Is This Retreat For You?
This retreat is for those seeking harmony, inspiration, and new experiences. Whether you want to relax and relieve stress, reconnect with your body, reset your perception, or simply explore a corner of India that few travellers reach — Gokarna offers all of it in one extraordinary place.
You do not need to be an experienced yogi. The programme welcomes complete beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Children of any age are welcome. What matters is a genuine curiosity and an openness to what India has to offer — its beauty, its ancient wisdom, and the quiet power of daily practice by the sea.
Your guides Elena and Yulia will take care of everything — classes, excursions, Ayurvedic appointments, local logistics, and the small moments that make a journey unforgettable. All you need to do is arrive.
Places to Stay
Gokarna
A small village in the state of Karnataka, nestled between the Agnasini and Gangavali rivers. The name Gokarna translates as "cow's ear" — and according to local legend, this is where Shiva revealed himself to the world. It is both a place of pilgrimage and a place of peaceful relaxation. Ancient temples stand alongside kilometres of pristine beach, and during religious festivals, pilgrims from across India gather here. The most revered sites include the Mahabaleshwar Shiva Temple, the Ganesha Temple, and the Rama Temple perched on a rock just five minutes' walk from the centre. The surrounding area is known for its beaches: the long Main Beach, the sheltered Kudli Beach, and the world-famous Om Beach.
Hampi (Optional Extension)
After the yoga retreat, those who wish can join an adventurous journey to Hampi — one of the most extraordinary places in India. Built on the site of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, its ruins were described by Afanasy Nikitin in the 15th century and later immortalised by Kipling in The Jungle Book. The ruins of the old city — its temples, squares, and palaces — leave a lasting impression. In the main temple complex of Virupaksha, worship has been conducted continuously since the 7th century.
Where We Stay
Our retreat centre is set in a picturesque spot in the jungle, just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Gokarna and close to three beaches. Cosy stone cottages nestle in the tropical forest, with a swimming pool and restaurant on site. Kudli Beach is a 5-minute walk away. Om Beach is a 30-minute walk or 5 minutes by rickshaw. The Gokarna Ayurvedic Centre is just 200 metres from the property.
Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea. Walk along a deserted beach in the morning. Find a café you love on the shore, or stroll to the shopping streets of Gokarna. Everything you need to disconnect from city life is right here.
Yoga Practice
Classes include static and dynamic asana practice, breathing and meditation, and yoga nidra (yogic sleep). Close attention is paid to the structure and technique of each pose, and to the internal work that happens within them.
Morning practice is invigorating — built around the Sun Salutation sequence, dynamic flows, and pranayama. Evening practice turns inward, focusing on alignment, the mechanics of asanas, and deep relaxation techniques. The maximum group size is 8–10 people, ensuring personal attention throughout.
Key Impressions
Stay in Gokarna
Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea. Walk along a deserted beach in the morning. The entire surrounding area — ancient temples, natural beauty, comfortable accommodation — contributes to the deepest possible rest.
Daily Practice
Recharge, regain your strength, and reconnect with your body through morning and evening yoga sessions tailored to all levels.
Ancient Temples
Visiting powerful spiritual places filled with tradition and the living spirit of worship is a deeply valuable experience — one that stays with you long after you return home.
Trip to Hampi
The ruins of the medieval city of Vijayanagar — temples, squares, and palaces that leave a lasting impression. In the Virupaksha temple complex, worship has continued unbroken since the 7th century.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Optional consultations and treatments at the nearby Gokarna Ayurvedic Centre. Ayurveda — "the science of life" — uses oils, herbs, and massage to restore balance and bring a sense of deep harmony.
Small Group
A maximum of 8–10 participants means personal attention, genuine connection, and a pace that suits everyone. Children of any age are welcome.
Day-by-Day Programme
The programme is approximate and may be adjusted by the organisers depending on conditions.
Day 1 — Arrival
Morning arrival at Goa airport. Journey to Gokarna (approximately 3–4 hours). Check-in, rest, and beach time. In the evening, the group meets, organisational matters are discussed, and we share a light evening practice aimed at relaxation, followed by dinner.
Day 2 — Temple Walk
Early morning walking tour of Gokarna's main sacred sites: Shiva's Cave, Rama's Temple with its spring, the ancient Mahabalishwar Temple, Ganesha Temple, the sacred lake Koti-Tirtha, and the Snake Temple. We walk through the bustling shopping streets and try rice cakes in a traditional Indian café. After lunch: beach, relaxation. Evening practice and Vedic fire ceremony to set intentions for the retreat.
