Situated on a narrow strech of sand, the ashram has a lack of space and had to build high

Amritapuri is an ashram and definitively not a holiday place. For children it is only moderately suited. Think of going there only if you feel a strong inclination towards Amma as your spiritual teacher. Though children are generally welcome, space in the ashram is scarce and the possibilities for children to play around are limited.

Furthermore, the ashram follows its own timings which aren't always in tune with children's needs. If Amma is out (eight months of the year), the ashram accommodates about 2000 People, if she is there, number rise to 10000. It's quite a different place then.

Since space in the ashram is limited, it needs some creativity to find activities you can start with children. But still there is something you can do.

Childrens Library: There is a childrens library in the 7th storey of the temple building, open 10-12 except tuesdays. It stocks books for every age in different languages and lots of toys. During opening hours it's filled with playing children.

Open: 10 to 12 except tuesdays

Swimming in the Pool: The ashram has a pool near the bridge over the canal. It is operated gender-separatedly, so forget to take shared bath as a couple with your child. Per gender the pool is open two hours daily on weekdays, one hour on weekends. It's also closed on tuesdays for cleaning. You have to wear a swimmdress that is locally accepted as being decent, and since you won't have it with you, you can get it there.

Watching animals: There is a cow-stable in the ashram, where you can watch feeding and milking of the cows. Nearby two elefants live a pityful existence, tightly chained to palm-trees. The highlight of the day is one of the two trudging through the ashram with a huge pile of coconut-leaves (around 10 am).

Beachlife: Swimming in the sea is not possible. For the next beach, go to Varkala. Nevertheless there still is a decent strech of sand next to the seaside, shaded by palms. It gives a good playground for children.

There is lots of (basic) accomodation

Finding a place to sleep is no problem. Just announce your arrival ten days in advance to "inform@amritapuri.org" and they will supply a basic room for you.

It is 150 Rs per adult and Indian food is included. On arrival contact the international office in the second floor of the temple building.

Families will be given an own room with mattresses on the floor. If you end up in one of high-rise buildings, you will have a fantastic view over the landscape.

The only drawback we experienced were temple-loudspeakers on the other side of the canal. They started annoying music at 5 am and continued without interruption till 8 pm. But if you take overhearing as spiritual exercise, even that may serve you.

Inside the ashram there are two food-places: The canteen and the cafe. The canteen serves unvaried Indian food and western food that you have to pay extra. Timings are 9 am, 1 pm and 8 pm. The cafe serves drinks, burgers, sandwiches and has longer opening times. But still there are several hours a day, when you can't buy food in the ashram.

There is a small hospital just outside the ashram to the south, and a full-fledged hospital in Kochin.

The most convenient way is to take the taxi from Trivandrum (3 hrs, 1500 Rs) or go by train to Kayankulam and take a Riksha from there (30 min, 150 Rs) to Vallikavu, from where you only have to cross the bridge.