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Travel south to explore the healing science of Ayurveda, and beautiful palm fringed beaches and scenery. From cultural entertainment to gourmet sessions, adventure activities and art workshops, there is so much variety to experience in diverse India. Generous living spaces coupled with safety and security give you an amazing feeling.
Visit traditional ashrams, participate in special pujas (ceremonies) in various temples, and, if the gods so desire, meet with great saints. Most of all, you will meet yourself in a new light.
Come. India calls you. Our tours are inclusive of breakfasts and dinners. We have guides speaking major international languages across India. Our people on the ground will take really good care of you.
Choose from our wonderful tours
Calling all global nomads
I welcome you to discover my birthplace, India, a land teaming with gods and goddesses, in all forms of the divine. The four religions born in India, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are followed by 25% of the world's population. Every sixth person in the world today is an Indian. And India has the most post offices in the world
Here you will have insights and unsurpassed experiences as you travel through this revered and sacred land, tapovan bhoomi. Home to more than a billion poeple, the sixth largest country and the largest democracy in the world, India is actually a sub-continent.
The name, India, is derived from the River Indus. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu. The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The games of Snakes and Ladders was created by the 13th century poet-saint Gyandev. Originally called 'Mokshapat' , the ladders in the game represented virtues that elevated human beings and the snakes indicated aspects that kept human being grounded or sub-terrestial, and hence interpreted as vices.
Cultural Do's and Dont's
India is a very hospitable country, rooted in tradition. Indians are friendly - sometimes they might seem over friendly. Do remember all those questions about your personal life are pure concern and an attempt to make you a part of our family! It can be quite disconcerting initially, but hopefully you will value the affection and reciprocate.
Always take off your shoes before you enter a holy place. Some traditional homes also require you to remove your shoes outside the home. Also, remember to always cover your head when going to a mosque, temple or gurudwara.
Indians are inhibited about public displays of affection, and it would be wise to respect that.
Dress modestly in public and avoid very short skirts and shorts, plunging cleavages, and revealing clothing.
Try not to get too flustered by beggars you could encounter. It is difficult not to get affected, especially if they are children, but it is best not to encourage them, or they won't leave you alone. If you feel moved to do so, give them something when you are leaving the place. Why not consider travelling with pencils, erasers or pens, or small cakes of soap, or even lollies that you can distribute.
Personal Safety
While India is safe on the whole, it is prudent to be careful, as you would anywhere in the world. Do not leave your belongings unattended and lying around. Keep your passport and travellers cheques about your person, in a waist pouch, or in a handbag, or in a locker in your hotel room. Do not accept food from strangers.
Also, beware of monkeys! outside places of worship, and in hill stations and sanctuaries, they are known to run away with bags, camera and money.
Dial 100 for central Police Control Room in case of an emergency.
Medical Emergencies
All metros and large cities have excellent private hospitals and doctors. You can easily find a well-stocked 24 hour chemist/pharmacy. Your hotel will usually have a doctor on call. The quality of medical treatment is inconsistent in smaller cities and towns. It is best to check this out when you arrive or even before you travel.
Watch out for the "Delhi belly". Malaria is still a concern in some areas, so use mosquito repellant. Do wear a hat and drink enough water and fluids, especially in the summer months.
Food and Eating Out
Speak the Language
India has 22 official languages, 164 minor languages and over 1,576 classified mother tongues. English is widely undersood across the country, because of the influence of the Bristish Raj in India. Hindi is the official language of the Republic of India. Here are some useful phrases in Hindi to help you get by:
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About Shantiji
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Shanti Gowans is the globally recognised author and founder of Shanti Yoga™, Meditation and Ayurveda for the self, family and community. Shantiji has brought the concepts and practices of a healthy body and a still mind to thousands of Australians through her Yoga and Meditation programs on national television... Read more about Shantiji's biography Travel with Shanti & Peter Gowans this November for a trip of a lifetime.  |
