Ultimate east to west south india retreat

COme join judes & david Cross for Mahāśivarātri from

february 11th to 25th, 2026

15 nights 16 days of Śiva, Śakti trip through south india: the Living Wisdom of South India

Are you ready to experience Mother India? Join David and Judes on a transformative journey across the vibrant tapestry of South India, from the East to West. David and Judes are integrative yoga teachers with over three decades of collective immersion in the heart of all yogic traditions and they have personally curated this personal and experimental trip from their hearts to share for all. Imagine seeing and experiencing the hidden gems of this sacred land, guided by their profound love for India and the deeply embodied wisdom of yoga.

This isn't just a trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experiential odyssey. David and Judes are brimming with excitement to share the golden insights gleaned from their years of exploration and devotion. Feel their infectious passion, joy and love for Mother India as they lead you through her breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples whispering tales of the past, and the profound practices that nourish mind, body and soul.

We will be celebrating Maha Shivaratri, "The Great Night of Shiva," offers a powerful opportunity for inner growth and wellbeing, regardless of religious affiliation. This night is observed when the Earth's Northern Hemisphere is positioned to create a natural upsurge of energy in the human system. Staying awake and keeping the spine vertical during this time can help harness this energy for heightened awareness and a deeper meditative experience. It's a unique window to tap into a natural energetic alignment that can promote mental clarity and inner peace. Think of it as an annual opportunity to consciously connect with a natural energy cycle that can benefit your overall state of being.

Discover the authentic essence of South India, venturing beyond the well-trodden paths. Immerse yourself in her rich culture, tantalize your senses with exquisite cuisine, embrace the healing touch of Ayurveda, and connect with the warmth of her people. This is your invitation to witness India through the eyes of those who cherish her deeply, an opportunity to cultivate your own love and gratitude for this extraordinary land and fall in love with her too!

First part of our trip, feel the thrill of the open road as we traverse from the eastern shores of Tamil Nadu to the mystical southwest of Kerala. This is a passage of discovery, where each mile unveils new wonders, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking vistas. Let the landscapes imprint themselves upon your heart, creating a tapestry of unforgettable moments. This leg included us visiting the Elemental Temples of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

The second and final leg of our trip, we arrive at the tranquil haven of Kovalam Beach, where the Arabian Sea whispers its ancient wisdom. Here, for eight glorious days our time slows down as you immerse yourself in the profound healing embrace of Ayurvedic treatments, allowing your body and mind to unwind and rejuvenate. This is a sacred pause, a precious opportunity to anchor the experiences, integrate the beauty, and truly appreciate the richness of all you have witnessed. Prepare to be renewed, body, mind, and spirit. We will stay at a luxurious 5-star hotel resort on the beach and enjoying all the amenities on offer including their daily Ayurvedic treatments. The Ayurvedic treatments on offer for us are: Rejuvenation, Purification Therapy and Body immunisation therapy. Our own Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Sanooj will provide you with a recommendation and create a personalised program based on what you require.If you are you ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure? Then join us now!

What is included:

- 15 nights shared accommodation in mostly 5 star accommodations. There are a few nights in 3 stars.
- Except for 7 meals, all other meals are included in our 16 day journey together including, 3 delicious Ayurvedic meals per day in Kovalam
- Bus & driverl from Chennai to Kovalam - 8 x 90 minute Ayurvedic treatments
- Homas/Yagyas ( Fire ceremonies at local Kovalam temple), 3 pujas: 1 at Air temple, 1 at Fire temple & 1 at a Shakitpeeth temple, sacred rituals,
- Airport transfer from Kovalam hotel to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport
- Yoga, meditation and yin yoga practices with Judes & David and so many local experiences that are available to you.

Optional at additional costs: 

- Kalari practice at CVN Kalari and includes transportation and initiation into CVN Kalari in Trivandrum
- Shopping excursions into Trivandrum to have tailored clothing and purchase fabric
- Temple visits into Trvandraum - Tips

What is not included:

- 7 meals, Airfares, visas, custom fees, travel insurance (required), transportation to Kovalam Temples, rickshaws, taxis, personal expenses, hotel expenses and room incidentals, Tips, Laundry costs, Vedic astrology readings, anything else not listed above in the inclusions.

Prices in Canadian Dollars (CAD):

 Share accommodation: - Standard Room: Early Bird $4900, after 1st July 2025 $5900

Single accommodation: - Standard Room: Early Bird $5899, after 1st July 2025 $6899

Secure your spot with a $550 CAD non-refundable deposit.

