January 18 – 29, 2026
A Yoga and Chanting Journey
to South India
About This Journey
A Transformative Yoga and Mantras Retreat in South India.
Embark on a sacred journey through the heart of South India with Shama Retreats, with music guided by Kevin James and Susana and yoga guided by Paloma Dorado.
This immersive experience blends spiritual depth with cultural richness, as we explore ancient pilgrimage sites including the sacred Arunachala mountain in Tiruvannamalai, the visionary community of Auroville, and the serene coastal charm of Pondicherry and the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram.
Designed as a harmonious blend of inner and outer exploration, each day will offer a balanced rhythm of yoga, devotional chanting, and mindful sightseeing. Mornings begin with gentle yoga and guided practices to awaken body and spirit, while afternoons or evenings invite you into the heart-opening experience of chanting in community.
Along the way, we’ll visit temples, ashrams, and vibrant local markets, taking time to experience Ayurvedic treatments and massages and soak in the spirit of each place.
Our hand-picked accommodations are peaceful and comfortable, offering the ideal setting to rest, reflect, and connect. Whether it’s sharing nourishing meals, meditating under sacred trees, or walking around Arunachala, this retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and awaken a deeper sense of presence.
This journey is more than a retreat—it’s a pilgrimage of the heart.
Come and join us for an unforgettable adventure through the sacred landscapes of South India.
Why mantras?
Mantras are like a mandala in word form, reflecting harmony and beauty.
Singing and emotion are interlinked, so when you sing mantras, they organise your emotions in a harmonious and beautiful way that then transfers to harmonise and calm our mind and nervous system, bringing us into a state of equilibrium.
One of the main reasons chanting has such a powerful healing effect on people is because it works on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, at the same time.
Kevin will share his knowledge and experience to allow you to bring the practice of chanting into your daily life as a way to help you stay connected to your heart while navigating your way to living your dream.
“After more than 8 years of experience holding chanting retreats all around the world, I’ve witnessed the healing power of chanting everyday and we would love to share this experience with you. I’ve seen over and over that no matter where you are in your self-discovery path, these deeply nourishing days together will always help you get closer to your Heart” Kevin James
FACILITATORS
KEVIN JAMES CARROLL & SUSANA RODRÍGUEZ
Kevin James is an Australian singer-songwriter and an experienced Chant leader, who brings Devotional music to the World in a way that is free from religious dogma.
He travels continuously sharing his presence and heartfelt voice with people from many different cultures and religions throughout the world.
His particular music style is characterized by fusing English lyrics with potent Mantras from around the world. He has created what he calls ¨Heartsongs¨: songs in English that transmit the depths of Eastern philosophy, delivered in a way that is joyful and accessible to all.
Practicing Bhakti Yoga (The yoga of devotion) since his first visit to India in 1990, Kevin James now leads chanting circles, a powerful group experience of reconnection to Oneself, and workshops in yoga festivals and studios all over the world.
Nowadays, he continues the same path with his wife Susana (playing harmonium) holding Events and Retreats, in their vision of Connection to the Heart as a way towards living a more harmonious life.
You can find more and listen Kevin’s music in: www.kevinjamesmusic.com
YOGA TEACHER & ORGANIZER
PALOMA DORADO – SHAMA RETREATS
Paloma started practising meditation 20 years ago, guided by a desire to understand human nature. Passionate about the relationship between science and spirituality, she studies Physical Sciences, and later, she works for the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), located in Geneva.
At the same time, she trained as a therapist in various energy techniques and therapies, and collaborates with the meditation instructor Javier de Salas as an assistant, in retreats and workshops in Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong and Bali, including the Asia Yoga Conference and the Om Yoga Show, in London .
She immerses herself in the practice of yoga and trainned as a Sama Yoga teacher, a soft and deep style, which combines classic Hatha yoga asanas with Chi Kung postures and mantras, and as a yin yoga teacher.
Guided by her love for yoga and meditation, in 2017 she founded Shama Retreats, as a conscious life project, where she shares spaces for practice, rest and connection. Nowadays, Shama Retreats, is a small company which organizes 16 yoga and meditation retreats per year worldwide, in collaboration with international teachers.
