Shangriballa invites you to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to South India, where you can visit the ashram of Ramana Maharishi, Shri Aurobindo Ghose, Auroville and explore the region’s rich spiritual heritage. This ten-day all-inclusive journey will offer a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to non-duality teachings and experience India’s sacred sites’ profound beauty and energy.
The retreat will be hosted at Dune Ecovillage & Spa, a unique eco-friendly 35-acre eco friendly hotel on the beach, nestled in tropical landscaped gardens. This peaceful haven blends modern comfort with environmental respect, making it perfect for a wellness and cultural retreat.
More than just a hotel, Dune cultivates its organic food, taking it from our farm directly to your plate. Experience the joy of sharing truly high-quality ingredients.
Just 20 years ago, the area was a simple stretch of beach sand.
Our pilgrimage will take us to Sri Ramana Ashram & Cave, also known as Sri Ramanasramam. This sacred ashram was the cherished home of the revered modern sage and Advaita master, Ramana Maharshi, from 1922 until his passing in 1950.
Situated at the foot of the holy Arunachala hill, just west of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, this powerful site drew thousands of spiritual seekers eager to be in his presence. It remains a vital centre for those following his teachings.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Auroville, Pondicherry. Auroville was founded by the Mother, the spiritual collaborator of the Indian sage Sri Aurobindo. Entrusted with giving concrete form to his vision, the Mother undertook the creation of a new world, a new humanity, and a new society embodying a new consciousness.
This retreat includes visiting the Matrimandir, a profound space for individual silent concentration. To fully experience its essence, we will approach this unique site in a quiet, both physically and mentally receptive state, understanding it is a place for inner reflection, not a tourist destination. Guided by local experts, you'll also explore the transformative power of traditional Indian practices: yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and the resonant harmony of sound yoga.
(Mother and Aurobindo’s tomb)
The Samadhi, located within the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India, is a sacred space where the bodies of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are interred. It's a place of peace and meditation for devotees and visitors alike. The Samadhi is situated in the inner courtyard of the Ashram Main Building, under the shade of a Service Tree.
Bio-Region (surroundings)
Explore the Auroville and Dune Bio-Regions: Tour the surrounding landscape and its diverse projects.
Miracle Forest (near Dune)
Discover the ancient remnants of the forest surrounding Dune Wellness and immerse yourself in a unique experience of its deep history.
Irumbai temple with Bala
The Irumbai Mahakaleswarar Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the village of Irumbai, in the Vanur taluk of the Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It's situated near Auroville.
Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai is a significant temple town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for the sacred Arunachala Hill and the Arunachaleswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Chidambaram
Chidambaram is a significant temple town in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is primarily known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form as Nataraja.
Auroville Visit
The Banyan Tree holds a special place in Auroville, both geographically and symbolically. While it's not specifically of Pitchandikulam, it is located within Auroville, and Pitchandikulam, a forest and environmental organisation, is a significant part of Auroville's greenbelt.
Auroville Botanical Garden: The Gardens: Visitors describe it as a peaceful place with various types of gardens and a beautiful sunset view.
Meditation at Matrimandir
The Matrimandir is the soul of Auroville, a space for individual silent concentration, not a temple or a tourist site in the conventional sense. It was conceived by the Mother as a symbol of the Divine's descent into matter and a place for seekers to connect with their inner selves.
Visit to Svaram (music institute): boutique, workshop, Sonorium
SVARAM (Musical Instruments and Research) is a unique institution situated in Auroville, near Pondicherry in India. It's dedicated to the craft, art, and science of sound, combining traditional Indian music and craftsmanship with international musicology, sound studies, contemporary design, and the spiritual aspiration of Auroville, including instrument making at Svaram and a group sound healing session.
Visit to the Last School by Satyavan
The school follows the "Free Progress" method, inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. This approach emphasises individualised learning, allowing students to shape their educational journey based on their interests and inner guidance.
Om Choir at Savitri Bhavan: There are an OM Choir that meets regularly at Savitri Bhavan in Auroville. Participants have reported feelings of healing, transformation, and profound experiences during the OM Choir sessions.
Lunch at Solar Kitchen
Voice workshop with Lakshmi
Shopping: Fabindia, Anokhi, Energy Home, Senteurs
ACTIVITIES
Dune Activities
Meditation and Sharing.
Indulge in a spa massage and treatments, where one Exploration Treatment is included. Discover more in the full brochure below.
Yoga with Bala. With Bala, a seasoned professional proficient in various yoga modalities, you're guaranteed to learn and deepen your practice, regardless of your current experience level.
Ayurvedic cooking class with Parvathy. Learn the art of making food medicine.
Local forest and medicinal plant garden tours
INCLUDED IN RETREAT PRICE
The above-mentioned activities and transport to and from trips
Includes 3 Organic Vegetarian Meals Per Day
Accommodation
NOT INCLUDED:
Round-trip flights
Taxi from/to the airport (€20–€40) will be arranged for you
E-VISA
Nearest airport: Chennai (Madras)
Mitia Klein – Musician / Music Therapist
Born in Auroville to French parents, Mitia has worked in education, photography, and holistic therapy. He co-founded Espace Anahata and Move & Sound in Paris and Loural Eco Village in Portugal. He’s active between India, France, Portugal, and Turkey.
Bala – Yoga, Animal Flow, Kalaripayattu Instructor
Founder of a yoga school in Auroville accredited by Yoga Alliance. Trained in Sivananda, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga. Also involved in martial arts and animal welfare projects. Promotes mental and physical balance.
Parvathy – Ayurvedic Cooking Instructor
Herbalist and educator from six generations of healers. Founder of Avarohi Wellness Center and Sri Siddha Forest Herbals. Awarded for her work in sustainable biodiversity and traditional herbal medicine. Has trained over 30,000 women and farmers.
Aurelio C. Hammer – Director of Svaram / Nada Yoga Expert
Austrian-born sound healer, instrument builder, and founder of SVARAM in Auroville. Specialist in harmonics, ethnomusicology, and indigenous music. Leads innovative music programs, sound installations, and educational efforts globally.
Lakshmi Santra – Hindustani Vocalist / Nada Yoga
North Indian classical singer from Calcutta. Performs bhajans, Sanskrit hymns, and ragas. Active in India and Switzerland. Offers workshops and training in therapeutic voice and Indian classical singing.
Joseph Schmidlin – Osteopath / Music Therapist
Holistic medicine teacher and practitioner. Specialises in craniosacral therapy and vibrational medicine. Develops courses like “The Harmonious Spine” and “Homeopathy of Sound”, bridging sound healing and bodywork.
Prices in Euros Per Person | ||||||||
Single Person Per Room |
Double Room 2 People Per |
Triple Room 3 People Per Room |
||||||
Eco Cottage Non - A/c | 2851 | 2341 | 1991 | |||||
A/c Standard courtyard room | 2979 | 2393 | 2022 | |||||
A/c Superior room/Cottages | 3083 | 2455 | 2067 | |||||
A/c Suite | 3423 | 2625 | 2187 | |||||
Air-conditioned Luxury Suite with Private Pool | 3876 | 2841 | 2339 | |||||