From the Mountains to the Sea**
January 9 to 24, 2026

There is a moment in every temple when the world softens. The stone floor feels warm with centuries of devotion. You step forward and feel the vibration of a thousand prayers beneath your feet. The ritual is simple. You shower, you adorn yourself in a sari or salwar kameez, you leave your shoes and your intellect at the gate, and you open to a felt sense of connection that rises from the ground up.

Many women join this journey after feeling a pull they cannot explain. A quiet tug in the heart. A knowing that the time is now.

“I feel a pull, unexplainable but so right.”
“I’ve been curious about India for so long. I feel called.”
“I want to bathe in all India has to teach me.”

This is how pilgrimage begins. Not from logic. From something deeper.

This Yātrā is a sacred and culturally rich journey through Tamil Nadu, my home away from home. Since 2014 I have guided groups through South India with care, clarity and deep respect for the culture and traditions we meet along the way. As a senior yoga teacher, long term student of Dr NC and dedicated practitioner, my role is to support you, help you feel safe, and open doors to experiences you could not access on your own. You are held by years of practice, study and lived connection.

Together we travel from Chennai to the southern tip of India. We visit ancient temples, meet my teacher and his family, take part in fire puja and rituals, cycle by the coast, enjoy cooking classes, sip Masala chai, wander colourful streets, and feel the devotion that pulses through this part of the world.

It is a journey that stays with you long after your feet return home.

What is included

A curated immersion so you can relax, learn and absorb the experience fully.

• 6 nights of accommodation across Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Kanyakumari
• Private air conditioned bus and dedicated driver
• Two days of study with Yoga Vaidya Sala, Dr NC and family
• Yoga philosophy sessions and teachings on sacred places
• A personal asana practice from Dr NC to support your journey
• Regular meditation, chanting and group circles
• Traditional South Indian cooking class
• Pondicherry cycling tour
• Guided temple rituals and ceremonies
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
• Support with clothing, shopping and cultural preparation
• Airport collection on the first day of the retreat

Optional: A Yoga therapy consultation with Dr NC may be available at extra cost.

You will only need around $350 AUD for general spending unless you plan to shop for clothing or gifts.

Where we go

Chennai

A soft landing at the Taj Connemara. Pool time, gentle adjustment to India, temple clothing shopping, and two days of study with my teacher and his family.

Tiruvannamalai

Arunachala mountain. Sacred caves where Sri Ramana Maharshi practiced. Cafés. Prayer. Fire energy. Temple life that lights the heart.

Pondicherry

French coastal charm. Cycling tour. Cooking class. Boutique shopping. A Ganesha temple for safe travels.

Chidambaram

Home of Nataraja. The place where Sage Patañjali received the teachings of Yoga. Fire puja, temple rituals, mantra and three nights right at the temple gates.

Thanjavur

The UNESCO listed Brihadishvara Temple and the rich artistry of the Chola dynasty.

Madurai

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, local sweets, vibrant streets and the pulse of Tamil culture.

Kanyakumari

The southern tip of India. Ocean sunrise, sunset and moonrise. Vivekananda Rock. A gentle space for integration.

Notes on the flow

This Yātrā is immersive and alive. While the journey follows a clear structure, there is space for flexibility so we can honour the energy of each place and respond to the unexpected moments that India always gifts.

You are encouraged to rest as you need. India is powerful, and we travel with care.

If your heart is whispering yes

We have two places available.

If you feel even the softest pull, I would love to talk with you and explore whether this journey is yours.

Begin your 2026 in India
January 9 to 24

Rachel