Embark on a transformative journey to Spiritual India, the birthplace of yoga, guided by experienced New Zealand Yoga and Meditation teacher Susan Allen. This retreat is perfect for those who’ve always dreamed of experiencing the rich culture and spiritual essence of India. Under Susan’s expert guidance, you will immerse yourself in authentic yoga and meditation practices, explore sacred sites, and see the vibrant beauty of India in a supportive group of like-minded people.
This 11-day retreat begins in Delhi where we come together as a group and head to Rishikesh (via Haridwar) on the second day. The next 6 days, with the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, you will be immersed in the rich and transformative practices of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is called the “Yoga capital of the World”, where ancient yogis and rishis have been practicing yoga here for millennia and there is a tangible energy and atmosphere that buoys any spiritual practice.
For the last 3 days of this Retreat we head to Varanasi, the spiritual epicenter of India. Varanasi is believed to be the oldest continuous living civilization in the world, dating back 5000 years. Hindus believe that if someone inhales their final breath here and is cremated in Varanasi, it will bring salvation (Moksha) and break the cycle of death and rebirth. We will visit ancient Ghats (steps leading down to the river) and Temples built in the 12th century. We also have planned an exclusive fire ceremony in a temple performed by a Priest for our group.
What you will learn at the Retreat
The yoga asana sessions will have an emphasis on cultivating a deep connection with the physical body. You will be guided through carefully designed sequences where the breath is a central element, and the postures are performed slowly, mindfully and appropriately.
Meditation is the culmination of yoga practices. Through the practice of meditation, we can have a tremendous impact on our experience and appreciation of life. Everyone can meditate if given the right instructions, and when practiced properly, meditation can bring ease to the mind and joy to the heart. The practices we will do include both tranquility practices that quieten the mind as well as awareness practices that open the mind. They are very practical and accessible to all.
Meditation is the culmination of yoga practices. Through the practice of meditation, we can have a tremendous impact on our experience and appreciation of life. Everyone can meditate if given the right instructions, and when practiced properly, meditation can bring ease to the mind and joy to the heart. The practices we will do include both tranquility practices that quieten the mind as well as awareness practices that open the mind. They are very practical and accessible to all.
How this Retreat will enrich your life:
The purpose of this retreat is twofold. Firstly, to share with you an unforgettable exotic adventure to the Himalayas, to the home of yoga, Rishikesh. The other part of the experience is to dive deep into the ancient practices of yoga and meditation, to learn a practice that you can take home with you for the rest of your life.
The practices will be taught in a personalised manner with structure and clarity. The sessions will be suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. If you have any physical or mental limitations, you are welcome to get in touch with Susan before booking your spot on the tour. She is generous with her time and knowledge and will be available throughout the retreat to discuss your personal practice.
The location:
Our retreat center in Rishikesh “Atali Ganga” is nestled amongst the majestic mountains beside the holy river Ganga. On one side is a reserved forest with plenty of wild life, while on the other side, you are a short walk to the sandy banks of the river. The views from the resort are stunning. Imagine yourself meditating at dawn on the banks of the Ganga, where holy men and pilgrims come to worship and the Himalayas as the backdrop. True mystical India.
About Susan Allen:
Susan did her first yoga teacher training in 2002 in the home of yoga - Rishikesh, the location for this Retreat. Since then, she has travelled to India over a dozen times both to study Yoga as well as Meditation under the guidance of some of India's most prestigious teachers. She has a deep connection and love for the people, the culture and the rich spiritual heritage of India.
She has taught yoga for many years in Ireland, opening yoga studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand as well as running dozens of retreats in Bali and across NZ. This will be her first retreat to India, and she is tremendously excited and passionate about sharing a mystical Indian yoga experience with others at the source, where it all started – full circle!
This is a small group tour of 15 people. Contact us to reserve your spot now.
Upon arrival at Delhi international airport, our company representative will meet & assist you with traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free & easy for own activities. Evening proceed for Dinner at Masala Library Restaurant ( www.masalalibrary.co.in) Masala library by Jiggs Kalra a magnum opus of the Czar of Indian Cuisine & tastemaker. The culinary offerings at Masala Library endevour’s to offer its patrons a never before under taken gastronomic voyage capturing the grandeur of centuries old traditions and the long last essence of one of the oldest known gastronomic tradition in the world. The main focus is to revive the traditional recipes specially KABAB & CURRIES. After dinner return to hotel(Meal Include – Dinner) Overnight at Delhi hotel
Post breakfast; proceed for a full day guided tour in Delhi starting from Old Delhi visiting drive pass Raj Ghat, visit Jama Maszid, drivepass through Red Fort & Chandni Chowk market and later enjoy an authentic old Delhi street food and taste (if guest like).
After old Delhi tour; procced for lunch at a famous Old Delhi Indian restaurant called "Chor Bizarre" (www.chorbizarre.com/del) Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience, great décor, distinct ambience, wonderous cocktails, superlative food, charming old world service. Every city in India have its own special ‘Chor Bazar’ which translate as ‘thieves market’. All kind of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This brings an inspiration and to celebrate the eclecticism of India.
Later proceed to visit India Gate, drive pass through Parliament Street & President house and visit Qutab Minar.
After sightseeing; In evening, you will take a cooking class session at chef Harpal Singh Sokhi at home with dinner. He is celebrity chef from India. Also known as “Energy Chef of India” is now a “Dancing Chef Of India”. Hailing from North India, which, like the rest of India is rich in culture and cuisine, Chef Harpal is a music lover and is fluent in English and five Indian languages, namely Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Telugu. He graduated from the catering school at Bhubaneshwar, a capital of Orissa. He spent his initial years in learning different international cuisines but later realised that his interest lay in unearthing the authentic regional Indian food.
