Embark on a transformative 10-day cultural and wellness journey.
Shangriballa invites you to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to South India, where you can visit the ashram of Ramana Maharishi 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 Eco Village & Spa, a unique eco-friendly hotel near the sea, nestled in nature. This peaceful haven blends modern comfort with environmental respect, making it perfect for a wellness and cultural retreat.
More than just a hotel, The Dune is an ecological living space designed to reconnect guests with nature while offering full wellness facilities. The complex features unique rooms and cottages built with local materials and sustainable design. 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, and its sacred bio-region, where ancient temples whisper tales of the past.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VISITS
Visit to the Samadhi (Mother and Aurobindo’s tomb)
Shopping: Fabindia, Anokhi, Energy Home, Senteurs
Bio-Region (surroundings)
Miracle Forest (near Dune)
Irumbai temple with Bala
Tiruvannamalai
Chidambaram
Auroville
Visit to Svaram (music institute): boutique, workshop, Sonorium
Instrument making at Svaram
Group sound bath at Svaram
Botanical Garden tour
Unity Pavilion Group Sound Bath – every Wednesday at 5:30
Banyan Tree of Auroville – Pitchandikulam
Meditation at Matrimandir
Visit to the Last School by Satyavan
Lunch at Solar Kitchen
Om Choir at Savitri Bhavan
Voice workshop with Lakshmi
ACTIVITIES
Dune Activities:
Spa with massage and treatments
Yoga with Bala
Ayurvedic cooking class with Parvathy
Musical Activities
Daily sound breathwork/meditation
Therapeutic chanting: mantras, kototama
Sound baths
Classical Indian singing workshop with Lakshmi
Visit and workshop at Svaram
Unity Pavilion & Om Choir experiences
INCLUDED IN RETREAT PRICE:
The above-mentioned activities and transport to and from trips
3 meals per day
Accommodation
NOT INCLUDED:
Round-trip flight
Taxi from/to airport (€20–€40)
E-VISA – VERY IMPORTANT!
Apply here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Nearest airport: Chennai (Madras)
Cost