‘FEEL INDIA’

~ A YOGAVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER ~

We have been dreaming & weaving this trip into being for most of 2023 & happy to finally share the most epic adventure with you
Please note it is almost fully booked, just from our India waiting list, so get in touch soon if your interested in joining!
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Below you will find detailed itinerary & info of what each day will roughly bring
From the locations we will travel from, through & to, some of the stops, guided tours & more

More general info about what to expect once on the trip below itinerary
Due to there being so much info, know it is easier to take in on a laptop or big screen than phone

~ FULL ITINERARY ~

PLEASE NOTE ~ We are also offering a pre trip to Taj Mahal after we had some interest / requests.
Please be in touch if you want the full info ~ 4 days, 3 nights. Leaving the UK on the 18th & landing in Delhi on the 19th of February.

Arrive in Delhi by International flight. To be met by our tour guide on arrival to airport, followed by transfer to our first Hotel.
Take some time to settle into your room & rest before embarking on your first afternoon adventure in the afternoon. At some point in the day we will share an opening ceremony & circle to begin to connect as a group. Visiting Akshardham Temple in New Delhi ~ ‘the divine abode of God’. Hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity & peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Mandir – an ‘abode of God’ ~ a Hindu house of worship & a spiritual & cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning & harmony. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions & ancient architecture all are echoed in its art & architecture. The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas & great sages of Hinduism. The traditionally styled complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj & through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans & volunteers.
Ending the day with a guided meditation relaxation & sound bath to ground us & leave us ready for bed.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Delhi, Park inn by radisson IP

Day 2~ Friday 23rd February

Delhi

Morning yoga session at the hotel & breakfast before heading out for the day.

The day will commence with sightseeing of New Delhi & visits to ~ the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft & the iron pillar. Then off to explore Laxmi Narayan Temple. Drive past; India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament Houses & Gandhi Memorial ~ where he spent the last 144 of his life.
The afternoon will be spent sightseeing Old Delhi taking you to the magnificent Red Fort. Drive past Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Visit Raj Ghat ~ another memorial to Mahatma Gandhi & Jama Masjid ~ The largest mosque in India. Then to end the days adventure enjoy a hectic & busy rickshaw cycle ride through Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city.
After dinner culminate the day with a restorative sound bath & relaxation session.

Accomodation ~ Overnight in Delhi ~ Park inn by radisson IP

Day 3 ~ Saturday 24th February

Delhi ~ Varanasi by flight ~ 1055-1215

The flight is in the morning, so after an early breakfast you will be taken to the airport for a fairly short flight to Varanasi. You will be given some time to chill & settle on arrival to the new hotel. The evening will include a visit to the holy Ganges to experience the grand Ganges Aarti (Lamp Ceremony) on banks of the river. Ganga aarti is a fire ritual, performed to show gratitude to the river & ask for its blessings. It involves chanting, bells, fire, flowers & holds a lot of reverence & magic. Every evening around sunset, hundreds of people gather at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti of Varanasi. A true pilgramage site that gathers a lot of energy & has been a daily ritual for 1000’s of years. Having both experienced it before, we can share that the energy created is palpable! The aarti is performed on a stage by seven young priests & gathers interesting crowds, including an array of sadhus ‘holy men’. End the day with dinner & a restful relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Varanasi ~ Hotel Meraden Grand

Day 4 ~ Sunday 25th February

Varanasi

Begin the day early exploring the ghats by foot & then boat along the Ganges & it’s banks. During this you will see different pilgrims immersing themselves in the river to cleanse their souls. We will also witness the rituals of the crematory ghats ~ ceremonies in which corpses are cremated.
Returning back to the hotel for breakfast. Today we visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple ~ the Mosque of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb & the Durga Temple. In the afternoon we will visit the city of Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first ermon on Maha-Dharma Chakra Pravartan or The Wheel of the Law. Later visiting the local markets of Benares & some of the Ashrams in Varanasi, including; Mumukshu Bhawan, Jangambari Math & Ramakrishna Mission.
After dinner be soothed by a relaxing sound bath & meditation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Varanasi ~ Hotel Meraden Grand

