The Source of Yoga
This fascinating yoga tour of India takes you to two of the seven holy cities of India, the nerve centre of Indian yoga at Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges, the spiritual ghats at Varanasi, and the deer park where the Buddha gave his first teachings after attaining enlightenment. Our yoga holidays in India are a mix of travel and learning, as you experience beautiful spiritual locations and also take time for a retreat in a peaceful yoga ashram.
The Itinerary
Delhi – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Varanasi – Sarnath – Delhi
Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
India Gate, Delhi
DAY 1: DEPART FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY FOR DELHI
Fly from where you are to Delhi.
DAY 2: DELHI CITY TOUR
Arrive in Delhi in the morning, transfer to the hotel, and head out to explore this remarkable city – including visits to Humayun’s Tomb (the stunning sandstone forerunner for the Taj Mahal), India Gate, and the Qutab Minar. Overnight in a hotel in Delhi.
DAY 3: TO RISHIKESH VIA HARIDWAR
In the morning take the train to Haridwar Dehradun Shatabdi in First Class AC (0650 – 1240 hrs) and drive half an hour to Rishikesh. Relax for the day, have a wander up the banks for the Ganges and take in the serenity. Overnight in hotel at Rishikesh.
Woman Doing Lotus Pose Yoga
DAY 4: THREE DAYS OF INTEGRATED YOGA
Days 4 – 6. Today start three days of integrated yoga practice at the renowned Sivananda Ashram. There are ample opportunities to explore this riverside town favoured by the Beatles fame and to watch the spiritual evening ‘Arti’, riverside prayer rituals at sunset.
DAY 5: VARANASI
Arrive in Varanasi, transfer to the hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the holiest city of India, and the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.
DAY 6: GANGES BOAT RIDE, INDIVIDUAL YOGA TUITION, AND SARNATH
Days 9 – 11: Morning dawn boat ride on the sacred River Ganges to share the start of a new day with the devotees, and learn yoga from a local guru. In the afternoon drive out to Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining nirvana. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.
Jama Masjid, Delhi
DAY 7: TO DELHI
Morning at leisure and afternoon flight to Delhi, and transfer to hotel. Overnight in a hotel in Delhi.
DAY 8: OLD DELHI CITY TOUR
The final day of this yoga holiday in India starts with a morning tour of Old Delhi including an exciting rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandi Chowk to the Jama Masjid and seeing the moving Raj Ghat — Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Afternoon at leisure for exploring and last-minute shopping. Overnight at a hotel in Delhi.
DAY 9: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to airport for international departure.