FAQ & Further Information
Spiritual & Cultural Retreat in India 2027
Here we have gathered detailed information to help you prepare for the retreat. Please read carefully before signing up. It provides important practical information as well as a clear picture of what to expect.
Required for all participants to read:
Our retreats are open for all. A fundamental part of our approach is the understanding that spiritual development is individual. Your personal and spiritual needs cannot be measured on any scale or compared with those of others with different backgrounds and life experience.
Basic experience with yoga and meditation is helpful but even complete beginners can reach very deep layers of meditation if the motivation and inner call is genuine. We regularly have both beginners and experienced yoga teachers getting along very well on the same retreat.
Our approach is to welcome everyone and make room where we can. However it is important that you are aware of your own potential limitations within the retreat programme. For example, if you have dietary restrictions you may need to bring your own supplements, or if you have physical difficulties you may need to skip certain activities such as the pilgrimage walk.
Please contact us before registering so we can discuss your situation and make sure the retreat is a good fit for you.
Language
The retreat is conducted in simple English. You need a good understanding of basic English to follow the classes and discussions. There will usually be other Danish-speaking participants who can help with questions, but full classes are not translated into Danish as it would disrupt the flow for the group.
Accommodation
We are staying at Gia Mantra Global Village, an eco-community living project in Tiruvannamalai. We have booked their rooms and facilities, including the yoga hall, cafe, and swimming pool.
The serene, natural surroundings provide a wonderful setting for daily spiritual classes, discussions, relaxation, and self-reflection. In the afternoons when the temperature peaks at around 27 to 30 degrees, the swimming pool is a welcome place to relax.
All accommodation is in double rooms with separate beds, so you will be sharing a room with a fellow participant. If you require a single room, please let us know when registering and we will do our best to accommodate your request, although it cannot be guaranteed.
Shared room with meals: approximately 2,425 DKK (approx. 325 EUR) for the full 14 days
Single room with meals: approximately 4,425 DKK (approx. 595 EUR) for the full 14 days - an additional 2,000 DKK supplement applies. Room allocation is subject to availability.
Payment is made directly at the retreat venue in India.
Gia Mantra Global Village has standard bathroom facilities. Toilet paper is provided in the rooms.
Please be aware that if you visit ashrams, temples, or other local places during the retreat, Indian-style toilets may be available rather than Western ones. We recommend bringing tissues in small packets for day trips.
All rooms have windows covered with mosquito nets. There are no malaria alerts in South India. If you follow basic guidelines - such as keeping windows closed after dark - you will generally not need an additional personal mosquito net. If you are particularly sensitive, you are welcome to bring your own.
Yes. Gia Mantra Global Village has a laundry facility available for participants.
Food
All meals are Indian vegetarian food, freshly prepared with local ingredients. Throughout the retreat you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of authentic South Indian and North Indian dishes.
Most meals are eaten together as a group. It is also possible to eat on your own occasionally if you prefer.
Meals are not included in the retreat package fee paid to Santhi Yoga. They are included in the combined accommodation and food cost paid directly at the retreat venue in India.
Shared room with meals: approximately 2,425 DKK for the full 14 days
Single room with meals: approximately 4,425 DKK for the full 14 days
Meals eaten at restaurants or other locations outside the venue are paid directly by each participant at the time of dining.
Please contact us before registering to discuss your situation. If you have specific dietary needs you may need to bring your own supplements or alternatives. We will do our best to accommodate where possible.
When dining at restaurants or other locations outside the venue, Govind selects the meal for the group. This allows everyone to experience the same authentic food and avoids the logistical challenges of individual orders in rural India. The selections are made with care, taking into account the day's activities, energy levels, and the overall experience.
Each participant pays their own share directly at the time of dining.
Costs and Payment
Regular price: 11,250 DKK (approx. 1,506 EUR)
Early bird price: 10,125 DKK (approx. 1,355 EUR) - 10% discount until August 31
This fee is paid to Santhi Yoga and covers the 14-day retreat programme. Accommodation, food, flights, transport, visa, and insurance are not included and are paid separately.
Shared room with meals: approximately 2,425 DKK (approx. 325 EUR) for the full 14 days
Single room with meals: approximately 4,425 DKK (approx. 595 EUR) for the full 14 days
Payment is made directly at the retreat venue in India. Room allocation is subject to availability.
To register, fill out the registration form and pay a deposit of 3,500 DKK (approx. 470 EUR). The remaining balance is due two months before the retreat begins.
The retreat has a maximum of 20 participants. We recommend registering early to secure your place.
We will fully refund your deposit if you cancel up to two months before the retreat begins. If you cancel at a later date, you will receive a 50% refund. However, if we are able to find another participant to take your place, we will happily refund your full deposit.
We strongly recommend having both travel insurance and cancellation insurance.
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the retreat - which has never happened before - we will return the full amount paid.
Travel
The nearest airport is Chennai Airport (also known as Madras Airport), approximately four hours from Tiruvannamalai by taxi. You are responsible for booking your own flights in both directions.
We will arrange shared taxis for the journey between Chennai and Tiruvannamalai. The taxi fare is approximately 37 EUR and is paid directly to the driver. More details on taxi arrangements will be provided upon registration.
Flight prices to India in January tend to be higher than other times of year as it is peak travel season. We strongly recommend booking your flights as early as possible to secure the best rates. Check flight comparison websites for current prices.
Insurance: We always recommend having both travel insurance and cancellation insurance - these are not the same policy. Your insurance company can often offer a good price for a yearly policy covering three months of international travel. Remember to mention that you are travelling to India. Note that cancellation insurance should be purchased around the same time as your flight tickets. Some Danish banks offer free travel insurance when you pay by Mastercard - check with your bank.
Visa: All participants must apply for a tourist visa. We suggest applying two to three weeks before your arrival in India. If you apply earlier, be aware that the three or six month visa period begins from the date of issue.
Vaccinations: Always check with your doctor. We have found that many doctors treat India as one destination and recommend vaccinations for all possible diseases - this is not necessary. Look specifically for recommendations for South India and keep in mind that you are travelling for a short period as part of a guided group. You will not be entering remote areas or travelling as a backpacker. See the recommendations of Statens Seruminstitut: rejse.ssi.dk - India travel vaccinations
Homeopathy offers good natural alternatives for those who prefer to avoid vaccinations with side effects.
The local currency in India is rupees. The easiest approach is to bring your debit or credit card and withdraw cash upon arriving in India.
Health and Practical Matters
This is a common concern but in practice we rarely have participants with stomach problems. We select dining locations carefully and only serve fresh, vegetarian food.
We always advise participants to take probiotics one to two weeks before the journey and to continue during the retreat. This helps your digestive system adjust to a diet with more rice and spices than most Westerners are used to.
India has a rich and ancient culture which we ask all participants to respect. Please follow these guidelines:
- Women: cover legs and shoulders and avoid low-cut tops
- Men: do not wear shorts when visiting temples
- Avoid synthetic or tight clothing in the heat - loose cotton is ideal
When relaxing at Gia Mantra you may dress more casually, and you are welcome to use the swimming pool in normal swimwear.
Traditional Indian clothing is available to buy locally and is very comfortable in the warm climate. It may take a day or two before you can shop, so make sure you have appropriate clothing for the first few days. Clothes are very affordable in India.
You will not be carrying your luggage frequently so it does not make much difference whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase. Just make sure you are able to carry it yourself for short distances.
In India, smoking is generally considered impolite. It is not permitted in ashrams and should be done discreetly in public - never near temples or in front of the places we visit.
We understand if you need to smoke, but ask that you do so in private and at a distance from the group. We also encourage you to consider the retreat as an opportunity to support your breathing practices - please let us know if you smoke so we can be aware.
The Group
We have welcomed people with very different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences over the years. Most participants come on their own but friends and couples also attend together. The group will have a maximum of 20 participants.
We find that different ages and backgrounds play a very minor role in how people connect. The diversity is something we value greatly - and year after year, what forms between participants is something closer to a family than a group of strangers.
Yes. Our groups always include participants from different countries. As long as you have a good understanding of English you are very welcome.
Before You Arrive
Around one month before the retreat, all participants will be invited to a private Facebook group. This is where we share important updates, practical information, and any changes to the programme. You can also use the group to connect with fellow participants - coordinate airport meetups, ask questions, and get to know each other before you arrive.
Yes. Preparation begins well before your departure. Govind and the team provide guidance and support from the moment you register - practical information, what to expect, and how to prepare yourself for the journey. By the time you land in India, you will feel ready to be there and to receive everything the retreat has to offer.
Additional Information
After the retreat we will stay in contact. If you need further guidance or support, you are welcome to reach out to Govind for an individual session.
For official Danish vaccination recommendations for travel to India, see the Statens Seruminstitut guidance here: rejse.ssi.dk - India travel vaccinations