Yoga Vacation India:
Spirit of Inquiry:
Yoga in India with Baxter Bell MD and India Supera.
October 27th to Nov 12th, 2008.
$4600 land only (see additional costs below).
In addition you must purchase in-country air, est. $390, and your international air arriving to Chennai, India by 11 pm on October 27.
Join Baxter and India for this relaxing 16-day yoga vacation in South India, the heart of Yoga. South India remained traditional much longer than other places as they were isolated by the seven great rivers of India from the plundering of the North. There is something refined and calming in the South Indian soul. It's a slower pace in a very beautiful landscape. We're staying in first class and deluxe Eco-Tour hotels on the cutting edge of environmental conservation and ethnic preservation. We'll have yoga classes almost every day.
-Our trip will be filled with yoga, compassion,
meditation, companionship and fun!
ITINERARY - 16 DAYS:
Please arrange your flight so you arrive to Chennai on October 27th by 11pm.
You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the Rain Tree Hotel.
OCT 28 - 30:
Arrival - Chennai
Hotel Rain Tree
We arrive to our lovely eco-hotel, Hotel Rain Tree. It's the first of it's kind in Chennai and near Kausthub Desikachar's new KYM center. (www.kym.org) www.kym.org
We will have two days of study at the Krishnamacharaya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) founded by TKV Desikachar, son and student of T Krishnamacharya. We will hear talks on yoga practice for different age groups and the concept of yoga therapy as well as a meditation class. We will have 5 hours of classes with KYM teachers each day.
The history of Western Hatha Yoga began with Krishnamacharya and we will have the honor to be in his Healing Center. Patabi Jois, BKS Iyengar, TKV Desikachar and Indra Devi all began yoga with Krishnamacharaya. Kasthub Desikachar is the son of TKV Desikachar, a direct descendent of this lineage. The KYM center is both a teaching and research center. We will join this lineage for two days of asana, meditation and lectures provided for us by the staff of KYM. This line of thinking has been a great influence on Baxter since his course of study at the KYM in 2005.
OCT 31 - NOV 2:
Chennai - Mahabalimpuram - Kanchipuram - Ideal Beach Resort
From Chennai we travel south to the beautiful Idean Beach Resort where we will have daily yoga classes with Baxter, visit the Hotel's orchid greenhouses, beach and pool time and explore the local sites.
Mahabalimpuram was a 7th century port city. These temples represent Indian mythology, especially around the Mahabharata focusing on the most famous chapter, the Bhagavad Gita. The sandstone carvings here are simple, unpainted and profound. This area was long a school for young sculptors who have recently reinvented themselves - they now sculpt more modern subjects, including Princess Diana. Now the traditional South Indian sculpture form is all the rage and fortunately for artists and us some forward-thinking pundits have kept these techniques intact. We will visit their workshops and meet the artists.
There will be plenty of time to return to Mahabalipuram for more sites and shopping. We will visit what remains of the monolithic temples and rock-cut shrines.
This area suffered greatly from the 2004 tsunami. While receeding, the powerful wall of water uncovered sculptures of lions, elephants and peacocks from the 7th and 8th centuries. Many archeological digs are going on here now to uncover lost temples.
Kanchipuram is one of India's seven sacred cities and was the historical capital of the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries and is also the centre of the finest silk saris made in the country.
NOV 03:
Mahabalipuram - Chennai- Madurai
GRT Regency
We'll have an early morning yoga class before our flight. Madurai is a typical south Indian temple city - one of the earliest open to all castes and creeds. It is what everyone thinks of when they think of south India - the bustle, the hustle, merchants and crowds and the absolute beauty of the temples. We'll see the famous and vast Madurai Meenaicshi (fish) temple, south India's biggest, busiest pilgrimage site with 10,000 pilgrims a day. Twelve looming pyramidal gateways mark the entrances. It's gaudy, bright and incredible.
NOV 04 - 06:
Madurai - Periyar
Spice Village Resort
In the morning we will visit the Gandhi Museum in the 300 year old Rani Palace, one of the most oddly touching museum I have been to in India. It houses memorabilia from Gandhi's life, including the dhoti (loincloth) he was wearing when assassinated. This museum traces the history of India's struggle for independence from England. This museum holds the image that a Gandhian world is still possible. As he said "400 years of a losing bloody battle with the English was overcome in 36 years of peaceful demonstration and love."
After the museum we travel to the Periyar National Park and the Spice Village Resort. The park is a wildlife preserve for elephants, bison, sambar, barking deer and tigers. Alive with fragrant spices and lush grenery, Spice Village Resort offers bungalo garden cottages of split bamboo and elephant grass, each with a private patio and garden. Conveniently located in the heart of Periyar both the town and wildlife preserve are easily accessible by foot and there are miles of trails woven throughout the Preserve.
We will have two classes a day here. There are excellent Ayurvedic Therapies offered at the Spice Village with doctors and trained therapists on staff. You may wish to begin a 7-day Ayurvedic Therapy here (not included in the tour price) and finishing at the Marari Beach Resort which is part of the same hotel chain.
We will visit the beautiful tea plantations and visit a Spice Village botanical garden with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and a myriad of medicinal and culinary herbs and spices. We will take an early morning walk in the national park to see the wildlife. There will be choices of several activities including a raft trip with the locals, dancing demonstrations, great musicians, shopping or Ayurvedic treatments.
NOV 06 - 09:
Periyar
Mararikukulam Marari Beach Resort
This is without a doubt one of the best beach resorts in India. We will have two yoga classes a day while staying at the Marari. The Marari features comfortable and spacious thatched cottages spread over 36 acres of lawns, gardens and pathways enveloped by coconut groves. The atmosphere is this natural setting is private and tranquil down to the 15 miles of beaches on the Indian Ocean shared only by hotel guests and local fisherman. The Ayurvedic Center is considered one of Kerala's best, with two Resident Doctors backed by highly trained massage therapists and special dietary options in the restaurant. During our time here we well have martial arts and dance demonstrations. CGHearth Hotels site.
