atma darshan tours

Atma Darshan - SVD

• Individual counseling and retreat direction.
• A Community of lay volunteers called ‘Disciples of the Divine Word’  to reflect over, pray for, and reach out to the poor and marginalized.
• We welcome volunteers to join this group.
• Facilities for individuals and families to spend time in prayer and solitude.
• Residential / Non-residential facilities to hold own workshops, seminars, retreats and meditation programs.

DR. RADHAKRISHNAN PILLAI

Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai is a well-known leadership speaker, author, trainer and personal mentor. He is the Director of SPM Foundation and Founder Director of Atma Darshan (a Spiritual Tourism company) and Chanakya Aanvikshiki (a Leadership Training and Mentoring Institute). He is also the Deputy Director of Chanakya International Institute of Leadership Studies.

The Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation website has been translated for your convenience using translation software powered by Google Translate. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation. However, no automated translation is perfect or intended to replace human translators. Translations are provided as a service to the Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation website users and are provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or correctness of any translations made from the English Language into any other language. Some content (such as images, videos, Flash, etc.) may need to be accurately translated due to the limitations of the translation software.

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Murudeshwara Temple: A Self-Guided  Tour

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, Sri Murudeshwara Temple resides on the hilltop of Kanduka in Bhatkal Taluk in coastal Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and thrives with tourists and devotees from across the world. This blog explains everything you need to know before you visit the temple including, its history, facilities available, special poojas, and more.

Sri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple Guide

Table of contents, murudeshwara temple history.

• The Temple Tower or Gopura

The Murudeshwara Temple

The shiva statue, best time to visit, special seva list, where to stay, where to eat, network availability, atm availability, other activities to do at murudeshwar, frequently asked questions, related posts.

The story of the Murudeshwar Temple finds its roots in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. Ravana, the Demon King, was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He regularly performed rituals and offered penance to attain immortality. Happy with his prayers, Shiva granted Ravana what he sought but on one condition: Ravana had to carry Atma Linga to Lanka (Now Sri Lanka) without placing it on Earth.

When Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu learned this, they knew if Ravana was successful he would wreak havoc on Earth. So the two crafted the perfect plan to trick Ravana. While Vishnu created an illusion of sunset, Ganesha disguised himself as a brahmin. The two knew Ravana doesn’t let the day end without offering his prayers to Lord Shiva through a ritual. Ravana saw the sun was about to set and was worried about his ritual. At this point, the brahmin (Ganesha in disguise) encountered Ravana and offered to hold the Linga on a simple condition. Whenever the brahmin calls Ravana thrice, the latter should appear before him. 

So, Ravana went to perform his ritual, but when he returned the Linga was already on the ground. Vishnu removed the illusion and it was day again and Ganesha turned into his original form. Realizing that he had been tricked, Ravana got furious and tried to remove the Linga from the ground with such force that it shattered and all its pieces got scattered. 

It is said, that one of the pieces flew and landed in a place called Mrideshwar which is today known as Murudeshwar. The temple is said to be the home to that piece of Atma Linga.

The Temple Tower Or Gopura

The Temple Tower or Gopuram is the second tallest in India and was built in 2008 in a span of 2 years. The Dravidian style of architecture is evident in the most intricate detailing of the tower and also in the larger aspects of the temple. For instance, at the entrance, there are two giant elephant statues on either side, acting as guards to the temple. The 20-storey building is approximately 72 m high and accessible to the public but we can go only to the 16th floor.

You must remove your footwear before you enter the temple premises and walk barefoot to the Gopuram.

When you reach the 16th floor, you’ll see there are 4 windows in all 4 directions offering a panoramic view of the small town and the sea. Besides these, you can also see the Murudeshwar beach and the eagle eye view of the Shiva statue that stands tall amidst the Arabian Sea.

The Murudeshwar Temple houses the main deity, Murudeshwara or Sri Mridesa Linga. You will also see several other Hindu deities in the surroundings and see a golden chariot showcased inside the temple.

The Shiva statue behind the main temple is the second tallest in the world, standing at 37 m. When you go towards the right of the temple complex (outside the gate), a few flights of stairs will lead you to the Shiva statue located at Kanduka hill. 

Halfway up the small hill, Rameshwara Linga is situated where devotees can do seva for the Linga. The statues of Lord Rama, his brother, Lakshmana, and Devi Sita are present behind the Linga. You can also visit the Bhukailasa cave next to the temple, which depicts the temple’s history (given below) in the form of statues. From here, one will get a closer view of the temple tower or Gopuram.

Surrounding the hill, a few statues, including a golden-colored sun chariot, depict Arjuna receiving Geethopadesam (teaching of Bhagavad Gita) from Lord Krishna, Ravana being deceived by Ganesha in disguise, Shiva’s manifestation as Bhagirath, descending Ganga are found around the hill among several others.

• Temple darshan: 6 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 8:15 PM. The temple remains closed between 1 PM and 3 PM.
• Raja Gopuram Elevator: 7 AM to 12:45 PM, 3 PM to 7 PM
• Free entry to the Murudeshwara temple.
• Raja Gopuram elevator entry fee: Rs. 20 per person, Rs. 10 per child below 10 years (only cash is accepted).
• Bhukailasa Cave entry fee: Rs. 20 per person, Rs. 10 per child below 10 years (only cash is accepted).

Murudeshwara temple can be visited throughout the year. If you like to see the sunset on a clear day, you must visit the place during summer. During winter you can expect a misty sky that blurs the view. To avoid crowds, skip the weekends, holidays, and festival seasons.

Dhoti is not compulsory for men, and sarees are not mandatory for women. Men need not remove their shirts while visiting the Murudeshwara temple. Since the temple is a holy place of worship, you can wear ethnic dresses and clothes to get into the vibe. You can also learn more about temple etiquette before visiting any Hindu temple.

You can get the temple priests to conduct special poojas for the deity, for an additional cost.

For the Shri Devara Annasantharpana Seva , all types of payments are accepted. 

If one contributes Rs. 5001 one time, every year, a one-day Annasantharpana seva will be performed, and prasad will be sent to your address. If one contributes Rs. 750, any one day in a year, Annasantharpana seva will be performed, and prasad will be sent to your address.

Dining hall lunchtime: 12 PM every day

Murudeshwar being a tourist destination has numerous hotels in its vicinity.  The minimum price range in the area starts from INR 1000 per room.

We stayed at Aryan Residency , a decent, mid-budget hotel. However, if you’re looking for something more lavish, you can stay at RNS Residency , located near the temple, or at Mavalli Beach Heritage Home. There are no backpacking hostels in the area.

Hotel Indraprastha serves good vegetarian Indian food. There are also other vegetarian restaurants near the temple. Non-veg restaurants are not available in the region, as Murudeshwara is a pilgrimage site.

How To Reach?

Mangalore international airport (Airport code: IXE, 178 Km) is the nearest airport to Murudeshwar temple. Direct buses and train services are available from Mangalore.

Murudeshwar railway station (Station code: MRDW, 2 Km) is the nearest station. Many trains that pass through halt for a few minutes here. This is the best and easiest way to reach Murudeshwar. From the railway station, you can either walk for 2 Km to reach the temple or hop on a tuk-tuk for Rs. 40 (one way), which will drop you near the temple or your place of stay.

Most of the buses will drop you at Murudeshwara highway. From there, you can walk for 2 Km or hop on a tuk-tuk for Rs. 40 (one way), which will drop you near the temple or your place of stay.

Note: There are only a very few bike rentals in Murudeshwar.

Both Airtel and Jio offer good 4G connectivity in Murudeshwar. You can rely on them.

SBI ATM is located near the temple premises. Besides this, a couple of other ATMs are located on the Murudeshwara highway. Although most shops accept digital UPI payments, we recommend you carry a few bucks for the cave and temple tower elevator entry. Physical cash might also come in handy, in case of an emergency.

Besides being a pilgrimage site, Murudeshwar offers several other activities for tourists. So, you can explore the place at your own pace. Check out these 5 best things to do at Murudeshwar , a temple town in the coastal area of Karnataka.

How old is the Murudeshwara temple?

