Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram

I visited ashram for 5 days yoga vacation, Food I understand they are giving sattvik food, but the quality can be improved. I found few staff members little rude and biased (Not all), putting comments and making you feel uncomfortable (if you are not a south Indian). Ashram is clean and peacfull. Uncomfortable for non- south Indians. Please remember Swami Vishnu Devananda teaching at least to whom you are promoting, this defiantly was not his vision to have rude and biased atmosphere.

I visited here in 2017 for Panchakarma and they did a good job. Reached out again this month and it has been really hard to get a response.

Called the number on the website and they tell me to email them but no response to my email for weeks. At that point, decided to email the Dr and they responded for a day and then again ghosted.

Absolutely no way to figure out availability and book the logistics and plan the trip. This is not very ideal for those who want to visit from outside of Kerala.

I know they have expanded quite a bit over the last five years. Will be good to treat people well and not take them for granted.

My first stay in Ashram I will always remember as great adventure, I loved the nature, morning and evening satsangs (though it might have been generally more joyful), yoga classes were excellent. Food was enough and tasty. My room was clean, with ac. Ayurvedic wellness course with dr Vishnu and dr Priya was an excellent experience that pushed me (western doctor) towards new paths, I definitely will follow. Thank you
Om shanti

Yoga classes good, food good, rooms good. However: you are not allowed to leave the ashram, except on Fridays and then only until 4: 30 p.m. You are locked in and feel like you are in prison.

If you want to know what is yoga and what is a yogic lifestyle, then this is the place.

If you want to forget your worries, and go to calm place to reconnect with life, then this is the place.

If you are a seeker, and are looking for answers to your questions, then this is the place.

The place is situated among lush greenery. It's pollution free atmosphere, daily yoga class, the vegetarian food rejuvenates the life force. The staff is professional.

It's NOT a place where you can come and sleep all day. The ashram life requires discipline.they have a strict schedule in place and you have to attend atleast a few classes. But you get used to it.

Advice: Talk to a lot of people. Seek advice. People from all walks of life come here.

All in all, it's a wonderful place to be in. It's empowering. Make sure you plan a stay of 7-15 days to truly experience this life.

It's important to have an open mind to experience this. Lots of things will be different from your home, but for the better.

I hope you enjoy your stay.
Om Namah Shivay.

I was here as part of the Yoga vacation program during the January month.

In the midst of western ghats alongside Neyyar dam, this place provides a very good environment to practice Yoga. This place is spiritually vibrant and one can feel that during morning and evening meditation and chantings.

The food provided here is satvik which is nutritious for both body and mind.

Spiritual trip from the Ashram side was also great. During this journey, I learned many things from various spiritual experiences and cultures of others.

At the end of my stay, I felt quite calm minded, focussed and spiritually connected. In the end, in such places, it really depends what you are searching for.

Had an amazing stay at the Ashram. Best place to reset. In just a few days I managed to achieve immense progress in my yoga and meditation practice. Well organized, easy to reach and a beautiful place with a great vibe and people.

It was a good experience, well organized and disciplined and secured, thank you for the experience.

Great experience in a genuine environment!
Teachers were great and generous and the whole atmosphere of the Ashram was really conducive for meditation, concentration, yoga and learning.

I went “Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram” for Yoga TTC and stayed for a month. To be honest, it was the most beautiful and productive month of my life. Because I learned not only yoga but life there. And the Ashram is so peaceful. Can't explain that energy, vibe. Teachers and staff are amazing, so kind, lovely and supportive. I was so happy there. Actually I didn't wanna come back. And hope to go there Again as soon as possible.
Highly recommended ️️
-Nayanathara Wickramaarachchi-

Hello all, I had a short yoga vacation stay at Sivananda ashram and liked the calm and composed handling of events with a disciplined schedule.the basic Asana classes morning and evening are quite good and there is an intermediate one which is intense as well. It helps me to correct my postures. I also had a chance to volunteer for food serving, which I liked doing the first time.so happy doing that. Next time will be planning for a longer stay. Best wishes to all.

