Where: Tropical South India in the spice hills of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India
When: October 2026
Awaken to Grace
10-day Yoga Retreat in Kumily, Kerala, India.
October 14th – October 26th, 2026
OR
Ashtanga Yoga Intensive
12-day Yoga Retreat in Kumily, Kerala, India.
October 25th– November 8th, 2026
For all the details click here.
VI Yoga School is once again offering an unforgettable Yoga Intensive Retreat to India. Deepen your practice while experiencing the sights, sounds, and fragrances of India. This amazing opportunity lets you experience India’s culture and people while immersing yourself in yoga theory and daily practice. The intensive is transformative for body and mind.
The Retreats
The retreat will be held at the beautiful Chrissie’s Hotel in Thekkady.
Included
- Yoga classes with VI Yoga School’s Founder, Deborah Carruthers
- All accommodation (double or single occupancy)
- Three meals/day at the Retreat Centre
- Private ground transportation to and from the Retreat Centre
- Airport transfers
- Pre-trip info session and preparation (including packing lists, cultural information, maps)
- Assistance with flights and Indian visa
Not included
- International return flight to India and any overnight accommodations at arrival/departure cities
- Travel health insurance
- Indian tourist visa
- Meals at arrival/departure city (until you arrive to meet the group)
- Free time excursions, tips, souvenirs, personal items
Yoga and energy requirements
- Deborah will talk with those interested students to determine which retreat is a best fit based on yoga level and experience. The First Retreat is for all levels. The Second Retreat is an intensive, with 5 hours of daily practice. Both retreats will include meditation, pranayama, chanting, yogic philosophy, and classical asana.
- Daily free time to rest or explore the amazing Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary environs.
- One day is built-in at the start of the journey to acclimatize.
Hotels
- We stay in clean, moderate-standard family-run character hotels (3-4 star) in the centre of activity, with western toilets, showers, ceiling fans, and two single or two double beds.
Transport:
- Flying Vancouver Kuala Lumpur or Singapore with an overnight stay or Fly through Taipei or Delhi. Meet in Kochi/Cochin.
- We have a private bus all to ourselves for the journey to and from the Retreat Centre. More details will be provided in the info sheet (link above).
Health
Eating
- The Retreat Centre includes three meals/day with a buffet-style Western/Indian fusion with vegetarian selections. The food is mode with love, freshness and is deliciously nutritious.
- There are many restaurants available in Kochi and Kumily/Thekkady.
- Please note there is no alcohol taken during the retreat.
- Those with special dietary needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions can manage well with a little planning and communication with hotel hosts.
Transport
- We have a private bus all to ourselves for the journey to and from the Retreat Center.
Registration
Cost: Fee information will be sent to you with the rest of the details. A $600 deposit is required for registration and second depoist due by Feb 28, 2026 – blanace due July 31, 2026. Space is limited, so send us an email and book a spot today!
What if I need to cancel?
- You can cancel up to 60 days prior to departure without penalty – Return of full cost of Retreat.
- Cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure – Forfeit deposit, return of balance.
- On or after departure date – Forfeit the entire cost of Retreat.
- VI Yoga School reserves the right to cancel a retreat at our discretion, and we will fully refund monies received by us.
Contact information
Deborah Carruthers
Phone:250-597-1919
Email: info@viyogaschool.com
Website: viyogaschool.com
Address: 360 Duncan Street, Duncan BC V9L 3W4, Canada
About Deborah Carruthers – Founder of VI Yoga School
Deborah is dedicated to providing skillful and transformative yoga and wellness. She began her yoga journey later in life and has practiced the Ashtanga method ever since. Completing her teacher training at an Ashtanga studio in Victoria approximately a decade ago, she continued with Yin Yoga teacher training with Bernie Clarke in Vancouver.
An avid student, she has travelled to India to study with senior Ashtanga teachers and explore Indian culture. Many wonderful teachers, including Chuck Miller, Kino MacGregor, and David Swenson, influence her teaching style. Daily practice has radically transformed her life, and her wish is to share this journey with her students. Deborah is an international retreat leader having lead many retreats to both India and Greece.
