2024 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Southern India Exploration

2024 Southern India Exploration:

A Women’s Healing Retreat for Body, Mind and Soul

Daily Itinerary
October 27 – November 7, 2024
13 Days/12 Nights

Immerse your self and your senses in the splendour of Southern India.  In this tropical clime, you’ll discover how spiritual practices, a lush natural setting and Ayurvedic medicine come together to create a sense of personal balance on all levels – body, mind and soul.  My Essential Earth Explorations small-group women’s travel program offers daily opportunities for experiential learning, guided touring of significant temples and ashrams, and the chance to create life-long friendships with fellow travellers.  This is an ideal Exploration to share by inviting a friend, daughter, or mother to join you on this deeply healing experience. Take a look at what I have planned for you with the help of my incredible travel partners at Learning Journeys.

Program Pricing*

2024 Southern India Exploration, October 27 – November 7, 2024

Double Occupancy: $5,620 Per Person + $480 Air Supplement

Single Occupancy: $7,340 Per Person + $480 Air Supplement

Air Supplement includes roundtrip airfare within India, traveling as a group from New Delhi to Kochi, returning from Mandurai to New Delhi.

*All prices are net, payable in US Dollars.

Program Price Includes:

• Arrival meet & greet by Learning Journeys representative at airport and transfer to your hotel in New Delhi, and in Kochi
• Private English-speaking Daily Tour Manager for the group
• Transportation: modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• Deluxe transportation provided throughout your journey
• Airfare supplement covering New Delhi/Kochi and Mandurai/New Delhi
• 2 nights Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity in New Delhi (arrival and departure nights) Hotel check in time is 1400, and check out is 1200 Noon.
• 3 nights 5-Star Brunton Boatyard hotel in Kochi
• 2 nights 5-Star The Raviz Kollam in Kollam
• 2 nights 4-Star Spice Village in Thekkady
• 3 nights 5-Star The Gateway Hotel Madurai
• 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
• Beverage: One bottle of water 0.5 L per person offered on each excursion. Additional bottled water will be stocked in the vehicle for longer drives. Meals are inclusive of bottled water and in-house soft drink brands. Hotels generally include coffee and tea at no additional cost.
• Entrance fees to all sites and monuments visited
• All currently applicable taxes, tolls, parking fees, fuel costs and service tax

Special Site Events & Activities

• Daily yoga sessions with mats provided in Kochi, Kollam and Thekkady
• Multiple temple and ashram visits to engage with spiritual activities, special ceremonies and prayers
• Private Ayurvedic physician consultations
• Multiple day options for Ayurvedic treatments (price not included in package)
• Relaxing houseboat day cruise with lunch in Alleppey
• Kathakali dance performance in Thekkady
• Guided sightseeing tours of historic areas and local villages
• Essential oil and spice workshop
• Cooking class and home visit with a local family
• Spice plantation experience
• Tea plantation and factory visit
• Rubber plantation visit and tour
• Local craft and spice market explorations
• Jeep ride to scenic mountain overlook
• Please note: Some visits or activities may be altered due to unforeseen circumstances.

* Package price does not include:  International airfare to and from India; the highly recommended Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Evacuation Insurance;  all items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service, Ayurvedic and spa treatments; any beverage not mentioned in program description; telephone or fax calls,  camera/video fee at monuments; any medical expense; tipping for guides, drivers, porters/bellmen and wait staff, restroom attendants; and any services including guides, admissions, meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions.

If your international flight arrival and departure times require a pre- or post-journey, additional night’s stay at your own expense, we are happy to provide information, pricing and to assist you with reservations for that need, should it occur.

Important Notes Before You Register for This Exploration: Traveling in India by land and sea is a unique and captivating experience that will require travelers to walk unaided and with ease at distances of a mile or more, to move quickly through crowds, climb and descend steps, transport their own luggage on occasion, and get in and out of vehicles that may require a sizeable step up. Medical cannabis and some other prescriptive medications may be illegal in India and possession may result in your arrest/jail. Please contact Marty Harger before registering to confidentially discuss any and all prescriptive medications you take, to insure they are allowed in India. As a reminder, all travelers on the 2024 Southern India Exploration must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of departure.