Day 5 ~ Monday 26th February

Varanasi

Commence the day with breakfast & yoga, before setting off on an excursion to Sarnath ~ Said to be the site where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma & where he preached his first sermon. Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum & visit the Mahabodhi'Buddha temple, as you enjoy a walk through the Deer Park. Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa. In the afternoon we will have some free time to chill out, perhaps some time for shopping & or visiting things of our choosing. After dinner end the day with a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Varanasi ~ Hotel Meraden Grand

Day 6 ~Tuesday 27th February

Varanasi ~ Amritsar by flight (15.20-20.50)

Morning yoga session & breakfast before some free time for a last explore & or relax. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Amritsar via Delhi. Arriving late in the evening you will eat dinner & go to bed, without a relaxation session due to travel time & arrival.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Amritsar ~ Regenta Central Amritsar

Day 8 ~ Wednesday 28th February

Amritsar

Enjoy a full day of adventure with many things to learn today ~ giving us a morning off yoga to rest up a bit. Visit Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the historic massacre of April 13, 1919. Here is the so-called Well of the Martyrs, where many jumped to escape the bullets. Next, visit Durgiana Temple, a Hindu temple with similar architecture to the Golden Temple. We will then visit the famous Golden Temple, or “Hari Mandir” ~ the most sacred temple of the Sikhs, sanctified since the times of the fourth guru, Ram Das. All Sikhs try to pay a visit to the temple in their lifetime & take a bath in the sacred pond that, fed by an underground spring is said to purify the soul & help achieve spiritual enlightenment. In the afternoon we will visit Wagah, the only open land border between India & Pakistan, located 28 km from the city of Amritsar, where we will witness the changing of the Guard ceremony at sunset. After Wagah Border visit Qila Gobindgarh which is famous for it’s museum sharing Sikh art, toshakhana & a sound & light show. Experience the impressive beating removal ceremony at the Wagah border. Followed by a special stop visitting Qila Gobindgarh. Gobindgarh Fort is situated in Amritsar, this fort is an iconic fort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, The Maharaja donated gold for the golden temple. Now this fort has opened to public after 267 years, we will also visit an ancient war museum, Turban Museum & Sikh art. End the day with a relaxation session including soothing sounds & words.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Amritsar ~ Regenta Central Amritsar

Day 8 ~ Thurday 29th February

Amritsar ~ Dharamshala by bus

Morning yoga & breakfast before departing towards Dharamshala. The drive will be a treat to the eyes & senses, with so many beautiful landscapes & views to take in. Feeling the vastness of nature & the Himalayas grand landscapes as you travel. Stopping for lunch on route. Optional visit “Punjab Village Farm” en route to Dharamshala near Gurdaspur where the group will have the village experience along with a tractor ride. The trip will take around 6 hours or so & will include stops to stretche legs, refresh & take photos. When you arrive in Dharamshala you will be ready for an early dinner in the hotel & a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Dharamshala ~ Amritara Surya Mcleodganj

Day 9 ~ Friday 1st March

Daramshala

Morning yoga & breakfast before heading out for a half day visit to McLeod Ganj a Tibetan subub & an afternoon visit to Dharamshalas famous cricket grounds. With an evening to explore the bazaars & eat tasty local food. Ending the day with sound healing & relazation.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Dharamshala ~ Amritara Surya Mcleodganj

Day 10 ~ Saturday 2nd March

Daramshala

Morning yoga session at the Hotel.