Although the Gopuram was built in 2008, the Atma Linga present here is said to be very old as the story dates back to the epic of Ramayana.

Are Gokarna and Murudeshwar the same?

No, Gokarna and Murudeshwar are two different coastal towns located 78 Km away. Murudeshwar is known for the Shiva temple, while Gokarna is known for its unique beaches.

Are there any direct buses from Murudeshwar to Gokarna?

There are only a very few direct buses from Murudeshwar to Gokarna. Instead of waiting for so long, you can hop on a bus to Kumta and then to Gokarna. Another alternative is to board the train.

• Day trip from Murudeshwara to the lesser-known Honnavar & Apsarakonda
• 10 days itinerary to Chickmagalur

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About Mentor

With nearly 25 years of combined working and business experience, Dr Pillai is a well-known Leadership Speaker, Author, Corporate Trainer, and Personal Mentor. He has written nearly 200 articles and papers for various magazines, newspapers and journals.

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About Our Mentor

Dr.Radhakrishnan Pillai  is a Ph.D from the University of Mumbai, Department of Philosophy. He trains leaders and aspirants from various fields including Corporate, politics, academics, military etc. He has done an extensive research on “Kautilya’s Arthashastra”, the well known book on management written in 4th BC from Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), Kerala under the guidance of Dr Gangadharan Nair, the dean of Adi Shankara Sanskrit University. He did his MA in Sanskrit and a PhD. in Arthashastra. He is a certified management consultant from the International Institute of Management Consultants.

Dr Pillai is the Director at SPM Foundation and Founder Director of Atma Darshan Pvt Ltd (a Spiritual Tourism Company) & Chanakya Aanvikshiki Pvt Ltd (a Leadership Training & Mentoring Institute). He has been recently appointed as the Deputy Director of Chanakya International Institute of Leadership Studies (CIILS), as autonomous Institute based in the University of Mumbai’s Kalina Campus.

With nearly 25 years of combined working and business experience Dr Pillai is a well known leadership speaker, author, trainer, and personal mentor. He has written nearly 200 articles and papers for various magazines, newspapers and journals. He has also hosted a radio show “Ask Chanakya” on Moksha Channel of Worldspace satellite radio. He has represented India in various national and international conferences including the World Philosophy Congress in Athens, Greece, Academy of Management (AOM) in San Antonio, Texas, USA, Indian Philosophy Congress (IPC). He has also chaired session at Afro- Asian Philosophical congress (AAPA), taught in Germany (Heidelberg and Cologne universi.es), Dubai, Muscat, Singapore, Indonesia, UK (Oxford, Cambridge).

Radha (as he is known to his friends) is an ocean of knowledge, passion, dedication and smile

Bhavesh kothari , startup mentor, william d'souza, senior assistant editor (business) at times of india, shashi nair , director at integral interface management consultancy pvt. ltd, leave a reply cancel reply.

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The Teachings of Atmananda and the Direct Path

