Spiritual India Trips

Friday, January 27, 2017

Yoga Vacation in God's Own Country
(November 1 to 14, 2020)

If you enjoy secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, picturesque hill stations, spectacular waterfalls and tropical forests, you must consider a visit to Kerala,

India

's cleanest and most peaceful state. Kerala is truly God's Own Country. A land charming in every detail, Kerala has played host to travelers since time immemorial. In view of rising popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda, it is today one of the most sought-after new age destinations in Asia.

I invite you to join Yoga Vacation in God's Own Country to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kerala, which has been acclaimed as one of the ten paradises of the world. Following is a brief description of the places that we plan to visit.

Amma's Ashram: Amritapuri is the living example of the ancient Indian ideal "the whole world is one family" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam). Here you will find people from all parts of the world - all living under one roof. In their quest for the meaning of life, each has forgotten their differences and become a child of Amma.

Varkala: This beautiful beach destination has been ranked as one of the 10 top seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery channel. Apart from being a well established Ayurveda & Yoga destination, It has many historical places, including a 2000-year old Vishnu temple.

Munnar: Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. It is such a beautiful place in Kerala, which cannot be portrayed in a single canvas. Everything and anything here will make you excited. The hills, the mist, the valleys, the streams, the waterfalls, tea plantations, rare flora and fauna and much more....

Alleppey: It is famous for its numerous rivers crisscrossing the Sea and is home to many canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons. Alleppey is often referred to as the "Venice of the East".

Thiruvanthapuram: A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this capital city a much sought after tourist destination.

Kochi: A cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, Kochi, one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is most popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese visited Kochi and left their impressions on the town.

Following is a very brief itinerary of our visit to Kerala. It is subject to changes.

November 1st: Arrive any time after 12:00 pm at Thiruvanthapuram International Airport. Pick up arrangements will be made to take you to a hotel at Varkala. Rest and relax.

November 2nd: Yoga, orientation and visit to Papnasham beach, Cliff and other places. Varkala is the only place in Southern India where one can find laterite cliffs hugging the shores of the Arabian Sea. The imposing laterite cliff coupled with natural mineral springs is considered to cleanse the body and mind.

November 3rd: Yoga, free time for Ayurvedic massage and treatments and sightseeing in Varkala. Ayurveda, science of life, focuses on prevention of ailments as well as rejuvenation of body, mind and soul.

November 4th: Visit to Trivendrum, capital of Kerala.

November 5th: Yoga and leave for Amma's Ashram in Kollam by a private bus/car.

November 6th and 7th: Enjoy the empowering activities of the Ashram that is located on a small island cradled between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. This place has become the center of a silent spiritual revolution.
(More details: https://www.amritapuri.org/ashram)

November 8th: Leave for Alleppy by a bus, car or ferry.

November 9th: Backwater Tour. Backwaters means a picturesque network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals that run inland from the coast of Kerala. The lush green palm fringed landscape, diverse wildlife, and houses and villages that line the backwaters make a journey along these waterways seem like a journey through another world.

November 10th: Leave for Munnar Hill Station in a private bus.

November 11th: Visit to Tea Gardens and Eravikulam National Park. The park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also of the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mist. This park holds the largest viable Nilgiri Tahr, several other spices of rare animals, birds and butterflies.

November 12th: Sightseeing in Munnar and leave for Kochi.

November 13th: Visit a Cultural Center to watch Kerala classical dance performances.

November 14th: Yoga, rest, relax, visit the local bazaar and leave for Kochi airport.

For registration, more details or questions, please feel absolutely free to contact me at jogibhagat@gmail.com. Hope you can join us.

Following are website links for some places that we plan to visit during this India Trip.

(i) Eravikulam National Park: http://www.eravikulam.org/

(ii) Alleppey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxU_bsel_PQ

(iii) Amma's Ashram: https://www.amritapuri.org/ashram
(Please note that the accommodation at the Ashram is basic, simple and without air conditioning.)

Jogi

512-963-8364

PS: Following are some more pictures of Kerala, taken by me in the last few years.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Spiritual India Retreat (Dec. 22, 2016 - Jan. 5, 2017)

Encouraged by the overwhelming response to my 8th Spiritual India Trip (Nov. 2 - 16, 2016), I have decided to organize one more India Trip this year (Dec. 22, 2016 - Jan. 5, 2017). I invite you to join this trip of a lifetime to explore the beauty of India's 5000 years old rich culture, heritage, beautiful palaces and delicious cuisines.

While travelling to most popular tourist destinations of North India (Rishikesh / Haridwar, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), we will not only delve into India's history of massive forts, the opulence and splendor of Rajasthan's palaces, but also have the opportunity to visit some of the most serene and spiritually enriched places in the majestic Himalayas. We will enjoy a lot of fun activities, including visits to colorful bazaars and elephant ride etc.

