December 28, 2025 - January 7, 2026
Tamil Nādu - India
Retreat and Pilgrimage
Sacred India - Tamil Nādu
Join us for a unique hybrid of pilgrimage and retreat in Tamil Nādu!
The southernmost state of India, often said to be like a country unto itself, with its own language and distinctive spiritual traditions, is home to some of the most astonishing temples in all of India. Untouched by centuries of conquest that shaped much of the North, this region has preserved a unique cultural integrity—at once ancient, vibrant, and deeply devotional.
Our pilgrimage will take us through sacred sites while we immerse ourselves in dedicated practice, teachings, satsangs, and kīrtan. Our journey includes a visit to what may be the most powerful goddess temple in India, the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai, as well as the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, devoted to Śiva as the cosmic dancer.
The retreat component of the trip consists of three nights in Tiruvannamalai, the home of the Śri Ramanashram and the sacred mountain Araunachala, where Ramana Maharshi lived out his life and gave his teachings. Here we will practice, engage in periods of silence and devotion, and let the energy and insights from the pilgrimage settle within.
Throughout our trip, we’ll stay in distinctive Indian accommodation, luxurious and comfortable in their own right, yet unlike anything found in the West. While our hotels are comfortable wherever possible, occasionally we step off the tourist track into simpler lodgings, but always with comfort and cultural charm.
We all travel together in an air-conditioned coach, where Hareesh will tell engaging stories, teachings, and historical insights about the sacred sites we’re visiting. With ample time for questions, dialogue, and deep shared practices, this will be a powerful group experience.
This is a rare opportunity to enter the spiritual heart of India in a deep and meaningful way, guided by someone who has spent a lifetime immersed in its culture and traditions. You can relax into your experience knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged with care. The journey is all-inclusive (except flights and tips for our tour organiser and his team.
Pilgrimage and Retreat Details
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December 28 – Arrival Chennai airport & Transfer to hotel.
December 29 – Drive to Mahabalipuram
December 30 - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram
December 31 - Drive to Tiruvannamali Retreat Start
January 1 -Tiruvannamali Retreat
January 2 - Tiruvannamali Retreat
January 3- Tiruvannamali Retreat End
January 4 - Drive to Chidambaram
January 5 - Drive to Madurai
January 6 - Madurai full day visit
January 7 - Madurai (optional integration stay)
January 8 - Departure
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What’s Included:
–All historical and spiritual talks and guided meditations with Hareesh
–All accommodations
–All meals at the hotels and en route
–Admissions to the monuments
–Our local tour guide, Yusuf, accompanies us always.
–All tips for hotel staff, restaurants, washrooms, and temples.
–Fruit and snacks while in the bus
–All local taxes
What’s NOT Included:
— Cost of any special pujas at any of the temples
— Cost of any ordered drinks
— Any special entry fees for the Main sanctum of any temple
— Video camera or still camera fees
— Airfares and visa fees
— Arrival & Departure transfers
— Tips for our guide and his team ($10 – $25 per day)
— Laundry services or phone bills.
— Anything not specified in above
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CASH & CREDIT CARDS
Cash transactions can generally be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. The import and export of Indian Rupees is strictly prohibited unless you are a resident of India. So make certain to conduct any currency exchanges within India.
Major credit cards are accepted on a limited basis, mainly in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is widespread in cities and towns but limited in rural areas.
MONEY MATTERS
We recommend travelling with some cash, and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations. Larger bills are usually not accepted for small purchases.
KEEP CONNECTED
While most smartphones work in India, you might need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan options while travelling abroad.
GETTING ONLINE
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout your journey, although Internet access may be poor to nonexistent in remote destinations.
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It is feasible that people on pilgrimage may be infected or become infected with Covid. As the virus is no longer a significant threat to the majority of people, we will not isolate Covid positive students in separate accommodation or transport. We will require Covid positive students to mask in the bus and keep distance from other students.
Join us for a unique hybrid of pilgrimage and retreat in Tamil Nādu, including visits to what may be the most powerful goddess temple in India and the renowned Chidambaram temple of Śiva Nataraja.
Meet Your Guide
Christopher Hareesh Wallis.
Dates
28 December, 2025 - 7 January, 2026
As part of your retreat process, it is strongly recommended to stay an additional night and depart on January 8th.
Location
Tamil Nādu
India
Pricing
Twin Shared Room: $3,000
Private Room: $5,150 - For one night during the pilgrimage, you may be required to share a room owing to limited accommodation in the area.
PLEASE NOTE: A deposit of $1,000 is required for the retreat of which $500 is non-refundable.
For further information please contact support@tantrailluminated.org