After breakfast. Visit the Dalai Lama temple & Tibet Museum.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Dharamshala ~ Amritara Surya Mcleodganj

Day 11 Sunday 3rd March

Daramshala ~ Rishikesh by bus

After morning yoga & breakfast. We leave towards Rishikesh, another spectacular drive, meandering through mountains, with glorious views a plenty to absorb as you relax in the bus. Enjoy stops to take in the sights, stretch your legs & lunch. On arrival to the hotel go for a little explore of the area & eat dinner out in one of it’s cosy cafes before returning for a bedtime relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Regenta Inn On The Ganges

Day 12 Monday 4th March

Rishikesh

Enjoy yoga & breakfast, before taking a city tour of Rishikesh including visits to the Sivananda Ashram & Lakshman Jhula. In the evening attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat before an early dinner in the hotal, followed by a cacao ceremony with elemental dance & sound journey, a truly wonderful way to share the night.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Regenta Inn On The Ganges

Day 13 Tuesday 5th March

Rishikesh

Morning yoga & breakfast. The out to explore the Beatles Ashram & Parmarth Niketan Ashram. In the afternoon experience the Aarti on Ganga at Parmarth Niketan & enjoy a last meander around the shops & cafes of this area before dinner & a last relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Regenta Inn On The Ganges

Day 14 Monday 6th March

Rishikesh ~ Delhi by bus

Enjoy a last yoga session & closing circle & ceremony in the morning, sealing the energy of the group.
Travel by mini bus to Delhi in the evening to be close to the airport for tranfers the next morning.
Or you can choose to stay in Rishikesh with Sandra as she will be teaching at International yoga festival, held in Parmath Nikitan March 8th-14th.
You are welcome to stay there with her to experience some / all the festival. You can pay per day. Please get in touch with us to discuss / learn more if you are interested in this.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Delhi Taurus Sarovar Portico

Day 15 Tuesday 7th March

Delhi ~ Airport to return back home via international flight

You will be dropped off at the airport ready to set off home. Arriving on the same day feeling refreshed & full of life.

Please note ~ Everything subject to change.

~ INVESTMENT & BOOKING ~

~ W H A T ' S . I N C L U D E D ~

~ An English speaking tour guide that stays with the group throughout the whole trip.
~ All transport mentioned in the itinerary including 3 internal flights.
~ Accommodation for 14 nights in a twin / double rooms in 4 star hotels.
~ Daily breakfast at all mentioned hotels.
~ 5 dinners on busy days at our hotels, one in each hotel.
~ Bottled water throughout.
~ Transportation in air-conditioned Mini Coach to & from hotels, airports, between cities & during excursions.
~ Monument entrances as per the visits mentioned in the program, which are many.
~ Rickshaw ride experience in Delhi through the local bazaars.
~ Boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi.
~ Arti ceremony on the Ganges-river, Varanasi & Rishikesh.
~ Assistance by our representatives at the airports, hotels.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

~ Expenses of a personal nature ~ drinks & meals not mentioned in the program. 
~Any International flights to & from India & UK transfers.
~ Visa for the country ~ https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
- Personal Travel Insurance
~ Yoga mat & equipment
- Tips ~ We will create a kitty at the start to make it easier

~ THIS TRIP OFFERS YOU ~

Time to come home to our sacred bodies & time out of our every day rhythm~ Gifting our nervous systems space to recalibrate & heal
Through practices & sharing's that help us embody our true nature

~ MORE GENERAL INFO ~

International attendees welcome, we have had people join our trips from different continents before.
Some people also meet us there or stay longer.

~ YOGA & OFFERING INFO ~

All levels of experience welcome! New or accostumed to yoga, clear guidance & an array of levels & options will always be offered.
Everything we share is simply an invitation & guidance, where we welcome you to do whatever feels right for you in each moment.
If you want to miss some sessions, or want to join with a friend / partner & feel the yoga isn’t for you, that is also fine!
We have had many people join our retreats that have never practiced yoga before & they love it.

The morning yoga sessions will usually last around 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on the time available to us due to itinerary & timing.
If some mornings there is very early travel or activities yoga may be later in the day or weaved in to the evening session depending on the flow of the day & same for the relaxation session on one or 2 late ending days.
Each morning will start with a grounding & long warm up to prepare the body for the practice & adventure ahead. The morning sharings will be a weaving together of guided movement, yoga flows, mudras, breathwork & pranyama, positive affirmations, a welcoming of creative expression & more.
The evening sessions will last anywhere between half an hour to an hour & a half depending on how long the day has been & the energy of the group. These wind down sessions will always include guided meditation & sound bath. Sometimes also offering Yoga Nidras, gentle movement & stretches, as well as some evenings including massage & oils, from self massage to guided partner work.
One evening session will be a cacao ceremony with elemental dance journey & sound bath under the stars.
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Each person is required to take their own yoga mat & any extra bits they like, such as eye pillow, cushion or blocks etc.
We are able to lend some bits out if anyone is missing anything, but you would be in charge of transporting it.

