India Retreat 2024

We are delighted to share our upcoming retreat in India in January 2024, and extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us. 

This trip will be an opportunity for you to reconnect with spirit, renew your sense of purpose and find greater clarity in your life. As part of this retreat we will be traveling through Southern India, specifically visiting the Kerala backwaters, old city of Fort Kochi, bustling Bangalore and the mountain town of Tiruvannamalai

Our program will be a blend of daily practice grounded in the yoga tradition where our experienced teachers will guide you through a variety of yoga practices, meditation sessions, philosophy teachings and puja ceremonies. You will get to engage in soul-enriching conversations with fellow participants and take part in experiences that open your mind and heart to new perspectives.

Beyond the mat, we will explore the rich cultural heritage of South India, from majestic temples in Tamil Nadu, to vibrant markets in Fort Kochi. We will take a peek into village life in the Kerala backwaters, visit ashrams of Saints Mata Amritanandamayi and Ramanna Maharishi, and receive inspiration from the children of Ashraya orphanage and school for underprivileged kids. The retreat will also have time for relaxation in nature, ayurvedic spa treatment, and dips in the pool to cool off from the South Indian heat (in winter!).

Join us for an information session on Saturday 21 October at 9.00 am (AEDT Sydney Time). An opportunity to meet the facilitators, Kym Lakshmi McDonald and Deepa Gupta, to find out all the details and ask questions.


Retreat Highlights

Kerala Backwaters

We will begin our journey by slowing down and experiencing the tranquil way of life that defines this region of Southern India. The Kerala backwaters comprise a network of interconnected lakes, rivers, canals, and lagoons, fringed by lush greenery and dotted with charming villages. Traveling on canoes or traditional houseboats, known as "kettuvallam," is the most iconic way to navigate these waters. During our stay, we will be treated to a symphony of sights and sounds, including verdant rice paddies, coconut palms, and local life of fishermen casting their nets, villagers washing clothes by the water's edge, and children playing along the banks.

Will stay at the Abad Whispering Palms resort, which will be our place for spiritual practice, receiving healing with ayurvedic spa treatments, enjoying golden sunsets on the lake and exploring our first tastes of delicious south Indian and Kerala cuisine.

Fort Kochi

Next we will visit Fort Kochi which is a unique fusion of international and Keralan culture, nestled on the coast. The area's colonial past is palpable in its well-preserved heritage buildings, showcasing a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. The iconic Chinese fishing nets are remnants of historical visits from Chinese traders, and Jew Town reflects Kochi’s ancient and medieval jewish past. The vibrant local markets boast an array of spices, textiles, and handicrafts and the streets are adorned with murals and graffiti that tell stories of the region's history, culture, and contemporary concerns. The evening will be a time to explore more traditional Indian culture through performances of traditional Kathakali dance and the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.

Ashrams of Saints

We will visit two ashrams during this retreat.The first will be to Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately known as Amma, who is a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian from Kerala. Amma is often referred to as the "Hugging Saint" due to her practice of embracing each person who comes to her seeking solace, blessings, or guidance. Her hugs are seen as a form of healing and a way to transmit love and positivity to those in need. Beyond her physical embrace, her teachings emphasize the importance of selfless service, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Our second visit will be to the Ashram of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, a revered 20th century Indian sage known for his teachings on self-inquiry and non-dualism. At the age of 16, Ramana Maharshi experienced a deep spiritual awakening, during which he underwent a profound inner transformation and realized his true nature. He advocated the practice of self-inquiry, wherein individuals introspectively question "Who am I?" in order to transcend the ego and recognize the underlying reality of oneness.

Ramana Maharshi spent much of his life at the sacred hill of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, where his spiritual presence attracted seekers from various walks of life. His simplicity, humility, and unwavering state of inner peace left an indelible impression on all who encountered him.

Ashraya Orphanage and School for underprivileged

We will learn more about Karma Yoga and the heart of selfless service through a visit to Ashraya Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Centre who run a children's Shelter for approximately a dozen children. The children are raised in a loving environment, where they receive medical care, rehabilitation and vocational training and are supported through different phases of their life until they become adults. Ashraya also runs a free school for underprivileged kids, where they offer government prescribed curriculum, annual school outings, gardening, sports, and many other activities. The children are provided with a mid-day meal, nutritional snacks, and a free annual medical check up.


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Sat, 13 Jan, Arrive to Kochi, settle into hotel

  • Day 2: Sun, 14 Jan, Relax & morning shopping for Indian clothes and necessities. Afternoon drive to Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom, stay at Abad Whispering Palms Resort.  

  • Day 3: Mon, 15 Jan Morning and afternoon practice and teachings Ayurvedic spa treatment and relaxation

  • Day 4: Tue, 16 Jan, Morning and afternoon practice and teachings. Day trip to backwater villages

  • Day 5: Wed, 17 Jan, Morning and afternoon practice and teachings. Ayurvedic spa treatment and relaxation

  • Day 6: Thur, 18 Jan, Morning practice and teachings. Day trip to Mata Amritanandamayi (aka Amma) ashram in Amritpuri

  • Day 7: Fri, 19 Jan, Morning practice and teachings. Travel back to Kochi. Jewish Shabbat services at Malabar Jewish synagogue

  • Day 8: Sat, 20 Jan, Morning practice and teachings. Explore fort Kochi and attend local cultural programs

  • Day 9: Sun, 21 Jan, Morning practice and teachings, Explore fort Kochi, cafe and shopping. Afternoon flight to Bangalore

  • Day 10: Mon, 22 Jan, Morning visit to Ashraya orphanage and school. Afternoon travel to Tiruvannamalai, settle in.

