Yoga and Wellness - India
The Spirit of India
A Yoga & Spirituality Tour of South India
February 13 - 28, 2010
Tour Leaders: Michele Labelle is a certified Hatha Yoga
Teacher who has released the CD “Breath of Life”. Aman Singh is a
professional tour guide and has walked the spiritual path since he was a child.
He has a deep interest in the study of different philosophies, religions &
ethnic cultures and our groups have appreciated his knowledge and
professionalism. Read more about Michele and Aman on
About Your Tour Leaders page.
Download
"Ancient Goddess Temple in South India" (PDF) Article by Robert
Scheer
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Tour Description
Join Michele Labelle on a spiritually captivating yoga journey of South
India. With its vibrant colours, intoxicating scents, and animated culture,
India welcomes you. Travel through a kaleidoscope of settings, from bustling
cities to charming colonial towns, tranquil gardens to lush rainforests,
wildlife sanctuaries to glorious sandy beaches. The Spirit of India journey is a
wonderful way of exploring India’s magic in a group setting with like minded
travellers ready to explore new adventures.
The philosophy of the South is a celebration of the eternal universe through the
honouring of the body, which is represented in their art forms, dance, and
dress. Here, in the birthplace of yoga, we will unite our bodies, mind and
spirits into one. Through our practice of Hatha Yoga, which is designed to open
the seven major energy centers or chakras, we will purify our bodies to feel
rejuvenated and reborn. As we meditate to sacred mantras, focusing our breath
inwards, we will lift our spirits to new heights, feeling at one with all that
surrounds us and with our true and authentic selves. We will also learn about
the Indian philosophies of Pantajali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Each yoga and meditation
session will have a specific focus to allow our spirits to open to India’s
magical diversity.
On our journey, we explore the many sacred temples of South India to understand
how the people connect to and worship the divine. From towering structures that
rise to the heavens, to vast and sprawling complexes, their devotion was
expressed in breathtaking and moving forms. To escape from the effervescent
scenes of the city, we immerse ourselves into paradisiacal environments. Deep in
the sanctuaries of the wild, we encounter a medley of flora and fauna. Floating
idly on a traditional houseboat, we experience the unique ecosystem of the
backwaters and surrender to the serenity that embraces us.
To enjoy all the wonders of South India in a true and authentic way, we have
carefully selected beautiful properties for accommodation. Experience the
comfort and grace of colonial palaces converted into charming Heritage Hotels
and the beauty and tranquility of resorts engrossed in natural surroundings.
Journey with us on this trip of a lifetime and let yourself be surprised and
amazed by this magical and mysterious land. Come explore and immerse yourself in
the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be touched, moved and
inspired.
About Your Tour Guide
Michele Labelle
Michele's love for travel has taken her to all Four Corners of the globe. It is
with pleasure that she creates an environment of integrity, fun and ease in all
that she does.
Michele is a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher who has been inspired by many master
teachers. Her commitment to the breath and stillness is ongoing. Learning and
teaching is a way of life for her.
She has transformed her many years of practical experience as a Respiratory
Therapist for 16 years, to develop a unique view of breath. Besides teaching
Yoga, she facilitates workshops, retreats, and seminars and also volunteers for
at risk youth in various institutions in the Vancouver area.
In her CD the “Breath of Life”, she leads us to a place of inner calmness and
healing with a focus on the breath; through a peaceful and rejuvenating
visualization. See her web site:
http://www.azuryoga.net
You are invited on a trip of a lifetime exploring and learning Indian
philosophies that will leave you touched loved and inspired for the rest of your
life.
Aman Singh
We are thrilled to have Aman Singh as our Tour Guide for our wonderful Spirit of
India journey. Aman's father, Karampal Singh was our treasured Tour Guide for
many years and since his passing in July, 2009, Aman has vowed to keep his
dreams and vision alive for all our passengers who visit India. Just like
Karampal who began his spiritual path at age 9, Aman has followed in his
father's footsteps and is actively involved in spiritual practices and has also
walked the spiritual path since he was a child. He has a deep interest in the
study of different philosophies, religions & ethnic cultures and our groups have
appreciated his knowledge and professionalism.
