India Feb 2024 12 Days

Journey to the Birthplace of Yoga

Immerse yourself in authentic yoga and meditation practices in sacred locations across India, from the holy Ganges to Kerala's tranquil backwaters.

Adventure Overview

Experience the transformative power of yoga and meditation in their birthplace, India. This 12-day spiritual journey takes you through sacred sites and ashrams where ancient practices have been preserved for thousands of years.

Beginning in the holy city of Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, you'll practice yoga in the same locations where the Beatles studied meditation and countless seekers have found enlightenment. Our carefully curated itinerary combines daily yoga and meditation sessions with cultural experiences that reveal the deep spiritual traditions of India.

Journey south to Kerala's peaceful backwaters, where you'll deepen your practice in serene natural settings while experiencing Ayurvedic healing traditions. Led by master yoga teachers and spiritual guides, you'll learn authentic techniques passed down through generations, participate in traditional ceremonies, and discover the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit that defines true yoga practice.

What Makes This Adventure Special

Master Teachers

Learn from certified yoga masters with decades of experience in traditional Indian practices and authentic spiritual teachings.

Sacred Locations

Practice in spiritually significant settings including riverside ashrams, mountain retreats, and tranquil backwater sanctuaries.

Ayurvedic Healing

Experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments, consultations, and wellness practices that complement your yoga journey.

Cultural Immersion

Participate in traditional ceremonies, visit ancient temples, and engage with local communities to understand yoga's cultural context.

Quick Facts
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Group Size: Max 16 People
Max Altitude: 372m (Rishikesh)
Difficulty: Easy
Price: $3,495 per person
What's Included
  • Airport transfers in Delhi
  • All accommodation (ashrams & retreat centers)
  • Domestic flight Delhi to Kochi
  • All vegetarian meals
  • Daily yoga & meditation sessions
  • Ayurvedic consultation & treatment
  • Cultural activities & temple visits
Ready to Book?

Contact our adventure specialists

12-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Delhi

February 10, 2024

Welcome to India! Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Evening welcome dinner and orientation about the spiritual journey ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel in Delhi
2

Travel to Rishikesh

February 11, 2024

Journey to Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World." Settle into your ashram and begin with an evening yoga session overlooking the Ganges.

Accommodation: Ashram in Rishikesh
3

Rishikesh - Sacred Practices

February 12, 2024

Morning yoga and pranayama by the Ganges. Visit the Beatles Ashram and attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset.

Accommodation: Ashram in Rishikesh
4

Himalayan Retreat

February 13, 2024

Journey to a mountain retreat center. Practice meditation in silence surrounded by pine forests and mountain views. Learn advanced pranayama techniques.

Accommodation: Mountain Retreat Center
5

Deepening Practice

February 14, 2024

Extended meditation sessions and yoga philosophy discussions. Participate in a traditional fire ceremony led by a local spiritual teacher.

Accommodation: Mountain Retreat Center
6

Return to Rishikesh

February 15, 2024

Return to Rishikesh for final practices in this sacred city. Visit local temples and explore the spiritual markets of Laxman Jhula.

Accommodation: Ashram in Rishikesh
7

Travel to Kerala

February 16, 2024

Fly to Kochi, Kerala. Transfer to a riverside yoga retreat center surrounded by tropical nature and backwater canals.

Accommodation: Backwater Retreat Center
8

Kerala Backwaters

February 17, 2024

Morning yoga on wooden platforms over the water. Ayurvedic consultation and introduction to Kerala's ancient healing traditions.

Accommodation: Backwater Retreat Center
9

Ayurvedic Healing

February 18, 2024

Experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments and learn about the connection between yoga and Ayurveda. Sunset cruise on traditional houseboat.

Accommodation: Backwater Retreat Center
10

Varkala Beach

February 19, 2024

Travel to Varkala's clifftop beaches. Practice sunrise yoga overlooking the Arabian Sea and learn about integrating practice into daily life.

Accommodation: Beach Resort in Varkala
11

Integration & Reflection

February 20, 2024

Final yoga sessions and meditation practice. Closing ceremony and celebration dinner with traditional Kerala cuisine and cultural performances.

Accommodation: Beach Resort in Varkala
12

Departure

February 21, 2024

Final morning practice and group breakfast. Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for departure, carrying new skills and spiritual insights.

Adventure Gallery

What Our Adventurers Say

"This retreat was truly life-changing. As someone new to yoga, I was nervous about going to India, but the teachers met me exactly where I was in my practice. The combination of Rishikesh's spiritual energy and Kerala's peaceful backwaters created the perfect environment for growth."

Jennifer Martinez Completed February 2023

"The depth of knowledge our teachers shared about yoga philosophy and meditation was incredible. Practicing by the Ganges at sunrise and experiencing Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala gave me tools I use daily. This journey connected me to yoga's authentic roots."

David Kim Completed November 2023

"The perfect balance of structured practice and cultural immersion. The ashram experience in Rishikesh was authentic and transformative, while Kerala's backwaters provided the ideal setting for reflection. I returned home with a completely new understanding of yoga."

Sarah Thompson Completed March 2023

Preparation Guide

Physical Preparation

  • Establish regular yoga practice 2-3 times per week
  • Build flexibility and core strength gradually
  • Practice meditation for 5-10 minutes daily
  • Prepare for longer sitting periods
  • Consider reducing caffeine before departure

What to Bring

  • Comfortable yoga clothes (modest for temples)
  • Yoga mat (optional - mats provided)
  • Meditation cushion if preferred
  • Light layers for variable temperatures
  • Natural insect repellent and sunscreen

Dietary Preparation

  • All meals are vegetarian following yogic principles
  • Inform us of dietary restrictions in advance
  • Consider reducing processed foods beforehand
  • Drink bottled or filtered water throughout
  • Prepare for spiced Indian cuisine

Recommended Reading

  • "Light on Yoga" by B.K.S. Iyengar
  • "The Heart of Yoga" by T.K.V. Desikachar
  • "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda
  • "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali"
  • Basic Hindi phrases for cultural connection

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required! This retreat welcomes all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Our expert teachers provide modifications and personalized guidance to ensure everyone can participate safely and benefit from the experience.

Accommodations include traditional ashrams in Rishikesh with simple but clean rooms, a mountain retreat center with private rooms, and beachside resort in Varkala. All locations provide clean linens, vegetarian meals, and enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the retreat.

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. We provide bottled water and eat at carefully selected locations. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.

The retreat balances structured activities with free time for personal reflection. You'll have 2-3 hours of yoga and meditation daily, plus cultural activities, leaving several hours for rest, journaling, or exploring. Downtime is essential for processing insights gained during the retreat.

Many participants extend their stay to explore more of India. The retreat ends in Kerala, well-connected to other destinations. Popular extensions include the backwaters of Alleppey, hill stations of Munnar, or visiting the Taj Mahal. We can help arrange additional accommodations and transportation.