Best place to go for a full yoga experience. Seriously…you won’t find all aspects of yoga anywhere else from asana, pranayama, meditation, karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, and teachings etc plus delicious vegetarian food and the most beautiful setting…for such a reasonable price. Highly recommend

I got very excited experience by participating in the Yoga Vacation in the Ashram. I had an opportunity to participate in Satsang, Meditation coaching, Lectures, Silent walking, Cultural event, Vinayaka Homamam and using health facilities in the Ayurvedic hospital. I have also an opportunity to interact with the other guests attending for different purposes such as YV, TTC, Pancha Karma treatment etc, from different parts of the world. Dining, tea & snacks and prasadam distribution are also worth mentioning. I am also impressed with the policy that the using the services of ex-trainees and experts from other Ashrams in India and abroad for different purposes of the course s and providing opportunities (kriyas/Karma) to serve in different places. Overall it was a great experience for me and looking forward to visit the Ashram quite frequently.
With best!
Prof M C Reddeppa Reddy
Tirupati

Best time of my life so far. The morning and evening Satsangs are my favourite and they’re full of positive energy. Thanks a lot to the yoga class teachers for their commitment to their teachings. Highly Highly recommended.

The ashram is a fantastic place where to really focus and study in depth. It is surely a “restrictive” environment, but I really enjoyed the routine and the guidelines.
I hope to go back soon!

Really enjoyed my stay.
Authentic yoga school (Ashram) with integral approach incorporating Karma, Bhakti, Raja and Jyana yoga.
The ashram is really so peaceful and beautiful with so many trees and greenery all around.
The buildings are harmoniously designed and blend perfectly with the natural environment which I felt was very soothing and calming. And that actually enhanced my experience of learning yoga.

Thank you so much
Hari om

Amazing. Had a realy good time. It was strong and very intens but I like it so much. Thank you for this inrcedible time.

I went there for Yoga vacation 2 weeks.
It was a great experience at sivananda ashram.
Yoga program helps me to get good body posture, strength and flexibility.
They provide satvic south indian vegetarian food.
We have to follow good daily routine.

And ashram atmosphere is good, many different trees, jackfruit, flowers etc.
I’ll be visiting ashram next time for sure.

Om Nama Shivay ️

I had an amazing experience in this Ashram. The environment is familiar and cozy, the teachers and director are available to talk and were always super nice with me, the practice is taken seriously. I left there knowing I will go back one day.

Beautiful, peaceful and amazing experience I have with Sivananda Dhanvanthri Ashram. Would love to come again and again till my last breath. Thanks to everyone

Serene, nurturing place to rejuvenate. I wish to come with my family here to heal all of us. Having panchkarma at this ashram makes it double effective because of the ambience and people.

Shocking. Room was filthy, including the toilet. Purportedly their most expensive room. Office staff and director rude. They have witheld over $2500 for over 2 months. Liars and thieves.

My wife and I have been coming to this ashram for years and we actually met here so it hold a very special place in our heart. The location is beautiful and the staff are always warm and helping. The yoga and Satsang hall is also very beautiful and we always enjoy spending time by the lake. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of your life or simply learn more about yoga as it is practised in an ashram setting I highly recommend a visit to Nayar Dam.

It has been an amazing experience. I stayed for a week for yoga vacation learning yoga. It's a beautiful place admitted greenery.

It was an excellent experience staying in the ashram like an ancient Gurukul system. The stay is in a very serene environment.

The ashram is a bit run down, accommodation in need of a clean and refurbish. Don't take the photos seriously, they're a bit old. Not many mold-free options; I slept in the dorm and it was perhaps the best choice, except for perhaps the AC rooms.

There are some good teachers there, and the morning and afternoon classes provide good options depending on your energy and level of practice.

The location and grounds are beautiful, green and peaceful. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and spend some time in a yogic environment and lifestyle.

The food was quite disappointing; apparently it was much better pre-covid times, but hasn't attained that quality again since the ashram reopened. Not alot of variety, salads and other preferred dishes often run out before everyone is fed, and there is a distinct lack of protein (legumes/dal) in the diet.

