Travelling in India with Allison is like living in a Kerouac novel.

Embark on a spiritual journey like no other in the mystical land of Tamil Nadu. This is the 6th tour Allison has led in India, and each has been VERY different. 

On this trip we'll arrive in Chennai, Tamil Nadu for what is locally known as "Music Season" from mid December - mid January. A full month of music and dance festivals happen all over town in major auditoriums, artisan schools, as well as small village homes. 

We'll attend several music festivals that showcase Carnatic musicians,  and each day we are not travelling there will be kirtan and meditative practices led by Allison. 

Women will need to bring a sari, or better yet, arrive a day early and invest in one on arrival. Men will need to dress in a dhoti, the traditional attire. We'll attend the 98th annual Music Academy Music Festival and the 179th annual Thyagaraja Ardhana Festival. We'll also visit the peaceful Chandra (Moon) Temple as well as Chidambaram, a temple devoted to both reclining Vișņu and Śiva in the form of the dancer.

To secure your spot, please email Allison with your heartfelt reasons for wanting to visit India here.  

 Planning ahead and other details:

• Contact Allison here to introduce yourself and apply. The application process begins with a simple email stating your interest in visiting India. We will meet on a zoom call to make sure you're a good fit for what the tour offers and what we ask in return.
• The closest airport is Chennai, Tamil Nadu, airport code MAA. You will need a passport and an Indian Visa.
• 6 person minimum and 15 person maximum 
• Accommodations will be in Chennai and Kumbakonam
• This tour is alcohol and meat free. If you are gluten sensitive you should have no problem in India as many of the breads are made from lentils and grains other than wheat, and rice is plentiful. 

Vaccinations:

• Here is info regarding India and immunization

Indian Visa and Passport:

• Apply for your Indian Visa here 
• I strongly recommend using Travel Docs to handle and expedite the Visa process here 
• Make certain your passport is up to date and not within six months of expiration

Travel Insurance:

• World Nomads is a reputable Travel Insurance Agency and it is strongly encouraged verging on mandatory that you purchase trip insurance. There are no refunds from Heart of Yoga School after October 1, 2025. It is a massive undertaking to organize an international tour. If you want extra assurance in the event of an emergency cancellation, purchase your trip insurance on the same day that you register for the trip and before you book your flight.

Non refundable deposit and refunds in the event of cancellation:

• $500 of your first payment is a non-refundable deposit.
• Refunds (notwithstanding the $500 deposit) are available up until October 1, 2025
• Payment plans available
• Message now to apply before leaving a deposit