Spiritual India Trips: April 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

'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. 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.

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....

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.

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 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.

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