From 2001-2007 Aman worked at various senior levels in the aviation industry,
and since 2007 he has been working as a Tour Leader. He holds a Masters Degree
in Tourism Administration (with 1st position), a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.), a
Senior Management Diploma with the International Air Transport Association (IATA),
and has taken a variety of other tourism courses including entrepreneurial
courses on tourism and Wildlife Tourism Management. He speaks several languages
including English, Italian, Hindi and Punjabi.
Aman contributes articles on tourism to local travel industry magazines and
newspapers and is currently writing a book titled "The Land of Yambarzal", about
tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
We are privileged to have him share his unique experience and perspective on the
ancient wisdom of India. Please join us!
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Tour Summary
Day 1 Arrive Chennai; Transfer to Mahabalipuram
Day 2 Kanchipuram; Mahablipuram
Day 3 Puducherry, Auroville & Aurobindo Ashram
Day 4 Chidambaram; Swamimalai
Day 5 Thanjavur
Day 6 Swamimalai & Kumbakonam
Day 7 Chettinad; Madurai
Day 8 Madurai
Day 9 Periyar
Day 10 Alleppey
Day 11 Kochi
Day 12 Kochi
Day 13 Varkala
Day 14 Varkala
Day 15 Varkala
Day 16 Depart Trivandrum
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Sat, Feb 13: Arrive Chennai; Transfer to Mahabalipuram
Arrive in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the 4th largest metropolitan area
in India. Be met by our local representative, transfer to our resort in
Mahabalipuram, and settle in for the evening. Mahabalipuram, a serene town
nestled amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture that
stands witness to the rich heritage, is known for its pristine sandy beaches,
its bright sunshine and tranquil setting. Here, time stands still and the
present meets the past. Nestled close to the legendary Shore Temple and the
popular 7th century monoliths you will find the Swamimalai Sterling Resort, the
town’s only luxury boutique hotel. The property, which spreads over a tranquil
beach, also includes a state of the art Ayurvedic Centre for those interested in
experiencing the science and art of Ayureda.
(Overnight at the Indeco Swamimalai Sterling Resort in Mahabalipuram) http://mahabalipuram.indecohotels.com/index.html
Day 2 Sun, Feb 14: Kanchipuram; Mahabalipuram (B, L, D)
This morning enjoy an introduction to yoga with early morning yoga in the
gardens followed by breakfast. We then visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s
seven most sacred cities. In ancient times, the city was called Kachi and
Kachiamapathi. This “Golden City of a Thousand Temples” dates back to the early
Cholas in the 7th Century AD. Only approximately 70 temples of the original 1000
ancient temples are still intact, the most famous of them being the Kailasanatha
Temple, a sandstone temple built in the early 7th Century designed to mirror
Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva. As this city is renowned for its silk
weavings and hand-woven sarees, a visit to the nearby villages to see the
craftsmen at work on their looms is a rewarding experience.
We return to the resort for lunch and then take a short trip to visit the
magnificent site of the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, a nearby “open air
museum” which occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop facing the Bay of
Bengal. Built by the Pallava rulers in the 7th Century, the complex comprises of
14 cave temples, 9 monolithic Rathas, 3 stone temples, and 2 bas-relief
sculptured rock panels. The beauty of this site is not only due to its
captivating architecture, but the vast casuarinas trees and the silvery sandy
beach.
This evening we gather for our official Welcome Dinner to share our intentions
for the journey and become better acquainted with our fellow travellers.
