Magical India – Yoga & Med Hol in Kerala Maggie

Event Description:

Maggie O’Grady will be your yoga teacher and host on her third Annual Yoga & Meditation  Holiday in idyllic Kerala, South India. We stay in the friendly Neeleshwar Hermitage, in cottages, some with sea views others with views of the tropical gardens; all with en suite garden bathrooms. This holiday includes Ayurvedic treatments, delicious food, healthy drinks and lots of fun!

There will be a total of ten yoga classes, scheduled so that we have some time off to chill by the pool; walk by the seaside; and explore this wonderful region. Classes are suitable for people of all abilities as long as you have some yoga experience.

There is a full set of yoga equipment, so you can pack lightly! Our yoga classes take place in The Patanjali Yoga Hall, which overlooks the beach, is built of wood and stone and is  light, spacious and airy. It sits at the south of the site, offering fine views of the ocean while providing a settled and tranquil atmosphere lulled by the sound of the waves. We will sit right outside the hall for our morning and evening meditations.

We don’t use the Garden Yoga Terrace (GYT), which also fronts the sea, for yoga. There are loungers and a hammock on the GYT from which you can witness the spectacular sunrises and sunsets or gaze at the starry night skies.

The Ayurvedic food will include some fish for protein and specific dietary routines will be prescribed by the in-house doctor according to body type and existing imbalances. Participants will be given dietary and lifestyle recommendations that can be followed on your return home. In appropriate cases, herbal and dietary supplements to be taken at home will be recommended and participants are welcome to stay in touch with the Ayurvedic doctor even after your stay.

Along with five Ayurvedic consultations, many cultural activities are offered as part of your holiday, so that you will go home not only feeling restored and in good heath; you will also have also have had many memorable cultural  experiences. A trip to Kerala would not be complete without taking a ride on a houseboat along the backwaters or witnessing a theyyam ritual. If participants would like to stay on a houseboat longer or otherwise tour India before our holiday, do let Maggie know and she will put you in touch with the right people.

Your holiday Includes:

• Arrival and Departure transfer from Mangalore/Kannur/Calicut airport
• 7 Nights accommodation in a Deluxe Cottage
• 10 Yoga classes
• Meditations morning and evening
• All meals and all Ayurvedic drinks
• 5 Ayurvedic Treatments per person
• Consultation with resident Ayurvedic doctor
• Cooking class with chef in Annapurna
• Half-day guided village walk
• Visit to see the Theyyam Ritual dance in the Local Temple or Village
• Two hours sunset cruise through the magical backwaters on Lotus Houseboat with tea,  and snacks.
• Aarti ceremony in nearby temple.
• Farewell dinner with local classical music concert.
• All Taxes.

Your Host, Maggie O’Grady has an MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS and is an Iyengar yoga teacher who brings the principles of connection, alignment, extension and balance to her classes, along with an understanding of more subtle practice. She encourages her students to explore; conduct experiments; and enjoy. She will cover one of the seven main chakras on each day. The morning sessions will be more physically active and the evening sessions will be more restorative.