5 Days Mind Free Outer Forest Yoga and Hill Meditation Retreats in India

"I spent a truly exceptional week practicing yoga with Jiju in Kerala. He is an amazing teacher and a very inspirational person."

"Though having practiced yoga for a number of years back in England, there were certain postures that I had just accepted that my body would never be able to do. Within 3 days I was touching my toes for the first time since childhood, and by the end of the week I was able to go from shoulder stand into full plough posture- something I was very far from before, and I had always wanted to do before."

"Jiju opens your mind to what is possible, and I now feel like I can achieve anything- this really is no exaggeration! Come and learn from him and experience this for yourself!"

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"The School of Yoga Vidhya arranged my four-day stay in Kerala for a yoga retreat. Jiju was very communicative before I arrived, answering any questions I had and sending me a full itinerary before my stay. When I arrived, Jiju was there and was very accommodating. He made sure everything was taken care of for me and planned excursions around the area. I recommend School of Yoga Vidhya for any first time yoga retreats or visitors to Kerala."

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"I was looking for a retreat vacation in India stumbled upon school of yoga vidhya online. I mailed them for the details and I was surprised to see a quick response. The experience has been amazing. The hospitality and the stay were very satisfactory. I loved the peace and feel completely rejuvenated. A perfect place to be, if you are looking for a retreat."

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"This was my first trip to India. Been to Delhi, Bangalore and also Trivandrum where I took this rejuvenation and yoga package. I like the environment. I like the teaching of peace. I like the yoga. Very great people and support."

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"I was under depression and worry. My doctor advised me to practice yoga and meditation. Perfect time for me to take a vacation and come to India to school of yoga vidya . The breathing exercises, the calm surroundings, the wonderful yoga has made me clear of thoughts. Although I am not completely recovered, I can go back to Paris with a better mind and body. missing this place already. Definitely a place to visit more often."

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"What I can say is that during his retreat I could improve a lot my self practice in yoga, meditation and pranayamas; and I really appreciate that everyday, even now that I'm back to my daily life. This retreat was fulfilling also because of the very communicative enthusiasm of Jiju the yoga master. Plus, it was really conducive to do a very short break in the middle of my 2-weeks retreat to go to the deep forest, not so far from the hotel. I could add that the accomodation was perfect for the retreat (both room and meals) especcially during low-season: it was quiet and the staff was very kind."

BookYogaRetreats.com website, edited

"Today in my country is Teachers Appreciation Day. I’d like thank you for all amazing yoga experiences in Kovalam. I’m grateful for all changes in my life. I've never felt so alive."

"At first l thought it's miracle of India, which is land of miracles, but remembering the time that TTC course had finished (when we still stayed at Searock) proves its miracle of yoga."

"Truth is I’m not even close to Aparigraha."

"I miss Yoga At Kovalam."

"I miss Pranayama classes. After each Pranayama session I felt like a free seabird."

"I miss sunset on ocean in the middle of Ashtanga Vinyasa classes."

"I miss your Om NamaShivaya chanting that sounds tone of God."

"Wherever I go in my life, I will always remember my amazing yoga experiences with you. I know, I’m so lucky."

"Thank you for sharing your gift with us."

"You will always have a special fan, that’s me!"

School of Yoga Vidhya's website, edited

"About organizer: I have chosen the yoga retreat on my own, never seen any reviews or seek any advice from anybody and it turn out really wonderful. Of course I was impressed by the package they offered me! Magically, I was meeting all nice people here, who believe in giving more than offered. "

"Place: It’s a beach hotel! When I arrived at my room I could hear the sea-waves, I was feeling so near as if I am on beach; however, as it was night, I wasn't able to see anything further. I stayed in the balcony for a while, just looking at the sky and some stars around, amazing breeze, was just enjoying my own company. Watching performance of nature, stars were shining so brightly, sea-waves were as if dancing on some melodious rhythm on awesome windy chorus, nice breezy romantic aura surrounded me allover. Awesome starting. Woke up early morning around 5:30 and opened my balcony door and this was miracle... what a beautiful view, I was standing in front of wide seashore unbelievable, I was like "is it true or a dream?" For around 10 minutes I was just watching the wide view of the sea and seashore and then I realized I should get ready and roam on beach, so rushed to my shower and just step out and I was right there on the beach. Roamed all around, from the right corner to left corner, while coming back, I saw some fishermen were catching fish and lots of tourists were pretending as if they are among them , so they were enjoying to pull those heavy ropes with them, haha, laughing , giggling all over. I watched for around 20 minutes, lots of people came and left, one after another, some of them were there till end, I clicked plenty of pictures, also recorded one small video. The fishermen were singing some nice song in beautiful rhythm, wow everything was so original and amazing! I also wanted to experience the same, so i joined them and what a fun it was! I also sat silently for 20 minutes and enjoyed every bit of it. Food- (mostly fruit-) sellers and toy-sellers were roaming all over the beach, coconut water is common in all corners of Kovalam, as well as bananas (I enjoyed especially the brownish big bananas). Tourists are mostly foreigners and some locals on weekends, also met some Indian families and groups."

