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All About the Ashram / Religious & Cultural Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Visitors’ Reviews & Photos / Nearby Pilgrim Places & Other Places of Interest / Donations / Volunteers / Official Website / YouTube Videos
Introduction
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, nestled in the serene surroundings of Neyyar Dam in Kerala, is one of the foremost centers for traditional yoga practice and spiritual living in India. Founded under the guidance of Swami Vishnudevananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda Saraswati, this ashram has become a global hub for seekers who wish to immerse themselves in the authentic teachings of yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedanta. The ashram offers a unique blend of spiritual discipline, holistic lifestyle, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for self-transformation.
Location and Setting
The ashram is located on the tranquil banks of Neyyar Dam Lake, surrounded by the lush Western Ghats and bordered by the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The natural beauty of the setting—sparkling waters, rolling hills, and rich greenery—creates a peaceful and rejuvenating environment. The location not only enhances the yogic experience but also allows visitors to connect deeply with nature.
Founding and Philosophy
Established in 1978, the ashram follows the teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati of Rishikesh, who emphasized the integration of yoga into daily life. Swami Vishnudevananda, his disciple, carried forward this mission, setting up Sivananda centers and ashrams worldwide. The Neyyar Dam Ashram is dedicated to the five points of yoga as taught by Swami Vishnudevananda:
- Proper Exercise (Asanas)
- Proper Breathing (Pranayama)
- Proper Relaxation (Savasana)
- Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
- Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta & Dhyana)
Programs and Courses
The ashram is best known for its internationally recognized Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC), which draws students from across the globe. It also offers:
- Advanced Teachers’ Training Courses (ATTC)
- Yoga Vacation Programs for beginners and casual practitioners
- Special Retreats focusing on meditation, Ayurveda, and spiritual study
- Satsangs, lectures, and workshops on Vedanta philosophy
These programs are designed to help participants experience yoga not just as exercise, but as a way of life.
Ashram Lifestyle
Life at the Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram follows a disciplined daily routine that balances spiritual practices, physical exercise, learning, and service. The daily schedule typically includes:
- Early morning meditation and chanting (Satsang)
- Two sessions of yoga asanas and pranayama
- Vegetarian meals served twice daily
- Karma Yoga (selfless service within the ashram community)
- Evening satsang with meditation, kirtan, and lectures
This structured rhythm helps practitioners purify the body, discipline the mind, and awaken inner peace.
Facilities and Surroundings
The ashram provides a range of simple yet comfortable facilities including dormitories, twin-sharing rooms, and private accommodations. The premises include:
- Spacious yoga halls for practice
- Ayurvedic health center for treatments and therapies
- A library with books on yoga, Vedanta, and spirituality
- A temple and meditation spaces for inner reflection
The proximity to Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary adds opportunities for trekking, boating, and exploring Kerala’s natural treasures.
Global Community
The ashram attracts students, teachers, and spiritual seekers from all over the world, creating a vibrant international community. This diversity fosters cultural exchange while maintaining a common bond of yoga and spiritual pursuit. It has become a meeting place for people united by a shared interest in well-being, discipline, and inner transformation.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram), located about 38 km from Neyyar Dam. From the airport, taxis and pre-paid cab services are available to the ashram.
- By Train: The closest major railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 30 km from Neyyar Dam. From the station, one can hire a taxi or take local buses to reach the ashram.
- By Road: Neyyar Dam is well connected by road from Thiruvananthapuram city. State-run and private buses operate regularly from the central bus station. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available for a more convenient journey.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram is between October and March, when Kerala enjoys a pleasant, cool, and dry climate—ideal for yoga practice and outdoor exploration.
- Winter (Nov – Feb): Comfortable temperatures and clear skies make this the peak season for visitors.
- Monsoon (Jun – Sep): Though humid, this season is perfect for those interested in Ayurveda, as it is traditionally considered the best time for treatments. The lush greenery also adds to the ashram’s beauty.
- Summer (Apr – May): Can be hot and humid, but the serene lake and shaded ashram grounds provide some relief.
For yoga training courses and retreats, the ashram conducts programs year-round, but winter months are most popular with international visitors
Conclusion
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram at Neyyar Dam is more than just a yoga training center—it is a sanctuary of peace and self-discovery. By blending the wisdom of ancient yogic traditions with the beauty of Kerala’s landscape, it offers a life-changing experience for anyone seeking physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment.