South India: 31 Dec-16 Jan 2011

‘Return to The Centre’ South India Ashram Journey

31 Dec -16 Jan 2011 (17-Days)

Itinerary as at 11 April 2010

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If you would like to view a full-colour itinerary as a PDF link, please click for download here

“Your desire to make this trip to India successful for the Elliott Family was reflected in the time you devoted to organizing all the details in this very foreign land. We felt cocooned and protected from all the inefficiencies and small disasters that can be part of the Indian experience. It all went like clock-work. The whole experience more than met my expectations, and this is because of all the work and effort you put into our trip Meath. I will be talking widely about the experience . . .  I will be recommending you as the master of ceremonies. Thanks again mate.” Herb Elliott, AC., MBE.  Olympic Athlete, Australia

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This Ashram Journey seeks to offer participants a deep experience of the Contemplative Way as lived in several historic ashrams in South India.

We’ll visit Dom Bede Griffiths’ Saccidananda ashram at Shantivanam near Tiruchy (Trichy). Zen Master Ama Samy SJ will guide us at the breathtakingly beautiful Bodhi Zendo near the hill-station of Kodaikanal. We enjoy lunch in the fascinating and unique French atmosphere of Pondicherry before moving on to the Great Temple to Lord Siva at Chidambaram. No visit to this part of the world would be complete without seeing the magnificent World Heritage Temples of Kumbakonum. And, for three days we will enjoy the vibrant spiritual atmosphere (staying near Sri Ramana Maharshi’s ashram) of Tiruvannamalai at Mount Arunachala-Siva.

Deposit Due Date: 1 September 2010

COST: AUD   (Single Supplement: AUD )

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Mahabalipuram ● Chidambaram ●  Kumbakonum ● Tanjore ● Trichy ● Kodaikanal (Bodhi Zendo) ● Shantivanam Ashram ● Tiruvannamalai (Mt Arunachala) ● Chennai

Arunachala) ● Chennai

Day 1 – Fri December 31, 2010: Arrive Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram).

Meals Provided: Lunch

(Those who wish, may like to enjoy “New Year Gala” Dinner at the Resort)

* Note: Our journey commences in Mahabalipuram and guests should make their own way here. Our Chariot Beach Resort is booked from 12:00 (noon) on this day.

* However, some may require meeting and assistance on arrival at Chennai International and then transfer to Hotel Radha in Chennai. For those who wish, we can also arrange the onward transfer to Mahabalipuram. If this is chosen, it may be arranged with us as an extra.

As guests are arriving at all hours during the day, we prefer this to be a quiet day.

Orientation later afternoon – evening. “Gathering Dinner” for the first night.

Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort, in Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram – Mahabalipuram, 58 Kms south of Chennai. Noted for its exquisitely carved temples from the 7th century Pallava Dynasty, especially the World Heritage listed Shore Temple. It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples built near the sea shore. But the lonely survivor is the so-called ‘Shore Temple’ (with sea-walls protecting it – fortuitously ordered built by the late Prime Minister Indira Ghandi). Shore Temple was originally constructed during the 7th century. Later it was completed by Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha). This World Heritage site is one of the oldest of the South Indian Temples constructed in the Dravidian style. After the Taj Mahal it is reputed to be the most photographed monument in India.

Overnight in Mamallapuram at Chariot Beach Resort

Day 2 – Sat January 1, 2011: Mahabalipuram

Meal Provided: Breakfast and Lunch at the Resort

A relaxed day by the beach, walking under coconut groves, by the pool or seaside, or perhaps enjoying an ayurvedic massage – of which there are many practitioners in the town. Evening meal at your own pace and arrangement.

Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort

Daily Inter-faith Readings: from the Christian Mystics and Desert Tradition, Abishiktananda, Jules Monchinin, Bede Griffiths, the Tamil Mystical Poets, the Upanishads, Baghavad Gita. For those interested, Meditation in the tradition of Centering Prayer. Individual Spiritual Direction available throughout this retreat-journey.

Day 3 – Sun January 2, 2011: Mahabalipuram -  Tiruvannamalai

Meals Provided: Breakfast in Mahabalipuram, Packed-Lunch en route (picnic at or near Gingi Fort), and Dinner.

After breakfast we drive to the popular pilgrimage town of Tiruvannamalai, In ‘Tiru’, we stay at the modern and comfortable Hotel Arpanna. The rooms here are single or twin-share, each with air-conditioning, and western bathroom with shower and hot and cold water. The hotel has excellent views of Mt. Arunachala, a mountain more geologically ancient than the Himalayas.

Arunachala (meaning: the “dawn-coloured” mountain) is Siva’s abode and axis of the world. Covered in rock-overhangs and caves, it has been the home of Hindu sages throughout millennia.

Overnight at HOTEL ARPANNA.

