Introduction Meeting on March 29th. 13:00 at Bolholt 6, 2nd. floor
India, August 7–23, 2025
We will follow in the footsteps of Jón Indíafari, visiting Kolkata and Rajasthan in the north, as well as Madurai, Pondicherry, and the Danish fort of Tarangambadi in the south. We will also experience the sunrise and sunset at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, where the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal meet. It is possible to extend the trip by five extra days to practice yoga and meditation in Auroville.
Would you like to immerse yourself in Indian culture? We are organizing a two- to three-week trip to India in August in collaboration with Welldone Travels. The tour will be led by both Indian and Icelandic guides. During the trip, we will also visit children’s homes and projects in Tamil Nadu that Vinir Indlands has supported over the years.
We aim to keep costs low, travel responsibly, and support local communities wherever possible.
Tour guides:
Sólveig Jónas, Albert Ólafs, Dísa Guðmunds will organize the itinerary for Pondy & Aroville, and our wonderful Indian guide, John Amalraj from Tours with John.
Included:
Flights, hotels, sightseeing tours, and guidance from an Indian tour leader. A donation to the children’s homes and projects we will visit, as well as costs for carbon offsetting.
Northern India: Jaipur – Rajasthan, Kolkata
Flight from Reykjavík on August 7
Jaipur, Rajasthan (2 nights) – The Pink City
We will stay for two nights, exploring magnificent palaces, riding camels, and browsing vibrant outdoor markets.
Kolkata (3 nights) – A City of Culture and History
Kolkata, the former headquarters of the East India Company, is a city full of life and history. During our stay, we will:
• Visit the Indian Museum, the largest museum in Asia.
• Dip our toes in the sacred Ganges River.
• Explore Mother Teresa’s Home.
• Taste Kolkata’s world-famous Bengali sweets.
Flight to Madurai in Tamil Nadu (3-hour flight), followed by a hotel transfer in Madurai.
Southern India: Madurai, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry & Auroville
Madurai (2 nights) – The City of Temples
Madurai is famous for its countless colorful temples. We will visit the most renowned one, Meenakshi Temple, and experience the vibrant local culture. Tamil culture is unique, from its flavorful cuisine and vivid colors to the warm hospitality of its people.
Kanyakumari (2 nights) – Where Three Seas Meet
From Madurai, we drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal converge. Here, we will:
• Witness one of the world’s most stunning sunrises and sunsets.
• Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Glass Bridge.
Mudukulathur – Children’s Home in Ramanathapuram (1 night)
Continuing northwest, we visit a children’s home supported by Vinir Indlands, run by Rexline and Chinnamaratu. This visit offers a rare chance to experience authentic rural India, untouched by tourism. A portion of the travel fee goes directly to supporting the home.
Tranquebar – The Danish Fort (1 night)
We drive north to visit Tranquebar, where Jón Indíafari lived between 1622-1624. Built in 1620, this is Denmark’s second-largest fort, beautifully situated along the coast.
Pondicherry (3 nights) – A Touch of France in India
After one night in Tranquebar, we head to Pondicherry, a former French colony and a popular Indian travel destination. Here, we will:
• Stay at a beachfront hotel.
• Dip our toes in the Indian Ocean.
• Receive a blessing from Sally the elephant.
• Explore the local markets and perhaps even find a French bakery!
Mahabalipuram (1 night) – Ancient Stone Temples
On our way to Chennai, we stop in Mahabalipuram to admire stunning 8th-century temples and stone carvings. We stay overnight nearby before driving to Chennai.
Chennai (1 night) – The Gateway to Tamil Nadu
Chennai, the largest city in Tamil Nadu, is where we catch our flight home. Depending on time, there may be a chance to explore local markets and shops.
Flight from Chennai to Reykjavík on August 23
Optional Extension: Auroville (August 22–26) – A Unique Yoga & Meditation Retreat
For those who wish to extend their journey, we offer a 5-day yoga and meditation experience in Auroville, a one-of-a-kind experimental village founded in the 1960s. After these days of relaxation and spiritual exploration, we drive back to Chennai following the same route described above.
Price per person in a double room: 720,000 ISK
Included:
• All flights
• Hotels with breakfast
• Sightseeing tours
• Indian and Icelandic tour guidance
• Contribution to children’s homes and projects visited
• Carbon offset costs
5-day extension: +70,000 ISK (Auroville & Pondicherry – includes massage, meditation, and yoga)
The trip is also suitable for older children, and many hotels offer family room options.
