A 13-Days Journey of Yoga, Ayurveda, & Vedic Wisdom

The Awakening Soul is designed as a slow and immersive retreat experience rooted in the healing atmosphere of Kerala. Rather than functioning as a sightseeing program or intensive study course, the retreat unfolds gently through yoga, Ayurveda, meaningful travel, silence, nature and human connection.

Guests remain throughout at Akanta Ayurveda and Yoga Cherai, creating stability and emotional grounding. The rhythm of the retreat allows enough space for rest, therapies, reflection and personal integration without the exhaustion of constant movement.

The retreat is guided through three interconnected streams:

  • Daily Yoga Practice
    Traditional morning Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra guided by Sanyasi Krishnayogam.
  • Personal Interaction with the Guru
    Rare opportunities for one-to-one spiritual guidance, reflection, and wisdom sharing.
  • Authentic Ayurveda Wellness Experience
    Personalized consultations, therapies, and lifestyle guidance for holistic healing.
  • Maha Mrityunjaya Homam & Wisdom Transfer Ceremony
    A powerful Vedic fire ritual for healing, longevity, and spiritual awakening.
  • Pilgrimage to Kalady
    Visit the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya and experience meditation on the banks of the sacred River Poorna.
  • Athirappilly Waterfalls & Forest Meditation
    Connect with Kerala’s majestic natural beauty through mindful walking and guided meditation.
  • Backwater Day Cruise
    Experience mindfulness and deep relaxation while cruising through Kerala’s serene backwaters.
  • Kumbalangi Village Immersion
    Discover Kerala’s authentic rural culture, traditional fishing life, and community wisdom.
  • Sacred Music, Dance & Vedic Arts
    Explore healing through classical ragas, Nritha, Nrithya, Natya, chanting, and sacred sounds.
  • Transformation from Mind to Consciousness
    A carefully curated journey combining Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedic Wisdom, Nature, and Silence to foster lasting inner growth.

12 days with instruction in English

The organizer also speaks: Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil

Group size: Maximum of 20

    • Spa
    • Steam room
    • Swimming pool (outdoor)
    • Air-conditioned rooms
    • Café
    • Concierge desk
    • Garden
    • Lobby
    • Luggage room / storage
    • Multilingual staff
    • Picnic area
    • Restaurant
    • Smoke-free property
    • Special menu request
    • Yoga shala
    • Currency exchange
    • Dry cleaning
    • Free parking
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Ironing / ironing board
    • Laundry
    • Library
    • Medical assistance
    • Tour assistance

Understanding yoga through the vision of Vedanta

Insights into the true purpose of yoga

Practical relevance of Ashtanga Yoga Sutra

 DAY 01: Arrival & Alignment

Welcome to Kerala!

On arrival in Cochin, meet and greet our representative and transferred to Cherai

Check in hotel and relax..

Akanta Cherai surrounded by lush greenery, clean air, and a peaceful ambiance that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Dedicated team of wellness experts are committed to helping you achieve optimum health through a variety of activities and programs tailored to your individual needs. We offer individualized treatment plans the best of Ayurveda.

Afternoon: Welcome and orientation. Your journey begins with an intimate Opening Circle, setting collective and personal intentions for the days ahead through an Ayurvedic consultation.

The night remains quiet and restful, allowing participants to recover from travel and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the retreat.

08:00 PM: Dinner

DAY 02: Yoga Enchances Mental Health

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning yoga focuses on breath awareness, gentle movement and relaxation rather than physical intensity.

08:30 AM: Nourishing Breakfast

09:30 AM: Session by ; Swami Brahmaparananda Maharaj

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection: How Yoga Enhances Mental Health and Emotional Well-being This lecture can delve into the psychological benefits of yoga, discussing how various practices can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and foster mindfulness. It can include scientific studies and personal testimonials to illustrate the transformative power of yoga on mental health.

Ayurveda Optional

01:00 PM: Lunch and Relax

Ayurveda Optional

05:30 PM: A mindful nature walks transitioning into a serene Sunset Yoga session.

07:00 PM: The evening concludes with Yoga Nidra and deep restoration with Yoga Nidra

08:00 PM: Satvik Dinner.

DAY 03: Ancient Rituals & Wisdom

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Yoga

08:30 AM: Nourishing breakfast.

09:30 AM: Session by ; Swami Brahmaparananda Maharaj

The Science of Breath: Understanding Pranayama and Its Impact on Physical and Mental Health This subject can focus on the principles of pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga. The lecture can cover different techniques, their physiological effects, and how mastering breath can lead to improved focus, stress reduction, and overall vitality.

Ayurveda Optional

01:00 PM: Lunch

Ayurveda Optional

06:00 PM: The evening concludes with Yoga Nidra and deep restoration with Yoga Nidra

 07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 04: Pilgrimage to the Source of Advaita

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga

08.30 AM: Nourishing Breakfast

09:30 AM:  Interaction with Brahmachari Nikhil  is the Spiritual Mentor of Chinmaya Mission Chengannur. An engineer with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), he brings over a decade of corporate experience from his career with Bank of Baroda before dedicating himself to the study and teaching of Vedanta.

