7 Day Ayurveda Immersion, Beachside Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Varkala, India
Best Yoga and Meditation Retreat in India
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being with this immersive experience nestled in the serene haven of Varkala. Dive deep into the ancient art of yoga asanas, guided by experienced instructors who will lead you through rejuvenating sessions designed to enhance flexibility, build strength, and cultivate inner peace. Explore the profound benefits of pranayama techniques, mastering the art of breath control to invigorate the body and calm the mind. Immerse yourself in tranquil meditation practices that nurture mindfulness and inner clarity, all while surrounded by Varkala’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Daily yoga classes (morning Ashtanga/Vinyasa and evening Hatha/Yin with Yoga Nidra)
- Daily pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, and chakra healing practices
- Yoga philosophy, alignment, and adjustment workshops
- 4 Ayurvedic massage treatments (Abhyangam, 60 minutes each)
- Beach yoga and meditation sessions
- Day trips, local excursions, and temple visits
- 6 nights accommodation in air-conditioned rooms
- Daily healthy vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
7 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 6.5
Accommodation
The accommodation is only a few steps away from the stunning sea. It is located in Varkala South Cliff, 100 meters away from Aliyirakkam Beach. Breeze House offers the traveler a calm and beautiful environment to enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea that gives a perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday.
The homestay is a family-owned and operated homestay situated in a peaceful and quiet colony away from the city traffic. Their rooms come equipped with essential amenities such as cozy beds, spacious wardrobes, and the option of either a fan or air conditioning to ensure a peaceful and rejuvenating stay.
Program
This retreat is a comprehensive program.
Daily Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival, Grounding and Intention
- Theme: Settling the body and calming the nervous system
Morning/afternoon:
- Guest arrival and room check-in 11am (please mention the checkin and check out time specifically)
- Welcome herbal drink
- Rest after travel
Evening:
- Opening circle and orientation
- Intention setting
- Gentle grounding Hatha yoga
- Yoga Nidra relaxation
- Dinner
- Night
Day 2 – Breath and Body Awareness
Theme: Learning to move with the breath
Morning:
- 07:00 Herbal tea
- 07:30 Pranayama introduction and mantra chanting
- 08:00 Ashtanga/Hatha foundational practice
- 10:00 Satvik brunch
Midday and afternoon:
- 11:00 Ayurveda Abhyanga massage and treatment
- Rest and journaling time
- 16:30 Workshop: Understanding alignment and safe practice
Evening:
- 17:30 Hatha yoga + Yoga Nidra
- 19:30 Dinner
Day 3 – Energy and Balance
Theme: Connecting breath, movement and mind
Morning:
- Pranayama expansion (Nadi Shodhana and Ujjayi)
- Hatha/Vinyasa flow practice
Midday:
- Ayurveda therapy session
- Relaxation and beach time
- Afternoon workshop: Yoga philosophy: What is yoga beyond postures?
Evening:
- Yin yoga for deep fascia release
- Meditation practice/meditation
- Kirtan/bhajan
Day 4 – Detox and Healing
Theme: Nervous system reset
Morning:
- Pranayama for calming the mind
- Hatha/Ashtanga practice (guided modifications)
Midday:
- Silent rest period
Afternoon:
- None
Evening:
- Yoga Nidra
- Sound healing session
- Early dinner and silence practice
Day 5 – Inner Silence and Observation
Theme: Awareness and inward attention
Morning:
- Silent morning practice
- Pranayama and gentle Hatha yoga
Midday:
- Ayurveda therapy session with oil massage
- Afternoon special experience
- Silent walk to Janardana Swami
- Temple and ashram visit
Evening:
- None
Day 6 – Integration and Expansion
Theme: Bringing practice into life
Morning:
- Pranayama refinement
- Vinyasa flow with breath awareness
Midday:
- Ayurveda therapy session with oil massage
- Afternoon excursion
- Golden Island visit/beach yoga session
Evening:
- Workshop: How to continue practice at home
- Restorative Yin yoga and meditation
Day 7 – Closure and Reflection
Theme: Carrying the experience forward
Morning:
- Gentle yoga and stretching
- Closing Circle with kirtan and gratitude
Midday:
- Guidance for home practice
- Certification of participation
- Blessings/prayers
- Brunch
Departure
- Check-out and onward journey at 11am
This schedule keeps the retreat structured but spacious, gradually moving from body → breath → mind → awareness → integration. Bhajan & Kirtan spiritual music evening.
