A SOUTHERN GYPSY invites you to India on a 10 Day Vegan adventure exploring the country's culture, vegan roots, non-profit initiatives and sustainability projects. Traveling with a vegan travel blogger allows you to experience the country like a local, be fully immersed in its culture and make a positive impact by leaving a low carbon footprint, engaging in responsible tourism activities, and supporting the work of incredible organizations along the way. Meet a diverse group of travelers from around the world as you embark on a conscious adventure together in India.
What's on the Itinerary?
DAY 1 | THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Our team will pick you up at Bangalore International Airport (BLR). After some rest and relaxation, we will have a welcome dinner, get to know the amazing people that will be on this journey with you and explore the neighborhood for those who aren't incredibly jet-lagged.
DAY 2 | VEGAN FOOD & SHIVA TEMPLES
Starting the trip off with scrumptious and healthy vegan food, we'll have a cooking class with one of India's leading vegan entrepreneur. After breaking bread, we'll walk through Hindu temples and opulent palace courtyards to step back into the city's past. Dinner will be at a yoga cafe with vegan food, hammocks and Indian 'Ayurvedic' principles.
DAY 3 | WILDLIFE REHABILITATION + NIGHT MARKETS
Today we'll learn about the rescue of small wild mammals, birds and reptiles in an increasingly distressing urban environment in India. We'll speak with the doctors to understand the challenges and opportunities of animal rehabilitation in the country and how travelers can help make a positive impact. In the evening we will explore one of the city's oldest and most bustling night markets.
DAY 4 | SUSTAINABLE FASHION & DANCE
Kicking off the day with visiting a bear rescue center, we will learn about how to rehabilitate and stop using animals for entertainment. In the late afternoon, we'll attend a sustainable and ethical fashion workshop, and meet entrepreneurs supporting fair trade and fair wages for artisans across India. We'll follow up with an evening of traditional Indian "Odissi" dance followed by a meet and greet with the dancer. We'll top off the evening with a vegan meal at one of the city's famous outdoor cafes.
DAY 5 | ROAD TRIP TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
Leaving the buzz of the city, we'll embark on a road trip to the Indian countryside exploring toy villages and farmers markets along the way. In the evening, we'll arrive to the hills in South India full of nature, farms, and waterfalls.
DAY 6 | HIKING THROUGH COFFEE PLANTATIONS
Immersing ourselves completely in nature, we'll take a hike with a coffee farmer through miles of coffee and pepper plantations. Along the way, we'll meet local villagers and learn about their no-waste way of life.
DAY 7 | TIBETAN MONASTERIES & VEGAN DUMPLINGS
Known as a country diverse in culture and religion, today we'll explore the Buddhist side of India by visiting a Tibetan refugee settlement and monastery while we indulge in endless plates of vegan dumplings and soup.
DAY 8 | A JEEP TREK & SUNRISE IN THE HILLS
Waking up at 4 AM is worth it for one of the most breathtaking sunrises in India. We'll soak in the views of the hills and sunrise followed by a scrumptious vegan breakfast. Tonight we'll head back to Bangalore, a little more relaxed.
DAY 9 | SUSTAINABLE SOAP RECYCLING & VEGAN STREET FOOD
The trip may be coming to an end but our learnings continue. Today we'll attend a workshop on Indian women pushing for hotels to end the practice of throwing away excess soap bars and encouraging them to recycle and redistribute and provide health and hygeine education to communities in need. Shortly after, we'll visit an "all vegetarian" alley of street food vendors.
DAY 10 | YOGA + AYURVEDA + GOODBYES
Saving the best for last, we will have time to go last minute shopping, get optional Indian Ayurvedic massages and take a pre-plane yoga class. After a hearty goodbye dinner, we'll leave for the airport with many memories and new friends.
Trip Cost
$2,150 USD
What's Included
Pre-Departure Support (health, safety and cultural guide) & assistance with Visa Application
Airport transfer
Accommodation (individual can be provided upon request)
3 Vegan Meals per day (with the exception of two free nights)
Local transporTation
Local Team available 24/7
One optional Yoga Class
Entrance, Concert, and Tickets to places of interest per itinerary
Tipping for guides and driverS