A WORD FROM GUKA
Mark Twain, an American author, once said: “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great-grandmother of tradition.” A unique land of vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes and rich history, India is unlike any other.
It stole my heart a few years ago when I spent several weeks in Rishikesh, studying the philosophy and anatomy of hatha yoga, practicing asanas every day for several hours and discovering the neighborhood of the ashram I stayed at. This time, I decided to visit Kerala, another region, and can't wait to share this experience with you. Ayurvedic treatments, beaches, temples, smells and colors, yoga, nature… This all is waiting for us.
After several years of sharing my yoga practice in the group and individual classes, few years ago also yoga retreats became my passion. I believe in this concept of spending time focusing on your yoga practice, being closer to the nature and exploring new places while staying very mindful and committed to the process.
If you would like to learn more about my background and experience, click here
WHERE DO WE STAY
About Greendarden Ayurvedic Resort
Greengarden Ayurvedic Resort is located in the heart of Varkala, with the beach only a few minutes from the resort's doorstep. It is a very quiet place for yogis and Ayurveda lovers. Greengarden Ayurvedic Resort was established in 2009. There are 3 Ayurveda therapists with 15 -22 years of experience in Ayurveda and treatments, and an Ayurvedic Doctor. The massage oils used for the avurvedic treatments at the resort are prepared by them. There is a fully equipped space to practice yoga (including yoga rope wall & yoga props) on the rooftop. We have 11 double rooms available during our stay. You have two options as per your preference, either a single or double room reservation.
About Varkala
Varkala is located about 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city in Thiruvananthapuram region and 37 km south of Kollam, south Kerala. It has several tourist attractions that include a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the Ashramam - Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach. The Papanasam Beach (also called as Varkala Beach) is well known for its natural spring, considered to have medicinal and curative qualities. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam Beach'. A two thousand-year-old shrine, the Janardhana Swamy Temple stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great religious reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January.
WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine, originated in India thousands of years ago. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment. Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.
You will have a chance to experience a consultation with an Ayurveda doctor in the beginning of this yoga retreat. Also, each participant will be offered one free Abhyanga massage. If you would like to plan more treatments, there will be several packages to choose from. All of this will be arranged for you at the Green Garden Ayurvedic Resort. Medicated Ayurvedic oils are prepared on-site according to the tradition so you get the best quality of Ayurvedic massages and treatments.
PROGRAM
We have prepared a tailored program to ensure a beautiful experience in Varkala:
- Daily morning yoga practice and evening meditation with Guka
- Accommodation at Greengarden Ayurvedic Resort (10 nights)
- Vegetarian Meals (breakfasts + dinners)
- Transfer from the airport (Thiruvananthapuram) to Varkala and from Varkala to the airport (return). About 1 hour drive one way.
- One day trip to Backwaters Munroe Island (taxi/bus to the backwaters, boat trip on smaller canals (3h), big boat cruise on larger reservoirs (3h), breakfast and lunch, return by taxi/bus to Varkala)
- In the beginning of the retreat, each participant will be offered an individual consultation with an ayurvedic doctor (we will share the schedule once we know your itinerary).
- Price includes also one Abhyanga massage 1h (you will receive additional information on other ayurvedic treatments that we will book for you)
- Puja (traditional ceremony)
- Kerala food tasting on last evening (Sadhya), a traditional multi-course dish served on a banana leaf
- 1 extra yoga class with a local teacher (1.5-2h)
TRAVEL
As we will have participants joining us from different locations, travel arrangements and bookings will be on your side. The closest airport to Verkala is Thiruvananthapuram. Once you have your flights booked, please send your reservation to me so we can arrange the airport transfers for you.
While booking your travels, please be mindful of the program dates and times (we start on October 3rd and finish on 13th). I also encourage you to check the visa requirements of the country you are the passport holder of. Hopefully we will get past the pandemic by then, but in case any rules of that apply, please be prepared to fulfill any requirements on your route.
RESERVATIONS
If you would like to make a reservation, please contact me so we can arrange that together. Once you select the room option (single or double), I will create an individual payment link for you. Deposit of 449 CHF is required to guarantee the booking, as well as completing the entire payment by the end of July 2023. Here I would love to offer few payment options:
- you can pay the entire amount at once
- pay the deposit now and the rest in 2 instalments (1st part by 30 April, 2nd part by 31 July)
- pay the deposit now and the rest in monthly instalments (depending on the date of your reservation, we will discuss the monthly payments. Full amount needs to be completed by the end of July 2023).
Double room - 1449 CHF / per person
Single room - 1799 CHF
Price includes:
- Accommodation (10 nights)
- Meals (breakfasts and dinners)
- Daily yoga practice with Guka (morning class and evening meditation each day)
- Class with a guest teacher
- One day trip
- Kerala food tasting
- Traditional ceremony puja
- Airport transfers
- Consultation with an ayurvedic doctor
- 1 free Abhyanga Massage
Additional costs not included in the booking fee:
- Travel costs
- Visa
- Insurance, vaccines etc.
- Additional yoga classes and ayurvedic treatments not listed in the above program
- Additional meals or trips
Cancellation policy: the “Just so you knows” and “just in cases”
Please note that because Yoga in Varkala retreat with me is limited to a certain number of attendees, this cancellation policy is in place to help you and me alike work together sharing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.
1. Deposit (449 CHF) is non-refundable.
2. Full balance due following the agreed payment plan and completed latest by 31st July 2023 unless otherwise noted.
3. Cancellation requests submitted within 30 days of retreat date, sorry but no refunds given, no exceptions.
CONTACT ME
If there is anything more you would like to discuss before proceeding to online booking, please get in touch.
I would love to hear from you!
E-mail: yogawithguka@gmail.com
