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breathe deep: South India, November 2011
India Itinerary

In This Issue
breathe deep South India with Susan
India Itinerary
Pricing and Registration
Spiritual Journey Travel
Elphanta Caves
Our personal travel agency, Spiritual Journeys, has created a tour to help us experience a more relaxing and rejuvanating trip to India. Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are all part of the journey.

See our trip featured here

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Susan in India
Susan in Northern India, 2008

 Relax and Renew in South India with Susan Weis-Bohlen

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. 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.

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 Cochin. 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 performances, 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 for our journey, we will gather together over an Indian meal 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 in the evening 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 or email me anytime with questions -- 410-235 7323, [email protected]. Note the early bird-pricing below. If you would like to stay longer, we can make this  happen too.

Namaste,

Susan Weis-Bohlen



Bangalore1
Bangalore

November 3, Depart from the US. I will advise the group on available flights. 

 

November 4-5, Bangalore.  Spiritual Journeys representatives will meet you as you arrive at dawn on November 5.  We will then transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Bangalore.

 

November 6, Bangalore.  After breakfast, leave for Mysore, approximately three hours drive.  Mysore is the City of Palaces and Oriental splendor and the principal residence of the royal family. Visit the Maharajah's Palace - a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles, and see the ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi (Shiva's bull) carved out of a single huge boulder.  We'll have an early evening in your hotel to recover from your jet lag. Overnight: Mysore.

  

November 7, 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. The figures carved in the Temple 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 8, Mysore. Full day visit of the temples at Belur and Belur 1Halebid.  Belur flourished under the Hoysala Kings 800 years ago and the sole reminder of this grandeur is the Chennakesava Temple. It stands in a perfect state of preservation and is an outstanding testament to the skill of Hoysala craftsmen. Its polished black stone exterior is profusely carved with scenes from the epics, each figure sculpted with fine detail. A short distance away at Halebid is a sister temple, the Hoysalesvara, dedicated to Shiva. Here too, the sculptor's art is remarkable with details

Belur 2

endless and exquisite: frieze upon frieze of gods, goddesses, animals and humans. This temple is the best in medieval Indian sculpture. Overnight: Hassan.

 

November 9, Nagarhole National Park. Leave at leisure for Nagarhole National Park, a drive of two hours. Check into the Forest Rest House. Karnataka's Nagarhole National Park (now Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's largest stretch of protected forest, which includes the neighboring sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wynaad.  The scenic 640 sq km park stretches over gentle hills and valleys.

sunrise
Wynand sunrise

 

Nagarhole is one of the best places in the world to find the elusive stealthy, noble and regal black-striped Royal Bengal Tiger. Besides this fearsome cat, we will find Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, dhole (wild dog), porcupine, sloth bear, striped hyenas, jackals, four horned antelopes, gray langurs, bonnet macaques, civets, mongoose, otters, pangolins, hare, porcupines, flying squirrels, marsh crocodiles, tortoise, chameleons and monitor lizards.We will take a safari into the forest on elephant back, and also go on the coracles on the River Kabini, a truly unique experience. Overnight: Nagarhole.

 

November 10, Nagarhole National Park. A dawn safari into the forest, and return for breakfast. After breakfast, leave for Calicut, a journey of two hours. After lunch in Calicut, drive to Cochin, a journey of three hours. Overnight:  Cochin.

 

November 11, Cochin. It is believed that spices originated from Cochin were presented to King Solomon by the Queen of Sheba.

 

Cochin
Coch

St. Thomas arrived in the first century AD. bringing Christianity to these shores and established Christian Communities here even before Rome.

 

The Jews, arriving here in the wake of the Diaspora, were given sanctuary and titles of land and established a flourishing trading community in Cochin.

 

For the next thousand years the spice trade was controlled by the Arabs who supplied these exotic wares through the Italian City State of Venice. 

  

We'll visit Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue which was built in 1568. This is the first Synagogue that came into existence in the Commonwealth and is also one of the oldest in the world. This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala and Joseph Levi. It stands on the grounds of Maharaja of Cochin's residence overlooking the Hindu Shrine demonstrating cordial relations of the Jews with the people of Kerala.  In addition, we will visit some important Hindu religious sites. Overnight:  Cochin.

