PLEASE NOTE ~ If your trip starts with t his tour, you will be leaving the UK on the 3rd to arrive in India for the 4th

Day 1 ~ February 4th Tuesday

Arrive in Delhi

Day 2~ February 5th Wednesday

Delhi - Varanasi by flight - 13.20 -14.45

Morning yoga session at the hotel & breakfast before being collected to go to the airport for onward travel.

VARANASI ~ One of the oldest living inhabitations of the world, the sacred city of Varanasi or Benaras, nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges River, has been attracting pilgrims for millenia. Celebrated author Mark Twain, who visited India in the last decade of the 19th century, described the city as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is among the seven sacred cities in the country. Centuries of history, art and tradition have conflated to add colourful layers to Varanasi’s aura, which is most spectacularly evident at its ghats (stepped banks of a river).
Once you land in this special part of the world you’ll go to your hotel to check in & for a little chill before heading out for the evening to visit 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.

Accomodation ~ Overnight in Varanasi ~ Link coming soon

Day 3 ~ February 6th Thursday

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 ~ what Varanasi is known for.
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.

Dinner & relaxation session to end the day.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Varanasi ~ Link coming soon.

Day 4 ~ February 7th Friday

Varanasi - Khajuraho by flight - 12.55 - 14.00

Morning yoga session & breakfast at the hotel then off to the aiport for onward travel. When landed you will be received at airport & transfer to hotel.
KHAJURAHO ~ famed for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed temple complex that features Hindu & Jain houses of worship. These temples are famous for their stunning intricate sculptures depicting different aspects of life: spirituality, love, friendship, sports, royalty & sharing awe-inspiring art. Based on their geographical location, the temples are categorised into three groups: Eastern, Western & Southern. Believed to have been built in a relatively short period of time spanning over 100 years aeound 950-1050 AD. The complex boasts 22 temple structures that remain from the initial group of 85! ~ Forgotten & hidden for centuries, they were rediscovered in the 1850s & restored!

Enjoy an evening Sound & Light show at Khajuraho Temples before dinner & a bedtime relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Khajuraho ~ link coming soon.

Day 5 ~ February 8th Saturday

Khajuraho

Morning yoga session at the hotel. After breakfast, visit the ‘erotic temples’ that have made the town of Khajuraho famous. The complex ~ a UNESCO site, consists of about 20 temples with more than a thousand years of history. The temples display thousands of relief sculptures depicting various sexual & religious positions. Exploring & visiting the temples of Chausath Yogini, Kandariya Mahadeva, Chitragupta, Vishwanath, Lakshmana & Vishnu Garuda.

Dinner & after a rich day out enjoy a relaxation bedtime session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Khajuraho ~ Link coming soon.

Day 6 ~ February 9th Sunday

Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - 270 kms travel

Morning yoga & breakfast at the hotel. Leaving for a beautiful drive to Gwalior visiting Orchha en-route.

ORCHHA ~ Meaning the ‘hidden place’ is the a reveered place within the state of Madhya Pradesh. This small, pastoral town is popularly known as Raja Ram’s kingdom ~ where Lord Rama is revered as a beloved king & not just a god. Boasting an amazing blend of Mughal & Rajput architecture dating back to the 16th century, Orchha was at the heart of many prominent royal dynasties for nearly 300 years. This history lives on in the splendid monuments that punctuate the quaint town shrouded in mystery & sitting by the softly flowing Betwa river.

Stopping for a lunch break at a local restaurant in Orchha with some time to absorb the charm of the place then continuing the drive to ~

GWALIOR ~ Once the capital of Scindias known to be a historically rich cities in the state. Gwalior has always been loved & visited by tourists for its impressive forts & intricate palaces that were ruled by rulers of different eras like the Mughals & the Tomars. Gwalior has been popularly called as the strong City.
Arriving & checking into the hotel before dinner & evening relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight Stay in Gwalior ~ Link coming soon.

Day 7 ~ February 10th Monday

Gwalior - Delhi - by Gatiman express train - 16.05-19.30

Morning yoga & breakfast at the hotel before a morning city tour of Gwalior. Visiting Gwalior Fort, established by the Tomars, is considered one of the most formidable forts in India. Being built on a solid stone outcrop, it offers an eagle’s view. The architecture of this fort is unique ~ showing Chinese influence in Indian architecture with Chinese dragons crafted on the handles of the pillars. This influence was due to the trade between China & India at the time of construction. Then visiting Gujari Mahal palace & archaeological museum. The museum, which houses 28 galleries & around 6,000 artifacts, is known for its collection of sculptures, coins, ceramics, terracotta, paintings, inscriptions, old photographs & weapons. Visit to Teli Ka Mandir a large temple within the fort, standing at around 30 m tall! With interesting architecture & images of coiled snakes, passionate couples, river & mother goddesses & a flying Garuda ~ eagle. We will also visit the Jai Vilas Palace Museum ~ the presidential palace of Scindias (one of the five pillars of Maratha power since the 18th century), showing all kinds of awesome things from times gone by. The complex is a mix of British & Indian architecture with the palace being built in 1874.
Later check-out from hotel & transfer to railway station to board our train for Delhi. Enjoying the train ride & all you pass & experience on it. Arrive in Delhi & transfer to hotel ready for a slow evening with dinner & relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Delhi ~ Link coming soon

Day 8 ~ February 11th Tuesday

Delhi ~ Amritsar by flight - 13.40 - 14.50

Yoga session & breakfast at the hotel. Followed by check-out & transfer to airport to connect your flight for Amritsar. On

arrival at Amritsar airport, you will be received by our representative & transfer to hotel.

