Sacred Heart Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness Retreat in Pune

The Heart of Bhakti retreat is a 5-day, 4-night immersive experience designed for the modern soul seeking meaning beyond the hustle. It is rooted in the belief that true wellness arises from reconnecting with the heart, culture, and nature. The retreat is held at the Swasti Yoga Centre in Pune, a tranquil haven in the Sahyadri foothills, where ancient wisdom meets modern comfort.

Your hosts, Dr. Vikas and Dr. Shwetambari Chothe, are not just teachers; they are healers. Dr. Vikas holds an MD and PhD in Ayurvedic medicine and is a lead yoga examiner for India's Yoga Certification Board. Dr. Shwetambari is a certified Level Four Yoga Master and consulting homeopath. Together, they bring scientific rigor and deep spiritual lineage to every aspect of the retreat, from 1:1 Ayurvedic consultations with pulse diagnosis (nadipariksha) to daily guidance and personalized massage therapies.

The retreat's philosophy centers on Bhakti, or devotion, as an emotional technology for wellbeing. Through kirtan (call-and-response chanting), satsang (spiritual discourse), and visits to living temples, you'll access a flow state that dissolves the ego and opens the heart. This is complemented by cultural alchemies—Warli tribal art, rangoli drawing, saree draping, and a cooking class—each designed as a form of meditation that grounds you in the present moment.

Daily life at the retreat follows the rhythms of nature. Mornings begin with yoga and pranayama in a fresh-air garden, afternoons are for cultural immersion or silent exploration, and evenings are for devotion and reflection. You'll also experience 'Go-Seva' (cow therapy) on the farm, a profound nervous-system reset that connects you to the earth. This is a retreat for those who have tried the 'fancy' retreats and are ready for something real, raw, and radiant.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 1:1 Ayurvedic consultation with pulse diagnosis - Daily 1:1 guidance from Dr. Vikas - Daily Ayurveda abhyanga massage and nasya - Bhakti welcome kit - Welcome drink - 3 daily sattvic home-cooked meals - Daily traditional yoga classes - Kirtans, temple walks, sacred chantings, and satsangs - Cooking class - Saree draping workshop - Farm and cow therapy - Warli tribal art and rangoli drawing - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Free Wi-Fi - Pre and post retreat support

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Optional extra nights - Personal expenses - Additional treatments not listed