The experience of India is a profound teacher—her lessons are not in asana alignment, but in aligning with inner wisdom. She is a land of contrasts, a place where devotion is woven into daily life, where humility and awakening walk hand in hand. Over the past twenty-five years, my journeys to India have offered invaluable opportunities to immerse in the roots of yoga. This pilgrimage is an invitation to step into the heart of practice, to experience the sacred rituals, ancient temples, and cultural richness of Southern India. We will travel through Tamil Nadu, visiting sites that hold deep meaning in my personal pilgrimage, witnessing the depth of devotion that has guided practitioners for generations.
Our time together is a balance of sacred practice, cultural immersion, and connection with a community of seekers. We will participate in pujas (ceremonies), perform abhisheka (enacted prayer) in ashrams, and chant the sacred sounds. Our journey will take us through temple towns, vibrant markets, and landscapes steeped in history.
Meeting Sangha & Building Community
A pilgrimage is more than a journey—it is a gathering of kindred spirits who walk this path together. Throughout our travels, we cultivate sangha, a community of practitioners who offer support, reflection, and companionship. In shared practice, conversation, and quiet moments of awe, lifelong relationships are formed. As we visit temples and sacred spaces, we witness devotion that extends beyond individual experience and into the fabric of community, reminding us that yoga is not a solitary endeavor but a shared unfolding.
Food & Cultural Immersion
Southern India is a feast for the senses. The aroma of fresh jasmine in the markets, the rhythm of temple bells, the depth of spices in every meal—each moment is an invitation to be present. We will share traditional South Indian meals, from crisp dosa and warm idli to fragrant sambar and coconut-laced curries. These meals are not just nourishment but an extension of hospitality, an offering that brings us into the heart of this culture.
As we move through bustling cities and quiet temple towns, we will witness the vibrancy of life: colorful saris lining the streets, intricate kolam designs adorning doorsteps, the constant interplay of devotion and daily life. This pilgrimage is an opportunity to step beyond the role of a visitor and into the rhythm of a living tradition.
October 12-14: Chennai
October 14-17: Thiruvannamalai
October 17-19: Chidambaram
October 19: Return to Chennai for evening flights
In each location, we will explore local temples, participate in pujas, and honor the origins of this practice. Early in our journey, we will shop for saris and dhotis, necessary for temple visits.
We will begin and end in 5-star hotels. While traveling through Tamil Nadu, lodging will be in 3-star boutique resorts. In remote areas, accommodations will be modern and clean yet simple.
Shared Rooms
Private Rooms
We begin in Chennai on October 12 and end in Chennai late on October 19. We recommend arriving by 2 PM on October 12. If you arrive earlier, additional nights can be arranged at the nightly hotel rate.
Janet is also offering a training immersion in Rishikesh from September 28-October 8. If you join this immersion, you will have four days between its completion and the pilgrimage. Our trusted tour guide, Ganesh, can arrange additional travel from October 8-12 or assist with pre/post-pilgrimage travel.
Enrollment is open for the pilgrimage to Tamil Nadu. Early rates are in effect through April 12, 2025. Tuition increases by $100 on April 13, 2025.
Deposits are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled. Otherwise, standard cancellation policies apply. All rates are listed in USD.
Janet’s studentship began at 17 under the meditation teachings of Prem Rawat. His reverence for simplicity and finding joy in the rise and fall of life live on in her practice and teaching today. In 1996, she traveled to India, the birthplace of her grandfather, and became dedicated to the path of yoga. Janet blends the alchemy of her own practice with decades of studentship. She aspires not to teach but to allow the practice to emanate from her, letting awareness blend with movement and breath. Based in Bali and San Francisco, she leads immersions, retreats, workshops and more.
Shiva Kumar is a re-knowned astrologer and pujari from South India. He has been under the guiding light of several spiritual masters and has himself spent over 15 years as an ascetic. He has been awarded the special distinction title of Jotish Ratna in the field of Astrology and holds a master degree in Philosophy and Religion.
As a traditional pujari he has been performing mass poojas across India where over 5000 people would attend each ceremony. He has travelled to many places across the world including Japan and America for Satsangs (group discussions, questions and answers about Knowledge), Astrology consultations and poojas (individual and mass poojas) helping people of all religions find remedies to their problems.
The training will begin with dinner on October 12 and end with breakfast and our return drive to Chennai on October 19. We will have some recommended activities in Chennai for October 12, before we gather.
The deposit is $1208, and it is non-refundable and non-transferable. Read our cancellation policy.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, because we do hold to our cancellation policies.
You can book a round trip flight into and out of Chennai.
see below for travel if you plan to join both the Path of Devotion Immersion and the Pilgrimage.
The best airline will depend on your departure city. We highly highly recommend booking directly with the airlines, and choosing an airline that is offering refunds or flexible changes.
From the US, it takes one full day of travel, and with the time change, you will likely need to depart on October 10 to land on the 12th.
We will work with our team in India to coordinate transportation to and from the airport.
Yes. Visitors from many countries will qualify for an e-visa, which is a relatively easy and affordable process.
Currency exchange services are available at the airports and in the cities.
Amazing! We're delighted you'll spend nearly 3 weeks with us in India. You'll get $300 off the second India event.
If you are joining both events, it may make the most sense to fly into and out of Delhi or Mumbai, for your international flights. (There are non-stop flights to both cities from several US and European cities).
From there, you can book domestic India flights from Delhi to Rishikesh, Rishikesh to Chennai and Chennai back to Delhi (You can hire Ganesh, our tour guide, to help with the local India flights—because booking flights within India is much lower cost, this may save you money, even including his fees).
You can also hire Ganesh to create a custom itinerary for your between the immersion and the Pilgrimage. You'll have space from the afternoon of October 8 until dinner October 12.
You can reach out to Ganesh via email or Whatsapp.
Ganesh would be delighted to coordinate a custom itinerary for you. You can reach out to hire him via email or Whatsapp.
