Let’s venture together to incredible India!
After the success of our 2025 retreat’s we’re venturing to India once again!
Come with us and embark on a transformative 12-night yoga retreat in the spiritual heart of South India where we’ll explore two enchanting locations – Tiruvannamalai & Auroville.
8-20 January, 2026
A transformative journey to remember
Experience the rich and vibrant culture of Southern India, all whilst uncovering a deeper understanding of yoga, and embarking on an experience that transcends the ordinary.
India is a feast for the senses! And during this 12-night experience you’ll feel a whole mix of things, including inner peace & self connectedness, and even at times, challenged, with the cultural phenomena that is India.
We’ve curated this experience to ensure it is a safe container for solo travelers, especially the ones who’ve never traveled to India before. This is more than a journey; it’s a sacred odyssey through the profound and rich traditions that make India the spiritual haven it is.
Journey with us to Southern India and immerse yourself in a blend of culture, yoga, meditation, and self-discovery.
The ‘Happy Buddha’ experience
Just like our signature programs in the Blue Mountains, our 12-night India Retreat program has been especially curated with joy and inspiration in mind! All levels of yogis, including complete beginners, are welcome! The program includes daily morning yoga and evening yin, along with joyful workshops and free time for exploration.
Your yoga practices and workshops are led by experienced, fun-loving Happy Buddha facilitator, Athil Singh. And there will be other amazing optional experiences and tours (with our local guide, Rob Hessing) that we’ll recommend along the way.
A taster of a day in India
A sampling of what you’ll experience with the Happy Buddha crew
Just after sunrise we’ll gather together for a gentle yoga practice, to stretch and breathe in unison. After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll enjoy free time for reflection or leisurely strolls amidst the serene surroundings.
Midday brings an inspiring workshop, followed by a wholesome lunch. In the afternoon, there’s free time for a tour or to explore the vibrant local scene.
As evening approaches, we unwind with calming yoga. Next is connection and shared stories over dinner, before quiet meditation brings closure to the day and to foster gratitude.
Join us January 8-20 in INCREDIBLE India! 🪷 🌙✨
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“We recently finished our 10 day Retreat in India! I was reluctant to go at first but Oh my, what an experience. It was one of the most amazing trips I have ever had, and it allowed me to see all the things South India has to offer… All in all, I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone looking to go to India whether you are into yoga or not. Yoga was my side piece. My real motivation was to see India, the culture, the food, and the people, and that is exactly what I got out of it, plus I met some amazing people along the way. Thank you Happy Buddha! 🥰”
Natalie Sayegh, February 2025
Discover the City of Dawn
Days 1 to 4 | Auroville & Verite Yoga Centre
Discover Auroville, the City of Dawn, a global experiment in human unity.
Verite Yoga Centre will be our home for 4 days. Along with your daily program, there will be ample time to explore the unique community of Auroville. You’ll be provided with Aurocards (the system for cashless payments) and access to bicycles ~ for travelling through the lush Auroville forest.
On day 5 we’ll venture 3-hours (transport provided) to our next destination.
Optional experiences in Auroville:
- Meditate inside the Matrimandir (dependant on weather conditions)
- Explore the 12 petal-shaped meditation chambers
- Venture to the French heritage inspired town of Pondicherry
- Visit the Pondicherry Zoo, featured in the film Life of Pi
- Enjoy sun-soaked beaches and ocean swims
Awaken vibrancy within
Days 5-12 | Tiruvannamalai & Sri Anantha Niketan Ashram
We’ll adventure to tranquil Sri Anantha Niketan ashram and retreat center in Tiruvannamalai.
With daily yoga and a curated program you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sage teachings of Ramana Maharshi and take a sacred walk around Arunachala, the holy Shiva Mountain. We’ll also visit Skandashram, Virupaksha Cave, and the elemental Fire temple ~ all historic locations steeped in history.
Optional experiences in Tiruvannamalai:
- Explore Ramana Maharshi Ashram for self-discovery
- Walk around the sacred Arunachala mountain
- Meditate at Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave (dependant on the weather)
- Visit the elemental Fire temple
- Discover popular cafes like The Dreaming Tree and German Bakery
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“Wow! Thank you Happy Buddha for the most amazing Indian retreat experience. Affordable, flexible and extremely welcoming this retreat offers a well rounded experience. Beautiful food, amazing and supportive hosts an all inclusive, safe way to experience the culture and indulge in some self care at the same time. Travel with like minded people and experience all India has to offer. I will definitely be doing more retreats with Happy Buddha, this being my third. Truly a life changing experience and one I will never forget.“
Natalie May, April 2025
These 12-days in India will create a beautiful sense of self
Inner Peace: Experience a profound sense of inner peace as you connect with your inner self.
Re-energised: Feel a renewed sense of energy and vitality, rejuvenated by yogic principles and practices practices, and all whilst being surrounded by an incredibly rich culture.
Cultural Enrichment: Absorb the rich cultural tapestry of India, from ancient temples to vibrant local cafes, fostering a broader perspective and appreciation for diverse traditions.
Spiritual Connection: Forge a deeper spiritual connection that transcends the retreat, carrying the wisdom and serenity gained into your daily life.
All the finer details
Accommodation: Verite Yoga Centre in Auroville offers simple and comfortable twin-share rooms with attached bathrooms. Sri Anantha Niketan Ashram in Tiruvannamalai offers shared, basic and clean Ashram style rooms, with tidy amenities and a sustainable water tub for bathing.
Meals: Each day includes three nourishing vegetarian meals. These are simple, seasonal and freshly prepared. Our first location has international-inspired cuisine and the second is delicious South Indian meals.
Your Facilitator and Guides: Your journey is guided by soulful yoga teachers and facilitators from Happy Buddha – Athil Singh and Natalie Ristoski. Our tour guide is Rob Hessing, an Auroville community member (and previously a crew member at Happy Buddha Retreats in Australia) with a passion and deep connection to these Southern Indian
Your all inclusive 12-night South India Retreat is $2699pp
The price includes shared accommodation, three meals daily and a curated program of yoga and workshops. We will also organise travel between our two locations.
This price does not include your return flights, India visa, additional local transport, travel insurance and spending money. We recommend you book your flights only when you’ve booked your retreat, received confirmation and have emailed the crew as we have some flight and travel tips for your peace of mind.
This is truly a trip of a lifetime and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Ready for an incredible experience?
Journey with us to Southern India and immerse yourself in a blend of culture, yoga, meditation, and self-discovery.
*Terms and Conditions
Deposit is non-refundable.
If canceling 30 days prior to your retreat a refund of the total amount (less deposit) will be given, however it will be less a 5% admin fee.
If canceling after 30 days prior to retreat, no refund will be offered.
Retreat price does not include return flights, India visa, additional local transport, travel insurance and spending money.
Please note, once your booking has been confirmed we will recommend flights that our facilitators will be traveling on. This way, you can have peace of mind you are traveling at a similar time and arriving on time for your retreat experience.
We recommend you book your flights through a reputable travel agent who can recommend additional travel requirements.