 by Greg Goode  Introduction Sri Atmananda ( Krishna Menon) was a teacher whose teachings flow from the fountain of nondual wisdom known as Advaita Vedanta . He lived in Kerala , South India from 1883 to 1959. This was in the same modern era shared by Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950) and Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981). Like Ramana and Nisargadatta, Atmananda inspired Easterners and Westerners. And like Ramana and Nisargadatta, Atmananda even has a giant book of insightful dialogues rich enough to be contemplated for years, which has the ability to help establish one as nondual awareness . Sri Atmananda is much less well known than Ramana or Nisargadatta. As I write this paragraph, there isn't a Wikipedia entry on Atmananda, and there are relatively few published books either by him or about him. Yet, speaking for myself, I resonated more quickly and solidly with Atmananda's teachings than with Ramana's or Nisargadatta's. Atmananda uses concepts very well suited to a modern Westerner accustomed to logical or scientific discourse - concepts that seem simple and intuitive, and yet when examined, totally dissolve under scrutiny . This feeling of having the rug pulled out from under one is part of the experiential teaching that has direct and tangible effects as one proceeds with it. Atmananda has had well known students, some of whom became teachers in their own right. Examples include John Levy, Jean Klein, Wolter Keers, and Paul Brunton. My own association with the teaching comes through the Jean Klein branch via Francis Lucille. Francis gave me a copy of ATMA DARSHAN one day, and I read it with the attention and respect I felt went along with such a gift . This short book resolved in a wondrous flash a subtle question I had been contemplating for several years about the difference between subject and object . Here in ATMA DARSHAN were several sections devoted to the exact issue I had been pursuing, issues I had never seen touched upon in the hundreds of other books on Advaita or Western philosophy I had read. Like Berkeley but Global There's something else too in my case. When one first encounters Atmananda's teachings, they can seem similar to the Western philosophy of Idealism , especially as taught by George Berkeley (1685-1753). It just so happened that I had been seriously studying Berkeley's teachings and before him, Brand Blanshard's (1892-1987) teachings as part of my own academic training in Philosophy . This had been going on for 25 years before I encountered Atmananda's teachings, during which time " physical " objects had lost their associated feelings of hardness , opacity, heaviness and brute physicality. I experienced physical objects as ideational. And this is very very similar to the way that Atmananda first approaches his teaching . He starts by having you contemplate a physical object and acknowledge that it can be 100% accounted for by visual , tactile , auditory and intellectual " forms ." And that apart from, say, a visual form that arises only as something in knowledge , it makes no sense to think that we "see" an object . We simply never experience anything "of" an independent object other than this form . So we have no way to establish that this form is "of" the object . We have no experience that there's an object independent of this form . My Berkeley teacher gave me lots of hints that Berkeley was actually a nondualist; but to actually find this element in Berkeley's works, one must cultivate the skill of esoteric and hermeneutic reading. On the surface level at least, Berkeley wrote as a bishop in the Church of Ireland; he had to write as though human minds and the conventional figure of God are well and good, separate and intact. But writing in a different culture in the middle of the 20th century, Sri Atmananda didn't have to worry about persecution by religous orthodoxy . His investigation goes very directly and openly to the core of being. Atmananda applies the same sort of scrutiny to the sense modalities, to the body and to the mind . We simply never witness anything external to witnessing awareness . There is no evidence for a limitation to seeing , or a gap between subject and object . There is also no evidence that awareness is personal, separate, limited or compartmentalized. And so nothing is missing. How much further? All the way! This awareness is our very self , since we don't stand apart from it and see it. It is our very seeing itself, as us. It is not separate or personal. It is clarity and openness . As Knowledge , it never feels that anything is missing. As Love , it is always accepting to everything that arises, never prohibiting or saying No to anything. As Happiness , it never suffers . ATMA DARSHAN and ATMA NIRVRITI ATMA DARSHAN is the more fundamental and poetic of the two works. It lays out the kernel of Shri Atmananda's unique method, which could be called the "outside-in" approach. Instead of expanding the individual so as to become universal , ATMA DARSHAN shows how the universal is always the sum and substance of the individual . Specifically, it shows quite clearly just how everything that seems to be outside oneself (i.e. world , body and mind ) is actually inseparable from oneself as pure awareness . ATMA NIRVRITI can be seen as answering questions that might have occurred to the reader of ATMA DARSHAN. Questions may arise such as how there can be seeing without a seer or indeed without an actual object that is seen, or how knowledge of your nature is different from everyday factual knowledge . ATMA NIRVRITI clarifies the issues in ATMA DARSHAN from different angles of vision , and in places from a higher level. In addition, ATMA NIRVRITI has three articles as appendices, "I," " Witness ," and " World " which are extremely helpful in understanding how these concepts are regarded by this unique teaching . It has been many years since Advaita Publishers last reprinted these two great works, which carry a copyright date of 1983. With available copies having gravitated into the rare and out-of-print book markets, I had created a PDF file of the combined edition of ATMA DARSHAN and ATMA NIRVRITI, which could be downloaded from this site. Recently, Advaita Publishers wrote informing me that the books are still under copyright. Out of respect for this legal issue as well as respect for the heirs of Sri Atmananda, I have removed the downloadable PDF file from this site. The publisher wishes me to make known that any copies that have been downloaded from this site are similarly in violation of Sri Atmananda's heirs' rights of copyright. If you wish to obtain these books , you can try the rare and out-of-print market. AbeBooks.com and Amazon.com carry copies occasionally. But I am sure that you will join me in wishing that Advaita Publishers reprints these two classic works sometime soon. Notes on Spiritual Discourses of Shri Atmananda NOTES ON SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES This is it, Shri Atmananda's big book , 517 pages in length! It is a collection of dialogues compiled from Nitya Tripta's notes kept over the ten year period from 1950 to 1959, plus a biography and collection of spiritual statements from Atmananda. This is a new, digitally remastered PDF file, with searchable text and a linked PDF table of contents and index. In its scope and depth, this great work can be compared to Ramana Maharshi's Talks and Nisargadatta's I AM THAT. It has been compiled in a similar format - Q & A items on a wide variety of topics approached from different angles, with a topical and chronological table of contents. This volume has never been for sale or been under copyright. In fact, for many years it was photocopied and passed around privately among Shri Atmananda's direct students and later generations of those inquiring into truth . To download, right-click the link and select Save Target As (in IE) or Save Link As (FireFox). Then save to your local PC or Mac. Any problems opening the file, try downloading the newest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Adobe.com website. Get Acrobat Reader (PC version). Get Acrobat Reader (Mac and other versions). "Inquiry Via the Direct Path " (audio interview with Greg Goode on the teachings of Shri Atmananda, 47 min) Features of the Direct Path According to the direct path , suffering is based on taking things as real or independent , whereas they arise in thought only. I call this kind of “taking” a sense of inherent existence . The direct path is a way of following one’s direct experience to test whether the claims of inherent existence are confirmed. It is practical, not theoretical . It is like a treasure hunt – like looking for the greatest treasure in the world . The process in a nutshell goes like this:     We notice that the world , body and mind seem as though they are really there, and really separate, limited and vulnerable. We ask, is this confirmed by experience ?     We follow our direct experience , finding that the answer is No!      Dualisms evaporate in the discovery that everything is awareness , that is, happiness ; that is, experience itself. This awareness is clear, open, and loving , and is the reality of our experience at every moment. It is happiness . The direct path is complete from “beginning” to “end,” and is found by many people to be very intuitive for modern times. Basically, it     Requires no need for expertise in meditation     Involves both understanding and heart     Has been tested by experience ; there is no belief required     Sees through creation stories     Dissolves issues about doership     Involves the body in a holistic way     It is modern and incisive in style     It transforms one’s attitude towards language , perception , thought , others, and the world     Gets past common sticking points Suffering and Freedom In more detail, suffering is caused by believing that our experience is characterized by objectively real objects , dualisms and distinctions, such as     I / Not I     Freedom / Bondage      Nirvana / Samsara      Physical / Spiritual      Appearance / Reality     Good / Evil     What I want / What I have     Present / Future and Present / Past The inquiry proceeds through a direct and experiential investigation of the world , body and mind . This investigation results in the knowledge and unshakable experience that there is no separation or difference anywhere. The inquiry is global, and includes an examination of every type of experience . This includes physical , psychological , emotional , social , esthetic, intellectual , religious , mystical and spiritual facets of experience , as well as waking, dreaming, deep sleep , trance , anesthesia , clairvoyance , intuition , samadhis and meditative states, etc. The reality of experience (as well as the reality of the self , mind , body and world ) is actually experience itself. The nature of this experience is the same everywhere – free, open, loving , and sweetly beautiful. It is the same awareness to which everything appears, and as such, is your very self . In Vedanta , reality is called Sat-Chit-Ananda:     Sat or Being (as opposed to nothingness )     Chit or Knowledge (as opposed to ignorance )      Ananda or Happiness (as opposed to suffering ) These are not mental states , though if a person has certain analogous mental states , she can feel empowered and inspired to inquire further. They are also not objective qualities of experience or reality , because actual qualities require the possibility of their opposites. Instead, the terms Sat-Chit-Ananda are sometimes called “non-qualifying attributes ,” provided in Vedantic teachings in order to counteract the impression of their opposites. That is, these terms are used to correct false notions that reality is characterized by nothingness , ignorance and suffering . Sources Several writers have written helpful pieces that can assist one’s inquiries at various stages along the say. Sri Atmananda ( Krishna Menon, 1897-1981) is increasingly recognized as one of the great sages in modern India , along with Ramana Maharshi (1979 – 1950) and Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897 – 1981). Sri Atmananda is a great guide to this way of inquiry; his books are a blueprint from beginning to end of this path . But there are many possible sticking points along the way, such as     the belief that awareness comes into contact with inherently pre-existing objects     the belief that one’s self is contained within the body     the belief that awareness is a product of brain activity This is where other writers, both Eastern and Western , can support and enhance one’s inquiry. These writers help examine the assumptions behind these common beliefs .. The most intuitive and helpful approaches I have seen come from the following. My own Standing as Awareness performs some of the same functions, especially as it addresses common sticking points the come up during the inquiry:     George Berkeley’s clear, intuitive yet destabilizing Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous, and A Treatise Concerning The Principles Of Human Knowledge .     David Hume’s Enquiry concerning Human Understanding , which helps break down (i) one's notions of causality , (ii) the belief that external objects matching sensations , and (iii) the assumption that there is a separate self inside the mind ,     Gaudapada’s masterful “ karika ” or commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad      Nagarjuna’s groundbreaking Treatise on the Middle Way     Brand Blanshard’s Nature of Thought From the Outside In The direct path can proceed in two possible directions . Both are possible ways of dissolving the distinction between the self and the world , or subject and object .     One may examine the self to see that it is the world (inside out) -- This consists of looking at the separate "I", which seems small and separate, and making it larger and larger until it incorporates everything. In this way, one begins with the subject and shows that it’s really the object . After this point, the distinction between subject and object drops away.     One may examine the world to see that it is the self (outside in) -- This is the direction taken by the direct path . It starts with what seems most obvious in our experience . It dissolves the distinction between the world and the self by examining the world . The world seems infinitely large and separated from the observer by an un-crossable gap, but when approached in this direct method, it’s seen as nothing other than the "I". This method proceeds by several stages, which correspond to the stages outlined in the writings of Atmananda and George Berkeley :          Objects into sensation -- You examine an object in the world and see that there’s no evidence of an object external to colors, sounds , textures, etc. Objects never claim that they exist separately, and there’s no experiential evidence that they do. The most important realization at this stage is this – since everything you think you experience about an object already includes sensation , there’s no independent way to verify that you actually sense AN INDPENDENT OBJECT. Sensation actually goes into the characterization of the object , and there’s no way to separate them. The sound of the barking dog IS the barking dog . There’s no independent access to the object other than sensation . Therefore, there’s no way that you actually SENSE an OBJECT. This is key to the direct path’s approach, and it’s easy to overlook its importance. If this stage is realized clearly, two things happen. (i) the basis for the sense of physical separation as well as the sense of all other separation is removed. And (ii) the rest of the stages are very easy because the realizations are analogous to this one, but on more subtle levels. Because This is not easy to see, and the best texts to have as assistance are George Berkeley’s Three Dialogues and Treatise Concerning The Principles Of Human Knowledge , and my own Standing as Awareness . And it’s pivotal to examine one’s own body in this same way, because similar discoveries apply to the body as to the barking dog . The body does not convey sensation . Rather it is made out of sensation .          Sensation into thought -- Here’s an analogous process. Sensation now dissolves into awareness the same say that in Step 1 objects dissolved into sensation . Once objects are seen as nothing more than sensation , you examine the senses themselves, and see that they are not subjects or experiencers, but rather experiences . Seeing , hearing, touch , taste and smell are not experienced as existing apart from witnessing awareness . In other words, seeing must arise as an appearance in awareness in order to exist . It does not exist somewhere else. Along with this investigation of seeing and the other senses as faculties , one investigates the apparatus of the eyes , ears , nose , tongue , hands, skin , etc. This is done in stillness, in motion, and in locomotion. Examination shows that they are nothing other than arising thoughts or appearances in witnessing awareness . This awareness is not personal, because there is no basis left for the distinction between one separate point of Awareness and another. Awareness is not the kind of thing there can be two of. All distinctions are witnessed thoughts only. The person has dissolved into the sweetness of Awareness .          Thought into pure consciousness -- The relationship between witnessing awareness and thoughts is analogous to the processes in step (1) and (2). At this stage, one analyzes memory and the relationship between thoughts more carefully. Because a thought is never experienced to exist apart from the presence of Consciousness , it makes no sense that a thought actually exists in the first place. If it is never your experience that a thought exists outside of consciousness , then it makes no sense to carry around the notion that it really does exist externally. And because memory is itself another thought , it can’t prove the existence of another thought even within consciousness . One realizes that there’s no evidence that a thought existed other than the present thought . There cannot be two thoughts . If there can’t be two, then it makes no sense that the present thought is actually a thought in the first place. At this point, thought itself dissolves into consciousness . Even the most subtle separation and movement and sense of existence/non-existence dissolved into the sweet , loving arms of pure consciousness . Pure consciousness is called the "I-Principle." It is that to which everything appears. It is your very self . Stages of Realization The direct path mentions three stages along the path of realization . At each stage, the interest is placed on something more subtle , and what was seen as real and inherent to a lower stage is seen as nothing but the play of a higher stage.     At Stage 1, everything seems like it exists independently , and consciousness seems as though it comes from the head and flows out through the senses into the objective world .     At Stage 2, the activities (AKA superimpositions) of Stage 1 are seen to be appearances in impersonal, non-localized consciousness , which reveals them in the light of awareness .     At Stage 3, even the subtle superimposition of “revealing” or “ illuminating ” falls away, and consciousness shines in its own glory. This is a capsule summary of how the direct path examines the world to see that it is nothing other than the self . Taking your Stand as Awareness As you take your stand as being something, the world changes accordingly. This happens on the everyday level for everyone. If something nice happened and you feel good about yourself, the world looks rosy. If you feel bad about yourself, the world looks bleak. Similarly, if you take yourself as a physical body , the world and other people seem like external physical bodies . The events in the world seem like they are mechanically caused . If you take yourself as a mind or spirit , then the world will seem spiritual , like a flow of energy . Events will seem as if accomplished by magic , perhaps willed into being by your mind or a higher mind with control over everything. If you take yourself as awareness , then the world will be experienced as awareness - the same awareness . There's nothing other for the world to be. The world won't be IN awareness , it will BE awareness . There's nothing else it can be. There'll be no separation between you and the world . Things won't really seem to happen, and there's no sense of cause , but rather of causeless spontaneity and miraculousness. The world follows the stand you take for yourself. There is more about this approach in Atmananda's large book , Notes on Spiritual Discourses of Shri Atmananda, as well as in my Standing as Awareness . Skillful Teaching One of the surprising and hidden principles that traditional nondual teaching methods use is this - use the lowest-level or least abstract teaching that helps deconstructs the current object at hand. For example, if a person has a question about memory , it is more effective to examine memory's false claims directly than to tell one's self "Don't worry about memory , everything is consciousness anyway." Both methods tell the truth about things, but from their own level. If one immediately goes to the "everything is consciousness " answer, then the question is likely to pop up again and again. But if the claims of memory themselves are seen to be false and unwarranted, then that very seeing will dissolve the very roots of the question and it will not come up again. In general, too subtle or abstract a teaching given too early will simply not have any lasting transformational effect. It can inspire and motivate and open the heart to some extent. But it will also be taken literally, which therefore gives the student another set of beliefs which will have to be examined later. But a more down-to-earth, less subtle teaching will be experienced as more relevant. It will have a more powerful effect on the inquirer since it accords with their background assumptions more fully. And then this lower level teaching will itself be deconstructed with a more subtle teaching later. This is why many nondual teachings seem gauged and staged. No Conflict in the Teachings The direct path is practical. It sees no inconsistency among its methods. There often seem to be inconsistencies between statements such as the following:     The external object is merely a thought     There is no external object     There is no externality in the first place     Externality is a thought     A thought arises in awareness The reason that there’s no conflict is this. These statements aren’t meant to be factual but rather dialectical and strategic. The statements aren’t meant to be accurate representations of the world , true now and forever. Instead, they’re meant to unsettle certain assumptions implicitly held about the world . As the inquirer proceeds through the teachings, different assumptions come into play. In the present example, at an earlier stage the focus is usually on the world and its nature . The questioner’s natural assumption might be that the world is made out of physical stuff, like rocks, chairs, or sub-atomic particles . The direct path’s strategy at this point is not to deny that the world exists . That would be too much too soon, and might alienate the inquirer. It could be scary if you’re used to a world and are told all of a sudden that there isn’t one! So instead, the direct path takes advantage of the assumption that the world exists , but refines the assumption by specifying how it can’t be made of anything other than consciousness . This is a smaller leap for the inquirer. Later, the focus is on consciousness itself. At this point the issue isn’t what the world is made of, but whether it exists at all. When there’s the feeling that the world exists , even when it is thought to be made out of consciousness , there’s still a bit of separation between the I and the world , between the subject and object . So at this point the strategy is to deny the very existence of a world , which amounts to refuting the distinction between subject and object . Waiting to do this at a later stage is not so jarring and un-intuitive as it would be earlier on. Because the teachings have this pragmatic , temporal dynamic, they don’t contradict each other. They have different purposes and targets. They depend on the target of refutation for a particular body of assumptions, at a particular moment as the teaching proceeds. The Witness Consciousness actually has no function and performs no actions . It does nothing and has no purposes of its own. But in coming to recognize this, our understanding often attributes functions to consciousness , such as memory , creativity, or purpose. Advaita knows this, and has devised teachings to take advantage of the tendency. This is why there is a distinction between how the witnessing awareness seems when the teaching is beginning and how it seems when witnessing has stabilized. As one learns the witness teaching , the witness seems psychological (with the ability to record and retrieve memories ), less abstract, and easier to grasp . It is not personal, but can seem almost personal. And although it isn’t an accurate characterization of consciousness , it nevertheless allows you to deconstruct your everyday dualistic presuppositions, showing what was assumed to be definitive of your self is actually an object appearing to the self . This is how the witness feels when the inquirer feels that consciousness is in the body-mind (instead of vice versa). The witness allows the inquirer to realize that the body/mind is an appearance in awareness rather than the source of awareness . The witness depends on realizing that what comes up in memory had to have appeared to awareness in the first place. When this is fully realized , then the body will no longer seem to be a container within which awareness is located. It’s at this point that one can examine more subtle things in a new light. One now turns the same light of inquiry upon the mind , values, memory and the senses that one had earlier used to examine tables, chairs and the body . The realization that none of these things are located anywhere and that they don’t belong to any ONE, is the dawn of the more subtle witness . The psychological witness assumed that the witness is able to remember and value things. These abilities attributed to the psychological witness are superimpositions, but helpful ones. The more subtle insights actually transform the witness . What was seen as a function of the witness (especially memory ) is now seen as another witnessed arising . What seemed to be part of the subject is now seen as an object . And witnessing is experienced as infinitely lighter and clearer. Stabilization of the Witness At this point, one’s interest is not in objects , but in awareness , in consciousness . One is no longer trying to analyze external objects to see what they are made of and whether they are separate. Objects no longer have an ultimate metaphysical or emotional charge, and one doesn’t feel that one’s nature depends on objects . It’s natural at this point to become interested in consciousness , to fall in love with consciousness . This is a much more subtle interest , one which is able to be satisfied wherever one looks. One has also dropped the superimpositions that had been attributed to the witness . It’s now realized that memory is itself an arising , along with valuation, thought and sensation . In the more subtle witness there’s no separate mind , body or world . All there is (and it’s even too much to say this) is awareness and the appearances that arise, abide and subside in awareness . It feels warm and wonderful and sweet . Of course the witness is itself a superimposition, but a subtle and benevolent one. It is pleasant and free. As soon as it is firmly established, it begins to collapse. This can happen spontaneously if left alone, or it can happen through inquiry into how it works. One begins to suspect that there simply cannot be a difference between the witness and that which is witnessed – and to realize that they are both pure consciousness . From the Witness to Pure Consciousness When the witness is very stable , it begins to open or dissolve into global, loving lightness of pure consciousness , which is without any gaps or separation anywhere. This happens through time , or when one looks into the witness the same way that one looked into objects at the beginning of the investigation . The witness has become stable when:     Witnessing doesn’t seem like a mental state     Witnessing doesn’t seem as though it needs practice or vigilance     Witnessing doesn’t seem as though it’s reversible or able to be "lost"     Witnessing no longer seems like it is happening “here” as opposed to "there"     It no longer feels as though there are objects that exist outside of awareness     You no longer wonder whether awareness should allows one person to see all of another person’s thoughts     The witness no longer seems personal     There no longer seem to be unseen arisings At this point, there is no presumption of a person . There is no separate “one” that arisings appear to. There is no felt authorship, doership or receivership. There is no personalization or experience of separation. Experience is sweet , open and loving – the source of the arisings is awareness and love , and the arisings themselves are sweet because their source is sweet . Even pain is open, loving and sweet . Its nature is not pain , but awareness . One can no longer "be" a person (indeed, one never was a person ). One has recognized one’s self as awareness . But there is still a very subtle dualistic structure to the witness . Sweet , but dualistic nevertheless. The dualistic structure consists of:     A subject/object distinction , i.e., a distinction between awareness and the arisings in awareness     A multiplicity, a distinction between arisings themselves Both of these distinctions go together; they need each other. And inquiry into the either one of them will dissolve them both. The investigation at this level is very subtle , but the basic insight is the same as it is everywhere. There is no experience of objects outside of awareness . There is no phenomenon that organizes or structures awareness ; if there were such a phenomenon , then it would be just the same as any other phenomenon has been discovered to be: just another arising in awareness . This was what was realized with color , sound , the body , seeing and hearing, memory , will, intention and causality . So the same realization is available for these ultra-subtle relations - relations such as subject/object and multiplicity/unicity. There is no subject/object distinction outside the current arising . It is never witnessed. There is a projection or presumption of this distinction , and the presumption is nothing other than an image in this very thought . When it is seen that neither distinction nor multiplicity is an objective feature anywhere in experience , then the feeling that these sbutle things are present dissolves. And then experience will no longer seem conditioned by any duality , even the most subtle or hidden duality . This can be looked at in another way too. All that is ever experienced is the current arising or thought . There is no passage of time experienced in that arising . There is no passage of time experienced outside of that arising . There can in fact be no time . Without time , then there can't be any such things as arisings. They don't make sense unless time is present - which it's not. This establishes you as the Timeless. And your experience confirms this. Another way to see this is also to see that, according to the way the witness is structured, only the current arising is ever experienced . There are never two arisings experiences , expecially since memory is itself inoperative. That is, memory itself has been seen through as merely an arising , therefore absolutely incapable of establishing anything other than what is current. So there cannot be said to be two or more arisings. And nor is it your experience that there is an arising before THIS or after THIS. If there cannot be two arisings, then how can there be even one? What is present is not even the kind of thing that numbers apply to. The present is not one of several items in a string, nor is it experienced in any way like that. Without the present seeming like it arises in a numerical series, then the very notion of arising itself gently and peacefully collapses in to pure consciousness . Consciousness shines as itself. Openly, sweetly and lovingly. The Question: "You comment that Awareness or consciousness is simply observing the various arisings...as though there are two things: one called Awareness or consciousness and the other called arisings. Why would you posit such a dualistic notion in an effort to share the wisdom of non-dual experience ?" Here is Rupert's answer, worth the time to completely digest. This is said to one who believes him or herself to be a person , located in and as the body , looking out at a world of objects that are considered to have an existence that is separate from and independent of their being known. The terms in which such a person expresses his or her question (that is, the belief in a separate entity , separate bodies , objects made of matter , a world that has independent existence etc.) are granted provisional credibility in order that we may proceed from what, at least appears to this person , seem to be the facts of the current experience . In other words we start with the conventional formulation that ‘I,’ inside the body , am looking out at an objective and independent world of objects . This is a position of dualism , that is, ‘I,’ the body (the subject ) am experiencing the world , objects and others (the object ). From here our attention is drawn to the fact that the body ( sensations ) and the mind ( thoughts and images) are in fact experienced in exactly the same way as the world ( perceptions ). In other words, the body/mind is not the subject of experience and the world the object of experience , but rather the body/mind/world are all objects of experience . We then ask what it is that experiences the body/mind/world. What is it that is referred to as ‘I?’ It is obviously not the body/mind, because at this stage the body/mind has been seen to be the experienced rather than the experiencer . What then can we say about this perceiving ‘I?’ It cannot have any objective qualities because any such qualities would, by definition , be objects and therefore experienced . However, it is undeniably present and it is undeniable conscious or aware or knowing . For this reason ‘I’ is sometimes referred to as Consciousness , Awareness or Knowing Presence. At this stage the Knowing Presence that I know myself to be (that is, that knows itself to be) is conceived of as being ‘nothing,’ ‘ empty ’ or ‘ void ’ because it has no objective qualities, and could be formulated by saying simply, ‘I am nothing.’ It is the position of the ‘ witness .’ This position is still a position of dualism in that there is still a subject ( Knowing Presence) and an object (the body/mind/world). Yet it is one step closer to a truer formulation of an understanding of the true nature of experience than was the previous formulation in which separate entities were considered to be existent and real. If we explore this Knowing Presence that we know ourselves to be, we discover from direct experience that there is nothing in our experience to suggest that it is limited, located, personal, time or space-bound, caused by or dependent upon anything other than itself. Now we look again at the relationship between Knowing Presence and the objects of the body/mind/world: How close is the world to our knowing of it? How close is the world to ‘experiencing?’ We find that there is no distance between them. They are, so to speak, ‘ touching ’ one another. Now we can go deeper. What is our experience of the border between them, the interface where they meet or touch ? If there was such an interface, it would be a place where Consciousness ended and the object began. We find no such place. Therefore we can now reformulate our experience based upon our actual experience , not just theoretical thinking . We can say that objects do not just appear TO this Knowing Presence but WITHIN it. At this stage Knowing Presence is conceived (based on experience ) more like a vast space in which all the objects of the body/mind/world are known and experienced to appear and disappear. However, it is still a position of dualism , a position in which this vast knowing space is the subject and the world is the object that appears within it. So we again go deeply into the experience of the apparent objects of the body/mind/world and see if we can find in them a substance that is other than the Presence that knows them or the space in which they appear. This is a very experiential exploration that involves an intimate exploration of sensations and perceptions and which is difficult to detail with the written word . It is an exploration in which we come to FEEL not just understand that the body/mind/world is made out of the substance that knows them. However, in this formulation there is still a reference to a body/mind/world, albeit one known by and simultaneously made out of Knowing Presence. It is a position in which the body/mind/world doesn’t just appear WITHIN Presence but AS Presence. But what is this body/mind/world that is appearing as Presence? We explore experience more deeply again and find that it is this very Presence itself that takes the shape of the body/mind/world. Knowing Presence takes the shape of thinking and appears as the mind . It takes the shape of sensing and appears as the body . It takes the shape of perceiving and appears as the world , but never for a moment does it actually become anything other than itself. At this stage we not only know but FEEL that Presence or Consciousness is all there is. It could be formulated as, ‘I, Consciousness , am everything.’ At the same time we recognise that this has in fact always been the case although it seemed not to be known previously. So we have moved from a position in which we thought and felt that ‘I’ am something (a body/mind) to a position in which we recognised our true nature of Knowing and Being (Presence) and which we expressed as ‘I, Consciousness , am nothing.’ And we finally come to the feeling/understanding that I, Consciousness , am not just the witness , the knower or experiencer of all things, but am also simultaneously their substance . In other words, ‘I, Consciousness am everything.’ Even this is to say too much, for what is this ‘everything’ that is referred to? Language collapses here. Instead of saying ‘ Consciousness is all,’ we should say just ‘ Consciousness is.’ But then what is this Consciousness that is being framed....again it is to say too much. To summarize we move from ‘I am something’ to ‘I am nothing,’ from ‘I am nothing’ to ‘I am everything’ and from ‘I am everything to ‘I,I,I....’ We fall silent here. As we abide knowingly as this Knowing Presence we discover that it is not a void , an emptiness . Rather it is the fullness of Love . In other words, Love is the substance of all things. The movement in understanding from ‘I am something’ to ‘I am nothing’ could be called the Path of Wisdom or Discrimination . The movement in understanding from ‘I am nothing’ to ‘I am everything’ could be called the Path of Love . The abidance in/as this Love is simply to abide as the Self that we are and that we know ourselves to be. Love is known to be the substance of every appearance and to be solely present throughout all the apparent stages of its revelation . It is the origin, the substance and the goal of our enquiry.

