Experiential travel has emerged as a popular form of tourism, focused on cultural exploration and activity-based travel experiences. Rather than simply checking off a list of tourist attractions, travellers seek authentic and intimate encounters with local people and hidden gems of a destination.
In response to changing traveller preferences, tour companies are now challenged to create unique and personalized itineraries that offer fresh perspectives on popular destinations. With the proliferation of smartphones and social media, travellers have greater access to information and are able to plan and book their own unique experiences.
Social media, especially Instagram, has given travellers the opportunity to share their travel experiences with a wider audience. As a result, travel bloggers and influencers are under enormous pressure to provide their followers with fresh and original content.
Overall, experiential tourism is transforming the way people engage with foreign cultures and destinations.
How Jvala travel provides experiential travel path to different locations in India
India has always been a popular destination for travellers due to its vibrant culture, tangible wealth, and mysticism. Despite the rapid digital revolution, India has preserved its ancient traditions through active oral traditions, wisdom texts, and knowledge practices still in use today. This makes it an attractive destination for those seeking spirituality, new perspectives, improved skills, cultural diversity, and more
However, travelling in India can be overwhelming due to its vast geography and diverse ecosystems, each with its own climate, language, cuisine, clothing, art, and festivals. To make the most of the Indian travel experience, Jvala has curated thematic travel experiences. These experiences cater to specific interests such as spirituality, history, art, cuisine, or adventure. Jvala’s experiences are designed to provide travellers with a deeper understanding of the local culture and an authentic travel experience.
With Jvala, travellers can explore India with confidence, knowing that their travel experience has been tailored to create desired experiencesWhether you are a first-time traveller to India or a seasoned explorer, Jvala has something unique and special to offer travel and culture enthusiasts.
Jvala provides a nuanced and in-depth understanding of South Indian temple art and architecture for connoisseurs. The team at Jvala has carefully curated themes and activites suiting the destination that goes far beyond the surface level appreciation of magnificent structures, delving in to connect the religious, esoteric and historical significance in each as elements of a complex culture. Visitors can expect to gain a deep appreciation of the intricate carvings, the intricate symbolism, and the unique stories that have been woven into every aspect of South India’s temple culture.
In addition to exploring South Indian temple art and architecture, Jvala also offers yoga retreats as part of the experience. These retreats are designed to help seekers reinvent and reconnect with themselves. Participants can expect to be immersed in a serene and tranquil environment that is conducive to deepening their practice with new approaches in knowledge systems. With a focus on mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, this retreat will be a the perfect opportunity to unplug from the stresses of daily life and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Where is Tiruvannamalai? What is it famous for?
Tiruvannamalai is a town located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, in the southeast part of the country. It is situated at the foothills of the Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the largest temples in South India, and is surrounded by hills and forests.
Tiruvannamalai is famous for its Annamalaiyar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most significant Shaivite temples in India. The temple complex covers an area of 25 acres and includes several large towers, or gopurams, as well as several smaller shrines and mandapams (pillared halls).
Another famous attraction in Tiruvannamalai is the Arunachala Hill, which is considered a sacred site and is believed to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva. Many visitors come to Tiruvannamalai to circumambulate the Arunachala Hill, a practice known as Girivalam, which is said to be a highly auspicious act.
Tiruvannamalai is also known for its spiritual significance and is home to several ashrams and spiritual centers, including the Sri Ramana Ashram, which is dedicated to the teachings of the renowned Indian sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi.
In addition to its spiritual and religious significance, Tiruvannamalai is also known for its natural beauty, with several scenic spots in the surrounding hills and forests, including the Gingee Fort and the Sathanur Dam.
Jvala’s restraint of a mountain Path
Tiruvannamalai is a sacred geography which celebrates the qualities of Fire, an element of Nature. In Tamil, the word arunam means red or fire, and asalam means hill – hence Lord Siva is believed to reside here as Lord Arunachalesvara, taking the form of Light, keeping the volcanic mountain dormant. The contemporary seer, Maharishi Ramana, hence made Tiruvannamalai as his home. An important local festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai is Deepam, when the volcanic pit of the Annamalai hilltop acts as a huge earthen lamp that is lit with tons of ghee. Personalising this festival, the locals celebrate the entire month by burning lamps in the thresholds of their homes. The objective is to absorb the energies of this sacred mountain to burn the negative energies hidden within.
