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Pilgrimage Retreats in India/
Pilgrimage Retreats in Polur/
Tamil Nadu: An Intersection of Dharma, Tyāga, and Bhakti



Tamil Nadu: An Intersection of Dharma, Tyāga, and Bhakti
December 28, 2027 - January 6, 2028
Polur, India
9 nights, 10 days
21 person retreat
Highlights
A Pilgrimage through Tamil Nadu, where we will explore the intersection of Dharma, Tyaga, and Bhakti – Purpose, Sacrifice, and Devotion
Details
Long before travel became an element of tourism, sacred journeys were a part of life, bringing seekers to a deeper understanding of and connection to the truth and light already within them. Tamil Nadu is the spiritual heartbeat of southern India, home to thousands of ancient temples, and is where Bhakti Yoga is lived out in the lives of people every single day. We will make our way from Chennai to Madurai with three of our days in Tiruvannamalai, communing in the places where Ramana Maharshi lived and modeled the full essence of Yoga.
Venue
Sparsa Resort
4.4 ★ 2768 Reviews

Set at the foot of Mount Arunachala, this tranquil, non-smoking resort occupies a stone, grass-roofed complex and is 8 km from Tiruvannamalai Station. The rooms and suites feature mountain views and a rustic-chic style (stone walls, high-end fixtures). All also offer flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and minifridges, plus tea and coffee-making facilities. Room service is available 24/7. The resort, built with sustainable materials, features a vegetarian restaurant, an outdoor pool and spa treatments. Other amenities include a gym, a game room and a garden with lounge areas. A doctor is on call. Activities such as yoga and meditation classes are available.
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Pool
Spa
Laundry
Towels
Housekeeping
Restaurant
Accommodation
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From western hotels in Chennai and Mahabalipuram to an Eco resort in Tiruvannamali, we will be staying in such lovely spaces all along this journey. All meals will be included throughout the pilgrimage, and participants can choose from single or double occupancy rooms, all with private bathrooms.
Meals

Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegetarian · Vegan · Gluten-free
Traditional Southern Indian food will be provided at all three meals each day. The meals will all be vegetarian (but we can accommodate vegan preferences as well). Traditional Tamil Nadu food centers around rice, lentils, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices balanced across six core tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent).
Testimonials
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Host

Dr. Kelli Sammis
Texas, USA
Dr. Kelli Sammis is a retired educational leader who is a yoga studio owner, curriculum developer for yogic studies, and leader of yoga & meditation retreats around the world. But below the surface of...
1 language
English
Teaching for 2 years
Joined Insight Timer in Nov 2023
What's Included
All meals and accommodations
Airport transfer from Chennai to hotel on day 1
Domestic flight from Madurai to Chennai on day 10
Air-conditioned bus during the entire pilgrimage
Entry fees to temples, museums, etc.
Not Included
Airfare to/from India
Travel insurance
Visa
FAQs
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.