The maximum group number we can take for this trip is 20 including Sandra & our waiting list is large, as is the interest for it.

~ MEALS ~

All breakfasts included & 5 dinners at our hotels on long days.
Meal costs in the past have usually been between £3-£10 on average depending on what you go for & where it is we are eating, your appetite etc.
PLEASE NOTE ~ Dietary requirements & allergies should be fine being catered for, but it is best for you to check this as we go too.
Although most places we go will have dairy & eggs as options, many are meat free areas, so food is likely to be vegetarian for most if not all the trip.

~ DRINKS~

Bottled water will be provided throughout the tour, as India’s tap water is not safe to drink for bodies that aren’t used to it.
Breakfasts will offer tea, coffee & juice.

~ ACCOMMODATION ~

All hotels 4 star rated.
Fresh linen & towels provided at every stop. Most should have wifi, although it isn’t always great connection in some parts of India.
The retreat price is per person for a twin room, unless you request otherwise & we have agreed on this.
Double available if you sharing with sombody you know & want this. Single ucupancy available on request.
~ If you are joining with a friend let us know & we can pair you together.

~ TRAVEL & FLIGHT ~

All internal flights included in trip cost.
We recommend people trying to get similar flights if flying to & from UK if possible & will give a few suggested options.
Just to make it easier for transfers, flow of things etc.
Other flight times can be accommodated for, but aming for similar time frames also helps with the flow of the retreat.

London has direct flights, good flight times & cheapest deals.
Due to some people wanting to join the Taj Mahal extension & others wanting to stay in Rishikesh longer, please get in touch for suggested flights.

Alternative arrival & departure times, or meeting us there / staying longer in India is fine too ~ We can assist setting up transfers & longer stays through our tour guide if you wish. ~ Be in touch about this if so.

PLEASE NOTE ~ For those travelling from, around or near Kidderminster, Sandra will be organising a mini bus to do airport transfers.

~ MONEY INFO & TIPS ~

India uses the rupee, which is a closed currency, meaning you cannot get it until your there.
Our tour guides will take us to change some at the start of the trip & when needed.
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TIPS ~ We will create a kitty between the group at the start of trip to leave tips for the lovely staff that host us at our hotels & restaurants, tour guides etc
We will probably ask for £10 from each of us then see if we need to top up during the trip.
At the end of the trip we will also do a collection for our main tour guide.

~ TEMPERATURE ~

This is the optimum time of year to visit these area’s in India as it is their spring & the days are warm, reaching hot, but not too hot & the evenings are warm to fresh. It may get cool at certain early or late times of day & at higher altitude, but in general should be pleasant & enjoyable.

~ EXTRA INFO ~

Many of the temples & sacred sites have a strict dress code of ~ shoulders & knees covered, as well as tops of arms.
It is worth having a scarf with you for extra cover if needed too.

Feel free to be in touch about any of this & we are always happy to share a call too(:
Anyone that joins the trip will be sent more general info with suggested what to bring lists closer to the time & we will gather some general info from you too, like allergies, next of kin etc.

India is a land we love deeply & have spent a lot of time in over the last decade
Together & a part ~ It keeps calling us back & asking us to bring others
This will be the third retreat we have offered in India
All our India trips are one off itineraries, as we aim to cover different areas
With this magnificent country offering so much to see, do, feel & learn
If you would like to partake in this particular itinerary maybe 2026 on wards & we get enough interest, we would consider offering it / some of it in another yogaventure ~ Let us know if this is the case!

Most images above found online, some our own.
Love All Ways Yoga