Temples | Traditions | Transcend
Delhi | Varanasi | Rishikesh | Delhi
25 February - 7 March 2020
12 Days | 11 Nights
From $4897*
Join Lisa Allwell on an amazing 12-day spiritual adventure to the Himilayan Foothills and beyond. You will explore Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga with her holy river, temples and orange clad swamis. Immerse yourself in vibrant festivities at International Yoga Week where the savasana music is the Ganges River flowing by. Continue the spiritual journey to the pilgrimage city of Varanassi, one of the most colourful and surprising places on earth.
*** WE ARE TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2024 The dates are 5 March – 17 March 2024 FULL ITINERARY + PRICING TO BE RELEASED SOON. WATCH THIS SPACE*** We’ll start our journey with a spin through Delhi, old and new. We’ll see the contrasts of this city which is steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life.
Next stop: Varanassi, the holiest city in India and a pilgrimage destination for millennia. You’ll cruise down Mother Ganges at sunrise, witnessing sacred fire ceremonies, watching life unfold. You’ll meditate on the ghats, explore medieval streets and be captivated by the colour and chaos. You will explore bustling markets, historic forts and mosques and holy shrines.
We then head to Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalaya. Together we’ll explore relaxed streets filled with ashrams, wandering sadhus and colourful wares. You’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of International Yoga Week, where old and new yoga traditions can be experienced side by side. The world’s best yoga teachers and thought leaders present at this festival and you can expect to dive into wisdom, conversation, movement and music. We’ll head into the mountains to meditate in an ancient cave, watch the sun rise from a mountaintop temple and dip a toe into India’s most sacred river.
Threaded throughout this tour will be a yoga and meditation program facilitated by Lisa Allwell, with a light-hearted discourse about the history, philosophy and modern relevance of this ancient practice. Lisa has been the Australian Ambassador to the International Yoga Festival twice, and this will be her fifth year leading tours to India. She will invite you to explore an Indian approach to yoga, which is not just about physical movement but involves devotion, gratitude and a focus on gracefully navigating life.
You will travel in comfort and stay in beautiful quality accommodation. All the small details are taken care of so that you can immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience. You’ll travel in the wonderful company of like-minded souls as we explore yoga and meditation in its country of origin.
This retreat is suitable for all levels of yoga experience from absolute beginners through to those with an established yoga practice.
This bespoke tour was created in partnership with Essence of India Tours - the experts in creating unique travel experiences for discerning travellers. They can help with flights, travel insurance and adding other destinations in India.
* Price is per person twin share. Single Supplements and payment plans are available.
questions
We’d be happy to help. Just phone Lisa from Seed Yoga on 0421 395 524.
bookings
To book this tour leave your details below and we will send you the Booking and Payment Information.
Take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk bazaar of Old Delhi, visit India Gate and Huymayun’s Tomb
Sunset cruise and spectacular evening Arti on the sacred Ganges River Varanasi
Experience the rituals and life awakening on your sunrise cruise on the Ganges Varanasi
3-day event tickets to International Yoga Week (in the ‘holy city’ of Rishikesh)
Sacred Devi Temple sunrise and walking tour in Rishikesh
Visit Vishatha Cave and meditate on the banks of the sacred Ganges
Closing Homa fire ceremony and rooftop farewell dinner in Rishikesh
Visit the Beatles Ashram and witness sacred Aarti on the Ganges in Rishikesh
SPECIAL INCLUSION: 11 nights yoga and meditation with Lisa Allwell (priceless…obviously!)
Day 1: Arrival: Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Upon arrival and once you have cleared customs, you will be personally met by our representative in the arrivals hall who will assist you to transfer from the airport and check into your hotel.
Day 2: Your journey begins with a city tour to Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid Mosque and take a rickshaw ride to explore the vibrant laneways of Chandni Chowk bazzar. Drive by the Red Fort and the classical India Gate and Parliament house. After lunch we will have time to experience the beauty and serenity of the Sikh Guruwara Bangla temple and shopping at Connaught place or Khan Markets.
Day 3: Board your flight and we are off to the holy city of Varanasi. After a beautiful lunch at our hotel, we will proceed later to the river Ganges for your sunset boat cruise and experience the spectacular sacred evening Aarti ceremony.
Day 4: Up early at dawn, proceed for your long boat ride on River Ganges where you will witness the Hindu pilgrims perform rituals on the ghats and the burst of humanity as Varanasi comes to life. Later in the morning further sightseeing in the Old city. Wind through narrow laneways, old city buildings, local bazaars. Rickshaw rides and dinner complete our day.
Day 5: Early morning start as we take flights to the next holy city of Rishikesh and our 7 days amongst International Yoga Week.
Day 6: Our day is full of exploring as after breakfast we commence on walking and tuk tuk tour of Rishikesh , the Beatles Ashram and bazzar shopping fills out day. In this time we will orientate for the following 3 days of International Yoga Week.
Day 7: Full Day International Yoga Week and Aarti (sacred fire ceremony) on the Ganges
Day 8: Full Day International Yoga Week
Day 9: We continue the spiritual essence by travelling to the sacred Vashisth Cave for meditation near the banks of the Ganges River. Upon our return time will be at leisure to explore Rishikesh.
Day 10: Full Day International Yoga Week
Day 11: Early morning start for a spectacular start up the base of the Himalayan mountains for our Kunjapuri Devi Temple Sunrise Tour. Day at leisure and this evening we participate in a very special sacred fire ceremony followed by our farewell dinner.
Day 12: Early morning yoga then farewell to Rishikesh as we board our flight to Delhi, enjoying afternoon tea and then transferring to your evening flight departure.
Inclusions
4 nights in 5-star accommodation
7 nights in 4.5-star accommodation in Rishikesh
11 daily buffet breakfasts
6 lunches
7 dinners (including a rooftop BBQ dinner)
3 event tickets to International Yoga Week in Rishikesh
3 event tickets to International Yoga Week
Domestic flight from Delhi to Varanasi
Domestic Flight Varanasi via Delhi to Rishikesh
Domestic Flight Rishikesh to Delhi
International and domestic airport transfers
English-speaking tour escort and guides
All sightseeing as per program with a private driver and air-
conditioned coach
Yoga and meditation program with Lisa Allwell
Exclusions
International flights to and from India
Travel insurance (NOTE: Travel Insurance is MANDATORY for this trip and must be secured within 7 days of booking.)
Applicable visas
Meals not specified above
Please note: The holy cities of Rishikesh and Varanassi are vegetarian and alcohol free.
Many of our guests travel solo. If you're intending to come alone and would like to share a room, we may be able to arrange a room share with a like-minded soul of the same gender and similar age. If you would like your own room, a single-room suppliment is available.
A non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking
Further payment and cancellation conditions apply, refer to booking conditions provided at time of booking
Participants will be required to sign an indemnity form prior to commencement of this retreat
Payment plans are available for this retreat
Prices are subject to availability and change without notice
Booking terms and conditions apply
For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $12 bank service fee apply per transaction.
“Thank you for a trip of a lifetime. Your leadership and fun-loving all-conquering nature made the trip more than just a holiday to India. From the get-go, the flights and ground arrangements were made simple and easy by Essence of India (I had previously worked in the travel industry, these guys were amazing to deal with!) Lisa, your knowledge of India, the culture, the navigating the everyday travel needs were insightful and you had unwavering patience and consideration of everyone’s individual needs. I loved all the little surprises. You have a gift of bringing people together, manifesting fun and heartfulness, and have an affinity with Mother India that is soul deep! I will hopefully be joining you again next year if the universe complies.”