Come share these days of heartsongs and yoga with us
ITINERARY
Our journey through South India will take us to peaceful settings, natural surroundings, and welcoming atmosphere. Each of our stays has been selected to support rest, practice, and genuine connection, carrying with them a spirit of simplicity and authenticity.
Our accommodations reflect the essence of the region: comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with local ingredients, and an environment that encourages introspection and renewal.
We begin by the coast in Mahabalipuram, staying close to the sea and within sight of ancient stone temples. The rhythm of the waves and the quiet beauty of the shoreline make this the perfect place to arrive gently, to rest after travel, and to tune into the slower cadence of South India.
We then make our way inland to Tiruvannamalai, where the heart of our retreat begins. The retreat centre rests among red earth paths, swaying palms, and sunrise views of sacred Arunachala. With yoga halls, gardens, an Ayurvedic therapy space, and a pool, it offers simplicity and care as we explore the town, meditate in the mountain caves once home to the great Vedanta master Ramana Maharshi, join the inspiring chanting at his ashram, and visit the magnificent Shiva temple that crowns the town. This centre is also a sanctuary dedicated to education, healing, and conscious living, a place created to support both personal and collective transformation. At its heart lies a circular stone hall, built with a specific geometry and resonance that enhances the power of mantra chanting.
Our journey finishes in Pondicherry, where French and Tamil influences weave together in colourful markets, colonial streets, and a seaside promenade. Just outside the bustle, we’ll be welcomed into a visionary community founded on ideals of peace and human unity.
Throughout the journey, our days will balance yoga, meditation, and inner exploration with encounters with India’s landscapes, temples, and cultural life. Meals will be fresh, sattvic, and prepared with love. Everywhere we stay, the rhythm of the land with its coconut palms, red earth, temple chants, and the vibrant colours of village life, will naturally weave into the retreat itself.
This is not a trip of rushing from site to site, but an unfolding journey through the cultural and spiritual pulse of South India: a chance to step out of time, return to the essence of yoga, and rediscover yourself in an environment of presence, devotion, and heart.
How to get there?
The closest airport to the retreat center is Chennai International Airport (formerly known as Madras International Airport). It is located approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from our first accommodation in Mahabalipuram.
Chennai Airport is well-connected to most major European cities, typically with one stopover — except from London, where direct flights are available.
You’ll also find convenient connections through Middle Eastern carriers and other major international hubs.
We recommend checking flights early to secure the best itinerary and fares. As of September 2025, flights from London and Madrid are very affordable, starting from around €250 per leg.
To make your arrival as smooth as possible, we’ll arrange private taxis from Chennai Airport to the accommodation (round trip) on the official arrival and departure days. Please get in touch with us before booking your flights so we can coordinate the transfer times and ensure everything flows seamlessly.
PROGRAM
Rather than moving through India with a fixed timetable, we invite you to enter the journey as a living process because the sacred is often found in the encounters that happen when time loosens.
Each place we visit has been chosen because it holds something essential for our path of inner discovery.
January 18 – 20, 2026. Mahabalipuram
January 20 – 26, 2026. Tiruvannamalai
The retreat center itself is an oasis, set within 4,000 m² of natural surroundings. It features a bright yoga hall, a circular stone hall designed to amplify the resonance of mantra chanting, a swimming pool, and an Ayurvedic therapy center. Meals are organic, sattvic, and lovingly prepared.
Each morning will open with Hatha yoga, pranayama, and meditation guided by Paloma Dorado. In the afternoons, we’ll gather for heart-opening mantra chanting and voice meditation with Kevin James and Susana Rodríguez and on some evenings we’ll enjoy the deep rest of yin yoga, yoga nidra and sound bath.
There will be spacious time to rest, reflect, and enjoy Ayurvedic massages and treatments.
Our days will also take us beyond the retreat grounds: we will trek up Arunachala to meditate in the caves where Sri Ramana Maharshi lived, join the Vedanta chanting at his ashram, and visit his Samadhi. We’ll explore Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the largest and most sacred Shiva temples in India, and participate in the Girivalam, the ancient pilgrimage around Arunachala, walking alongside locals and pilgrims from all over the world.
