Commencing from Bangalore on 30th December 2020 and concluding 15th January 2021.
In the ocean of India’s legendary saints and sages, Sri Adi Sankara is pre-eminent!! He is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and hence is called Bhagavan. His spiritual achievements during little over three decades of earthly life constitute a marvel of uncommon renown.
His greatest legacy to mankind was to re-establish the glory of the Vedic Tradition with his incomparable commentaries on the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita in the vision of Advaita Vedanta, a vision of the oneness of Being.
This Yatra (pilgrimage) celebrates his life and teachings with visits to some of the pivotal places associated with his life and work. We shall also stay at some of the Chinmaya Ashrams along the way and immerse ourselves in the Indian culture of the states we visit.
The cultural highlights include the ancient and exquisitely carved temples at Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace, the lively fruit and flower market at Mysore, some of Cochin’s wonderful historic sights, a houseboat cruise on the Kerala Backwaters, as well as a 2-day stay at Bandipur Wildlife Reserve and a train trip through the tea plantations around Ooty.
Note : The itinerary will be interspersed with satsang and meditations with Swaminiji.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 30th December
On arrival in Bangalore, you will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight Bangalore.
Day 2 – 31st December
We start the day with a group meeting before visiting the Chinmaya Mission Bangalore Ashram.
After lunch, we head to Hassan for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – 1st January
Today we drive to Sringeri, located on the banks of the River Tunga. Here we will visit the Sharadamba Temple established by Sri Shankaracharya when he established the Sharada Peetham Matha. The beautifully carved Vidyashankara Temple is another important monument in the temple compound. Sringeri is a famous pilgrimage centre and very important for the followers of Adi Shankara.
Overnight Sringeri.
Day 4 – 2nd January
This morning we return to the Sringeri Matha and absorb ourselves in the atmosphere of ahimsa, loving-kindness, reflection and meditation and in the afternoon, we head back to Hassan for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – 3rd January
Today we have a guided tour of the ancient & wonderfully carved temples at Belur and Halebid, both former capitals of the Hoysala Empire. Here you will see some of the most impressive architecture of South India – whole walls covered with detailed, intricate, almost a thousand year old carvings of gods, dancers, battles and Hindu mythology. There are more than 600 elephants carved into the walls and none of them are the same.
After lunch we drive to Mysore and in the early evening, we will witness the splendor of the lighted palace.
Overnight Mysore.
Day 6 – 4th January
Today we go on a guided tour of the astonishingly beautiful Maharaja’s Palace followed by a visit to the vibrant fruit and flower market. There is some free time in the afternoon to wander around this lovely town.
Overnight Mysore.
Day 7 – 5th January
Today we have a short drive to Bandipur National Park. Enjoy an afternoon safari.
Overnight Bandipur.
Day 8 – 6th January
Start the day with an early safari. Enjoy some time to relax, reflect and contemplate. In the late afternoon we will enjoy a village walk and nature trek.
Overnight Bandipur.
Day 9 – 7th January
Enjoy an early bird watching walk. After breakfast we drive to Ooty where we take a steam train trip from Ooty to Coonoor, enjoying the lovely views of the tea plantations and tiny villages nestled in the mountaintops. We then drive to Chinmaya Gardens Ashram in Coimbatore.
Overnight Coimbatore.
Day 10 – 8th January
Enjoy some ashram life and programs and also visit Chinmaya International school.
Overnight Coimbatore.
Day 11 to 14 – 9th to 12 January
After breakfast we drive from Tamil Nadu to the lush and green state of Kerala, the land where Adi Sankara, Swamis Tapovan Maharaja and Chinmayananda were born. We drive to Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), maternal home of Adi Shankara, where we will spend time enjoying satsang, chanting, meditation and other ashram programs. During ours stay here we will also visit nearby Kalady, the paternal home of Adi Shankara and other places of significance in the legends of Sankara. Overnight stays at CIF.
This morning we drive to Alleppey to board our lovely houseboat for a relaxing cruise around Kerala’s backwaters.
Enjoy a fascinating view of life as it is lived along the southern waterways.
Overnight on the Houseboat.
Day 16 – 14th January
After breakfast on the houseboat, we drive to the charming town of Fort Cochin to enjoy some free time. In the early evening, you will witness an unusual dance performance famous in Kerala – Kathakali.
Overnight Cochin.
Day 17 – 15th January
Today is the completion of our wonderful journey. Enjoy a morning guided tour of Cochin followed by a relaxing lunch on the waterfront. In the afternoon we will have a group sharing of our experiences on our yatra and some free time to shop or relax before your flights home.
Additional Information
The yatra includes all accommodation, air-conditioned transport, houseboat cruise, tours and entrance fees, local guides, many meals, theatre performance, safaris and Chinmaya Mission Ashram donations.
Swamini Vinayananda is based at Chinmaya Mission Castlemaine, Victoria Australia.
Price $4220 per person twin share. Single supplement $890
