Sivananda Yoga Vacation
Madurai, Tamilnadu, India

Relax in Nature | Recharge with Yoga | Grow in Discipline

If you’re feeling worn out by the pace of modern life or questioning the direction you’re heading, the Yoga Vacation Programme offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. Set at the foot of the Western Ghats, just outside the sacred city of Madurai, the Ashram is surrounded by forest, nourished by an organic farm, and anchored by a powerful temple to Goddess Kali. It’s a rare space where inner and outer peace meet.

Rooted in Swami Vishnudevananda’s Five Points of Yoga, the programme combines daily Yoga and Pranayama, silent Meditation, vegetarian meals, and simple living. Whether you’re completely new or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll experience a structure that brings clarity to the mind and strength to the body.

This isn’t a holiday in the usual sense. It’s a return to something much deeper—a life lived with intention. In the company of people from around the world, you’ll reconnect with your breath, learn to sit with stillness, and begin to uncover a quieter truth beneath the noise of daily life. The devotional practices, rituals, and culture of Tamil Nadu enrich the experience in ways words can’t fully describe.

Come for rest. Leave with direction.

What to Expect

You’ll follow a balanced daily routine designed to nurture body, mind, and spirit:

Morning and Evening Satsang
Morning and Evening Satsang

Group Meditation, chanting, and inspiring talks to centre and calm.

Twice-Daily Asana Classes
Twice-Daily Asana Classes

Beginner and intermediate sessions focused on the twelve basic postures, Sun Salutations (Sūrya Namaskāra), and Pranayama practice.

Meditation
Meditation

Deepen concentration and spiritual insight through a daily meditation practice.

Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga

A morning session of selfless service, helping with Ashram chores and deepening connection with the community.

Healthy Vegetarian Meals
Healthy Vegetarian Meals

Two wholesome meals daily, with seasonal, locally-sourced produce.

Optional Asana Coaching
Optional Asana Coaching

Focused guidance to refine your posture and deepen your practice.

This immersive schedule offers space to relax, recharge and grow in your spiritual evolution, giving you tools to carry Yoga into everyday life.

Dates & Prices

Yoga Vacation is a 14-day cycle. You can come and leave any day, respecting minimum stay guidelines.
Beginners are advised to join at the beginning of the cycle.

Dates:
From 1st & 16th each month (minimum 3 nights stay)

Prices / Night

  • Rs. 500 Dorm   (Rs. 1000 Int’l)*
  • Rs. 1500 Twin Share
  • Rs. 2000 Single
  • Rs. 2500 AC Twin Share
  • Rs. 3500 AC Single

Daily Life in the Ashram

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Swami Sivananda

The Yoga Vacation follows a simple and balanced daily routine that supports rest, clarity, and renewal.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have years of experience, this rhythm helps you reconnect—with yourself and with life.

Begin the day in quiet, before the distractions of the world set in. Rising with nature sets a tone of clarity and balance.

A peaceful start to the day. We sit together in silence, chant uplifting mantras, and listen to readings or talks on yogic wisdom.
(Not religious. It’s a universal practice of focus, reflection, and inner connection.)

A light, warm cup to gently awaken the system.

Practice guided breathing (Pranayama), sun salutation and the 12 classical postures (asanas). Build strength, flexibility, and confidence at your own pace. In this session teachers will introduce and demonstrate postures.

A freshly cooked, vegetarian South Indian meal made with seasonal, local ingredients—simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

A short, mindful activity like helping in the kitchen or garden. It’s not work—it’s a chance to connect, contribute, and reset your relationship with action.

A relaxed, open session to ask questions, refine postures, and receive individual tips from your teachers.

A second light tea break, perfect for quiet reflection or casual conversation.

Daily talks cover topics like yogic lifestyle, philosophy, diet, and emotional well-being. These sessions bring context and depth to your practice.

Continuation of your morning practice. Here you work on the postures that were introduced in the morning session.

Light and wholesome vegetarian fare to wind down the day.

Evening meditation and chanting, followed by a talk, cultural programme, or spiritual film. A calm close to a meaningful day.

The Ashram rests early. Silence and rest help integrate the day’s experience and support deep healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we encourage full participation, we understand if you need rest or space. Satsangs and yoga classes are central to the experience.

No. While we honour Indian spiritual traditions, the practices are open and inclusive. Meditation and chanting are tools for inner focus, not religious conversion.

Absolutely. We offer separate classes for beginners and intermediate students, and our teachers offer clear, step-by-step guidance.

Meals are vegetarian and sattvic. We avoid processed food, caffeine, and spice-heavy dishes. If you have medical dietary needs, let us know in advance.

You’ll find a balance. Mornings and evenings are quiet, but there’s plenty of time to talk, connect, and share with others throughout the day.

Accommodation

The Ashram offers five simple and functional types of accommodation.

Single Room

Our single rooms are simple, functional and spacious. The AC and non-AC single rooms have an attached bathroom with hot water. All accommodation areas have shelving.

Twinshare Rooms

Our twin-share are simple, functional and spacious. Twin-share rooms have attached bathrooms with hot water. All accommodation areas have shelving and hanging space.

Dormitory

Our dormitory accommodation is separate for men and women and built as double-occupancy cubicles. Shared bathroom facilities are provided with cold water.

Please note:

  • For all accommodation a mosquito net is provided.
  • Couples are not permitted to share twin rooms during the course.

Explore More

Teachers’ Training Course

A month-long residential programme offering a strong foundation in classical yoga, deepening your practice and preparing you to teach with confidence and connection to tradition.

Advanced Teachers’ Training Course

The 300-hour Advanced TTC is a natural step to broaden your teaching skills and deepen your practice through intensive Asana and Pranayama.