Bali Yatra in India
A Journey to East & South India
Nov. 9-24, 2008

Sometime during the first century AD, traders from the southwest coast of India set sail for the islands of modern-day Indonesia. They were so successful in their endeavors, that trade became profitable and continuous. Although the traders were non-prosthelytizing, they inadvertently spread the practice of Hinduism, as well as its culture, until most all of western Indonesia especially the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali, were for many centuries, Hindu. Although the other islands eventually converted to other religions, Bali remains almost exclusively Hindu, their religion and culture rooted in the fishing towns of Puri and Mahabalipuram.

The centerpiece of this trip is the festival of Bali  Jatra,  which falls during the auspicious full moon in the Hindu month of Karthik--popularly known as Karthik Purnima. In 2008  this falls on November 13.

Bali Jatra is held to commemorate the glorious past of commercial voyages to the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra by Orissan Traders. A large celebration called 'Bali  Yatra' is held on Mahanadi river bank at Cuttack on the full moon day of Kartik. Small boats made of paper or the bark of  the banana tree are floated on the water, with lamps glittering in the evening sky. In the evening there are further celebrations--celebrations in costume with live music.

Orisans are noted for applique work, cloth paintings, silver ornaments, and wooden masks. In Mahabalipuram the crafts people are carvers, working in soapstone, wood and metal. In Pondicherry fine handmade paper is sold from the Sri Aurobindo factory, as well as batiks, jewelry, carpets and woodcarvings .Finally, Kochi, has beautiful high-quality shops selling antiques, clothing &  homewares.

The program we have formulated is based on arriving in Kolkata  (Calcutta) on the North-Eastern shore, and ending in Chennai and Mahabalipurim, covering a diverse set of destinations and temples en route. Kolkata is the capital of the State of West Bengal and the gateway to Eastern India. The city dates back to1690 when an English merchant, Job Charnock, established the trade headquarters of the East India Company. Thickly populated and full of life, the city is rich in its heritage -- cultural, economic and political.

The trip proceeds to Bhubaneswar, the capitol of the highly cultured tropical state of Orissa, noted for its exquisite temples. It  travels on to nearby Puri, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage places in India, and
the setting for the Bali Yatra festival. In the area surrounding are many handicraft villages, as well as the mighty sun temple at Konark, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of India’s most astonishing temples.
From here we fly to Chennai (Madras) the capital of  Tamil Nadu in southern India, and the cradle of Dravidian culture as well as the center of the film industry. Here we visit the Kapaleeshwaran temple as well as one of the film studios producing Bollywood films, and watch performances of classical music and dance, We also visit Kalakshetra School, established not only to seek the roots of Indian culture but to revive and revitalize Indian arts and crafts,enabling them to take their proper place in the mainstream of modern, independent India. The classical South Indian dance form of Bharata Natyam was the first activity started under the aegis of Kalakshetra. This dance had fallen into disrepute and was not considered fit for respectable people. Rukmini Devi, the Founder of Kalakshetra was quick to perceive the innate beauty of this art form and in the face of tremendous social opposition and ostracism, not only learned the dance but also started a school to teach the art. This dance school, started with one pupil and one teacher, has now grown into a vast institution where students from India and all over the world come to learn dance and its allied arts-- music and theatre craft. Kalakshetra has a sprawling campus of 100-acres on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Classes are held in cottages set among sylvan surroundings to create the ambience of a ''gurukula'', the ancient hermitage schools which were situated in forests. Close communion with Nature is considered essential for education and often classes are conducted in the open under the trees. Kalakshetra literally means a holy place for the arts (KALA - Arts, KSHETRA - Holy Place). Students are encouraged to develop a truly spiritual approach and religious reverence for the arts. The religious spirit is inculcated not in the narrow sense of the term but as a broad minded tolerant approach to all religions. This is reflected in the morning prayers conducted before starting classes in which prayers from all religions find a place.

Then we  venture on 50 kilometers on the road to Mahabalipurim (Mamallapuram), dotted with artists villages that we visit as well as the temple town of  Kanchipuram, famed for temples and silks. This pleasant seaside town was the second capitol and port of Tamil Nadu from the 5th-8th century, during which many trading ships set sail for Bali, importing the local religion and culture. It is also noted for its beautiful and romantic shore temple, as well as numerous splendid religious images carved into rock, and numerous folk art of everyday life. The food is reputed to be great here, and there are many places offering massage, reiki, yoga, and other Ayurvedic practices.

We also travel to areas (Chilika, Rayaprada)  where nature is relatively untoached and where tribal people exist in very different circumstances from thier more sophisticated neighbors.

Finally we travel to the charming coastal town of Pondicherry, originally settled as a French colony in the 18th Century. Besides museums, schools of music and dance, botanical gardens, temples and churches, the focus of this stay is a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, an “experiment in international living where people could live in peace and international progressive harmony above all creeds, politics, and nationalities.” The project has 80 settlements, spread of 20kms, with about 1500 residents, 80% of whom are foreigners of 33 different nationalities.

For those with more time, an extension to the state of Kerala  may be added at the conclusion of the tour. All the members of last years group elected to add the extension, and loved it.

Comments from 2007 Trip Members:

“It was a spectacular trip, and I think it completely reflected the description, with extra surprises.
What I liked best was... The crack-of-dawn Bali Yatra "boat launching," while low-key, was stunning. Hanging out with Mr. Ravi at the Bali Yatra fairgrounds was a blast (I would have liked more time there --) ! -- I wish there had been a LOT more time with him -- wise and insightful, and dead honest when it came to acknowledging the issues and contrasts we encountered -- really one of the most remarkable people I've ever met, as was his mother!
The martial arts demonstration, which I hadn't expected to be especially interesting, was INCREDIBLE -- definitely a high point -- I loved the boat and canoe trips -- I always do -- strange, since they take up so much time, but there's something about seeing life along the banks that always is rewarding --
The Bharata Natyam performance in Chennai was excellent, as was the visit to the performance and arts institute during the day. The Kathakali demo in Cochin was probably the most "touristy" thing we did during the whole trip, but it was solid, and how often do you get to document the makeup process? Thanks for putting the trip together -- can't wait for the next one -Take care -- many, many thanks.”
- Professor Bradford Clark
Bowling Green

“Most memorable is my awakening to the realities of India which include its breadth,cleanliness, quest for knowledge, and esprit of the people.  Incredible India!!!! Delightful!”
Hal Hingst, Portland OR

“Overall I enjoyed my first India trip immensely...especially the food, and the people and the beauty of Kerala. Also I will never forget sitting in the wooden boat at sunrise amidst all the other tiny boats and seeing the sun slowly color the ripples red...I will remember so many things: the magic of Alleppy, sitting at night under the soft breeze of the open pavilion’s ceiling fan while the boats motored home, passing silently just a few feet away, and the next day’s fabulous  boat ride on the back waters to the big lake full of hyacinths and glorious birds. The refreshing  brisk sea breeze at lovely  historic Pondicherry and a walk on the promenade and eating and drinking on the roof of the hotel overlooking the old lighthouse, and the  boat ride across the bay in Cochin to see the working port--a bit like Hong Kong though not as busy and congested. From the energy of Hindi Bollywood  hit music on the plane to the creeping awareness of the importance of politics to the Indian peoples lives and their generosity for the inclusion of many religious threads into their countries fabric. Cheers and thank you!”
Norvid Roos, Santa Cruz CA

Itinerary: Nov. 9-24, 2008


Sunday Nov. 9: Transit.
Depart USA aboard regularly scheduled Singapore Airlines, making connections in Singapore for Kolkata.

Monday Nov. 10: KOLKATA BLD
Arrive Kolkata on SQ 516 at 10:35 PM. Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel. Kolkata is the capital of the State of West Bengal and the gateway to Eastern India. The city dates back to 1690 when an English merchant established the trade headquarters of the East India Company. Thickly populated and full of life, the city is rich in its cultural, economic and political heritage. Overnight at the OBEROI GRAND

Tuesday Nov. 11: KOLKATA BLD
City tour of Kolkata, visiting the Victoria Memorial, built by Lord Curzon as a marble memorial to Queen Victoria in 1905, and housing the memorabilia of the early days of the British Raj. Visit the temple dedicated to Kali, the demonic attribute of Parvathi at Kalighat. Drive past Fort William, the Eden Gardens, the Dalhousie Square and the Writers Building. Also visit the Missionaries of Charity, the home of Late Mother Teresa. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum.

Wednesday Nov.12: KOLKATA/ CUTTACK B
Visit to a Jain temple and the Marble Palace, a private mansion housing an incongruous collection of statues, Chinese ceramics, and paintings by Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Then visit the 19th century Jain Temple. Fly from Kolkata to Bhubaneshwar & then drive to Cuttack. Check into hotel. Overnight in Cuttack AKBARI CONTINENTAL

Thursday Nov. 13: CUTTACK B 
5:00 AM visit the bank of the Mahanadi River to see the beautiful floating small paper boats/bark of banana tree with glittering lamps, commemorating the glorious past commercial voyages to the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra by Orissa traders. The festival of “Bali Yatra” is held today on Mahanadi river bank at Cuttack on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later we visit the city of Cuttack and some silver filigree workshops. Late afternoon & evening we revisit the festival ground to witness the festivities and cultural programs held on the occasion of Bali Jatra. This day has been the highlight of the trip!

Friday Nov. 14: CUTTACK/ RATNAGIRI/ BHUBANESHWAR B
Excursion to Ratnagiri (100 km round-trip) to see the recently excavated ruins of an ancient Buddhist University of 7th century A.D. Ratnagiri presents the rich Buddhist heritage of Orissa. Once the seat of a flourishing Buddhist university called Tushpagiri Mahavihara', these hills still have extensive ruins of brick monasteries, sculpted stone portals and Buddhist images.
At Ratnagiri excavations revealed the establishment of a Buddhist center from the time of Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first half of the sixth century A.D.)The excavation at Ratnagiri has revealed the remains of an imposing stupa, two quadrangular monasteries, a single winged monastery, eight temples, a large number of small stupas, sculptures, and architectural pieces indicative of an establishment that can be compared with the major Buddhist sites in the world. We will try to include a village visit where you could see the process of jute extraction. After our visit, drive to Bhubaneshwar. In the evening a temple visit will be organized to see the Aarti ceremony. Overnight at TRIDENT HILTON

Saturday Nov. 15: BHUBANESHWAR/ PIPILI/ PURI B
After breakfast depart for Puri, visiting Pipili (famed for its applique work) en route. Arrive Puri and check in at our hotel.
Puri (62 kms from Bhubaneswar) is one of the four Dhams of India, the abode of Lord Jagannath. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Puri has been a center of pilgrimage since historic times. It is famous for the massive chariot cars used in the annual Rath Yatra Procession. In the afternoon, we visit the Jagannath temple (view it from the library opposite to it as non Hindus are not allowed inside). We also visit the Bazaar around the Temple. Overnight at the HANS COCO PALM

Sunday Nov. 16: PURI B
Breakfast, followed by excursion to Konark. One of the most stunning symbols of architecture, the Sun Temple at Konark (also known as the Black Pagoda) is the crowning glory of Orissan temple art. Built in the 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the Sun god, Surya, pulled by seven horses. The 24 giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of time. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousands of images including deities, heavenly angels, human musicians, lovers, dancers, birds, animals and a plethora of intricate geometrical decorative designs.
In the afternoon, we visit Raghurajpur village, famous for its Pattachitra paintings, masks, palm leaf etchings and the making of Ganjfa cards. This is a fascinating village, populated only by crafts people. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Puri.

Mon. Nov. 17 PURI/ CHILKA/ GOPALPUR ON SEA (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Puri to Gopalpur-on-sea (205 kms), stopping at the Chilka lake and villages en route. Enjoy a boat ride on Chilka Lake Spread over 1,100 sq. km. Chilika is the country’s largest inland lake. Dotted with islands, it has the richest variety of aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher’s paradise when migratory birds arrive in the winter. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. The lake is rich in fish and one can also view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara. Overnight at SWOSTI PALM RESORT

Tues. Nov. 18 GOPALPUR ON SEA / RAYAGADA (B, L,D)
Leave for Rayagada en route visiting the hot spring at Taptapani and Saora villages Taptapani is famous for a perennial hot spring of medicinal sulfuric water. Located on the State Highways that connects Berhampur with Western Orissa, it is surrounded by a cluster of hills and thick forests. The serenity of nature at Taptapani is aided by wonderful sun rises, sun sets, and moon lit nights. There are many birds and wild animals. Beside the natural beauty, there is a small ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the hot spring.
The Saoras constitute a major primitive tribes of Orissa, and are mentioned in the epigraphic records and ancient literature of India. The Saoras speak Austro Asiatic language of the Munda family and have a stratified society with the "Gamang" as the social and political head of the village assisted by Dal Behera and Mondal. Buyya, the religious head, performs all religious functions. Marriage is arranged by the parents and relatives, and polygamy is very widely prevalent. The Saora pantheon consists of innumerable malevolent and benevolent deities and the deified ancestors who are constantly watchful of the doings of the living generations. The Saoras observe a number of cultivation ceremonies and other levels of economic pursuit. The Saoras also stage dances for Rites of Passage. Overnight at SAI INTERNATIONAL.

Wed. Nov. 19: RAYAGADA/ CHATIKONA/ RAYAGADA/ JEYPORE (B,L,D)
Depart Rayagada for Chatikona (75 kms) to visit the Wednesday Haat (weekly market) which is attended by the Dongria Kondh tribe. The Kondhs are one of the best-known tribes of Orissa, known for their Human Sacrifice rituals. The life of the Kondhs is relegated by ceremonies, especially concerning sowing and harvesting. The Kondhs belong to the Dravidian group and speak Kui language. They hunt with bow and arrow.
We will also visit a small emporium at the office of the Dongria Kondh Development Authority to see handicrafts of the Dongria Kondhs, such as shawls, jewelry, belts, hair-pins etc. This will be a unique opportunity to see such varied concentration of typical tribes at one locale.
After our visit, return to Rayagada for lunch and after lunch, drive to Jeypore (approx 3.5 hr. drive). Overnight at HELLO JEYPORE.
Thur. Nov. 20 B,L JEYPORE/ ONKADELLI/ VISHAKHAPATNAM B,L Depart Jeypore for Onkadelli (90 kms) to visit the Thursday Haat (market)of the Bonda tribe- the most interesting on the tour. In this district of Koraput - on the northwest of river Machkund, live the Bonda (also called Remo); wildest, rudest and possibly the most interesting tribal people. The scanty dress of the Bonda women and homicidal tendencies of Bonda males are unique and in sharp contrast from the neighboring castes and tribes of Orissa. The Bonda speak a very complex Austo-Asiatic language, and are agriculturist and expert cultivators. The irrigated and terraced paddy fields on high hills attest to their skill in rice cultivation. In spite of their primitiveness & poverty, the Bondas enjoy a high degree of economic sufficiency. Later we visit a Gadaga village and attend a "Demsa"dance performance. The Gadabas are one of the most colorful and primitive tribe of Orissa. They are among the earliest settlers of the country and trace their origin to the time of Ramayana. They are generally seen in the adjoining mountain tracts of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. They have their own language, and live permanently in large villages. Afterward, drive to Vishakhapatnam where we spend the night at the TAJ RESIDENCY

Fri. Nov 21 VISHAKHAPATNAM / CHENNAI/ PONDICHERRY B
Morning free. Later transfer to airport to board flight to MAA departing for Chennai by IT 2494 (13:45/ 15:25 hrs) Meeting on arrival & drive to Pondicherry where we spend the night at the- PROMENADE

Sat. Nov. 22  PONDICHERRY B
Morning : Visit the Matri mandir & Ashram. Pondicherry, a quaint enclave in Tamil Nadu upholds its French tradition to this day. The town which rose phoenix like after the British literally razed it to the ground in the 18th century, is home to the much acclaimed Aurobindo Ashram and is noted for its lovely French architecture and cuisine. Morning visit to the Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo a onetime Bengal revolutionary who later took a spiritual path. Auroville, the city of Dawn was started in Feb 1968 as a unique experiment in international living, where people live and work in total harmony. Designed in Feb 1968, Auroville wasconceived up as a place of constant progress-- of unending education and an experiment in international living and understanding. Auroville is intented on being a bridge between the past and the future, belonging to humanity as a whole. The Matrii mandir (pavilion of the Mother) is the soul, the living symbol of Aurovilles aspiration for the Divine. Overnight at THE PROMENADE

Sun. Nov. 23 PONDICHERRY/M'PURAM/ CHENNAI B
Breakfast, then leave for Chennai visiting Mahabalipuram en route.  Mamallapuram, is a historical retreat set amidst natural beauty. Lying 58 kms South of Chennai, this is the ancient seaport of the Pallavas who were great connoisseurs of art. Its monuments, hewn out of solid rock, though ravaged by the sea and wind, still bear testimony to the magnificent heritage of Dravidian architecture.  Overnight in Chennai - TAJ CONNEMARA

Mon. 24 Nov. 24 CHENNAI/Departure B
Breakfast, then Morning sightseeing tour of Chenai. Later transfer to airport to board onward flight. Depart by SQ 5367 at 23:15 hrs.

An Extension to Kerala: Nov. 24-29, 2008

Monday Nov 24 B
CHENNAI/ TRIVANDRUM/ KOVALAM Transfer to airport for flight to Trivandrum, departing at 14:25. We are met on arrival & drive to Kovalam Remainder of the day free. Overnight in LEELA KOVALAM BEACH RESORT

Tuesday Nov 25 B
KOVALAM Morning free. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala, and a beautiful seaside city. Visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, dedicated to god Vishnu, and a sacred place for Hindus from antiquity. Its magnificent tower rises seven stories against the reflecting pool, and is a fine specimen of South Indian architecture. Visit the Napier Art Museum, a colourful and attractive turreted structure on the crest of the public gardens, and a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style: gothic roof and minarets, painted walls and ceilings. Later visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, with a good collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Roerich; Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore, and then the Ajanta and Bagh caves.

Wednesday Nov 26 B
TRIVANDRUM / KAYANKULAM / ALLEPPEY Transfer to Trivandrum rail way station to board train to Kayankulam by the Jan Shatabdi Express (06:25 / 07:53 hrs) Disembark at Kayankulam to visit the temples at Haripad and Mannarsala. The Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple at Haripad is the oldest and most important of all Subrahmanya temples in Kerala. The image of the four-armed deity is also the biggest of the kind. It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parasurama, a virtuous man who had a dream that there was a wonderful image lying on a river-bed. This was confirmed by astrologers and thanks to the enthusiasm of the local people, the image was brought out from the river and enshrined in the present temple.One of the most important centrer of snake worship in Kerala, Sree Nagaraja temple is situated at Mannarsala 35 Km away from Alleppey near Haripad. The temple is surrounded by about 16 acres of thick green forest. The King of Serpents is the diety. On the asterism, 'Ayillam' of each Malayalam month, the 'Sarpakalam Pattu' is conducted. This ritual involves drawing the figure of the Serpent God on the floor using vegetable colours. Drive to Alleppey (35 kms) and check-in at hotel. Alleppey is 64 kms south of Kochi ( Cochin) and a town with extensive canal network interspersed with bridges--hence it is commonly referred to as the Venice of South India. The town is known for its water carnivals, the most popular event being the Snake Boat Race, organized on the second Saturday of August every year. Alleppey is also a coconut town and is known for the manufacture of coir yarn, mats and allied goods. Overnight at KERALEEYAM hotel.

Thursday Nov. 27 B
ALLEPPEY In the morning, embark on a House Boat to cruise through the backwaters towards Kumarakom disembarking, and visiting the Ayemenam village. Later, drive back to Alleppey. The Bhagavathy temple in Alleppey is dedicated to an ancient mother Goddess.

Friday Nov. 28 B
ALLEPPEY/ COCHIN In the morning, we take a heritage walk, then depart for Cochin. Cochin, the palm green commercial town of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbors in the world, and is the gateway to Kerala. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin, beginning with the Synagogue. Built in 1568 AD, the Synagogue contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. Seventeenth century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, Ramayana, can be seen here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbor--this technique taught by the Chinese through trade contact . These nets along the backwaters are a fascinating sight. Afternoon visit the Cochin Cultural Center to see the makeup process for Kathakali, thereafter and attend the performance of Kathakali. Kathakali, the dance form of Kerala, is recognized as one of the four major classical Indian styles. Virtually nothing about Kathakali is naturalistic because it depicts the world of Gods and Demons. Although it bears the unmistakable influences of Kutiyattam and indigenous folk rituals, Kathakali literally meaning "story-play", is thought to have crystallised into a distinct theatre form during the seventeenth century. The plays are based on three major Hindu epics: the Mahabarata, the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana. Men play both the male and female roles.

Sat. Nov. 29: B
COCHIN/Departure Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin. Check-out from hotel at Noon. Afternoon excursion to Nettoor to see Kalarippayat, the ancient martial art of Kerala. Kalarippayat is based on the science of Yoga for its forms and exercises, and its medical treatments are based on the science of Ayurveda. In Malayalam, Kalarippayat means 'the fighting art of the Kalari'. In ancient Kerala, the Kalari was a college or place of learning for subjects such as medicine, philosophy, astrology, architecture and geometry in addition to combat arts and Yoga. Another definition is Kalari (battlefield), and Payat (training in the art of combat). The origins of Kalarippayat are obscured by time, since it has been nurtured from the oldest martial traditions of Dravidian South India, with later influences from North Indian Aryan martial traditions, and linked with the science of the Art of War of ancient India. It is possible that Kalari in its present form has existed, with little change, for over 1500 years. 7:00 PM: Transfer to airport to board flight to Singapore. Leave Cochin for Singapore by SQ-5367 (23:15/ 06:15 hrs). Arrive back the same day.

Not Included: Camera Fees, visa charges, airport taxes on departure and items of a personal nature such as cost of telephone calls, table drinks, laundry, tips etc.

CONDITIONS AND  RESPONSIBILITIES
TRIP COST AND FEES:
The trip price $3884.00  per person is based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath, full breakfast, excursions listed in the itinerary, classes, services of local and USA guide. Kerala Extension: $1286.00.  Airfare on Singapore Airlines is currently priced at  $1627.00. Departures out of SFO. LA, and NYC. Minimum 10 participants, maximum 16.
DEPOSIT: A deposit of $350.00 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due Sept. 15, 2008. Limited to 16 participants.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
For the flight portion, cancellation will be governed by the rules and regulations as listed in the flight contract by the participating airline. For the land portion, a cancellation fee of $75.00 is assessed up to 30 days prior to departure. A fee of $100.00 will be charged between 30-7 days prior to departure. No refunds will be made after departure.  Trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance is recommended.

TRANSPORTATION:
Round trip air transportation can be cooked on your own or through our travel agent: Wendy Simon at pacific Harbor Travel, 1-800- Possible optional return stopovers.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations are based on two persons sharing a twin bedded room with private, western-style bath. Single supplement available..

ROOMMATES:
Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a share basis and will be assigned a roommate as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:$1082.00
Kerala Extension:$450.00.

MEALS:
Full American Breakfast daily. Although meals (excluding breakfast) are not included in the trip, we do organize some group meals to familiarize you with local dishes and acquaint you with  favorite, cost-friendly restaurants.

PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
A passport, valid six months from date of entry to any country visited with proof of onward transportation. Participants will need to secure a visa before departure from the Indian Embassy. The form can be accessed on-line. We suggest that clients should be covered by Travel, Medical, Health and other types of insurance. These cannot be obtained in India.

Trip Organizer:
Madé Surya B.S. is a professional tour organizer and has been leading study tours in  for 22 years. He has translated and worked with scholars and educational film and video crews, including National Geographic, and has conducted extensive research on Hinduism.

Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
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