---

Join us on a tour of North and South India that offers first-time and seasoned travelers alike a unique and unforgettable adventure.

A group flight on Singapore Airlines departs San Francisco at 12:05 am on January 2nd and arrives in Delhi late evening January 3rd.

Free Informational meeting to meet trip leaders and learn more about the tour – September 6,  7–8:30 PM, Namaste Hall – 3rd Floor,  CIIS, 1453 Mission Street.

---

January 4
Morning at leisure, afternoon visit to Qutab Minar and Mahatma Gandhi memorial. Welcome group dinner.

January 5
City tour of Old Delhi, India gate and Humayun’s Tomb and afternoon departure (private motorcoach) for Jaipur, the Rajasthani city of pink stone.

January 6
Early morning visit to majestic Amber Fort (via elephants) and guided tour of courtyards and gardens. Afternoon free for shopping in Jaipur’s famous markets, visit the solar observatory or city palace and museum.

January 7
Visit to Fatephur Sikri en route for Agra.

January 8
Morning visit to Taj Mahal with many opportunities to observe the sun’s effect on the white marble monument to love.

January 9
Train departure for Gwalior and afternoon bus to Khajuraho. Evening sound and light show at temples.

January 10
Tour of Khajuraho and afternoon departure by domestic air for Varanassi, holy Hindu city on the banks of the River Ganges. Evening visit to main ghat for the evening arti ceremony.

January 11
Sunrise boat tour of Varanasi followed by visit to old walled city, Durga Temple and Mother India temple. Optional afternoon visit to nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha is believed to have preached his first sermon.
Evening free for shopping or watching evening arti (fire puja ceremony) at main ghat.

January 12
late morning departure for Chennai and private bus transport to Auroville, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Orientation to guest house and welcome dinner. Optional evening chanting with Sylvia Nakach.

January 13
Day for rest, yoga, meditation and sacred chants with Sylvia Nakach.

January 14
Visit to Chidambaram, site of Shiva Nataraja, the dancing cosmic Shiva.

January 15
Day of rest at Auroville. Yoga, meditation and sacred chanting. Visit Matrimandir.

January 16
Visit to Pondicherry, home of Sri Aurobindo’s ashram and afternoon lunch/beach at seaside restaurant. With a population of 700,000 and situated on the Bay of Bengal, this international city has numerous cafes, bookstores, shops and restaurants (many featuring French cuisine).

January 17
Early afternoon departure for Mamallapuram, boulder strewn city with exquisitely carved temples on the Bay of Bengal. Walking tour of temples.

January 18
Optional morning visit to bird sanctuary. Afternoon visit to temples at Kanchipuram.

January 19
Day at leisure. Evening transfer to Chennai airport and late evening departure.

January 20
Arrival in San Francisco, 11 AM.

*Itinerary subject to change as determined by local conditions and unforeseen events.

Included in the package are:

• Roundtrip international airfare via Singapore Airlines
• Domestic flights in India: Khajuraho to Varanasi; Varanasi to Chennai.
• 9 nights 4-star hotel accommodation in India as per the itinerary
• Daily breakfasts during first week
• Welcome dinner in Delhi and closing dinner in Mamallapuram
• 5 nights guest house in Auroville and three meals per day
• 2 nights 3-star hotel in Mammallapuram
• Local transport in India by air conditioned car with driver
• English speaking local guide during city tours and sightseeing
• Local tax on the above

Costs : $3,900. For more information, please contact Richard Buggs, 415.575.6116 or rbuggs@ciis.edu.

Single supplement available for first week only $465. All accommodations in Auroville during second week are shared (double rooms or triple in large guest cottages). Please contact us directly if you would like to add the single supplement, at 415-575-6175.

Mental health professionals can receive up to 12 CEUs (additional fee applies)

Richard Buggs, PhD, and Dean of Alumni at CIIS and a frequent traveler to India, leads the tour with UC Davis instructor Michael Grofe, a scholar of ancient history and comparative mythology. There will be two orientation meetings held in the fall which will introduce group members to one another and familiarize travelers with Indian culture, history and mythology and practical tips on packing, getting the Indian Visa (required – not included in cost of tour) and health considerations. Photo presentation and educational material on the destinations, along with suggested reading lists, will also be provided.

---