Depart from your home on a journey of the mind, body, and soul to Northern India. (Please ensure that your flight arrives in the evening of day 2)

Namaste & Welcome to India at New Delhi Airport. You will be met by our representative in the arrival lounge and transferred to your hotel. India’s capital city, contemporary Delhi, is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital New Delhi. Check-in at your hotel. Your home for the next three nights will be the Lalit New Delhi-which is a retreat of contemporary accommodation and warm hospitality. (Hotel check-in time is 1400 afternoon) Overnight in Delhi (Meal: None)

Delhi is the city where the future and the past collide every day, there’s something for everyone to explore with joy. Delhi offers both frantic and relaxing moments to visitors so be ready for that! Start the day with blessings of Lord Krishna and visit ISKCON Temple which was established in Delhi to encourage the practice of Bhakti Yoga or Krishna Consciousness. The temple is much more than a place of worship. It is the Vedic Cultural Center for knowledge and learning. Delight in a “pure vegetarian” lunch at the restaurant inside the temple complex and offers a unique ambience that resonates with the temple. Post lunch it’s time to visit Old Delhi which is a far cry from the brash metro and an exciting place to be lost in the ocean of people. Walk into narrow lane markets which are laced with history at every turn. Then switch to a rickshaw ride as a joyous immersion. Ride through the buzzing spice market, cloth market, street food stalls, past the lively local life which is a lot more that you might imagine in a capital city. Pay tribute to Mr. Gandhi at Raj Ghat, which is the cremation sight of this great soul. Today’s dinner at an Indian Specialty Restaurant will be your first introduction to some of India’s delectable cuisines. Your menu will be a genuine treat! Delhi is the heart of North India and has a dominating influence from the Punjabi region lifestyle. Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

Once Mark Twain said, “The world is split into two parts, those that have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not!” Today is the day for you to be among the happy group who have seen one of the seven wonders of the world – a UNESCO monument as well. To reach the Taj Mahal, you will experience India by train! Start very early in the morning to board on one of the quickest trains to Agra. (Shatabdi Express Departure New Delhi: at 0600 hrs. Arrival Agra Cantt: at 0812 hrs.) The ambiance of the city of Agra, is still associated with its Mughal period and the monuments of that era. The Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is the sole reason that many people visit India! The Taj Mahal – a mausoleum, is an architectural marvel that combines elements from Mughal, Persian, and Indian architecture. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Spend some time at the Taj complex and take memorable photographs with this beautiful marble monument. Enjoy a quick lunch before visiting the famous 16th century monument, Agra Fort – again a UNESCO monument. This fortress of red sandstone was constructed to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers at the time. Rail back to Delhi. (Gatiman Express- Departure Agra Cantt at 1750 hrs. Arrival Nizamuddin at 1930 hrs.) Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

Rishikesh is the gateway to the Himalayas and considered the Yoga Capital of the World. The best way to reach there is to board a train to Haridwar, the last train stop in Shivalik foothills, and then travel one hour further by motorcoach. Enjoy a delicious lunch stop enroute. (Train Shatabdi Express Departure New Delhi at 06:50 hrs. Arrival Haridwar at 11:25 hrs.) Rishikesh – at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is nestled in the lower Himalayan Mountain range and on the banks of the silvery flow of the river Ganga. The town is a major center of spirituality and Hindu pilgrimage. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganges here in Rishikesh. Throughout history, Yogis & Sadhus have lived and practiced Hinduism here. This small hill town got an introduction to the western world in late 1960’s when The Beatles came here to learn Transcendental Meditation and stayed at an ashram. Visit Laxman Jhula – the iron suspension bridge built in 1939, dedicated to the younger brother of lord Rama, and Geeta Bhawan where the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here through beautiful wall paintings. Establish a connection with the Beatles who came to this area in 1968 to find something that all their fame and name could not give them! Visit the ashram where they stayed, now abandoned but open for tourists, their lovers and peace seekers. Tonight, attend the divine Ganges prayer ceremony at Triveni Ghat on the bank of this holy river. The ceremony is called Ganga Aarti and commences with the singing of bhajans (prayers), the lamps are lit, and flowers are offered to the goddess river Ganga. This is a very spiritually engaged ceremony offering a beautiful and unique experience. Your home for the next five nights will be the Hotel Neeraj Ganga Heritage Palace. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L, D)

