South India

I arranged a 12-day tour to India, Feb. 4-16, ’04, through Vacations International (725 E. Chubbuck Rd., Chubbuck, ID 83202; phone 888/453-0832 or 208/406-1360, e-mail info@vacations-international.com or visit www. vacations-international.com).

The local agency they used was Moksha Tours & Travels (Madurai, India; visit www.mokshatours.com).

This was an independent tour. I was met at each airport by a representative from Vacations International as well as a guide and driver from Moksha Tours. I stayed in 3-star hotels which were clean and ate delicious meals in the hotel restaurants.

I visited Trichy, Tanjore, Karaikudi, Madurai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan and Hospet. I toured ancient temples, including the exquisite temples in Hampi.

Especially important to me was attending Hindu ceremonies in temples. I attended several led by Brahmin priests, including an ablution ceremony at Vayivavan Patti, a ritual for the dead at a Vishnu Temple and a prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple at which I received a blessing.

The cost of my tour, including air from Albuquerque and international flights, was $3,500. The guides, drivers and assistance offered by Moksha Tours were excellent, and Vacations International met my special interests whenever possible. I highly recommend them. I’ve already booked another trip with them — to Bhutan!

GRETCHEN TATSCH
Silver City, NM