ACCOMMODATION
Bamboo huts & cottages:
These cottages and huts are made out of Bamboo and offer all the charm of a traditional hut with modern facilities. These huts are designed by Indo-Swiss architects together with local artisans. All comforts are offered in a sustainable way.
Availability for 5 huts on double occupancy basis.
Homestay Uravu village
The homestays are run by agro-based families. These are lovely houses providing good facilities and a part of the money goes to the Village Development Fund.
There are 6 homestays available on single or double occupancy.
Hotel in Kannur Beach
Located on the beautiful beach in Kannur, the Hotel Blue-Mermaid is far from the madding crowd. One can hear the tranquil waves of the cool blue sea swinging playfully through the soft green backwaters and on the golden sands.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
The nearest airport is Calicut (Kozhikode) Aiprport. By car or bus it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Wayanad.
Ethiad & Qatar Airways fly to Calicut. It is the closest and the most convenient airport to reach Wayanad. A car will be there to pick you up.
We suggest you to make your bookings well in advance and we also highly recommend you a travel insurance. (Reiserücktrittsversicherung).
SWISS - CIPRA AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 2018
In 2018, the Uravu Project received the solidarity award for sustainable tourism from CIPRA Switzerland.
On this retreat we reduce our energy consumption to the minimum and solar energy is used for lighting, cooking, washing, etc. Waste segregation of source and concept of RRR (recycle, reuse, reduction) are the central to Uravu Bamboo Groove. Biodegradable waste is composted and reused for the production of biogas.
Read more about CIPRA here
RETREAT ORGANIZERS
L to R: Sivarajan, Corinne, Steffi, Gurdeepak
Click on image for FLYER
Explore & dive deep into the beautiful culture of Wayanad, Kerala and its little Uravu bamboo village, surrounded by amazing nature. Living with local community and learning their way of life with art, food, landscape and deep rooted knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga.
OVERVIEW
We start our retreat on with special Christmas celebration in the eco-friendly Uravu community and celebrate New Year’s eve on the pristine and beautiful beach of Kannur.
The Wayanad, India retreat offers deep nature experience, community interaction; combined with Yoga practice and Ayurvedic treatments. Kerala is the home of Ayurveda and we will see specialist doctors for assessment and treatments.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Relaxed & welcoming village environment
Close nature experience that touches deeply
Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga & Philosophy to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul
Inspiring art & craft interactions with local communities
Beautiful Christmas in the hills of Kerala
New Years celebrations on the picturesque beach
Activities in groups but also some personal time planned during the day
GIVE BACK RETREAT
This retreat of ours is a give back retreat. Whenever on our retreats we would like to help local communities, either by including service opportunities or sharing a part of the profits from us, thus doing even a little from our side.
EXPLORATIONS IN SURROUNDING AREAS
Explore in and around the area. We start the day with Yoga, a local breakfast and then we have amazing day-trips with great activities. These include the Brahamagiri hike and walking in the hills in the surrounding area. We will also visit the local artisans and spend time learning the local craft of making products with bamboos.
Kerala is the perfect place to dip your toe in the rich and fascinating culture of India.
Other day trips experiences will include local birds watching, plucking coconuts, lunch in farmer’s house, dinner at a tribal village and a traditional Kerala cooking course with the local spices. We also will visit the beautiful Priyadarshini tea-plantation and the famous Edakkal caves dating back to 6000 B.C..
CUISINE
Healthy food for all palates is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, either hosted at our place of stay or out and about in town. Some meals even come served on a banana leaf! The cuisine is simple, flavourful and Indian, using fresh ingredients from local markets. We will take our tastebuds further by exploring Indian cuisine in a cooking class, where we'll learn a bit of how to bring the flavors of India back home with us!
AYURVEDA TREATMENTS
Pamper yourself with Ayurveda massages and treatments with our specialist doctors. Various treatments can be offered. Please see our sign up information.
YOGA
The retreat features daily yoga classes led by Gurdeepak and music with Steffi. Yoga classes are offered in a way to relax, connect with yourself and stimulate to grow in our own personal practice. Classes are for all levels of asana practitioners.
Yoga asana classes will begin in the mornings and sharing the philosophy during the day.
PRICING
12 days / 11 nights (Dec 23 - Jan 3). Arrivals on Dec 23rd afternoon.
Inclusive retreat price: CHF 2990-. (Shared room* Bamboo huts, Wayanad) + CHF 500-. Single room (depending on availability)
Deposit to hold place: CHF 950-.
Maximum participants: 10
* participants travelling alone will be matched up with other participants depending on the profile.
** final balance is due 60 days before the retreat start date.
Read the full cancellation policy in our full terms and conditions sign up form.
VISAS ARE EASY. THEY ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE TO INDIA, BUT IT IS SIMPLE FOR MOST VISITORS TO RECEIVE A TOURIST VISA ONLINE. VISIT THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT WEBSITE HERE FOR DETAILS, AND CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
Includes:
Accommodation in Bamboo huts or Homestays and Hotel
Healthy local breakfast along with fresh fruits & juices
All lunches and dinners cooked with love & ingredients from the local market
Transport from and to the airport
Transports for all day trips & to the beach in Kannur
Ayurveda consultation + 2 massages / Consultation+ 1 massage + 1 steam bath
Daily yoga & meditation practice
Welcome package with information and local map
Tour guide on various day trips & short hikes
Entrance fees during day trips
Sharing a meal with Adivasis (Tribal people)
Village tour with Chai shops
Market visits + Cooking & Bamboo Handicraft class
Special Christmas dinner
Visit tea plantation
Beach days + Sunset new years dinner
Chai breaks
Taxes
Does not include:
Airfare
Staff tips
Drinks or other personal items
Visa fees
*daytrips may vary based on weather or unforeseen circumstances