The Southern India Exploration will travel if a minimum of eight (8) persons have paid deposits before June 30, 2024.  Less than eight will require rescheduling the group for a later date with the option for a full refund of your deposit or transferring it to the future scheduled date.  In the event of rescheduling, make sure your international airline reservations can be refunded or transferred to other uses.

Our itinerary will cover so many wonderful experiences – please read the daily activities fully to insure you understand the rhythm and pace of this program before you commit. It will be a remarkable experience!

Is Your Passport Ready for Travel?   Travelers leaving the USA for India must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER they return to the USA.  Passport acquisition and renewals have taken excessive lengths of time to process in recent years. Please visit the US State Department website for the latest turn-around times and options for processing well in advance of our departure date.  Also, feel free to contact Marty Harger for suggested alternatives if needed. In addition to a passport, you will need a Tourist eVisa to enter the country. Details on securing an eVisa will be provided well in advance of your departure.

Travel Protection Plan:  Travel protection is highly recommended by purchasing Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Evacuation insurance for this Exploration.  Learning Journeys can recommend options for Travel Protection plans which are suitable for your experience.

Travel arrangements and payment for the Southern India Exploration are made through Learning Journeys.

LIMITED SPACE IN THIS EXCLUSIVE, SMALL GROUP

Questions? Call Marty today at 801-712-5406

Please read the Terms & Conditions below in detail BEFORE YOU CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE BUTTON
TO REGISTER & PAY YOUR INITIAL DEPOSIT TO LEARNING JOURNEYS

NOTE: Once Learning Journeys receives your deposit, you will be emailed a registration link, invoice, and information about Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Evacuation Insurance they offer.

Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS. THIS AGREEMENT sets forth the terms under which we, Learning Journeys agrees to provide you with the services and accommodations for your custom/or package tour.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT. A $1000 non-refundable per person deposit is due at the time of booking via the link provided. Ninety (90) days prior to departure, the non-refundable land and air supplement balance is due to Learning Journeys. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, payment must be wired to Learning Journeys bank account or credit cards must be used for full payment.

FINAL DOCUMENTS REVIEW. While Learning Journeys takes the utmost care in making sure the information on your itinerary and travel vouchers (collectively, “Final Documents”) is complete and accurate, it is your responsibility to carefully read and review the final documents upon receipt. Failure to contact us in time to allow for the correction and re-sending of the final documents could result in the loss or cancellation of your reservation, tickets or services listed on the documents for which Learning Journeys will not be responsible. In such a case, no refunds will be possible. Documents will not be issued unless full payment has been received. Your final travel documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to departure.

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage and additional weight of luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 3 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Select countries require additional documentation for children under the age of 18 years especially when one parent is traveling without the other parent. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NOTE: A visa is required for entry into India. For additional information please see: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. After your final payment (90 days prior to start of services), a $50 fee per person will be imposed for each change of service within your itinerary. These services include but are not limited to changes or cancellations of transfers, hotels, villas, train tickets, day tours and reservations or services of any kind. There is no additional charge for adding services to your itinerary at any time. Changes requested during travel will be considered as a new reservation, with new dates and products priced accordingly. Air ticket changes and cancellations carry different fees as shown above. Fees for itinerary changes are NOT covered by purchased travel insurance.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND and AIR SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land and supplemental air reservation after full payment, the cancellation charges shown below will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained above.)

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. It is the passenger’s responsibility to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, if needed. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe ground transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches do not have lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, there are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay an extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for Trip Delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.

Suggest Tipping in USD:

(A detailed tipping guide will be provided to travelers prior to departure) Suggested Tipping to be given in the end of each tour:

• Local Guide: $8 for half-day tour and $10 per person for a full day
• Driver: $4 per person per day
• Tour Escort: $10 per person per day

Exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours maybe cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

FORMS OF PAYMENT:  CHECK or CREDIT CARDS.  We accept all major credit cards for the total amount of the cost of the tour.

Please note if you confirm and proceed with your booking you are automatically accepting these terms and conditions.

See the appropriate REGISTRATION BUTTON above the Terms & Conditions
to secure your place on my 2024 Southern India Exploration!

I hope you’ll join me in 2024!

Click on the link below to download a PDF copy of my Southern India Exploration, including descriptions, itinerary, pricing plus Terms & Conditions.

2024 Southern India Exploration – Marty Harger’s Essential Earth Explorations