subcontinent.
This journey has important highlights that we want to emphasize. We will visit the place where the divine incarnation Rama built the bridge to cross to Lanka and rescue the Goddess Sita. We will also visit the exact spot where the great saint Swami Vivekananda (the first major exponent of Vedanta and Yoga in the West, at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893) attained enlightenment. We will meditate in a vault beneath one of the footprints of the Divine Mother, spend a few days in a beautiful lakeside resort where we will take a serene excursion on one of the snake boats, traditional vessels once used for combat, and explore and enjoy two of the most beautiful beaches in southern India with opportunities for swimming, strolling along the boulevards for shopping, or indulging in one of the many local cafés. One of the loveliest experiences will be visiting a traditional palace that was the former capital and administrative seat of the Kingdom of Travancore, and, of course, the cherry on top: THE BIRTHPLACE OF SWAMI SIVANANDA.
We want to take you on a carefully planned journey to explore this sacred territory with reverence. There, we will immerse ourselves in its profound devotion, incredible cuisine, and the realm of traditional medicines: Ayurveda, as the South is an important center for its current practice and development. We will visit lagoons, oceans, ashrams, temples, and royal palaces, always prioritizing personal exploration and space for reflection.
We want to take you on a carefully planned journey to explore this sacred territory with reverence. There, we will immerse ourselves in its profound devotion, incredible cuisine, and the realm of traditional medicines: Ayurveda, as the South is an important center for its current practice and development. We will visit lagoons, oceans, ashrams, temples, and royal palaces, always prioritizing personal space for exploration.
This is a group journey with a component of tourist mobility, but it is merely a tool we use to facilitate a deep inner journey for you. Each person experiences a different India, each returns home with a special message, and the promise of inner transformation is always ensured. One by one, the destinations have been chosen not only for their beauty but for their symbolic power: places where consciousness is refined and divine understanding expands.
Pilgrimage Considerations: What’s Included?
Everything!
- Accommodation in two Sivananda ashrams, one traditional ashram, one lakeside resort, and two luxury hotels near the sea.
- Double occupancy with private bathroom. Single occupancy available at an extra cost.
- Full vegetarian meals: brunch and dinner.
- Water during meals (any other drinks are at your own expense).
- Transportation within the country.
- Snacks during transportation.
- Entrance fees to events and temples.
- General tips for transport staff and service. There will be moments when you may want to bring your own money for offerings.
- 14 days of magic and 13 nights of joy.
* FLIGHTS to and from India are NOT included.
* International MEDICAL INSURANCE is NOT included. (Mandatory)
* Indian VISA is NOT included. (Mandatory)
Activity Program**
Day 1–2 | Madurai – Sivananda Ashram
Arrival and grounding. Madurai is one of the most vibrant and ancient cities in the world. Here we begin slowly, allowing body and mind to settle into the Indian rhythm. At the Sivananda Ashram, we are welcomed into classical Yogic life: homa – sacred fire ritual, Yoga, satsang, and a welcome circle. This is the inner landing.
*Meenakshi Temple: The feminine energy (Shakti) expresses itself here in all its strength and beauty.
Day 3 | Rameshwaram
The bridge between worlds. Rameshwaram is one of the most sacred places in Hinduism. Associated with Rama and the ocean, it symbolizes crossing, transition, and purification. The temple and its endless corridors invite introspection. Visiting and returning the same day is intentional: enter the mystery and return to your center.
Day 4 | Madurai
Body, temple, and healing. Yoga, Ayurveda options, and a conscious revisit to the temple. Here the work becomes subtler: listening to the body as an oracle.
Day 5 | Pattamadai – Suchindram – Kanyakumari
The far south. Pattamadai, famous for its cotton fabrics, reminds us of simplicity and mindful work. Suchindram unites three major deities in a single temple. We stay overnight in Kanyakumari, where three seas meet.
Day 6 | Kanyakumari – Neyyar
Visit to Swami Vivekananda’s rock, ritual bath in the ocean, and contemplation. Kanyakumari is both closure and beginning. From there, we move to Neyyar Sivananda Ashram, a change of pace: jungle, river, silence.
Day 7–8 | Neyyar Sivananda Ashram
Deep ashram life. Homa, Yoga, satsang, boat ride, Ayurveda, and an excursion to Trivandrum. Here time dissolves. Nothing happens… and yet everything happens.
Day 9–10 | Varkala – Sivagiri Ashram
The sea and the word. Varkala is one of the few places where the ocean is observed from above. Satsang with Swami Guruprasad. Beach, integration, and then transfer to the backwaters.
Day 11 | Alappuzha
A full day on a houseboat. Slow waters, palm trees, silence. Here everything experienced so far integrates.
Day 12–14 | Kovalam Beach
Closing by the sea. Beach, rest, Ayurveda, and closing circle. We do not close the journey: we seal the experience in the heart.
