India Retreat 2026

Experience a meditation retreat by the slopes of Arunachala, in the sacred pilgrimage town of Tiruvannamalai

January 28th—February 28th, 2026

This winter, we’ll be returning to Tiruvannamalai for retreat and pilgrimage. These retreats are wonderful ways of accelerating and deepening into Presence in a short period of time.

While one can meditate deeply anywhere, there’s something absolutely magical about doing so in the countryside around Mt. Arunachala, for millennia, home to Saints and Yogis, most recently the great Ramana Maharshi.

Despite the noise of India, in my experience there’s a thick fog of Silence that spills off the slopes of that mountain and floods the town and the surrounding area.

In addition to days spent in meditation, we’ll be making some pilgrimage trips to local and regional sites.

Our small and comfortable house is in the countryside, several kilometers outside of Tiruvannamalai. Newly renovated, each bedroom includes air conditioning and has its own bathroom with a western toilet.

What a day on retreat looks like (when not visiting a sacred site)

  • Wake up naturally, before sunrise if you like

  • Yoga on the rooftop

  • Breakfast (Fruits, nuts, smoothies or South Indian breakfast)

  • Morning meditation

  • Grazing, walking, stretching

  • Afternoon meditation

  • Yoga

  • Dinner- home-cooked and mostly vegetarian

  • Dishes

  • Group Meeting and Meditation

  • Bedtime

  • Silence, Relaxation, and Bliss Throughout

South India Pilgrimage Day Trips

In the first two weeks of retreat, we’ll visit:

  • the ancient city of Mahabalipuram

  • futuristic Auroville

  • the Theosophical headquarters at Adyar

In the final two weeks, we will visit:

  • Pondicherry and Auroville

Additional Activities in Tiru

In addition to days devoted to deep meditation, we’ll hike up Arunachala, meditate at the Ramanashram and enjoy the morning Vedic chanting, visit Temples around the mountain, eat delicious masala dosas, shop for beautiful souvenirs, and enjoy plenty of Chai.

Logistics

Best Airport to Fly Into: Chennai

We will arrange your airport pick-up and transport to Tiruvannamalai from the airport or Chennai hotel.

If you are able, we highly recommend booking a room at Chennai’s Rain Tree Hotel on St. Mary’s Rd. for a night or two after arriving.

Vaccinations?

It’s wise to look at your country’s list of recommended vaccines for travel to a sub-tropical climate.

Visas?

Most of us will require some kind of Visa to enter India. For US citizens, there are a number of easy to apply for E-Visas. Please get in touch and we’ll help out.

Retreat Cost

  • Two Weeks: $2250

  • Four Weeks: $3500

These prices include lodging in Tiru, meditation instruction, home-cooked meals and fruits, transport from the airport, transport to sacred sites, tour fees, group rickshaw excursions, and some breakfasts at Ananda Ramana Hotel.

For information about scholarships, deposits, and payment methods please get in touch.

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