India – Goa Yoga Retreat – Images

Please Note: This program is temporarily unavailable. Check out our alternative programs in Asia or schedule a one-on-one call with one of our expert volunteer advisors.

 

Find your inner peace through yoga and Ayurveda treatments in tropical Goa! Learn about the benefits of Ayurveda treatments for your body and soothe your mind with new meditation techniques. These healthy habits will increase your overall longevity and improve physical and mental health.

Program Highlights:

  • Gain insight into your own body and mind
  • Take the time to understand and listen to your body
  • Explore tropical Goa and its amazing beaches
  • Learn about yoga and meditation practices first-hand
  • Cope with your physical aches and pains through Ayurveda treatments

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (One-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Dabolim International Airport (GOI). You will be picked up form the airport and taken to the accommodations in Goa. Take the rest of the day to settle in and meet fellow participants.

Day 1, Monday: The week will begin with an important orientation day. During this orientation, participants will learn about the local area including local traditions, the house rules, and the nearby sites. This day will also include a visit to a spice plantation, local market, and a few nearby supermarkets that are close to the center. During this time participants can exchange their money for the local currency and buy any essential items they may need. After lunch participants will visit Slum Outreach School and join the education program for migrant slum children of all ages. This will be followed by an Ayurveda consultation and head massage before dinner is served.

Day 2, Tuesday: Tuesday morning will begin with yoga practice followed by a healthy breakfast. During this day you will work on learning new meditation skills and expand your knowledge of yoga moves. After lunch, participants will receive a leg massage and a chance to go in the steam room. The day will end with a western-style dinner.

Day 3, Wednesday: Start your day off with relaxing yoga in the morning followed by breakfast and free time. After free time, lunch will be served. Then participants have the opportunity to get a back massage and steam again. After this, dinner will be served.

Days 4-5, Thursday-Friday: These days will follow a similar schedule as the Tuesday and Wednesday schedules with a morning yoga session. participants will then incorporate meditation and Shirodhara into their day with more opportunities for body massages and steam.

Day 6, Saturday: Depart from Goa this morning or extend your stay with a volunteer program.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Goa, India

Project length Project length: 1 week

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Dabolim International Airport (GOI)

Age Age:  18-60. (This project may accept participants who are younger than 18 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian, and those above 60 with doctor approval.)

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international participants

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared, dorm-style rooms

Food Food: Three meals during the week, two meals on weekends

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers:  Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Orientation Orientation: Project orientation and itinerary overview is included

Support Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, personal expenses.

India is said to be the Heart of the East, sharing borders with five other Eastern countries. A culturally diverse country, India is a must-see destination for travelers. With Hinduism at its core, the region is founded on a deep-rooted respect for nature, for people and for altruism as well as the daily practice of yoga for ultimate wellbeing.

 

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available in public areas.

Laundry icon Laundry: There are laundry facilities nearby that participants may use for a small fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Participants will stay in shared, single-gender, dorm-style rooms. Bathrooms are shared and Western-style toilets are available. There will be 4 to 8 participants per room, with clean bed linens and fans. There is no air conditioning within the facility and participants must bring their own towels with them for showering. The center includes a mini library, a dining room, a lounge area where participants can relax and hang out, and a beautiful garden. There is also a shared that participants are welcome to store food and beverages.

Food icon Food: During the week, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Expect the meals to contain a mix of local Indian cuisine and Western food. The meals will consist of mostly vegetarian dishes including lots of vegetables and rice. A chicken dish will be prepared about twice per week. On weekends, two meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided. There is plenty of clean drinking water and other beverages available. Participants are also welcome to cook for themselves or enjoy the night out for dinner at any of the local restaurants.

 

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Basic level of English
  • Good level of fitness
  • Police clearance

Goa has a beautiful long coastline with small quiet beaches to take in the sun and soak in the waves. Here you can truly escape the madness and stress of the rest of the world on relaxing beaches tucked away in recesses with no crowds. A few beach getaways that fit this description include Butterfly Beach, Kakolem Beach, Betul Beach, and Cola Beach. Make sure to pack your own food and water as some of them are so secluded that there are no eateries or accommodations nearby. They may seem like a long journey away from the center but the peace, quiet, and relaxation will be worth your travels.

Goa has a warm and pleasant climate all year long. June through September is the rainy season in Goa and there can be quite a few Monsoons during this time. Travelers happen to love this season in particular because there are various celebrations happening during this time. From October to March, the weather is cool and pleasant with clear skies and various celebrations with fireworks and festivals lighting up the night. Summertime begins in April and the sunshine and sandy beaches welcome travelers and participants alike.

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