INDIA | 8/12-8/25/2023

On the deepest level, this trip is for exploring what it means to know the gods. The focus will be on experiencing the main ritual of South Indian Temples, darshan. Darshan is more akin to visiting the gods at home in their palaces, rather than a scripted service at a church or synagogue. We make pilgrimage to these palaces, visiting the different forms of god. We get to see and be seen by them, which is what the word darshan means. It is meditation on the gods with eyes open – And it is seeing yourself as them. Each day we will visit at least one temple. We’ll visit extraordinary temples of primarily Shiva, Durga, Kali, Vishnu, Ganesh and Shivas younger son, Murugan. We will share the stories of their family and how it relates to us and ours.

You will be challenged. India is about experiencing more of what it means to be human. Expect to expand your boundaries relative to climate, conditions, and emotions. This trip is not for the ‘faint of heart’ as we practice yoga to make ourselves adept at accessing our power, resilience and to deepen our hearts understanding of what it means to be human and what it means to be divine.

  • Itinerary

    8/13 or early 8/14 arrive in Chennai

    8/14 Chennai – Thiruvannamalai

    8/15 Thiruvannamalai

    8/16 Thiruvannamalai - Chidambaram

    8/17 Chidambaram

    8/18 Chidambaram

    8/19 Chidambaram -Village -Kumbakonam

    8/20 Kumbakonam

    8/21 Kumbakonam - Trichy

    8/22 Trichy – Chidambaram

    8/23 Chidambaram

    8/24 Chidmabaram - Pondicherry-Mammallapuram - Chennai

    8/25 Departure

    INVESTMENT:

    $3995

    *fee does not includes airfare, is based on double occupancy with accommodations, tips, transfers, entry fees and breakfasts included.

    To reserve: a $995 payment by Zelle (561-332-6107) or Venmo (Katherine-Barrett-10) can be made.

    Final payment due June 1, 2023.

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  • Details

    *You are responsible for getting yourself to be in Chennai. Please arrive on the night of 8/13 or very very early on 8/14.

    We will provide the name of the hotel and you must contact Vishali so she can arrange airport pick up to bring you to the hotel.

    Going Home - Most planes leave early from Chennai airport. Please schedule your departure for very late Aug 24 or early Aug 25.

    TRIP LEADERS:

    Vishali Varga is a licensed psychotherapist working in Florida. Prior to that she was a yoga studio owner and teacher trainer. She began her adventures in yoga by traveling to India for the first time in 1990 and living in an ashram for 8 years. Since then she has been immersed in and studied Indian culture as she explores the source of yoga as it continues to evolve around the world. In 2007 she began leading tours India to offer the deepening of understanding of the yoga teachings available to serious students.

    Jagannath Babu is a professional tour leader and a native of Chennai (Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu state in South India. He speaks 7 languages including English, and is able to enlighten us about the complexities of Indian culture. He has been become a good friend and indispensable partner working with Vishali on all her trips since 2007.

    Omni Kitts Ferrara is a life-long student of Yoga and has dedicated the past 20 years of her life teaching and holding space for its practices.

    INFO:

    Email okittsferrara@gmail.com to reserve your space for the trip, monthly calls will be scheduled to help you prepare.

Allow yourself to feel.