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Atma Darshan, Andheri

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Atma-Darshan, Centre for Spirituality and Counselling, was blessed and inaugurated on October 1, 1998. Under the leadership of Fr. Gregory Pinto, Atma Darshan from the beginning of January 1999 started conducting a number of courses, workshops and retreats. Specific courses to address developmental issues such as adolescence, midlife and aging were organized.

Awareness and general wellbeing was promoted through courses like Yoga meditation, Vipassana and naturopathy. Family retreats, marriage enrichment retreats and companionship retreats were organized to encourage and support families in Gospel values.

Over the years Atma Darshan has evolved as a place for prayer, counselling, spiritual direction and personal renewal, courses like emotional intelligence, stress management, self-discovery etc. are arranged at the centre. Besides the courses and programmes, the staff at Atma Darshan strives to address individual concerns. The staff being well-qualified in the area of psychology and spirituality, free individual counselling is given to people struggling with their problems both in the area of their personal life and their relationship to God.

Staff of Atmadarshan: Antony Menezes (Superior & Director) Aloysius D’Souza Chacko Parekkatt Gregory Pinto Jomon Thattamattathil Jos Vazhazil

Contact Atma Darshan Mahakali Caves Road Andheri (E), Mumbai – 400 093 Tel : (022) 2836 3120 Mobile: 9769694422 Email :  [email protected] Website: www.atmadarshan-svd.org

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PERPETUAL VOWS AND ORDINATION TO DIACONATE AT DIVINE WORD SEMINARY, PUNE

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIVINE CALL RETREAT CENTRE, MULKI

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• For Senior Citizens

• 040-40164248 | +91 80080 03718
• [email protected]

Divine & Magnificent Coastal Karnataka

• Tour code : 204030
• Visiting : Hubli- Karwar - Gokarna- Murudeshwar - Jog falls - Hubli
• 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Cost per person : INR 15,000 Onwards
• Accommodation
• Local Transport

• All tourists are advised to get fully vaccinated before the tour and follow covid protocols and appropriate behavior.
• Please go through the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, Terms & Conditions, and cancellation policy of the package before booking

Day 1 Arrive at Hubli Railway station our tour manager will pick you up and drive to Mundgod Tibetian Camp followed by Jog Falls. Enroute Break fast. At Jog Falls Checkin to Prebooked hotel. After Lunch and relaxation visit various site seeing points at the Jog Falls and surrounding areas. Overnight stay at Hotel (B,L,D) Day 2 After sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, leave to Kollur Mookambike temple, after lunch proceed to Udupi, evening darshan of Sri Krishna in the temple town. Overnight stay at Udupi (B, L,D) Day 3 After Breakfast, leave to the famous Murudeshwar one of the Atma linga temples, followed by Gunavanteshwara  2 nd among the  5  temples, followed by Dharanath  3  rd of the list. You will take a short deviation and visit the Maha Ganapathi temple at Idagunji before visiting to the Gokarna. This is the place where the Legend of Ravana’s Atma Linga story begins. Evening Darshan of Lord Mahabaleshwar and a beautiful sunset at the beach. Overnight stay at Gokarna (B, L, D) Day 4 After Breakfast, we shall explore a little more of famous Gokarna’s beaches and leave towards Karwar to see the last of the Atma linga temples Shri Shejjeshwara and then proceed to Dharwar to do a bit of shopping and eat/purchase Dharwad Peda. After Dinner at the restaurant you will be dropped back at the Hubli railway station in time to board. Tour Ends

Summary & Highlights of Trip Follow the Trail of Shiva’s Atmalinga Story of Ravana ,As per the Legend, Gokarna is the place where the linga was grounded by Shri Mahaganapati disguised as a child, while Ravana tried to Expel/Excavate it from the Earth and in the process destroyed and the pieces of linga fell at  5  different places in the vicinity, and now these  5  temples were constructed and worshipped by devotees. This Religious trip would mesmerise you the scenic beauty of Konkan coast and the surrounding areas when travelled through Hubli, It is paradise for nature lovers with full of thick reserved forests, mystical and misty Western Ghats, overflowing waterfalls, beautiful beaches and sunsets on Arabian coast. This will remain a memorable trip and a treat to your eyes with the blessing of Lord Shiva.

1) Shri Shejjeshwar Temple                                  

The temple is dedicated to lord shiva worshipped as shejjeswararlingam in lingam for. The legend goes as as ravanan tried to pull out the athmalingam, the Lords vast harm fell here and it turned into a lingam. It is believed that one attains moksha if they visit all the five temples on the same day. The other temples are., 2. Mahabaleswarar, gokarna 3.daranatheswar,dhareswar 4.gunavatheswar, gunawandhe 5.murdeswarar, murdeswarar. The temple is very ancient temple and known for its precious form as it is the first place of the lingam according to the vedic story of the lord shiva in place called gokarna.This temple is a few distance away from gokarana.The temple has its unique fame of main diety in lingam form as it is the part of the lingam.

2) Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

The temple is one of the seven sacred Muktikshetras or Muktistala ("places of salvation") in Karnataka. It is a place where many Hindus of Karnataka perform obsequies (death rites) for their departed. The six other Muktikshetras in Karnataka are at Udupi, Kollur, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Koteshvara and Sankaranarayana. According to legend, the Atmalinga was perforce placed at Gokarna, in the temple precincts where it is now deified. It was Ravana, the demon King of Lanka, known from the epic, Ravana had carried it there from Mount Kailash in the Himalayas

3) Kollur Mookambika Temple

is located at Kollur in byndoor taluk, of Udupi District in the region of Tulunadu and in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess known as Mookambika Devi. It is situated in the foothills of Kodachadri hills, on the southern bank of Souparnika River. Being situated in the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari, believed to be created by sage Parashurama. The main deity of the temple is a swayambhu (self-born) jyotirlinga with a golden line cutting it into half, in which the left half represents Tridevis, and the right half represents Trimurtis. Along with this, a four-handed panchaloha idol of Goddess Mookambika is also installed. Rathotsava in the month of Phalguna and Navaratri in the month of Ashwina are the main festivals in this temple. Goddess Mookambika is said to be the name given to Goddess Parvati after she killed the demon Mookasura (also known as Kaumasura).

4) MAGOD FALLS

Magod Falls is a group of waterfalls in Karnataka, India, where the river Bedti falls from a height of nearly  200  metres ( 660  ft) in two steps. The falls are located about  17  kilometres ( 11  mi) from the town of Yellapur, in the district of Uttara Kannada, and are easily accessible from several lakes and towns.

Inclusions: •  1N  stay at Jog falls ,  1N  at Udupi,  1N at Gokarna on a twin-sharing basis.                                                                                  • All Hotels/Resorts  3*  and above. • All meals(B,L,D) except on board( flight/train ) • Places of Visit and transport by AC Sedan/Innova/Tempo Traveller depending on the group size. • Inclusive of all taxes and driver charges, etc. • English and Hindi speaking drivers expert in taking care of Guests • Transfer to and from Hubli Station.( only for fixed date tour Ex-Hyderabad) • Tour conducted in association with Karnataka tourism. Exclusions: • Additional supplement applicable during the peak holiday season – Diwali, X-Maas, New Year, local festival. • Any additional hours/days of stay required beyond standard check-in time  12:00 PM  and check-out time  11:00 AM  at hotels or pre or post-tour. Any upgrade of room category in hotels • Cost for any adventure activities e.g. boating, trekking, fishing, cycling, coral ride, or river cruise • Places of visit and attraction tickets not mentioned in inclusions. Any deviation of places of the visit from the route plan. • Travel Insurance and expenses of personal nature like room services, tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, etc. • Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as roadblocks, landslides, accidents, and any emergency evacuations.