Included excursions
- Local sightseeing: You can get the opportunity to visit nearby attractions such as Varkala beach, Janardhanaswamy temple, and Sivagiri mutt, where participants can immerse themselves in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
- Nature Excursions: Organized trips to natural wonders like Kappil Lake, Ponnumthuruthu Island, or Anjego Fort, providing opportunities for relaxation, photography, and connecting with nature.
Instructors
Shajahan
Yoga Acharya Shajahan (Shaji) holds a master Degree in yoga and is a qualified instructor of both Hatha and Ashtanga traditions. For the past five years, he has traveled to various parts of the world to share his passion for teaching yoga and spirituality with a vast number of people from different walks of life. Shaji works at various yoga centers around India, where he teaches Hatha yoga, asanas, pranayama, Nidra yoga, kriyas, meditation, and different stress management and relaxation techniques. He also specializes in diabetic therapy and professional yoga.
Mano Mathew
Mano Mathew is a yoga instructor from Kerala whose journey into teaching grew from personal transformation rather than ambition. With a background in aviation management and years spent in Europe, he understands both structured corporate life and the quiet call for inner meaning. Yoga became that bridge. He teaches Hatha Yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, and sound healing in a simple, grounded way. His classes focus on breath, awareness, and emotional balance rather than performance. Students appreciate his calm voice, practical guidance, and the safe space he creat
Retreat location
Sha Yoga Varkala is situated near the beach, and you can perform yoga on the beach and also in yoga hall facing the beach.
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats
Food
During this retreat, you will be served with Ayurvedic organic vegetarian food 2 times a day according to your body and mind constitution. Sha Yoga Varkala serves only vegetarian food. Most of the food is organically grown seasonal fruits and vegetables from Sha Yoga Varkala's own cultivating farm and also collected from selected farmers or shops in the village.
The following meals are included:
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Ayurvedic
Exclusive Gifts
Sha Yoga Varkala has prepared a few special surprises for you, including unique experiences and thoughtful extras to make your journey even more memorable.
Airport pick up from Trivandrum International Airport
Things to do (optional)
- Day trips
Spa treatments
To enrich your holistic experience, the program also includes 1-hour Ayurvedic massage session combined with personalized Ayurvedic treatments for 4 days. These therapeutic sessions are designed to detoxify the body, improve circulation, relieve stress, and restore natural balance, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and revitalized. Reconnect with yourself, restore your energy, and awaken your true potential in this peaceful coastal paradise.
What's included
- 6 nights accommodation in air-conditioned rooms
- Daily healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Daily morning yoga (Ashtanga Primary / Vinyasa Flow)
- Daily evening yoga (Hatha/Yin + Yoga Nidra)
- Chakra healing meditation
- Daily 2 times yoga classes
- 4 Ayurveda massage treatments (Abhyangam – 60 min each)
- Daily pranayama and meditation classes
- Beach yoga and meditation
- Yoga Nidra and mantra chanting classes
- Yoga philosophy classes
- Yoga adjustment and alignment classes
- Day trips
- Local excursion and temple visit
Included Exclusive Gifts
Airport pick up from Trivandrum International Airport
Sha Yoga Varkala offers a free airport pickup for guests arriving at Trivandrum International Airport. Please note that this service includes pickup only; drop-off is not provided. This complimentary transfer is available exclusively for guests traveling to Trivandrum International Airport, and transfers from or to any other airports are not included.
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfer
- Personal expense
- Laundry
- Day trips
- GST
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 30 per person
Trivandrum International Airport
35 km away from your destination
Arrival by Airplane
Please book a flight to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). This airport is approximately 40-42 kilometers from Varkala. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a direct taxi to the venue. The cost is 30 USD (one-way trip) from the airport to the retreat center. Alternately, you may also ask the school for pickup. It would take approximately one hour to reach the venue.
Alternatively, you can also consider Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, which is about 100 kilometers away. You can book a flight to either airport from major Indian cities or international destinations
Arrival by Bus
The state government-run KSRTC piles buses regularly from Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists coming from Kochi can board a bus to Thiruvananthapuram and get down at Attingal to catch a connecting bus to Varkala.
Arrival by Train
Varkala lies on the rail line connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. However, all trains do not stop at the station. Thiruvananthapuram is the major railhead close to Varkala. Thiruvananthapuram is connected by rail to several Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Taxis can be hired from the railway station to Varkala.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 15% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
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