AyurYoga Eco-Ashram
Karnataka, India
Authentic yoga and ayurveda programmes in lush Indian countryside near Mysore
AyurYoga Eco-Ashram is a yoga and ayurveda retreat on the banks of River Kabini in the peaceful district of Mysore in Karnataka. Set in 18 acres of riverside organic farm and growing medicinal forest, it offers the chance of spiritual growth through authentic education, restoration and healing, under the care of founder Krishna Chaitanya and his wife Lillie. Come for ayurvedic health programmes and traditional hatha yoga-focused retreats.
our Reviewer Selda goodwin says:
‘The simplicity of this retreat is beautiful, the ashram community authentic and non-secular, and with permaculture at the centre of its vision, it could possibly be one of the most genuine Ayurveda spots I have visited’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘This is an approachable ashram in a natural, sacred forest where guests can practise and learn outdoors for most of the day under the canopy of shady trees. Yoga philosophy is key to all retreats and is seen as vital to understanding how to achieve peace, balance and happiness. Nearly all staff live onsite and believe in the community they are building together’
Experiences
There are set-date group yoga retreats for all levels that run from two to four weeks throughout the year. Enjoy meditation, hatha yoga practice and yoga lifestyle or philosophy classes, with optional one-to-one consultations. Ayurveda treatments can be added at an extra cost.
7, 14, 21 and 28-night ayurveda treatment programmes can be booked at any time to deal with stress, ageing or weight management. There’s also a 28-night panchakarma, a complete detox programme.
You’ll be in the care of expert ayurvedic doctors, your programme will be tailored to your medical history and current health condition, and treatments use medicinal plants grown in the ashram.
There are multiple nature walks in the surrounding countryside and along the banks of the unpolluted river, where guests can hang out to read, rest, reflect, enjoy nature and the magical sunset hour. If you want to swim, go accompanied, and beware there are crocodiles!
The ashram can arrange day trips to local places of interest including Mysore, a forest, a coffee and tea plantation, a Jain Temple, the Edakkal Caves and shopping at Sultan Bathery.
Spaces
Treatments take place in The Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Clinic, a large, traditional Nalukettu-style building made of laterite stone which houses five spacious treatment rooms.
There are four spacious yoga halls. The large Chakra Hall has views of the river, Surya Hall is smaller and surrounded by bright flowers, while Rama Hall is one of the most peaceful places for meditation.
Walk among the 18 acres of gardens and organic farmland lush with vegetables, lentils, millets, spices and fruit, coconut and medicinal trees, or enjoy the rice paddies, mango groves and public river bank a short stroll away. A rooftop terrace overlooks the forest canopy of the ashram and has far-reaching sunsets beyond the hills to the west. There’s also a riverside patio.
There are 40 simple, eco-friendly bedrooms. Those on ayurveda retreats stay in large, hollow clay brick cottages that line the gardens and overlook the river. There are also deluxe twin-share rooms with garden views, and private rooms facing the river. Rooms sleep two but can also be used as solos.
Each simple space has a desk area dividing two small double beds, a wardrobe, and table and kitchenette facilities. Windows are sealed with mosquito nets. The bathrooms have a shower, toilet, sink and bucket to collect extra water to wash clothes.
Sustenance
Guests and staff eat communally in the dining area at wooden tables with gorgeous views of the gardens.
A small team of dedicated staff provides a nutritious and wholesome vegetarian buffet sourced as much as possible from their organic kitchen gardens, with dairy and gluten-free options available.
Expect two buffet meals daily, using traditional silver thali dishes, with brunch at 9am and dinner at 7pm. Lunch is lighter with fruit and a snack, to keep the tummy clear for afternoon yoga or treatments.
You’ll enjoy a variety of salads, flavoured millets or rice, delicious Indian bread, and curry dishes often made with a variety of vegetables and lentils, accompanied by chutney sauces or pickle.
Fruits such as papaya, pineapple, watermelon and banana are served daily at 1pm. There is no alcohol or caffeinated tea or coffee.
