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From 17 to 31 October 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
Detailed Itinerary
Flights
The day has arrived! Trip to the airport on night of October 16th, Friday Regarding our flight, it will likely be in the early morning of October 17th, depending on your city, route, and flight combination, which we will discuss together to determine the best option for your arrival! Guilherme will be in contact from your arrival at the airport until your arrival in Delhi, where we will meet.
Great flights!
Arrival
Walk
Welcome back to India! Arrival In Delhi with assistance from our local partners. We will take advantage of the first day, which we stayed awake to adjust to our time zones, to drive to Rishikesh. Always a good opportunity to arrive gradually, chat, and enjoy India. In approximately 5 hours, which really does pass very quickly in India, we will be by the Ganges!
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). We can participate in the routine of a Ashram traditional: Pujas before sunrise, meditation, studies of Vedanta, mantras and Satsangas with the resident Swamis.
Depending on the time of our arrival, we'll take a walk around the area near our hotel.
We will be staying near Swami Dayananda's Ashram.
Vashista Guha
Walk
Aarti
After our breakfast, we will visit the cave where the Sage Vasishta meditated. Vashista GuhaVashista was a revered sage in Hinduism, one of the Saptarishis (seven great Rishis) of India, credited as the principal author of the Rigveda. Vashista and his family are mentioned in verses from many sacred texts. His cave is located 22 km from Rishikesh on the route to Badrinath, where the sage Vashista performed austerities (Tapas) for years. A perfect place to meditate and enjoy the sacred Ganges.
We will have time for let's walk across the jhulas (suspension bridges) of Rishikesh. Then we will attend a ceremony called Aarti, led by young Brahmins from one of the ashrams, at the end of the day.
Walk
Triveni Ghat
We'll see how we prefer to spend the day today. We can. walk On the way to Swami Dayananda's Ashram, there's the possibility of a boat trip on the Ganges (with waves) as an extra activity. There are many temples in the region.
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.
Flights
Today we return to Delhi. Transfer to Dehradun airport for our flight. flight.
From Delhi we will begin the main program of the trip with Cecilia Muzetti, whom we will meet again during our stay in Rishikesh.
We then continued our flight to Tiruchirappalli.
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.
Flights
21OCT IndiGo 6E6530 Dehradun 10:35am Delhi 11:20am
21OCT IndiGo 6E769 Delhi 15:45 pm Tiruchirapalli 18:50 pm
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.
Flight
We said goodbye to part of the group and headed to Chennai for our flight to Kochi.
We will have lunch en route in Auroville. The drive to Auroville will take approximately 3 hours, and then another approximately 3 hours to the airport.
Indigo flight 6E6903 Chennai 18:20 Kochi 19:30
Mattancherry Palace
Synagogue
Kathakali
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 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.
We will visit the Mattancherry Palace, a gift from the Portuguese to the King of Cochin in the 16th century, eaa synagogue from the same period.
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 enjoy. Fort KochiIn case anyone wants to get an Ayurvedic massage (extra activity not included), we can walk around the area and visit another museum.
Flights