(Overnight at the Sawmimalai Resort in Mahabalipuram)
Day 3 Mon, Feb 15: Puducherry, Auroville & Aurobindo Ashram (B)
Arise early for morning yoga, followed by breakfast. We then begin our drive to
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, considered the French Riviera of the
east. This former French colony still retains much of its French history,
evident in the city’s design and architecture. Near Puducherry, we encounter
Auroville, “The City of Dawn”, an intriguing experimental town. Founded by
“Mother” Mirra Richard in 1968, Auroville was created to be a “universal town
where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive
harmony, above all creeds, all politics and nationalities. The purpose of
Auroville is to realize human unity”.
Later we visit the Aurobindo Ashram, the former home of Mother Mirra and Sri
Aurobindo, whose teachings start from the ancient sages of India. He taught that
behind the appearance of the universe, there is the reality of a being and
consciousness, a self of all things, one and eternal. He believed that all
beings are united in that one self and spirit, but divided by a certain
separativity of consciousness, an ignorance of their true self and reality in
the mind, life and body, and that it is possible, by a certain psychological
discipline, to remove this veil of separative consciousness to become aware of
the true self and the divinity within all of us.
We then check into our wonderful Heritage Hotel and relax for the evening.
(Overnight at Hotel de L’Orient in Puducherry) http://www.neemranahotels.com/pondi/index.html.htm
Day 4 Tue, Feb 16: Chidambaram; Swamimalai (B, D)
This morning we make our way to Swamimalai, stopping en route in the temple town
of Chidambaram, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important towns and a major pilgrimage
site for Shaivites. The word Chidambaram may be derived from the word chit,
meaning “consciousness”, and ambaram, meaning “sky” (from aakasam or aakayam);
thus, it refers to the chidaakasam, the sky of consciousness, which is the
ultimate aim one should attain as mentioned by all the Vedas and scriptures.
Here we will visit the impressive Chidambaram Temple, a famous Hindu temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form of the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja. This is one
of the few temples where Shiva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. In Hindu
literature, the temple is one of the holiest of the 5 Shiva Temples, each one
representing one of the 5 elements, and represents the element of Akasa or
Ether. The temple is an architectural wonder, one of the special features being
the bejeweled image of Nataraja. It depicts the Lord Shiva as Bharatanatyam,
“The Lord of the Dance”. The Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja symbolises the motion
of the universe sustained by Lord Shiva.
Upon arrival in Swamimalai, we check into our beautiful Anandham Swamimalai
Resort, a 100 year old Heritage home set amidst a lush green coconut grove. The
location is a perfect base for exploring the many temples nearby.
In the afternoon we visit Swamimalai Murugan Temple, 4th among the 6 paddai
veedu, the Sacred Shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. According to Hindu belief,
Swamimalai is where Muruga, at a young age, preached to his own father, Lord
Shiva. This is also the place where, according to legend, Lord Muruga proposed
the meaning of “Om”, the Sacred Pranava Mantra, to his Father Lord Shiva, and
thus, assumed the title Swaminath, “Lord of Lords”. As the legend goes, when
Brahma, the Lord of All Creation, was proceeding to Kailasa, the ever-playful
child, Lord Muruga, asked him for the meaning of the Pranava, “Om”. When Brahma
admitted his ignorance, the Lord imprisoned him. With Brahma imprisoned, all
creation came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Shiva to have Brahma
released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for
the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Shiva asked him whether he himself knew the
meaning of the primordial Pranava, “Om”. Lord Muruga said that he knew the
meaning of “Om” and could explain it, but only if Lord Shiva would accept him as
guru and listen to the explanation as a devoted disciple. Lord Shiva agreed to
this request and accepted the teachings of Lord Muruga and thus, the place
became known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan.
After dinner we will gather by the pool, enveloped by palms and the tranquil
sounds of nature, to enjoy evening yoga and close with a meditation using the
sacred mantra, “Om”.
