VEGAN ADVENTURE TO INDIA WITH JUSTIN PLUS LAUREN
An exploration of veganism in India with Escape To… and Justin Plus Lauren
September 21st- October 1st 2019
Location: South India (Bangalore + Hampi)
Group Size: 8-12 (small)
Price: $2,250
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 ANCIENT RUINS
Leaving the buzz of the city, we'll embark on a road trip to the Indian countryside exploring and step back in time to the ancient city of Hampi, where time has stood still in the ruins for centuries.
DAY 6 | BOULDERS, TEMPLES AND OLD BAZAARS
After a vegan breakfast at Laughing Buddha Cafe, we’ll take a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage sites and uncover ancient market streets, royal pavilions, palace ruins and ancient bath houses while learning about the region’s mythical past. With stunning views and a hippy, laid-back vibe, we’ll hop in and out of cafes for food, juice and smoothies.
DAY 7 | MONKEY TEMPLES AND CAVES
We’ll wake up early to walk through an old Indian village and travel up to a temple where monkeys and humans co-exist peacefully. In the afternoon, we’ll explore caves that were inhabited by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Jains and learn about India’s religious diversity.
DAY 8 | YOGA BY THE RICE PADDIES + ROOFTOP CAFES
The peaceful river and landscape of Hampi is best experienced after a relaxing yoga class by the rice paddies. We’ll start the morning with a yoga and meditation practice, followed by almond milk banana shakes and lunch at a rooftop cafe. We’ll have the option to rent bicycles or tuk tuks and ride through the villages visiting an underground temple and old elephant garden.
DAY 9 | ART GALLERIES & VEGAN STREET FOOD
This morning we’ll arrive back in the city and after some R+R, we’ll visit an old villa filled with art and heritage architecture. In the afternoon, we’ll learn how to make 3 different kinds of vegan chai and taste Indian vegan sweets. In the evening, 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 ater a hearty goodbye dinner, we'll leave for the airport with many memories and new friends.
Trip Cost
$2,250 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 ONE free night)
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
For further details, please read through the trip's
Frequently Asked Questions.
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VEGAN TRIP HOST
Lauren Yakiwchuk invites you to India on a 10 Day Vegan Adventure exploring the country's culture, vegan roots, non-profit initiatives and sustainability projects. Lauren is a Canadian travel blogger, lifelong vegetarian, and long-term vegan. In her travel blog, Justin Plus Lauren, Lauren journeys around the world with her partner, Justin, with a curiosity to discover the world's nature, history, and wildlife. She combines her passion for seeing the world with a mission to promote ecotourism, responsible wildlife tourism, and sustainability. Lauren also seeks the most delicious vegan food around the world, sharing her most memorable meals. Traveling with a vegan travel blogger is an opportunity to explore hidden gems, engage in responsible tourism activities, and support incredible organizations. Lauren is so excited to travel with you on this transformative travel experience in India.