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Cultures of South India with Sandhya Balakrishnan

Vendor

Journey

Regular price Rs. 3199.00
Sale price Rs. 3199.00 Regular price
Sale Sold out
Unit price
/per 

India

Dec 7, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024

8 spots left (18 Group Size)

Activity Level - 1

Blr-Mys-Coim-Madurai-Pondi-Chn

Tax included.
Why Book With Zhoola?
This is a pre order item. We will ship it when it comes in stock.
Overview

A cultural odyssey through the vibrant and diverse landscapes of South India, accompanied by yoga instructor Sandhya B. From the royal city of Mysore to the ancient temples of Madurai and the colonial charm of Pondicherry, this journey will immerse you in the rich heritage and traditions of South India. Alongside exploring the cultural gems, Sandhya B will guide you in rejuvenating yoga practices that harmonize your mind, body, and soul, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of this enchanting region.


13N, 14D
Max 18
13B, 10L, 7D
Sandhya_B-Zhoola
Sandhya Balakrishnan
Yoga Instructor and expedition leader

"You can witness the depth of a yogi's practice in a single moment. Ask them to hold a challenging pose with grace and poise!” Namaste! I am Sandhya
Balakrishnan, a certified yogi, teacher, and founder of The Yogini Project. My practice encompasses a holistic approach; nurturing mind, body, and spirit. From going to the top business school to leaving a celebrated corporate career, and immersing into the world of yoga
and well-being, I live by my motto - embrace the possibility. Now, my purpose lies in inspiring individuals to embark on their own journeys through the
transformative power of yoga.

Highlights

  • Forts and Palaces
  • Western Ghats
  • Tiger Reserve
  • Magnificent Architecture
  • History and Culture

Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 4 star and above stays
  • Local guide throughout
  • All transfers (road / air)*
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Departure airport transfer
  • 22 meals: 12 b’fast, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Mentioned experiences
  • 3 Expert Photography sessions
  • Entrance to the monuments
  • Food testing guided walk in Old Delhi

*Comfortable air conditioned vehicles for all road transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as mentioned)
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuity
  • Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone, camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.











Day 01 ARRIVAL BENGALURU



This journey begins in the capital city of

Karnataka, Bengaluru. This city was built in 1537

and it was the headquarters of the British

administration from 1831 to 1881, providing

many a fascinating vignette of Southern heritage.

Here, it is a journey into timeless India, a web of

moods, a city rich in the treasures of history,

from temples and shrines to forts and palaces to

distinct and delicious cuisine.

Day 02 BENGALURU – MYSORE



Start your day with a tour of the city of Bangalore

visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old

trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces, and an

assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs.

Visit the brilliantly painted and carved summer

palace of Tipu Sultan, the Bull Temple with its

monolithic bull statue, and drive past the

magnificent Neo-Dravidian structure, Vidhana

Soudha, the government secretariat and

legislative assembly.

Later drive to Mysore, known as the 'Cultural

Capital of Karnataka', offers an insight into the

lifestyles, cultures, and traditions of its erstwhile

rulers. The palaces and temples around the city

speak volumes about the heritage and architecture of medieval times and the
kind of patronage the

city received from its rulers.

In the evening, experience the best the city has

to offer. Discover how the royals of Mysore led

their lives and get to taste some delicious local

dishes on the way.

Day 03 MYSORE



Post breakfast proceeds for a city tour of Mysore by

visiting Maharaja’s Palace built in 1911-12. It

is a veritable treasure trove of exquisite carvings

and works of art from the world over. Later visit

the Rajendra Art Gallery which has some

remarkable selections of paintings by Raja Ravi

Varma, Nicholas Roerich, and traditional paintings

in the Mysore style. Also, visit Chamundi Temple

on a hill high above the city.

Day 04 MYSORE - COIMBATORE



Leave the city behind and continue further to

Coimbatore. Situated at the foot of the Nilgiri

Hills, Coimbatore is a thriving cosmopolitan city

renowned for its textile industry, pleasant

climate, and a 34-meter-tall Adiyogi Shiva Statue

that is the largest bust sculpture in the world.

