Information, Fees, and Reservations

Weather and Clothing

Kerala has the most temperate climate in India, with day-time temperatures rarely going above 30 degrees C. Evenings are very mild, with the average temperate around 28 degrees. There is some humidity in January and February, but it is not oppressive.

You will want to bring beach clothes, comfortable, light clothes for yoga and meditation, a sun hat for sure, sun glasses, sun lotion. For the evenings a light shawl usually suffices. There are shops in the area which sell Indian and beach wear, and there are also tailors at the resort and nearby who can make custom clothes for you.

Languages

The classes will be given in Italian and translated into English. The Yoga session will be in Italian, with translation into English (or vice versa, depending on the need). Consultations with the doctors will be in English, with Italian translation available by our Ananda staff.

The retreat package includes:

• Accommodation in single or double-occupancy room
• Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation classes and activities
• Translation English-Italian; Italian-English
• Six Rejuvenation massages and one Sirudhara treatment
• Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
• Ananda and local guides
• Basic medical insurance
• Entertaining excursions

The package does NOT include:

• Flight to and from Kerala
• Visa costs
• Lunch
• Donations at temples and shrines, tips to massage therapists and others.
• Additional Ayurvedic treatments
• Personal expenses such as laundry, internet, etc.

Additional Weeks: If you wish to stay longer, you may book through us an additional one or two weeks. You need to book your extended time at the time you make your reservations with us; it is very difficult to extend your stay once you are at the resort, because they are fully booked in this period. Your flight return date should also reflect this extra period. Please contact us for information about the fee of each extra week.

Flights

There are flights available from Rome and Milan to Trivandrum, Kerala, with Air Emirates, one of very few airlines that flies directly to Trivandrum (without a connecting flight in Bombay or Madras). If you wish to take this group flight, we are happy to book your reservation (approximately €730.00). Other airlines flying to Trivandrum are Qatar Air (from Milan) and Kuwait Air (from Rome), but they are more expensive.

If you live outside of Europe, you might wish to come first to Rome. Those coming from USA might want to break up the long journey by staying a couple of days at Ananda Assisi before the pilgrimage. If you choose another airline, they often arrive in Bombay (Mumbai) or Madras (Chennai) too late in the day to make a connecting flight to Trivandrum. In that event you might wish to arrive a day or two early so that you can get to Kerala at the start of the program. The main group arrives at around 9.30 on Saturday, 30 January.

Program Fees

The following fees are a close approximation, based on the information we have on hand. Due to possible fluctuations in the exchange rate and in the cost of oil, which affect costs of flights and other transportation as well as hotel accommodations, these fees might change slightly.

Please note: If you do not have a roommate, we will try to connect you with another single pilgrim. However, we cannot guarantee a double occupancy fee. If a roommate cannot be found, you will need to pay for single occupancy.

Standard Cottage is a nice room (about 4x4m), with indoor modern bathroom and shower, but without a sea view.

    Double occupancy: € 1,225.00 per person
    Single occupancy: € 1,525.00

Garden Cottage is very similar, but with a little bit more space.

    Double occupancy: € 1,275.00 per person
    Single occupancy: € 1,625.00

Special Cottage is the same as the standard but has a sea view.

    Double occupancy: € 1,395.00 per person
    Single occupancy: € 1,825.00

Kerala House Ordinary has a carved wood interior, wooden roof, and modern bathrooms with a view of the ocean.

    Double occupancy: € 1,575.00 per person
    Single occupancy: € 2,175.00

(based on currency exchange rates August ’09. If there is any significant change, the cost will be reflected in the final payment.)

Payment Schedule

50% of the total amount is due on or before 15 November, 2009

The remainder is due by 15 January, 2010

Please contact us for exact banking information.

Cancellations and travel contract conditions: Please contact us.

Passport: Make sure that your passport is valid until the middle of September, 2010. If it expires before this time, you should have it renewed before you request your visa.

Visa: The easiest way to obtain a visa is to find a travel agency which offers this service. Otherwise, you need to go to the India Embassy or Consulate closest to your home.

Reservation Form

Ananda Associazione

Ananda Associazione is a non-profit association (affiliated with CO.N.A.C.R.E.I.S) dedicated to promoting social welfare through the practices of yoga, meditation, and Self-realization. Anyone who supports the ideals of Self-realization, world brotherhood, and physical, mental, and spiritual harmony through meditation, yoga, and service is welcome.

According to Italian law Ananda’s programs and hospitality can be offered only to “association members.” All of these programs are established in the art.3 of the Statuto dell’Ananda Associazione, and in conformity with L. 383/2000 of Associazioni di Promozione Sociale. They are reserved to members of Ananda Associazione - APS (Art. 7 L.135/2001 and Art. 31 L. 383/2000)

Membership is open to everyone, and easily accomplished:

Application for Membership

By-laws of Ananda Association (PDF in Italian)

For information and reservations:
info@ananda.it   Tel: +39 0742-81.36.20   Fax: +39 0742-81.35.36

Ananda is located in the tranquil hills of Umbria, Italy on “Strada Statale 444” between Assisi and Gualdo Tadino. It is the largest retreat center in Europe for Yogananda’s teachings.

Travel Directions

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Ananda Associazione • Via Montecchio, 61 • I-06025 Nocera Umbra (PG) • ITALY