 

November 12, Cochin. Drive to Alleppey (two hours).  We'll board our very own House Boat. House Boats are the modern form of traditional rice boats or "kettuvallams." Historically, these boats were used to transport goods. Today, some have been completely converted into floating houses for guests to explore along Kerala's

Allepy houseboat 1
The Backwaters in Allepey

backwaters. During the day, the boat will cruise through the beautiful canals lined with paddy fields and coconut groves. As the boat glides along, the gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend in to the little wavelets. 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. We will live, cook and eat

Allepy houseboat
overnight on a houseboat

in 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 eit

her side.  Overnight: House Boat.

 

November 13, Kovalam. Our House Boat experience ends at Kumarakom. Depart by train for Trivandrum, a journey of 3 � hours through the back waters of this magnificent area.  Arrive at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort for Ayurvedic treatment.  Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems, originating in India and evolved over the last 5000-6000 years. In the West, treatments based on Ayurveda are considered complementary or alternative medicine.

 

At Somatheeram, we will meet our Ayurveda physicians for Rejuvenation Therapy.

Somatheram
Somatheeram

 Treatments will be based on the recommendation of this doctor. Cost of all treatments will be paid by you directly to the Resort.  We will also meet our Yoga instructor who will start yoga training.  Overnight: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

 

November 14, Kovalam.  Continue Ayurveda based treatment & YogaWe'll have an Ayurvedic cooking class  and cook our dinner!  Overnight: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

 

November 15, Kovalam.  Continue Ayurveda based treatment & Yoga.  Overnight: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort.

sirrodhara
Ayurvedic treatment, sirrodarah

  

 November 16, Cochin/Departure.  Continue Ayurveda based treatment & Yoga.  In the afternoon depart for Cochin by road.  Transfer directly to the International terminal for your flight home, late tonight. Overnight: On board aircraft. We'll fly home basking in the relaxed state of being we obtained at the Ayurvedic resort! 

 

indian beach South India Tour Pricing   



I have created a pricing tier that will greatly benefit those who are able to book early! This will ensure us locking in the best prices possible in India.

Based on two people staying in one double room, per person, registered and paid in full April 1 - June 30: $2899

From July 1: $3099.
$500 deposit due upon registration.
Single Supplement: $965
International Airfare from the US to Bangalore, returning from Cochin to the US, is not included. I will be advising on flights. 


COST INCLUDES  

1. All hotels, double-room (unless single supplement is chosen).

2. Breakfast in all places.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Nagarhole National Park and the Houseboat.

3. One cooking lesson while at the Somatheeramresort.

4. English speaking local guide for sightseeing.

5. Transfers & sightseeing as per program using air-conditioned vehicles.

6. Train fare on air-conditioned 2-tier AC for Kottayam - Trivandrum sector.

7. Entrance fee for entry into monuments as per the itinerary.

8. 4-wd vehicle safari, Coracle ride & Elephant ride at Nagarhole. (Subject to availability).

9. Kathakali dance show performance in Cochin.

10. The services of a SJI representative at all airport and hotel transfers.

 

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Beverages, mineral water, alcohol, laundry, telephone calls; or other items of personal nature.

 2. Tips and gratuities to tour leader, driver, guide, porters, bellboys and waiters at restaurants.

 3. Increases in Airfares or Government imposed taxes or entrance fees.

 4. Still camera or video camera fees at the various monuments and museums.

 5. Any meals except specifically mentioned.

 6. Services not specifically stated in the itinerary, including services at the Ayurvedic center. Any treatments at Somatheeram Resort are to be directly paid by individual guests.

 7. Personal or travel insurance.

 8. Departure Taxes or Visa Handling Fees. VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA (I recommend using www.travisa.com).

9. Airfare to India.

 

Payments (except for airfare to and from India) will be made directly to Spiritual Journeys, our travel agent for India. Please give me a call or email to help work out the details. I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Our "breathe deep" journey to India is led by:
Susan Weis-Bohlen
proprietress, breathe books
810 W 36th Street
Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21211
www.breathebooks.com
410-235-7323
[email protected]