(Meal Include – Breakfast & Lunch)
Overnight at Delhi hotel.
Early breakfast; check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi- Nizamuddin railway station to board the train to Agra; the city of Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival at Agra Railway station; Meet & assistance by company representative & transfer to hotel for check-in. After lunch proceed for a half day guided tour in Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Post tour; spend some time in shopping the world’s best Marble products and the famous James & Jewelry.
In night enjoy the dinner at Bellevue Restaurant in hotel Amar Vilas (www.oberoihotels.com/amarvilas) Bellevue offers an unforgettable dining experience. It is well known that Mughal Emperors were patrons of lavish foods. At here chef tried to capture Mughal’s passion for international flavours. You will find Italian Classics reinvented with an Asian twist that reflects the gout de terrior ot the spirit and nature of the South and South East Asian Regions.
(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)
Overnight at Agra hotel
Post breakfast; drive to Jaipur; the capital city of Rajasthan State and known as the “Pink City. Upon arrival Jaipur; check-in to the hotel and relax.
In Evening procced to visit Chokhi Dhani Village; Chokhi Dhani is a popular and remarkable attraction of Jaipur. It is an ethnic village resort offering you all type of entertainment options including dance, music, food and accommodations in royal styles. We can enjoy the activities at Chokhi Dhani include magic shows, puppet shows, Rajasthani dance, Rajasthani folk music, future tellers, acrobatics on a bamboo and luck predicting parrots. There are also interesting activities and adventures that will keep you completely engaged, like camel ride, elephant ride and horse ride and boating. Later take the Rajasthani dinner at the most sumptuous at Royal Rajasthani dining hall where we can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisines with cultural performances by bhopa and bhopan (Rajasthani songs & Music)
(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)
Remark: After visit Chokhi Dhani village; if guest not like Rajasthani food than we can arrange the dinner on finest restaurant in Jaipur (Restaurant Peshawar in hotel ITC Rajputana – On direct payment basis/ similar )
Overnight at Jaipur Hotel
Post breakfast; leave for an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the Elephant ride to ascend the Amber fort. After visiting Amber fort, visit to a traditional Rajasthani Handicraft & handloom factory to see the craftsmen performing.
Afternoon enjoy the lunch at a famous Jaipur restaurant Swapna Bhawan in Hotel Raj Palace (www.rajpalace.com) Formal receptions remained the local activity of country life during the British period. Hence the Thakur Sahib made Swapna Mahal imitating the great houses of the British and French nability. This hall is completely titled out with European furniture, Chandliers, Mirrors and Crockery Collection. The Food is serve in Royal Thali (is a big plate made of silver , gold or other metal).
Later procced visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Before returning your hotel; a short stop in front Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for photo shoot.
After relaxing; In evening, we will proceed for dinner at Restaurant Rajput Room in hotel Taj Ram Bagh Palace; Here first we will explore Ram Bagh Palace and later enjoy the dinner. They special prepared the Rajasthani Thali and serve.
(Meal Include – Breakfast)
Overnight at Jaipur hotel
Early breakfast; on time transfer to Jaipur airport to board the flight to Udaipur; city of lakes. Upon arrived Udaipur; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in / or Proceed direct half day guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. (Check-in time is 02 PM- Subject to early check-in facility if room are available)
visiting City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings built in the year 1725. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) and Jagdish Temple; the Indo-Aryan Temple and visit Old city of Udaipur.
Later in evening procced for a cooking class demo on Rajasthani cuisine at chef home and enjoy the dinner with variety of foods which is prepared by chef.
Chef : Mr. Vimal Dhar
One of India’s most renowned Young Chef, CHEF VIMAL DHAR is a highly experienced Chef with a passion for perfecting culinary specialties. With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, this astute and result oriented professional has been featured among INDIA’S TOP CHEF in the book MY LAST SUPPER by Melanie Dunea. The soft-spoken Chef Vimal Dhar also holds the distinction of having been featured in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA magazine by Mr. Stan Sessor and in the DISCOVERY CHANNEL by Anthony Bourdain. Also featured on TRAVEL & LIVING CHANNEL.
CHEF VIMAL DHAR is featured among 50 Chefs handpicked globally by celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea for her latest coffee table book MY LAST SUPPER. For this book, the Dunea travelled the world to short list (based on surveys and extensive research) the 50 best names in the culinary world and interviewed each one of them herself.
(Meal Include – Breakfast)
Overnight at Udaipur hotel
Post breakfast; On time transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, New Delhi airport; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the time is free for leisure and relax. In evening proceed for dinner at Indian Accent Restaurant. After dinner return to hotel
(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)
Overnight at Udaipur hotel
Post breakfast; On time transfer to Delhi International airport to board the flight to onward journey.
(Meal Include – Breakfast)
Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Lucknow - Ayodhya - Prayagraj – Varanasi - Delhi
11 nights / 12 days
Cochin – Munnar - Alleppy - Chennai – Puducherry – Goa - Mumbai
12 nights / 13 days
Delhi – Amritsar - Agra - Jaipur - Goa – Delhi
10 nights / 11 days
Delhi – Amritsar - Jodhpur - Manvar – Jodhpur – Delhi
10 nights / 11 days
Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kodikulam - Alleppey
08 nights / 09 days
Good Food Journeys is a New Zealand company with a strong base in India. We are a passionate team dedicated to culinary travel……..Read More