
People often ask me why I keep returning to India. The truth is, after my first visit, I just knew I would come back. There is something about this country that makes me feel deeply present, curious and calm all at once. Every journey has shown me something different, and over the years certain places and, even more importantly, certain people have become part of that experience. This journey is my way of sharing both.
We begin by exploring Rajasthan, one of India’s most colourful and fascinating regions, before travelling south to Kerala, where we slow down, settle into a daily rhythm of yoga and ayurveda, and allow ourselves time to simply be.Throughout the journey you will be accompanied by people who know these places well. In Rajasthan we travel together with our experienced local guide, Soni, who many of you may remember from our previous trip through Delhi and Rishikesh. Throughout the entire trip I will be joined by Basia, who lives in Kerala and has been connected with ayurveda and local life for many years. Our hope is that you leave with beautiful memories, meaningful experiences and perhaps your own reason to return one day.
Rajasthan: discovering the North
Our journey begins in Delhi before travelling through Rajasthan together. The idea for this part of the programme was born after Basia and I travelled to Jaipur together in March 2026. I remember walking through the city completely fascinated by its architecture, colours and atmosphere. Everywhere we looked there was another beautiful building, another street full of life, another place that made us stop for a moment and just take it all in.
During that trip we found ourselves saying more than once, “We have to bring a group here one day.” From there, the idea slowly grew into this journey. Together we will travel through: Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, the Thar Desert. This first part of the trip is about experiencing India itself. We will visit historical sites, temples, local markets and places that tell the story of Rajasthan while also leaving room to just enjoy being there.Our days will naturally be more active, so rather than following a structured yoga schedule, we will create space whenever it feels right. Depending on where we are and how the day unfolds, we may begin the morning with gentle movement, mobility, guided breathwork or meditation.
Kerala: slowing down
After our travels through Rajasthan we continue to Varkala, on the south-west coast of India, where we stay in the family-run Ayurveda resort that has become my home for every journey to India. There are many wonderful places to stay in Kerala, yet I keep returning here. What first brought me was curiosity about ayurveda, but what made me come back again and again has always been the people. The resort is run by a beautiful family whose warmth, knowledge and genuine care are felt in everything they do. They have many years of experience with ayurveda, they prepare everything with great attention, and they create an atmosphere where you quickly stop feeling like a guest and begin to feel at home. The resort is located in the more vibrant part of Varkala, and I have grown to love that balance. Our mornings begin quietly on the rooftop with yoga as the sun rises.
Throughout the day everyone follows their individual Ayurveda programme, enjoys treatments, rests or spends time by the ocean. Whenever you feel like exploring, cafés, small shops and the lively streets of Varkala are only a short walk away. The Arabian Sea is just around the corner. A few minutes walk through the little streets brings you to the cliffs, where you can watch the waves, enjoy the sunset or simply sit and listen to the ocean. It is one of my favourite places in Varkala, and one I always look forward to returning to. Every meal is freshly prepared according to Ayurvedic principles, using seasonal vegetarian ingredients, and sharing meals together becomes a beautiful part of each day.
Our days in Kerala
Each morning begins around 6:00 with yoga on the rooftop. We practise early because sunrise has a very special quality. The air is still cool, the surroundings are quiet, and beginning the day together before the rest of the town wakes up creates a beautiful rhythm for the week. After practice we walk to the sea, enjoy breakfast together and everyone continues with their individual ayurveda programme.Upon arrival, every participant meets with the ayurvedic doctor for a personal consultation. Together you will discuss your health, wellbeing and any areas you would like to support. Based on this consultation, your individual treatment plan is created, including the massages and therapies you will receive throughout the week.The afternoons invite you to slow down. Some people choose to rest after treatments, others spend time reading, walking along the cliffs, sitting by the ocean or simply enjoying the peaceful pace of the day.In the evenings we gather again for meditation, breathwork and quiet practices before dinner.
During our stay we will also:
- enjoy a traditional puja ceremony to honour new beginnings and express gratitude
- visit the Janardanaswami Temple
- take a day trip to the Kerala Backwaters and beautiful Munroe Island
- attend an introduction to ayurveda with our doctor
- practise yoga one morning with Shiva, a local yoga teacher whose beautiful yoga school is just next door to our resort
I always enjoy inviting Shiva to share one practice with our group. I believe it is a wonderful opportunity to experience yoga from a local teacher and connect with the tradition in the place where it has been lived and shared for generations. The yoga shala in our resort remains available throughout the day should you wish to practise on your own, meditate or enjoy a quiet moment. On our final evening we celebrate our journey together with a traditional Kerala Sadya, a festive vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, prepared for special occasions and shared in community. It feels like a beautiful way to close our time together before returning home.
Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation
Yoga has been at the heart of my own journey for many years, and sharing this practice in India feels especially meaningful. Our mornings in Varkala begin together on the rooftop, usually around 6:00, just before or as the sun rises. This early hour is one of the most beautiful moments of the day. The air is still cool, the surroundings are quiet, and beginning the morning together creates a wonderful rhythm for the rest of the day. Each morning practice combines traditional Hatha Yoga with guided breathwork and meditation. My teaching is rooted in traditional Hatha Yoga, while naturally drawing inspiration from other practices that have become part of my own path over the years. Rather than focusing on achieving advanced postures, our intention is to move with awareness, connect with the breath and begin each day feeling grounded, present and ready for everything that awaits us.In the evenings we gather again for slower, quieter sessions. Through meditation, calming breathwork and gentle practices, we allow the experiences of the day to settle, create space for stillness and gently transition into the evening. I will be guiding all of these sessions throughout our stay, with one special morning practice led by Shiva.
Ayurveda: an ancient tradition of care
Ayurveda has been practised in Kerala for generations, and one of the reasons I keep returning here is the opportunity to experience it in a place where it is still naturally woven into everyday life. Rather than offering the same programme to everyone, ayurveda begins with the individual. Shortly after arriving, each participant meets personally with the ayurvedic doctor. During this consultation, you will talk about your health, lifestyle and wellbeing, allowing the doctor to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Throughout the week, you will receive massages and therapies selected according to your individual constitution and consultation. This personalised approach is one of the aspects of ayurveda that I appreciate the most. Every participant’s experience is slightly different because every person arrives with different needs. Alongside your treatments, our doctor will also offer an introduction to Ayurveda, sharing the principles of this traditional system of health and explaining how they continue to support everyday wellbeing today.For me, one of the most beautiful aspects of Ayurveda is its pace. There is no pressure to achieve anything. Treatments, nourishing meals, yoga, time by the ocean and moments of quiet naturally become part of the rhythm of each day.
What’s included:
Rajasthan
Accommodation (single and shared rooms)
Breakfasts
Airport transfers according to the recommended group flights
All group transport throughout Rajasthan
Entrance tickets included in the programme
Experienced local guide throughout the journey
Kerala
Accommodation at our ayurveda resort in Varkala (single and shared rooms with private bathrooms)
Vegetarian ayurvedic breakfast, lunch and dinner
Personal consultation with the ayurvedic doctor
Individually prescribed ayurvedic treatments and massages
Introduction to ayurveda with the doctor
Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork with me
One yoga class with Shiva at his local yoga school
Puja ceremony
Excursion to the Kerala Backwaters and Munroe Island
Visit to Janardanaswami Temple
Traditional Sadya farewell dinner
Throughout the entire journey you will also be supported by me, Basia and our local team, so you can fully enjoy the experience while we take care of the organisation.
Not included:
International flights
Travel insurance
Health insurance
Visa (if required)
Recommended vaccinations or other medical preparations for travel
Personal expenses
Meals not listed above
Travel information
The organised programme takes place from 5–21 March 2027. If you would like to arrive in Delhi earlier or continue travelling after the programme ends, you are very welcome to do so. Accommodation outside the programme dates is not included and would need to be arranged individually.The group airport transfers are organised according to the recommended arrival and departure flights, which we will share with everyone after booking. If you would like to extend your stay in Varkala, we are happy to check whether additional nights at the resort are available.
Booking & Cancellation
If you would like to join us, please send me an email at yogawithgulka@gmail.com. Once I hear from you, I’ll send you the participation agreement and the information needed to secure your place. When booking, please let me know whether you would prefer a single or a shared room, as this will determine the final price.
Pricing
An Early Bird price is available for bookings confirmed until 15 September.
Early Bird
Shared room: CHF 2,415 per person
Single room: CHF 2,980 per person
Regular price (bookings confirmed after 15 September)
Shared room: CHF 2,740 per person
Single room: CHF 3,305 per person
Prices are per person and include everything listed above under "What's included”, eg. international flights are not included.
Reservation & Payment
To reserve your place, we ask for a CHF 500 deposit. As we begin organising accommodation, transport, local guides and ayurveda reservations well in advance, the deposit is non-refundable and secures your place on the journey. The remaining balance can either be paid in one payment or in installments, whichever feels more convenient for you. All payments must be completed by 14 February 2027.
Cancellation
If your plans change, your reservation can be cancelled until 31 December 2026. After this date, we are unfortunately unable to offer a refund, as all arrangements and reservations will already have been confirmed with our local partners.If you are no longer able to join us after that date, you are very welcome to find someone who can take your place. We will happily transfer your booking once we receive the new participant’s details.
If you have any questions before booking, or if you would like to talk through whether this journey feels like the right fit for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I will be very happy to chat.
I hope this journey offers more than beautiful places to visit. I hope it gives you time to discover a little more of India, to experience the care and wisdom of ayurveda, to practise yoga without rushing, to meet wonderful people and to create memories that stay with you long after returning home.
If India has been quietly calling you for some time, I would love to share this journey with you.