- All days include Yoga and Meditation sessions.
- Subject to changes and modifications.
Cost
Only 24 spots available. Early Bird Price:
★ Double Room: $2,600 USD ★
★Single Room: Additional $600 USD (only 4 available) ★
→ To secure the Early Bird price, reserve with an initial deposit of $500 USD (at the day’s exchange rate) before January 31 ←
*** Payment via PayPal or bank transfer (Mexico, Colombia, Germany). Once the initial deposit is made, a convenient payment plan will be arranged. Full payment must be completed one month before the trip.
*** If you want to join and would like to know the details and payment options, you can write to us on WhatsApp by clicking here +529994539041.
→ If you’re interested in experiencing the full adventure of North India (Himalayas) from October 26 to November 10 plus South India from November 12 to 25, write to us to get a SPECIAL SUPER PRICE and coordinate the details ←
Cancellation Policy
The deposit is non-refundable.
Payments are neither cumulative nor transferable.
In the event of a lockdown mandated by the Mexican authorities, the retreat will be postponed.
Notes
- Flights to India are not included; you will need to arrange them on your own. Make sure you have the necessary visas for any transit stops. We recommend booking your flight as soon as you reserve your spot!
- Flight considerations: We recommend arriving at Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu one day before. This helps overcome jet lag and ensures no issues for the November 12 meeting. Your transport from the airport is included in the plan at 10:00 am on November 12. If you cannot arrive a day earlier, make sure to be in Madurai before 10:00 am on November 12. For the return, we suggest staying an extra night in Kovalam. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), Kerala.
- What should I bring? Our travel motto is always LIGHT! Since we will visit many temples and sacred sites, please bring modest clothing, avoid low-cut, sleeveless, or very tight garments. Bring a lightweight towel, a hat, and walking shoes.
- What is the weather like in November? Warm, with some cool nights.
- What are the communication options during the trip? Buying a SIM card for unlocked phones at the airport is very easy and costs around $15 USD. You can also buy an eSIM online through Airalo. WiFi may be available at times but is not guaranteed. It’s a good opportunity to detach and quiet the mind.
- What will the food be like during the pilgrimage? All meals will follow the principles of sattva: pure, vegetarian food. We will maintain an austere ashram lifestyle with no tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. We cannot accommodate personalized diets; if you need anything special, you must provide it yourself.
- Is the food spicy? Yes! Food is seasoned and generally spicy. We will try to request milder options, but in these kitchens it’s difficult to eliminate the heat. Most of the time, buttermilk (fermented dairy) will be served to help balance the spice. If you are sensitive, bring your own supplements or necessary medicine.
- Do I need vaccinations? We recommend strictly following the advice of relevant authorities and your doctor. We cannot be responsible for this; consult your country’s authorities.
- What medicine should I bring? Bring any medications you take. Motion sickness, diarrhea, and dehydration remedies are highly recommended. There are pharmacies and Ayurvedic dispensaries with many wonderful options, but it is essential to bring vital medications from home.
- Do I need insurance? Yes! You must obtain international travel insurance on your own. Satyarupa does not provide any insurance. By joining the trip, you accept full responsibility for your safety and well-being. You can purchase a travel insurance policy at the best price here. (We always use this company for our trips.) One month before the trip, you must send us a copy of your policy.
- Do I need a visa for India? Yes! You can apply for a visa through Travisa.com or other accredited visa services. Two weeks before the trip, you must send us a copy of your approved visa.
- Health considerations: You are responsible for informing us of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, or physical limitations. By voluntarily participating in Ayurvedic treatments and the Yatra, you assume any associated risks, including physical, emotional, or energetic reactions. Neither the Yatra organizers, nor the Ayurvedic facilitators, nor any associates or representatives of the trip will be responsible for any damage, injury, loss, or consequences resulting from the use of the treatments offered.
- Tips and dakshina: Tips for transport staff, waiters, swamis, and temples are included in the plan. However, it is recommended to give additional tips to those who assist with luggage, at temples, and other sacred sites, so as not to lose the merit (punya) these donations generate.
Who is leading the pilgrimage?
Satyadev y Satyabhama,Yoga, Vedanta, and Ayurveda practitioners and teachers in the Sivananda tradition for decades. With a personal commitment to help illuminate each being’s inner light, allowing us to evolve toward a world vibrating at the highest frequency of light and infinite love. We dedicate our lives to connecting hearts and sharing valuable teachings that have brought great inner richness to our own lives. We want to accompany you on your spiritual path… Praying that by applying what you learn, you can realize your fullest potential in this very lifetime.OUR FIRST GROUP PILGRIMAGE TO SOUTH INDIA WITH YOU IS A DREAM!
An unforgettable immersion awaits us!
OM TAT SAT