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Delhi - Rishikesh - Varanasi
11 Nights / 12Days
This 12-day wellness retreat, guided by renowned teacher Susan Allen, offers a deep journey into yoga and meditation across spiritual centers of India—Delhi, Rishikesh, and Varanasi. Set against the Himalayan backdrop and the sacred Ganges, participants will engage in mindful yoga sessions, breathing techniques, and guided meditation. The program also includes visits to historic temples, sacred ghats, and spiritual ceremonies, making it a holistic experience that nourishes both body and soul. Suitable for all levels, this retreat blends inner exploration with cultural immersion in India’s most revered destinations.
On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by our local representative for transfer to our hotel. After checking in, take a few hours to rest and unwind from the long flight. That evening we will meet as a group for the first time. A great opportunity to introduce ourselves over dinner.
Early morning check-out today with a packed breakfast and head to the New Delhi Railway Station for our train to Haridwar. On arrival in Haridwar, we will drive to Rishikesh. It is a 45-minute scenic drive on a well-maintained road along the banks of the Ganges River.
Early today evening Susan will talk to the group about what to expect over the next 6 days and answer any questions. Later in the evening, we will enjoy dinner by the outdoor pool overlooking the Himalayan Ranges.
The next 6 days are the essence of this retreat. The practice sessions we will do together under the guidance and instructions of Susan will be a combination of yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices) and dhyana (meditation) as well as an introduction to yogic philosophy. We will have a daily schedule:
7 - 8.30am: Meditation instruction and practice either in our hotel or on the banks of the Ganga
8.30am: Refreshments by the river - tea, coffee, fruits & snacks
9 - 11am: Yoga asana practice in the hotel.
11am – 12 pm: Lunch
1.00 - 3pm: Meditation practice and discussion
3.30 - 5pm: Yoga asana and restorative practices
5pm: Dinner 6pm onwards - optional evening programs such as trips to Ganga, bonfire by the pool side, optional cooking lesson, visit to Rishikesh town or time for yourself to reflect, journal, etc.
After our morning yoga and meditation session, we will have free time till lunch. After lunch we head to Dehradun airport (1 hour drive) for our flight to Varanasi. We will reach Varanasi in the evening and after checking in to our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
For the next two days we will explore the fascinating city of Varanasi. History and spirituality are etched in every temple and Ghat here. It is a surreal experience to see people perform various rituals, from daily prayers to cremation ceremonies on the Ghats... it is a profound connection to the cycle of life and death.
We will go for a boat ride on the river Ganga to witness the sunrise. As the sunrise casts a golden glow on the Ghats, you can see devotees perform their morning rituals, such as bathing in the Ganges, and worshiping the Sun. In the evening, we will also witness the sunset Aarti ceremony (Lighting Lamps) on one of the Ghats. It is a daily Hindu ritual performed at sunset where devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges to offer prayers and light offerings to the goddess Ganga, through a coordinated display of lit lamps, chants, and devotional music.
We will visit some of the important ghats and temples. Some of these temples were built in the 12th century. We have arranged an exclusive Fire Ceremony (Hawan) and Pooja (Prayer) at one of the Hindu temples for our group. Participation in such a ritual performed by a Hindu priest is considered an auspicious blessing and will be both exotic and special.
Varanasi's food scene is as rich and diverse as its spiritual heritage. It is famous for its street food with some local must-try delicacies. Our expert local tour guides will take us to the right place where the food is clean, safe and tasty.
After breakfast, the tour ends today.
You can stay back in Varanasi for a few more days, as it is easy to fall in love with this place. Alternately you can visit places like Khajuraho (UNESCO certified Temples), Panna National Park (Tiger safari and wildlife), Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. We can organise any flights and accommodation as required. If you love Indian food, we’ve got that covered too.
12 days
13 days
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