Discover North India’s spiritual richness, diverse culture and breathtaking beauty on this wonderful 17-day Ashram and Spiritual tour to India. Experience life in an ashram on the banks of the holy river Ganges in picturesque Rishikesh. Marvel at the chaotic atmosphere of Varanasi where you will wander through the narrow alleyways of the old city and enjoy boat rides on the Ganges. Witness the sunset aarti on the banks of the Ganges at both Rishikesh and Varanasi. Other highlights include a guided tour of the amazingly jeweled Taj Mahal and the fascinating ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and a cycle rickshaw ride around the peaceful, UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary at Bharatpur. The tour also takes you to fabulous historical and sacred sites in Mathura and Vrindavan, birth place of Lord Krishna. Along the way, you will enjoy authentic experiences and delicious cuisine.This wonderful tour takes you off the well-worn tourist path to discover the ancient sacred treasures of India as well as practical spiritual gems to apply to your life. It will inspire and delight you.
Itinerary
Day One
On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Delhi.
Day Two
Travel to Rishikesh and settle into the ashram. Experience a Shiva puja at the ashram temple followed by Bhajan chanting. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Three
Enjoy a morning scenic walk along the sacred river Ganges in the ashram area. After lunch we take a short drive to Laxman Jhoola to commence a walking tour of beautiful Rishikesh. At sunset, witness a special prayer ceremony, called ‘aarti’ on the banks on the Ganges at Parmath Ghat. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Four to Ten
Enjoy the ashram program which includes: yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, meditative walks, mantra chanting, some silent time, talks and discussion on vedic philosophy and how to apply this to daily life. We will also visit Muni-ki-Reti or the “sands of the sages” and experience the aarti at Triveni Ghat. On the last day of the program, enjoy the wonderful closing ‘fire ceremony’ before we travel back to Delhi.
Day Eleven
This Morning we have a short flight to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest, continually-inhabited cities & described as the beating heart of the Hindu universe. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore this amazing place. At sunset, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges and experience the beautiful aarti ceremony, honouring ‘Mother Ganga.’ Overnight Varanasi
Day Twelve
Witness the early morning Hindu Prayer rituals as you take a boat ride on the Ganges. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a rest. Gain insight into life in this ancient place as you take a walking tour of the winding alleyways of Varanasi’s old city. You will also visit some other interesting sites. There is some free time in the afternoon. At sunset, attend the aarti ceremony at the Ghats. Also called ‘Fire Puja’, the ceremony is a dedication to the River Ganges, the Sun, Lord Shiva, Fire and the whole universe. Overnight Varanasi.
Day Thirteen
After breakfast we drive to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Marvel at the ancient stupas, the Buddhist temple and archaeological museum before we fly back to Delhi for overnight.
Day Fourteen
Today we have an early drive to Agra for a guided tour of the world-famous Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagant monument ever built in the name of love. We also visit the colourfully decorated ‘Baby Taj’ and Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent ghost city built in 1571 by the Moguls, before a short drive to Bharatpur for overnight.
Day Fifteen
Experience an early cycle rickshaw ride in the amazing Keoladeo Ghana National Park, host to approximately 380 bird species from across the globe. After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Vrindavan, land of Lord Krishna, for the afternoon and overnight. We will explore some of the temples and sights of Vrindavan including the very interesting old city and a walk around the parikrama path. Overnight Vrindavan.
Day Sixteen
We spend the morning in Vrindavan before driving back to Delhi for a final group dinner and overnight.
Day Seventeen
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home or have the day at your leisure.
Additional Information
Your 17-day experience includes all land transport, all accommodation, ashram program, internal flight, all tours, entrance fees, local guides, guide tips, many meals.
Price $3490 per person, twin share.
Single supplement: $690 (ashram stay includes single rooms)
Your facilitator: Jay Weinstein
Jay Weinstein is a Mumbai-based, Hindi and English-speaking photographer and travel guide of mainly Australian-American heritage. At the age of 3, he moved to India with his schoolteacher parents and spent the next 12 years living in Vrindavan, a historic town filled with temples and monkeys. At 15, his family moved back to Australia to facilitate his secondary education. Though Jay thought he was done with India, he ended up returning year after year, drawn by her overpowering, vibrant, chaotic cadence. His passion for photography was ignited on these trips. Later, his profession had him traveling from the lush, palm-dotted southern states to the breathtaking Himalayan mountains of Nepal; the ancient majestic forts of Rajasthan to the unending paddy fields of West Bengal. Jay generously imparts his local knowledge and opens doors to many experiences ‘off the tourist trail’.
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on altered circumstances
Testimonials
“Thanks Mela, I had a very special time on your tour and I would recommend it to all who want a unique Indian experience. My favourite part was the ashram. It was a beautiful experience and it really helped me to deepen my understanding and practice of yoga.
The sight seeing was great – the guides’ English was very clear. Jay (the tour leader) is a major asset to the tour. He was very knowledgeable about India and was happy to introduce us to his parents and take us to a wedding; which were unexpected treats. He was very helpful and had solutions to any worries we had.
Also, seeing the way the religions in India pervade everyday life was inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in India.”
Helen,
Northern NSW
The Ashram and spiritual tour of India was excellent and exceeded all of my expectations. From communication before the tour to the tour itself, everything was fantastic. Mela your prompt reply to questions and support arranging flights as well as provision of information via email was invaluable and eased any anxieties, making for smooth preparation leading up to and during the tour. You ensured we were well looked after.
All guides and drivers were fantastic with their knowledge and had a genuine interest in making the experience informative and ensuring that we all had a great day. All places visited were relevant to the tour and I enjoyed them all.
Our tour leader, Jay always made sure we got the most out of each experience and went out of his way to ensure all of our needs and expectations were met. Jay’s wisdom, knowledge and genuine caring about each of us on the tour and a desire to help us on our individual journeys was what made this tour one I will remember for a long time. The tour provided enough reflective time and experiences that enabled me to delve deep, peel back layers and heal, all of which has supported my spiritual growth and allowed me to move forward on my spiritual journey.
Thank you Touch of Spirit Tours. The tour exceeded all of my expectations and I would highly recommend this tour to others.
