Retreats - North India 2018
Journey through Rajasthan: 13 Days of Yoga, Historical
Monuments and Cultural Immersion
23 March - 05 April 2018
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and scenic experience of
North India!
Discover India
This trip of a lifetime is set to be an amazing experience
with a vast variety of activities that will immerse you in the
culture of India. From visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise, to a
safari ride in the search for the Bengal Tiger, to participating
in an ancient Hindu ritual, to a Boat Cruise on the picturesque
Lake Piccola, to blissful yoga, this adventure will excite your
senses, and delight your body, mind and soul.
Meet your Hosts
On your journey, you will have two guides who will share their
knowledge and look after you: Claire Prest, India Expert and
Tour Leader, and Katie Garnett, Yoga Teacher/Therapist. You will
also be joined by local Indian guides in the different cities
who will share in-depth knowledge of each location.
Claire Prest
Originally from Melbourne, Claire has made India her home for
the last 18 years where she organises and manages tours. Claire
has incredible knowledge of Indian history and culture, speaks
fluent Hindi and is passionate about yoga. She is excited to
unite her two passions, India and yoga, on this very special
tour.
Katie Garnett
Katie teaches alignment-focused yoga through which she
interweaves yogic philosophy and teachings. Katie structures her
classes around specific learning objectives to enhance her
client’s experience, and deepen their yoga practice and
knowledge. Katie discovered yoga in 1997, began teaching in 2011
and became a qualified therapist in 2015. She is skilled at
adapting the class to suit all levels and abilities.
Approximate
Schedule
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Delhi
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Fri, 23 Mar 2018
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Arrive in India’s capital city. Meet your Tour Guide,
Yoga Teacher and travel companions.
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Delhi
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Sat, 24 Mar 2018
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Morning Yoga in the serene Lodi Gardens. Drive through
the colonial Delhi with its administrative and
parliamentary buildings, presidential palace and iconic
India Gate. Visit Humayan’s Tomb, take a rickshaw ride
in Old Delhi and dine in a restored Haveli.
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Agra
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Sun, 25 Mar 2018
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Drive to Agra. Visit the impressive UNESCO Agra Fort.
Built over 3 generations of Mughal Emperors, it is a
superb synthesis of military fortifications and delicate
interiors. Enjoy an evening Yoga session back at the
Hotel on the lawn before diner.
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Ranthambore
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Mon, 26 Mar 2018
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Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, return to your Hotel
for breakfast. Drive to Ranthambore stopping at the
deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri en route.
Hauntingly beautiful, painstaking resored and now a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Ranthambore
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Tue, 27 Mar 2018
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Early morning and late afternoon safaris in Ranthambore
National Park. Originally the hunting ground of the
Maharaja of Jaipur, now a wildlife safe haven and home
to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
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Jaipur
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Wed, 28 Mar 2018
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Morning Yoga session before proceeding to the vibrant
capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, where you'll be staying on
the quieter outskirts of the city. After lunch visit the
ancient capital which begun in the 11th Century and
expanded by succeeding dynasties and rulers. The Amber
Fort is an impressive visual delight.
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Jaipur
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Thu, 29 Mar 2018
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Explore the city by foot and auto rickshaw, revel in
vibrant bazars dedicated to local artisans and get a
feel for the famed Pink City. Visit UNESCO World
Heritage Jantar Mantar, a remarkable astronomical
observatory, before stopping for lunch. Afterwards drop
into a renown Ayurveda Centre to learn about India’s
ancient system of holistic health. You will have an
option to indulge in a traditional ayurvedic massage.
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Pushkar
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Fri, 30 Mar 2018
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Morning Yoga session before hitting the road to the
holy town of Pushkar. After an orientation of the town
you are free to explore the shops, cafes and local life
before regrouping as the sun sets to participate in an
ancient Hindu ritual on the ghats of Pushkars sacred
waters.
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Jodhpur
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Sat, 31 Mar 2018
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Drive to Jodhpur on the edge of the Thar Desert. Hike
to Rock Garden. As the sun sets on the Blue City we roll
out our mats for an evening yoga season.
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Jodhpur
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Sun, 01 Apr 2018
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Morning Yoga session before a leisurely stroll through
the old city taking in the ancient bazaar and street
life. In the afternoon visit the impressive Mehrangarh
Fort standing on a perpendicular cliff high above the
skyline of Jodhpur. Wonderfully restored, the once
private Palaces are now home to the Maharaja’s vast
collection of howrahs, daggers, miniature paintings and
even baby cradles!
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Narlai
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Mon, 02 Apr 2018
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4X4 Jeep Safari through the countryside stopping at
local Potter, Bishnoi and Weavers villages en route.
Proceed to the small picturesque town of Narlai. Settle
in and unwind poolside before an evening Yoga session.
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Udaipur
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Tue, 03 Apr 2018
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Optional sunrise walk to Elephant Hill, the highest
point atop massive granite boulders. Enjoy a leisurely
stroll through the village meeting locals engaged in
daily life before proceeding to Ranakpur. Visit the
immaculate Jain Temples and continue driving over the
Aravalli hills to Udaipur. Boat Cruise on the
picturesque Lake Piccola and see why Udaipur is famed as
the Venice of the East.
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Udaipur
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Wed, 04 Apr 2018
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Orientation stroll into the city where you are free to
enjoy last minute shopping! In the afternoon meet a
Vedic Astrologer and learn how this ancient discipline
has been guiding people for centuries. You have the
option of a personal consultation. Enjoy your Farewell
Diner overlooking the Lake.
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Depart
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Thu, 05 Apr 2018
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Morning Yoga session before final packing. Today we fly
to Delhi where your journey concludes. International
flights home may be booked for late the same day
evening.
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Inclusions:
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- All Meals and Mineral Water
- All Activities and Transfers mentioned in the program
(excluding the optional extras, see below)
- All Monument Entry Fees
- Accompanying Tour Leader and Yoga Teacher
- Licensed English speaking private Local Guides
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance
- International airfare, other than mentioned above
- Indian Visa (see below)
- Tips to guides, drivers, porters, hotel staff or at
restaurants
- Camera/video permits where required
- Personal expenses, including alcohol
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Optional Extras (include an additional cost):
- Arrival Transfer from airport
- Ayurveda Treatment
- Vedic Astrology Consultation
Indian Visa:
You will be responsible for obtaining a valid visa for India. The
Government of India now allows application for a simple tourist
visa online (http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in)
without having to send in their passports. This electronic visa is
valid for one stay of up to 30 days. Visas can also be obtained
at a local embassy or consulate before arriving in India.
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