Sacred Sites – Women's Retreat in India

This eight-day retreat takes you to the sacred sites of the Shakta tradition in Southern India, where the divine feminine is at the heart of everything. From Kanchipuram through Trichy, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam to Chidambaram and Mahabalipuram, you will experience vibrant temples, rituals, and meditation in powerful locations.

For women only

The group is intentionally reserved for women and limited to eleven participants. This creates a protected space for sharing, silence, and shared experiences.

Guidance

The retreat is led by Nea, an Australian yoga teacher with 18 years of teaching experience who has been leading women's retreats in India for ten years. At each location, you will be guided by English-speaking local experts, and a Smukti contact person will be on-site throughout the eight days.

Special experiences

• Private rituals and pujas in Kanchipuram, Trichy, and Kumbakonam
• Access to inner sanctuaries and meetings with priests
• Visit to a silk weaving studio and a bronze casting workshop
• Meditation at sunrise and sunset in sacred places

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be fit?

You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and climbing temple stairs. There are no strenuous hikes; the pace is calm and contemplative.

Do I need prior experience?

No. However, having your own meditation or yoga practice will help you with the early mornings and the full schedule.

What does a typical day look like?

Days begin early—many of the most powerful moments in the temples are experienced at dawn, before the crowds arrive. You’ll typically start with optional yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast, a morning spent at a temple or sacred site, lunch, some time for an activity or rest, and, in the evening, a temple visit or dinner. The days are full, but never rushed.

Day 1 – Chennai and Kanchipuram

• Airport pickup and hotel check-in
• Introduction with Nea and lunch
• Ekambareswarar Temple (Earth element) and opening circle

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Day 2 – Kanchipuram

• Abhishekam at the Kamakshi Amman Temple
• Root Chakra Meditation
• Visit to a silk weaving studio and evening sharing circle

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Day 3 – From Kanchipuram to Trichy

• Drive to Trichy (approx. five hours)
• Sunset walk and meditation by the Kaveri River

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Day 4 – From Trichy to Thanjavur

• Sunrise meditation at the Rock Fort Utchi Pillayar Temple
• Morning rituals at the Jambukeswarar Temple (Water element)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple in the afternoon

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Day 5 – Kumbakonam

• Optional morning yoga and time to rest
• Hilltop temple in Swamimalai
• Visit to a bronze casting workshop

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Day 6 – Kumbakonam

• Free day at your own pace, with support from the guides
• Discover temple ponds, Chola temples, and city life

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Day 7 – Chidambaram and Mahabalipuram

• Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram
• Drive along the east coast
• Evening meditation and farewell dinner on the Bay of Bengal

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Day 8 – Mahabalipuram and departure

• Morning meditation at the Shore Temple
• UNESCO sites including Arjuna's Penance, the Pancha Rathas, and Krishna's Butterball
• Transfer to Chennai airport by midday