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India Retreat 2024-25

Dec 27-Jan 11, 2025

Join us for an exceptional Yoga Journey to India

As students of yoga and life, going back to the Source and meeting Mother India will be a blessing for our practice and teaching.

ITINERARY

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Depart from US or Europe (Dec 28) to Kochi.

DECEMBER 29

Transfer by minibus from Kochi airport to Chamundi Hill Palace, Kerala.

DECEMBER 30 TO JANUARY 3

Ayurveda, yoga and creativity at Chamundi. Daily ayurvedic treatment/massages and supervision with resident ayurvedic physician Dr Sheela. Guided tour of spice garden with Jibu. Puja at local temple. Houseboat tour on the Backwaters

JANUARY 3, 2025

Depart for the great city of Madurai, stay at Royal Court Hotel, deluxe accommodations with two participants per room. Visit Meenakshi and Tiruparankundaram temples and the famous Bazaar.

JANUARY 5-6

Explore Thanjavur. Visit of Temple and Palace and immersion in deep rural India.

JANUARY 7

Depart for Mahabalipuram. Lunch at Ramana Maharshi Ashram. Stay at Ideal Beach resort.

JANUARY 8-10

Explore Mahabalipuram. Visit the Shore Temple and the famous bas-relief, the descent of the Ganges. Visit Auroville near Pondichery. Optional swim in the Bay of Bengal.

JANUARY 11

Depart from Chennai International Airport and arrival in U.S or Europe.

Instructors

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François Raoult, M.A., ERYT500, C-IAYT

François is the founder and director of Open Sky Yoga Center in Rochester, N.Y. NY. A certified Iyengar instructor, he has traveled and studied extensively in India, including a six month pilgrimage in 1972. François has taught yoga since 1975 and conducts seminars worldwide. Francois holds a master in Ethnomusicology and is certified in Gong and Laughing Yoga(!)

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Nathalie Alvarez

Nathalie is François’s partner in life and co-creator of the Journey to India. A pioneer in the fields of massage and transpersonal therapy since 1981— Nathalie directed L’Ecole du Corps Conscience, based in Montpellier, France. Nathalie’s work combines expression, symbolism, mandalas and color therapy.

LOGISTICS

COST

$4450 (not including airfare)

$800 non-refundable deposit

Balance due June 1, 2024. No refunds after September 1, 2024 unless you find someone to take your place.

$4450 fee includes all yoga sessions with François, all journaling sessions with Nathalie, art supplies, transportation on AC bus, all meals, hotels, Ayurvedic massage, Kathakali performance and class, houseboat excursion in the waters of Kerala, visits to sacred temples of Thanjavur, Madurai, Mahabalipuram and Auroville, transfer from Kochi to Chamundi.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

For flights from US: we work with a travel agency special- izing in Indian travel. For departures from other countries, contact your local travel agent. You need to arrive on the morning of the 29th in Kerala.

Information on immunizations, visa and travel insurance info will be sent after registration.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

A Visa is needed for India. See Travista Outsourcing, http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing. com/

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Suggested travel insurance: travelex.com or statravel.com

Download and print flyer: PDF

For more information: Francois Raoult

Option Fee
Non-refundable Deposit, Journey 2024-25 $800
The Journey 2024-25 Balance $3650
Full Fee, The Journey 2024-25 $4450