(Overnight at Anandham Swamimalai Resort http://swamimalai.indecohotels.com/ss.html
Day 5 Wed, Feb 17: Thanjavur (B, D)
We awake early this morning for invigorating morning yoga in the courtyard,
followed by breakfast. We then set off for a full day of sightseeing in
Thanjavur (Tanjore), considered the “Granary of South India” due to its
agricultural activities. It is one of the oldest cities in India and is an
important centre of South Indian art and architecture. It is also home to most
of the “Great Living Chola Temples”, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, the
foremost among them being the Brihadeshwara Temple, a brilliant example of the
major heights achieved by Cholas temple architecture. As we explore this temple
and complex, which stands amidst fortified walls surrounded by a moat, we will
appreciate this remarkable architectural feat. The temple itself is made of hard
granite stones which were not available in the area and is an amazing example of
Dravidian architecture. The temple is a tribute and reflection of the power of
its patron Rajaraja Chola and remains one of the greatest glories of Indian
architecture. It was built as the royal temple to display the emperor’s vision
of his power and relationship to the universal order and was also the site of
major royal ceremonies. The Vimana, or temple tower, is 216 ft high and is among
the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kalash or Shikhara (bulbous structure
on the top of the temple), is itself very large and heavy. At the entrance sits
a big statue of Nandi, the “Sacred Bull”, carved out of a single rock and
measuring about 16 ft long and 13 ft high.
Near the temple, we visit the Thanjavur Palace of Nayaks, a huge palace
constructed partly by the Nayak rulers and partly by the Maratha rulers. The
entrance of the palace has a large quadrangular courtyard which leads to a
pillared hall. The palace houses a library, which contains 40,0000 rare books
and palm leaf inscriptions, an art gallery, which exhibits a large collection of
bronze and granite Chola sculptures, and a museum, which is home to many items
and relics belonging to past kings.
We freshen up for dinner upon our return to our resort and then enjoy a
heart-opening meditation and sharing circle, enjoying the sights and sounds of
nature that envelop us.
(Overnight at Anandham Swamimalai Resort)
Day 6 Thu, Feb 18: Sawmimalai & Kumbakonam Temples (B, D)
We enjoy an energizing morning yoga session, followed by breakfast and then head
off for a full day of sightseeing, visiting some of the many temples around
Swamimalai and Kumbakonam. We begin with Gangaikonda Cholapuram, an
architectural work of genius. The temple was built by Rajendra Chola, who was
the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola, in the early 11th Century, in an
attempt to reproduce the “larger- than- life” achievement of his father.
According to legends, King Rajendra Chola, during one of the his campaigns to
the north, brought back water from the river Ganges in a golden pot and
sanctified the reservoir Ponneri or Cholaganga. Thus, he was given the title of
Gangaikondan, “the one who brought the Ganges”. The temple has complex carvings
in the Vimanas and is an exhibition of intricate detailing. Some of the
sculptures found here are as great as any others found in other Chola Temples,
but the most striking and unique ones here are The Nataraja, Coronation of King
Rajendra Chozhan by Shiva and Parvati, the Dancing Ganesha, and the most
interesting, the Ardhanari, the man-woman manifestation of Lord Shiva,
signifying the duality of divine energy.
Next, we visit the ancient town of Darasuram and the Airavatesvara Temple, a
Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture, considered a “sculptor’s dream in
stone”, and one of the oldest of the Chola temples. This UNESCO World Heritage
Site, also built by Rajaraja Chola in the 12th Century, is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. It is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some exquisite stone
carvings. Although this temple is much smaller than the Brihadeshwara or the
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temples, it is more exquisite in detail due to the fact
that it was said to have been built with nitya-vinoda, “perpetual
entertainment”, in mind.
We end our day of sightseeing with a visit to the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, the
major temple of the Shaivites. This temple, also dedicated to Lord Shiva, covers
an area of 30,181 sq ft with a length and breadth of 750 ft and 252 ft
respectively. The temple comprises of 3 praharas and 3 gopurams in the eastern,
northern and western directions. The complex is huge and showcases beautiful
artwork and intricate, colourful carvings. According to legend, Shiva caused the
Amritakalasam, “the pot holding divine nectar”, to rest here during the great
deluge, and the shrine is said to have been built and consecrated by Bhrama
himself. The most famous festival of Mahamagam is associated with this temple
and attracts crowds from all over India.
