HEART OF INDIA TOUR
We will host this journey again if there is enough demand!!
Contact us now to express your interest!
Take a pilgrimage through 6 sacred locations in India to experience the heart of yoga & culture!
Embark on a journey of discovering yourself in the magical land of India: a place of devotion, diversity, and glorious celebration! The people and beauty of this vast land will capture your heart. You will be fully immersed into a culture and lifestyle like no other place in the world. The locations you'll visit are spiritually, historically, and geographically rich.
This is the trip of a lifetime! Spend 12 days visiting some of the most monumental palaces, temples, ancient cities, and the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a sunset camel ride in the desert, hike to waterfalls in the Himalayan Mountains, and be in the presence of holy saints near the world famous Ganges River in Rishikesh - the yoga capitol of the world.
Why join us?
India is a special place that has captivated us through both our yoga studies and travels. We have spent months exploring the country and are so excited to share the powerful experience of this yoga and cultural immersion. If you want to shift perspectives, trace the roots of your yoga practice, and open your heart wider, then this is the trip for YOU!
Over and over we hear people say, "I've always wanted to go to India!" and yet they haven't gone. We get it. It can feel overwhelming to plan a trip to somewhere so foreign. That's where we come in! Enjoy the ease of having all the details arranged for you, be accompanied by an amazing local guide (and us!), and have fun traveling with a like-minded group. All you really have to do is say yes and book your airfare!
Our Itinerary
Day 1: You will be met at the New Delhi International airport and transferred to our hotel where you will have time to unwind from your long journey. We recommend a flight that arrives earlier in the day so you have time to see the city.
Day 2: Check out from the hotel & journey to Agra to see the epic Taj Mahal to take in its splendor during the afternoon and at sunset. After dinner, proceed to the train station to catch overnight train to Pushkar. Riding the train in India is such an inherent part of experiencing the culture and is sure to be a memorable part of the adventure!
Day 3-5: Arrive in Pushkar early morning. This holy town is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination that feels enchantingly small. Pushkar curls around a lake, and often hums with puja (prayers) generating a soundtrack of chanting, drums, and gongs. Here we will explore the colorful bazaars, hike to a mountaintop temple at sunrise, receive a blessing ceremony from a holy man, take a camel ride at sunset, and observe the life of the locals.
Day 5-8: We will depart Pushkar in the morning to drive to Udaipur. Set beside shimmering Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a romantic destination filled with fantastical palaces, temples, a lively arts scene, and countless narrow, colorful streets. We will stroll through the local markets, watch traditional Rajasthani folk dance, take a boat ride on the lake, and tour the city palace/garden. There will be a day trip to visit the stunning marvel that is the Ranakpur Jain temple. We also can't wait to share tea and kirtan in the home of our dear friends, Mukesh & Chanchal, one evening during our stay!
Day 8-12: We will depart Udaipur and take a short flight to Rishikesh. Situated at the banks of the jade green Ganges River, the town is also a gateway to the mighty Himalayas. Known as the Yoga Capitol of the World, Rishikesh has long been a magnet for spiritual seekers. You will find an abundance of ashrams, meditation, Ayurveda, reiki, and other healing modalities. Here we will unwind from our travels and dive deeper into our practice. You have the option to trek to a waterfall, visit the abandoned ashram where the Beatles were in the 60s, and/or go whitewater rafting. On one of the days, we will take a trip to nearby Hardiwar to spend time with a modern-day spiritual saint named Nani Ma (she's the real deal) and attend the famous evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony at Har-ki-Pauri along the Ganges banks.
Like all good things, our trip comes to an end in Rishikesh, but you will always carry with you
the memories of this unique and unforgettable experience!
Yoga & Activities
We will practice daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama (suitable for all levels) to ground and connect you within. Check out the below slideshow to see some of our stunning practice locations!
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
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Visit to the Taj Mahal
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Blessing ceremony in Pushkar
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Sunset camel ride in the desert
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Boat ride on Lake Picola in Udaipur
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Traditional folk dance performance in Udaipur
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Evening visit to our friends' home in Udaipur
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Visit the "Beatles Ashram" in Rishikesh
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Spend time with spiritual teacher Nani Ma
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Evening aarti ceremony in Haridwar
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Trek to waterfall in the Himalayas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
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City tour of Delhi (dependent on arrival time)
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Whitewater rafting on the Ganges River
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Massage and/or Ayurvedic treatments
Our schedules are specially created to allow for your enjoyment of personal space and free time. Bring your journal, books, and whatever else you've been wanting to indulge in! We believe in choice and options for your retreat experience, so you can always opt out of any activities in the program should you wish.
Travel Details
FLIGHTS: To allow maximum flexibility, you will book your own flight to/from New Delhi. Check-in begins on the afternoon of the first day and our journey ends after breakfast on the last day. Book your flights early!
Feel free to run your flights by us before final booking. Please be advised that you if you are not traveling further after our trip, you will need a flight from Rishikesh (Dehradun Airport) to Delhi for your journey home. We can help you book this once you have your main flight details. The cost ranges only $40-80, depending on the airline/time of the flight.
If you want to arrive early or extend your stay, we will be happy to help you make arrangements. Please note that airport transfers can only be provided if you stay at our properties before/after the retreat.
VISA: In order to travel to India, you need a valid passport from the country in which you reside. You will also be responsible for obtaining a visa issued from the Indian government. The good news is that getting an Indian Visa recently became much easier with the new "visa on arrival program". Learn more about this convenient option and apply for your Indian visa HERE You will apply for your visa one month before you arrive in India. We will send out additional information and reminders about this process as the trip draws nearer!
VACCINATIONS: The Centers for Disease Control recommends certain vaccines when traveling in India. You can review their current recommendations HERE. You should also discuss medications and vaccinations with your doctor to evaluate which ones are right for you given your own unique health needs and personal beliefs about vaccines.
Don't worry, we will send plenty of helpful emails to aide you in your preparations!
Pricing & Inclusions
Pricing will be announced closer to our 2020 travel dates. Contact us to get on the private invite list!
Payment plan is available, contact us for details.
COST INCLUDES:
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11 nights accommodations at stunning properties in New Delhi, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Rishikesh
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Breakfast every morning, except arrival day
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Daily yoga/meditation sessions (suitable for all levels)
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Experienced tour guides
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All ground transportation within tour
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Domestic flight from Udaipur to Dehradun (airport near Rishikesh) **please note if flight costs over $120 due to late registration, you will be responsible for the difference
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All included activities as outlined above
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Airport transport on arrival/departure days
Cost does not include international airfare, domestic airfare not outlined above, visa, travel insurance, optional activities, lunch/dinner (you'll want to explore all the diverse options!), massages, Ayurveda, shopping, or gratuities.
All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like double occupancy and do not have a roommate, we will make efforts to pair you with another solo traveler. Please note that if there is not another solo traveler, you will be placed in a single occupancy room at that rate. Why not invite a friend to join you?!
A $700 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. This amount is applied to your total cost. By submitting your registration and deposit to us, you are agreeing to the policies in our Terms & Conditions.
Registration
WOO HOO! You're joining us! Please fill out the below form to submit your booking for the Heart of India Tour. We will be in touch upon receipt of your registration. Thank you for joining us; this is going to be amazing!
If you have any questions prior to registration, please contact us directly. We are more than happy to talk with you!
The next Heart of India Tour will happen in 2020. Registration will open sometime in late 2019.
Contact us to get on the private invite list!