Indian Yoga Festival Itinerary & Package | YogaTalk Retreats

Journey with Us, Destination India: Feb 22nd to March 9th, 2018

Balwan and Sharon with a team of yoga teachers and practitioners invites you to participate in the 20th International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh and an exciting 16-days trip to experience India. On this trip, you will celebrate Holi, the color festival in Rishikesh, Visit Taj, explore Northern India and much more. You will explore the wonders of India and the information will help to strengthen your yoga practice and deepen your spiritual connection- A journey that will bring you Home.

Travel Itinerary: Duration: 15 Nights, 16 Days


day1

Day 1: Thursday, Feb 22nd, 2018

Arrive at Delhi International Airport (Code: DEL)
Welcome meeting, Orientation and Group Dinner

Please plan to arrive any time before 4pm at Delhi International Airport, DEL on Feb 22nd. YogaTalk staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, the Vasant Continental for a 2-night stay. There are no activities planned until orientation and welcome dinner at 7pm. We will available in the hotel throughout the day for any assistance or question you might have.

If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, we suggest you to arrive a day earlier so you are able to attend the orientation and welcome meeting. We will be happy to assist you with additional night booking.

Delhi is the capital of the country and one of India’s modern metros which is decorated with antique structures from the past. Delhi attracts a large number of tourists from across the world for its monuments and sprawling markets.

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day2

Day 2: Friday, Feb 23rd, 2018

Morning Yoga and Day in Delhi

Rise early to do yoga and meditation. After breakfast, we have arranged a guided city tour of old Delhi covering RajGhat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi Father of the Nation. We will then drive towards the historical building, the Red Fort, for a photo stop. You will also have a chance to explore old Delhi through the narrow long-winded lanes of Chandni Chowk and enjoy a Rickshaw ride from the Red Fort towards to Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid The great mosque of Old Delhi is the final architectural extravagance of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees.

Later in the afternoon, we will visit the imperial city of New Delhi. Created by the British Raj, it is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. We will see Indias Gate built in the memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. We will also drive past Parliament, the Presidents house and government buildings, then drive through the Diplomatic region towards to QutubMinar one of the tallest and famous towers in the world. The minaret is 234 feet high and the highest individual tower in the world. We will also visit Humayuns Tomb, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor. In the evening, we will visit Temple Akshardham. This beautiful mandir (temple), consists of 234 ornately-carved pillars, 9 domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular GajendraPeeth of stone elephants) and 20,000 murtis and statues of India’s great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities, followed by the famous sound & light show that start as the dusk. Sahajanand Darshan where life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan is displayed through audio- animatronic figures. NeelkanthDarsdhan A huge I-Max theatre screening movie based on the life of the Lord Swaminarayan. SanskrutiDarsdhan Cultural boat ride experience of Indias ancient history.

  • Sahajanand Darshan – where life of Swaminarayan is displayed through robotic shows.
  • Neelkanth Darsdhan – A huge I-Max theater screening movie based on the life of the Lord Swaminarayan.
  • Neelkanth Darsdhan – 15 – minutes boat ride experience of India’s glorious past.
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day3

Day 3: Saturday, Feb 24th, 2018

Morning Yoga and drive to Jaipur (06 hrs.)

After breakfast, we will embark on a drive to Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City because of its pink colored buildings. Founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. It was designed by the brilliant architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Upon arrival check into the hotel for a 2-night stay. In the afternoon, we will drive to ChowkiDhani, where you can enjoy a traditional meal at ChowkiDhani an ethnic village resort located 20 km from Jaipur. This will be a special dinner, Rajasthani village will host a traditional dinner and includes entertainment by folk dancers & musicians.

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day4

Day 4: Sunday, Feb 25th, 2018

Morning Yoga, Amber Palace and explore Jaipur

Rise early to do yoga and meditation. After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Amber Palace, approximately 11 km from Jaipur. You will enjoy an elephant ride up the hill to the main entrance. Amber Fort was built in the 16th century and is a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation. The Rajput Maharajas and their families lived in the palace.

Later, visit the City Palace with its various museums where you can see a beautiful collection of Royal Rajput, weapons and miniature paintings. Then visit the fascinating JantarMantar (Observatory), the ancient astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which is the largest stone observatory in the world. We will also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five-story building along the main street of the old city with semi octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows. The rest of the day, you are free to explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as: semi-precious jewels, pottery, colorfully-embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets, etc. Watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in the magnificent city of Jaipur.

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Day 5: Monday, Feb 26th, 2018

Morning Yoga and meditation, Drive to Agra (05 hrs)

After an early breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra the city of the world famous Taj Mahal. En-route to Agra, visit Abhaneri Stepwell &FatehpurSikriAbhaneri Stepwell: A detour is well merited for its amazing stepwell or baoris and Harshat Mata Temple. According to a legend, the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat Mata, who is portrayed in a joyous mood and is believed to spread brightness or abha all around. The villages original name was AbhaNagri and its present name is Abhaneri. It is believed that the celebrated king Raja Chand established the village. On the other hand mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled over the Gujar kingdom in the ninth century AD. FatehpurSikri: The red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son.

Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel, the Jaypee Palace, for a one night stay. Later in the evening you may choose to enjoy a live theater performance of Mohabbat the Taj, the eternal love story of Emperor Shahjahan& his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal who gave us one of the wonder of the world in the form of Taj Mahal.

