FOOTSTEPS OF SHIVA SOUTH INDIA TOUR
THE SACRED YATRA EXPERIENCE
with Jason Gregory
January 2023
The Sacred Yatra Experience is the ultimate pilgrimage of the spiritual traditions of Asia. The Footsteps of Shiva South India Tour is one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. You can travel with author, philosopher, and teacher Jason Gregory on a mystical tour of South India to explore and trace the footsteps of the great spiritual masters. Get unique insights into Jason’s knowledge of the East and the memory of the masters and sacred places you will visit. Jason wishes to take people to the most sacred places of South India to show that the ancient Eastern spiritual cultures are thriving but can only be experienced by those willing to join him on this pilgrimage of the heart.
1. About our tour to India:
Our 10-day itinerary includes visits to the most breathtakingly beautiful and mystical places in South India. We will travel through South India to visit the most important sacred places in Indian history. Most people never get the chance to experience face-to-face the archaic origins and sacred sites of India’s spiritual culture. But on this journey, you will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually feel the ancient living spiritual culture that is still thriving in the sacred places you will visit. You will also get the chance to meet real-life mystics and mingle with the beautiful people of India.
What is more, during the tour you will take part in private discourses given by Jason Gregory. He will show you the significance of how the great Eastern spiritual traditions can help you live more harmoniously in the modern world. You will begin to understand the deep wisdom the mystics of the East expounded for you to find true happiness and fulfilment in this life. And this is the reason for joining Jason Gregory on his tour of South India to follow in the Footsteps of Shiva. This is a once-in-a-life-time experience!
2. ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival to Chennai (January 24, 2023)
Arrival at Chennai International Airport. A representative of the tour team will welcome guests at the Chennai Airport and transport them to the hotel. After the check-in process at the hotel, guests will have time to rest and recuperate before a day of exploring Chennai the following day. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
Day 2 – Chennai (January 25, 2023)
Exploring Chennai. Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is one of the most famous cities in India for the arts and spirituality. Chennai was an essential part of the evolution and revitalization of Vedanta into global consciousness. The great Swami Vivekananda realized this city’s importance within India and, as a consequence, established one of the most famous Ramakrishna Math Temples in the world. Alongside the revitalization of Vedanta in Chennai, in the late 1800’s, Madame Blavatsky and others established the Theosophical Society on the banks of the Adyar River in the south of Chennai. To this day, Adyar is still the headquarters of the Theosophical Society worldwide. Chennai is also famous for some of the most breathtaking temples in India, with unique Dravidian architecture. One such temple is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a temple dedicated to Shiva.
On Day 2, we will visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the Ramakrishna Math Temple, the Theosophical Society headquarters, and also mingle with the locals in the afternoon at the Marina Beach markets so that you can get a taste of the strong community within India.
Day 3 – Tiruvannamalai (January 26, 2023)
Travelling to Tiruvannamalai. Tiruvannmalai is considered one of the most sacred places on Earth. It has the ability to transform one’s life. It is known as the City of Enlightenment for that very reason. It has been the home of sages, sadhus, and yogis for thousands of years. Tiruvannamalai is home to the holy mountain Arunachala, which is thought to be an incarnation of Shiva. Arunachala is what drew the 20th century sage Ramana Maharshi to this little Indian town, where he remained silent for 7 years up on the holy mountain in meditation. During his life on the slopes and at the foot of Arunachala, disciples were attracted to his immense presence, and an ashram was built around him, the famous Sri Ramana Asramam. It was here that Paul Brunton had his famous encounter with the Maharshi and which consequently led to his international bestseller In Search of Secret India. This Hindu culture has never left this place, where you find sadhus descend on Tiruvannamalai every day, renouncing the world to be at the foot of Arunachala and to also spend time in meditation at the Arunachaleswarar Temple (Temple of Shiva).
On Day 3, we will visit the Sri Ramana Ashram after lunch, and then we will visit the famous Girivalam Path to visit temples and be in the presence of sadhus.
Day 4 – Tiruvannamalai (January 27, 2023)
Early in the morning on day 4, we will go to Sri Ramana Ashram to observe Puja (Hindu ritual worship) and also meditate in the silence of this sacred space. We will then walk up to Skanda Ashram and Virupaksha Cave on Arunachala, where Sri Ramana Maharshi spent many years in silence. We will practice meditation in both places. In the afternoon, we will visit Arunachaleswarar Temple (Temple of Shiva) and explore its magnificent architecture and mythology. We will tour the city of Tiruvannamalai to get acquainted with the City of Enlightenment. Later in the day, we will again visit the famous Girivalam Path to visit temples and be in the presence of sadhus.
Day 5 – Tiruvannamalai (January 28, 2023)
We will rise early again on day 5 to walk up Arunachala and watch the sunrise over the Arunachaleswarar Temple and visit Skanda Ashram one last time to meditate before we embark on our day. On our last day in Tiruvannamalai, we will visit the Sri Ramana Ashram library to explore numerous sacred books before saying goodbye to our sadhu friends at Girivalam Path.
Day 6 – Pondicherry (January 29, 2023)
Pondicherry is an old French state in India. It is a beautiful contrast where East meets West. This unique mix of French and Indian thought has led to one of the most culturally diverse states in India, which is visible through its architecture and the unification of European ecology with Indian spirituality. This state was home to the 20th century sage Sri Aurobindo. Pondicherry is where he met Mirra Alfassa (also known as the Mother), a French woman who was significant in helping Aurobindo’s vision of the unification of spirituality in harmony with the planet. This vision of the Mother and Aurobindo manifested as the first universal city known as Auroville, just outside Pondicherry. This is where the principles they envisioned for humanity can be recognized. Auroville was founded by the Mother in 1968.
When we arrive on our first day in Pondicherry, we will visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and share a meditation together beside the tomb of Sri Aurobindo. After that, we will explore the French district of Pondicherry.
Day 7 – Auroville (January 30, 2023)
On day 7 in Pondicherry, we will rise early and make our way to the universal city of Auroville. We will visit the farms and taste the local organic food in Auroville. After that, we will visit the Auroville Community Center to learn more about the principles and practices that Sri Aurobindo and the Mother envisioned for humanity. At the end of the day, we will visit the Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of Auroville that symbolizes the birth of a new consciousness.
Day 8 – Mahabalipurum (January 31, 2023)
Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport at the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE). Mahabalipuram is one of the most archaeologically significant places in India. It is the home of ancient Dravidian architecture, where Buddhist elements of design are also prominent. In the ancient architecture and art of these sites, we see depicted the holy trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, along with epic stories that emulate the Bhagavad Gita. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On our first day, we will visit the ancient group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, where we will discuss the significance of this ancient South Indian architecture.
Day 9 – Mahabalipurum (February 1, 2023)
In the morning on our second day in Mahabalipuram, we will watch the sunrise over the famous Shore Temple. We will explore the Shore Temple before visiting the Five Rathas Temple. In the afternoon, we will spend time at the beautiful Mahabalipuram beach and also explore this beautiful seaside town.
Day 10 – Mahabalipuram (February 2, 2023)
On our last day in Mahabalipuram, we will spend the day relaxing together in this small town. This will give you the opportunity to digest all of the experiences you have had and fully absorb the journey you embarked upon. On top of this, we will visit local art dealers, shops, and cafes to just enjoy each other’s company without the constraint of the next task to be completed. Late in the afternoon, we will travel back to Chennai.
Day 11 – Chennai (February 3, 2023)
It is time to say goodbye to India. After breakfast, we will be flying back to our homes.
The order of places that we are going to visit might be modified.
3. Terms & Conditions
* Price per person: $3300 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for one room.
* Early bird single ticket: $3100 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for one room. Available until November 1, 2022
* Couple Special: $6000 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for 2 people to share double room.
* Couple Early Bird: $5800 (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for 2 people to share double room.
* After November 15, 2022 deposit or full payment are nonrefundable. This refund policy is in place because from November 15, 2022 all accommodation and traveling schedule will be booked. There will be no refund after November 15, 2022 as a result.
Price Includes:
* Jason Gregory as your tour host
* 10 nights accommodation at good hotels in India
* Transfers in air-conditioned private transport
* Entrance tickets to all sites
Not Included:
* International flight to India and return flight back to your country
* Visas and insurance. The onus is on the traveler to ensure that passports, visas and other travel documentation are valid and in order.
* Meals during the tour
4. Payment Schedule:
* Only $1500 USD deposit during booking for a single ticket (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD).
* Only $3000 USD deposit during booking for a couple ticket (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD).
* Full payment must be received by November 15, 2022.
* After November 15, 2022 deposit or full payment are nonrefundable. This refund policy is in place because from November 15, 2022 all accommodation and traveling schedule will be booked. There will be no refund after November 15, 2022 as a result.
During booking you should prepare personal details, date of birth, address, phone number, Email address, passport number, Passport Expiration Date (example mm/dd/yyyy). These details you should send to our Email: jasongregory@hotmail.com.au
To secure your spot, email jasongregory@hotmail.com.au for payment details
5. Covid Travel requirements
Both unvaccinated and vaccinated are allowed to travel to India from most countries. To check your country hit the following link https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ListofCountriesinrespectofwhichprimaryvaccinationschedulecompletioncertificateisallowedtobeconsideredason11thOctober2022.pdf
The requirements for traveling to India for all travelers include:
a. Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration) before the scheduled travel, including last 14 days travel details.
b. Submit details of negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report (The test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey) or Submit details of full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination.
These travel requirements may change in the future. We will update the information as soon as it happens.
To check Indian Government’s guidelines, hit the following link
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon02September2022.pdf
We encourage you to book this tour as soon as possible, because the number of places is limited!
Please contact us for more information and for details – jasongregory@hotmail.com.au