Guest Information
The Ashram offers five simple and functional types of accommodation. There are no single rooms.
- Vaikuntham Rooms: Shared AC twin rooms with private bathroom (hot water), kettle and fridge
- Kailash Rooms: Shared non-AC twin rooms with private bathroom (hot water)
- Vishnu Rooms: Shared non-AC twin rooms with common bathrooms (cold water only)
- Dormitory: separate for men and women. Dormitories contain up to 32 beds with two-bedded cubicles. Limited solar heated water is available.
- Tent space: you are required to bring your own tent, mattress, bed sheet and pillow. Shared tent area bathrooms are with cold water only.
Please note: Couples are not permitted to share twin rooms during the Teachers’ Training Course and the Advanced Teachers’ Training Course.
For all accommodation two bed sheets, pillow, pillow case, and mosquito net are provided.
Check-in
- All guests check in and out at Reception upon arrival and departure
- Check-in time for shared rooms is from 2.00pm
- Check-in for dormitory accommodation is anytime
Check-out
- Check-out time is by 11.00am
- When checking out, please obtain an Exit Pass from Reception
- When leaving outside office hours (before 8am or after 7.30pm), please checkout the previous day.
- All dormitory bedding to be returned before departure.
- Please return all room keys to Reception
Meals
- We serve simple, nutritious south Indian vegetarian food
- Brunch (10am)
- Herbal tea with snack (1.30pm)
- Dinner (6pm)
- The Health Hut offers fresh fruit, juices and snacks from October to April.
Drinking Water
- Filtered water or herbal water is freely available throughout the Ashram.
- Guests are advised not to drink tap water
Vaccinations
- Guests are advised to check with their local health authority regarding vaccinations required for visiting India
What to Bring (Essential items are available for purchase in the Ashram boutique)
Registration & Visa requirements
- Guests are required to bring a valid photo ID along with them
- Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport with them
- A visa is required from most countries to visit India
Karma Yoga
- The Ashram is a charitable, non-profit organisation supported by dedicated volunteer staff
- One hour a day is allocated to karma yoga or selfless service when we ask the guests to help out in the Ashram
Bringing your children
- Due to the increased numbers of guests and limited space we cannot accommodate children below six years of age from October to April
Guest Guidelines
- To maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the Ashram we ask all guests to follow guest guidelines
- The Ashram reserves the right of admission and guests may be asked to leave if their behaviour is contrary to the Ashram code of conduct
Language
- The teaching language of the Ashram is English
The amenities below are available at specific times only (please check at Reception) and are closed during classes, satsang and after 7.30pm.
Reception: Registration, checking-in and out and all payments are processed at Reception. In addition the following are available:
- Safe Keeping: Valuables may be stored in safe-keeping facility. Lockers are available in the dormitories, padlocks may be purchased in the Boutique. The Ashram accepts no responsibility for guests’ belongings.
- Telephone: A facility for outgoing-only international calls is available.
- Travel Agent: A travel agent visits the Ashram once a week from October to April. Guests may make travel bookings, exchange foreign currency and cash travellers’ cheques on payment of a commission fee. The Ashram itself cannot exchange foreign currency or cash travellers’ cheques. The Ashram does not accept responsibility for this service.
- Post: An incoming and outgoing mail facility is available.
Wifi: Free wi-fi facility for guests outside class times.
Boutique: The Boutique stocks a variety of items including toiletries, items for everyday use, yoga mats and cushions, stationary, postcards, books, clothing and snacks etc.
Health Hut: Fresh fruit salads, fresh juices, snacks etc. are available. Open seasonally.
Library: Has a variety of books on yoga and related topics.
Laundry Service: An independent and affordable laundry service is available from October to April. The Ashram does not accept responsibility for this service
Free Shop: Any unwanted items, such as clothing, books etc. may be left at the Free Shop
Sivananda Institute of Health (SIH): SIH offers Ayurvedic massage and treatments for Ashram guests. In addition Ayurvedic doctors are available for consultations
Our Ashram is an abode of peace and shelter from the pressures of worldly life. It provides a safe space for personal development and the pursuit of spiritual ideals. People come from many walks of life and from every corner of the world to experience the profound spirituality of ancient India, and the centuries-old disciplines of yoga, vedanta and ayurveda. Maintaining a positive spiritual atmosphere requires the involvement and participation of all guests and staff. In this regard we request your cooperation in observing the following rules and guidelines.
Dress Code:
Men and women must cover shoulders, midriff and legs. Tight fitting, transparent and revealing clothing are not permitted. This includes:
• Shorts above the knee • Leggings
• Low cut and sleeveless t-shirts • Tank tops
Guests’ behaviour and dress code should be respectful of the local culture and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Observance of the dress code should be maintained at all times including during asana classes or swimming.
Prohibited Items: Smoking, alcohol, drugs, meat, fish, eggs, garlic and onions are not allowed. The use of mobile phones is only permitted in designated areas outside of class times. Photography, video, audio recording during classes and ceremonies is only possible with the permission of the director. Pets are not allowed.
Male-Female Relations: To respect the local culture and the monastic tradition, kindly restrain from expressions of affection such as hugging or kissing in public. Guests at the Ashram are advised to observe celibacy (brahmacharya) as part of the spiritual discipline. Male and female dormitories are separate. Men are not allowed in the ladies’ dormitory and vice versa. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organisation of India disapprove of and condemn any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors.
Attendance: Attendance at all Ashram activities is mandatory as part of the Ashram Yoga Vacation programme. As a mark of respect for the teacher and as a practice of self-discipline, guests are required to be on time and to remain for the duration of each programme. Asana classes are open to resident guests only.
Free Day: Friday is a free day in our Ashrams, unless contra-indicated by a specific Course. Guests are required to attend morning and evening satsang. There are no lecture or coaching classes on the free day. The yoga asana classes and meals run as usual.
Silence: Guests are requested to observe silence during meals, before morning satsang and after evening satsang. Lights out after 10.30pm.
Personal Belongings: We do not accept responsibility for guests’ personal belongings. Safe-keeping and locker facilities are available.
Payments & Donations: Daily donation rates at the Ashram includes classes, food and accommodation. Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programmes guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of payment. Personal cheques are not accepted. The Indian concessional rate does not apply to: non-resident Indians (NRI), Indian nationals working or living abroad, foreign nationals working or living in India, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO). Indian nationals may be asked to provide evidence of Indian nationality.
Minimum Stay: An initial minimum payment for three nights’ accommodation at the Ashram is required upon arrival and registration. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of early departure.
Harassment Policy: Specifically, no harassment, proposals or innuendos with a sexual connotation will be tolerated during any programme or activity organised by the Ashram. Guests and students participating in such programmes and activities are accordingly made aware of this policy and invited to apply it in their personal behaviour during their stay. Any guest or student who thinks he/she may be the victim of unsolicited advances or any other form of sexual harassment is asked to notify a senior Swami or director immediately in order for corrective action to be undertaken without delay. Complaints made to a senior Swami or director will be treated confidentially and the alleged violator or any third party will not be advised of the complainant’s identity without the latter’s consent.
HOW TO GET HERE
By Air
From the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport, take pre-paid taxi or on-line taxi UBER directly to the ashram (recommended). About 1 hour or so. The pre-paid taxi booth is situated near the exit as you come through Arrivals.
By Bus
From Trivandrum Bus Station (KSRTC Central (Thambanoor) Bus Station), located across the street from the Trivandrum Central Railway Station.
Two options by bus
1 Take a bus to the town of KATTAKADA, relatively frequent, departing from Platform No.1 or 2. From KATTAKADA take an auto-rickshaw directly to the ashram (20 minutes)
Or
2 Take a bus directly to NEYYAR DAM which run irregularly once or twice an hour from Platform 1 or 2. The bus will drop you at the bottom of the hill. There is then a ten-minute steep walk to the ashram.
By Train
Trivandrum Central Railway Station (TVC) is connected by rail to all main cities in India. Train e-tickets can be booked via www.irctc.co.in up to three months in advance or through travel agents. Then by taxi/auto-rickshaw/bus
VISA AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
- Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport
- The Ashram accepts only those Foreign Nationals with a valid visa
- Indian Nationals are required to bring a valid photo ID
- A visa is required from most countries to visit India
VACCINATIONS
- Guests are advised to check with their local health authority regarding vaccinations required for visiting India
MONEY
- The Ashram accepts credit card payments (not American Express)
- A travel agent visits the Ashram once a week from October to April. Guests may exchange foreign currency and cash travellers’ cheques on payment of a commission fee. The Ashram does not accept responsibility for this service
- The Ashram itself cannot exchange foreign currency or cash travellers’ cheques
- There is an ATM available a short taxi ride from the Ashram
Students and guests applying for any courses/programmes at the Ashram are required to sign the Liability Release Form.
Please click here to download the form.