Meet the group’s yoga teacher in the morning for our first session. It will be a gentle practice geared to the group, followed by breakfast. Another spiritual experience awaits today with a visit to Vashistha Gufa (the cave) – where in ancient times Sadhus and Yogis used to live during periods of deep meditation. Return to the hotel by lunch time. After lunch attend a lecture on Ayurveda – the world’s oldest holistic healing system and a noble gift of India to the world! Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. This science promotes good health rather than a fight with disease. The day is not over yet! Be ready with questions as you will meet a Palmist. Palmistry in India has deep roots and surprisingly most of the people have deep faith in it. Indian Palmistry focuses on your past and future life as a human. This is going to be an interesting session for you! Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

AM yoga session at hotel. After breakfast, enjoy the two-hour drive to learn about the Purkal Youth Development Society – a Community Organization. Serving the Community brings peace to our soul which is struggling in a chaotic world and helps us to make life purposeful. Purkal is the group of selfless people who have created a community organization that strives for excellence in rural children through free holistic education, day long nutrition, and complete health care. This Non-Government Organization is not only running a school but also ensuring students develop the skills to transition into a successful adulthood. Meet some aspiring young souls who greet visitors with smiling faces. Enjoy your lunch with the staff and children here. After an eventful day, relax over dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

AM yoga session at hotel. Visit Maya International Healing School where we will have an interactive session on Aromatherapy – derived from the ancient practice of using natural plants essences to promote health. Lunch at the hotel or at local restaurant. In the afternoon, let’s go to the local market for shopping! Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. OPTIONAL: Visit a nearby spa for a treatment if you choose. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

AM yoga session at hotel. After breakfast, travel to Kunjapuri Temple – situated at the height of 1645 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti (a form of Goddess Durga). Plan to walk up (and later, down) 150 steep steps to reach the temple Your fatigue is compensated by the breathtaking view to the Himalayas. On the way back, visit a village to meet some residents. Today’s lunch will be at the unique Madhuban Ashram Restaurant. Afternoon remains at leisure today OPTIONAL: Visit a nearby spa for a treatment if you choose. Dinner at hotel tonight. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

AM yoga session at hotel. Check-out and drive to Haridwar – the magnet for Hindu Pilgrims and Saints. The word Haridwar is the combination of two words “Hari” meaning the God and “Dwar” meaning the gate. The literary meaning of Haridwar is the gate to Gods. The city is located at the point where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas to begin its journey across the plains. This makes it a particularly holy place. Every 12 years the Kumbh holy bath festival attracts millions of pilgrims who come and bathe in this exact place in the river. Explore another meaningful community organization when today we visit Matranchal Orphanage for Girls. “Matranchal” means “Mother`s lap” which is very true with this organization. The organization not only gives love and shelter to girls but also provides them with quality education so these girls can live their life independently. Enjoy lunch at hotel and have some time at leisure. Today is Diwali – the festival of lamps, light and firecrackers! This is a very special day in India that you will witness! In the evening, your guide will take you to his home for a wonderful festive evening. Diwali celebrations are very lively in India and celebrated by all! Join this lovely family for evening preparations, a special Diwali Prayer and dinner. Your home for the next two nights will be the Hotel Radisson Blu Haridwar. Overnight in Haridwar (Meal: B, L, D)

Breakfast at hotel and enjoy a leisurely morning. Later, visit Goddess Kaali Temple and Chandi Devi Temple on a hilltop (Chandi is a form of Goddess Kaali). Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your host Neetu Singh would love to take you to the market to experience shopping for a colorful saree as a local. In Haridwar, life sails along with the river Ganga. This river is considered as a holy mother or goddess. In Hinduism, river Ganga is respected as a preserver of life, and hence every evening priests, sadhus, and devotees gather on the banks for a prayer ceremony. Visit Har-Ki-Pauri to attend such Aarti Ceremony. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Haridwar (Meal: B, L, D)

AM yoga session at hotel. Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Dehradun Airport for your afternoon flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check-in at the Lalit New Delhi. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi (Meal: B,L,D)

After breakfast, it’s time for shopping! Start the day with a visit to Gandhi Museum followed by a visit to Dilli Haat which provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here we can witness a synthesis of crafts, food, and cultural activity. The stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast and varied land of India at nominal payment for a period of fifteen days. An interesting place to shop, Dilli Haat can be thought of as “Mini India”. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch take a walk to the famous Janpath Market – the best bet for street shopping ranging from Indian art, decorative items, clothes, souvenirs and more. Test your bargaining skills with the local vendors. Afterward, head back to the hotel for dinner before transferring to Delhi airport for your flight back home. (Meal: B,L,D).