Interfaith Dialogue in India
Experience and learn from the Indian culture and people, participate in ongoing education programs, and explore your own faith.
Dates
February 10-24, 2026
Activity Level
Mild
Cost
$2,250
Registration Deadline: November 10, 2025
Activity Level
Mild
Short walks on paved or gravel paths throughout the day. Getting in and out of vans, strolling through cities, museums and temples that we visit.
There may be optional longer hikes available.
Your journey to India is to the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu where you will meet Indian Christians, visit Hindu temples and holy sites, and Muslim mosques.
Through personal and group reflection, you'll unravel complex issues related to caste and race, spirituality and religion, education, empowering girls and women, and building community.
Have Questions?
Prefer to talk to a human? Give us a call and we can answer your questions!
Call (612)823-5058
Your Leader
Dan Ruth, LPGM Executive Director
Dan is passionate about helping people see where God is at work in the world. With experience in international development and nonprofit communications, Dan focuses on helping create the most meaningful outcomes or impact. He joined LPGM in 2017.
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February 11-12
Delhi & Agra
(Optional)*If you've previously been to Delhi & Agra and want to skip this portion, you may deduct $500 from the cost of the trip and join the group in Chennai instead.
Start your journey in New Delhi and Agra, visiting sites like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, and getting to shop in Old Delhi!
If you're traveling from the U.S., you'll likely leave on February 3, connect somewhere in Europe (often Paris or Amsterdam for Delta Partners), and arrive in Delhi early the morning of February 5.
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February 13-15
Chennai
South India TemplesWe'll then fly to Chennai (formerly Madras), where you'll get to visit St. Thomas Mount (the burial place of St. Thomas the Apostle) and historic Dravidian temples. You may see a banyan tree that is approaching 200 years old.
We may also visit Gurukul Lutheran Seminary and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India (UELCI), a communion of twelve Lutheran denominations across India.
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February 16
Pondicherry & Auroville
AshramsThe beautiful seaside city of Pondicherry, situated on the Bay of Bengal, is known as "The French Riviera of the East" after the advent of French colonization in India.
Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and nearby Auroville, an experimental township "where men and women of all countries will be able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities" and its golden-domed Matrimandir, adding to your religious and cultural experience.
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February 17-22
ALC Boarding Schools
Meet Students & TeachersSee the boarding schools where sponsored students live and study. Meet the student you sponsor and visit their village!
Visit village schools, where students benefiting from ALC's English+ program will read, sing, and perform for you.
Engage in interfaith dialogue at the Quo Vadis Interfaith Dialogue Center in Tiruvannamalai, which is run by our partner, the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC). Interfaith conversations include elements of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Excursions may include a Hindu temple, a Muslim mosque, and a Lutheran Church, as well as other holy places and sacred spaces. There will be engaging conversations and time for contemplative prayer and reflection.
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February 22-24
Bangaluru & Return HomeVisit the Indian Music Experience Museum.
We may also visit the United Theological College and learn more about the contributions of Dalit Theology to our understanding of the Christian Gospel.
From Bangaluru, we'll start our journey home, full of the sights, sounds, and experiences of India!
Cost: $2,250 per person
A deposit of $300 per person will reserve your spot
Registration deadline is November 10, 2025.
* What's included?
- All in-country travel, lodging, and most meals.
- Nonalcoholic beverages with meals.
- Bottled water.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and meals.
- Trusted partnerships and guides to give you an authentic, safe experience.
- Limited medical evacuation insurance.
What isn't included?
- Airfare. We often help with booking, but you will be responsible for the cost of your flights to and from India.
- Passport & Visas. You will need a passport with at least six months until expiration beyond your travel dates. In addition, a visa from the Indian Government is required for an extra cost.
- Vaccinations and preventative drugs. We suggest visiting a special travel clinic. Cost depends upon your insurance, copays and prescription benefits.
- Alcoholic Beverages. These can be purchased on your own.
- Other Personal Expenses. Shopping, souveniers, additional snacks or beverages you may choose to purchase during your trip.
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What are the travel/accommodations like?
In-country transportation is typically by mini-bus, although you may have the opportunity to try out a tuk-tuk!
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Lodging
Overnight accommodations range from hostel or dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms to modern hotels with amenities such as swimming pools and Wi-Fi.
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Food
Food is mostly Indian cuisine, but our hosts are aware of preferences, and typically a variety of options is available. There will also be times to enjoy favorites from home, such as pizza.
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Will I get to meet my student?
We do everything possible to help you meet your sponsored student(s) at their boarding home. The India staff also makes a plan to visit a village and a home of student(s), one connected to you or others in the group. A night or two may be spent at more than one boarding home for a glimpse into their daily routine.
February 10 to February 24, 2026
$2250
