Engaging, transformative and contemplative, the 12-day pilgrimage to explore Sacred Sites of Southern India is a journey of the heart to a country culturally steeped in love and gratitude, through which feelings of caring and compassion will expand for all human beings.

Hareesh (Christopher) Wallis and Briala Da Silva extend an invitation to join them, from December 27, 2017 through January 7, 2018, as they travel to Tamil Nādu to visit some of the most powerful sacred sites of South India, and explore tantrik philosophy right where it flourished over 1,000 years ago. Woven together with daily asana practice and guided meditation, this journey will nourish body, mind and senses.

The journey will explore the inner and outer landscapes of the Spiritual Heartland of Yoga by visiting sacred sites of yoga and of Shaivism while engaging in deep practice and contemplation of spiritual teachings.

“From the moment when you land in India until the moment when you are back at the airport, everything is arranged and organized for you to be taken care of and supported lovingly and safely on this journey,” enthuses Da Silva.

Wallis, a Sanskrit scholar and internationally recognized tantrik philosophy scholar who has travelled throughout India extensively, will offer daily historical, cultural and spiritual teachings.

Da Silva, master teacher and owner of Briala Bodyworks, LLC, in Lancaster, will guide the group in various forms of daily yoga practice and meditation, with the choice to practice as much or as little as preferred, to enliven the senses and balance body, mind and soul.

Daily trips into towns and temples include walking ancient grounds and interacting authentically with the people who live and practice there. Visits to some of the oldest architectural and living temples in the world will bring the experience of feeling the energy of thousands of years of spiritual practice, and give access to temple practices not offered by most retreats to India.

Adventure meets luxury on this trip, with accommodations at heritage hotels and eco-resorts, safe, clean and delicious food, beverages and water, and transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coach buses, with bottled water and snacks. Travelers can relax into their experience knowing everything is all taken care of; Wallis, Da Silva and trip coordinator Melissa Pontius have all worked together before on prior India trips with great success.

“India can be a wild ride,” acknowledges Wallis. “This retreat offers an opportunity to be held and guided in a way that allows you to put all of your energy into opening your heart to the teachings, sacred sites and practices.”

For more information, call 717-468-7771, email [email protected] or visit TantrikStudies.squarespace.com/Southern-India-Retreat-new/.