One day we will take an excursion to Cochin to visit the Pradesi Synagogue and Jew Town. This area was the center of all spice trading in India. When Jewish merchants died they put sand from Israel and from Cochin in their caskets. Now, all of Jew Town is a shopper's paradise - tons of cheap goods and merchants galore.
Note: During our Marari stay there will be an optional trip to Sacred Heart Ashram that ministers to poor street children and their mothers giving them a place to live and a chance for education. They are working towards becoming self-sustaining. Upon request we will supply you a list of their needs in case you'd like to bring things from America. You can see their good works here.
NOV 10 - 11:
Mararikulam - Poovar - Islo de Coco, Poovar Island Resort
Marari Beach
On our way south we'll visit Trivandrum for a classical South Indian lunch and a trip to the museum. We'll have a yoga class in the evening.
From Poovar we will drive to the tip of India to spend a day at Kanyakumari. This is where Vivekananda began his soul journey to the U.S. There are many temples here. The Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal merge here so everyday there are throngs of pilgrims bathing in the sea.
NOV 12:
Poovar - Trivandram - Chennai - onwards destination
By air
Most departures from Chennai are early in the morning so you may actually depart 1 or 2 am on the 13th.
Your tour includes:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- All breakfasts and one major meal DAILY.
- Arrival and departure transfers by A/C Coach.
- All sightseeing by A/C coach.
- English-speaking guide for sightseeing.
- All monuments entrance fees
- A/C train train ticket.
*Does not include: extra air fare, extra meals, tips, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Your Tour Leaders:
Baxter Bell, MD.
Baxter Bell, MD, has been actively deepening his understanding of yoga and relaxation since making the stress-reducing move from a career as a busy family doctor to that of a yoga teacher and medical acupuncturist. Baxter is featured in Yoga Journal's DVD, "Yoga for Stress" and has written articles for Yoga Journal, Yoga for Everybody, and International Journal of Yoga Therapy. He is blessed to have studied extensively with Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, and Erich Schiffmann, and has recently been influenced strongly by the work of TKV Desikachar and Donald Moyer. His students tell him they appreciate the clarity and precision of his instruction, as well as the humor and enthusiasm that he brings to his teaching. Baxter's website is: www.bellyoga.info
India Supera
Founder, Feathered Pipe Foundation
As many friends of the Feathered Pipe Ranch know, India Supera has long loved the great civilization of India. She spent her 20's studying with her guru Sai Baba and living and traveling extensively in India. Inspired by the culture, beauty and spirit of the country, she has brought the Sacred Spirit of India to the Ranch.
India Supera has brought some of the best teachers of our age to the Feathered Pipe Ranch. She herself has been a passionate and vibrant leader inspiring many in their personal spiritual journeys. As the founder and Director of the Ranch for the past 30 years, she has led many retreats and tours around the world. For the ultimate spiritual tour of pilgrimage destinations, there can be no journey more inspiring than a tour in India of the holy cities. India will introduce you to the India she loves with great Compassion and Joy. Her knowledge of the culture and history will enrich this tour of the majestic beauty, architectural splendor, and natural wonder in the land saturated with spirituality and divine love- Mother India.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
$4600 land only,
Double-occupancy, by check or money order ($4700 by credit card). (There are a few singles available for an additional $1720, cash or check ($1775 by credit card). A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $750 is required to hold your space. Final payment is due August 1, 2008. In addition you will purchase in-country air, est. $390 ($420 by credit card), and your international air arriving to Chennai, India by October 27. If you wish to arrive a day or two earlier we are happy to reserve space at our hotel. Call 406-442-8196 for the rates.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions must be purchased within 15 days of our acceptance of your deposit, therefore we will not process your deposit until you either provide proof of insurance or sign a waiver of coverage. We recommend Travel Guard Insurance www.travelguard.com which can be purchased through Stephanie at 800-735-6343.
INTERNATIONAL AIR:
Our agent Stephanie Munk, 800-735-6343, can assist you with both airfare and travel insurance.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Because the Feathered Pipe Foundation is subject to non-refundable payments, there are no refunds after August 1, 2008. If you cancel before August 1 we will retain your deposit and refund any balance. For cancellations after August 1 there are no refunds. For this reason we urge you to purchase travel insurance to safeguard your investment.
PASSPORT:
Your passport must be good until at least June 2, 2009. If it is not, please begin renewal proceedings right away as there is a lag time in processing. You will also need a 6-month tourist visa. The Indian embassies in the US are no longer issuing visas, this function has been taken over by Travisa. All the information you need is here: indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com
NEAR CAPE COMORIN
-Octavio Paz
In a Land-Rover stalled in a flooded field,
trees upto their necks in water
under a new born sky,
and phlegmatic white birds,
herons and egrets,
stainless amid such dramatic green.
Sunk in the mud, dumb and shining,
almost sleeping, buffaloes
munching on water lillies.
A band of mendicant mokeys.
Incredibly perched, a yellow goat
on the needle of a rock. A crow
on the goat. And the invisible,
constant, presence of panic:
neither spider nor cobra,
the Unnameable,
the universal indifference
where base form and the sacred
thrive and are negated: boiling
voids. Twin pulse
in the stability of space:
the sun and the moon last night.
The kingfisher a topaz flash.
Charcoal predominates.
The drowned landscape dissolves.
Am I a troubled soul
or a wandering body?
The stalled Land-Rover
dissolves as well.