Your stay in Coimbatore is not planned in the city

but in the outskirts of the ashram of Satguru –

the spiritual Guru of modern India known for his

theory of inner engineering.

Day 05 - 06 COIMBATORE

Two days in the Ashram to participate in different

activities at Isha Yoga Center for self-transformation, where you can stay and
dedicate

time towards your inner growth.

Day 07 COIMBATORE - MADURAI



Post breakfast drive to Madurai, the temple town

is like a beautiful gem of the South, planned in the

shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple at

the center.

Late evening, visit the Temple to attend the night

ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that

takes place every evening when the temple

bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati.

The procession is accompanied by religious

prayer and temple music. (Note – Non - Hindus

are not allowed inside the inner sanctum of the

temple)

Day 08 MADURAI



Start a little early today to visit the famous

wholesale flower market in the city.

Just north of Sri Meenakshi Temple, the daily

flower and vegetable market is a labyrinth of

bustling laneways strewn with aromatic herbs

and vegetables.

Post breakfast at the hotel revisit the magnificent

Meenakshi Temple which is an outstanding

structure dedicated to Minakshi the “fish-eyed goddess” and the consort of
Shiva who also has a

temple dedicated to him. Since Minakshi is the

presiding deity, the daily ceremonies are first

performed at her shrine. This is a living temple

and each shrine has priests performing rituals in

front of them there is also a temple

elephant.

Also, visit the elegant Thirumalai Nayaka Palace

which was built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style.

Its 15 domes and arches are adorned with

stuccowork. Its Celestial Pavilion, an arcaded

octagonal structure, is curiously constructed in

brick and mortar without supporting rafters.

Take a Rickshaw tour in Madurai where you will

cover the narrow streets and visit a variety of

markets around the Meenakshi temple. This gives

you a chance to feel the local life and observe the metal

pot-making, towel-making, and weaving units. Also, visit the Gandhi Museum.

Day 09 MADURAI - PUDUCHERRY



Leave the city behind and continue further to

Mahabalipuram with Puducherry, the final

destination of the day, a town with French

cultural heritage. Split into two parts, Puducherry

is, on one hand, a bustling Indian Market town,

and on the other hand, towards the sea, the

streets are emptier, cleaner, and decidedly

European.

The evening is free for your own exploration.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through her 3 km long

beach or hop into one of the beachside café for

some delicious French–infused food while the

sea breeze sets everything else right.

spellbinding experience. Those looking for some

more immersion together with some

adventure, set out to paddle through the local

countryside.

An onward journey that meanders between the Arabian Sea and
the Backwaters gives way to

Kochi. As the Italian writer rightly spoke Kochi,

with her charming old churches, charismatic

bungalows, and huge Chinese fishing nets

against the backdrop of her crimson skies

creates a stark contrast to her uber-cool

atmosphere. Traditional in thought yet

flamboyant in appearance makes Kochi the

perfect set for you to experience the best of

both worlds.

Day 10 PUDUCHERRY



On the tour of Pondicherry, you will visit Sri

Aurobindo Ashram founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put
into practice

his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual

tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and

modern science. It is also his final resting place.

You will also visit the Pondicherry Museum,

which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and

memorabilia of the French colonists. See the

Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic

architecture and stained glass windows.

The old town of Pondicherry has a unique

charm, which captivates the hearts of visitors.

To experience the spirit of Pondicherry, it is

essential to walk through the old town and

closely observe the nature of its architectural

traditions.

Take a stroll along the lanes and by lanes of

Pondicherry's French Quarter (Ville Blanche or

'White town'). Many streets retain their French

names and French-style villas are a common

sight. In the French Quarter, the buildings are

typically colonial style with long compounds and

bright red and yellow walls and full of

bougainvillea.

Day 11 PUDUCHERRY



Post-breakfast proceeds for an excursion to an

experimental township. The Auroville city,

conceived by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) the

spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, was built

initially as a city where people could live with

peace and progressive harmony, above all

creeds, politics, and nationalities.

Lunch (vegetarian) will be arranged at Solar

Kitchen, which is the most popular lunchtime eatery

in Auroville.