The attached Sivananda Institute of Health offers Ayurvedic treatments and Panchakarma programs. I took a 14 day Panchakarma program, but was disappointed with the lack of time and attention from the main doctor, the inconsistency of the food (we were told not to eat chilli but then the meals often came out quite spicy), and the lack of information offered before, during, and at the end of the program. Program was quite pricey and accommodation not included. Kitchen where the ayurvedic meals were prepared was in serious need of cleaning due to mold growth on the walls and under benches.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay at the ashram, met some great staff and people, and am grateful for the opportunity to spend some time in the yogic atmosphere that is maintained there. Hoping that they can improve the food and accommodation standards to encourage more people to visit and partake of the ancient wisdom and teachings that are preserved here and made available to all.

The Sivananda ashram is a very atmospheric place, a lot of young people from all over the world come here, so there"re always interesting people. As a part of yoga vacation program there is an opportunity to get 3 asana classes a day. One of them is asana correction class which is really helpful, other two classes are also very helpful and motivating but it's more difficult to receive personal attention sometimes (it fluctuates). The common chants and mantras are quite difficult and misunderstable.as for me. But it depends on the person and your connection with Sanskrit / Vedic culture.
The place is very beautiful, the surrounding nature is touching, the ashram is very clean and well-looking)

It's a gem. Beautiful, clean, well-maintened property in a quiet place, in jungle, but with a bus connection to Trivandrum. In 2022 for 880 rupees a day for dormitory, food and all the daily program. The schedule is tight and strict, but thay are not too scary. Ayurvedic clinic at a site. Little cafe-chai shop inside. Library. Boutique with necessary things. All you may need, for as long as you want. I always go there at the beggining of my Indian trip.to cool down and prepare for more India.

Lovely place to visit for gaining/maintaining/becoming love, joy and bliss. It is so so so homely. There was not a single moment when I felt I am someone who does not belong to this ashram. Whether it's TTC/ATTC student or yoga vacation guest, each one is treated as an integral part of it. Everyone is counted. All the members/staff, including the Director (Nataraj ji), will make you feel you are at home. The best example of 'Vasudhaiva kutumbakam'. I am ever grateful to receive all the teachings and love. Pranam.

Beautiful place to explore ourselves, done with TTC, wonderful and Lifetime experience, Peaceful environment and Good Satvic food. Had a memorable time. Thank You SivanandhA Ashram.:) :)

. बहुत ही सुंदर योगा सिखाने का इनका का तरीका है मुझे बहुत ही फायदा हो रहा है मै आप सब से भी विनंती करता हु की आप यहा आकर अवश्य योगा सिखिये. Hare krishna Thank you very much

Visited here and it was really nice. Didn't stay but had a look round and everyone was lovely. Very interesting place, would recommend visiting.

Sivananda is a nice quiet place filled with nice people. It is expensive for an ashram but the quality of the teaching is good and the atmosphere is clean and peaceful. Try to avoid going during teacher training as it is too packed and they tend to consider TTC students more than the others.
They Can also be strict on some points (we were kicked out of the temple in a non friendly way one night during satsang as we wanted to meditate in a quieter place).
Free ayurvedic doctor consultation.

Any Job vacancies available there now? I would like to work there because its one of my dream wish and would like to meet Swamiji. My father was worked there past 10 years ago. Please share the contact details of concerned person or please reach me [email protected]. Hopefully. Thank you.

Perfect environment for your spiritual practice.
Great food, amazing teachers, beautiful place.
Loving every moment of this ATTC training

Amazing 2 weeks of yoga vacation. Great people, awesome place in the middle of the nature, tasty food, interesting yoga classes, meditation and chantings! Definitely recommended to everyone!
The only problem was with the wifi which wasn’t working properly ;)

Thank you and take care! Xoxo

As a visitor or yoga student is ok very spiritual. I worked there as Teacher at 20 years back. Staff life is very pathetic, my spiritual life was end from this Ashram. Now i am working and living in a good position, otherwise my life may be spoil. Om namah shivaya ennu parajathukondu mathram oru karyavum illa, Vedanta philosophy enthanennu padikku. Athu swamimar padichu athupole geevikku.

