Day
01: Arrival at Trivandrum & Transfer to City Hotel
Trivandrum, the capital city of the State of Kerala offers an interesting
mix of traditionalism and modernism. Several world-renowned temples like the
Sri. Pabhamanabha Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu preserves the
traditional legacy of the land. Being the capital city, it is also the seat
of political activity. Overnight at City Hotel
Day 02: Forenoon - Visit Beempally Mosque & Vettucad Lourdes Church
Situated at a distance of 5 kms south of the capital city of Trivandrum is
the prominent Muslim pilgrim center of Beemapally. Revered and visited by
people professing and practicing all faiths, Beemapally is dedicated to
Beema Beevi, a devout Muslim lady, believed to have been blessed with holy
powers. 7 kms from Trivandrum, and 2 kms away from Beempally is the Madre De
Deus’ Church commonly known as Vettucad Church. An a-communal center,
people belonging to all religions worship in this holy place. Afternoon:
Visit Bhagwan Rajaneesh’s Centre at Thiruvalla The newly opened centre
at Thiruvalla near Trivandrum is set on a lush, beautiful island, the
perfect spot to get away and relax your tired body and soul. Rajaneesh or
Osho, as he is widely known, is credited with developing new forms of active
medication. The best known is Dynamic Meditation, which often starts with
strenuous physical activity followed by silence and celebration. This is
expected to help the individual overcome repression, lower personal
inhibitions, develop a "state of emptiness" and finally attain
enlightenment. Overnight at Osho Ashram
Day 03: Forenoon - Visit to Santhigiri Ashram at Pothengode
Set on a beautiful hillock at Pothengode near Trivandrum, the Santhigiri
Ashram is the center of spiritual teaching of Nava Jyothi Sri. Karunakara
Guru. Now housing more than 1500 inmates from all walks of life adhering to
rigorous self-imposed discipline, the Ashram was established to help people
achieve their goals through a path-oriented in action or by doing Karma or
the correct mode of action. Afternoon: Travel to Varkala to visit Sree
Narayana Guru Samadhi At Varkala, is the resting place of the famous
philosopher and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Sivagiri Mutt is
the ashram set up by the Guru who espoused the principles of ‘one
religion and one caste’. The Ashram is also the headquarters of Sree
Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust. Overnight at Sree Narayana Guru Ashram/Resort
Day 04: Forenoon - Travel to Amritanda Mayi Ashram at Valiakavu
Amritanda Mayi or Amma, as she is fondly referred to, is a divine woman who
works selflessly and untiringly for the common well-being of the humanity.
Hailing from a humble fishing family in a remote village near Quilon, the
services of Amma has transformed the village into the global headquarters of
the Mata Amritanda Mayi Trust. The Ashram set near the backwaters provides
the perfect ambience for a spiritual sojourn. Afternoon and overnight at
Ashram
Day 05: Forenoon - Visit to Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
The Malankara Orthodox Church was founded in Kerala by the Apostle,
St.Thomas. Built around 52 AD, this Orthodox Church is under the leadership
of the Catholicate of the East. Afternoon: Travel to Ernakulam Overnight at
Ernakulam City Hotel
Day 06: Forenoon - Lecture on Art of Living by Expert & Shopping at
Ernakulam
Our stressful lives keep us from enjoying qualities like happiness, love
and peace of mind. Stress kills our body of its vital energies thus curbing
on our enthusiasm to live and perform. The Art of Living course incorporates
the technique of ‘Sudarshan Kriya’. It is a unique breathing
process, which removes stress and negative toxins from the body by
rejuvenating each and every cell. The Art of Living, propounded by Shri.
Shri. Ravishankar is designed to release layers of stress without effort and
refurnish us with the mundane joys of life. Integrating modern methods with
ancient spiritual heritage, the course helps to understand the ‘Self”.
As part of this spiritual package, an overview on Art of Living shall be
provided through a lecture by an expert. A visit to Kerala, spiritual or
otherwise, is never complete without an opportunity to collect souvenirs and
gifts for loved ones back home. The commercial capital of Kerala, Ernakulam
has plenty to offer for every kind of shopper. Afternoon: Visit
Kanjiramattom Mosque 30 km from Kochi, the Kanjiramattom Mosque rests over
the mortal remains of the Muslim saint, Sheikh Farid. It is believed that
this shrine is where another great Muslim saint, Bavir attained salvation. A
major event is the Kodikuthu festival, which is observed in December-
January. Associated with this festival is a ritual called ‘Chandanakudam’
wherein pilgrims carry pots of ‘Chandanam’ or sandalwood paste.
Overnight at Ernakulam City Hotel
Day 07: Forenoon - Visit Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry
The Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 is the oldest synagogue in Asia. The
beautiful place is embellished with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted
Chinese tiles. Adding to the brilliance of the place is intricate wood
carving. This synagogue containing giant scrolls of the Old Testament is a
soothing and relaxing place. Afternoon: St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz
Cathedral, Fort Kochi It is believed that the St. Francis Church is the
first Church built by Europeans in India. Built in 1550, this Church is also
burial yard of the famous seaman, Vasco da Gama. The Santa Cruz Church was
elevated as a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Originally built in the
Portuguese style of architecture, this Cathedral was proclaimed a Basilica
by the Pope John Paul II in 1984. Overnight at Ernakulam City hotel
Day 08: Forenoon - Visit Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman
Juma Masjid is considered as the earliest mosque in India. Built in 629 AD,
this mosque is the first place in India where Juma prayers were offered. The
design of this shrine is in accordance with the Hindu style of architecture.
Legend has it that Cheraman Perumal embarked on a pilgrimage to Arabia where
he met Prophet Mohammed at Jeddah and took to Islam after accepting the name
Thajuddin. Afternoon: Proceed to Kozhikode Overnight at Kozhikode Hotel
Day 09: Forenoon - Visit Pazhayangadi Mosque
The Pazhayangadi Mosque is a prominent pilgrim center of Muslims. Also
known as Kondotty Mosque, this mosque is associated with the Muslim saint,
Muhammed Shah, commonly known as Kondotty Thangal. The annual festival of
this 500-year old mosque is a gala cultural event drawing crowds from places
far and near. Afternoon: Proceed to Kannur Overnight at Kannur Hotel
Day 10: Forenoon - Visit Madayi Mosque
Madayi Mosque was originally built in 1124 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim
preacher. A block of white marble used in the construction of this mosque is
believed to have been brought by him from Mecca when he came to India to
spread the message of Prophet Mohammed.
Afternoon: Return Ernakulam & departure from Nedumbasshery Airport