• You can either click   buttons/call us (Or) email us for booking this tour.
• If you have any special service requests e.g. Escort or Tour guide to accompany Senior Citizen travelers, Birthday/anniversary celebration – inform us at the time of booking and for supplemental cost. We would be happy to arrange it.
• Send us a copy of Identity, Address, and Age-proof – Passport/Aadhaar/Voter Id card of all travelers
• Pay  5,000 per person as a ‘booking fee’ by clicking on  pay booking fee  button.
• Pay balance amount  30 days before the tour departure date.
• If you want us to take a train/flight booking, the appx amount of the same is to be paid at the time of booking. Remaining to be adjusted with balance payment.

Cancellations:  

• At STCPL, we understand that most people cancel their reservation of a tour only due to unavoidable reason/s. Nevertheless, cancellations are costly to administer and involve dedicated staff time and communications costs. So, if any such necessity of cancellation arises, we must be notified of the same in writing.
• Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as per cancellation and refund policy.
• If you are a group of 4 or more we can arrange a private and customised trip to suit your dates and duration of the same itinerary
• Kindly read all the terms and conditions of the tour by Clicking here             

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“If yoga were to be taught in every school in the world, young people everywhere would be well adjusted, healthy and happy.”

Sri swami satyananda saraswati..

Satyam Bal Yoga Sangha

Atma Darshan has been involved in teaching Yoga to the children since its inception. In 2009 with the blessings of our Guru Swami Niranjanananda, Satyam Bala Yoga Sangha was formed in response to a need for a more formal set up for children. This idea was inspired by Bala Yoga Mitra Mandal at Munger which was started under the aegis of Swami Niranjanananda. Today there are more than 70,000 children in Munger, Bihar, learning the yogic life that is nurturing them in all aspects of character building.

There is enough scientific evidence to prove that Yoga education for children is beneficial and it has been adopted by many schools and organizations across the globe. Satyam Bal Yoga Sangha is our contribution to nurturing the future generation.

Every Sunday at 7:30 am, children between the ages of 7 to 17 years come together at Atma Darshan Yogashram to be part of the yogic journey. Children learn Asana, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Chanting, Kirtan, Havan, Art, Music, Dance, Karma Yoga, Sanskrit in a play and fun way.

These yogic techniques inculcate a sense of discipline, right attitude and appropriate behavior along with nurturing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimension of an individual personality; and help them to live a fulfilling life, contributing positively to society.

Yoga with Rural Karnataka

Atma Darshan Yogashram conducts free Yoga Shivirs (Camps) of 2 days in Rural Karnataka comprising sessions of asana and Pranayama in the mornings, and bhajan, Kirtan and satsang in the evenings.

Requirements for organizing a shivir at a location of your choice are as follows:

There should be a minimum of 20 persons and a maximum of 50 persons per shivir

There should be a hall which is large enough to accommodate the above number

Hospitality (accommodation & board) & local transport for two teachers who will come from Bangalore.

“Karma Yoga is not just selfless service to mankind but should also include the re-definition of your relationship with yourself.”

Yoga For Mental Rehabilitation

As a part of our endeavor to reach out to different sections of society, Atma Darshan Yogashram works with the Richmond Fellowship to rehabilitate persons with mental health issues. Yoga has been found to have profound effects on behavioral changes in these people. Though working with them has been challenging, it has also been immensely rewarding. Yoga teachers involved with the Richmond Fellowship have learned a lot in their interactions. Atma Darshan Yogashram is committed to work with and support mental rehabilitation through Yoga programs.

“We stand hypnotized by the belief that disease and illness are our fate and destiny rather than health and bliss which are truly our birthright and heritage.”

Moscow’s best free city tour

I love Moscow – this charming metropolis, its people, its history and its unique cityscape. I would like to share my passion for this city with you. It is my job to show you the most exciting corners of this fascinating metropolis. That’s why, as a travel specialist and your private tour guide Moscow in Russia, I organize a guided free city tour Moscow – so that everyone, regardless of their budget, would be able to enjoy the insider’s view of Moscow.

You get to see what only Moscow residents know and what other tourist guides keep from you. I am a licensed travel specialist in Russia and would like you to enjoy all facets of the capital of the largest country in the world, without demanding any money from you. I’ll show you the city on my free Moscow walking tour for 1.5-hours on foot.

Everything you need to know:

• My tours take place daily by arrangement, I am the only English-speaking licensed tourist guide Moscow, who offers a free city tour.
• My 1.5-hour free tours Moscow do not cost you a cent, I also offer other great paid tours as well.
• I am an experienced local, I make the tours informative, but at the same time relaxed and not off the plane.

Free Tours Moscow – Daily

My free tours Moscow city starts on Slavonic Square (Kitay-Gorod Metro Station), passes the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible on the south side of Red Square in the 16th century and where the tsars were once crowned. Then it goes across the Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the luxury department store GUM and with a view of the Kremlin towards the historical museum. Of course, you will also learn more about the stories that once happened behind the thick walls of the Kremlin – from the Tsars and Napoleon to Stalin. Then we continue through the idyllic Alexander Garden.

An advance booking is required!

Practical information:

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price: Free Language: English

«First acquaintance with Moscow» – a 2.5-hour city tour in the center of Moscow

This Moscow city tour starts on the Theater Square, past Lubyanka Square and the KGB-building, then through Kitay Gorod district and Varvarka Street, past the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then it goes across Zarjadje Park, over Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the GUM-department store and towards the Historical Museum. We walk through the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2.5 hours Price: 17 $ Students and children: 6 $ Language: English

A 3.5-hour car/bus tour of Moscow.

This is the best tour of Moscow city as all the important sights are visited. I am your Moscow city guide who will walk you through the city explaining the charming history of the city. This tour begins with picking you up from the hotel. 3 breaks are offered for photographing.

First, we will visit the most famous riverside streets and bridges in the center of the city with the most beautiful views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River (e.g. the Kremlin embankment and the Great Stone Bridge).

The first photo break is made at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We then pass by the district with numerous museums, Prechistinka Street and the district with numerous medical areas.

We again stop at the Novodevichy Convent, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the other bank of the Moskva River to click pictures.

Then we visit “Sparrow Hills” where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city of Moscow from the observation deck. Then there are the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Kutuzov avenue, the New Arbat, Tverskaya Street, the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, the KGB building and Varvarka Street. Here there are ample spots to click pictures.

We then drive past the Kremlin again and finally reach Red Square. We take a short tour of Red Square and say goodbye in the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 3.5 hours Price for a group: 170-200 $ (depending on the number of travelers) Language: English

Metro tour – daily

Palaces for ordinary people – that was what Stalin promised to the people when the construction of the Moscow Metro began between the World Wars. The communist dictator hadn’t promised too much. No other underground system in the world can boast such spectacular architecture – chandeliers, decorations, stucco, paintings on the walls – each station is individually designed. No wonder that Moscow residents love their metro. I will guide you through the bustle of one of the busiest subways in the world and show you the most beautiful stations Moscow city has.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: Metro tickets / the guided tour

Tour of Communist Moscow – every day

After the Communist October Revolution in 1918, Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Empire and was the center of socialist orbit for more than 70 years. This left its mark on Moscow, even if the USSR disintegrated more than a quarter of a century ago. The city streets are full of remnants of the communist regime and the Cold War. This is a walking tour where I will show you the most exciting places in Soviet Moscow: from the notorious KGB headquarters, also known as Lubyanka to the Karl Marx Monument to small hidden remains from the time of hammer and sickle. You will also learn about Stalin’s Great Terror political campaign and the system of the GULAG and how the USSR, the communist Russian republic, became modern Russia.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour

Alternative Moscow Tour – daily

Explore the unseen Moscow with your Moscow private guide and discover a range of sights during this alternative walking tour.  Away from the main tourist spots (in the central district of Kitay-Gorod), just a short walk from Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, you suddenly find yourself in one of the trendiest districts of Moscow. This place not only has trendy cafes and green squares, but here you can see the most beautiful spray works (according to Albrecht Dürer), hangout-places of the youth and hipsters, as well as learn what Moscow looked like in the 19th century. Here you will also learn exciting and even bloody stories about famous gangsters, eccentric business people and legends like the wandering preacher Rasputin, who is known in Russia either as the “holy devil” or the mad monk. To learn a little more about Moscow’s culture, this is the tour for you. On my alternative tour, you will get to know Moscow away from the tourist hotspots. This tour is of 2 hours duration and you will experience the following on the tour:

