Discover India’s astonishing cultural and spiritual richness on this wonder-filled 15-day journey through North India. Traveling in India can be a magical and transformational life event. Combine that magic with yoga and the creative arts and you have the ingredients for a mind-blowing experience.
On this ‘Heart of Presence’ journey commencing 21st February 2020, you will learn yoga practices to open up the energy channels in the body as well as specific poses to support your vitality as you travel. The days will be filled with exploring India through her temples and ancient monuments, lively markets and mountain landscapes as well as walking through her crazy, chaotic streets.
In the late afternoons or evenings, Diane, your facilitator, will lead you through a creative process to help integrate and express the day’s experiences. You’ll learn new journaling, writing and visual arts exercises designed to bring you into greater presence. No experience in these modalities is necessary. This tour will delight and inspire you.
Itinerary
Day One
On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the early evening we have a group meeting to commence our wonderful journey. Overnight Delhi
Day Two
This morning we have an early drive to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of India. Enjoy some time to settle into our lovely hotel room overlooking the Ganges. In the early evening we will witness the sunset prayer ceremony performed on the banks of the River Ganges. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day Three
After breakfast, we embark on a guided walking tour. There is some free time in the afternoon with another aarti ceremony at a different location on the Ganges. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day Four
This morning we head north to Vasishta Cave and ashram for meditation and an optional dip in the Ganges. Enjoy some down time in the afternoon. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Five & Six
There is free time today for you to stroll around, relax, shop or enjoy a massage. In the late afternoon we will meet for a journalling class. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Seven
Today we fly to our next destination – Amritsar. A visit to the astonishingly beautiful Golden Temple to witness the prayer book ceremony is scheduled for the evening. Overnight Amritsar.
Day Eight
After breakfast we go for a guided tour of the Golden Temple, where priests keep up a continuous chant from the Sikh holy book and welcome all people into this deeply spiritual place. You will be amazed by the Golden Temple kitchen where more than 10,000 people are fed every day no matter the culture or creed. Visit other sites and after lunch, you have some free time to stroll around this interesting city. Overnight Amritsar
Day Nine
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Mcleod Ganj – home of the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan people living in exile. Settle into your lovely hotel room and later in the afternoon we will meet up. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Ten
Go on a guided tour of Mcleod Ganj and surrounding areas. This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the vibrant and friendly Tibetan Culture. We will visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and museum as well as the beautiful Tibetan Children’s Village. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Eleven
Today we will experience the peaceful ambience of Norbulingka Institute, established to teach and preserve Tibetan art and culture. While here, enjoy a delicious Tibetan lunch. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Twelve
This morning we enjoy a walking meditation of the outer kora path around the Dalai Lama’s temple. There is free time with many different activity options including: Tibetan cooking classes, walks, trekking, prayer time at the Dalai Lama’s temple, a Tibetan massage, shopping at the many Tibetan stores or just enjoy some relaxing time. You will also have the opportunity to join an English conversation group with Tibetan monks and refugees. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Thirteen
After a leisurely breakfast, we have a short flight back to Delhi.
Day Fourteen
This morning we have a guided tour of Delhi, a city that is very rich is history. Visit Humayun’s tomb, Lodhi Gardens and Jama Masjid. We also take a cycle rickshaw ride around the narrow laneways of Old Delhi’s busy shopping district. After a final class, we will have a farewell dinner.
Day Fifteen
Depart any time today, concluding our magical journey.
Additional Information
This wonderful 15-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, all excursions and entrance fees, internal flights, some meals, guides, guide tips, yoga and creative classes.
Price $3,920US
Single supplement $980US
Dates – 21st February to 6th March 2020
About Diane Sherman, MA
Diane, a teacher of Arts & Consciousness, will be your facilitator during the Heart of Presence tour. Diane has been guiding people into the present moment as a teacher of yoga and creative process modalities for over 15 years. She is a passionate teacher, committed to exploring new ways to bring us into the moment we are experiencing right now.
Diane believes traveling is one of the quickest and most fun ways to wake up out of the trance of habitual living. You can read more about Diane at www.ibelove.com
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on altered circumstances
Testimonials
“The Touch of Spirit North India trip was a dream that totally met my expectations. For one who has done a lot, traveled a lot, loves creativity, and did not want a “tour”, it was perfect. I was able to reap not only information and sights, but also have experiences, get to know people, and participate spiritually.
I take with me brown eyes meeting my blue eyes heart to heart, prayer flags flying in the wind, and so many colors and tastes. I’ve found that new edges of perception, one’s that I never imagined, are possible. Thank you Mela and Diane.”
Sarah,
Santa Fe, New Mexico
“What a wonderful way to experience India for the first time! Mela set up an excellent tour that provided us with insight to the various religions and cultures of northern India and allowed us to experience them with local people. The yoga kept our traveled bodies in shape and kept us centered in environments that were full of sensory input! The creative process sessions added dimensions and perspectives to the experiences. You don’t need prior experience in any of the yoga or creative processes to participate and gain from them, and you certainly don’t have to be in super shape or be an artist.
Thanks to Mela and Diane, I knew I was in good hands throughout the trip. Because of their efforts I was able to experience a lifelong dream in a safe, enriching way that provided opportunities for self-reflection and growth and gave me memories that will last the rest of my life!”
Lynette,
North Idaho