Days 3–4 — Practice, Beach & Boat
Morning and evening practice. After lunch: beach, relaxation, massage, or a small pleasure boat trip to Om Beach and Paradise Beach — where friendly dolphins often greet you on the way. Sunbathe and swim at either beach at your own pace.
Day 5 — Yana Rocks & Vibhuti Waterfall
Early morning excursion to Yana Rocks (one hour's drive from Gokarna). The rocks are a famous pilgrimage site with a natural image of Shiva inside the rock, and their unusual shape — resembling the remains of a prehistoric tree or a spaceship — is unlike anything else in India. Nearby, the Vibhuti Waterfall cascades into a natural pool that is wonderful to swim in. Evening practice on return.
Days 6, 8 & 9 — Free Days
Morning and evening practice. After lunch: beach, relaxation, massage, additional classes and consultations as desired. Time to explore at your own pace.
Day 7 — Benavasi Ancient Temple
A trip into the hinterland of Karnataka. On the way, we visit the temple of Marikamba Devi, guardian of these lands, who offers support and motherly care to all who turn to her. Benavasi was once the capital of this state — today only a remarkable temple complex remains, dating from the 4th–6th century AD, an example of ancient Dravidian architecture and a unique heritage of India's earliest spiritual traditions.
Day 10 — Murudeshwar
Morning and evening practice. Afternoon trip to the Murudeshwar Temple Complex (70 km from Gokarna), home to the world's largest statue of Shiva — 37.5 metres tall, with a museum inside. We also see the 20-storey, 184-metre gopuram tower (which you can climb for panoramic views) and visit the Shiva Temple, guarded at its entrance by two life-size elephants.
Day 11 — Retreat Completion
Morning and evening practice. After lunch: beach, relaxation, massage. Completion of the yoga retreat programme. Your choice: depart, continue relaxing in Gokarna, or prepare for the journey to Hampi.
Day 12 — Journey to Hampi
Early morning departure for Hampi in comfortable vehicles (6–7 hours). Check-in and lunch. Afternoon visit to Virupaksha Temple — legends, historical stories, the extraordinary landscape, and if possible, participation in the evening ritual. We end the day watching the sunset.
Day 13 — Hampi Temples
Sunrise at the Hanuman Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman and the place where he gathered a mighty army to help Prince Rama. After breakfast: the Vithal Temple, the famous stone chariot, and other remarkable temple complexes. We meet the dawn on Malayavant Hill, where pandits read the Ramayana epic around the clock.
Day 14 — Lake Walk & Return to Goa
After breakfast, a short walk to a lake framed by bizarre rock formations and rice terraces. Departure to Goa (7–8 hours). Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 15 — Departure
Departure or continuation of holiday as desired.
You Will Be Accompanied By
Elena — Tour Organiser & Yoga Teacher
Elena organises retreats and journeys in India and is a yoga teacher, astrologer, psychologist, and somatic practitioner. She organises readings of ancient palm leaf manuscripts (nadi astrology) and Vedic ceremonies, and combines Eastern and Western systems of knowledge in her work with spiritual growth, well-being, and the integrity of the individual.
"For over 10 years, I have been accompanying groups in India and helping seekers find what is important on their path. The word 'guide' suits me better. I lead you to the experience you need — whether it is travel, physical exercise, or personal work with your inner request. This helps you find the source of your happy and harmonious life."
Yulia — Yoga Teacher
Yulia has been practising yoga since 2007 and teaching since 2012, studying with the world's best masters and regularly attending the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, with successful certification in the international RIMYI programme in 2019. She is deeply passionate about physical development and passes on this experience through yoga, which she sees not as a workout but as a whole philosophy that fills life with awareness and joy.
What's Included
Included in the Price
- Accommodation in a double room (double occupancy)
- Full support before the tour — tickets, visa guidance, packing list, insurance advice
- Transfer from/to the airport (minimum two people)
- Group organiser services throughout
- All yoga and meditation practices
- All excursions included in the programme (except the optional Hampi extension)
Additional Charges
- International flights to and from India
- Private transfer, if required
- Indian visa
- Food and meals
- Travel insurance for the duration of the trip
- Personal expenses, individual consultations, massage, and additional classes