Inspired by the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Vivekananda, he completed the prestigious two-year residential Vedanta course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, where he undertook a systematic study of Advaita Vedanta, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.

Explore the Kalady Sringeri Mutt with Brahmachari Nikhil and engage in a meditative session on the tranquil banks of the River Poorna. Rather than treating the experience academically, guests are encouraged to absorb the spiritual atmosphere through observation, silence and reflection. A special meditation session within the Sringeri environment becomes one of the spiritual anchors of the retreat.

Ayurveda optional

01:00 PM: Lunch

The day remains unhurried with enough pauses for rest and quiet absorption.

06:00 PM: Evening Satsang (gathering for spiritual truth).

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 05: Nature’s Majesty & Sacred Sounds

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07.00 AM: Yoga

08: 30 AM: Breakfast

Explore Athirappilly with Brahmachari Nikhil.  Experience the raw power of nature with a mindful forest trek near the majestic waterfalls. The journey to Athirappilly offers a final immersion into Kerala’s elemental natural beauty. Athirappilly is the  largest and most famous waterfall. Often dubbed the “Niagara of India,” the 80-foot drop and surrounding dense Sholayar rainforests are a major draw. It is also celebrated as a top filming location for major blockbusters and a vital, bio diverse habitat for rare wildlife. A guided meditation session near the waterfalls allows participants to connect deeply with sound, stillness and the atmosphere of the forest.

01:00 PM: Lunch

06:00 PM: Guided Meditation followed by an interactive session decoding the profound, energetic meanings behind ancient Slokas.

07:00 PM: Sattvic Dinner

DAY 06: The Art of Transition & Stillness

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga

09:00 AM:  Integration session.

Daytime Ayurvedic treatments: Relaxation therapy package helps reduce the building of physical, emotional, and mental tension, boost your mood, and allow you to feel more rested and rejuvenated.

Dr. Rajeev introduces Ayurveda as a lifestyle of balance rather than simply a treatment system. Discussions remain practical, accessible and grounded in everyday life.

01:00 PM: Lunch

The afternoon is left completely free for therapies and rest.

06:00 PM: Yoga session

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 07: Village Life

Morning: Sleep in and restore—no morning yoga today.

08:00 AM: Breakfast

09:30 AM: Exploring Kumbalangi. Kumbalangi is a quiet, leafy island village known for rural tourism activities. People visit the island to see Chinese fishing nets, explore its mangrove forests, and experience traditional Kerala village life. Boat trips from Kallenchery cruise along the surrounding backwaters. Local artisans and boatmen offer craft demonstrations and fishing trips, while simple, no-frills eateries serve seafood and local meals. Guests witness traditional activities such as toddy tapping, coir making, fishing practices and local craftsmanship without rushing from one activity to another.

Immerse yourself in the slow cadence of rural life, participate in traditional fishing village activities, and enjoy an open-air village yoga session.

01:00 PM: Lunch and Relax.

05:00 PM: Yoga session

06:00 PM: Evening Camp Fire

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 08: Serenity on the Waters

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga and personal reflection time.

08:30 AM: Nourishing Breakfast

09:30 AM: A gentle day of rest, restorative Ayurvedic treatments. Stress can have negative impacts on an individual’s physical and mental health. It can contribute to various health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

An introduction to Satvik food with Dr. Rajeev

01:00 PM : Lunch

05:00 PM: Evening Yoga

06:30 PM: Dinner

07:30PM: Cultural Program with the art and tradition

DAY 09: Heritage, Threads, & History

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM : Morning Yoga

08:30 AM: Nurishing breakfast

09:30 AM: A cultural exploration of regional craftsmanship and history. Chendamangalam Kaithari (handloom): It refers to the historic, premium handwoven cotton fabrics and garments produced in Chendamangalam. Awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012, this ancient craft is celebrated for its breathable texture, high thread count (80-120), and cultural significance. Visits to weaving communities and historic heritage spaces create opportunities to reflect on continuity, memory and coexistence. The atmosphere remains slow, intimate and reflective rather than touristic. Visit the resilient weavers of Chendamangalam to witness the art of handloom, followed by a historic visit to the ancient Jewish Synagogue.

01:00 PM: Lunch

06:00 PM: Evening Yoga

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 10: Ragas & Resonance

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga

09:00 AM:  Integration session.

09:30 AM: A gentle day of rest, restorative Ayurvedic treatments, and personal reflection as we transition from the foothills to the coastal waters.

01:00 PM: Lunch and relax -lit chanting and dinner.

04:00 PM: Nritha, Nrithya, and Natya (the divine trinity of Indian classical dance and expression) set to classical ragas. Experience deep healing through music and cosmic rhythm.

06:00 PM: Yoga session

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 11: The Historic Port

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga and personal reflection time.

