India Immersion Retreat + Maha Shivaratri 2026
February 9–22, 2026
Tiruvannamalai & Pondicherry, South India
Dear Friends,
My friend Jutta and I are very happy to offer an intimate 8-person retreat in South India in February of 2026. This is a deep and sacred immersion into India’s mystical essence. This is not your typical tourist trip; rather, it offers the potential for a transformational journey, aligned with powerful cosmic energies:
• Maha Shivaratri – A night of transcendence and devotion, culminating in a powerful Girivalam (circumambulation of Arunachala)
• Pradosham – A rare hidden temple puja for spiritual renewal and clearing
• New Moon – Deep receptivity, solitude, and connection
Nestled at the foot of Arunachala, the sacred mountain revered as Shiva Consciousness itself, we will walk its ancient paths, meditate in caves of sages, and visit powerful temples and ancient sites. Our comfortable guesthouse is within walking distance of Ramana Maharshi’s ashram, temples, markets and cafes.
Spiritual Immersion Highlights
• Sacred Walks & Meditations at Virupaksha Cave & Skandasramam, where Ramana Maharshi lived
• Temple Visits – Arunachaleswarar, Adhi Annamalai, Chidambaram Nataraja, & a hidden temple for Pradosham Puja
• Maha Shivaratri Girivalam – Walk around Arunachala, a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• Private Siddha Doctor Consultation & Varma Therapy – Rare holistic healing
• Attuning to the Five Elements – Connecting with air, earth, fire, water, and space through sacred sites and practices
• Traditional Sattvic Cooking Class & Five Home-Cooked traditional sattvic Lunches
• One Healing Massage Treatment for rejuvenation
• Daily Morning Siddha Practices for deeper connection
• Private Kirtan (devotional music) with Sangeeta in a beautiful setting with view of Arunachala
• Spiritual Guest Lecture – A special surprise session with a remarkable teacher
• Spontaneous Local Experiences based on the group’s flow
• Pondicherry Retreat Finale – A perfect close to our journey
Our journey concludes with two days in Pondicherry, where French-Indian charm meets spirituality. We will:
• Visit Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram, Auroville, & Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Stroll through tree-lined boulevards and pastel streets
• Explore quaint cafés and boutique shops while soaking in the coastal serenity
Retreat Cost in USD
$ 2,800 Early Bird Special register with deposit before September 1, 2025
$ 600 non refundable deposit to secure your spot
$ 2,200 balance due by October 15, 2025
$ 3,300 price after September 1, 2025
$ 600 non refundable deposit to secure your spot
$ 2,700 balance due by October 15, 2025
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations before 10/15/2025 are refunded minus $600 deposit
Cancellations between 10/15/2025 and 12/31/2025 are refunded with a 20% cancellation fee of retreat price and minus the $ 600 deposit
No refunds after 12/31/2025
If the tour operator cancels, you’ll receive a refund minus processing fees ($ 50 for deposits, $150 for full payments)
Price Includes:
Single room with bathroom (first come, first serve basis)
Excursions & temple visits
5 home-cooked sattvic meals in a traditional family setting
1 Traditional cooking class in a traditional setting with healing recipes
1 Siddha Doctor Consultation & Varma Therapy Session
1 Relaxing Massage Treatment
Daily Siddha Practices
Airport Transfers (Chennai pickup & drop-off)
Private Kirtan & Surprise Lecture
Price does NOT include:
International airfare to and from India
Most meals
Tips & personal expenses
Travel Insurance
For more details or questions email Susanne at: susannejm@aol.com
With love, Susanne and Jutta
A Transformative Journey into the Heart of Tamil Nadu