The precursor to every form of martial arts and exercise system, Yoga has a history that dates back many centuries. While historians and researchers differ as to when and how Yoga was initiated in people’s lives, it is an undisputed fact that it has been alive and practiced for a long time. Whether it originated in Vedic times dating back to 2000 BC, as claimed by some or in 200 BC with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Yoga incorporates a disciplined method of aligning our physical postures to align our minds to achieve an enlightened form of thinking.
The word Yoga originated in Sanskrit and is derived from the word, Yuj, meaning “to harness.” Yoga is the process of uniting ourselves in order to express the energy of our true nature. Most people, especially from the West, tend to consider Yoga as a form of exercise. While they are not wrong, it is also a fact that this perception of Yoga is superficial. Another mistaken notion is that Yoga requires one to contort his body to contorted and uncomfortable postures. These postures are a culmination of stretching Yoga to its extremity. For those who are disciplined, regular and experienced practitioners, these extreme forms do not require the type and extent of effort that they portray.
Philosophical thinking in India has long been concerned with the root crisis of the human spirit - the separation from the central consciousness and the only reality (Atman or Brahman). It is because of this separation, which begins with the ignorance of our birth, that we suffer the traumas of physical, emotional and psychological conflicts. As an unfortunate consequence of this disconnection and the loss of that awareness, we erroneously look externally for our happiness. The material and sensory pleasures of life, the approval and value judgments of others, the more is better philosophy, anything to allow us to forget that the cause of all our suffering lies within. Yoga calls our attention back to this and aims to reunite us with the innermost centre of our being.
The fascinating concept of Yoga involves Yamas, which teaches us to avoid worldy temptations, the Niyamas that tell us how we should control our inner self, Asanas and Pranayama that aligns our body and control our breadth. Pratyahara helps us to turn our minds inward, Dharana holds the mind on a single point to the exclusion of all other existence, Dhyana brings about a fusion between us and the object of our meditation and finally, we arrive at Samadhi, an indistinguishable part of the universal consciousness.
Yoga is now being utilized in modern society in many ways. However, these applications tend to be superficial. To obtain a more comprehensive view of yoga and its potential utility within society, we need to go much deeper. Rishikesh, situated in the Garwhal region of North India is called the yoga capital of the world and there are many ashrams in Rishikesh offering courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The Hatha Yoga and Pranayama meditation classes at Sri Ved Niketan Ashram are well known. The Shivananda Ashram is located opposite the Shivananda Jhula and is flocked by tourists. It is also possible to stay in the ashram by intimating the authorities a month earlier. Other ashrams include the Yoga Niketan Ashram, Omkarananda Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Dayananda Vedanta Ashram, Brahma Niwas and the Yoga Study Center. The International Yoga Festival is organized every year from February 2 to 7 by UP Tourism.
On arrival at Delhi at international Airport you will be welcomed by our representative then transfer to the hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay in Delhi.
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandni Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Coimbatore. Arrive Coimbatore & transfer to Palakkad by surface 55 kms 1 ½ hours drive. Evening is at leisure. Transfer to the health resort. Overnight at Palakkad.
Early morning experience yoga. Enjoy the best of Ayurvedic massages. Consultations with the experienced Ayurvedic professionals. The Kairali resort also features the powerful Panchkarma therapies to remove toxins and rejuvenate the physiology. Overnight at the resort.
After morning breakfast leave for Cochin. Reach Cochin, & transfer to the hotel, the day is free for relaxation. In the evening you can enjoy Kathakali Dance (traditional dance of Cochin). Overnight at Cochin.
After breakfast, visit Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resort. Later take a sightseeing tour of Cochin: Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the morning flight for Bangalore. Assistance on arrival at Bangalore and drive to Puttaparthi (120 kms-2 ½ hours). Day free to spend the time in the Puttaparthi. Evening return to the Bangalore for overnight stay.
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bangalore, on arrival optionally you can visit some of interesting places of Bangalore visiting at Lal Baugh with a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces & an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. Also see the maharajas’ palace and Government buildings. Later transfer to the airport to board the afternoon flight for Delhi. Later the time is free till the boarding time to the connecting flight for home country. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
Delhi – Haridwar – Shiv Puri – Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi 11 Nights – 12 Days
01 Day: Arrival Delhi:On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative then transfer to the hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay in Delhi.
02 Day: Delhi:
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit to see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Delhi - Haridwar / Rishikesh (230 Kms - 5 hours):
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Haridwar. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city tour followed by grand viewing of Ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centre of Philosophical studies, Yoga and Meditation.
. Muni Ki Reti Mahesh Yogi Ashram
. Parmarth Niketan Shankracharya Nagar
. Swarg Ashram Parmarth Niketan
. Ved Niketan Yoga Study Center
. Shanti Kunj Maa Anand Mai ashram
Arrive and check in into one of the Ashram. Afternoon is to be spent on briefing of day routine. Overnight at Haridwar.
04 Day: Haridwar / Rishikesh:
Today morning after breakfast, rest of the day is free to spend for yoga and meditation activities available at the Ashram. Overnight at Haridwar.
05 Day: Rishikesh - Shiv Puri (30 Kms - ½ hour):
Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Shivpuri, arrive & check into the hotel. Morning is free at leisure. Late afternoon jungle walk in the reserve forest around the Nature Camp Resort. After visit return back to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at Shivpuri.
06 Day: Shiv Puri:
Early morning wake up for a Yoga class followed by relaxation of body & mind. After yogic breakfast drive to Byasi / Kaudiyala to start the rafting up to Shivpuri. Arrive Byasi briefing on safety, raft maneuvering, team spirit development etc. Today we exercise teamwork and hit the most exciting rapids on Ganges. One can have lunch at nature camp resort. Free time for own activities. Evening meditation and relaxation followed by campfire at camp.
07 Day: Shiv Puri:
Early morning wake up for one and half hour drive to Hindolakhal, arrive and start trek to Kunjapuri. The one hour trek goes through thick forest till we reach the top i.e. Kunjapuri. After exploring the area for some time join the class for Asanas, relaxation & meditation. Witness the sunrise on Greater Himalayan peaks and afterwards trace your steps back to Nature camp resort. Free time for own activities. After lunch drive to Chilla for a wildlife Safari. Arrive Chilla, briefing on jungle discipline, animal behavior & low impact eco friendly outdoors. Drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.
08 Day: Shiv Puri - Delhi (270 Kms - 6 hours):
Early morning advance yoga class with question answer session helping in assessment of change in personality during the course. After breakfast raft down from the Shivpuri to Rishikesh assessing leadership qualities, team spirit and training for rescue. Then after lunch drive back to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for relaxation. One can explore the local markets on their own. Overnight at Delhi.
09 Day: Delhi - Agra (200 Kms - 4 hours):
After Breakfast depart for Agra en route stop over at Mathura i.e. birth place of Lord Krishna, visiting Bankey Bihari temple, ISKCON temple and other temples in and around Vrindavan. Also visit en route the Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel. Then visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
10 Day: Agra - Jaipur (240 Kms - 5 hours):
Early morning, visit to witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. After lunch drive to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Taj Mahal closed on every Friday.
11 Day: Jaipur:
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.
12 Day: Jaipur - Delhi (260 Kms - 5 hours) - Hometown (By Air):
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi en route you can visit Nimrana Fort, which one of the magnificent fort of Rajasthan, converted into a heritage hotel, where you can have your lunch also.After visit continue to drive to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the airport to board the flight for your hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
