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An Immersive Retreat into the heart & Soul of Yoga
Tamil Nadu, South India
September 3-12, 2024
Join me on this extraordinary immersion into a living, breathing Vedic culture,
exploring the depth and breadth of Yoga through daily practice, reflection, education, ritual, pilgrimage, prayer, and service.
Truly, Yoga for the heart and Soul,
away from the responsibilities of your everyday life,
at two of Tamil Nadus most revered pilgrimage sites, Arunachala in Thiruvannamalai and Sri Narayani Peedam in Thirumalaikodi.
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I've been dreaming this one up for a very long time...
2 nights in Thiruvannamalai (nearest cities Chennai & Bengaluru/Bangalore) to circumambulate the revered Shiva mountain of Arunachala, and to drink of the potent peace of this area's nature, temples, and ashrams.
And then...
7 more nights in the literal lap of the Goddess at Sri Narayani Peedam (peedam or peetam means 'seat' or 'throne'). An extraordinary place of devotion, healing, celebration, and humanitarian service, under the loving care of realised being Sri Sakthi Amma.
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Our Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday Sept 3, 2024 (New Moon)
CHENNAI (OR BANGALORE) TO THIRUVANNAMALAI
Group will assemble at the Raintree Hotel, St Mary's Road, Chennai at 10am, & travel together by private bus to Thiruvannamalai (3.5-4hrs), stopping for lunch on the way. Arrive at Sparsa Eco Resort, check-in, relax, have a swim. At 5:30pm our wonderful local guide Saravanan will take us to Sri Ramana Ashram (just 10mins away) for evening meditation and chanting. We'll then return for dinner in our hotel and an early night's sleep. (*NB. Should your flight arrive to Bangalore/Bengaluru you'll be supported to arrange private transport to Sparsa).
Day 2: Wednesday Sept 4, 2024
ARUNACHALA, THIRUVANNAMALAI
Up well before the Sun this morning for a guided walk & meditation upon the sacred Shiva mountain Arunachala. Saravanan has been visiting the mountain since he was a child (his own guru lived there), and so his knowledge of, love for, and deep spiritual connection to the place are palpable. Breakfast & Lunch at Sparsa. Relax, swim, get a massage, or explore the town. Afternoon Talk & Yoga with Lucy. Early evening ashram tour/meditation/chanting with Saravanan. Dinner at local restaurant, sleep at Sparsa Eco Resort.
Day 3: Thursday Sept 5, 2024
SHIVA MOUNTAIN TO SHAKTI'S ABODE - THIRUVANNAMALAI TO THIRUMALAIKODI
Morning Tour with Saravanan & Yoga with Lucy. Breakfast at Sparsa. Time to chill and pack, before 12noon checkout. Lunch at Sparsa or other, before private bus to Sri Narayani Holistic Centre, our accommodation for the next 7 nights.
Day 4-9: Friday Sept 6- Wednesday Sept 12,2024
SRI NARAYANI PEEDAM
Now we get to settle into this extraordinary place, and an organic rhythm of daily asana, pranayama, meditation and mantra practice, wisdom/philosophy sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, and rest, alongside stunning pujas (Vedic rituals), and many opportunities to visit, and contribute to the far-reaching humanitarian and environmental initiatives currently serving the wider community here.
Sat, Sept 7th is the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival to celebrate the much-loved Elephant God, Ganesha, bestower of wisdom & prosperity, which is sure to be a colourful day!
Day 10: Thursday Sept 12, 2024
DEPARTURE DAY
Final Day of Retreat. Lucy & the Holistic Centre staff will support you to organise private car & driver to Chennai or Bengaluru airports, according to your flight time, or to wherever is your onward destination. Or, stay on at Peedam for as long as your heart desires, by arrangement with reception staff.
Is this Retreat for you?
It's for you if...
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You feel drawn... even (especially!) if that pull makes no logical sense. Trust it.
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You'd love to experience Yoga in the widest possible context, and as a way of life rather than shapes performed on a small rectangle of rubber.
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You've wanted to go to India for the longest time but didn't want to go alone.
