Want to visit the hometown of "Life of Pi"!? Travel agencies launch a South India movie location tour

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

Director Ang Lee’s brand-new 3D film "Life of Pi" was shot not only in Taiwan, but also features extensively the southern India where Pi grew up. The stunningly beautiful scenery of southern India has captivated many, and due to the movie’s influence, the India-Taipei Association and six Taiwanese travel agencies have jointly planned a "Life of Pi" tour itinerary that will take travelers to Pi’s upbringing environment and explore this magical journey.


▲ Many scenes of "Life of Pi" were filmed in India. Now travel agencies are offering related tours. (Photo / Courtesy of Taipei Indian Cultural Association)

The "Life of Pi" movie location tour, jointly organized by the India-Taipei Association and travel agencies such as Phoenix, Lion, Era, Triump, Southeast, and Shiqun, mainly focuses on two places: "Pondicherry," a former French colony, and "Muna Tea Plantation." These locations cover Pi’s childhood home and family vacation spots, as well as sites featured in the film like the church and tea garden where Pi spent time. Travelers can experience the fascinating blend of diverse cultures amid various landscapes.


▲ The place where Pi grew up — a small town in the south of France, where Muslim, Hindu, and other cultural elements coexist, which also allowed Pi to embrace the essence of different religions with an open heart. (Photo / Provided by India-Taipei Association)

 
▲ Pi once entered a church here and thanked the god Vishnu for introducing him to Jesus. (Photo / Provided by India-Taipei Association)

Pi’s hometown, Pondicherry, is also the location of the zoo in the film. As a union territory of India, Pondicherry was purchased by the French in the 17th century and returned to Indian governance in the mid-20th century, leaving behind an elegant French flair. Additionally, the "Sri Aurobindo Ashram" in Pondicherry, known as the soul of the city, was founded by Sri Aurobindo — a multifaceted figure who was an Indian freedom fighter, philosopher, poet, and yoga master. It is now home to his followers and is said to possess mystical energy; even lying on the nearby land can bring a sense of peace to the body and mind. It attracts tourists from all over the world every year.

In "Life of Pi," Pi’s father takes the whole family on vacation to the Muna Tea Plantation. It is here that Pi comes to know God and gains new insights about life. The tour also includes the church where Pi “steals holy water” in the film, allowing visitors to feel the magical energy Pi experienced. The nearby Muna Tea Museum preserves the tea-rolling machines used during the British colonial period. Moreover, the Western Ghats mountain range, where Muna is located, has recently been designated as a UNESCO natural heritage site and is one of the world’s eight major biodiversity hotspots.

The magical 8-day South India drifting adventure tour is priced at NT$69,880 by various travel agencies. The first four groups are available at a promotional price of NT$59,880. Departure dates are November 30, December 14, 2012, and January 11 and 18, 2013. The first group departs on Friday, November 30. The price includes visa fees, taxes, and tips. If you want to take a trip to South India during the movie’s popularity, this is definitely worth considering.