Day 12 PUDUCHERRY - CHENNAI



Post breakfast drive to Chennai airport to board

the flight for your onward destination.

 

Cancellation Policy

25% down payment Additional payments
Spot pending Refundable Refundable
Spot confirmed Non-refundable* Refundable
60 days pre-trip Non-refundable Non-refundable

*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.

For our full cancellation policy, see our Terms & Conditions.
Your Host
Sandhya_B-Zhoola
Sandhya Balakrishnan
Yoga Instructor and expedition leader

"You can witness the depth of a yogi's practice in a single moment. Ask them to hold a challenging pose with grace and poise!” Namaste! I am Sandhya
Balakrishnan, a certified yogi, teacher, and founder of The Yogini Project. My practice encompasses a holistic approach; nurturing mind, body, and spirit. From going to the top business school to leaving a celebrated corporate career, and immersing into the world of yoga
and well-being, I live by my motto - embrace the possibility. Now, my purpose lies in inspiring individuals to embark on their own journeys through the
transformative power of yoga.

Highlights & Inclusions

Highlights

  • Forts and Palaces
  • Western Ghats
  • Tiger Reserve
  • Magnificent Architecture
  • History and Culture

Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 4 star and above stays
  • Local guide throughout
  • All transfers (road / air)*
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Departure airport transfer
  • 22 meals: 12 b’fast, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Mentioned experiences
  • 3 Expert Photography sessions
  • Entrance to the monuments
  • Food testing guided walk in Old Delhi

*Comfortable air conditioned vehicles for all road transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as mentioned)
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuity
  • Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone, camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.











Itinerary

Day 01 ARRIVAL BENGALURU



This journey begins in the capital city of

Karnataka, Bengaluru. This city was built in 1537

and it was the headquarters of the British

administration from 1831 to 1881, providing

many a fascinating vignette of Southern heritage.

Here, it is a journey into timeless India, a web of

moods, a city rich in the treasures of history,

from temples and shrines to forts and palaces to

distinct and delicious cuisine.

Day 02 BENGALURU – MYSORE



Start your day with a tour of the city of Bangalore

visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old

trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces, and an

assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs.

Visit the brilliantly painted and carved summer

palace of Tipu Sultan, the Bull Temple with its

monolithic bull statue, and drive past the

magnificent Neo-Dravidian structure, Vidhana

Soudha, the government secretariat and

legislative assembly.

Later drive to Mysore, known as the 'Cultural

Capital of Karnataka', offers an insight into the

lifestyles, cultures, and traditions of its erstwhile

rulers. The palaces and temples around the city

speak volumes about the heritage and architecture of medieval times and the
kind of patronage the

city received from its rulers.

In the evening, experience the best the city has

to offer. Discover how the royals of Mysore led

their lives and get to taste some delicious local

dishes on the way.

Day 03 MYSORE



Post breakfast proceeds for a city tour of Mysore by

visiting Maharaja’s Palace built in 1911-12. It

is a veritable treasure trove of exquisite carvings

and works of art from the world over. Later visit

the Rajendra Art Gallery which has some

remarkable selections of paintings by Raja Ravi

Varma, Nicholas Roerich, and traditional paintings

in the Mysore style. Also, visit Chamundi Temple

on a hill high above the city.

Day 04 MYSORE - COIMBATORE



Leave the city behind and continue further to

Coimbatore. Situated at the foot of the Nilgiri

Hills, Coimbatore is a thriving cosmopolitan city

renowned for its textile industry, pleasant

climate, and a 34-meter-tall Adiyogi Shiva Statue

that is the largest bust sculpture in the world.

Your stay in Coimbatore is not planned in the city

but in the outskirts of the ashram of Satguru –

the spiritual Guru of modern India known for his

theory of inner engineering.

Day 05 - 06 COIMBATORE

Two days in the Ashram to participate in different

activities at Isha Yoga Center for self-transformation, where you can stay and
dedicate

time towards your inner growth.

