India Gate
India Gate, official name Delhi Memorial, originally called All-India War Memorial, monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919.
Delhi, Capital of India (2 nights)
Rajghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation (last rites) on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns at one end.
Red Fort
Guided historical half day tour of “The Red Fort”, a historic fort in the Old Delhi neighborhood of Delhi that historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
Rishikesh, Yoga Capital of India (3 nights)
Honoring Mother Ganga: Worship and a sacred dip
The ritual holds great religious and spiritual significance, as it is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul.
Vasistha Muni Cave on the banks of Ganges
On the banks of the serenely flowing Ganga, is the hallowed place of Vasistha Gufa, a cave held in high regard by all spiritual seekers and mystery lovers.
Temples and beautiful bridges
The holy city of Rishikesh, in the base of the Himalayas, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for local Hindus. Sacred rivers and mountains set the scene for yoga and reflective living.
Beatles Ashram
The Beatles got in touch with their Eastern spiritual side here in Rishikesh, writing several songs during a 1968 stint at a local ashram.
Vrindavan, Devotional Capital of India (4 nights)
Local temples
Vrindavan is very sacred land for the devotees of Krishna. Krishna spent most of his childhood days in this city. Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his divine consort Radha.
Sandipani Muni School
Sandipani Muni School stops at the station where no other school goes, and takes on board those who cannot afford a ticket even for the shortest journey “the poorest of the poor”! With affection and patience, Sandipani Muni School carries them through the most difficult part of their journey. From babies of nine months to youth, the school gives them the tools enabling them to get off the train at their chosen destination with confidence and wave farewell with tears of gratitude in their eyes. As the train moves on, they stand firm with dignity on the platform of adulthood.
We will have the opportunity to serve at the school one day during our stay.
Barsana
The beautiful city is situated around two hills, namely, Brahma Hill and Vishnu Hill, which have four peaks in the region of Vrindavan. According to popular beliefs, these peaks are the heads of Lord Brahma. Each of these peaks has a temple which are of significance to the followers of Krishna.
Govardhan
A destination which is steeped in the love for Krishna, Govardhan is a town of absolute tranquillity. A blend of history and spirituality, Govardhan is a walk amidst the historical tales. From temples to scenic sites to quaint hideouts, Govardhan is perfect for those seeking the blessings of the almighty.
Mathura
One of the most famous sacred destinations of the lovers of Krishna, Mathura is a quaint small town on the western bank of the Yamuna River. It is the place where Lord Krishna was born and spent his early days. The entire land is dotted with magnificent temples, dedicated to various aspects of his life. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna was born and where he grew up, still resound to the sound of his laughter, antics and his magical flute.
Agra, Taj City of India (Half Day)
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Jaipur, The Pink City of India (3 nights)
The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal)
The Hawa Mahal, also known as “The Palace of Winds” is a five-storey building, and it is the tallest building in the world that has been built without a foundation. It has a curved architecture that leans at an 87 degree angle, and a pyramidal shape which has helped it stay erect for centuries. Just another masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 small windows called Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. The original intent of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen.
Amber Fort
One of the top tourist attractions of Jaipur, the huge Amer Palace Fort sits atop a small hill. The magnificent Amer Fort is an extensive palace complex that has been built with exquisite marble and sandstone. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Radha Govinda Dev Temple
Govind Ji Temple is the most prominent and sacred place of worship in Jaipur, Rajasthan and also the most significant one as far as the history of Rajasthani rulers go. The Govind Ji Temple is built in sandstone and marble with ceilings covered with gold. The architecture of the temple building has a mix of Rajasthani, Muslim as well as Classical Indian elements to it. Since it was built beside a royal residence, the walls are adorned with chandeliers as well as paintings. The temple is also surrounded by a lush green garden. It is believed that the deity of Govinda Ji looks exactly like Lord Krishna did.
Jal Mahal
LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF the Man Sagar Lake, a man-made reservoir created in 1596, the Jal Mahal (or “Water Palace”) only appears to be one story high, although there are four more levels to the building hidden beneath the water. Although the name translates to “Water Palace,” the building was never intended to be a palace, as such, but was instead conceived as a hunting lodge for the local Raja (King).
Udaipur, The City of Lakes (2 nights)
City Palace
One of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, City Palace in Udaipur is the largest palace complex of the state. City Palace stands magnificently on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Flanked by the Aravali mountain range, City Palace is worth admiring for its natural settings that offer a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Built in granite and marble, City Palace complex is worth admiring for its perfect blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture.
Jagadish Temple
Jagdish temple is one of the best architectural wonders of the Mewar dynasty. Jagdish temple showcases the Indo- Aryan architectural style. This three-storied temple is built on raised platform flaunting magnificently carved pillars, huge airy halls and painted walls that are adorned with vibrant colors and intricately decorated ceilings. At the entrance, there are two massive elephants statues of stone, installed to welcome the visitors.
Ropeway to Goddess Temple and sunset
Visit to Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple located on the Machla Magra Hills. Behold the breathtaking views from the temple of the city and its lakes as the sunsets.
Queen’s Garden
Saheliyon Ki Bari is a token of undying love. Rana Sangram Singh built the garden to please his ladylove. The garden creates a unique sense of pleasure and extraordinarily calms your soul. The garden was also made for the 48 maids who came to Udaipur with the Queen as a wedding gift. The garden was built to offer the Queen and the royal maidens a quick getaway from political matters. The garden also provides solitude for the king and Queen in the lap of nature. The garden was uniquely designed to create a recreational spot for Queen and her maidens.
Mumbai, The Financial Capital of India (2 nights) & Govardhan Ecovillage (4 nights)
Flower Festival
In the beautifully carved sandstone temple and monastery founded by Radhanath Swami in late 80’s, thousands and thousands of colorful flower petals will be showered on the Radha Krishna deities and the entire temple room! The pictures make it look like the most ecstatic flower-fight- celebration ever. We will get to hear wonderful discourses from Radhanath Swami and relish the mood of celebration with God in the center. We will get chance to do seva (service) at the temple.
Bhakti Yoga retreat at Govardhan Eco Village
Govardhan Eco Village is situated on 50 acres of pristine farmland and aims to demonstrate the principles of self-sufficiency and localized economy to the world. We will stay in eco-friendly cob houses in the naturally charming village, eat local dishes made from organic grains and vegetables grown on the land and tour the facilities to see how a group of bhakti-yogis are making a difference towards a greener world.
Website: http://ecovillage.
org.in 1. Four days of diving into the essence of India’s Yoga traditions with Radhanath Swami
2. Practice yoga and breath work daily led by experienced teachers
3. Lively discourses and soul stirring chanting (kirtan) by Radhanath Swami and other monks
4. Array of life changing workshops (Ayurvedic cooking class, Art therapy, Local village visit, Women empowerment, Pottery making, Eco tour and education)
5. Serve the cows-milking and brushing
6. Swim in the inviting Biopool
7. Ayurvedic treatments at Eco village’s world class Ayurvedic Center.
And Much Much More!