This is my experience and experiences can be extreme. I hope the ashram learns from it. I got a little ill over at the ashram and it's ok if you can't take personal care but they went to the extent of saying 'you can walk over to the hospital it's hardly 15 mins away'. With my infection they adviced me to attend the classes and jeopardize 300 or 400 other people's health at the ashram. I mean they let go of basic humanity, one can do all the satsang they want but that compassion, understanding has to come from within.and when I completed all my formalities they stopped me at the gate for an out pass and asked me to wait till the satsang gets over? I mean really? I wasn't well and I had a flight.yet i hope that they learn coz my experience at madurai ashram was amazing. Om Namah Shivaya

Beautiful Center to reconnect with yourSelf, healing, rejuvenating & to learn the ancient science of yoga.
People are warm & welcoming like sunshine ️ Grateful to have the opportunity of being trained as a teacher.

Simple stay. Go there if you're interested and want to dive into hindu philosophy, yoga asanas and lot of bhakti yoga.

Beautiful and peaceful place. I have never visited any other ashrams, but when I came I knew immediately that this place is really special. For me was miraculous and empowering experience.

For a Healthy mind, body and soul. Starting at the ashram was a beautiful experience. Plan to visit again!

Truly an amazing place, with amazing staff, amazing food, amazing atmosphere and amazing programs (incl. Ayurvedic treatments)

Come out of curiosity or to deepen you practice, a place for all.

The Unique place for yoga. Excellent training in the traditional way. Extra ordinary yogin to train with devotion and love.superb ambience and natural beauty

Peace, that defines all of it! No place like this! Best to relax and detoxify ourselves from the impurities in metropolitan cities!
1. Zero pollution
2. Nature
3. Yoga
4. Life lessons

For a first timer with no experience of living outside her own city, it was a wonderful way to spend an entire month with people from all over the world. The ashram itself is a wonderful atmosphere to be live in, and then the teachers are the most patient and helpful with everything! The food does take some getting used to, but you soon get ok with it. One of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and look inwards in your mind.

OM NAMA SHIVAYA.
Amazing place it is an amazing opportunity for people to experience the ancient gurukula system of education in bharat and it also provides lots of courses according to the time of each citizen

Beautiful ashram to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life whilst learning about Sivananda Yoga and Vedanta. I stayed in the dormitory, which is relatively basic, but I think for the price you pay it’s great value. The grounds of the ashram are well maintained and I found the staff to be very knowledgeable about yoga, mediation and philosophy. The ashram attracts guests from all over the world so it was nice to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds too. If you’re new to ashrams, just be aware that this is a place for spiritual development and not a hotel. The ashram serves vegetarian food only and you’re expected to attend the programme of events, and only leave the ashram between certain designated times in the day.the mind may want to fight these rules at first but I think you grow as a person by learning to let go of the ego and surrender to the ashram’s way of life

This is the best place if you want to learn about yoga and spiritual stuff. One could book specific courses in advance or stay in the ashram paying on a daily basis. The dorms and the accessories aren't luxurious but then again it's an ashram not a leisure hotel. I think this is gonna be a life altering experience for many and majority are going to visit this place again. Even for a skeptic like me, the pull was so strong that I wanted to go back to the ashram and stay there.

I just spent 11 days at Sivananda and whilst overall I had a positive experience, I felt sharing some things here might be useful for people who are considering visiting.

Firstly, I have no idea why they call it a 'Yoga Vacation' as this clearly misleads people who have not bothered to read up on the strict timetable and rules. I personally did know what to expect as I had done my research, but there were a lot of people shocked by the 5am start and compulsory classes - and you will be asked to leave if you don't adhere to the rules. I would therefore recommend reading everything and ensuring you understand what you are letting yourself in for! I found my time there very physically, mentally and emotionally draining, but that is what I was expecting and found it rewarding)

There is a lot of focus on religion and worshipping the Gurus, so do go with an open mind and expect to be singing, chanting and praying many times a day!

Some Negatives:

Whilst I completely understand the need to create a certain environment conducive to spirituality, I felt like all the staff really cared about were the rules, when at times they could have easily chosen compassion instead when dealing with people's personal issues. In this sort of environment, looking so deeply within can affect your mental health and I think the staff could be more sensitive about what people might be experiencing and bend the rules slightly if it is not harming anyone else.

