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The Spirit of IndiaA Yoga &
Spirituality Tour of South India
February 13 -
28, 2010
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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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Map - View of tour destinations
View
India - The Spirit of India - A Yoga & Spirituality Tour of South India in a larger map |
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Sat, Feb 13: Arrive Chennai; Transfer to Mahabalipuram |
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 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)
mahabalipuram.indecohotels.com/index.html |
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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) |
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Day 3 Mon, Feb 15: Puducherry, Auroville & Aurobindo Ashram (B) |
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 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)www.neemranahotels.com/pondi/index.html.htm |
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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)
swamimalai.indecohotels.com/ss.html |
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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) |
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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 Gangaikondan
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 Gangaikondan 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) |
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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)
www.fortunepandiyanhotel.com/ |
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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) |
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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)
www.hoteltreetop.com/ |
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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)
www.rainbowcruises.in/premiumboats.html |
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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)
www.fortheritage.com |
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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) |
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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)
krishnatheeram.com/ |
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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) |
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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) |
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Day
16 Sun, Feb 28: Depart Trivandrum (B) |
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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
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Day 16 Sun, Feb 28 – Day 20 Thu, Mar 4: Varkala (B, D) |
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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 is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Your Journey Includes: |
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Special
Added Features: |
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Tour
does not include: |
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Tour Price |
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
Pre-paid Gratuities |
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MAIN TOUR |
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USD $2699.00 |
USD $869.00 |
USD $100.00 |
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OPTIONAL EXTENSION |
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USD $569.00 |
USD $279.00 |
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. |
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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