Our time at Tasara was broken up by a trip to Mysore where we practiced Ashtanga Yoga “Mysore” style. Two of us visited Pattabhi Jois’ studio and the Ashtanga Yoga Research Center. It was a new moon so there was no class that day.

The last weekend at Tasara we went to a protected wildlife sanctuary in Waynad where elephants, tigers, peacocks, monkeys and many, many more wildlife live in their natural habitat. We were escorted deep into the forest where we did, indeed see some of these animals. It was also a moving experience simply to sit and meditate in the forest allowing the sounds, air and energy to permeate our being. In the forest we visited two hill tribes and saw how they live today, much as they have for thousands of years – with nature- Ayurveda. When people live in balance and harmony with nature they are extremely healthy and quite beautiful. Clear skin and eyes, white teeth, shiny hair, slender. No obesity, no arthritis, no heart disease.

We visited ancient temples, walked with the pilgrims, hiked to a water falls in the rain forested hill country, visited tea and coffee plantations, pepper farms, went on a Keralean back water tour, picnicked on an island and swam (many times) in the Arabian sea. It was a most memorable and enriching time. More of an eye opening, educational and personal growth experience than a vacation.