FOOTSTEPS OF THE MASTERS INDIA TOUR
with Jason Gregory
1-13 NOVEMBER 2019
The Footsteps of the Masters India Tour is one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. You can travel with author, philosopher, and spiritual teacher Jason Gregory on a mystical tour of India to explore and trace the footsteps of the masters. Get unique insights into Jason’s knowledge of the East and the memory of the masters and scared places you will visit. Jason wishes to take people to the most sacred places of India to show that the ancient Hindu and Buddhist 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 13-day itinerary includes visits to the most breathtakingly beautiful and mystical places in India. We will travel through India to visit the most important sacred places of Indian history. Most people never get the chance to experience face to face the archaic origins and sacred sites of Hindu and Buddhist culture. But on this journey you will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually feel the ancient living 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 fulfillment in this life. And this is the reason for joining Jason Gregory on his tour of India to follow the Footsteps of the Masters. This is a once in a life-time experience!
Jason Gregory about the India tour:
“I have spent several years in India and the experience has changed the entire course of my life. I continue to go back and visit every year, especially the Tamil Nadu and Bihar states as they are home the two places in the world I believe everybody should visit, Tiruvannamalai and Bodh Gaya, and we will be visiting both places on this tour.
I have always told people that India is hard to explain, the attraction people have to it, and its transformative ability on an individual. It is a place that most people dislike from a distance because of real life hardships that people witness in India. But I have always implored people to persevere with her grace because if you can get past all the things that push you out of your comfort zone, there is an underlying essence of spirit that is only found in India, but you need to give her time and be open to new experiences. Many believe this comes from thousands of years of people focused on the inner realm of spirituality that has led to many great sages and stories of enlightenment in India. On this tour I want to allow people to experience this living spirit that we feel when we are in the culture of India by following the footsteps of the masters. My experience of living in India for several years allows me to take you on an insider’s journey of India on this tour where you will come face to face with her archaic soul. Plus you’ll also have a lot of fun, fun like you’ve never had before”
2. ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival to Chennai (1 November 2019)
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 briefly explore Chennai. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
Day 2 – Tiruvannamalai (2 November 2019)
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 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).
During day 2 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.
Day 3 – Tiruvannamalai (3 November 2019)
Early in the morning 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 where Sri Ramana Maharshi spent many years in silence. We will practice meditation in both places. Later in the day we will visit the famous Girivalam Path to visit temples and be in the presence of sadhus.
Day 4 – Tiruvannamalai (4 November 2019)
We will rise early again on day 4 to walk up Arunachala and visit Skanda Ashram one last time to meditate before we embark on our day. During our last day in Tiruvannamalai we will visit the Sri Ramana Ashram library to explore numerous scared books before saying goodbye to our sadhu friends at Girivalam Path.
Day 5 – Pondicherry (5 November 2019)
Pondicherry is an old French state of India. It is a beautiful contrast where East meets West. This unique mix of French with 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. Ponicherry 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 a 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 6 – Auroville (6 November 2019)
On day 2 in Pondicherry we will rise early and make our way to the universal city Auroville. We will visit the farms and taste the local organic food in Auroville. After that we will visit the Auroville community centre to learn more about the principles and practices that Sri Aurobindo and the Mother had envisioned for humanity. At the end of the day we will visit the Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of Auroville which symbolizes the birth of a new consciousness.
Day 7 – Mahabalipurum (7 November 2019)
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 archeologically 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 Indian art. After that we will spend time at the beautiful Mahabalipuram beach and also explore this beautiful seaside town.
Day 8 – Mahabalipurum (8 November 2019)
In the morning of our second day in Mahabalipuram will visit the famous Shore Temple. The rest of the day will be for relaxing before a big journey to Bodh Gaya the next day.
Day 9 – Travel from Mahabalipuram to Bodh Gaya (November 9 2019)
This will be a long day of travel. We will leave our hotel in Mahabalipuram in the morning en route to Chennai Airport. We will fly from Chennai to Bodh Gaya.
Day 10 – Bodh Gaya (10 November 2019)
Bodh Gaya is considered one of the most sacred places on the planet. It is famously known as the place where the Buddha reached enlightenment under what became known as the Bodhi Tree. Over millennia temples and monasteries have been built around the famous Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree reside on the same site and is one of the most powerful places you could visit. It is a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus, and people who are not affiliated with no religion but class themselves as spiritual.
On our first day in Bodh Gaya we will rise very early and meditate under the Bodhi Tree and spend a lot of time in the complex of the Mahabodhi Temple.
Day 11 – Bodh Gaya (11 November 2019)
On the second day we will again meditate under the Bodhi Tree early in the morning before breakfast. After that we will visit numerous nationalities monasteries that have been built over the millennia in Bodh Gaya.
Day 12 – Bodh Gaya (12 November 2019)
On day 3 we will say goodbye to Bodh Gaya and make our journey to our final destination of Delhi.
Day 13 – Depart Delhi (13 November 2019)
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: $3700 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for twin room share. If you are traveling alone, you can share a room with another tour member.
* Early bird single ticket: $3200 (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for twin room share. If you are traveling alone, you can share a room with another tour member.
* If you would like to have a single room you have to pay an extra $500 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD). This is valid for both full price and early bird tickets.
* Couple Special: $6700 USD (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for 2 people to share double room.
* Couple Early Bird: $6200 (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD) for 2 people to share double room.
* After August 15, 2019 deposit or full payment are nonrefundable. This refund policy is in place because from August 15, 2019 all accommodation and traveling schedule will be booked. There will be no refund after August 15, 2019 as a result.
Price Includes:
* Jason Gregory as your tour host
* 12 nights accommodation at good hotels in India
* Chennai to Bodh Gaya one-way domestic flight
* Bodh Gaya to Delhi one-way domestic flight
* 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 $1000 USD deposit during booking for a single ticket (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD).
* Only $2000 USD deposit during booking for a couple ticket (or equivalent in GBP/EUR/AUD).
* Full payment must be received by 15 August 2019.
* After August 15, 2019 deposit or full payment are nonrefundable. This refund policy is in place because from August 15, 2019 all accommodation and traveling schedule will be booked. There will be no refund after August 15, 2019 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 purchase tickets hit this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/footsteps-of-the-masters-india-tour-2019-with-jason-gregory-tickets-27567304550
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