In the evening, we will wind down after dinner with another relaxing meditation
circle before drifting off to peaceful slumber.
(Overnight at Anandham Swamimalai Resort)
Day 7 Fri, Feb 19: Chettinad; Madurai (B)
Arise early for morning yoga, followed by breakfast and then we head to
Madurai. We stop en route to visit Chettinad, known for its cultural heritage,
architecture, and art. It is also known for its several temples and elaborate
mansions. Houses in the city are built on rectangular, traversal plots that
stretch across 2 streets. Their front doors open out to the first street while
the back doors open out to the second. Looking in from the main threshold, the
eye travels directly through, into a series of inner courtyards. The most famous
Chettinad mansion is the Raja’s Palace at Kanadukathan which began construction
in 1902 and took 10 years to complete. This elaborate home stretches over 40,000
sq ft, its rooms embellished with Burmese teak wood, Italian marble, and English
steel.
As Chettinad is also known for its fine cuisine and culinary delicacies, make
sure to sample the fine fare. Later,
we continue our drive to Madurai and settle in for the evening.
(Overnight at Fortune Pandiyan Hotel in Madurai) http://www.fortunepandiyanhotel.com/
Day 8 Sat, Feb 20: Madurai (B)
Today we enjoy a full day in Madurai, the oldest inhabited city in the Indian
peninsula. One of South India’s great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with
the great Meenakshi Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and
his consort, the goddess Parvati. According to legend, Shiva came down to earth
as Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati. The marriage was
supposed to be the biggest event on earth, with all of the earth’s inhabitants
gathering in Madurai. This marriage is still celebrated today in Madurai as a
huge festival called Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, “the Divine Marriage of Meenakshi”.
The temple, with it stunning architecture, is the heart and spirit of Madurai.
At the core of the wall-enclosed complex, we find 2 sanctums for Sundarewarar
and Meenakshi, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared
halls. The 12 magnificent gopurams that tower above the surrounding countryside
are striking with their intricate carvings and colourful paintings.
Later we visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th Century palace built by King
Thirumalai Nayak. The palace was built with the aid of an Italian architect and
is a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islamic, and European styling. In its day, the
palace was considered one of the wonders of the south; it has now been declared
a national monument.
In the evening, we will have the special privilege of witnessing the evocative
prayer ceremony at the Meenaskhi Temple.
(Overnight at Fortune Pandiyan Hotel in Madurai)
Day 9 Sun, Feb 21: Periyar (B)
This morning, we drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady, set high in the
mountains of Kerala and renowned for its geography and wildlife. Upon arrival,
we will check into our amazing Treetop Resort and then head off for a
delightfully relaxing boat ride on Periyar Lake. The boat ride is a wonderful
way to take in the sights and sounds surrounding Periyar Lake which lies in the
heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This National Park and Tiger Reserve is
one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and is a perfect example
of nature’s bounty. Sprawling over an area of 777 sq. km., the park is rich in
biodiversity and is a repository of endangered flora and fauna. Here, visitors
can witness playful pachyderms wandering freely, elephants frolicking in the
waters of the lake, herds of deer prancing about, an abundance of bird species
colouring the sky, along with many other animal species roaming through the
park. The tiger population is also fortunately beginning to grow in this area
due to the careful attention and care of concerned citizens, staff and through
the support of visitors.
Tonight, encompassed by the animated sights and sounds of the rainforest, we
enjoy a restorative evening yoga session.