~ AMRITSAR ~

Amritsar is a bustling city with an indomitable spirit & is the largest and most important city in the state of Punjab. Amritsar has at its heart one of the most sacred Sikh sites & home to their Golden Temple. Covered in 400 kg of gold and surrounded by a serene sarovar (pond), one is immediately overwhelmed by the humble sight of the glittering structure, which also houses one of the largest community kitchens (langar) in the country, serving about 20,000 people a day!

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Amritsar ~ Link coming soon

Day 9 ~ February 12th Wednesday

Amritsar

Morning yoga session at the Hotel.

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. Next visiting 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 the border visit Qila Gobindgarh which is famous for it’s museum sharing Sikh art, toshakhana & a sound & light show. Followed by a special stop visitting the iconic fort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh which within it holds a ancient war museum, Turban Museum & Sikh art.
End the day with dinner & a relaxation session including soothing sounds & words.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Amritsar ~ Link coming soon

Day 10 ~ February 13th Thursday
Amritsar - Kurukshetra - By mini bus - 299 km

Morning yoga & breakfast at the hotel before checking-out to depart to Kurukshetra. The drive will be a treat to the eyes & senses, with so many beautiful landscapes & views to take in. Feeling the vastness of nature & India’s landscapes as you travel. Stopping for lunch on route. The trip will take around 6 hours or so & will include stops to stretch legs, refresh & take photos.
KURUKSHETRA ~ Located in the state of Haryana ~ It is a famous pilgrimage site. Said to be the land of the Bhagvad Gita (The Hindu holy text). Known by many names like Brahmakshetra (Land of Brahma), Uttaradevi, Brahmadevi & Dharamkshetra (Holy City). The place is known for the battle between the Kauravas & Pandavas in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is believed that this is the place where Krishna recited Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Gita Jayanti. Sadhus & pilgrims from across the country make their journey to these sacred lands.
When you arrive in Kurukshetra you will be ready for dinner in the hotel & a relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Kurukshetra ~ Link coming soon.

Day 11 ~ February 14th Friday

Kurukshetra ~ Risshikesh by mini bus ~180 KMS

After breakfast, visit & learn about Burma Sarover, Shri Krishna Museum & Bhisma Kund ~ where it is said the famous & holy Mahabharat Battle took place. Before checking out of hotel to travel onwards to Rishikesh.
RISHIKESH ~ A sacred Hindu city located in northern India, nestled amongst the beautiful hills & mountains, known as the ‘gateway to the Himalayas’. According to legends, in ancient times holy sages lived in this area & in the last century many prominent gurus & yogis found refuge here, including the Beatles. It is in the Rishikesh region that the Ganges River emerges from the mountain gorges & flows over the plain, it’s power & waters powerful & mesmerising, whilst still crystal blue clean fresh waters at this point of it’s course. There are many ashrams along its banks & a famous place for spiritual gatherings, meat & alcohol are not allowed here.
On arriving check in & Sandra will take you to some of our favourite spots for a little explore & dinner before bedtime relaxation session.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Link coming soon

Day 12 ~ February 15th Saturday

Rishikesh

Enjoy yoga & breakfast, before taking a city tour of Rishikesh including visits to the Sivananda Ashram & Lakshman Jhula area which hosts lovely shops & great cafes, along the Gangas river banks. In the evening attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat before an early dinner in the hotel, followed by a cacao ceremony with elemental dance & sound journey, a truly wonderful way to share the night.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Link coming soon.

Day 13 ~ February 16th Sunday

Rishikesh

After breakfast, visit the famous Beatles Ashram, situated within a beautiful forest & Parmarth Niketan Ashram, where Sandra will be sharing sessions a few weeks later for the ‘International yoga festival’. There you will enjoy the afternoon Aarti on Ganga held by Parmarth Niketan Ashram. With some time to explore the shops, chill in cafes, eat tasty dinner or maybe even get a massage.
Enjoy a relaxation session before bed.

Accommodation ~ Overnight in Rishikesh ~ Link coming soon.

Early bird price ~ £2155

The price is for a single bed in a twin room
Single occupancy price available upon request, or double bed arrangements if your sharing with sombody

A non refundable deposit payment of £399 secures your place
A second payment of £301 is due by September 28th
A Third payment of £750 by November 28th
& the remaining balance by the start of January

Comfortable payment plans can be created ~ Splitting up the payments & extending them further~ Get in touch if this feel better for you & makes it more accessible!
Equally for some it feels better to makes payments sooner than stated dates. This is also welcome.
Full payment is due by the start of January, unless booking is made afterwards then we may need full payment in one go

Early bird ends in September & the price will depend on internal flight cost changes.