I had to stay in the women's dorm the first night I arrived and it was really grim, actually felt like a prison, so I would highly recommend staying in a room if you can afford it. That said, my accommodation was pretty terrible anyway - the room was incredibly smelly and mouldy and I actually had to scrub it down myself to try and fix it. I had a really bad chest infection the whole time I was there that I'm sure was caused by the dampness of my room. I had a look at the Air Con rooms and they were really nice (although very expensive for India), so absolutely stay there if you can! It would be nice if they could do some works to update the accommodations, as I didn't feel they reflected the price you are paying for them compared to other ashrams I have stayed at.

Expect rock hard beds and musty sheets and pillows!

Most of the staff seemed generally unhappy and are not very approachable or helpful. I felt like they could do with some designated counsellors on site. Some of the staff's attitudes felt at odds to the message they are preaching!

Some Positives:

The food is absolutely amazing!

The yoga classes and the teachers are really top quality, I felt like I learned a lot about yoga and my practice really accelerated there.

The jungle location is exquisite, there is a lot of wildlife to enjoy and a beautiful lake you can swim in.

You are bound to meet some beautiful human beings from all over the world to share your time with there)

Hi my name is Luke and I stayed for about 3 weeks.
My experience was amazing because i stuck at it. The first three days I was very home sick and a bit uncomfortable. But I learnt to adapt, look within and let go.
The room I had was very nice, clean and the fan worked perfectly.
Shared bathrooms were kept immaculately clean. As was the entire ashram.
The schedule is busy and takes a bit of getting used to. Just go with it and enjoy it. It teaches discipline and good routine.
I was waking up at 5 to help set up for satsang.
Schedule is ;Mediation, satsang chanting and talks, tea, yoga, brunch, rest, coaching, tea, lecture, yoga, dinner, free time, satsang, bed.
Honestly to get the most of it use your free time to reflect and study the paths of yoga and find what works for you.
The teachers encourage you to find a path that works for you as an individual, there are many paths but the end result is realisation.
The staff work so hard and do it with a smile as they are there to serve. Get a karma yoga and serve others to understand.
The library is amazing and the gentleman running it is very knowledgeable and passionate. He pointed me in the right direction, if the limit wasn't 3 books he would have given me all of them to read I think.
I fell in love with satsang. I am lucky to live near a sivananda centre in England so will be going whenever I can to join in Kirtan. Jaya Ganesha daily chant is filled with energy. You will learn more in the lectures and can buy a book from the shop with translations to help better understand it's meaning.
The food. When I arrived it was a shock. Sitting cross legged and eating with the hand. Just watch others and copy. I grew to love it and will continue to eat with my hand when possible. The food itself is so good, clean and healthy. Singing hare Krishna before meals gave me joy and eating in silence makes you appreciate every mouthful. 2 meals a day is enough, don't be shy to ask for more.
Make the most of the coaching classes as I went to lots and at the end was able to get into headstand. This was one of my goals and without the skills of the amazing yoga teachers help and advice I wouldn't have got there. Thank you so much.
The yoga Asana classes are very well organised and gently introduce you to the Asana practice. Beginners starts with basic movements and introduces new postures every day. All clearly explained and demonstrated. Teachers are knowledgeable and highly skilled. They make it look so easy but will show you how to progress and also motivate and inspire you.
I am emotional writing this as I would love to stay longer. But I shall return another time.
Thank you to all the staff and directors.
You have given me so much
Om Namah Sivaaya

Very great natural atmosphere with yoga, meditation and ayurveda treatment with healthy veggy foods

Shivananda Yoga Ashrama (Kerala)

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, part of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organisation, is set in twelve acres of tropical splendour in the quiet foothills of Kerala’s Western Ghats. The natural beauty of Neyyar Dam lake, the forested surroundings, the cool green coconut tree groves and colourful flower-filled views, all offer an ideal atmosphere for the practice of yoga and meditation. The classical, traditional yoga that we teach—authentically preserving its purity and tradition dating back several thousand years—brings health, vitality and peace of mind. We welcome both beginners and those more experienced. The Ashram, formerly an ayurvedic sanctuary of healing, and named after Lord Dhanwantari, the celestial originator of Ayurveda, offers a year-round Yoga Vacation programme, our world-renowned Teachers’ Training Courses, Kids’ Yoga Camp, Ayurveda programmes, Fasting & Detoxification Programme and more.

Trivandrum International Airport - 31Km

(PETTA) Trivandrum Railway Station- 32Km

Thank you.