• St. John’s Hill, a quiet oasis right in the center, where time has stopped as it did in pre-Communist times
• Khokhlovka Art Center, where Russian hipsters and street artists hang out
• Samoskvorechye District where you can see beautiful streets and hear stories from old Moscow

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour / tram ticket

Kremlin tour – daily (closed on Thursday)

With its 20 towers and high walls, the Kremlin rises imposingly over Red Square. This world-famous fortress with its area of ​​28 hectares is home to over 800 years of Russian history. Described as the eighth wonder of the world, this historic fortress complex is the principal symbol of Russia that sits on the banks of the Moscow River. Today the Kremlin still harbors numerous secrets and has palaces and cathedrals, surrounded by Kremlin Wall. The current wall was constructed between the 15 th  and 16 th  centuries, but the original wall was made of wood around the year 1147. The Kremlin Wall became an important symbol of Moscow’s importance in the Russian Empire. This top tourist destination attracts millions of people every year and there are various sights to see. With my Kremlin tour, you will see the oldest square in the city in the heart of the Kremlin, the once largest cannon in the world and the scene of numerous dramas – from Ivan the Terrible and Napoleon to Stalin. You cannot miss this unique experience.

An advance booking and prepayment for tickets are required.

Time: by arrangement, daily (closed on Thursday) Duration: 2 hours Price on request Students and children: on request Language: English Included in the price: Kremlin tickets / the guided tour

Moscow pub crawl – Friday / Saturday

Experience the real nightlife of Moscow with my Moscow Pub Crawl and enjoy 4 pubs/bars plus 4 welcome shot drinks. Move from one bar to another and get to know travelers from around the world as well as the locals. Play fun adventure games and contests in addition to getting perks in the bars. Between the bars, move from one place to another on foot. The routes are organized as such that you will walk no more than 10 minutes between the bars. Visit the most exciting events, parties, concerts, and dance in the bars. Moscow Pub Crawl is a tour that you will never forget.

This tour runs every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM and you need to bring along your passport or an ID card, comfortable shoes, and wear smart casual clothes.

An advance booking and a small prepayment are required!

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 4 hours Price on request Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour, 4 shot drinks

1.5-hour boat trip on the Moskva River.

Taking a boat tour in Moscow on the Moskva River is a very pleasant experience. It allows you to know the city from a totally different perspective and admire the beautiful bridges. In this 1.5-hour river trip, you will sail past many beautiful sites in Moscow, so you can take the best photos to commemorate this day. The ship makes several stops on the way. The trip starts from the Ustinskiy Bridge near Sarjadje Park and ends at the Kiev train station.

On this Boat Trip, you can see sights such as: the former Imperial Education House, Sarjadje Park, the “flowing”, “floating” bridge, the most beautiful view of the Kremlin, the Great Stone Bridge, the legendary House on the Quay, the Christ the Savior Cathedral , the monument to Peter the Great on the ship, the central sports arena Luzhniki, the Sparrow Hills, 240 meters high Lomonosov University, the numerous architecturally spectacular skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Novodevichy Convent, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price on request Language: English

A military tour – riding on tanks in Stupino (Moscow region)

Russian Military is one of the largest military forces in the world formed in 1992. With my Military Tour experience what it likes to be in the Russian military, shooting guns, ride the Tank T-34 and various models of German tanks from the Second World War, as well as armored personnel carriers and vehicles. You will also shoot from the AK-47 and another combat weapon.

The tour will begin with your private tour guide Moscow in a Soviet army van accompanied with some tasty snacks and tea for a tasty start. Upon arriving, you will have to put on the army safety clothing and climb the Russian armored vehicles. The tour will take you on the noisy, smoky tank, driving through mud roads. All participants will get the chance to drive the tank which is coordinated by the Russian military.

Time: by arrangement, daily Price on request Language: English

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

Gorky Park and Sparrow Hills: Green Lungs, place to relax and meet

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Call : +91 612 2560537, Mobile: +91 9430032436

• Staff Details
• ATMADARSHAN Programme (January to December 2024)
• Registration & Course Fees
• AMR Therapy
• Transportation
• Recommendations To Participants
• Pubications
• Campus Tour

Making use of the ancient wisdom of East and West as well as modern findings in social sciences, psychology, spirituality, prayer, meditation, and mysticism, Atmadarshan Experience attempts to bring about holistic body, mind, heart, and spirit integration.

Integration of the Body

Integration of the body is made possible through Body Dynamics, Deep Relaxation, Yoga, Vipassana, Meditation Therapies, and various Healing and Empowerment procedures.

Integration of the Mind

Integration of the mind is brought about by Intensive Journal, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, Dreams and Symbols, and processing of Life Transitions.

Integration of the Heart

Integration of the heart is processed through Counseling, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, NLP, Focusing, and Color Therapy..

Integration of the Spirit

Integration of the spirit facilitated through AMR (Awareness Meditative Relaxation) leading to Prayer, Meditation, Mysticism, Discernment of Spirits, Spiritual Direction, and Holistic Integration Retreat.

Commununion of Love

Communion of love is experienced at the core one’s being through Analysis of Family, Society, Culture and Religion, Belief System Processing, Group Process, and experience of the Good News of Jesus in the human progress towards a more just, more free, more loving, more sharing, and a more humane society.

Integration Process

From thee experiences a more integrated person emerges with greater peace and harmony at the core of one’s being. This initiates a person to an encounter with the mystery of the Eternal pirit, Atman, dwelling in the cave of one’ heart (Atmadarshan). Since the Eternal Sspirit is the ocean of Love and Compassion, Atmadarshan Expereince leads the person to love and compassion for all beings, especially the poor, oppressed and the marginalized.

ATMADARSHAN PROGRAM

 january to december 2015.

Programs listed here are open to people of all religions and walks of life, unless otherwise specified. Also please note the new rates in payment of fees

• Registration (Rs. 200.00 per Course or Retreat) and Course or Retreat Fee (Rs. 100.00 per day), are non-refundable. Board, Rs.  250. 00 per day, can be paid on arrival.
• Make all DD’s in favour of Atmadarshan, Patna, and send by Speed Post.
• Atmadarshan will remain closed for maintenance from 23 rd July to 4 th August, both days inclusive.

Important Communication: The Venue for “Renewal Program for Sisters”will be shifted from Navajyoti Niketan to Atmadarshan, Digha Ghat, Patna-800011.   Fr. Mathew Chemplany and his Team will conduct the“Renewal Program for Sisters” in Atmadarshan from November 10 – December 20, 2015. Please see Item No. 21 for details in this Brochure.

Programs/Retreats for the Current Year

Atmadarshan.

Centre for Spirituality and Counselling

Patna 800 011, Bihar, India

Phone (0612) 2560537

Mobile 9430032436; 9430212655

E-mail :  [email protected]

Atmadarshan

Explore atmadarshan.

• ATMADARSHAN – Campus Tour
• ATMADARSHAN PROGRAMS AND RETREATS January to December 2018 – backup
• ATMADARSHAN PROGRAMS AND RETREATS January to December 2019
• ATMADARSHAN PROGRAMS AND RETREATS January to December 2020
• ATMADARSHAN PROGRAMS AND RETREATS January to December 2015

Atmadarshan Centre for Spirituality and Counselling Digha Ghat, P.O., Patna – 800011 Bihar, India Tel: +91 612-2560-537 Mobile: 9430032436, 9430212655 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.atmadarshanpatna.org

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• From Patna Juncation : Take Prepaid Autorickshaw or shared Autorickshaw. Approx Distance 10 Km.
• From Patna Airport : : Take Prepaid taxi or Autorickshaw

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17 Best Moscow Tours

Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

• Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

• Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

• Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

• Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

• Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

• Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

• Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

• Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

• Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

• Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

• Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

• Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

• Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

• Moscow food tours

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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