The romantic tale of Indians history being told in a dramatic manner through a live performance by more than 80 professional artistes. The climax being the unexpected out of this world appearance of the most precious jewel the Taj Mahal on stage. The show will give you a deeper understanding of the history and culture behind the building of the Taj Mahal for our visit the following day.

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day6

Day 6: Tuesday, Feb 27th, 2018

Morning Yoga and meditation, visiting Taj Mahal and drive to Delhi (05 hrs)

After breakfast, proceed for a guided tour of Agra visiting the most beautiful building and one of the wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal built by Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj, after her death. Also visit the historic Agra Fort ever since Babur defeated and killed Ibrahin Lodi at Panipat in 1526, Agra has played an important center of the Mughal Empire. Akbar chose this city on the bank of River Yamuna as his capital and proceeded to build a strong citadel for that purpose. It is said that he destroyed the damaged old fort of Agra for the purpose and raised this grand group of monuments instead in red sandstone. Later in the afternoon, embark on your drive through newly built Yamuna Express way to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a night stay.

day6

Day 7: Wednesday, Feb 28th, 2018( 07hrs)

Morning Yoga and meditation, drive to Haridwar and Rishikesh

After breakfast embark on your drive to Haridwar , one of the seven holiest places SaptaPuri to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of nectar, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. Upon arrival in Haridwar, visit the famous temple followed by a visit to Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Har-Ki-Pauri is the sacred ghat constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Aarti Ceremony. It is the most important ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must. Later after Aarti, embark on your short drive to Rishikesh and check into Parmarth Niketan Ashram to attend the Yoga International Festival.

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Day 8 to 14: Thursday, March 1st to Wednesday, March 7th, 2018

International Yoga Festival at Rishikesh

Attend the 2018 International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh. The International Yoga Festival, IYF is grounded in the authentic origin of Yoga. Practice and learn from masters from the traditional yoga lineages of India, as well as masters of international yoga schools & styles. During the one week Festival, you will have the opportunity to participate in over 70 hours of Yoga classes from world-class Yoga teachers practicing in multiple styles of Yoga. You will have an opportunity to meet the like minded yoga practitioners and teachers from more than 55 countries.

The general daily program of IYF includes:
  • 4.00am Daily yoga classes start.
  • 6.30am we hold a one-hour yoga class, followed by a simple breakfast.
  • 8.30am you can join one of several two-hour hour yoga sessions.
  • 11:00am, before lunch, we have inspiring lectures on a variety of uplifting and inspiring subjects.
  • 12.30pm to 1.30pm a traditional Indian lunch is served.
  • 3.30pm to 5pm we have three Yogasana classes.
  • 6.00pm to 7.00pm we attend the special light ceremony, Aarti, on the banks of the river Ganga.
  • 7.00pm dinner is served followed by a special evening programs of satsang with spiritual leaders and famous teachers, cultural song and dance events, campfires and more, finishing by 9.30pm.

Please note that all accommodation in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram is basic and shared (double). No single room occupancy is available at Ashram

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day15

Day 15: Thursday, March 8th, 2018

Drive Rishikesh to Delhi via Haridwar(07hrs)

You will be picked up from Parmarth Niketan Ashram and embark on your leisure drive towards to Delhi via Haridwar. Upon arrival in Delhi, check into the Vasant Continental hotel for one final night stay in India.

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day16

Day 16: Friday, March 9th, 2018

Morning Yoga and Departure to your international destinations

Rise early to do the final yoga and meditation. Departures can be any timebefore or after breakfast, you are free to enjoy the day at your leisure for any last-minute shopping etc.

Have a safe flight to home! Please note the hotel rooms are available till 11:00 am only. We would be happy to book a room for an extra night for you if you needed. Please let us know in advance in order to make arrangements for you.

Trip highlights and Inclusions :
  • Daily yoga practice
  • Five-star accommodation in hotels at Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
  • Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Trip to the Taj Mahal, Old Delhi, Agra fort, and Amber fort
  • Accommodation at Parmarth Niketan Ashram , Rishikesh
  • Visit to the fascinating, colorful bazaars of Jaipur city in Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra
  • Enjoy a Bollywood movie with local fans at a famous Indian cinema
  • Attendance at the Annual International Yoga Festival including all classes, workshops, lectures and ceremonies
  • Assistance on arrival and departure by our team and staff
  • Accompanying English-speaking, expert guide for sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Monument and museum entrance tickets as per the itinerary
  • Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
  • Sound & light show in Akshardham, Delhi
  • Elephant ride at Amber fort Jaipur
  • Special Traditional Dinner at Rajashthani village ChowkiDhani, Jaipur
  • Tonga ride / Battery bus ride to visit Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Photographs and video coverage for the trip will be covered by professional photographer
  • All applicable taxes for included activities.
Not Included :
  • Round-trip international airfare to and from India
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as: laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses and/or ground transportation for individual trips not part of the group
  • Travel visa fee and travel insurance fee
  • Any other services not mentioned in price inclusions above
  • Small change for tipping Alcoholic Drinks and special drinks
  • Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, medical evacuations, riots or strikes etc. Anything which is not mentioned in included list.
Price:
Early bird price $2600 per person shared/ double room occupancy before Sept 15th. Price increases to $2900 after Sept 15th. Single room occupancy can be available for additional $600. Please note single room occupancy is only available for 7 nights in hotels. There is no single room accommodation available at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh. You have to share room with another person. No exceptions.

Requirements: You will need a tourist visa to visit India.

Please check FAQs page for more details.

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