Ayurveda, Spa, Art, Ashrams - 19 Days

Highlights: 'Ayurveda' in Sanskrit means the Science of Life. It refers to a traditional science of health that has been handed down through the centuries from one generation to the other. Ayurveda has been practiced as a means of resorting life to the body, is acclaimed and practiced world over for its natural and effective way of keeping the body healthy and free of toxins. "Ayurveda - The Book of Medicine" was written several thousand years ago, and was one of the volumes of the 'Vedas' or books on the Hindu way of life.

Ayurveda at Trivandurm, Ashram and Spa treatment at Rishikesh.

Day 01 : Arrival Mumbai
On arrival in Mumbai, the dynamic city of tycoons, skyscrapers, film studio and big business, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon, enjoy an interesting drive through this vibrant city. Travel along the elegant arc shaped Marine Drive past the famous Chowpatty Beach to the impressive Gateway to India, along Flora Fountain via legendary Victoria Terminus and the Hanging Gardens. We also visit the Prince of Wales Museum ( closed on Mondays ), founded in 1905 by the Prince (later King George V) during his first visit to India. Its superlative collection of sculpture, paintings and decorative arts ranks it among the great museums of India.

Day 02: Mumbai - Trivandrum (By flight 9W 465 - 0905 hours/1250 hours)

Morning transfer to airport to fly to Trivandrum. On arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Surya Samudra Beach Garden, an Ayurveda Center run by a German citizen. B

Day 03 to Day 04 : Ayurveda Center
Full 2 days at the Ayurvadic Center, reviewing the procedure of Ayurvadic treatment with descriptive lectures. These are:

Medicated Steam Bath in which the body is exposed to the rejuvenating vapors of special leaves and Herb's which are boiled.

Naysam - Herbal preparations used for Nasal Cleaning.
Pizhichil - Herbal Oil massage good for rheumatic alignments and nervous disorders.
Najavara Kizhi - Medicated rice concoctions are applied externally which are good for arthritis and skin diseases.
Dhara - Herbal oils & medicated buttermilk is poured on forehead or body for relief from stress, mental tension, insomnia etc.
Sirovasthi - Massage of herbal oils for the head, very effective for chronic headaches.
Udvarthanam - Herbal powder massage for the treatment of paralysis, rheumatic disorders etc.

The number of massages will vary, depending on the ailment, but for the casual visitor 1 round each of these massages is recommended. These therapies are performed under expert guidance of physician & accompanied with theoretical lectures ( To be availed on direct payment ). B

Day 05 : Trivandrum - Mata Amritanandamyi Ashram ( By road - 2 hours drive )

Rejuvenated after the massages, we depart for Ashram Mata Amritanandamyi Math, it is 100 kilometers from Trivandrum, on an island, in a village called Parayakadavu. Here activities are Vedanta classes and Yoga classes, which are available in English when Amma is here. Meditation and Bhajans (Hymns) are everyday. There is also a library. Western food is available on request. The main activity is to be here, in the presence of Amma and to watch how she serves humanity through her teachings. B

Day 06: Mata Amritanandamyi Ashram - Alleppey (By road - 5 hours drive)

Morning we depart for Alleppey. Check in at Kayaloram Resort. B L D

Day 07 : Thottapally - Kumarakom ( By road - 4 hours drive )

Morning, drive to Kumarakom, a 4 hours drive. On arrival check in to the hotel of your choice, located on an island on the Vembanad Lake, one of the biggest saltwater lakes of India. B

Day 08 : Kumarakom

Morning boat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. This is a unique experience as we pass through several villages and see the life and customs of the local people. B

Day 09 : Kumarakom - Cochin ( By road - 2 hours drive )

Morning we depart for Cochin, one of the finest natural harbor's of India and the business center of the state of Kerala. On arrival, check in to the hotel of your choice. B

Day 10 : Cochin
This morning city tour of Cochin visiting the Mattancherry Palace, the palace built by Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Cochin Raja (King) Verra Kerala Varma as a gesture of goodwill. The Dutch substantially renovated it after 1663. Hence it is also called the Dutch Palace. St. Francis Church this is India is India's oldest European-built church. Vasco de gama the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Cochin 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remain were transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. His tombstone still stands. The Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the region. We also visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, showing the traditional methods of sea fishing and the spice markets, a rich trading centre in medieval times. Return back to hotel. In the evening we will go for a Kathakali Dance performance, incorporating elements of yoga and mythology. B

Day 11 : Cochin - Ooty ( By road - 7 hours drive )

A 8 hours drive through the most spectacular scenery of south Indian forests brings us to Ooty, a small hill resort. On arrival, check in to the hotel of your choice. B

Day 12 : Ooty - Mysore ( By road - 5 hours drive )

Morning we drive for 5 hours to reach Mysore, one of the south Indian city with lot of culture and heritage. On arrival check in to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon visit the Mysore Palace and the Art Gallery. Later we will visit the Brindavan Gardens with its musical fountains. B

Day 13 : Mysore - Srirangapatnam - Sravanbelagola - Hassan ( By road - 5 hours drive )

Morning we depart for Hassan. En route we will visit Srirangapatnam, from where Tipu Sultan ruled most of the south India in the 18th century. His defeat by the British marked the beginning of the Raj in South India, and Sravanbelagola (monk on the top of the hill), famous for its huge 17 meters high Jain statue. Continue on to Hassan. On arrival, check in to the hotel of your choice. B

Day 14 : Hassan - Bangalore ( By road - 4 hours drive )

Morning visit the 11th century Hindu temples of Belur and Halebid. These temples are very artistically built with sculpture on the outside and the interiors. In the afternoon, we drive to Bangalore and check in to the hotel of your choice. B

Day 15 : Bangalore - Delhi ( By flight 9W 802 - 0755 hours / 1035 hours )
Morning transfer to the airport to fly to Delhi. On arrival in the capital city of Delhi, you will be met by a guide and proceed for the tour this regal city of contrasts. Afternoon combined city tour of New and Old Delhi. Tour the bustling New Delhi, visit the Qutab Minar, the Emperor Humayun's Tomb, the India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, and the Presidential Palace. Later visit Old Delhi where the Raj Ghat stands as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, see the Universal Mosque of Jama Masjid, he largest mosque in India, and tour the Red Fort and fabled Chandni Chowk (Silver street). Here, alleys filled with Gold and Silversmiths, the exotic spice market and colorful fabric merchants are but some of the few sights that will amaze and tempt you.

Day 16 : Delhi - Rishikesh (By Road 5 hours drive)

Drive to Rishikesh. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas on three sides, it lies 356 meters above the sea level. After gushing down these mountains the holy river Ganges arrives in the plains, and flows through this town. For thousand of years, Rishikesh and the neighboring town of Haridwar, have been amongst the holiest Hindu cities. There are numerous ashrams (hermitages) and sadhus (hermits) to be found along the sandy banks of the river. On arrival in Narendra Nagar (about 10 kms from Rishikesh town) in the Himalayas, check in to your spa. B

Day 17: Rishikesh
Experience the Ayurveda and spa (on direct payment)

• Aerobics, yoga, meditation classes
• Hiking trips in the himalayan foot hills
• Use of wet spa areas like sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi
• Pranayama sessions
• Swedish, Thai, Aromatheraphy massages
• Aveda skin and body consultations
• Aveda customized Facial treatments
  

Day 18 : Rishikesh -; Delhi (By road 5 hours drive)

This morning explore this small religious town, visiting the different ashrams, temples etc. Later drive to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to shop or explore Delhi on your own. B

Day 19 : Delhi Departure

Transfer to the International airport to board the flight to onward journey.

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