SOUTH INDIA

Nov. 2-9th, 2027

Interest Form

NOW BOOKING:

EARLY
BIRD

Join Anna & Madi for a transformative yoga retreat and elemental journey in Varkala, Kerala, India.

Known as “God’s Own Country”, experience the heat of the yoga shala to the cool of the backwaters, while you connect with the rhythm of nature and the wisdom of Ayurveda.

From daily yoga classes to cultural excursions, this retreat is a full sensory experience through taking in new sights, sounds, smells, and spiritual energy like no where else.

ACCOMODATION

Pachamama Homestay

Secluded, Ashram Style Lodging

Surrounded by lush tropical greenery & nestled away from the bustling cliffside paths, our homestay is truly a sanctuary. Our rooms reflect a traditional ashram aesthetic (minimalist, clean, and intentional) to help you clear the mental clutter.

Private Ayurvedic Chef

Our private on-site chef prepares daily vegetarian meals rooted in the ancient science of Ayurveda. They use locally sourced ingredients, vibrant Keralan spices, and farm-to-table produce. Every dish is designed to fuel your practice and experience the deep nourishment of eating in harmony with nature.

Rooftop, Open Air Yoga Shala

This open-aired space serves as your sanctuary for the entire week. This is where we will hold all of our morning and evening practices, bringing in local teachers to guide and instruct us.

Sample Itinerary

While all group classes, workshops, excursions, and activities on our itinerary are included, they are completely optional if you wish to rest, explore, or do your own thing!

& don't worry about the jet lag, we've literally built day two to be your 'reboot' day :)

    • Airport transfers from Trivandrum (TRV).

    • Arrival at the retreat center, check-in, and settle in.

    • 17:30: Group welcome dinner (Traditional Kerala-style vegetarian) to nourish your body after travel.

    • 19:30 – 20:30: Guided yoga nidra for deep sleep to reset the circadian rhythm and ease jet lag.

  • Since most of you might be coming from the States, this means a likely 20+ hour travel to get here - plus the 10.5 hour time difference)!

    • The Morning: Join Anna & Madi for a group stroll through the local area to find your bearings and see the lay of the land.

    • The Vibe: Today is open for whatever your body needs. We prioritize rest and acclimation.

    • The Rest: Breakfast and dinner served on-site. Sleep, sunbathe, explore the cliffside, or get to know the other retreat go-ers

    • 07:30 – 08:30: Morning sadhana. Vinyasa flow practice in the rooftop yoga shala

    • 8:30: Breakfast

    • 9:30 - 10:30: Ayurveda Workshop: Understanding the “science of yoga” and the art of Sattvic living

    • 11:00 – 15:00: Free time. Great for a massage or Ayurvedic treatment, time in the sun at the beach, or relaxing

    • 15:00 – 17:00: Group walk to the black sand beach

    • 17:30: Sunset meditation at the beach

    • 19:30: Dinner

    • 07:30 – 08:30: Morning sadhana. Ashtanga yoga practice in the rooftop yoga shala

    • 08:30: Breakfast

    • 11:00 – 12:00: Ayurvedic Cooking Class. Learning hands-on to use Keralan spices (turmeric, black pepper, ginger) as medicine.

    • 12:00: Ayurvedic lunch

    • 13:00 – 17:00: Free time. Great for shopping, exploring, or relaxing

    • 17:30: Dinner

    • 19:30: Trataka (candle-gazing) meditation

    • 07:30 – 08:30: Morning sadhana. Pranayama breath-work class in the rooftop yoga shala

    • 08:30: Breakfast

    • 12:00 – 17:00: Excursion Day: Kayaking trip in the Kappil Backwaters. A time to see the vastness of Kerala’s nature.

    • 17:30: Dinner

    • 19:30:Yin yoga

    • 07:30 – 08:30: Morning sadhana. Hatha yoga practice in the rooftop yoga shala

    • 08:30: Breakfast

    • 9:30-10:30: Philosophy Talk: A deep dive into the Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita.

    • 11:00-17:00: Free time. This is the ideal time for a final, heavy Ayurvedic oil massage (like Abhyanga) to seal the grounding energy into the body.

    • 17:30: Dinner

    • 19:30: Guided meditation

    • 07:30 – 08:30: Morning sadhana. Yoga practice in the rooftop yoga shala

    • 08:30: Breakfast

    • 11:00 – 13:00: Trip to the 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swami Temple.

    • 14:00 - 17:00: Free time for final packing, one last dip in the Arabian Sea, or a walk along the cliff for some shopping.

    • 17:30: The Grand Sadhya Dinner: A traditional Keralan feast served on banana leaves. Eating with your hands (a local custom) further connects the senses to the Earth's bounty.

    • 09:00-11:00: Final breakfast and check-out.

      *options to extend your stay at our accommodation past the retreat if you want to enjoy more time in Varkala, or continue your travels to other parts of India!

Your Hosts

We didn't just choose Varkala for the views (though they are breathtaking). We chose it because this land has a tangible, warm, and welcoming energy to it.

After traveling here ourselves and learning from these same teachers you’ll meet soon, we completely fell in love with it and knew we had to share this sanctuary with our community back home.

For Anna, returning to India is a pilgrimage home. Having completed her 200-hour YTT here at Pachamama a few years back, and then returning to Varkala for her 300-hour, this little beach town has a truly special place in her heart.

On this retreat, she is dedicated to helping you move past the noise of the modern world to rediscover the grounded, steady earth within yourself.

Anna Vidal

Founder & Facilitator | Oma Yoga | RYT 500-hr | YACEP
Owner & Photographer | Eternal Candor Studios | RYT 200-hr

Madi Vidal

Madi’s journey as a teacher was also ignited in Varkala, where she completed her 200-hour YTT. She is your dedicated retreat photographer for the week, capturing all the heartfelt memories so you can focus on being present and soaking it all in.

On this retreat, she ensures that you feel nurtured, seen, supported, and empowered to experience the new and unknown.

Pricing

Room (with A/C)

  • Single Occupancy: $2,800 $2,500

  • Double Occupancy: $2,100 $1,800

* early bird ends Oct 2, 2026 *

What’s Included:

  • 8 days / 7 nights accommodation with A/C

  • Roundtrip private transportation from/to the airport (TRV)

  • Twice daily yoga & meditation led by local teachers

  • Breakfast, lunch, & dinner daily; private Ayurvedic chef

  • Daily excursions, cultural experiences, and workshops (kayaking, temple visit, cooking class, & more)

  • Unlimited filtered water, tea, Wifi, and use of yoga mats and props

  • Professional retreat photography

  • Booking assistance with researching flights, e-visa process, and other necessities

  • Gratuity for homestay staff

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare - your international flights to and from Trivandrum (TRV)

  • Indian Visa - the cost of your e-Visa (required for US citizens, between $25-$40)

  • Travel insurance - While not required to attend, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance (including medical and trip cancellation) for your journey

NEXT STEPS

Complete the Interest Form

Click the "Interest Form" button to fill out a brief inquiry form. This isn't a commitment just yet, it’s just a way for us to get to know you, your interest in the retreat, your rooming preferences, and any questions you may have.

Connect with Anna & Madi

Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll reach out via email to answer any specific questions you have.

Secure Your Spot

To officially lock in your spot, you’ll be sent a link to pay your $500 non-refundable deposit. Because Pachamama is an intimate homestay with limited rooms, spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Welcome Packet

Once your deposit is confirmed, you’ll receive your Digital Welcome Packet. This includes a recommended packing list, the e-visa roadmap, your preferred payment plan, and our insider’s guide to Varkala so you can start preparing (and getting excited!).

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and fill out the interest form to start booking your spot.

Interest Form

  • You should book your flight to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). It is a scenic 1.5-hour drive from our retreat center in Varkala.

  • Yes. Most US citizens are eligible for an e-Visa. We recommend applying at least 30 days before departure. We will provide you with the specific local contact details and address needed for your application once you’ve booked.

  • Our private chef prepares meals that are sattvic, meaning pure, light, and easy to digest. The menu is entirely vegetarian and focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients designed to keep your energy stable for yoga.

    Please let us know about any specific allergies (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) during booking.

  • Absolutely. Our practices are all-levels and for all bodies. Our teachers provide modifications for every pose, whether you are just starting your journey or have been practicing for years.

    • Ayurvedic Treatments: Experience traditional massages like Abhyanga (warm oil massage, only about $20-25 USD/hr) or Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead).

    • Beach time & surfing: Explore the local beaches to sunbathe, or take a surf lesson at the nearby Black Beach, known for its beginner-friendly waves.

    • Shopping: Explore the cliffside boutiques for handmade jewelry, local spices, and traditional textiles.

    • Café Culture: Relax with a fresh juice or chai at one of the many vibrant cafes overlooking the ocean.

    How we help with logistics: You don’t need to worry about the "how." Anna and Madi have deep roots in the local community. Anything you want to do, we can recommend our favorite trusted practitioners, local spots, and help coordinate how to get there.

  • For Town: Kerala is culturally conservative; please bring a sarong or light scarf (or buy one there!) to cover your shoulders when walking through the village or visiting temples.

    Safety: Varkala is one of the most welcoming and safe tourist destinations in India. The local community is very used to international travelers.

  • Yes! We want this journey to be as accessible as possible. After your initial deposit is made, we are happy to work with you to break the remaining balance into manageable installments leading up to the retreat.

  • Due to our commitments to the homestay and local vendors:

    Deposits are non-refundable.

    Cancellations made before May 2nd, 2027 will receive a 100% refund of the remaining balance.

    Cancellations made between May 2nd, 2027 & July 2nd, 2027 will receive a 50% refund of the remaining balance.

    Cancellations made after July 2nd, 2027 are non-refundable.

    *We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes.