South India: 21 Jan- 3 Feb 2011
“ 14 Day RETURN TO THE CENTRE”
Ashram Journey
21 Jan – 3 Feb 2011
(Itinerary as at July 22, 2010)
Day 1 – January 21, 2011 : Arrive Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram).
Arrive Mahabalipuram and check in at hotel.
LUNCH AT HOTEL.
* Note: Our journey commences in Mahabalipuram and guests should make their own way here. Radisson Resort Temple Bay 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 GRT Grand 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 – January 22, 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.
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
Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort.
Day 3 – Sun January 23, 2011: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Meals Provided: Breakfast in Mahabalipuram, and Lunch in Pondi
After Breakfast at Hotel, leave early for Pondicherry ( 2 ½ Hour drive ). On arrival check in at your hotel.
Afternoon visiting Maitri Mandir, Aurobindo Ashram, Nehru Street, Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the locally-popular evening walking near waterfront.
Overnight at HOTEL ATITHI.
Day 4 – Mon January 24, 2011: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam
Meal Provided: Breakfast and Dinner at our 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 south-eastern 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 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 5 – Tue January 25, 2011: In Kumbakonum & Tanjore
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 6 – Wed January 26, 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 7 – Thur January 27, 2011 : Trichy – Bodhi Zendo
Meals Provided: Breakfast in Trichy; Lunch at Carlton Hotel (Kodaikanal),
and Dinner at Bodhi Zendo
After breakfast, a long drive covering 200 Kms of distance
After breakfast, we head 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, the late 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 for the crisp cool nights).
Overnight at Bodhi Zendo
Day 8 – Fri January 28, 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. *Nights and mornings can be brisk, so bring a warm top, woolly socks, mittens and scarf at least.
Overnight BODHI ZENDO
Day 9 – Sat January 29, 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.
Day 10 – Sun January 30, 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 11 – Mon January 31, 2011: In Shantivanam
Meals Provided: Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinner.
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.
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.
Day 12 (Tue); Day 13 (Wed) – Overnights at SHANTIVANAM
Day 14 – Thur February 3, 2011: Shantivanam to Trichy – Chennai
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Pre-packed Lunch taken en route and Dinner
After early breakfast we drive to the popular pilgrimage town of Trichy where we board our Express Train to Chennai. We take lunch as a special packed-lunch – prepared for us by Sr Marie Louisa at Ananda Ashram.
We make our leisurely way back to Chennai for onward domestic or international flights, which are usually late in the evening. You are free for last-minute shopping at recommended retail outlets, and our closing / farewell evening meal. After this, we take you to the Chennai International
Airport for your connections.
COST (at 6 August 2010):
United States Dollar
6 Pax minimum: USD $2,828.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement: USD $449.00
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
Australian Dollar
6 pax minimum: AUD $3,039
Single Room Supplement: AUD $473
Australasian / Oceania travellers contact Dr Meath Conlan – Diverse Journeys
Tel. 08 9221 6338 | Mob. 0408 080 560 | meath@diversejourneys.com | www.diversejourneys.com
Supplements :
Room at Chennai on Twin Share basis at a city hotel Pre/Post. Including 01 way transfer from Airport to Chennai city hotel.: USD $175.00 Per Person (AUD $196.00 Per Person)
Supplement for 01 way transfer from Chennai / Mahabalipuram: USD $90.00 (AUD $101.00) ( 01 Large car AC Toyota Innova seating capacity 02 / 04 pax )
Cost Includes:-
Total 13 Night’s Hotel accommodation as per itinerary.
Mahabalipuram – 02 Nights at RADISSON RESORT TEMPLE BAY ( Earlier it was GRT )
Pondicherry – 01 Night at HOTEL ATITHI
Kumbakonam — 02 Nights at MANTRA VEPPATHRUR
Trichy – 01 Night at SANGAM
Bodhi Zendo – 03 Nights at ASHRAM
Shantivanam — 04 Nights at ASHRAM
-Accommodation in a Twin / Dbl room (Base category room) On Bed and Breakfast basis.
- Meals included in the cost are:
Jan 21st : Lunch and Dinner at Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Jan 22nd : Lunch at Hotel in Mahabalipuram Lunch at Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Jan 23rd: Lunch at hotel in Pondicherry
Jan 24th: Dinner at Hotel in Kumbakonam
Jan 25th : Lunch at Hotel Sangam Tanjore.
Jan 26th: Lunch at hotel in Trichy
Jan 27th: Lunch at Carlton, Kodaikanal and Dinner at Bodhi Zendo
Jan 28 and 29: Lunch and Dinner at Bodhi Zendo
Jan 30th: Lunch at Carlton, Kodaikanal and Dinner at Shantivanam.
Jan 31: Lunch and Dinner at Ashram in Shantivanam
Feb 01: Lunch and Dinner at Ashram in Shantivanam
Feb 02: Lunch and Dinner at Ashram in Shantivanam
Feb 03: Farewell Dinner at Hotel in Chennai
- Transfers, sightseeing/excursions as per the program based on AC Vehicle as specified
- Services of Local English speaking guide in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry and Tanjore only
- Entrance fees at Shore Temples in Mahabalipuram.
- Accommodation at Bodhi Zendo and Shantivanam.
- Train fare Trichy – Chennai using AC Chair car
- Services of Dr. Meath Conlan Tour Director and Escort for the trip.
- Tips and gratuities
- Applicable Government Service Tax.
Not included
- Airfare & airport tax.
- Personal expenses like any other Meals over and above the mentioned ones, drinks,
laundry, telephone calls and insurance.
- And any other service, which has not been specified as “included”.
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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
If you or your friends would like to receive my periodical newsletter, which contains articles of human interest and spirituality, as well as information about forthcoming seminars and retreats, and journeys to India, Nepal, and Bali then please kindly send word to me: meath@diversejourneys.com
Hi Meath,
I am very interested in undertaking this retreat/journey with you: 22 January – 3 February 2011.
Are you able to provide cost details?
Kind regards,
David