Day 4 -  Mon January 3, 2011:  Tiruvannamalai

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

For half a century, the guru and saintly Sri Ramana Maharshi lived on the mountain in peaceful and often silent contemplation until his death in 1950. Visiting the ashram and attending the daily chanting is a wonderful, gentle and uplifting experience. The gentle climb to the saint’s cave – where he spent the years 1915 – 1922, at Skandashram is worth the effort.

Overlooking the main temple, the hermitage is a peaceful spot where fresh water falls from the inner mountain and shady trees abound.

Overnight at HOTEL ARPANNA.

Day 5 -  Tue January 4, 2011:  Tiruvannamalai

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

We decide that the several days we spend at Tiruvannamalai, are simply not enough; one day, we suspect, we shall more than likely return.

Overnight at HOTEL ARPANNA.

Day 6 -  Wed January 5, 2011:  Tiruvannamalai – Pondicherry

Meals Provided: Breakfast in ‘Tiru’, and Lunch in ‘Pondi’

On arrival check in at your hotel.

Afternoon visiting Maitri Mandir, Aurobindo Ashram, Nehru Street, Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the evening walking near waterfront. Guests may individually choose their own Dining place for the evening (Pondi is famous for it’s “French cuisine” among some great eating places)

Overnight at HOTEL ATITHI.

Day 7 – Thur January 6, 2011: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam

Meal Provided: Breakfast in ‘Pondi’, and Dinner at our Kumbakonum hotel

After breakfast leave for Chidambaram ( 02 Hours drive ).

Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 78 km south of Pondicherry and 60 km north of Karaikal in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether). The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jembukeswara (water),  Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai

Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

After Lunch in Chidambaram, we drive for Kumbakonam (02 Hours).  On arrival around evening – check in at hotel.

We visit the exquisite 850 year-old World Heritage Temples at Darasuram. Visit a small silk weaving community and watch, enthralled, at the weavers‘ skills at creating beautiful saris.

Overnight in  Kumbakonum at MANTRA VEPPATHRUR  or  PARADISE RESORTS.

Day 8 – Fri January 7, 2011:  In Kumbakonum

Meals Provided: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at Hotel Sangam in Tanjore

This morning visit Temples in Tanjore  and visit SURI’s Bronze casting Workshop. Return back to Kumbakonam.

Overnight in  Kumbakonum at MANTRA VEPPATHRUR  or  PARADISE RESORTS.

Day 9 – Sat January 8, 2011:  Kumbakonam – Trichy

Meals Provided: Breakfast at Hotel in Kumbakonum, and Lunch at hotel in Trichy.

Pleasant and easy day visiting Sri Rangam Temple – India’s Largest – an architectural masterpiece, the Rock Fort temple and Bazaar, with plenty of time to shop among the colourful markets. Lunch at own pace and arrangement.

Overnight in Trichy, at Hotel Sangam

Day 10 – Sun January 9, 2011 : Trichy – Bodhi Zendo (Kodaikanal)

Meals Provided: Breakfast in Trichy; Lunch at Carlton Hotel (Kodaikanal), and Dinner at Bodhi Zendo

After ‘early-ish’ breakfast, a long drive covering 200 Kms of distance – for Bodhi Zendo, near the hill-station of Kodaikanal. This is a beautiful place where we are received hospitably to make a three-day retreat with Ama Samy SJ, India’s only Zen Master. Ama Samy is a Jesuit priest, who, thanks to his friend Fr H. M. Enomiya Lassalle SJ trained in Zen meditation with Yamada Roshi for many years, in Japan. He teaches regularly in Australia, Europe and the USA. The weather is cool at night, though balmy and sunny during the days (*Bring some warm clothing).

Overnight at Bodhi Zendo

Day 11 – Mon January 10, 2011 : Bodhi Zendo

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bodhi Zendo. After a restful night in comfortable private rooms, we rise early to commence a 2-day sesshin (sitting meditation) retreat in an atmosphere of silence and calm, surrounded by lovely gardens, sunny days and mountain mists. * Note: Nights and mornings can be brisk, so bring a warm top, woolly socks, mittens and scarf at least.

Overnight BODHI ZENDO

Day 12 – Tue January 11, 2011: Bodhi Zendo

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Retreat program (sesshin) at Bodhi Zendo. Also be prepared for “seva” (community service), which, depending on the roster, could include light gardening / weeding, sweeping, cleaning, etc.

Overnight in Bodhi Zendo

Day 13 – Wed January 12, 2011: Bodhi Zendo – Shantivanam

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast at Bodhi Zendo we begin our day’s excursion among the lovely Perumal Hills, finally heading for the famous Carlton Hotel where we will enjoy their famous Buffet Luncheon – overlooking green lawns, high mountain trees and a stunning lake (with boat rides for those who wish).

Leisurely departure from Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal by road after lunch, to Shantivanam – arrive late afternoon

Overnight at Ananda Ashram, SHANTIVANAM

Day 14 – Thur January 13, 2011:  In  Shantivanam

Meals Provided: Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners

Shantivanam, our destination for this leg of our journey, means ‘Forest of Peace’, for that is what most who come here describe it as. Set under tall coconut palms, amid banana trees and colourful bougainvillea, gentle breezes float in from the sacred River Cauvery (also Kavery) – the ‘Ganges of the South.’

This ashram was founded in 1950 by two Frenchmen, Jules Monchinin and Henri Le Saux, and was a pioneer attempt to found a Christian community following the customs of a Hindu ashram and adapting itself to Hindu ways of life and thought.

Shantivanam. Here there is an excellent library with books on a vast range of topics; an hour or two reading on its shady verandas is not a bad way to spend a morning.

Overnight at SHANTIVANAM

Day 15 – Fri January 14, 2011: Shantivanam

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Shantivanam. Two ashrams comprise Shantivanam: Saccidananda ashram and adjacent to it, Ananda ashram. Though we attend all rituals, liturgies, talks and much of the community gathering at Saccidananda ashram, we actually stay with Sister Marie Louisa at the adjacent Ananda ashram. Our kutirs (one-person huts), set amid lush gardens, are clean, private and self-contained. They provide individual islands of peace and solitude from which we can deepen our deliberate spiritual journey of self-discovery. The food is lovingly prepared under the direction of Sr Marie Louise with incredible attention to the benefit of our good health and daily strength.

Overnight at SHANTIVANAM

Day 16 – Sat January 15, 2011:  Shantivanam

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at SHANTIVANAM

Day 17 – Sun January 16, 2011:  Shantivanam – Trichy – Chennai (Train)

Meals Provided: Early Breakfast at Shantivanam

Tasty Lunches may be purchased for a small fee on board the Express Train to Chennai.

(*Note: Dinner arranged by individuals in Chennai city according to their requirements for flights, shopping, meeting friends, etc.)

From Shantivanam after early breakfast, we make our way back to Trichy, and, by train, on to Chennai for onward domestic or international flights, which are usually late in the evening. You are free for last-minute shopping, eating the evening meal at a restaurant of your own choice, etc. We arrange to meet you and take you to the Chennai International Airport for your onward connections.

* Note: We shall book one room for any of our travellers who may wish to “freshen up” before flying to their various destinations.

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COST: (at 6 August 2010)

Australian Dollars

Twin Share: AUD $4,072

Single Supp AUD $505

* Australasian / Oceania travellers contact Dr Meath Conlan – Diverse Journeys

Tel. 08 9221 6338 | Mob. 0408 080 560 | meath@diversejourneys.com | www.diversejourneys.com

United States Dollars

Twin Share: USD $3,642

Single Supp USD $468

* US Travellers to contact Loretta Pinto – Regional Director of Trail Blazers India:

Tel. 914.751.2319 | Cell. 917.797.7362 | lpinto@tbi.co.in |www.trailblazertours.com

Exclusions include expenses of a personal nature, tipping at restaurants, laundry, telecommunications, alcohol and non/alcoholic beverages, meals other than those scheduled, camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, insurance.

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Diverse Journeys offers various opportunities for experiencing the culture and spirituality of South India. In the coming year we are excited to present a number of spiritual journeys. Dr Meath Conlan invites you to peruse our spiritual journey offerings and see if you or your friends may like to join us for one of these special opportunities.

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Meditation and Quiet Reflection

Diverse Journeys has a unique combination of cultural and spiritual experiences in one of the friendliest and most relaxed regions of the world. Yes, there’ll be time for shopping among the colourful bazaars and markets throughout the journey. But there will also be plenty of time for solo and group meditation as well as quiet reflection.

For most days, there will be opportunities for interreligious learning as well as Deep Relaxation (yoga nidra), and Meditation (Dhyana).

Sacred Spaces and Friendships

In India every day is special and potentially exciting. The ordinary, everyday colours, sounds, tastes and smells of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, or the Northern regions of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh, when experienced with a few others, provide terrific opportunities for building lasting friendships.

Talks and Discussion

As participants on Diverse Journeys are mostly adults, there will be opportunities for general sharing (on a completely voluntary basis) so that individuals may grow in new knowledge and integration.

Forthcoming Spiritual Journey Dates

28 Sept – 8 Oct, 2010: Bali: Island of the Gods – Yoga and Centering Prayer

25 October – 8 November 2010: ‘Light from the East,’ Tamil Nadu & Kerala, South India

10 – 22 November 2010: ‘In The Steps of St Thomas,’ Kerala, South India

3 – 17 December 2010: ‘Return to The Centre’ Ashram Journey in Tamil Nadu, S India

31 Dec – 16 January 2011: ‘Return to The Centre: Ashram Journey,’ Tamil Nadu, South India

22 January – 3 February 2011: ‘Return to The Centre: Ashram Journey,’ Tamil Nadu, South India

5 – 14 February 2011: ‘In the Steps of The Buddha,’ North India