A pilgrimage to a sacred place, new insights, a deeper understanding is attained…feeling so much gratitude for this wonderful group of fellow pilgrims joining me one more time on this exploration of the incredible South of India….the colors…the people…the magnificence of ancient sites and rituals…the deep silence at Ramana Ashram in Tiru….the ancient wisdom being felt in some of the temples and shrines…Mother India once again surprises and amazes on so many levels…here a few samples of a very colorful excursion. Thank you for your incredible participation Om Shantih yours Savita
November 3 – 21, 2024
Starting in Trivandrum (Thiruvanathapuram), we find our footing in India (so to speak) through a 7-night Rejuvenation Treatment Package at a renowned Ayurveda Boutique Hospital. What a better way to start our pilgrimage to the South of India, but to restore and nourish the body/mind and soul with centuries old traditional Ayurvedic treatments . Your 7-night package includes daily rejuvenation treatments, consultations with an Ayurveda doctor, individualized Ayurveda vegetarian meals aligned with your body’s doshas and more. Plus we get to enjoy the local area and nourish the spirit by meandering through lush gardens with beautiful panoramic views over the Indian Ocean…
After our 7-night treat, we start exploring the town of Kanyakumari. Poised at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, Kanyakumari, at the most southern fringes of Tamil Nadu is unique in that the celestial happenstance of sunset and moonrise can be seen simultaneously. Also famous are its Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Kanyakumari Temple dedicated to the Goddess Kanyakumari. From there our journey continues to Ramanathapuram, home to numerous ancient temples and the Ramalingavilasam Palace. The city boast a rich cultural heritage, one of its most famous temples, Mangalanatha Swamy Temple is said to be as old as 3,000 years (fathom that). The next day we are on our way to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities. Madurai is said to hold the soul of Tamil Nadu in its magnificent and grand temples that are among the finest and most awe-inspiring examples of architecture in the South of India. The most famous is the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple. representing an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Our pilgrimage continues via the ancient city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) to Tiruvannamalai (Tiru) to visit the famous Ramana Maharshi Ashram and Arunachala Mountain (Shiva’s abode). Over the centuries many saints and sages have been drawn to Arunachala mountain…Following in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims we will experience circumambulation of Arunachala mountain to drink in the divine nectar of Lord Shiva.
Our journey then continues to Pondicherry (Puducherry), considered the French Riviera of the East, a charming seaside town with fascinating colonial structures, seafront promenades and various known spiritual centers like Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville with it’s famous Matrimandir (I remember when I went there the energy was pure Silence)…may we steep in this deep Silence India has to offer even in the midst of some of the cacophony of every day life in India.
Lastly, as an optional extension we can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad…these hand carved Buddhist caves were built and sponsored by the Indian rulers of the period dating back from the 2nd century BC to about 480…the caves include rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. (Please inquire about price quote for 3-night extension to the Caves)
Price Ayurveda Yoga Retreat Nov 3-10, 2024: Single Hill View Deluxe room $2,100; Double Occupancy Hill View Deluxe room/person $1650; Single Palace Deluxe room $2,300; Double Occupancy Palace Deluxe room $1850/person
Included in price are 7-night accommodation: daily Ayurveda Rejuvenation treatments, Ayurveda vegetarian full board meal, Initial, daily and final consultation with Ayurveda Doctor, Free medicines during treatment period, Composition of an individual Ayurveda treatment period, Daily yoga asana & meditation with Savita, Airport transfer from Thiruvanathapuram (TRV) International Airport. (Other complimentary cultural programs onsite including Ayurveda lecture class and cooking demonstration also included in rate)
Price Yoga Pilgrimage of South India Nov 10-21, 2024: Single Occupancy in 3 and 4 Star Hotels $4500, Double Occupancy in 3 and 4 Star Hotels $3900/person
Included in price are 11-night accommodation in 3 and 4 Star Hotels, all transfers starting in Thiruvanathapuram and all intercity drives by chauffeur driven mini bus between 5 cities with final drop off at Chennai (MAA) International Airport, breakfasts at all hotels, all monument/temple entrance fees as per program, sight-seeing with local English-speaking guide in 4 cities, arrival assistance at Madurai, Pondicherry and departure assistance in Chennai, 2 bottles of water per person on daily basis, public ferry at Kanyakumari, all applicable taxes on the hotels and transportation as of January 2024 (any travel tax increases by Indian Government after February 15, 2024 might increase trip costs).
(NOT included are E-Visa for international travelers, international flight from US airport to Thiruvanathapuram (TRV) airport and return from Chennai (MAA) airport, lunches and dinners, mandatory travel and international medical insurance, any expenses of personal nature like tips, soft drinks, laundry.)
Terms: A deposit of $2000 (for entire trip Nov 3-21) is required to reserve your space, $1000 of this deposit is non-refundable. The remaining $1000 will be refundable until June 15, 2024, net of any costs incurred. After that date the trip is non-refundable. Full payment is required by June 15th to secure above listed discounted tour price. After June 1st an additional processing fee of $500 is applied. A travel and international health insurance is required to participate in this tour and can be purchased through www.squaremouth.com.
