Puttaparthi Sai Darshan with South India Tour

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

1. Plan Your Visit

• Check Darshan Timings: Visit the official website or inquire locally about the daily schedule for Darshan and special events.
• Choose the Right Time: The best time to visit is during festivals or significant events, such as the Baba’s birthday in November, for a more vibrant experience.

2. Dress Modestly

• Appropriate Attire: Wear modest and respectful clothing when visiting the ashram and attending Darshan. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing outfits.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as you may need to walk or stand for long periods.

3. Stay Hydrated and Healthy

• Drink Bottled Water: Ensure you stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Avoid drinking tap water.
• Eat Light Meals: Enjoy the ashram's canteen meals but opt for light, vegetarian fare to keep your energy up during your visit.

4. Respect the Spiritual Environment

• Silence is Golden: Maintain a peaceful atmosphere; speak softly and avoid loud conversations while in the ashram.
• Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the rules and regulations set by the ashram, including photography restrictions during Darshan.

5. Engage with the Community

• Participate in Activities: Join in the various devotional activities, such as bhajans (devotional songs) and meditation sessions, to deepen your experience.
• Meet Fellow Devotees: Engage with other visitors to share experiences and insights, enriching your spiritual journey.

6. Plan Your Accommodation

• Stay Nearby: Book accommodation in advance at ashram guesthouses or nearby hotels to ensure convenience during your visit.
• Explore Local Options: Consider staying in local lodges or homestays to experience the culture and hospitality of the area.

7. Transportation Tips

• Getting There: Puttaparthi is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest major airport is in Bangalore, approximately 3-4 hours away.
• Local Transport: Use taxis or auto-rickshaws for local travel; you can also rent a bicycle to explore the area.

8. Cultural Awareness

• Learn About Sai Baba: Familiarize yourself with the teachings and life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba to enhance your understanding and appreciation during your visit.
• Observe Local Customs: Respect local traditions and practices, and be mindful of cultural differences.

9. Be Prepared for Emotions

• Spiritual Atmosphere: Be open to experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to peace, as many find the environment spiritually uplifting.

10. Enjoy the Surroundings

• Explore Puttaparthi: Take time to walk around the ashram and surrounding areas to appreciate the architecture, gardens, and peaceful ambiance.
• Visit Nearby Attractions: Consider exploring other local sites, such as the Chaitanya Jyoti Museum, to learn more about Sai Baba’s life and teachings.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai

Upon arrival at the Mumbai airport, meet our representative who'll escort you to one of our listed hotels. Check-in at the hotel to rest in the cozy comfort of its room. In the evening you may take a leisurely walk to explore the nearby area of Mumbai. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. The major tourist attractions of Mumbai include Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat and the Gateway of India. In the evening visit the Chowpatty Beach for its lively and fun filled surroundings. ROvernite halt at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Puttaparthi

Next morning after breakfast, transfer to Mumbai airport to board a flight to Puttaparthi. Upon reaching Puttaparthi, check-in at one of our listed hotels. Rest and relax for a while in the hotel room. In the evening take a leisurely walk to visit the Chaitanya Jyoti Museum and the Sai Kulwant Hall. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Puttaparthi

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Puttaparthi. The major tourist attractions of Puattaparthi include Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre, Anjaneya temple, Ganesh Gate, and the Wish Fullfilling Tree. Later in the day visit Sathya Sai Ashram, a huge complex that can accommodate thousands of people. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 5: Puttaparthi – Bangalore

Next day after breakfast, drive straight to Bangalore. On reaching Bangalore, get accommodated at one of our listed hotels. After straightening your backs for a while, proceed on a guided tour of Bangalore. The major tourist attractions of Bangalore include Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace, ISKCON temple, Bellandur Lake, Vidhana Soudha, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple and the Ragigudda Anjaneya temple. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay in Bangalore hotel

Day 6: Bangalore – Mysore

After breakfast, Checkout and drive to Mysore. Upon reaching Mysore, get accommodated at one of our listed hotels. Rest and relax for the day in the hotel room. Later in the day move out to explore Durbar hall. After the visit return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Mysore

Post breakfast, embark on a city tour of Mysore. The major tourist attractions scheduled for the day include Golden Royal Elephant, Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari temple, Brindavan Gardens and the Mysore Zoo. Also visit the St. Philomenas Church, built in the Gothic style and is one of the largest churches of the country. Spend a night in the hotel.

Day 8: Mysore – Ooty

Next morning drive to Ooty. It is a popular hill resort in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. On reaching Ooty check-in at one of our enlisted hotels. After straightening your backs for a while, head to sightseeing tour of Ooty. The major tourist attractions of Ooty scheduled for the day include Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta peak, Annamalai temple and the Ooty Rose gardens. In the evening enjoy boating at Pykara. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel with the beautiful ambiance all around.

Day 9: Ooty – Cochin

Breakfast chekcout and transfer to Cochin. On reaching Cochin, check-in at one of our listed hotel. Rest and relax for the remaining day in the hotel room. In the evening, move out to explore the magnificent Cochin Fort. Also visit the Ettumanoor Shiva temple. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Cochin

After enjoying early breakfast, start your day visiting major tourist hotspots which include the St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue in Cochin. Also visit Chinese Fishing being lowered at the Vasco-da-Gama Square. In the evenings take a walk to the market for enjoying shopping of souvenirs. Retire for the night at the hotel.

Day 11: Cochin – Alleppey

Post breakfast leave for Alleppey in a houseboat for an overnight cruise. The Kerala backwaters have been known for their mesmerizing and alluring charms spread across the whole area. While cruising along the backwater feast your eyes on the lush green padded fields, palm fringed costal lines and enjoy the majestic scenery. Experience the beauty of Alleppey backwaters for the majestic scenery it offers. Retire for the night in the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Kumarakom

Morning disembark from the houseboat and proceed for Kumarakom. The place proves to be the paradise for bird watchers. On reaching Kumarakom, visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. After bird watching head to one of our enlisted hotels for check-in and breakfast. After resting for a while at your hotel room, visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Kumarakom village is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which can be visited in the evening for sightseeing. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Cochin – Mumbai

Early morning after breakfast, drive back to Cochin. On reaching Cochin, transfer to Cochin airport to board a flight to Mumbai. Upon reaching Mumbai airport board a connecting flight for onward destination.