Option to upgrade for the Ayurveda Resort, please contact us directly at judes@judesyang.com

Limited numbers to secure your room and early bird rate $550 non-refundable deposit and all balances are to be paid in full 60 days before event or the balance will be automatically charged to the credit card you used to pay the deposit. Prices are in Canadian Dollars.

India 2026 Itinerary *

Day 1 - 11th Arrive into Chennai, Tamil Nadu and make own way to hotel. Check in, on own till we meet & greet 430pm. Walking tour and temple visit, group dinner.

Day 2 - 12th Travel by Bus to Srikalahasti, pilgrimage to Air Temple on way visit Kalamkari, fabric painting that Srikalahasti is renowned for. Visit Earth temple on way.

Day 3 - 13th: Early Morning temple visit, breakfast and check out and travel to Tiruvannamalai one of the most sacred mountains of India and Ramana Maharishi’s ashram. We will spend one night have the opportunity to pradaksina or circumnavigate by foot 14 kms around the sacred mountain that is surrounded by 9 Linghams that represent the planets. You have an opportunity to visit the Lingham that is associated with your Vedic Birth chart. We will also be able to visit Ramana Maharishi’s ashram for evening puja.

Day 4 - 14th: In Morning we visit Fire temple visit and Puja. Back to hotel for breakfast and check out and travel to Puducherry. We will stay in Puducherry for two nights to join Kalarigram for their annual Mahāśivarātri festival, Tantrotsav.  Kalarigram is a school for Kalaripayattu (a South Indian form of martial arts) and other forms of traditional dance, and their annual festival is a celebration involving varied performances of art, music, dance, and ritual. Of course, the crowning event will be Mahāśivarātri itself, an all-night festival in reverence to Śiva, the Lord of Yoga and of Dance.

For this portion, we have booked comfortable high end accommodations nearby (with a pool!), right next to Auroville and a short drive to the heart Pondicherry. There will be options for free exploration of these famous sites... and of course, the option to simply rest by the pool is always available ;)

Click here to learn more about Tantrotsav.

Day 5 - 15th: Breakfast and free day to rest or explore Auroville a short walk from where we are staying or the heart of Pondicherry is a short drive away and option to explore the town itself or rest by the pool. Evening we head to Kalarigram to celebrate Mahāśivarātri.

Day 6 - 16th Breakfast and check out. We travel to Madurai and stop in at the Water and Space temple. Arrive in Madurai check in and own time. and

Day 7 - 17th Breakfast and Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, the only Goddess-specific temple on our pilgrimage. It is magnificent beyond description, fitting for the Queen of All Worlds, and after having darshan of the 5 forms of Śiva associated with the 5 elements, Devi Meenakshi will offer a spectacular conclusion to our temple tour. Check out and travel to Kanyakumari.

Day 8 - 18th Early morning start to watch the Sunrise. Visit Kanyakumari Temple and puja. We will visit the Viveknanda Rock where Vivekananda meditated and received the calling to share the teachings to the west. We will also visit the Three rivers, where the Arabian Sea ,Indian Ocean and Bengal Bay converge. Go back to hotel breakfast and check out. Head to Kovalam. 3 temple visits on the way to our Ayurvedic Resort on the Arabian Sea.

Arrive at resort check in and some can meet with Dr Sanooj our own Ayurvedic doctor and book in for treatments.

18th to 25th February we will be at one resort and we can unpack our bags and enjoy our Ayurvedic treatments, all meals are included.

Day 9 - day 15: 19th - 25th Optional yoga on rooftop, temple exploration, Kalari practices. The extra temple excursions and Kalari are additional costs.

Day 14th - 24th our final night together, closing dinner, circle bid our farewells.

Day 15th - 25th February: Final day for Treatments in morning and check out, airport transfer included. Most people will have late evening flights out of Trivandrum.

*The above itinerary is subject to change with flow, temple timings and the the ebb and flow of life in India

Love what you see and want to join? Click below and secure your place with a $550 CAD non refundable deposit and join us on this trip that will fill you with laugher, love, a lifetime of memories and experiences.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds (not including the deposit and payment fees) will be given up to November 30th 2025 | December 1st - 30th 2025,: 50% refund will be given, minus non refundable deposit and payment fees. After Jan 1st 2026 , no refunds will be given unless spot is replaced.

Extraneous circumstances will be duly considered. India 2026 East to West, South India trip is in Canadian dollars.