"Shopping: Nearby shops are mostly selling beach-ware, different patterns of elephant show pieces, handicrafts, precious stones and studded traditional jewelries. "

"Yoga Program: My yoga guru Mr. Jiju is an amazing human being and yogi. He has been to the Himalayas to study the authentic yoga, experienced and gained the highest wisdom from all great yogic gurus. It’s amazing to receive all insights and wisdom from him, so here again, it’s not only yoga postures and meditation techniques, one can also learn ancient dhyagna (wisdom). He shares different experiences which make you realize many new things about life, sometimes you feel like as if a whole new life is unfolding in front of you. Interacting with him was always my best memorable moments. We had nice question-answer session, where I cleared most of my doubts. You will feel as if you were in safe hands. He says “only way out is way inward and listen and believe in yourself“."

"Food: I imagined it may be tasteless food, but again I was wrong here, very tasty delicious and still healthy food. Every dish I ordered has amazing taste. This menu is prepared by the founder, who is a highly-qualified ayurvedic practitioner, who started his practice some years back and then, at some point in time, he thought of giving full package to his guests. Every menu is designed by him and prepared by expert chef. It was interesting to interact with some foreigners as most of them were pure non-vegetarian, and here they ate only delicious vegetarian food. My favorites were cauliflower kurma made in coconut milk, fruit rice, veg biryani (with minimum and essential spices), banana thoran, inf act I liked everything, so yummy and mouth watering. "

"Ayurvedic Massage: Here again, a pleasant surprise when I did my first full body massage therapy, the therapist was very well-prepared. She is trained in proper medical college in Trivandrum (Kovalam), and most of all, she enjoys working here. I have also taken Shirodhara therapy, where a lukewarm ayurvedic oil is falling on your forehead for 40 to 45 minutes rotates from right to left, i was feeling like so stress-free and relaxed , slept for a while and when I opened my eyes I was feeling so fresh, as if if every part of my body is renewed and tension-free. It affects your whole body, very powerful treatment!"

"Excursions: Here, I can say I felt like I was a princess. First of all, they accompanied me everywhere, to make sure everything goes well, as I was alone. Otherwise, they normally organize cab with driver and that’s it and you will be on your own, of course, in order to respect your privacy. So that day, he was my guide and my photographer, as well, haha, kidding, he is an awesome person to travel with. I was taken to the best places, because of his wide and nice network... he knows every corner and all people so well. My two day excursions were really great. My tour to elephants rehabilitation center, lion safari, crocodile park, and deer park were absolutely memorable and the amazing part was, I was traveling everywhere in fairy. "

"So this is again part of yoga, nature walk and being close to nature. They can, also, organize for a forest-stay, where you can be accommodated in well-built cottages. There, one can be close to nature and do yoga and mediate, for long. Next day, I had a magical travel in between huge coconut, banana and mango trees. "

"Watching different birds with awesome colors was an amazing experience. And having coconut water, in between the regular water was really amazing. I have seen huge floating restaurants, as well as some comfortable and luxurious cottages near water. Yes! I like hospitality everywhere I go, and here, they make you feel you are special."

"Restaurants: Hey, very interesting (maybe everyone is aware of this, but I would still like to share), most of the restaurants have big display-area, mainly at the entrance, so one may select the fish (raw) of his choice and they prepare it for you. This is common scenario in the evening, otherwise hotel guys show you the raw fishes they have and then, you have to decide which you wish to have. "

"Languages: Mostly English and of course, everybody knows Hindi. Even the small seller on beach know English very well and I observed well-behaved people all around."

"Comments: On my last day, I was feeling bad to return back home! My stay was really remarkable and pleasant."

"Message: I am really thankful to all of you for making my stay so, so wonderful, amazing, awesome and memorable!"

School of Yoga Vidhya's website, edited

"The School of Yoga Vidhya (which means correct knowledge or clarity) is a place of immense learning and personal development. Whilst not a traditional school in one location/building, the power of Jiju’s guidance and instruction transcends the physical space you occupy. We were fortunate enough to stay at both the outer forest and beachfront locations. The blend of two entirely different atmospheres provided an excellent backdrop to five days of yoga enhancement and powerful meditation. Jiju is an excellent yogi and spiritual guide, who understands the struggles we face in a modern Western society. His program has been carefully created to provide some incredible opportunities to enhance your yoga journey, and to enhance your individual ability to reach inner peace and clarity through meditation. The outer forest location in Kerala has some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen, and Jiju knows the very best places to take you for practice. If you are looking to learn in an authentic Indian yogic environment, where you can be taught non-judgmentally, by an expert, then the School of Yoga Vidhya is a wonderful place to go. I will certainly be back to continue my journey. Thank you, Jiju."

School of Yoga Vidhya's Website, edited

"Dear Jiju, thank you so much for such a great yoga experience. I could not have asked for a better yoga teacher to start learning yoga from. Really hope we meet again, soon! Do stay in touch! :)"

School of Yoga Vidhya's Website, edited

"To my Guru Ji, thanks for these wonderful 10 days of relaxation!"

School of Yoga Vidhya's Website, edited