The retreat center is also deeply committed to giving back — it runs community development and environmental restoration projects and supports a charitable school located on its grounds. During our stay, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the school and spend some time with the children, sharing smiles and simple moments of connection.
January 26 – 28, 2026. Pondicherry.
We’ll then depart Tiruvannamalai and make our way to Pondicherry, a charming coastal city and former French colony where life moves at a slower, gentler pace. Here we’ll explore the city’s highlights, including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Samadhi, and take a visit to Auroville.
Founded 51 years ago, Auroville was envisioned as a universal township where people from all cultures and backgrounds live together in peace and progressive harmony. Spiritual practice, meditation, and Integral Yoga are at the heart of its community life.
Our visit will include the Matrimandir, the iconic golden sphere at the center of Auroville, with its inner chamber dedicated to silent meditation — known as the “Peace Area,” where thousands have sat in stillness and contemplation.
On the afternoon of January 28, we’ll travel back to Chennai, where we will spend one final night before catching our flights home.
January 29, 2026
End of the retreat.
A private transport to Chennai Airport will be arranged and timed to match your departure flight.
We warmly encourage you to plan your trip so you can be with us for the full journey, from the official arrival to the departure day.
This allows you to experience the retreat as it was designed, as a complete, flowing process.
Arrival and departure dates are set, while the daily program may shift slightly to honor local needs or unforeseen circumstances.
In a place like India, where the unexpected is often part of the magic, we invite you to travel with a spirit of flexibility and trust, allowing each moment to become part of the teaching and the transformation.
TESTIMONIALS
“We had an amazing time! It was very emotional experience for me. Beautiful nature, friendly atmosphere and incredible group! Yoga classes with Paloma and chanting with Kevin and Susana have brought love and peace in my heart.”
Anna K.
“What a unique experience this retreat was! Paloma is a little ray of sunshine and offered a lot of diversity in her teachings of yoga. It felt truly like a release going through the different classes she have. Kevin and Susanna’s music is so healing. Chanting every day was such beautiful experience to feel connected with the group. I highly recommend any retreat with Paloma and or Kevin & Susanna if you want to reconnect to yourself and to the world around you.”
Marie B.
“I enjoyed this retreat a lot! Lovely people, fantastic food and beautiful venue. Special thanks to Paloma who was taking care of all the organization, always having an eye of all the participants and our needs. Her yoga classes were exceptional, going deep, allowing to release. Kevin and Susana were accompanying us with their amazing music and sound meditations so we were enabled to express our voices freely. It was an outstanding experience I will never forget!”
Theresa W.
“Traveling with Shama retreats is always a synonymus of enjoying a good moment with your Self. Retreats are always very well organized, every single detail has been taken into consideration and locations are always fantastic. The retreat with Kevin James has been awesome. Having the opportunity of chanting everyday has been more powerful for me than meditation. Thank you!”
Ana F.
Reconnect with your natural joy and inner happiness.
What's Included?
- Private transfer on arrival from Chennai airport to our accommodation, and return to Chennai airport at the end of the journey.
2 nights in Mahabalipuram, with early check-in if needed.
Daily breakfast and dinner in Mahabalipuram.
Guided visits to the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram: The Five Chariots, the Shore Temple, and Varaha Cave.
Sunset beach meditation and chanting.
7 days / 6 nights retreat at a beautiful retreat center in Tiruvannamalai, with breathtaking views of Arunachala, yoga shala, Ayurvedic treatments, and swimming pool.
Daily sattvic/vegetarian meals (2 per day), teas, filtered water, and a selection of fruits for snacking during the retreat in Tiruvannamalai.
Daily morning Hatha yoga classes in Tiruvannamalai.
Daily mantra circles in Tiruvannamalai.
Evening Yin yoga or Yoga Nidra sessions in Tiruvannamalai.
Guided trekking to Mt. Arunachala caves: Skandasramam, Kugai Namachivayam Temple & Virupaksha Cave.
Evening Vedaparayana (Vedic chanting with Gurukul students) at the Ramana Ashram Meditation Hall.
Excursion to Annamalaiyar Temple.
Pradakshina – a sacred circumnavigation of Mount Arunachala, with stops at the 8 lingams.
One 60-minute Ayurvedic massage or treatment.
2 nights in Pondicherry, a charming coastal city and former French colony.
Visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Samadhi.
Visit to Auroville.
All transportation between cities in a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
All transportation for included visits.
Temple entry fees for all included excursions.
21% VAT
Available on Request (at additional cost, arranged on arrival):
Extra Ayurvedic massages or treatments
Ayurvedic consultation
Not Included:
International flights to and from India
Indian entry visa (mandatory)
Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
Lunches in Mahabalipuram
Lunches and dinners in Pondicherry
Personal transportation outside the official program schedule
Personal expenses or tips
Any other item not specifically listed under “What’s Included”
PRICES
Total price per person. All inclusive
Option 1
SHARED DOUBLE ROOM with PRIVATE BATHROOM
2.650€
Choose your preferred accommodation:
Option 1-A: One spot in a double shared room with two beds and a private bathroom (either twin beds, or a double bed plus a single bed). Perfect for friends or participants happy to share a room while keeping their own bed.
Option 1-B: One spot in a double shared room with one double bed and a private bathroom. Ideal for couples or for two friends comfortable sharing the same bed.
Option 1.C
SINGLE ROOM + DOUBLE SHARED ROOM
2.790€
If you choose this option, you will stay:
- Alone in your own bedroom with private bathroom in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry and Chennai (5 nights in total)
In a double bedroom shared with another person of the group (of your same sex) during our stay in Tiruvanamalai (6 nights in total) The bedroom has 2 beds and private bathroom.
Option 2
BASIC ROOM WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM - SINGLE USE
2.950€
One spot in a single room, featuring either a double bed or a single bed (depending on the accommodation).
PLEASE NOTE
Retreat pricing is based on your chosen room occupancy (double or single)
The accommodations we stay at offer rooms of various sizes and categories. We guarantee that your chosen occupancy type will be respected in all three accommodations during the trip (and if any change is required, it will always be an upgrade). However, please note that room categories may vary slightly, meaning some may have slightly larger or differently styled rooms, even at the same price point.
Booking and payment policy:
- To book and secure your place, we request a 500€ deposit.
- You can click on the blue button “Book your place” below, fill in your data and pay the deposit online.
- Remember to use the code SHAMAEARLYBIRD, in order to get a 150€ discount, before October 20th, 2025 (only for the first 6 bookings).
- Once the payment is done, your place will be reserved (you will receive a confirmation email)
- The balance should be paid before December 1st, 2025. If we don’t receive the payment of the balance before that date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and offer your place to another person.
- If you book your place after December 1st, 2025, the full payment of the retreat will be requested.
- If you come alone and want to stay in a double room, you will share with a person of the same sex.
- Please keep in mind that the retreat price is fixed, and no reductions can be made if you choose to shorten your stay.
IMPORTANT: We can not guarantee that you will have a roommate (sometimes we are odd or there aren’t people who request a shared room).
In the unlikely event that there isn’t any other person whom you can share the room with, you can have the room for your own but you will be requested to pay the price of a single room.
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations made before October 20: 50% of the deposit may be applied to another retreat, while the remaining 50% is non-refundable.
Cancellations made between October 20 and December 1: any payments made (apart from the deposit) will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made after December 1: no refunds can be issued.
- At any moment, you could hand your booking over to some other person (friend, relative, colleague…etc), who would like to join the retreat and stay in the same type of bedroom.
- In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the retreat, you will receive a full refund of all payments made within 7 working days. Please note that personal expenses such as flights or any other costs not paid directly to us cannot be refunded.
All participants are required to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. We strongly recommend adding trip cancellation coverage as well: this will protect you in case of unexpected circumstances — such as illness, an accident, or a family emergency — prevent you from joining the retreat. It’s the best way to safeguard your booking and travel with peace of mind.
These insurances are generally affordable and can make all the difference should your plans need to change.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at: info@shamaretreats.com
FAQs
You should plan to arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA) on the official arrival day of the retreat, January 18.
Depending on where you are flying from, this often means you will need to depart on January 17 to arrive on time. Please double-check your flight dates carefully before booking to make sure you land and departure on the correct day.
Some indications about the timing of your flights:
- Arrival: The check-in on our first accommodation on the arrival day, January 18, is at 1 pm. If you arrive early in the morning, we would request an early check-in for you, but the acceptance of the hotel is not guarantee. If you arrive the night before or at very early morning, we would recommend to add an extra night (just let us know and we can book it for you)
- Departure: The departure day is January 29. We recommend you to plan your flight departure from Chennai airport from 02.00 am onward. If you choose an earlier flight, we can’t guarantee that you will arrive at the airport on time.
Yes. Most travelers will need an e-Tourist Visa to enter India. The process is simple and done online — we’ll guide you through it after you register.
A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry) and your approved visa are required. We’ll send reminders to make sure you’re fully prepared.
No mandatory vaccines are required to enter India at this time. We recommend checking with your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice.
Yes, travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory for this retreat. We also recommend adding trip cancellation coverage for extra peace of mind.
Once you’ve reserved your spot, we’ll schedule a group Zoom call about a month before the retreat. This is a chance to meet your fellow travelers, ask questions, and receive practical advice to help you prepare.
In the meantime, you’ll receive occasional reminders and emails from us with everything you need to know — so you can feel completely ready and supported before the journey begins.
All transport between cities and to our activities is included and organized by us. You can simply relax and enjoy the journey — everything is taken care of.
Group size is usually between 12–16 participants, keeping the experience intimate and personal. For this kind of journey, we intentionally keep the group small to ensure everyone feels cared for and the experience remains meaningful and connected.
This retreat is best suited for those who already have some experience with yoga or meditation. A certain familiarity with these practices will help you get the most out of the journey and feel comfortable with the rhythm of the retreat.
Yes — as long as they have a regular yoga practice (even at a basic level) and are genuinely interested in meditation and Indian culture. This retreat is a deep, transformative experience, not just a tourist trip. If someone is only looking for sightseeing or relaxation, this journey may not be the right fit for them.
Although southern India is quieter than the north, it can also be chaotic, noisy, and unpredictable.
Your first trip to India can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to be in good physical and mental condition before the trip.
Saying that, you can be sure that you are in good hands. We are experienced in hosting groups in India and we will guide you every step of the way — from airport pickup to cultural tips — so you feel safe and supported.
The retreat has a balanced rhythm of yoga, chanting, cultural visits, and rest. There is space each day for reflection and relaxation, so you never feel rushed.
Participation in all classes and excursions is not mandatory — you are always welcome to rest at the accommodation if your body needs it. At the same time, the program is designed with the intention of going deeper together, day by day, through the practices and shared experiences.
If you prefer to travel on your own schedule or only join a few activities, this retreat may not be the best fit — as the power of the journey comes from sharing the full process as a group.
Please note that this is not a touristic or a standard cultural trip. The pace will be slow, since the main purpose of the retreat is the spiritual practices.
The schedule is tentative and it can be slightly changed depending on unforeseen factors. In case of changes, the meditation, yoga and chanting practices, could be prioritized over the visits or excursions. If you are eager to visit many places of South India and getting to know more temples, cities and ashrams than the ones that we are indicating in the program, we would really recommend you to extend your trip a few days more, to explore more and meet your expectations.
You can have a look at our cancellation policy here. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers unexpected changes or cancellations.
We may adjust the daily program or schedule if necessary due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances, always with the aim of offering the best experience possible.
Shama Retreats reserves the right of admission in cases where a participant’s physical or mental condition may compromise their well-being or the smooth development of the journey, or in cases of disrespectful or inappropriate behavior that affects the group experience.
We also reserve the right to cancel the retreat in the event of force majeure, in which case any payments made will be fully refunded.
Simply contact us at info@shamaretreats.com, we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you decide if this retreat is right for you.
Don’t know if this retreat is for you? Call us at +34 627419996 or write to us at info@shamaretreats.com and tell us what you are looking for.
Communicating and asking all the questions you need is the best way to check if what we offer fits with what you want or feel like at this moment.