End January - Mid February

You will find something far greater in the woods than you will find in books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.

St. Bernard

Introduction:
This extraordinary journey in Southern India offers a fantastic combination of vibrant city life and magical natural retreats as well as ancient temple towns and sleepy villages.

Kerala's varied nature and traditional way of life makes you feel truly relaxed and you will enjoy the countryside walks with clean air and tranquil surroundings.

In February, the snake goddess festival near Neeleshwar in North Kerala is a mysterious experience. This region is also home to one of the oldest and famous religious ritual dance called Theyyam, which signifies empowerment of all humans as equals.

This tour would not be complete without a relaxing traditional rice barge houseboat cruise in the backwaters and a rejuvenating Ayurveda health massage while relaxing at the fabulous golden beach on the Arabian Sea.

Highlights:
¤ Art, cultural and architectural marvels in the vibrant city of Mumbai
¤ Nature in Kerala, country walks and traditional way of life
¤ Relaxing days at the fabulous beach health resort Neeleshwar Hermitage
¤ Festival Season: Dramatic and colourful Bhadrakali Snake Goddess Festival and Theyyam: traditional music,
   dances and people in their costumes of rich colour

15 DAY OUTLINE ITINERARY (End January to mid February)

The unique vibrant city of Mumbai (Bombay) with its art, culture, Victorian Gothic architectural wonders and street life; the wild town of Madurai dedicated to the Mother Goddess and built around its stunning temple; a trip up into the hills to see plantation life and enjoy the views, country walks and clear tranquil air; the ancient international trading port of Fort Cochin with its spice warehouses, antique shops, colonial architecture and history and an extraordinary Goddess temple that specialises in tantric spirit rituals; a visit to the ancient martial arts of Kerala that gave birth to all the martial arts traditions of the far east; various dance and music performances and to finish the tour, a few idyllic days relaxing at the fabulous Neeleshwar Hermitage. Here there are many things to enjoy: Ayurvedic treatments; a traditional rice barge for a languid sunset cruise; the local Snake Goddess Festival celebrations; dramatic ritual Theyyam dance around old temples; nearby ashrams of two important teachers; trips to local markets; infinity pool and unspoilt beach stretching for miles in either direction with a sea safe to swim in.

The tour has been planned to coincide with the temple festival season, so we will encounter unexpected celebrations along the road as we travel. Our journey will be enlivened with talks on the spiritual, social and cultural aspects of the Land of Dreams by our specialist tour guides.