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You already love the country, and love the idea of getting off the tourist circuit and under the surface of things.
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You're hungry to learn more about Jnana (Self knowledge), Bhakti (devotion), and Mantra (potent sound) Yoga, and to immerse in these practices in the culture that lives and breathes them.
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You value Yoga for the ways that it makes you a kinder, more compassionate human, and using your gifts in service to the world is important to you.
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You've been through, or are going through a significant life change or loss, and you're longing to rest, process, heal, and find peace.
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You're questioning your direction, or purpose, or just feeling a bit blah and in need of connection, support, and upliftment.
It might not be for you if...
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You'd rather see India through the glass of a luxury vehicle, or from the window of your 5-star hotel.
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You really just want to advance your Yoga asana practice.
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You're after a Yoga Holiday, with a reliable schedule of classes, massage, poolside relaxation and a spot of shopping.
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You're unwilling to respect dress codes, cultural sensitivities, and guidelines for visiting temples.
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You want certainty in the schedule from day to day. (A clear Retreat Schedule is something I normally always have on my retreats, however due to the daily fluctuations in Amma's puja timings at Peedam, and the occasionally unexpected but wonderful opportunities that can pop up quite magically there, our schedule will be flexible enough to accommodate such serendipity. Can you roll with that?)
What's Included?
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Transfer by private bus from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai.
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2 nights accom at Sparsa Eco Retreat (King bed or 2 x Twin + ensuite).
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All Tours with local guide Saravanan.
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All meals at Sparsa.
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Transfer to Sri Narayani Peedam
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7 nights accom at Sri Narayani Holistic Centre (King bed or 2 x twin + ensuite).
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An Ayurvedic consultation with resident doctors to prescribe appropriate treatment throughout your stay (if desired).
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1 x Abhyanga Ayurvedic Oil Massage & Steam (excellent after travel!)
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3 meals daily + morning & afternoon snacks, and chai
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Sponsorship of additional group pujas
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A donation per person of $108 to Green Sakthi - Amma's environmental & reforestation initiative
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Daily Yoga, Meditation, Mantra & Talks with Lucy
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Local Guest Teachers & experts on Bhakti & Mantra
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All Tours of Temples & local Humanitarian Projects
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Some gifted goodies on arrival
What's Not Included?
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Airfares
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Visas
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Travel Insurance
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Hotel accommodation in Chennai or Bengaluru on arrival (although recommendations will be emailed upon booking).
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Transfer from Peedam to airport or other upon departure.
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Gifts and shopping
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Tips to drivers, guides etc.
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Restaurant food, juices, chai if you choose to eat outside of our hotel sometimes (super cheap though!)
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Additional Ayurvedic treatments
Retreat Cost & Booking
EARLY BIRD RATES! (Until April 7, 2024 or while spots available)
Single Occupancy: AUD $2450
Twin-Share (only 2 rooms available): AUD$2200
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FULL RETREAT FEE (After April 7, 2024)
Single Occupancy: AUD $2750
Twin-Share (only 2 rooms available): AUD$2500
AUD$500 Deposit is required to secure your booking
Balance due 60 days prior to retreat start (July 3, 2024)
Please email Lucy to request an application form and link to make your deposit or full payment.
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The Fine Print
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Early Bird rates are only available if payment is made in full by April 7, 2024.
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Lucy reserves the right to end the Early Bird offer once the reserved quota of rooms are sold out. You will be notified beforehand of course.
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Balance due 60 days prior to retreat start (July 3, 2024)
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Bookings are non-transferable unless a request is made and approved by Lucy
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Retreat Deposit is non-refundable
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Cancellations less than 30days before retreat start - no refund unless your place can be filled.
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Cancellations made 30-60 days before retreat start - 50% refund unless your place can be filled.
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Cancellations more than 60 days before retreat start - full refund less deposit, unless your place can be filled, then 100% refund.
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"Ohh dearest Lucy thank you ever so much for this heart full retreat and for all that you have to give, and for reminding me of all that I love - including myself."
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Snebjork Toft, Sweden
(participant on Basunti Retreat, North India 2014)
Retreats from years gone by...
