Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
To guarantee your spot in the retreat, registration and 50% non-refundable deposit must be completed as soon as possible, while rooms last. Simply incredible all-inclusive lodging, food, and therapy rates for shared lodging!! The cost of panchakarma in the U.S for three weeks would easily be triple the cost we are able to offer you in the homeland of Ayurveda, Mother India!
Begin your registration by filling out the registration form. For more information, contact Katie directly, using subject line: "India Info" at dragonflyoga@gmail.com
Getting There
Traveling to India is easy. You may fly to any international airport in India, though we suggest Mumbai (BOM). Fly from Mumbai to Coimbatore (CJB), and a retreat taxi ($45, which may be shared with other retreat guests) will pick you up at the terminal. Taxi ride to retreat center from Coimbatore is about 2.5 hours.
Location and Climate
The retreat center is located in South Central India, Tamil Nadu Mountains, Coonoor. At a 6,000 foot altitude, some retreat participants may experience an altitude adjustment period of a few days. Daytime temperatures range from mid 70s to mid 80s, and nighttime temperatures are around 50 degrees Farenheight.
Visa
Retreat participants are required to apply and receive a tourist visa. There are two types of tourist visas: 10 year and a e-visa (60 days). Request for a 10 year visa must be submitted three months before departure. Request for an e-visa should be submitted one month before departure. Visa application fees are not included in your retreat fees. Upon registering, retreat hosts will help you navigate the visa application process.
Prior Experience
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.
Food
While on retreat, guests enjoy an Ayurvedic lacto-vegetarian diet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The retreat cuisine 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.
Rooming
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 king 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.
Medical
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.
What Happens After Registration
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.
Refund Policy
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.
