Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Matheran
A popular weekend retreat for Mumbaikars, Matheran is not only delightfully scenic and easygoing (largely
thanks to its ban on cars) but also has a quaint narrow-gauge toy train plying the 21km to the main road. (
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)
Ooty & the Nilgiri Hills
The most renowned hill station of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a lofty, pine-clad retreat popular
with honeymooners, families and nature lovers. (
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)
Meditation & Yoga
The art of wellbeing has long been ardently pursued in the South. Today there is a variety of treatments on offer that
strive to heal mind, body and spirit, with meditation and yoga courses especially abundant.
Maharasthra
The Vipassana International Academy (
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), in Igatpuri, has intensive meditation courses in the
Theravada Buddhist tradition. Meanwhile, the famous Osho International Meditation Resort (
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)
runs on the
teachings of its charismatic founder, the late Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Tamil Nadu
Puducherry's Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by the renowned Sri Aurobindo. Its courses seek to syn-
thesise yoga and modern science. (
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)
Coimbatore
The Isha Yoga Center has a variety of residential courses and retreats. (
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)
Puttaparthi
Prasanthi Nilayam is the ashram of the controversial but very popular guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba. (
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here
)
IF YOU LIKE… LUXURY TRAIN TRIPS
The 'Deccan Odyssey' is seven nights of the best of Maharashtra and Goa. (
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)
Traveller Enclaves
Sometimes you don't want to race around in a bid to absorb as much as you can before your trip ends. Sometimes you
want to chill with fellow backpackers: swap travel tales, read, take afternoon naps, play cards, drink beer…
Hampi
The stunning beauty of Hampi's landscape and architecture makes everyone want to stay for a while, which has
led to a well-developed traveller community. (
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)
Arambol
Goa is one big traveller enclave, but Arambol may be its epicentre. Lots of shops and services combine with a
splendid beach and cheap sleeps; no wonder we all end up there sooner or later. (
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)