(Overnight at the Treetop Resort in Periyar) http://www.hoteltreetop.com/
Day 10 Mon, Feb 22: Alleppey (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we begin our drive to Alleppey in Kerala, fondly known as the
Venice of the East and famous for its Snake Boat Races. This charming town of
picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons, is the perfect place to
enjoy a little R & R. As we drift peacefully along the backwaters on our
beautiful and relaxing houseboat, we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and a
microcosm of flora and fauna, as well as local villages.
In the evening, we gather for a tranquil meditation circle before being gently
rocked to sleep on our houseboat.
(Overnight on Houseboat) http://www.rainbowcruises.in/premiumboats.html
Day 11 Tue, Feb 23: Kochi (B)
We enjoy breakfast on our houseboat and then make our way to the vibrant city of
Kochi, also known as Cochin. A centre of trade, Kochi merchants began trading
spices such as black pepper and cardamom with the Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, and
Chinese more than 600 years ago. A striking scene here is the row of Cheena vala,
Chinese fishing nets that line the mouth of the harbour which leads to the
Arabian Sea in Fort Kochi. Spend the afternoon at your leisure strolling through
this seaside city flanked by Western Ghats. Visit the museum to learn about the
history of this charming town, enjoy shopping at the local antique stores and
spice markets, or just relax on the beach and watch the fishermen bring in their
fresh catch of the day.
In the evening, we will gather together to witness the captivating Kathakali
Dance Show before retiring for the evening at our Heritage Hotel, a 17th Century
Dutch Palace beautifully restored and later converted into a small and intimate
hotel.
(Overnight at Fort Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi) http://www.fortheritage.com/
Day 12 Wed, Feb 24: Kochi (B)
Begin with morning yoga and then enjoy the day at your leisure for independent
activities. You may also want to take advantage of an optional excursion to
Amma’s Ashram and, if she is present, meet with Mother Amma, fondly called the
“hugging saint”, for darshan. The Sanskrit term darshan means “vision” and is
used to describe a meeting with a holy person, especially a Self Realized
master. Amma’s darshan is unique. As the embodiment of supreme motherhood, she
welcomes every person who comes to her, listens to his or her problems, offers
advice and guidance, and brings reassurance to a troubled heart. For the past 35
years Amma has dedicated her life to the uplifting of suffering humanity through
the simplest of gestures, an embrace. In this intimate manner she has blessed
and consoled more than 25 million people throughout the world. Amma’s sole
mission is to love and serve one and all and her only wish is that her hands
should always be on someone’s shoulder, consoling and caressing them and wiping
their tears, even while breathing her last.
(Overnight at Fort Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi)
Day 13 Thu, Feb 25: Kochi; Varkala (B, D)
Enjoy morning yoga, followed by breakfast and then off for a full day of
sightseeing. In the morning we enjoy a city tour of Kochi. We visit the Dutch
Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and then later modified by the Dutch
in the 17th Century, the Jewish Synagogue, magnificently decorated with Chinese
tiles and Belgian Chandeliers, St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by
Europeans in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica, built by the Portuguese in
1505, destroyed by the British in 1795 and then later rebuilt in 1905. We end
our tour in Fort Kochi, where we have some free time to wander through the town
to admire the Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture which dates back to the
16th century.
In the afternoon we drive to the Ernakulam railway station and board our train
for Trivandrum. Upon arrival, we transfer to our beautiful beach resort in
Varkala, a quaint fishing village in the southern district of Kerala, to wind
down from our exciting journey. Varkala is considered a center of pilgrimage as
well as a popular, yet more tranquil beach destination than neighbouring resort
areas. It is the only region in southern Kerala where you can find cliffs
adjacent to the Arabian Sea which creates a unique geological contrast to the
otherwise surrounding flat landscape. The beaches in the area are stunning and
the sea offers a refreshing respite from the Indian sun.
(Overnight at Krishnatheeram Resort in Varkala) http://krishnatheeram.com/
Day 14 Fri, Feb 26: Varkala (B, D)
Krishnatheeram Resort, which sits perched on a rocky cliff and hugs the
silvery-black Thiruvambady Beach, can easily be considered a tropical paradise.
