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Relax and Renew in South India with Susan Weis-Bohlen 3 to 17 November, 2011
Envision an overnight trip on a houseboat, through the back waters in Kerala, the stars and lights from the tiny villages, the only illumination we see. Imagine a safari at dawn, on elephant back, witnessing the forrest awaken. Smell the scents of the spices as we explore the ancient city of Chochin. And imagine warm oil being massaged deeply into your body, gently releasing tensions and toxins, and allowing you to find balance and harmony. Yoga, Ayurvedic cooking classes, musical and dance ceremonies, and meditation throughout the trip will only enhance the pleasures and treasures we will discover together during our two weeks in India. Before we leave, we will gather together to discuss our trip and the importance of several of the sacred sites we will visit. I would also love to teach you the Sanskrit Chakra Tonings and Meditation Sutras, which will align us spiritually with the powerful and beautiful energy of India. We leave on November 3, 2011, arriving at dawn on November 5, in Bangalore, to begin our adventure. Please see the itinerary below including registration details. The trip is limited in size to ensure ease of travel. Call (410-235-7323) or email me anytime with questions. Note the early bird-pricing below. If you would like to stay longer, we can make this happen too. Read more about this tour. Namaste, Susan Weis-Bohlen
November 3, USA. Depart The Americas. November 4, Bangalore. Arrive into Bangalore late tonight (or dawn on November 5). Our representatives will meet you as you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Bangalore. November 5, Bangalore. Bangalore - a flourishing city, industrial center and garden spot all in one. Visit the Bull Temple, the monolithic deity being the Nandi or celestial bull, a marvelous work on granite. Leave for Mysore by road. (approximately 3 hours traveling time). Arrive and Check-In to the Mysore Hotel. Mysore - City of Palaces and Oriental splendor. Principal residence of the royal family. Visit the Maharajah’s Palace - a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles. An ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi (Shiva’s bull) carved out of a single huge boulder. Somnathpur with its exquisite Hoysala Temple built in the second half of the 13th century at the confluence of the rivers Kaveri and Kabini. Overnight: Mysore. November 6, Mysore. An hour east of Mysore lies the village of Somnathpur with its exquisite Hoysala Temple buil t in the second half of the 13th Mysore palace nightcentury, at the confluence of the rivers Kaveri and Kabini. It is triple-shrined, with an enclosed courtyard and is flat-roofed but with the suggestion of a spire, well carved and sculpted with rows of friezes going right round the walls. The figures carved are beautifully detailed and intricately placed within the friezes. Scenes from the epics, dancers, musicians, warriors, nature, all are represented here with great artistry. Return to Mysore in the evening. Overnight: Mysore. November 7, Mysore. Full day visit to the Temples at Belur and Halebid. The 800 year old Belur Temple stands in a perfect state of preservation and is an outstanding testament to the skill of Hoysala craftsmen. Halebid is a sister temple dedicated to Shiva. Here too, the sculptor’s art is remarkable with details endless and exquisite: frieze upon frieze of gods, goddesses, animals and humans. Overnight: Hassan. November 8. Nagarhole National Park. Leave at leisure for Nagarhole National Park, a drive of 2 hours, to get a peak at India's fabled wild life. Check into the forest rest house. Take a safari into the forest on elephant back, and go on the coracles on the River Kabini. Overnight: Forest Rest House. November 9. Nagarhole National Park. A dawn safari into the forest, and return for breakfast. After breakfast, leave for Calicut, a journey of 2 hours. After lunch in Calicut, drive to Cochin, a journey of three hours. Overnight: Cochin. November 10, Cochin. Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663; a Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town – the first Jews came to Kerala about 600 BC. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. Kathakali Dance performance at a local theatre. Overnight: Cochin. November 11, Cochin. Drive to Alleppey (2 hours). We will live, cook and eat on our very own Houseboat. During the day, the boat will cruise along Kerala’s backwaters through the beautiful canals lined with paddy fields and coconut groves on either side. Enjoy magnificent scenery all along the leafy waterways that meander from town to town, revealing fresh treasures and admire what history and religion have left in towns and villages along the way. Overnight: House Boat. November 12, Kovalam. Your House Boat experience ends with the boat coming to a halt at Kumarakom around 0930 hours. Depart by train for Trivandrum, a journey of 3 ½ hours through the back waters of this magnificient area. Commence your therapy based on the principles of Ayurveda. Overnight: An Ayurveda Resort. November 13, Kovalam. Continue Ayurveda based therapy. Overnight: An Ayurveda Resort. November 14, Kovalam. Continue Ayurveda based therapy. Overnight: An Ayurveda Resort. November 15, Kovalam. Continue Ayurveda based therapy. Overnight: An Ayurveda Resort. November 16, Departure. Morning at leisure, then transfer to Cochin airport for your onward / return flight. Overnight: On board aircraft.
Registration: Please complete and return your registration form to Deepak Singh, Spiritual Journeys, Inc., 262 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA. Ph: 508-358-4267. (The form is in PDF format and will open in a new window using Adobe Acrobat. Download Acrobat Reader for free if you don’t already have it.) Contact: For more information, contact Susan Weis-Bohlen or call 410-235-7323. Alternatively, Deepak Singh, Spiritual Journeys, Inc., or call 508-358-4267.
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Relax in India? Yes, it's possible! When most people think of
India, besides the amazing spiritual and historic sites. they
imagine the busy streets, the crowded tourist destinations and
hustle and bustle of daily life. Afterall, one billion people
enjoying democracy can be a little overwhelming at times! So I've
specifically designed this trip to reflect another side of India
that not everyone has a chance to experience.