Discover India’s astonishing cultural and spiritual richness on this wonderful 22-day journey through South India.
Commencing from Bangalore on 3rd January 2026, this amazing yatra includes stays at 3 of Chinmaya Mission’s ashrams, visits to magnificent intricately–carved ancient temples of Mysore and ancient stone-carved monuments at Mamallapuram. We also visit the charming town of Cochin and cruise down the backwaters on an houseboat overnight.
There will be satsangs, meditation and chanting with Swamini Amritanada interspersed throughout the journey, as well as ashram activities.
And for those you can spare the time, there will be an extra 3 days stay at Ramana Maharshi’s ashram in Tiruvannamalai.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 3rd January
On arrival in Bangalore, you will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Overnight Bangalore.
Day 2 – 4th January
Today we drive to Mysore, stopping on the way to visit Chinmaya’s Bangalore ashram. After lunch we will enjoy a guided tour of the ancient & wonderfully carved Somnathpur Temple. In the early evening, we will witness the splendor of the lighted palace. Overnight Mysore.
Day 3 – 5th January
Go on a guided tour of Chamundi Hill & Temple followed by a guided tour of the astonishingly beautiful Maharaja’s Palace. In the afternoon, we will visit the vibrant fruit and flower market. Overnight Mysore
Day 4 to 7 – 6th to 9th January
Today we drive to Chinmaya Gardens Ashram in Coimbatore. Here we will spent the next few days enjoying ashram activities and satsang with Swamini as well as a visit to the Chinmaya International School. Overnight Coimbatore
Day 8 – 10th January
Enjoy the scenery as we drive to the charming town of Fort Cochin. Overnight Cochin
Day 9 – 11th January
Go on a guided tour of the town where you will see India’s oldest church and synagogue and other great sights. In the afternoon, there is free time to enjoy Cochin’s wonderful sights & shops or enjoy a massage. In the early evening, you will witness the unusual traditional dance performance of Kathakali. Overnight Cochin
Day 10 – 12th January
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 Houseboat
Day 11 to 14 – 13th to 16th January
After breakfast on the houseboat, we drive to Chinmaya International Foundation, maternal home of Adi Shankara, where we spend the next few days/nights enjoying satsang, chanting, meditation and ashram programs. The pongal festival is on while we are here so we will be able to participate in the celebrations. Overnight Cochin
Day 15 to 18 – 17th to 20th January
Depart for the airport for a short flight to Chennai followed by a short drive to Chinmaya Tarangini Centre. Enjoy ashram activities, satsang, chanting and meditation with Swamini. We will also have a visit to Mamallapuram for a guided tour of the incredibly-carved 7th century monument. Overnight Chinmaya Ashram.
Day 19 – 21st January
If you wish to depart at his point, we can arrange transport back to Chennai Airport or your desired location or you may wish to continue on with us for a trip to Tiruvannamalai as below.
Day 19 to 21 – 21st to 23rd January
Drive to Tiruvannamalai where we stay 3 nights at a beautiful hotel near Sri Ramana’s Ashram. Over the next few days we will visit the ashram shrine for vedic chanting, the ancient temple, the caves where Ramana lived and the holy mountain Arunachula. Overnight Tiruvannamalai
Day 22 – 24th January
Today we drive to Chennai for flights home.
Additional Information
This wonderful 22-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, ashram stays, other accommodation at beautiful character hotels, house-boat stay and cruise, all excursions & entrance fees, domestic flights, many meals, guides, guide tips, meditation and satsang and Chinmaya Mission Ashram donations.
The tour is lead by Swamini Amritananda of Chinmaya Mission, New Zealand and Mela Joy of Touch of Spirit Tours, Melbourne, Australia.
Price $4980 aud per person twin share (single supplement $970)
