This ten day journey starts in Mumbai. I say be ready for change simply because this is India and many unexpected kinks in the road may be encountered.

But we know you will be met at the airport and taken to your residence for the next three nights.   This is a light and airy Mediterranean style boutique hotel situated in the south of Mumbai near the Gateway of India.

The following days will be our introduction to India – with wonderful food, special visits, sightseeing interspersed with a deep introduction to the social charity work with Maya Shahani.    Maya is a Global Peace Award winner, Chairman of Shahani Group who were last year Educators of the year and networker extraordinaire.  An elegant matriarch of Indian society she has made an art form of giving back and our time with her will be a special gift of our days in Mumbai.

Highlights:

Mani Bhavan – Gandhi’s house now museum – a place where you will understand deeply his influence on Indian society.   
Ban Ganga Tank  an ancient and legendary fresh water body right near the sea. 
Chowpatty Beach for sunset on Sunday evening – a beach like none other with crowds of locals thronging the sands. 

Maya will take us to a school for underprivileged children – a vibrant and active place where the kids of those who serve the wealthy get quality education.  And a trip to the Midday Meals facility providing food for millions of children throughout India. 

Day Three: We will board our small private bus and head up the ghats.. the mountain range that snakes right down the Western side of India.  The highway climbs to the hill country where we will spend 6 nights immersed in the world of Shikshangram.

This children’s shelter is run by the indefatigable Yogita and her visionary husband Satish. Mother and Father to 125 cuildren.  Here we will find ourselves with many activities to join and ways to contribute.  We will enjoy special culinary treats including a cooking lesson for those who wish, a climb up to the ancient Buddhist caves nearby – perhaps a visit to Pune’s markets on an outing with some of the girls, helping them to learn to shop.

A special concert is being planned at the shelter with classical Indian musicians and dancing with the children!
Our days will be full with immersion into the shelter life.

Last Days: Finally after a Sunday filled with celebrations we will say goodbye early on Monday morning and head back to the chaos of Mumbai. On the way we will visit Dharavi – (you may have heard of this place) the biggest slum in Mumbai, a hive of activity and home to over 1 million people. This eye opening tour will be led by local guides who are intimately connected with the life in Dharavi.   You will be well cared for and this will be a tour minus your camera – so your memories will be held in your minds.  No cameras rule helps us to be accepted by the families there and we will divide into two groups so we are unobtrusive.

We will meet at the end – hop on our bus and head to our Colaba Hotel to relax, freshen up and meet for cocktails at the Taj Mahal Hotel just around the corner.

The next day – our last – time to regroup, share and wind up our journey – and make plans and brainstorm about the best ways to continue to support the children in the future.

Then a few hours to shop for souvenirs and gifts to take home. Think textiles, jewellery – delicious colours –  we will guide you to some interesting outlets where you are sure to find something to remember India by!

All along the way there will be lots of time for sharing,  peeling the layers that will be exposed in this journey to the heart.  Our team – Heather Yelland – Sahaja Springer and Shazar Robinson – are all skilled facilitators with years of experience between them.  Heather has worked with countless people and children searching for their authentic selves. Sahaja, a truth seeking consultant – has her own business in Perth, leading clients on Pathways to Light, mentoring and conducting workshops of exploration.  Shazar has led 5 journeys to India – and lived and worked with the family at Shikshangram for the past 15 years. She has a deep understanding of life as a ‘foreigner’ in India and the culture and learnings of living a life of service.

As I have said before – this is no ordinary journey – but an experience which will open your hearts, minds and soul – India is a jewel and her people shine even in the darkest places.  Do come with us.

Dates:  19th – 30th October 2024

Your investment: AUD 3397
Includes: all internal accomodation, meals, travel and any entry fees.
Not included: airfares, visa and alcoholic beverages.   Travel can be arranged though our agent.