The lush and tropical surroundings are strewn with coconut palms; their pebbled
pathways leading to lookout points offering tremendous views of virgin beaches
and endless sunsets. The restaurant, which looks out to the calm sea, offers
healthy and holistic cuisine, and the Ayurvedic Centre offers rejuvenating,
restorative and curative therapies. This wonderful resort will be our base for
the next few days so release and relax and take full advantage of this stunning
setting.
We begin the day with morning yoga and then enjoy the rest of the day at your
leisure. Visit the well stocked library, shop at the resort’s eco-friendly shop
or enjoy the Ayurvedic therapy programs offered at the centre. (NOTE: Therapy
programs are NOT included in tour cost and will need to be booked in advance.
Please refer to resort website for details.) In the evening, we gather for our
meditation circle to lull us into restful sleep.
(Overnight at Krishnatheeram Resort in Varkala)
Day 15 Sat, Feb 27: Varkala (B, D)
Indulge in a rejuvenating morning yoga session to start another glorious day in
paradise. Continue to enjoy the resort and all its amenities at your leisure.
Stroll along the pebbled pathways for an acupressure treatment to restore sore
and tired feet, explore the rocky shoreline and many coves, lay back and relax
on the pristine beach, get the heart pumping and circulation flowing with an
invigorating hike or bike ride, or head into town for some sightseeing. You will
find 2 major attractions nearby, the 800 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the
Nature Cure Center.
In the evening, we gather for our Farewell Dinner and our last meditation and
sharing circle before retiring for the night.
(Overnight at Krishnatheeram Resort in Varkala)
Day 16 Sun, Feb 28: Depart Trivandrum (B)
Today, bid your farewells to new found friends and remarkable South India and
transfer to Trivandrum International airport for your return home OR extend your
blissful stay in Varkala with our optional extension.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Day 16 Sun, Feb 28 – Day 20 Thu, Mar 4: Varkala (B, D)
Make full use of the resort amenities and take advantage of the wonderful
Ayurvedic therapy programs while extending your stay in paradise. It will
certainly be hard to leave on your last day, when you will be transferred to the
Trivandrum International airport for your return home. The Extension
includes 4 nights accommodation at Krishnatheeram
Resort, breakfast, dinner and taxes.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
NOTE: This itinerary subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Tour Inclusions & Price
Tour Includes:
• 14 nights accommodation in 4 star Heritage Hotels and Resorts
• 1 night on Luxury Houseboat
• Arrival and Departure Transfers
• Buffet Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches and 8 Dinners
• Sightseeing Tours and Excursions as per itinerary
• Transportation in air-conditioned Private Coach and Train
• Train Fare from Kochi to Trivandrum
• English-speaking Tour Escort for entire trip
• Entrance fees at all sites visited
Added Features:
• Travel with Yoga Teacher Michele Labelle
• Yoga and Meditation Classes with Michele Labelle
• Prayer Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
• Boat Ride on Periyar Lake
• Kathakali Dance Show
• Carefully selected Hotels and Resorts for authentic Indian experience
Tour does not include:
• International Airfare to Chennai and return from Trivandrum
• Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian)
• Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in the itinerary
• Cost to obtain valid passport and visa (Visa required for India)
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, housekeeping, porters, waitstaff (see below)
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls.
Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary
MAIN TOUR
Tour Price Per Person
Pre-paid Gratuities
USD $2699.00 USD
$100.00
Single Supplement
USD$ 869.00
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
USD $569.00
Gratuities on your own
Note: Pre-paid gratuities to cover guides, drivers, waiters, baggage
handling, etc. Your Tour Escort will carry and disburse these funds so that you
can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that everyone assisting you is being
taken care of properly.
Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a
private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are
not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be
happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions,
registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure
date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have
not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to
pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this
process.
Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver,
B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca