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From October 14 to November 04, 2026
Summary Itinerary
Clicking on the days of travel in the summary itinerary will take you to the detailed itinerary for that day and vice versa clicking on the day in the detailed itinerary will return you to the summary itinerary. In the detailed itinerary, in addition to the images and description of the days, we also have the day of the month and the week
Rishikesh Extension
Program Principal
Southern extension of India
Detailed Itinerary
Rishikesh Extension
Flights
The day has arrived! Trip to the airport on night of October 13th, Tuesday For our flight, it will likely be in the early morning of October 14th, depending on your city, route, and flight combination, which we will discuss together to find the best option for your arrival! Guilherme will be in contact from your arrival at the airport until your arrival in Delhi.
Great flights!
Arrival
Ashram
Welcome to India! Arrival We'll be in Delhi with assistance from our local partners. We'll use the first day, which we've stayed up to adjust to our time zones, to drive to Rishikesh. It's always a good opportunity to arrive gradually, chat, and enjoy India. In approximately 5 hours, which really does pass very quickly in India, we'll be at the ashram.
Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region, Uttarakhand state. The spectacle of the clear Ganges flowing at the foot of the mountain range is an incredible sight. The city is 415 m above sea level and is where many yogis and sages lived and practiced tapas (austerities). Here we will experience the daily life of a... Ashram traditional: Pujas before sunrise, meditation, studies of Vedanta, mantras and Satsangas with the resident Swamis.
We will stay at Swami Dayananda's Ashram.
Walk
Study
We will start the day with the Ashram program. We will have our breakfast and then we will leave for walk along the banks of the Ganges River. We'll walk across the Ram Jhula Bridge and take a boat to Lakshman Jhula. We'll have lunch in the Tapovan neighborhood and then visit a small temple to Lord Shiva.
We will dedicate part of the day to our studies.
Vashista Guha
Study
Breakfast and time dedicated to Vedanta studies. In the afternoon, we will visit the cave where Sage Vasishta meditated. Vashista GuhaVashista was a revered sage in Hinduism, one of the Saptarishis (seven great Rishis) of India, credited as the primary author of the Rigveda. Vashista and his family are mentioned in verses of many sacred texts. His cave is located 22 km from Rishikesh on the route to Badrinath, where the sage Vasishta performed austerities (Tapas) for years. It is a perfect place to meditate and bathe in the sacred Ganges.
Study
Kunjapuri temple
Today we will drive up to the temple Kunjapuri Devi. Located on top of a mountain At 1645 meters high, on a clear day it offers panoramic views of the northernmost peaks of the Himalayas. It is dedicated to one of the 13 most important goddesses of the mountain range: Shivalik—"Shiva's braids." After meditating and contemplating the mountains, we returned to the Ashram for the studies of Vedanta, enjoying the Ganges region in the ashram and the jhulas.
Study
Triveni Ghat
We will continue with our ashram routine and studies.
At the end of the day we will take a walk to the Triveni Ghat, a place where a traditional sacred ceremony (Arati) takes place.
Study
Free days
We continue with our studies of Vedanta.
With free time to enjoy this special region. Some suggestions, among others we'll discuss in Rishikesh, include hiking, whitewater rafting on the Ganges River, a cooking class, and a tour of the central market.
Flight
Today we return to Delhi. Transfer to Dehradun airport for our flight. flight.
Flight 21OUT IndiGo 6E6530 Dehradun 10:35 am Delhi 11:20 am
Program Principal
Flight
We will begin the main program of our trip with our flight From Delhi to Tiruchirappalli. For those starting their trip with the main program, we can meet in Delhi for this flight. We can also meet in Tiruchirappalli if you arrive in India via another city like Mumbai or Chennai.
An encounter with Shiva and Vishnu in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirappalli, affectionately called Trichy, is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in southern India. Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, it houses two of the most important temples of the Hindu tradition, dedicated respectively to Shiva and Vishnu. A visit to these places provides a deep immersion in the spirituality, Dravidian architecture, and devotion that has permeated Tamil culture for over a thousand years.
IndiGo flight 21OCT 6E769 Delhi 15:45 Tiruchirapalli 18:50
Jambukeswarar Temple
Located on the island of Srirangam, this temple It is one of the five sacred temples of Shiva associated with the elements of nature, representing the element of water (Apas). According to tradition, an underground stream continuously feeds the inner sanctuary, symbolizing the eternal presence of this element.
The temple impresses with its wide corridors, refined sculptures, and contemplative atmosphere.
It is also an important center of worship for the divine mother in the form of the Goddess Akhilandeshwari, whose presence gives the place a special dimension of devotion and wisdom.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Considered the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world, the Sri Ranganathaswamy It is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Vishnu. Here, the Lord is worshipped as Ranganatha, reclining upon the cosmic serpent Adishesha.
With its immense, colorful gopurams, seven concentric walls, and dozens of shrines, the temple is a true spiritual universe. It is one of the most important sites in the Vaishnava tradition.
In Tiruchirappalli, Shiva and Vishnu coexist in harmony, revealing the extraordinary diversity of the Vedic tradition and offering the pilgrim an experience of profound inspiration and connection with the sacred in traditional rituals preserved for centuries. A unique opportunity to contemplate the spiritual richness of traditional India in its most authentic expression.
Manjakkudi
An Encounter with Rural and Traditional India
After visiting some of the most magnificent temple cities in South India, our journey leads us to a completely different experience: the simplicity and authenticity of life in Manjakkudi, a small village in Tamil Nadu where Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the most important Vedānta masters of modern times, was born.
Far from the major urban centers, Manjakkudi offers the rare opportunity to experience the heart of India, where the rhythms of nature, community life, and traditional values remain present in everyday life.
Swami Dayananda's Educational Legacy
Manjakkudi is home to one of the most inspiring social projects conceived by Swami Dayananda.
His vision was clear: to preserve India's spiritual tradition while offering quality educational opportunities for children and young people in rural areas.
This work has given rise to initiatives that combine academic education, ethical training, and the appreciation of traditional culture, contributing to the development of hundreds of families in the region.
By visiting these projects, we will have the opportunity to experience firsthand a living expression of the principle of seva — selfless service performed for the benefit of society.
Veda Pāṭhaśālā – The Preservation of an Ancient Tradition
One of the most special aspects of the Manjakkudi experience is the contact with the Veda Pāṭhaśālās, traditional schools dedicated to the study and preservation of the Vedas.
In these learning centers, young students dedicate years of their lives to the rigorous study of Vedic recitation, passed down from generation to generation through an oral tradition spanning millennia.
Listening to the Vedic chants sung by the students is to witness one of humanity's oldest living traditions. Each syllable is preserved with extraordinary precision, reflecting the Vedic culture's profound commitment to the transmission of knowledge.
A Cultural Immersion Experience
The days spent in Manjakkudi will allow us to slow down and observe traditional life in its natural context. Here, spirituality is manifested not only in temples, but also in education, community life, the relationship with the land, and the continuity of the values that sustain the culture. Vedic culture.
It's an opportunity to see India beyond the monuments and pilgrimage sites, bringing us closer to the people, stories, and traditions that keep this heritage alive.
Manjakkudi reminds us that the strength of tradition resides not only in grand temples or ancient texts, but also in the communities that continue to live these values daily. Among the rice paddies, Vedic schools, and educational projects, we find a living expression of the legacy left by Swami Dayananda: a tradition preserved with knowledge, compassion, and responsibility for future generations. Immersion in a simple, welcoming India, deeply connected to its roots.
Manjakkudi
Another day to enjoy. Manjakkudi.
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Sarangapani Temple
The city of temples and Vedic wisdom.
Located in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Kumbakonam is one of India's most sacred cities. Known as the "City of Temples," it boasts an extraordinary spiritual richness, with dozens of ancient shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi. Walking through its streets is to immerse oneself in a traditional India that has preserved, for centuries, rituals, Vedic chants, and devotional life in its most authentic form.
The spiritual meaning of Kumbakonam
According to tradition, during the cosmic dissolution, Brahma preserved the seeds of creation within a sacred vessel (kumbha). At the end of the cycle, this vessel is said to have rested in Kumbakonam, spreading blessings and renewing life on Earth. Hence the name of the city: "Kumbha" (sacred vessel) and "Konam" (place).
For this reason, Kumbakonam is considered one of the most important pilgrimage centers in southern India.
The big Shiva Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
This is the main temple of the city and the spiritual heart of Kumbakonam. Dedicated to Shiva as Kumbeswara, it is directly associated with the legend of the cosmic vessel of creation.
Its majestic gopuram, wide corridors, and beautiful sanctuaries reveal the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. The temple is an important center of pilgrimage and a place where devotion and tradition remain alive in every ritual performed daily.
O Sarangapani Temple Vishnu in His Magnificence
Among the most important temples dedicated to Vishnu in South India, Sarangapani is one of the 108 Divya Desams.
The shrine houses Vishnu in a majestic form, symbolizing his compassionate descent to bless devotees. Its imposing gopuram dominates the cityscape and bears witness to centuries of intense devotion.
Nageswaran Temple
Ramaswamy Temple
Mahamaham Tank
O Nageswaran Temple The Harmony between Architecture and Astronomy
Dedicated to Shiva, this temple is a jewel of Chola architecture. Its construction demonstrates an impressive astronomical understanding: during certain times of the year, the sun's rays directly illuminate the main sanctuary.
In addition to its artistic beauty, the temple offers an atmosphere of profound serenity, ideal for contemplation and study.
O Ramaswamy Temple The Presence of Rama
This magnificent temple is dedicated to Rama and features extensive carved panels that narrate episodes from the Ramayana. The rich iconography allows visitors to visually journey through the entire journey of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.
It is a special place for those who wish to deepen their connection with the dharma teachings found in the Ramayana.
Mahamaham Tank The Sacred Lake
Considered one of the most sacred sites in South India, this pond is the setting for the Mahamaham festival, celebrated every twelve years and often compared to the Kumbh Mela of North India.
Tradition holds that the sacred waters of various rivers in India symbolically meet at this location, making it an important place for pilgrimage and spiritual renewal.
Kumbakonam is a true treasure of Vedic tradition, one of the most sacred cities in Hinduism. Its traditional atmosphere is preserved in its streets, markets, and rituals. More than a city, it is a place of pilgrimage where spirituality manifests in every temple, every mantra, and every gesture of devotion, offering the traveller a rare opportunity to experience India in its deepest and most sacred essence, beyond conventional tourism.
At this point, we have concluded our main program. Part of our group will continue to Kochi, with lunch in Auroville. Part of our group will continue to Chidambaram, as shown below.
Southern extension of India
Thillai Nataraja Temple
Kali Temple
The Space of Consciousness and the Cosmic Dance of Shiva
Among the sacred cities of Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram occupies a truly unique place. It is not only an important pilgrimage center; it is one of the most profound symbols of Vedic philosophy and the Shaivite tradition. Here, Shiva is revered as Nataraja, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance, whose dance represents the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe.
The name Chidambaram itself derives from the Sanskrit words Chit (Consciousness) and Ambaram (infinite space), meaning "the space of Consciousness". For spiritual seekers, this is one of the most significant places in all of India.
The Temple of Thillai Nataraja The Dance of the Absolute
This magnificent temple is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Shiva in all of India. Unlike most Shiva temples, where Shiva is primarily worshipped in the form of a lingam, in Chidambaram he manifests as Nataraja, the dancing form of the Lord.
The image of Nataraja symbolizes one of the deepest visions of the Vedic tradition: the entire universe as a dynamic expression of infinite Consciousness. Each gesture of the dance possesses a philosophical meaning related to creation, protection, transformation, and liberation.
The temple is also one of the five great temples associated with the elements of nature, representing the element Space (Akasha), the most subtle of all.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this place is the so-called "Secret of Chidambaram" (Chidambara Rahasyam), which symbolizes the invisible and limitless presence of the Divine beyond any form. It is a teaching deeply aligned with the Vedānta vision, pointing to the limitless nature of reality.
The immense carved gopurams, the vast corridors, and the atmosphere of intense devotion make this visit one of the most remarkable spiritual experiences in South India.
O Thillai Kali Amman Temple The Power of the Goddess
A few kilometers further on lies the temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali, guardian of transformative energy and divine feminine power.
According to local tradition, after a symbolic dance contest between Shiva and Kali, Shiva was recognized as the victor and remained in the sacred center of Chidambaram as Nataraja. Kali then settled on the outskirts of the city, where she came to be worshipped in her powerful and protective form.
The temple preserves a very different atmosphere from that found in Nataraja. While the main temple inspires philosophical contemplation and inner stillness, the Kali temple expresses strength, protection, courage, and transformation.
A visit to the two sanctuaries offers a rare opportunity to contemplate two complementary aspects of Hindu tradition: the serenity of absolute Consciousness and the dynamic power of Shakti.
Chidambaram is not just a place of pilgrimage; it is an invitation to contemplate the very nature of reality. Between the silent dance of Nataraja and the transformative power of Kali, we find a perfect synthesis of Indian spirituality: consciousness and energy, silence and movement, transcendence and manifestation. This is a visit to one of the most important spiritual centers of India, a contact with teachings deeply linked to Vedānta and the tradition of Shiva and Devi Kali, an expression of divine feminine energy. A true immersion in a living devotion preserved for over a thousand years.
Brihadisvara Temple
Thanjavur Maratha Palace
The Splendor of the Chola Civilization
Upon arriving in Thanjavur, we are greeted by one of the greatest expressions of art, culture, and devotion that India has ever produced. The ancient capital of the powerful Chola Empire, the city flourished as a center of knowledge, architecture, music, dance, and spirituality, leaving a legacy that spans over a thousand years.
Unlike other sacred cities in Tamil Nadu, where the experience is marked by an atmosphere of pilgrimage, Thanjavur impresses with the grandeur of a civilization that placed the sacred at the center of all its achievements.
The big Brihadisvara Temple – A Masterpiece of Humanity
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadisvara is considered one of India's greatest architectural achievements. Built in the 11th century by King Rajaraja Chola I, the temple remains a testament to the artistic and spiritual genius of its time.
Its main tower, which rises majestically above the city, conveys a sense of strength and permanence rarely found anywhere else. Every detail of the complex reveals the sophistication achieved by the Chola artisans, from the monumental sculptures to the delicate inscriptions carved in stone.
More than just a temple, Brihadisvara was the heart of an entire society: a space where religion, education, art, music, and administration coexisted in perfect harmony.
Thanjavur's Artistic Legacy
The city is also recognized for its artistic traditions that remain alive to this day. Among them are the famous Thanjavur paintings, characterized by the use of gold leaf and devotional iconography, as well as its profound contribution to the classical music of South India.
It was in this region that some of the most important traditions of Carnatic music flourished, transforming Thanjavur into a cultural landmark for all of India.
O Maratha Palace of Thanjavur
Centuries after the Chola, the Maratha rulers left their own mark on the city. The palace complex houses historic rooms, ancient manuscripts, art collections, and one of the most important libraries in traditional India.
The visit allows one to understand how different dynasties contributed to the preservation of the region's spiritual and cultural heritage.
A City Where Art and Devotion Walk Hand in Hand
In Thanjavur, it is clear that Indian spirituality was never separate from beauty. Sculpture, music, dance, architecture, and literature were understood as ways of expressing the sacred and refining the human mind.
This vision remains present in the city, where the legacy of the old masters still inspires artists, musicians, and pilgrims.
Thanjavur is a reminder that the spiritual quest is not only expressed in the silence of contemplation, but also in the human capacity to create works that transcend centuries. Every stone, every sculpture, and every melody in this city tells the story of a culture that saw the Divine reflected in all forms of art and knowledge. We will experience the height of the Chola civilization and its millennia-old legacy. A visit to one of the most impressive temples ever built in India and the experience of architectural grandeur preserved for over a thousand years. An opportunity to contemplate how devotion can manifest itself through beauty, creativity, and human excellence.
Train
We have another day to enjoy. Thanjavur.
In the afternoon we will follow the station to train for our overnight train to Kochi.
Flight 16187 Kik Ers Express Tj Thanjavur 18:25 Ers Ernakulam Junction Kochi 06:45 +1
Kathakali
The Perfect Ending to a Journey Through Traditional India
After days of pilgrimage through ancient temples, sacred cities, and traditional villages, our journey takes us to the coast of Kerala, one of the most beautiful and welcoming states in India. In Kochi, also known as Cochin, we will find a different rhythm: lighter, more relaxed, and contemplative, without losing the cultural richness that characterizes the south of the country.
Here, the sea, the coconut groves, the calm waters of the canals, and the influence of different peoples create a unique atmosphere, where East and West meet harmoniously.
A City Shaped by Diverse Cultures
Over the centuries, Kochi welcomed Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British merchants. This history transformed the city into one of India's most fascinating cultural centers.
While walking through Fort KochiWe observed colonial churches, tree-lined streets, old European buildings, and the famous Chinese fishing boats that have become one of the symbols of the region.
The city has a cosmopolitan and tranquil atmosphere, very different from the intensity found in other parts of India, offering a smooth and pleasant end to the trip.
The Living Art of Kathakali
One of the most remarkable cultural experiences will be the presentation of Kathakali, one of the most sophisticated art forms in India.
With elaborate costumes, symbolic makeup, and extraordinarily refined facial expressions, the artists narrate stories from Indian epics through dance, music, and theater.
More than just a spectacle, Kathakali is a tradition passed down through generations and a profound expression of Kerala's aesthetic and spiritual vision.
Fort Kochi
Another day to explore. Fort Kochi, its museums, the old synagogue, and we can walk along its waterfront.
Backwaters.
The Enchanting Backwaters of Kerala
One of the most memorable experiences will be the tour of the famous Kerala canals towards the Alappuzha region, traditionally known as Aleppey.
The so-called backwaters form an extensive network of lagoons, rivers, and canals surrounded by coconut groves, villages, and cultivated fields.
During the boat trip, we will have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the local communities, the houses by the water, the fishermen, and the lush tropical landscape that has made this region world-famous.
It is an invitation to relax, contemplate, and appreciate the simplicity of life by the water.
The Charm of the Kerala Coast
Kerala is often called "God's Own Country," and it's not hard to see why.
The tropical landscapes, the coconut palms swaying in the wind, the cuisine rich in spices and coconut, the hospitality of the people, and the serene rhythm of life create a feeling of well-being that is difficult to describe.
After an intense spiritual and cultural immersion, Kochi offers the ideal space to assimilate the experiences lived throughout the journey, enjoying moments of rest and contemplation by the sea.
We will take walks through the charming historic streets of Kochi. We will experience the Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage present in the local architecture. We will enjoy a boat trip through the famous backwaters of Kerala and a traditional Kathakali performance. We will sample the typical cuisine of the Kerala coast. The welcoming and tropical climate has made Kerala one of the most admired destinations in India.
Kochi concludes our journey with a silent yet profound message: after the intensity of temples, studies, pilgrimages, and spiritual encounters, the time has come to simply appreciate the beauty of life. Amidst the tranquil backwaters, the breezes of the Indian Ocean, and the rich culture of Kerala, we conclude this trip carrying with us not only memories, but a transformative experience of India in all its diversity and depth.
Fort Kochi
Another day to enjoy. Fort KochiFor those interested, it's possible to schedule an Ayurvedic massage (extra activity not included).
Kaladi
The Birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya Before we conclude our journey through South India, we will make a profoundly significant visit to Kalady, a small town in Kerala that occupies a unique place in India's spiritual history. It was here that Adi Shankaracharya was born, the great master who systematized the Advaita Vedānta tradition and whose influence continues to live on more than a thousand years later.
For students of Vedānta, few places hold such special significance. Kalady is not merely a historical site; it is a symbol of the continuity of a tradition of knowledge that has transformed the spiritual thought of India.
O Shankara Memorial Temple – Adi Shankara Keerthi Sthambha Mandapam
Among the main places to visit is the complex dedicated to the memory of Shankaracharya, built near the site traditionally recognized as his birthplace.
The setting invites reflection on the extraordinary life of one who, while still very young, traveled throughout India restoring the study of scriptures, establishing centers of learning, and revealing, through his commentaries, the depth of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras.
More than just honoring a historical figure, the visit connects us to the living legacy of a tradition that continues to be studied and passed down to this day. A Perfect Ending to the Journey.
There is something deeply symbolic about concluding this journey in Kalady.
Along the way, we visited magnificent temples, witnessed the vibrant devotion of the Indian people, learned about the tradition of the Vedas, immersed ourselves in the culture of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and explored sacred sites connected to Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and the great masters of the tradition.
Ending the journey at Shankaracharya's birthplace is to return to the source of the teachings that inspire so many Vedanta students around the world. It is an opportunity to recognize that every outward pilgrimage ultimately points to an inner discovery. Kalady offers a natural conclusion to this journey. After traversing temples, sacred cities, and landscapes that express the richness of Indian culture, we arrive at the place that recalls the deepest purpose of all spiritual seeking: the recognition of that which was never far away. Ending the pilgrimage at Shankaracharya's birthplace means taking with you not only travel memories, but an even deeper connection to the tradition that has continued to illuminate seekers for centuries.
HARIH OM
For those returning to Brazil, we will see if there are flight options available on that day.
For those who continue their journey through India, let's talk to see how we can best support them.