In association with www.yogatoursindia.com, a distinguished internationally recognized yoga tour organization, will lead an extraordinary pilgrimage to the most fascinating Temples and Retreat Centres of Southern India! Our carefully planned itinerary will begin after arriving in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on the 8th of February until our departure from Trivandrum, Kerala on February 24, 2008 completing our Pilgrimage.

We will take you to a string of sacred shrines in Tamil Nadu such as, the magnificent Meenakshi temple at Madurai and the breathtaking Siva-Parvati temple of Arunachaleswar. Visit the pristine ashram of the great saint Ramana Maharshi in Thiruvannamalai; the sacred pilgrim centres of Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Ramashwaram, with scores of other exciting spectacles which are sure to capture your soul. Join us for this unique opportunity to experience some of the truly enriching aspects of ancient Indian culture.

In Kerala, Tamil's neighboring state, the sunny state in Southwest India offers an endless series of splendors and wonders, long stretches of beaches, bewitching backwaters, blue lagoons, cascading streams, picturesque plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, languishing lowlands, and houseboats, the fascinating city of Cochin, with its multi-cultural foreign influence from Chinese fishing nets, Mosques, to a 16th century synagogue all of which make Kerala, "God's own Country."

Included in the cost of our Pilgrimage are specially arranged high quality programs and ceremonies such as: authentic bharatanatyam (dance), homa (a fire ceremony,) purification rituals, ayurvedic massage, traditional yoga and meditation for you to share, experience and enjoy! Also for your convenience, we are pleased to offer to you our services in assisting you with securing discounted airfare from three main international cities, New York, USA; Montreal, Canada; and Cairo, Egypt!

                 ITINERARY A  or click here for ITINERARY B

                 The South Indian Yoga Pilgrimage 2008 
                           February 8 - February 24th

February 8, 2007 Initial arrival at Chennai (Madras) Airport in the state of Tamil Nadu. Rest at pre-booked Hotel in Chennai, Tamil New Year!

 Inauguration of Pilgrimage Ceremony at the Kapalishvara Temple, one of the finest examples of Dravdian architecture in India for a special Ganapathy pooja. Explore holy and cultural sites in Chennai with a visit to the Saint Thomas Cathedral where the revered saint lived his remaining years and believed to be entombed inside.

 Kanchipuram (70km.,) one of the seven holiest sites of India. Famous for its temples and silks. A fascinating visit to the Kailasanatha Temple, the oldest in Kanchi, housing one of the largest Siva Lingams in Asia, as well as the Kamaksi Amman Temple dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi among others.

Travel to Thiruvannamala (100 km.,) one of Indias most memorable destinations. We'll stay and experience the serenity of the Sri Ramanashram. The sacred Arunachala mountain creates an amazing natural backdrop amidst the ashram. We'll visit the breathtaking Arunachaleswar Temple, the "Temple Of The Eternal Sunrise."

 Our pilgrimage will feature an early morning "pradakshana,"
or ritual walk around the sacred Arunachala.  A healthy lunch
at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram. Afternoon/evening free
time to enjoy ashram activities, nature or hike to the
auspicous Sri Ramana Maharshi's meditation cave.

Travel to Chidambaram (145 km.,) and stay at pre-booked hotel. One of the more important pilgram destinations. Here, the great Nataraj Temple complex is located. Our visit to the Nataraja Temple will include a fascinating observance of the most ancient of Tamil pooja and arati (ceremony of light) rituals.

Morning departure to Kumbakonam (220 km.) Local sightseeing. Rest at pre-booked Hotel.

Our pilgrimage takes us to the Temples of 9 Planets, where India’s most refined Chola Stone sculptures and magnificent ancient monuments are preserved. Visitors seldom visit such exquisite shrines!

Travel to Ramashwaram (290 km.) One of the four most sacred Hindu pilgrim centres. Stay at our pre-booked Hotel and also relax at seaside.

Morning purification ritual at the sea in preparation to visit the ancient Ramanathaswami Temple. We will experience the ritual of the 22 baths with temple priests, believed to have particular healing powers. An afternoon visit to the One Thousand Pillared Mandapam.

Travel to Madurai (213km.) one of South Asia's oldest cities. Rest at pre-booked Hotel. Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple, one of India's greatest temples with its architecturally sacred ancient design.

Morning visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple, nearby attractions, great shopping at bazaars, and rest.

Scenic travel westward into Kerela State towards Cochin (270 km.) Visit to Kothamangalam's Int'l Gurukulam Ashram. Enjoy relaxing backwater boat adventure, rest, an evening meditation bonfire.

Cochin. An extraordinary city of foreign cultural influence,
set on a myriad of islands adjoining the Arabian Sea. Here, rich spices, Chinese fishing nets, a Portuguese Palace, lovely winding streets with Mosques, India's first European church, quaint Dutch houses, and a 16th century Jewish synagogue highlight this day. No journey to India would be complete without experiencing an Indian Train! Evening departure to Kanyakumari (314 km.)

Morning arrival (6:30) in Kanyakumari, the southernmost  tip of India where the Indian Ocean, Bay Of Bengal and Arabian Sea all merge  together as one. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple  of the Virgin Goddess, along with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial dedicated to the great religous sage. Sunset meditation on the beach.

    *ALL INCLUSIVE LAND PACKAGE $1700 US!! Includes 16 nights accommodation, meals, hotel tax, airport
transfers, land transportation, entrance fees, special programs,  fresh drinking water. (Airfare separate.) 
  

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   Personal South Indian Photos