Signature retreat · 2026
Sacred South India
A 15-day dance, culture and Ayurveda journey through Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The journey
A pilgrimage in movement
This is a journey that brings you home, within yourself. Across two weeks we move through the sacred south of India — dancing at heritage sites, drifting the Kerala backwaters, and standing where three seas meet — weaving Indian dance, Ayurveda, spirituality and everyday culture into one unforgettable trip.
Designed and led by Nathalie Rajawasala & George Jacob.
Madurai Video Project
Sacred South India Premiere
Our Sacred South India journey is also a creative dance residency. Watch our official documentary premiere below, showcasing months of memories, emotions, and choreographies filmed in the beautiful temple city of Madurai.
The route
Ten cities, south to south
- 1
Kochi
Arrival, Fort Kochi and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
- 2
Munnar
Rolling tea plantations high in the Western Ghats.
- 3
Alleppey
Kerala backwaters with an overnight on a private houseboat.
- 4
Kovalam
Beaches, Poovar mangroves and the Padmanabhaswamy temple.
- 5
Kanyakumari
India’s southern tip, where three seas meet.
- 6
Rameswaram
The sacred island temple town of Ramanathaswamy.
- 7
Madurai
The great Meenakshi temple and its living rituals.
- 8
Thanjavur
The Chola bronze city and Brihadeeswarar temple.
- 9
Mahabalipuram
Shore temples and monumental rock carvings by the sea.
- 10
Chennai
Museums, beaches and departure.
Experiences
What makes it unforgettable
Dance at sacred sites
Classical and folk dance sessions filmed at temples and monuments, with optional workshops throughout.
Backwater houseboat
An overnight cruising the Alleppey backwaters on a private Kerala houseboat.
Temples of the south
Padmanabhaswamy, Rameswaram, Madurai, Thanjavur and the shore temples of Mahabalipuram.
Where three seas meet
Sunrise and stillness at Kanyakumari, the meeting of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
Culture, hands-on
Cooking classes, artisan workshops, a local martial-arts experience and an elephant camp visit.
Nature & calm
Munnar tea hills, Poovar mangrove boat rides and Kovalam beaches to slow down between temples.
Glimpses
The feeling of the trip
Where you'll stay
Heritage stays across the south
4 and 5-star stays, with heritage properties where possible — palaces, forts and residences built before 1950.
Kochi
Dutch Bungalow Fort Kochi
Munnar
The Leaf Munnar
Alleppey
Lake Canopy + premium houseboat
Kovalam
Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach Resort
Rameswaram
Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
Madurai
Heritage Madurai
Thanjavur
Ideal River Resort
Mahabalipuram
Grande Bay Resort
Chennai
GRT Grand Chennai
The details
What's included
- Assistance on arrival at Kochi airport
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout
- 14 nights in 4–5 star / heritage hotels, half board
- English-speaking local guide
- Daily drinking water
- All monument and site entrance fees
- Cooking classes and artisan workshops
- Elephant camp visit (riding optional)
- Traditional dance performances and dance workshops
Not included
- International flights
- Indian visa
- Local SIM cards
- Alcoholic drinks
- Lunches
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel and health insurance
- Certain temple photography fees
Investment
Price & payment
Shared double / twin room
€1800 / person
- Deposit
- €200
- Balance
- €1600
- Plan
- 6 monthly instalments of €250 (15 Sep – 15 Jan)
- On arrival
- €350 cash
Single room
€2300 / person
- Deposit
- €300
- Balance
- €2000
- Plan
- 6 monthly instalments of €300 (15 Sep – 15 Jan)
- On arrival
- €500 cash
Payment details
PayPal
nathaliedondias@gmail.com
Bank transfer
Wathsala Nathalie Don Dias Rajawasala
IBAN IT52U0301503200000002797090
SWIFT FEBIITM2
Good to know
Practical notes & documents
- Registration closes 20 December 2025. The group runs with 8–18 travellers.
- The journey begins in Kochi and ends in Chennai, with 3–5 hour transfers by private minivan and a change of location most days.
- An intermediate level of fitness is enough — expect plenty of walking, but no strenuous activity.
- Minimum age 18. Rooms are twin (two single beds) or double; same-gender travellers share.
- Dancing is filmed at cultural sites and shared on Instagram (@rajawara_dance_travel) — taking part is always optional.
Documents & health
- Passport valid 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages.
- Indian visa required — an e-visa covers stays up to 30 days (about 72h to process).
- Mandatory travel & health insurance, arranged before departure.
- Indian Embassy, Rome: 06 488 4642 · amb.office@indianembassy.it
Small print
Cancellation policy
Registration closes 20 December 2025.