  • Day 11: Tue, 23 Jan, Morning practice. Visit Ramanasram, Virupaksha cave & Skandashramam

  • Day 12: Wed, 24 Jan, Morning practice. Visit Ramanasram, Mangotree cave, Arunachala temple

  • Day 13: Thur, 25 Jan, Morning practice. Visit Ramanasram, Girivalam (circumambulation of sacred Arunachala mountain at full moon)

  • Day 14: Fri, 26 Jan, Morning closing retreat and gratitude. Travel to Bangalore. Evening group dinner and shopping for spiritual books.

  • Day 15: Sat, 27 Jan, Morning departure from Bangalore to Australia, US or based on personal itineraries.



Teachers

You will be supported and guided by two of our teachers at Yogic Wisdom, Kym Lakshmi Mcdonald and Deepa Gupta.

Kym Lakshmi McDonald lives in Newcastle, Australia and is the founder and principal teacher at Yogic Wisdom. She has been taking groups to India for spiritual retreats for over 15 years, supporting them in their spiritual and yoga journeys. During her 18-year journey with yoga and other healing modalities, Kym has been drawn to Krishnamacharya’s holistic approach, moving beyond just the physical body to heal and help the whole person. With this in mind, Kym founded Yogic Wisdom and the Karma Yoga Foundation where she and the faculty combine the art and science of Yoga Therapy and Yoga to share the wise ancient teachings of yoga.

Deepa Gupta lives in Truckee, California and is currently an online yoga teacher with Yogic Wisdom, and at Namaste Yoga studio in Truckee. Deepa has organized and helped run yoga retreats in India and the US since 2018. She is passionate about helping people with a western world view understand Indian culture and find their feet as they experience India’s uniqueness. Deepa’s first call to Yoga was through Karma Yoga, where she has worked on issues of climate change, development, and democracy for the last two decades. Her second call was to Hatha and Kriya Yoga, in which she has practiced for 15 years, and has more recently qualified as a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist.



Cost

The retreat cost amount includes accommodation, breakfast, internal transfers, activities and teaching fees.

Australian participants: Total retreat cost amount is $4,500 AUD

US and International participants: Early bird retreat cost amount is $2,900 USD (before 10th November 2023), and full price is $3,100 USD (after 10th November 2023)

Please note, this fee does NOT include your flight to India. To learn more about flight options please read below.


Registration

Please note that spots are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis, a deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining amount is due on 24th November 2023. Instructions on how to make the payment will be provided once you email us with your interest to register. If cost is a prohibiting factor, please let us know so we can discuss payment plan options.

Australian participants: To learn more or register please email Kym on info@yogicwisdom.com.au. Deposit amount of $2000 AUD will be required to secure your spot.

US participants: To learn more or register please email Deepa on info@yogicwisdom.co (not “.com”). Deposit amount of $1400 USD will be required to secure your spot.


Flights

Participants are requested to book their own flights in and out of India. We request all participants to arrive into Kochi by the evening of Saturday, January 13th 2024, and depart from Bangalore on Saturday, January 27th 2024. You are welcome to arrive earlier or leave later if you wish to plan your own travel before or after the retreat.

Please purchase the flight that is most suitable for your budget and comfort, below is a suggestion from us based on our research as of August 2023 for flights departing from Sydney and San Francisco.

Australian participants: Malaysia airlines flight departing Sydney at 12.10pm, 13 January via Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, returning from Bangalore at 12pm, 27 January via Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. Click here to see details.

US participants: Air India flight departing San Francisco 9.30am, 12 January via New Delhi to Kochi, returning from Bangalore at 9.20am, 27 January via Bombay to San Francisco. Click here to see details.


Visa, entry and Covid-19 requirements

All travelers will need to apply for an e-visa at least one month prior to travel to India to be allowed entry into India. As per the Indian government, all travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of their home country. There also may be required a proof of vaccination, uploading a Covid Self declaration form, and providing Covid PCR test results, however at this point in time, this is no longer required, and is unlikely to be reinstated. After you register for the retreat, we will provide you with instructions on how to file for an e-visa and how to fulfill covid travel requirements.



Immunization shots

Immunization shots are a personal choice, and we encourage you to make your decision in consultation with your doctor. The WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

While the likelihood of contracting such diseases is low, these are precautionary measures to help your travel to India to be as smooth as possible.



Safety

Traveling to a new country can bring concerns around safety, especially when the country is quite different from places we are familiar with. We have designed the program with your safety in mind. We have selected hotels with high ratings in regions that are considered to be safe. The teachers will accompany you throughout the trip, and we will be providing guidance about local customs and guidelines on how to safely navigate locations we will be visiting.

Once you register you will receive further information on safety, and relevant contact details of the places we will be staying and visiting. 

Testimonials

“I went to India with Kym and absolutely loved the retreat from start to finish. I hadn’t travelled by myself overseas before, Kym supported me from pick up from home to return I was completely safe. I was able to learn a lot more about myself, yoga and really enjoy the beautiful Indian culture. I am keen to do more retreats with Yogic Wisdom and Kym.” - Y Boyd

“I went to a local three day retreat at Port Stephens for Mother’s Day, the food was delicious and teachings very interesting, plus lots of laughter and joy. Looking forward to another one.” - C Eveleigh