My weekend getaway to Coimbatore under ₹1000(During Mahashivratri) 

Mahashivratri at the Isha Yoga Centre is a spectacle. Thousands of people from across India and different parts of the world visit the Isha Yoga Centre during Mahashivratri to watch the famous Adiyogi light show,and participate in their nightlong musical and dance shows.In addition to the foregoing and not last but not the least people arrive in large numbers to  attend Sadguru’s lectures and guided meditations. Here’s how I managed to do a trip to Isha during Mahashivratri under ₹1000.

Transportation:

I boarded the train on  the 17th of Feb and reached Coimbatore Jn on the 18th of Feb at 10.30 am. 

The cost of a 2S (Seater) train ticket was ₹250 each way. 

Once I reached the Coimbatore junction, I boarded a bus to reach the Isha Yoga Centre. The frequency of these buses was increased during Mahashivratri. (Bus number 14D/14G operates from the railway station and there are buses from the Gandhipuram bus stand to the yoga centre every 45 minutes). 

Mahashivratri at Isha:

I registered myself a few weeks before attending the event. There’s a website owned by Isha Foundation that provides all the relevant information about the timings, dress code, event details and seating information pertaining to the event. Since Mahashivratri is generally celebrated between the second and third week of February and I submitted my online application to attend the event in the first week of  January, 2023. There were multiple seating options available and the best thing about attending this event was that there were free seating passes available but only on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The chart below has information about seating options listed and I chose Tamiraparani as it was free of cost. 

Upon registering myself online, I received an email confirmation and the QR E-pass is sent two days before the event. The QR code email has important information about the event. Once I reached the venue, I followed the directions posted at the venue to procure a wristband which served as my ticket to attend the event. Onsite,there were many volunteers to assist in case participants required assistance. 

I did a 5 minute walk after collecting my wristband. When I stepped inside and saw the mighty Adiyogi statue, I felt euphoric. I was overjoyed and fresh even after the 10-hour train journey. The event started at 6 pm. They also provided annadanam at 8 pm. Celebrities and the honourable president of India Smt Droupadi Murmu had come to inaugurate and attend the event. They inaugurated the event with Sadguru’s speech followed by the President of India. Then came the Adiyogi Divya Darshan. 

There was a martial arts show followed by music events, pooja and aarti until 3 am. Sadguru held a guided meditation session between 3:30 am and 5 am. 

The event concluded at 6 am and I proceeded to meet a friend of mine who resides in Coimbatore. We roamed around Coimbatore for a while and decided to have breakfast at the very famous Gowri Shankar(a must-visit, when in Coimbatore) . I had my favorite Ghee Dosa and Filter coffee and spent quality time with my friend. The total expenditure at the restaurant was ₹445. 

My train to Chennai(Kovai Express) was scheduled at 1515 hrs and since I was very tired after a long journey and two sleepless nights in a row, I decided to reach the station early. 

My train rides always include a good book and headphones to accompany me.

My train departed at 1515 hrs and I reached Chennai at 2250 hrs. 

Here’s my total expenditure: 

Train tickets – 250×2=₹500 

Bus to Isha Foundation-=₹14 

Breakfast at Gowri Shankar = ₹445. 

And this is how I travelled to the Isha foundation during Mahashivratri under 1000rs