Day 07 COIMBATORE - MADURAI



Post breakfast drive to Madurai, the temple town

is like a beautiful gem of the South, planned in the

shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple at

the center.

Late evening, visit the Temple to attend the night

ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that

takes place every evening when the temple

bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati.

The procession is accompanied by religious

prayer and temple music. (Note – Non - Hindus

are not allowed inside the inner sanctum of the

temple)

Day 08 MADURAI



Start a little early today to visit the famous

wholesale flower market in the city.

Just north of Sri Meenakshi Temple, the daily

flower and vegetable market is a labyrinth of

bustling laneways strewn with aromatic herbs

and vegetables.

Post breakfast at the hotel revisit the magnificent

Meenakshi Temple which is an outstanding

structure dedicated to Minakshi the “fish-eyed goddess” and the consort of
Shiva who also has a

temple dedicated to him. Since Minakshi is the

presiding deity, the daily ceremonies are first

performed at her shrine. This is a living temple

and each shrine has priests performing rituals in

front of them there is also a temple

elephant.

Also, visit the elegant Thirumalai Nayaka Palace

which was built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style.

Its 15 domes and arches are adorned with

stuccowork. Its Celestial Pavilion, an arcaded

octagonal structure, is curiously constructed in

brick and mortar without supporting rafters.

Take a Rickshaw tour in Madurai where you will

cover the narrow streets and visit a variety of

markets around the Meenakshi temple. This gives

you a chance to feel the local life and observe the metal

pot-making, towel-making, and weaving units. Also, visit the Gandhi Museum.

Day 09 MADURAI - PUDUCHERRY



Leave the city behind and continue further to

Mahabalipuram with Puducherry, the final

destination of the day, a town with French

cultural heritage. Split into two parts, Puducherry

is, on one hand, a bustling Indian Market town,

and on the other hand, towards the sea, the

streets are emptier, cleaner, and decidedly

European.

The evening is free for your own exploration.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through her 3 km long

beach or hop into one of the beachside café for

some delicious French–infused food while the

sea breeze sets everything else right.

spellbinding experience. Those looking for some

more immersion together with some

adventure, set out to paddle through the local

countryside.

An onward journey that meanders between the Arabian Sea and
the Backwaters gives way to

Kochi. As the Italian writer rightly spoke Kochi,

with her charming old churches, charismatic

bungalows, and huge Chinese fishing nets

against the backdrop of her crimson skies

creates a stark contrast to her uber-cool

atmosphere. Traditional in thought yet

flamboyant in appearance makes Kochi the

perfect set for you to experience the best of

both worlds.

Day 10 PUDUCHERRY



On the tour of Pondicherry, you will visit Sri

Aurobindo Ashram founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put
into practice

his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual

tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and

modern science. It is also his final resting place.

You will also visit the Pondicherry Museum,

which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and

memorabilia of the French colonists. See the

Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic

architecture and stained glass windows.

The old town of Pondicherry has a unique

charm, which captivates the hearts of visitors.

To experience the spirit of Pondicherry, it is

essential to walk through the old town and

closely observe the nature of its architectural

traditions.

Take a stroll along the lanes and by lanes of

Pondicherry's French Quarter (Ville Blanche or

'White town'). Many streets retain their French

names and French-style villas are a common

sight. In the French Quarter, the buildings are

typically colonial style with long compounds and

bright red and yellow walls and full of

bougainvillea.

Day 11 PUDUCHERRY



Post-breakfast proceeds for an excursion to an

experimental township. The Auroville city,

conceived by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) the

spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, was built

initially as a city where people could live with

peace and progressive harmony, above all

creeds, politics, and nationalities.

Lunch (vegetarian) will be arranged at Solar

Kitchen, which is the most popular lunchtime eatery

in Auroville.

Day 12 PUDUCHERRY - CHENNAI



Post breakfast drive to Chennai airport to board

the flight for your onward destination.

 

Cancellation Policy

25% down payment Additional payments
Spot pending Refundable Refundable
Spot confirmed Non-refundable* Refundable
60 days pre-trip Non-refundable Non-refundable

*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.

For our full cancellation policy, see our Terms & Conditions.
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