Food for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Southern India

BD
Briala Da Silva and Michaele Ruzow
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Jan 10 - 23, 2019
Group size: 15 - 28
Food for the Mind, Body, and Soul
Southern India

Briala Da Silva and Michaele Ruzow
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified

Jan 10 - 23, 2019
Group size: 15 - 28

About this trip

Journey with us to the heart of Southern India, as we connect with sacred sites, lush landscapes, and our inner most selves. This trip has something for everyone. We start our trip in Tamil Nadu visiting several of the most spectacular temples in India. From there adventure awaits, as we explore the serene backwaters of Kerala,  fall in love with elephants at an amazing sanctuary, and trek though a spice plantation. We end our journey on beautiful beaches, with choices for both water enthusiasts and those seeking to take in more cultural sights. Lush greenery and tranquil surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for our  daily (but optional) Yin/Yang  yoga and meditation practices. Throughout the trip you may choose to be pampered with the Ayurvedic treatments Kerala is known for or just relax and be held in the spirituality of place. 

What makes this trip special?

Southern India can be a challenging and unpredictable, but our local guides, Southern Trails Ltd., take care of the details so that we can fully enjoy the wonders that this magical place has to offer.  Having worked with Briala numerous times, Southern Trails has always shown that they know how to balance the organization that we need, with the fluidity that India requires. 

Visa and vaccine requirements

All foreign travelers entering India require a visa. While there are several types of visas, most tourists apply for an eVisa, through any number of agencies. We will be happy to provide you with a recommendation.


You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination, but additional vaccines are not required for this trip. While malaria medication is not required, we recommend you speak to your healthcare provider about and work within your personal comfort. 

Other basics

Briala will be emailing you with all necessary pre-trip information so you are well-prepared for the journey ahead.  

Weather

The January weather in Southern India provides the perfect escape from the cold winter back home.  Temperatures typically hover in the 80s, with sun, sun and more sun.

What’s included

  • Yoga and Meditation
    All yoga and meditation with Briala and Michaele throughout the entire retreat
  • Learning
    Historical and spiritual talks in Tamil Nadu with Hareesh Wallis: In Kerala with Briala and Michaele
  • Accommodations
    All hotel accommodations at heritage hotels and eco-resorts
  • Meals
    All meals at the hotels and en-route
  • Admission
    Admissions to the monuments and various sites
  • Transportation
    Transportation throughout our trip in a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus
  • Tours
    Local tour guide throughout our tour
  • Tips
    Tips for hotel staff and waiters
  • Bottled Water
    You will be provided with clean, bottled water throughout the trip.
  • All Taxes

What’s not included

  • Air Transportation
    Air transportation is not included
  • Camera Use Fees
    Still camera/video camera use fees in the temples (a few dollars at most)
  • Tips
    Tips for our guide and drivers
  • Airport Transfers
    Transportation to/from the airport
  • Treatments
    Spa and Ayurveda treatments are available for additional fees..
  • Optional Excursions
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Visas
  • Additional Items
    All the fabulous shopping you may do

Available Packages

Early Bird Double Room

This option is for people who would like to share a room. You do not need to be traveling with someone, to choose this option. If you are traveling with someone and you would like to share a room with them, you can specify that on the Registration form at checkout. 

$3,125
Deposit: $1,000
Early Bird Single Room

This option is for people who would like a private room. 

$3,925
Deposit: $1,000
Double Room
$3,475
Deposit: $1,000
Single Room
$4,300
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

Day 1
Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and Kumbakonam

Upon arrival we have the day at leisure for relaxing by the hotel pool or an optional visit to Darasuram Temple.

Your Organizer


BD
Briala Da Silva and Michaele Ruzow
Briala Da Silva's journey began with the simple quest to find ease and peace in life. The beginning journey was steeped in a love for all that allows a return to natural, functional movement with a balance of strength and flexibility. Her decades of studentship led her to expand her study of the essence SELF as experienced through the flow of the breath and the journey to awaken to true inner wisdom. Briala’s unique teachings excite the playful freedom flow between physical body and spiritual being. Michaele Ruzow’s life is steeped in both academic and spiritual learning. A former professor, trained anthropologist, NGO director, Buddhist clergy, and UN student of peace/sustainability practices, her essence quest marries her rich academic knowledge of mankind to meditation and mindfulness practices. By example and through her teachings, Michaele shares how basic daily techniques can transform your everyday life so that in life’s greatest challenges, you CAN choose happiness..