As you know, India is a mystical land that has a living ancient culture in its many holy places and Ashram's. At one of these Ashram's, we will attend a spiritual retreat under the guidance of famous Yoga Masters.

Following is just a brief itinerary of this trip, including visit to Taj Mahal in Agra, Akshar Dham etc. in Delhi, Amber Palace in Jaipur, Ashram-s and places of faith in Rishikesh. This itinerary is subject to changes.

Thursday, December 22: Arrive any time after 12:00 pm in Delhi. Rest and relax.

Friday, December 23: Sightseeing in Delhi, including visit to Akshar Dham Temple, one of the wonders of 21st century.

Saturday, December 24: Departure for Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga, by a luxury train.

December 25 to 31: A donation-based spiritual retreat, including visit to Vashisht Cave, up in Himalayas and attending the Aarati (worshipping with lamps) at the banks of holy Ganges river etc.

Sunday, January 1: Departure for Jaipur, the pink city.

Monday, January 2: Vising Palace of Winds, colorful bazaars and dinner / dance with a local folk dance group.

Tuesday, January 3: Turban wrapping and visit to Amber Palace on an elephant and departure for Delhi by a luxury train.

Wednesday, January 4: One day visit to Agra to see Taj Mahal, a 16th century love story.

Thursday, January 5: Shopping and leave for US.

The pictures in the following blog will give you a better idea about this Spiritual India Retreat.
http://medicinalyoga.blogspot.com/

For registration details or questions, please contact me at yogasolutions@gmail.com

Om Shanti,
Jogi
512-963-8364

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Yoga Vacation in Kerala, God's Own Country (Oct. 16 - 26, 2015)

Yoga Vacation in God's Own Country

(October 16 - 26, 2015)

If you enjoy secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, picturesque hill stations, spectacular waterfalls and tropical forests, you must consider a visit to Kerala,

India

I invite you to join Yoga Vacation in God's Own Country to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kerala, which has been acclaimed as one of the ten paradises of the world. During our 11-day vacation, we will spend 4 nights each at Varkala beach and historical and cultural town Kochi and two nights at the hill station of Munnar. Following is a brief description of the places that we plan to visit.

Kolukumalai, Tamilnadu: It is highest tea plantations in the world. It is about 8000 Ft. above the sea level and 32 Kms. from Munnar. It is extremely scenic and from here one can have an excellent view of the far off plains in the bordering state of Kerala and plains of Tamilnadu.

Following is a very brief itinerary of our visit to Kerala. It is subject to minor changes.

October 16th: Arrive any time after 12:00 pm at Thiruvanthapuram International Airport. Pick up arrangements will be made to take you to a hotel at Varkala. Rest and relax.

October 17th: Yoga, orientation and visit to Papnasham beach, Cliff and other places. Varkala is the only place in Southern India where one can find laterite cliffs hugging the shores of the Arabian Sea. The imposing laterite cliff coupled with natural mineral springs is considered to cleanse the body and mind.

October 18th: Yoga, free time for Ayurvedic massage and treatments. Ayurveda, science of life, focuses on prevention of ailments as well as rejuvenation of body, mind and soul.

October 19th: Yoga, sightseeing in Varkala and Thiruvanthapuram, including visit to Napier Museum and Sree Chithra Art Gallery, in a private bus.

October 20th: Yoga and leave for Ernakulam by train

October 21st: One day Backwater Tour on traditional Kettuvallam (boat). Backwaters means a picturesque network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals that run inland from the coast of Kerala. The lush green palm fringed landscape, diverse wildlife, and houses and villages that line the backwaters make a journey along these waterways seem like a journey through another world.

October 22nd: Yoga, Leave for Munnar Hill Station in a private bus. Visit Kodanadu Elephant Camp, watch elephants taking bath, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Tea Gardens and Tea Museum and Spice Garden.

October 23rd: Yoga and one day visit to Kolukumalai in a jeep.

October 24th: Leave for Fort Kochi by private bus. Visit a Cultural Center to watch Kerala classical dance performance, depending upon our arrival time in Fort Kochi.

October 25th: Yoga, morning walk to the waterfront to see fishermen working the Chinese fishing nets, visit to 15th century Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace.

October 26th: Yoga, rest, relax, visit the local bazaar and leave for Kochi airport.

For registration, more details or questions, please feel absolutely free to contact me at yogasolutions@gmail.com. Hope you can join us.

Jogi

512-963-8364

PS: Following are more pictures of Kerala,, taken by me in the last 8 months.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1189411382966624570#editor/target=post;postID=2760348116074732750;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname