Southern India

Explore your infinite potential in India... meditation, yoga, and pure adventure is what brought me to this incredibly spiritual country. Especially when approaching a massive adventure such as India with a population of over 1.2 billion, an action plan is your best strategy - and that's what I did ;) Knowing what I’m looking to pull out of this experience I chose Southern India with its plethora of Temples, Ashrams, remaining nature and fantastic weather. Flying into Chennai (Madras) - Mamallapuram - Pondicherry - Tiruchirapalli - Madurai - Periyar - Bangalore - Pune - Goa and finishing off in mighty Mumbai (Bombay). Unfortunately I can't cover all the incredible tips and tricks on this page I’ll put some top experiences and some tips while moving around this beautiful country.

 Important Tips!

First thing I recommend for everyone to do is to purchase a book covering the essentials of India and Hinduism. Knowing how the people and religion interact will allow for a much quicker acclimatization. Due to the poverty in India I initially thought I'd be in danger many times, and that completely wasn't the case - with a positive outlook and a constant awareness, I felt extremely safe. Make sure to purchase an 'exo-mesh' that covers and locks your luggage whenever it is left anywhere. A money belt as well is a must, also take off and put away all valuable jewellery and tie up any zippers to make sure no sneaky hands can enter. Not to scare you though any protection well help in piece of mind.

Wild Experiences

Chennai Kapaleeswarar Temple

Being welcomed by a massive central spire, I entered through the gateway to this Hindu temple. Traversing the temple grounds I was naturally guided by the throngs of people to the vast catacombs, containing ancient Shiva and Ganesha holy statues, and fantastically dressed minions blessing all those that enter.

Chennai Vivekananda Illam

Home to the "Wandering Monk" the Vivekananda Illam holds much spiritual energy. Every Wednesday at 7:00pm a spiritual leader called a Swami leads an introspective Hindu meditation. It wasn't as much the meditation; though it was incredible, that blew me away... it was the spiritual energy surrounding the experience that did. I met the same Swami randomly and by complete coincidence 4 times throughout Chennai... a city of over 6 million, in a country of over 1.2 billion! To have him enlighten me on Hindu religion, and culture.

Mamallapuram World Heritage Temple Town

This temple complex carved out of a stone hill, with its amber hue rises out of the flat land like a beacon of light. Spending a few days walking around this town is like stepping back in time, as the temple is built within and around the existing temple grounds. There is constant traditional rituals being performed and the area is in a constant buzz from craftsmen shipping away at granite... the same way they did 1500 years ago when this temple complex and its tradition in rock craftwork came alive.

Tiruchirapalli Rockfort Temple

The surreal setting is set within this city with a massive ancient Rockfort Temple towering over the new age business center. At full moon marking the end of the festival season I ventured to the peak, first to be dropped off a few kilometers away, then to make my way through millions of people to snake my way to the steps of this temple built upon one of the oldest rocks in the world at 3 billion years old, 100 meters tall.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple

Situated in the center of Madurai, a city that is over 2500 years old... and still roaring! I arrived at the end of April, planning to attend the most important festival of the year called Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. At midnight, the pale light of the full moon seeped throughout the temples open corridors - there was not a single non Hindu other than myself and trekking partner Ryan, we explored the temple complex and entered Hindu only areas to search out within the deepest catacombs the hidden statues of Ganesha and Shiva... leaving the Meenakshi humbled we stepped onto the city streets to be surrounded by thousands of fire wielding trance induced Hindu's culminating the end of the festival - just freakin awesome.

Kerala Periyar Tiger Reserve

Home to some 30 tigers, 1000 elephants and many other threatened species I came with the ambition to hunt tiger... with my camera lens!! There is an incredible converted Game Lodge located on the reserve called the Aranya Nivas which I stayed at, close to the action - starting the next morning a trek involving cruising the lake spotting all forms of wildlife from boar, egrets, kingfishers, water buffalo and more... after which trekking through the jungles with a retired poacher in search for the elusive tiger.

Pune Osho International Meditation Resort

The ultimate getaway to grow as an individual and truly 'inscape' through all forms of meditation from Dance to Silent Sitting. Set on a Zen Master Osho's mansion grounds, the resort provides a pool, beautiful accommodation, world class cuisine at over 3 restaurants and cafes and areas of meditation that are deemed as the best places in the world to attain enlightenment.... 8 days with over 8 hours of meditation each day led to the attainment of such an incredible state. Everyone should experience this.

Goa Beaches

See it believe it! A beautiful paradox in this land of millions, unfortunately our human impact is left hugely on the beaches (imagine the state of the water) though the beauty and tranquility of the beaches here still lure in many travelers. Especially those searching for their lost 'hippy hood'. Renting a scooter for 5 days I zipped around exploring every bit of the beauty possible. Incredible food, incredible people, great times.

 Religion

Religion is the way of life in India and a few days on its streets I came to that realization rather quickly. Deities from Shiva, Brahman to Ganesha are found absolutely everywhere, along with temple grounds and the people going to and fro from them. Finding your place in the spiritual world is a large pull to many that come to India and was so for myself in a huge way.

Hinduism is a unique religion, and completely embodies the stereotype of the 'Eastern Perspective'. It has an openness to it, where all are free to believe and pray at their own desire. The Hindu people have evolved to an incredibly open society as well, very accommodating and inquisitive. In Hinduism Brahman or our vision of God is everywhere and within everybody, this spiritual insight is embodied in many that you interact with, and especially in all business owners - just keep an eye out for when you enter any shop, or even better when you leave...

With an estimated population of 1.17 billion, representing 17% of the world population, India is the world's second most populous country. So it's not too difficult to realize that India has a sample of almost every religion in the world. Predominantly 80% of India is Hindu, with Muslim coming second at 13% followed by Christianity, Buddhism and others.

 Money

Indian Rupees translate roughly $1CAD - 45 INR, and a standard meal at a decent restaurant would be within the 35-70 INR range. All towns and cities within Southern India have at least one central Bank of India with an ATM so withdrawing funds is an easy task. Be prepared though for extremely long line, and protect all your gear whenever you go into one of the atm's especially if you're forced to go at night.

Transportation

 Every form of transportation is available... the most fun is public transport! Not only does it cost $.50 CAD for a 2 hour ride, but you get to know the local's very quick, especially when the bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Train is regarded as the best options of travel though take it from me; you MUST book at least 1 week in advance, preferably 2 weeks in advance to receive any type of booking. VIP buses are also available, along with VIP Sleeper buses (for some reason the top of the line VIP buses are called Volvo's - even if they're not Volvo's). Guesthouses and travel companies recommended by the Lonely Planet are your best choice to book with - make sure to shop around!

In city transportation is also quite easy, with tuk tuk drivers around every corner. Again make sure to establish a price before embarking on an around city tour. Taxi's are also everywhere though much more expensive and same deal goes when establishing how much to get to your destination - remember when arriving by plan into a new city the Taxi stand is just outside the arrivals exit - make sure to purchase your ticket and check the price before handing over the cash... even though they're legitimate they'll add a little tip for themselves any chance they get.