A Journey into India

india

A world of holy cities, mountain shrines, and ancient ayurveda healing, India nourishes the body (and the soul).

On this soothing Subcontinental journey, you’ll disconnect from the cares of the everyday; rising to open-air yoga in the Himalayas, attending Hindu blessings in Jaipur, and gliding along the sacred waters of the River Ganges at sunrise (and sunset). Along the way, you’ll flow with yogic gurus, followers of Gandhian values, and scholars of Indian religion.

Returning home, you’ll feel refreshed and revitalized; having found a sense of peace that you’ll carry home with you.

When

October - April

Price

From £8,501pp excl. flights

(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

8 nights

Ideal length

Days 1-3

Uttarakhand

Flanked by the Himalayas, Uttarakhand – one of India’s northernmost states – is the ancient birthplace of yoga. Known by Hindus as Dev Bhoomi (or “the land of the gods”), this is the home of the sacred Ganges River, high-altitude temples, and the holy city of Rishikesh. Unsurprisingly, yoga enthusiasts have been finding themselves here, in every sense of the word, for centuries (the Beatles included).

Days 1-3

Day 1

A Himalayan retreat

After touching down in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, you’ll be met by your private driver. Leaving the city behind, they’ll take you through sprawling Sal forests to the Himalayan foothills of North India and the holistic wellness retreat of Ananda – the former palace of the Tehri-Garhwal Maharaja (and the home of Ayurveda, an ancient healing practice). This is the place to unwind.

Day 2

Breathe it all in

Rising early, you’ll begin the day with a private yoga session in the retreat’s tranquil gardens. Meeting with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, you’ll then discover your “dosha” (one of three vital energies believed to govern the mind and body). In the afternoon, you’ll learn the art of meditation as you breathe in the crisp mountain air and look out over the forested slopes of the Himalayas.

man preparing ayurveda medicine in uttarakhand in india

evening prayer blessing in rishikesh in india

Day 3

Relax, revitalise, repeat

After morning yoga (and a morning massage), you’ll roll up your sleeves for a private ayurvedic cooking lesson; learning how to balance your “dosha” through healthy dishes, seasonal ingredients, and “churna” spices. Later, you’ll head to the holy city of Rishikesh. Strolling beside the Ganges, you’ll visit one of the city’s ashrams (a traditional spiritual sanctuary) where you’ll meditate and witness the evening Aarti (a Hindu ritual of prayer and light) up close.

himalayan foothills in uttarakhand in india

rishikesh holy city in uttarakhand in india

aarti evening prayers in rishikesh in india

Days 4-6

Jaipur

Painted pink (the Indian colour of hospitality) and part of India’s Golden Triangle, Jaipur – the UNESCO-listed “pink city” – is gloriously eye-popping. Welcome to the desert capital of Rajasthan, and the regal home of palaces, bustling chaupurs (public squares), and Kundan jewellery bazaars.

Days 4-6

Day 4

Your arrival in the “pink city”

Waving farewell to Ananda, you’ll hop on a quick flight to the “pink city” (or Jaipur, as it’s also known). Heading to the heart of the old town, you’ll settle into your new home: Samode Haveli. After relaxing in the hotel’s serene courtyards, you’ll visit the home of a local (and famous) yoga guru; breaking bread together, meditating, and learning about their Gandhian way of life.

marigolds at flower market in jaipur in india

galtaji pilgrimage site near jaipur in india

Day 5

Golden hours

At sunrise, you’ll explore the city’s flower markets; watching as the city comes to life while breathing in the scent of fresh marigolds and lilies. After experiencing a public morning prayer up close, you’ll enjoy a private temple blessing; whispering your own prayers and discovering this Hindu ritual step by step. At sunset, you’ll head out once more – this time, to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Galtaji Temple. Following the sacred pilgrimage trail, you’ll soak up the views (and the sunlight).

royal palace door in jaipur city in india

two women walking into the amber fort in jaipur

Day 6

Of tarot cards and laughing yoga

Embracing your inner child, this morning you’ll try hasna (or “laughing yoga”). Next, your local guide will take you to a gurdwara (a Sikh temple) whose community kitchen serves thousands of people each day. Giving “langar” (meaning service to others), you’ll help cook and serve the daily meal. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll spend the afternoon marvelling at the ornate marquetry and latticework of the Amber Fort before settling down for your very own tarot reading.

courtyard at amber fort in jaipur in india

roses at flower markets in jaipur in india

bracelets in a bazaar in jaipur in india

Days 7-9

Varanasi

Considered the spiritual capital of India, the northern city of Varanasi draws millions of Hindu pilgrims to its 2,000 temples and sacred ghats (riverside steps for religious bathing) each year. Now, you’ll see why.

Days 7-9

boats on the ganges river in varanasi in india

Day 7

Down by the riverside

Leaving Jaipur behind, you’ll fly to Varanasi – one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. Beside the sacred waters of the Ganges, you’ll spend the day relaxing at Brijrama, your home for the next few nights. As the sun begins to set, you’ll head to Benares University. Meeting with a Religious Studies professor, you’ll learn about the city’s spiritual identity; discovering myths and religious rituals.

Day 8

Of blessings and prayers

Your penultimate day will begin on the tranquil shores of the Ganges. At sunrise, you’ll glide along the river by boat; stopping off for a riverside meditation. Alongside your expert guide (a Buddhist teacher), you’ll explore the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath; hearing stories beneath the trees and experiencing traditional chanting in the very place where the Buddha is believed to have given his first teachings. At sunset, you’ll return to the river for a private boat ride – and an evening blessing.

candles in a hindu temple in jaipur in india

Day 9

The break you needed

Saying farewell to India is never easy. But, heading home, you’ll return with a newfound sense of vigour. You’ll feel revitalised, relaxed, and ready to get back into the flow of things.