Question 1

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

As a health and wellness retreat that includes Ayurvedic medicine, applicants must complete our intake form to be considered for this retreat. Once accepted, we will be in touch with you to welcome you to the retreat! As space is limited to 14 guests, you will be asked to remit a 50% non-refundable deposit within one week of acceptance to hold your place. Final balances are due 4 months prior to retreat date. Fill out the Application by clicking HERE.

Question 2

What happens after registration?

Accepted Answer

After you register and pay your deposit, Katie will confirm your room type.  You will need to read and sign the travel terms and conditions form and complete our retreat health questionnaire. You will need to apply for an Indian tourist visa and begin to make travel arrangements. We recommend waiting to purchase flights until your Indian travel visa has been approved, usually around mid-November.

You will be required to fill out a Terms and Conditions Form which includes details about what is and isn't included, cancellation policies, payment schedule, and more.

Question 3

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

More than 120 days prior to retreat start date, registration payment minus initial deposit will be returned to registrant. Inside 120-90 days prior to retreat start date, 50 percent of registration, minus initial deposit, will be issued to the registrant.

Cancellations made less than 90 days prior to retreat start date will result in no refund to the registrant, unless you can fill your space, in which case financial exchange will happen between said registrant and the replacement guest. Reservations are not transferable without the explicit approval of your hosts, due to potential medical issues and Visa requirements. Non- refundable deposit is NON-TRANSFERABLE to another registrant. In the event that a refund is required from your retreat leaders, participant will be refunded within 30 days of cancellation.

Cancellation on day of departure or during the retreat will result in no refund. No refund for unused portions of retreat, including, but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by retreat hosts John de Kadt and Katie O'Connell result in full refund. Cancellation of program due to acts of war, weather, or any other Act of God will result in no refund to registrants.Neither John de Kadt or Katie O'Connell accepts liability for any airline or train cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or train ticket to the destination or return to the US.

Question 4

Do I need prior experience?

Accepted Answer

No prior yoga or meditation experience is necessary for participation in this retreat. We invite participants of all levels of experience to join us on this adventure. All classes are tailored to the needs of the students, and are designed to support your body, mind, and spirit as you experience this 21-day ayurvedic cleanse and deep dive into panchakarma.

Question 5

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Traveling to India is easy. You may fly to any international airport in India, take your connecting flight to Coimbatore (CJB), and a retreat taxi (which may be shared with other retreat guests, price TBD) will pick you up at the terminal. Taxi ride to retreat center from Coimbatore is about 2.5 hours.

Question 6

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

Retreat participants are required to apply and receive a tourist visa. There are numerous types of tourist visas. We recommend the E-visa which comes in three types: (30 day, 1 year, and 5 year options). Request for an E-visa should be submitted AT LEAST one month before departure. Visa application fees are not included in your retreat fees. USE THIS LINK to apply for your E-visa

Question 7

Are there medical requirements?

Accepted Answer

Although vaccinations are not required for this particular region of India, we suggest you check with your health provider to discuss which vaccinations may be appropriate for you. Because of altitude, mosquitos and other infectious biting insects are not an issue in this part of India. John and Katie will provide advice on what foods to eat before the retreat, during travel, and post retreat for your optimal wellness.

Question 8

Do I need to purchase trip insurance?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that covers all travel expenses and your full retreat cost. Protecting your investment is worth the peace of mind the extra fee affords. You can view a comparison of travel plans below, or click on a sample of companies many of our guests have used to insure this retreat.
Insurance Plan Comparison
World Nomads Trip Insurance

Question 9

Where is the retreat center?

Accepted Answer

The retreat center is located in South Central India, Nilgiri Mountains, near Coonoor. At a 6,000 foot altitude, the views are astonishing, with vistas overlooking vast green tea plantations, hillside villages, and distant mountains. Some retreat participants may experience an altitude adjustment period of a few days, but for most this is very mild.

Question 10

What is the climate like?

Accepted Answer

We choose this particular time for our retreat because the weather is wonderful. Days are warm and nights are a little cool–perfect for a sweater. There is very little rain this time of year, although there are occasional showers. Daytime temperatures range from mid 70s to low 80s, and nighttime temperatures are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 11

What is the surrounding countryside like?

Accepted Answer

Our retreat center is surrounded by picturesque mountains and nestled into the green tea plantations and lush old-growth forests of the Nilgiri Hills. Tiny local villages are sprinkled throughout the region, many filled with colorful temples and always the smiling faces of the sweet Indian people. There are opportunities to venture into  “town” and visit the bustling local farmers market and to wander the stalls full of spices, fresh fruits and veggies, sari shops, and local jewelry and wares. Retreat guests often go on morning or afternoon walks into this stunning natural beauty where they are immersed in the tea, get to walk through little towns, engage with the locals, and simply enjoy the idyllic landscape.

Question 12

What is the food like?

Accepted Answer

Dr Sundara’s wife, Gita, who is also a wonderful ayurvedic physician designs plans and oversees all meal preparation. The meal plan is a phenomenally delicious healthy and “sattvic” diet. 
While on retreat, guests enjoy an Ayurvedic lacto-vegetarian diet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The retreat cuisine is fresh, organic, delicious, and designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit. This “Sattvic” diet does not include eggs or meat, but does feature local dairy products including homemade yogurt and occasional homemade cheese from the center’s two on-site cows, who are beloved pets at the center. Although coffee and caffeine are not served while on retreat, delicious teas and juices are offered every day. It is easy to be gluten free or vegan while on this retreat.

Question 13

What are the room options?

Accepted Answer

All-inclusive rates include lodging, 3 meals daily, all herbs, medications, and teas, daily access to the Ayurvedic doctor, nature walks, yoga, meditation, chanting, group programs & activities. For shared occupancy "standard" rooms, retreat guests should room with a partner or good friend, as these rooms have a shared double bed. Our Kuti tribal hut has 2 queens and each guest has their own bed. We have two dedicated single rooms. Our retreat is a sweet, beautiful, intimate, and authentic Ayurvedic center located at 6,000 feet altitude, literally on a mountaintop, and there are only 10 rooms available on campus. This means you have exclusive access to the Ayurvedic Doctor and his team, as well as to Katie and John during your panchakarma experience.

Ayurveda India Retreat

February 18 ~ March 11, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions