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Fort Kochi
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Periyar
Alleppey
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Kovalam
Classes on Hindu Mysticism
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Ayurveda • Morning with Elephants • Tea Plantations
Our journey begins in the historic port town of Fort Kochi. Here we will settle in to life in India, residing in one of the colonial homes now converted into a boutique hotel, get to know our fellow travelers, begin our spiritual adventure and explore Fort Kochi.
For centuries Fort Kochi has been visited by traders, explorers and conquerors. The Portugese, Dutch, British, Chinese were among the few that have visited and left imprints of their culture in this small but richly historic town. We'll explore Fort Kochi with its Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch palace, Jew town, Portuguese church where the great explorer Vasco da Gama was buried for 14-years and the remnants of the British Raj.
We leave Fort Kochi and its coastal region behind us and head to the mountains on a scenic drive that's surrounded by lush forests and plantations. Periyar in the western ghats of Kerala in South India is a refuge of rolling hills, lush green forests, amazing wildlife and countless tea and spice plantations. The western ghats or Sahyadri Mountains run north to south along the western side of India. These hills are the perfect getaway from the heat of the south during the summer.
We will settle down for 4-nights in this quiet town on the edge of a 925 square kilometer rain forest. Nature rules here as we are surrounded by a plethora of amazing plants and wildlife. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve host a large proportion of the country's plant and animal species that are unique to this area only and nowhere else in the world.
Where better than in the mountains amidst a jungle to begin our study of Hindu metaphysics. We'll also begin our exploration of Ayurveda medicine here, experiencing the various massages and treatments.
We leave Periyar and make our way down the Western Ghats towards Alleppey. Our scenic drive brings us to our home for the next 4-nights, a resort secretly located on the edge of India longest lake, Lake Vembanad. Hidden deep in a village, this hideaway provides the perfect venue for us to dive further into our study of Hindu metaphysics and continue to explore the world of Ayurveda.
Our spiritual adventure concludes on the southwestern coast of India in a little town called Kovalam. Kovalam sits on the beach facing the vast Arabian sea. Here, life is unhurried and gentle. Endless sun drenched beaches with only arching coconut trees to lay under as you watch fishermen bring in their catch each morning.
We will stay at the beautiful Leela hotel perched on top a cliff by the sea. We'll use this time to enjoy the beaches, reflect on our spiritual adventure and create a plan on implementing all that we've learnt into our daily lives when we return home.
Date begins: 23rd April 2011
Date ends: 6th May 2011
Duration: 14 days
Fort Kochi
Periyar
Alleppey
Kovalam