08:30 AM: Nourishing Breakfast

09:30 AM: Visit some of the sightseeing places like Fort Kochi, The attractions of Fort Kochi are as diverse as its history. The St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, stands as a testament to the changing tides of colonial power. Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Chinese Fishing Nets

01:00 PM: Lunch

06:00 PM: Evening Yoga

07:00 PM: Satvik Dinner

DAY 12: Relax

06:00 AM: Dinacharya

07:00 AM: Morning Yoga and personal reflection time.

08:30 AM: Nourishing Breakfast

09:30 AM: Coastal Karma A beach clean –Up Seva

01:00 PM: Lunch and relax

05:00 PM: Yoga Session

06:00 PM: The final evening includes a cultural program and farewell dinner celebrating Kerala’s artistic and spiritual essence in a subtle and elegant manner.

DAY 13: The Grand Finale

Morning: Final morning yoga and integration circle.

Afternoon: Our Finale Ceremony—celebrating the shift from mind to consciousness, exchanging blessings, and preparing to take the retreat’s peace back into the world.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport.

    • Sessions with prominent Yoga Gurus
    • Lectures with conspicuous yogis
    • Daily yoga classes
    • Guided meditation practice
    • Pranayama, yogic cleansing, and spiritual therapies
    • Explore the Nature, Beach, Waterfall, Backwaters
    • True peace at a tranquil Beach & Lake venue
    • 12 nights accommodation
    • Daily full-board delicious Sattvic meals
    • All tours
    • Airport transfers
    • 12 days with instruction in English
    • Group size: Maximum of 16 participants
    • Daily guided meditations of various types
    • Mantra chanting
    • Yogic cleansing – Neti practice
    • Spiritual therapy
    • Guidelines on yogic lifestyle and diet
    • Spiritual philosophy discussions
    • Question and answer sessions on spiritual yoga

    Things to do (optional)

    • Ayurvedic consultations and Ayurvedic Massage therapies.
    • Indian cooking classes
    • Visit the Local Temple

Swami Brahmaparananda Maharaj – Sri Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady

Swami Brahmaparananda Maharaj is a distinguished monk of Sri Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady, dedicated to sharing the spiritual legacy of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Through inspiring discourses, meditation sessions, and Vedanta classes, he guides seekers toward inner peace, self-realization, and righteous living. His teachings emphasize devotion, selfless service, moral values, and the practical application of spirituality in everyday life. Under his guidance, the Ashrama serves as a center for spiritual learning, youth development, cultural activities, and community welfare. Swami Brahmaparananda Maharaj encourages individuals to cultivate compassion, discipline, and faith while striving for personal and spiritual growth. His gentle wisdom and inspiring leadership continue to strengthen the mission of the Ashrama, helping devotees experience harmony, inner strength, and a deeper understanding of the timeless principles of Vedanta.

Rajgopal Krishnan, International Faculty, The Art of Living & Yoga Expert.

Rajagopal Krishnan is a senior yoga teacher and wellness facilitator associated with the Art of Living tradition. With years of experience in teaching yoga, breathwork, meditation, and holistic well-being practices, he has guided participants from diverse backgrounds on their journey toward greater physical health, mental clarity, and inner balance. His teaching style combines classical yogic principles with practical techniques that can be easily integrated into daily life. Through thoughtfully designed sessions, he helps participants deepen their understanding of the connection between body, breath, and mind while cultivating relaxation, awareness, and overall well-being. At the retreat, Rajagopal Krishnan will lead yoga practices that emphasize mindful movement, conscious breathing, and inner awareness, offering participants tools to experience greater vitality, balance, and harmony both during and beyond the retreat.

Brahmachari Nikhilji – Chinmaya Mission Chengannur

Brahmachari Nikhilji is a dedicated spiritual teacher associated with Chinmaya Mission Chengannur, committed to spreading the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and the teachings of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Through inspiring discourses, scriptural study classes, youth guidance, and spiritual retreats, he encourages individuals to lead a life rooted in self-discipline, devotion, and inner awareness. His simple yet profound approach makes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other sacred texts accessible to people of all ages. With compassion and clarity, Brahmachari Nikhilji motivates seekers to integrate spiritual values into their daily lives while balancing personal, family, and professional responsibilities. Under his guidance, Chinmaya Mission Chengannur continues to nurture a vibrant spiritual community through educational programs, satsangs, children's activities, and service initiatives, inspiring countless devotees on their journey toward self-discovery, peace, and purposeful living.

PRICE

USD : 1,971/- Per Person Twin sharing

USD :2,579/- Single Occupancy

Group Size – 16 – 20 Pax

15 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026

03 Nov 2026 – 15 Nov 2026

02 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026

15 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027

03 Mar 2027 – 15 Mar 2027

01 Apr 2027 – 13 Apr 2027

15 Apr 2027 – 27 Apr 2027

05 May 2027 – 17 May 2027

01 Jun 2027 – 13 Jun 2027

04 Jul 2027 – 16 Jul 2027

05 Aug 27 – 17 Aug 2027

10 Sep 2027 – 22 Sep 2027

15 Oct 2027 – 27 Oct 2027

03 Nov 2027 – 15 Nov 2027

02 Dec 2027 – 14 Dec 2027

15 Jan 2028 – 27 Jan 2028

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