Yoga Retreat in Tiruvannamalai:
A Sacred Temple Town in South India
January 30- February 5, 2027
Yoga Retreat in Tiruvannamalai, South India
January 30 – February 5, 2027
We invite you to join us for a yoga retreat in Tiruvannamalai, one of South India's most renowned temple towns. Nestled at the base of Arunachala Mountain, Tiruvannamalai has drawn pilgrims, yoga practitioners, philosophers, and seekers of wisdom for centuries. The town is renowned for its ancient temple one of the largest and most magnificent temple complexes in India.
During our retreat, each day begins with meditation, breathwork, and thoughtfully guided yoga practices with Saraswati Clere. Classes are welcoming and accessible for a wide range of experience levels and emphasize healthy alignment, mindful movement, strength, mobility, and relaxation.
Beyond our daily practices, we will explore some of the region's most treasured sites, including ancient temples, renowned ashrams, and walking excursions around Arunachala Mountain. These experiences offer an opportunity to connect more deeply with the history, culture, and enduring traditions that make Tiruvannamalai such an extraordinary destination.
Our retreat accommodations provide a peaceful and comfortable sanctuary throughout the week. Participants will enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms designed for rest and relaxation. The serene environment supports a sense of ease and allows ample time for integration and renewal.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the delights of South India: browsing colorful local markets filled with textiles, handcrafted treasures and jewelry; savoring delicious regional cuisine; enjoying Ayurvedic treatments and massage therapies; or simply relaxing and soaking in the beauty and atmosphere of this remarkable town.
Retreat Highlights
• Daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama practices with Saraswati Clere
• Comfortable and spacious retreat accommodations designed for rest and renewal
• Visits to ancient temples, ashrams, and culturally significant sites
• Walking excursions around the revered Arunachala Mountain
• Delicious vegetarian meals inspired by traditional South Indian cuisine
• Opportunities to experience local markets, crafts, and cultural traditions
• Time for reflection, journaling, relaxation, and optional Ayurvedic treatments
• A supportive community and meaningful connections with fellow participants
This retreat is an invitation to experience the beauty, warmth, and timeless traditions of South India while nourishing yourself through yoga, community, and travel.
Saraswati Clere, RYT 500
A longtime San Francisco Bay Area yoga teacher and filmmaker, Saraswati is the founder and owner of Yogakula Wellness Center in Berkeley. With over 25 years of teaching experience and deep roots in the Iyengar and Anusara traditions, she is known for her clear instruction, devotional sensibility, and ability to make yoga both accessible and transformative. Saraswati leads teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats internationally.
Pricing
All prices include lodging, vegetarian meals, and all retreat sessions.
Double room:
• $1850 per person before September 1
• $2050 after September 1
Private room:
• $2050 before September 1 (per person)
• $2150 after September 1 (per person)
This retreat is an invitation to step out of ordinary time and into a sacred rhythm—where ancient practices are supported by place, community, and lineage; where silence speaks; and where the timeless presence of Arunachala gently guides you home to yourself.
Travel Planning
The nearest international gateway is Chennai International Airport (MAA), approximately four hours by car from Tiruvannamalai. Private car transfers are readily available and provide a comfortable journey through the beautiful South Indian countryside.
Another wonderful option is to travel via Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming former French colonial seaside town located approximately three hours from Tiruvannamalai. Many participants enjoy spending a few days in Pondicherry before the retreat to rest after international travel and experience its unique blend of French architecture, vibrant cafés, oceanfront promenades, and rich spiritual heritage.
Round-trip airfare from San Francisco to Chennai generally ranges from $850–$1,100 USD, depending on the season and booking date. Airfare and transportation to the retreat center are not included in the retreat fee.
Extend Your Journey
Many participants choose to arrive several days early to recover from jet lag and immerse themselves more fully in the beauty and spirituality of South India.
If you spend time in Pondicherry, you may wish to visit Auroville, the international community dedicated to human unity, or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of India's most influential contemporary spiritual centers. The peaceful coastal setting provides an ideal opportunity to slow down, acclimate, and prepare for the deeper contemplative experience of the retreat.
For many travelers, the journey itself becomes part of the pilgrimage—an opportunity to gradually transition from the pace of everyday life into the stillness, presence, and sacred atmosphere of Tiruvannamalai.
Our Travel Recommendations
We encourage participants to arrive in India two to three days before the retreat to allow time to rest, adjust to the time difference, and begin settling into the experience. Whether you choose to arrive through Chennai or spend a few days in Pondicherry, this extra time can make your retreat more comfortable and enjoyable.
As the retreat approaches, we will coordinate participants' arrival schedules and help organize shared transportation to the retreat center whenever possible. We are also happy to offer guidance if you would like to extend your travels in India before or after the retreat.
Once the retreat begins, we will remain together as a community, creating a supportive environment for practice, study, and immersion in the sacred atmosphere of Tiruvannamalai.
Visa: You will need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a Visa to travel to India. All US citizens do need a Visa to enter India at this time. It is very easy to get an online visa. It takes approximately 7 days. $25 for 30 days or $40 1 year e-visa (ask us for the steps) https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Booking, payment options, cancelation policy
Toreserve your spot, please email us info@yogakula.com
Deposit per person: $1000 paid upon registration will secure your space.
Payment options: Paypal, Venmo, or Credit Card
Cancelation policy:
Full refund until September 1, 2026
No refunds of any kind after September 1 2026
In the unlikely event of us canceling the retreat, we will provide a full refund, including deposit.
We look forward to welcoming you to India
