This retreat is an invitation to remember that harmony already lives within us, waiting to be awakened
This journey takes us to meet the cosmic dancer, Shiva Nataraja, and his feminine counterpart, Shakti. No force, no god can exist without Shakti, the active feminine energy. According to Indian wisdom traditions, Shiva without Shakti is Shava (a corpse).
Our journey begins in Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, rich with its millennia-old Dravidian temples and jasmine blossoms, with a two-day detour to explore the palatial homes of wealthy merchants in the Chettinad region. The trip continues into the countryside with visits to rarely seen Shaivite temples, accompanied by a Carnatic musician to practice Vedic chanting, and a stop in a weavers’ village.
We then travel to the far southwest of the country, enjoying the lush, tropical waterways of Kerala (Tamil Nadu’s neighboring state) until reaching Fort Cochin, a charming seaside town on the Arabian Sea that Vasco de Gama helped make famous…
The journey will be lived at the rhythm of daily morning practice with Isabelle (yoga / meditation / breathwork), opening the door to days that are both spiritual and cultural, enriched by a fine selection of hotels and guesthouses, where we will share the delicious vegetarian cuisine of South India.
Flight to Madurai (India)
Arrival at Madurai airport in the morning.
Driving to Chettinad area (1h30 from Madurai)
Discover the incredible palatial villages of this rural region, built in the 19th century by wealthy Chettiar merchants blending Eastern and Western influences.
Visit palaces.
Visit of tile-making workshops.
2 nights in Kanadukattan village.
Visit to Gandhi Museum.
Taste Madurai’s famous drink Jigarthanda.
Visit to the great Meenakshi Amman Temple and Sundareshwar/Shiva (Nataraja’s Silver Hall of Dance).
Explore the temple bazaar.
On the way, visit Kalugumalai with its Jain caves (2nd century BC – 12th century) and a spectacular rock-cut temple.
Arrival at Anantya village for a late lunch.
Carnatic music presentation and visit to Alwar Tirunagari temple.
Three nights at “Anantya in the Village”. Dinners included.
Day 2: Early morning Vedic chanting workshop with the musician, group practice with Isabelle, afternoon visit to Nellaiappar Temple (Copper Hall of Dance, one of the five Pancha Sabhas of Nataraja).
Day 3: Visit Tirupudaimaradur temple (with 17th-century frescoes) and stop at Veeravanallur weaving village.
Cooking class in the evening with vegetarian chef ay Anantya village.
On the way to Kerala, you stop 2 nights in the Western Ghâts mountains to breath fresh air and make a beautiful guided hiking around Periyar Tiger Reserve, a deep rain forest on the footsteps of tigers, elephants, bears and special monkey macaque, different birds and butterflies
2 nights in a nice Eco hôtel near the Reserve. Dinners included.
2 nights in a traditional house, a charming family homestay in an island of the Kerala backwaters.
Backwaters boat ride on Shinkara, cycling, optional Ayurvedic massage.
Dinners included.
3 nights in an heritage guesthouse.
Explore the cultural and religious diversity of the city: old synagogue, churches, colonial houses, spice market.
Attend Kathakali dance theatre (show)
Kalaripayat martial arts (workshop)
Visit the Biennale of Contemporary Art (2026).
Cultural walks, shopping, spices, antiques, Mattancherry Palace, good restaurants.
Return international flight from Kochi.
Optional Ayurvedic clinic extension (Panchakarma detox & massages).
Contact us.
Du 10 au 24 janvier 2024
2650 $ sur la base d’une chambre double
Accompaniment and guidance by Lydia Gaudin-Chakrabarty
All transfers & private transport (minibus, taxi, with driver)
Accommodation with breakfasts: resorts, guesthouses, homestays (double rooms)
7 dinners (3 at Anantya, 2 at Thekkady, 2 at Emerald Isle, Kerala)
Boat trip in Kerala backwaters
All temple & sanctuary visits in the program
Gandhi Museum & Chettinad palaces
Vegetarian cooking class at Anantya
Carnatic musician and 2 Vedic chant sessions
Hiking in Wildlife Sanctuary
Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
Kalaripayat workshop
Art Biennale in Kochi
Contribution to Shanti India school solidarity tourism fund (€30)
Katamkera insurance (Europe-based participants)
International flights up to Madurai (India)
Cancellation insurance
India e-visa
Lunches
6 dinners (the other 7 are included)
Drinks (alcohol, extras), personal expenses
Tips
Camera fees at some sites
Optional massages & spa treatments in hotels
Click on a pic
