7 Days One Heart Zen Yoga Retreat in Alleppey, Kerala, India

Overview

Set in the peaceful backwater and beach landscape of Alleppey, this 7-day retreat offers a restorative escape designed to refresh the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit. Guests are invited to slow down through daily yoga, meditation, and stillness, while enjoying time for reflection and self-care in a serene setting. The retreat takes place at Sambodhi Yoga Retreat & Zen Center in Poonthope, Ashramam Ward, a quiet suburb in the north of Alleppey, with easy access for those staying near Alleppey Backwaters, town, or the Marari area. Alleppey Railway Station is approximately 20–25 minutes away.

Throughout the stay, participants practice mindful meditation and yoga in a small-group environment with a maximum of 8 guests. The program is taught in English and combines Hatha Yoga with Zen Meditation, along with a wider experience of Raja yoga, including Kundalini yoga and Restorative yoga.

Highlights

• Daily yoga asana and pranayama classes
• Yoga philosophy and mantra chanting
• Daily Zen meditation sessions
• Private one-on-one discussion with the yoga teacher
• One 2-hour backwater cruise through Punnamada and Vembanad Lake, including the villages of Kuttanad, on an exclusive motor or shikara boat
• Workshops and pranayama sessions
• 6 nights' accommodation
• 2 daily vegetarian meals: breakfast and dinner
• Yoga mat and accessories

Accommodation

Guests are hosted at the Yoga Homestead in Poonthope, Ashramam Ward. The homestead features three simple, ethnic private rooms with Mangalore tile sloped roofs, plus a shared deck area and backyard. Alternatively, accommodation may be arranged at Sambodhi Yoga Retreat, which offers five traditional Kerala cottage rooms and four private rooms. Some cottages have semi-open bathrooms, and there is also a restaurant serving simple traditional cuisine.

Program

Each day includes three sessions designed to deepen your experience and support steady practice. The schedule combines yoga, meditation, workshops, and time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Guests may also take part in Ayurveda consultations, healthy cooking classes, and local excursions to temples, beaches, and nearby sights.

Daily Schedule

Day 1

• 12:00 Arrival and settle in
• 18:00 Introduction in the yoga shala, covering yoga styles, meditation, and nutrition
• 18:15 Private discussion with the yoga teacher about personal needs and areas to focus on during the week
• 18:30 Pranayama and Hatha yoga (60 minutes)
• 19:30 Dinner

Day 2

• 06:00 Zazen, Kinhin, Heart Sutra (seated and silent walking Zen meditation)
• 06:30 Hatha yoga (75 minutes)
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 16:00 Ayurveda doctor consultation, body constitution analysis, and Ayurvedic diet guidance
• 18:15 Asana and pranayama practice with different yoga styles (60 minutes)
• 19:30 Dinner

Day 3

• 06:00 Zazen, Zazen period, Kinhin, Heart Sutra (seated and silent walking Zen meditation)
• 06:00 Hatha yoga (75 minutes)
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 10:30 Workshop: Understanding the eight limbs of yoga (45 minutes)
• 12:00 Backwater exploration by motor or country boat
• 18:15 Asana alignment workshop (60 minutes)
• 17:30 Dinner

Days 4, 5, 6

• 06:00 Zazen, Zazen period, Kinhin, Heart Sutra (seated and silent walking Zen meditation)
• 06:30 Hatha yoga (75 minutes)
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 11:00 Workshop: Healthy cooking classes and mantra chanting
• 12:00 Free time for Ayurveda, local tours, temples, or beaches
• 18:15 Asana alignment workshop (60 minutes)
• 19:30 Dinner

Day 7

• 06:00 Zazen, Zazen period, Kinhin, Heart Sutra (seated and silent walking Zen meditation)
• 06:30 Hatha yoga (60 minutes)
• 08:00 Breakfast

Includes

• 1 backwater cruise of 2 hours by motor boat
• 6 nights' accommodation
• 2 daily vegetarian and organic meals: breakfast and dinner
• Daily relaxing meditation walks and excursions
• Flexible program with freedom to customize exercises and yoga instruction
• 11 yoga class sessions
• 11 meditation sessions
• 1 complimentary local sightseeing trip by tuk tuk to Alleppey Beach, Lighthouse, and Ravi Karunakaran Museum

Excludes

• Additional activities
• Additional spa treatments
• Airfare
• Airport and railway station transfers

Terms & Conditions

• A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable if the booking is cancelled.
• The remaining balance is due on arrival.