Sunswept South India —> West to East February 2025

I love to venture on the road less traveled. After visiting spectacular sites in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, we take a flight and a ferry to a place you have probably never heard of — the Andaman Islands. Less than 5000 foreign tourists a year travel to these paradisical sparsely populated islands. I have been fascinated by them since I learned of them on our many trips to India. Located between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, there are 200 Islands, many inhabited by indigenous people and tribes. Those islands in the chain are off-limits to tourists, so the gorgeous, pristine beaches and jungles of Havelock Island will be our base. On Havelock we will settle into our resort and process all the magnificence we have seen as we crossed from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, and flew over the Bay of Bengal. Our days will be spent in writing salons, sea sports, beach walks, sea swims, snorkeling, jungle treks, bird watching and eating the freshest seafood and south Indian fare, Andaman-style. Spa services will also be available.

This is a one-of-a-kind tour of India. In my 12 or so visits there, I have learned to navigate the land and sea to curate experiences that will delight you and not deplete you. My trusted travel agency, Royal Indian Voyages, has been working with me for years, treating us to the finest trips and with utmost care. We will be cared for the entire journey by my friends Unni Nair and Sanjeev Joseph, the finest people.

India can be a tough place to travel, but I think I’ve got it figured out! Be aware, though, that India is full of surprises. This trip is for people who are adventurous, spontaneous and flexible. We might see things that disturb us. We might be traveling for longer than anticipated between cities. We might have some hot days. We might encounter wildlife like monkeys and peacocks. But we will be in INDIA! I will prepare you as best I can. Just remain open to all.

If you would like to come early or stay later to explore the north, east or west, such as the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar, Goa or Rajasthan, I can make those arrangements for you. 

Monday, Feb. 1: Fly to India
Flights will be announced soon. From IAD - Dulles, Washington DC to COK - Kochin, India.

Sunday, Feb. 2: Kochi
Welcome to India! My dear friend and our guide Sanjeev Joseph will meet us at the airport and get us settled into our hotel immediately for a rest. Later we will take a walk in the town and on the beach, perhaps buy some gauzy, silky, colorful Indian clothes to wear on the trip. After dinner at the hotel, we will gather to talk about the tour and then get a good night’s sleep at our historical Dutch-inspired boutique hotel.

Monday, Feb. 3: Kochi
After a sumptuous Indian breakfast, we will venture into town, which is called Kochi or Cochin. We’ll visit Jew Town and the famous Sephardic Paradesi Synagogue founded by Portuguese Jews in 1568. We’ll also visit the Dutch Palace, the Chinese Fishing nets, the Church of St. Francis and the Tomb of the explorer Vasco da Gama. This surprising history of South India will come to life by visiting these vibrant sites — an India that maybe you didn’t know existed. Kerala is unlike any other area in India, with a majority Christian population, (and Communist!) as opposed to Hindu and Muslim in other areas. And the shopping is fantastic! Lots of cool, unique places selling antiques, jewelry, scarves, spices, teas, soaps and more. Malayalam is the state language of Kerala.

We will have a Welcome Dinner at a beach restaurant to celebrate our arrival and the start of our adventure. Overnight at the Dutch Manor.

Tuesday, Feb. 4: Kochi to Coimbatore
After breakfast, we will depart by surface to Coimbatore, arriving at the magnificent Isha Yoga Centre in the afternoon. Here we will explore the sacred site created by Sadhguru, a teacher popular in the East and West, known for his flowing white beard and views on living a life of awareness, resilience and grace. The meditation cave is silent, save for the chanting of Om or whatever moves you. This incredible experience, even if you are not a meditator, will stay with you for a long time. The beautiful grounds hold the giant sculpture of Shiva, as well as swimming pools for men and women, small temples and a yoga studio. You can partake in as much as you want, or just wander the area and take in the energy. We will stay in the cosmopolitan town of Coimbatore (there is a great shopping mall here!) for dinner and overnight.

Wednesday, Feb. 5: Flight from Coimbatore to Chennai, and by surface to Pondicherry
This morning we will fly to Chennai, (formerly called Madras) located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Known as the Gateway to South India, it is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. We will have lunch at the delightful Amethyst Cafe and explore their gardens and shops. Here’s the menu just cause it looks SOOO good!

Later depart by surface to Pondicherry. Upon arrival check-in at the LE PONDY BEACH RESORT

Thursday, Feb. 6: Pondicherry (also known as Puducherry)
After breakfast, we’ll begin our tour of Pondicherry, called the French Riviera of the East. This area was under French colonialization which is evidenced in its unique architecture dating back to 1674. This beautiful city passed through many regimes including the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the British. Spirituality was not lost in the colonization. The spiritual leaders Sri Aurobindo, an Indian sage, and The Mother, a French Jew, founded the utopian city of Auroville in 1968, a place for peace and progressive harmony for all to realize human unity. We will tour the many impressive buildings and sanctuaries, and see the businesses and arts they have established.

Pondicherry is surrounded by the sea, where we can walk in the village and the feel a part of the local life. It’s interesting to note that the major languages spoken in the areas are Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu. Overnight at Le Pondy Beach Resort.

Friday, Feb. 7: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, depart by surface Mahabalipuram, visiting Dakshinachitra Museum, on the way, deepening our understanding of the many cultures in the region. This living-history exhibit features art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and the performing arts of South India. We will arrive in the breathtakingly beautiful city of Mahabalipuram, a quiet, sea-side resort with time to enjoy the beach and relax before dinner. We’ll spend two nights here, at the Radisson Blu Resort, Temple Bay Mahabalipuram

Saturday, Feb. 8: Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, we’ll dive deep into ancient Hindu culture, with a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site has 40 monuments and Hindu temples, built in the 7th and 8th centuries. The seafront Shore Temple comprises 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple with a unique and glorious 7th-century Shore Temple, and some of the most beautiful rock-cut caves in the world. We’ll see the Krishna, Varaha and the magnificent caves at Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapas beside the famous stone bas-relief, Arjuna’s Penance. In the afternoon, take some time to enjoy the resort, have spa services or just stroll on the beach at the RADISSON BLU

Sunday, Feb. 9: Fly to Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Arrival at Port Blair at 1 pm. After checking into our hotel for one night (we’ll take a ferry to Havelock Island in the morning) we’ll see some historically significant sites such as the massive Cellular Jail complex, built in 1906, now a place of pride in India’s freedom struggle from the British. Overnight at the SILVER SAND SENTINEL.

Monday Feb. 10 - Friday, Feb. 14: Havelock Islands and surroundings
Monday morning after an early breakfast we’ll catch the ferry to Havelock Island, sailing over the gorgeous Bay of Bengal, and check into our beach-front resort for the next four nights. During our retreat here, we’ll have writing salons most mornings after our delicious breakfasts. The afternoons will be full of choices from snorkeling, to beach walks, swimming, bird watching and soaking up the local culture. We’ll take an evening jungle walk as the rainforest comes alive to the most diverse array or wildlife what can only be seen in this part of the world. Our home for the rest of the trip is the SILVER SAND BEACH RESORT

Optional locations to visit include: Elephanta Island, former elephant camp; Radha Nagar Beach Islands with fine white sand, turquoise and blue waters; Kalapathar Beach which is a stunning long stretch of white sand and its unique lining of big black rocks beside the serene blue sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Havelock.

Friday, Feb. 14: Ferry from Havelock to Port Blair and flight to Chennai
After an early breakfast will leave paradise behind, and board the ferry to catch our flight from Port Blair to Chennai. We will have time to see the magnificent temples at Parthasarathy at Mylapore. In the evening we will have a farewell Valentine’s Dinner! We’ll dress in our finest Indian clothes to celebrate. After dinner we will have time to change clothes and prepare for our flights back to the US.

Saturday, Feb. 15: Depart Chennai to US

Remember you can extend your trip or take these sweet memories home with you, and celebrate your truly unique experiences.

Pricing: $6249 each shared room; single room add $1599

Price includes 13 hotel nights; guide and driver; tips for guide and driver (you are welcome to offer additional tips as well); all breakfasts; all dinners; water; entrance fees; domestic flights (economy, can upgrade if available); ferry boat; writing salons.

Price does not include international flights; Indian Visa; beverages other than water; lunches; most dinners; espresso drinks; alcoholic drinks; laundry services; spa services; optional activities in the Andaman Islands; single supplement; flight upgrades.

I will advise you on international flights.

Options for Andaman/Havelock:
Bird Watching - (Duration 2 hours) 6:00 am - 7:30 am – US$ 33 per person. A birdwatcher’s paradise with 300+ bird species out of which 29 are endemic to the island. Explore the surrounding jungle and beach with our resident naturalist and discover the various species that call Havelock their home.

Inter Tidal Walk - (Duration 2 hours) Depending on the tides – US$ 33 per person. Get up-close and personal with the diverse marine life that gets stuck in shallow rock outcrops. See and learn about these fascinating organisms with our resident naturalist

Nature Walk - (Duration 2 hours) US$ 33 per person. Explore pristine rainforest patches learning about the indigenous flora/fauna.

WATER SPORTS AT ELEPHANTA ISLAND:

·       Glass Bottom Ride US$ 20 per person (15 Minutes)

·       Banana Ride US$ 13 per person

·       Sofa Ride US$ 13 per person

·       Deep Snorkeling US$ 27 per person (30 Minutes)

·       Jet Sky US$ 20 per person

·       Para Sailing US$ 60 per person (10-15 min)

·       Dolphin Ride US$ 60 per person (30 min)

·       Submarine US$ 60 per person (30 min)

A partially-refundable deposit of $950 will hold your place. Payment can be made via venmo: susan-weis-bohlen (last 4 of cell are 2096); zelle to 4109792096; check to Breathe Books, 20 Clarks Lane, Reisterstown, Md 21136; or credit card with an additional 4% fee.

Let’s talk about it! Email me at susan@susanweisbohlen.com.