The name Lakshadweep, that means in Malayalam and Sanskrit a hundred thousand islands is an archipelago of 36 islands off the Indian West Coast in the Arabian Sea. Known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches it is a sought after yet unexplored holiday destination. India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is a uni-district Union Territory and comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands.
Pondicherry was French colony till 1954, and now is a Union Territory in the South East part of India bounded by Tamil Nadu. It comprises four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. The French influence is still visible in its French Quarter with tree-lined streets, mustard coloured villas, cafes and boutiques. Its a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers who visit it for various reasons from relaxing at the beach to immerse in spirituality, or just spend a nice time walking at the beach promenade. The Portuguese have been here, so have the Dutch, the Danes and the English.
Aurangabad is known for its proximity to the world famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These are sculpted out of rocks …. Rock cut temples, probably the toughest way to create a monument since it has to be built from top to bottom and not the other way. The UNESCO world heritage sites, an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples, attract a large number of tourists and is perhaps one of the most visited places in India. Ajanta is around 105 kms from Aurangabad while Ellora is around 32 kms from there.
Thiruvananthapuram (The city of the Lord Anantha) is also known as Trivandrum. The city maintains the old world charm of Kerala and is its Capital. Referred as the “Evergreen City of India” by Mahatma Gandhi, is surrounded by low coastal hills. The city is situated near the southern tip of mainland India. The city with its long winding roads, dotted with old styled houses and small shops will give you the feel of a small town though it’s the capital of Kerala.
Seated amidst the lovely tranquil hills of the Western Ghats is the district of Coorg (called Kodagu locally), one of the top tourist destinations of Karnataka. The lush green plantations, deep valleys and the beautiful water falls is a sight to behold and is one of the most serene sights. See the amazing waterfalls at Iruppu, Chelavara and Abbey and pray at Bhagamandala, one of the two Brahma temples in India. Enroute visit the Tibetan monastery at Bylakuppe, the elephant camp at Dubare the delta Nisargadhama. At Madikeri see the unique Mercara fort, Rajas seat park, the waterfalls, the Bhagamandala temple and then go to Talacauvery, where the river Cauvery has its source.
The Cauvery Delta, having miles and miles of lush green paddy fields, is also a repository of arguably, the finest temples of South India.
Join us in visiting Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Madurai (The Golden Heritage Circuit) where the size of the temples will make you wonder if these were built by humans. The temple towns will astound you with the old lanes and bye lanes, the aromatic street food, and the whiff of camphor, flowers and incense in the air will take you to another world.
A visit to Madurai, Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi, & Chettinad takes you across some of the finest temples of South India. It allows you to stand at the southern-most tip of India. You get to cross the Pamban bridge and if you are lucky enough you get to see the bridge open up to give way to a passing cargo ship.
Morocco is a North African country overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea. It is a melting pot of Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. It is so easy to get lost in the magical beauty of Marrakech’s medina, souks, Atlas mountains, Sahara desert and much more.
Pangarchulla Peak in the Garhwal Himalayas is one of the lesser-known trekking peaks just perfect for a first time summit attempt. One also has to go across the Kuari Pass, which in itself is one of the most beautiful and popular treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Taking a cue from these words by the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, we have set out on a Mindfulness Journey. Led by the Monastics from Plum Village, France and along with like-minded spiritual souls we have come together to create this unique cultural and spiritual experience in the form[…]
