Approximate Schedule

Chennai

TBA

Arrive in the steamy capital of Tamil Nadu. Meet your Tour Guide, Yoga Teacher and travel companions.

Chennai

TBA

Today we begin with our first yoga session and set the tone for our journey together. We'll explore what brings us together and how we can support each other in the coming weeks. After breakfast we'll discover the city streets with a resident expert hearing many fascinating stories that guide the common beliefs and practices of the region.

Puducherry

TBA

Drive along the Coromandal Coast to the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram. A collection of ancient caves carved into and out of rock during the 7th and 8th century. We track the development of temple architecture and stone carvings during our site visit. After a spot of lunch we continue onto the former French colony of Puducherry. After a evening yoga session, enjoy a stroll along the foreshore at sunset and sample signature Indo-French cuisine.

Puducherry

TBA

After morning yoga we take to the streets by bicycle to explore the French colonial enclave. Cruising along wide boulevards we'll take in restored bungalows and civic buildings amoung the bustle of rickshaws and daily life. In the afternoon we'll take an excursion to the experimental spiritual society of Auroville. We'll have an opportunity to learn more about the founders and philosophy behind the international community that continues to thrive today.

Tiruvannamalai

TBA

After a morning yoga session we'll transfer to the unassuming town of Tiruvannamalai, an important pilgrimage spot where the Hindu God Shiva is embodied in the mountain of Arunachala. This afternoon we'll be captivated by the vast temple complex of Arunachaleswar. Dating from the 11th century, the original structure has seen additions over the years and now encompasses walkways, towering gopurams (gateways aligned with the 4 cardinal points), water tanks, shrines, priests, sadhus and trinket sellers.

Tiruvannamalai

TBA

We dedicate today to surmounting the 800 metre-high boulder-strewn hill of Mt Arunachala. Leaving the village behind we'll enter two important caves where the revered Hindu sage Sri Ramana Maharishi spent 20 years practicing self-enquiry. We practice a little of our own as a fitting tribute. Continuing in Sri Ramana's very footsteps we'll reach the top of the mountain where we'll have an unsurpassable view over the town.

Tiruvannamalai

TBA

After a morning yoga session we'll enjoy an excursion to the tranquil Sri Ramana Ashram and visit the shrine where the much venerated Guru achieved Samadhi (ecstatic state involving conscious exit from the body). Set in beautiful green surroundings, we'll unwind, meet devotees, meditate and visit the bookshop. In the afternoon back in town we have the option to return to the Arunachaleswar Temple to participate in the evening puja (temple ceremony).

Tajore

TBA

Today we transfer to the ancient capital of the powerful Chola Kings. Reigning the entire Indian Pennisula during the medieval ages the Cholas built epic temples and developed a beautiful signature bronze casting style (mostly of Hindu Gods & Goddess) that continues today. We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadishwara Temple and Fort complex this afternoon. Encompassing several pillared halls and shrines and 250 lingas along the outer walls this 'Big Temple' is the crowning glory of Chola architecture. We'll also visit the 3 metre Nandi carved from a single rock and peak into the inner shrine.

Tajore

TBA

This morning we are versed by Hindu priests in the ancient art of Vedic Chanting. Articulating the sounds that have reverberated this land for millienia, we learn the time-honored practice and inherent wisdom behind the use of Mantras. Later on we visit the Royal Palace and Museum Complex taking in various halls, galleries, library and bell tower. Afterwards we'll visit a handloom workshop and learn some signature South Indian drapes. In the evening we'll enjoy a classical music recital.

Madurai

TBA

After a morning yoga session we'll drive to the thriving city of Madurai. One of South India's oldest cities, Madurai continues to be a place of commerce, pilgrimage and learning. We'll visit the landmark Sri Meenakshi temple located in the heart of the old city. The Temple's towering gopurams are riotously decorated with a profusion of multi-coloured Gods, Goddess, animals and other mystic figures. The world within is no less vivid with abustle of temple activity around shrines, multi-pillared halls and a water tank. In the Temple Art Museum we'll witness some exquisite bronze sculptures.

Madurai

TBA

An early pre-dawn rise will have us experience the city in an altogether different light. We'll observe householders decorate their doorsteps with mandalas to welcome properity to the home. Flower and vegetable markets as farm fresh produce rolls in and famous tea sellers boil up their spicey brew. Later we have the option to visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or continue to explore the city streets. In the afternoon we visit a home and learn some of South India cuisine's specialities.

Turtle Beach

TBA

After a morning yoga session we'll cross into the verdant state of Kerala. A land blessed with fertile soil and home to many of India's spices, Kerala has been dubbed 'God's Own Country' and its easy to see why. We'll unwind under the shade of coconut palms or indulge in an Ayurvedic massage. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets of the west coast.

Turtle Beach

TBA

Today we enjoy a tranquil houseboat cruise on the beautiful backwaters. Reconditioned rice barge's navigate the vast river network that runs the length of the state. An area rich in agriculture, we'll observe farmers in the fields and produce making its way to market alongside people going about their daily lives. We'll sample delicious homecooked curries and even try the heady local brew of fermented coconut water.

Kochi

TBA

We transfer to the laid-back Fort Kochi, a place that has lured travellers and traders for over 600 years. Its varied colonial past is visible today in the Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagoge, mosques, portugese houses and crumbling British residence. We take a leisurely walking tour around the colonial quarter taking in the Portugese Palace and St Francis Church. We meander along backstreets and fill our lungs with pungent spices from the very warehouses from where they are shipped around the world.

Kochi

TBA

After a morning yoga session the rest of the day is free to enjoy the delights of the market and pick up any souveniers for home. You may want to take this opportunity to book an Ayurvedic massage, drop into the numerous art galleries promoting local and international art or just hang out in courtyard cafes. In the evening we'll witness a dynamic Kathikali classical dance performance before enjoying our Farewell Diner.

Depart

TBA

Feel free to depart anytime today. Hotel check out is 12 noon.