Yoga World Tours

'A Life Changing Experience'

Yoga Tour

India (Northern Tour)

India

In a country as large and diverse as India, where the weird and the wonderful are even more weird and wonderful than anywhere else, this is the birth place of spiritual healing and yoga.

The north of the country is bordered by the Himalaya the highest mountain on earth, separating India from China. Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the center actually lie along the Himalaya.

From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, the customs are different the whole country is just simple different.

India's first major civilization flourished for 1000 years from around 2500 bc along the Indus river valley in what is now known as Pakistan. The origins of Hinduism can be trace all the way back to this early civilization. Influenced by Buddhism that arouse around 500 BC followed by the English, India has a bit of all religions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Population, ah, well, China still tops the number one spot in the world but India follows nicely with over 1milliard people!!

Obviously with its vast population a number of records relate to crowds and people; the largest recorded assembly of people was an estimated 15 million at the Kumbh Mela festival at Allahabad in 1989.

The largest single employer in the world is the India Railways with just under 2 million people on the payroll.!! Can you just imagine doing those payrolls?

The longest railway platform is 833m at Kharagpur in West Bengal.

The State Bank of India has the most branches of any bank with 12,400 across the country.

We welcome you to the land of many promises and most of all a country that on its own is
a life changing experience.

 

This Yoga Tour India is in the northern state called Rajasthan. This is a 16 day tour, and just mind boggling beautiful, it has everything in it.!!

A little about Rajasthan and your yoga tour India in a nutshell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rajasthan, the land of the kings, its India's most exotics and colorful. The saris, the palaces, the architecture, Rajasthan is coloured in with vibrant of colors and laced with wonderful smells. This diverse state is the home of the Rajputs, a group of warrior clans who controlled this part of India for 1000 years. When the Brits came on the scene, most Rajputs states signed articles of alliance with them. This allowed the Rajputs to continue as independent states, each with its own maharaja, subject to certain political and economic constraints, after all the brits were not there for humanitarian reason but the establish their own empire controlling and gaining interest in the economy.. well, these alliances proved to be the beginning of the end for the Rajputs'. Not long afterwards, by the early 1900, many of the maharajas spend much of their time traveling the world with an army of concubines, playing polo, racing horses gambling and occupying whole floors of the most expensive hotels in Europe and America! This put their own development a bit backwards, the brits of course not minding this at all, but by the time the English were gone this state was the least developed in literacy and had the lowest life expectancy!! So much for the Brits.

India

"The Mystical Magic Yoga Tour"

Tuesday 15th April - Friday 2nd May 2008
18 days and 17 nights

US$ 3,500

“Small groups, great guides, superb holidays”
(Included Meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

For bookings Yoga Tours India please click here

For Special India Pushkar Fair Yoga Tour on 13th - 25th of November please click here

 

Day 1 - 15th Apr (Tue) : Arrival / Delhi

Most flights from Europe and the USA arrive late. . we will check in an have a light meal to meet everybody and go over the itinerary for the next 2.5 weeks. (D)

Welcome to Yoga Tours India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve your yoga holidays!

Accommodation: The Connaught Hotel

Day 2 - 16th Apr (Wed) : Delhi

Today is our first yoga session. During your tour you will meet other guest yoga and meditation instructors too, enabling to deepen your practice from the masters of Yoga Tours India. Following a leisurely breakfast, yoga tours India proceeds on a guided tour through New Delhi, visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar.

We continue with our tour through viewing historic buildings from the era (1921-1930) to the heart of Delhi to the main shopping district of the capital.

After lunch we will cross the city into the walled gates of the Old city and visit the Jamma Mosque. We will drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. A stop at the Red Fort (1639-1648) is a must to see which was built by Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The highlight of this yoga tour will be a ride on bicycle rickshaws. These are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat in the back. This is a remarkable way to explore the picturesque hustle and bustle of the narrow winding streets at yoga tours India bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. This ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: New and Old Delhi tour, temples visits, rickshaw ride
Accommodation: The Connaught Hotel

Day 3 - 17th Apr (Thu): Delhi > Udaipur

We will enjoy our early morning yoga session just after dawn since we have to catch a flight after breakfast to Udaipur. Udaipur is a royal capital of a divine dynasty, also called the “City of sunrise “.

Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar, - the decedents of the Sun God.

A city where the sun truly never sets, where tradition and a strict code of heroism are happily united with a love for fine living tasting romance at its best!

Yoga Tours India will check in a palace that is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and within walking distance to the city centre. We will enjoy a massage here. It is a superb modern boutique ‘hotel’ with a rooftop swimming pool and restaurant. Rooms are individually styled using carefully selected furniture and soft furnishings. Here you will find the best of both worlds; modern facilities blending with old-world charm.

After lunch, we will explore this beautiful city. We will visit the local bazaar that has wares on offer that can convert the most unwilling shopper into an avid buyer.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake endow with interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes place here. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Bazar visit, boat cruise, massage with yoga tours India
Accommodation: Hotel Udai Kothi

Day 4 - 18th Apr (Fri): Udaipur

Our yoga session will be on the roof of the hotel enjoying stunning views. After a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell.

This afternoon we will explore the bustling lanes of Udaipur which have artisans practicing their traditional crafts handed down to them by their elders. Here we will do a little hands on art, a choice of using your own wooden block print or play with some jewelry to even pottery or weave your own …shawl – a carpet would take some time, but plenty to chose from to buy!. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: art work shop, craft tour
Accommodation: Hotel Udai Kothi

Day 5 - 19th Apr (Sat) : Udaipur > Ranakpur > Narlai

Our last yoga session in this most romantic city, followed by breakfast we will drive to Narlai en route we visit Ranakpur.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. From here we continue to drive to Narlai

Upon arrival we will check into the Rawla Narlai.
Situated in the Narlai village, Rawla Narlai, is a 17th century fortress renovated over the years to have 15 exquisite double rooms. Rawla Narlai is full of surprises; it is situated in the heart of a typical Rajasthani village bustling with activity and bursting with colours. But, inside the Rawla (fortress) there is only serenity and stupendous view of a gigantic350 ft single rock of granite dotted with caves and temples and crowned by a statue of a white elephant - proud guardian to the open desert on one side and the crumbling Aravali hills on the other. Maharaja and Rani Swaroop Singh, and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this hunting lodge, with aesthetics, comfort, and atmosphere that will embrace your senses. A massage awaits you while the chef prepares you a delicious meal, garnished with care made from Secret Recipes handed down for generations to the Royal family.

Later, we will have an escorted stroll through the small town, bustling with activity and bursting with color- rich handicrafts is here to find. Here you have the opportunity to design your own silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm.

In the evening bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening to hypnotic and chanting rhythms by local musicians who will rekindle the sprit in you.(B,L,D)

Activity of the day: temple visit, massage, cultural entertainment, lucky charm designing
Accommodation: Rawla Narlai Ranakpur

 

Day 6 - 20th Apr (Sun) : Narlai > Jodhpur

Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual energy descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the early morning chanting coming from the many temples and mosques. We will here enjoy our yoga session including the chanting. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills, as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman.

After our breakfast we will drive to Jodhpur also called ‘The City Of Blue’. In the old days only the Brahmins (priests) homes were painted blue to easily recognize them. Over the years the whole village turned into different shades of blue.

Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel the Ratan Vilas. Built in 1920, by Maharaj Ratan Singhji of Raoti, who was a keen horse lover and one of the greatest polo players of his time. The Ratan Vilas with its imposing but delicately carved exterior and simple yet comfortable interiors, is a genuine heritage to its history in today’s settings.

After lunch we will ride in horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India’s largest and most colorful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables an much more beyond your imagination! (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Road tour & stops, horse carriage sightseeing tour
Accommodation: Ratan Vilas

Day 7 - 21st Apr (Mon) : Jodhpur

We will enjoy an early morning yoga session followed by a lavish breakfast. From here we proceed on a guided village tour of Jodhpur. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur horse riding pants. We will meet up in the afternoon for a hands on art and craft session playing with natural dyes and fabrics. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Guided tour, art and craft workshop with yoga tours India
Accommodation: Ratan Vilas

Day 8 - 22nd Apr (Tue) : Jodhpur > Jaisalmer (280 Kms)

After breakfast and our yoga session, we will drive to Jaisalmer. We will have a few interesting stops on the way experiencing all that is living in its full glory….an eye opener on its own, teaching us to become rather non-judgmental.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This Palace stands overlooking the town having a magnificent view of the Jaisalmer Fort and the Thar dessert. It is a testimony of a by-gone royal era and today represents a hall mark of hospitality.

After this long ride a welcoming massage awaits you.

The rest of the day is at leisure. We will meet for dinner where there will be a lively entertainment awaiting us of traditional music and dance. (B,L,D)

Photo by: Peter Adams www.allposters.com

Activity of the day: Massage, cultural entertainment yoga tours india
Accommodation: The Narain Niwas Palace

Day 9 - 23rd Apr (Wed) : Jaisalmer > Sam

We will enjoy an early morning yoga session and will try to do this on the roof to enjoy the mind boggling views. After breakfast we visit the residential portions of the fort where one third of the population of the old city lives. The design of houses remains, as they were a couple of century’s back and so are the lifestyles of people occupying them.

This is the city believed to be the home of the most handsome men and women in Rajasthan.
We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back. We will overnight at Sam. Special tents are provided for us where local Rajasthanis prepare mouth-watering Rajasthani food. The stillness of the night, the clear dessert sky, the campfire, local Rajasthani music and the general atmosphere, make the place a very romantic experience.(B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Fort visit, camel ride at yoga tours India
Accommodation: Luxury tents

Day 10 - 24th Apr (Thu) : Sam > Bikaner

We will have our yoga session with sunrise…in the Thar dessert followed by breakfast.
From here we will continue our yoga travel to Bikaner.

We will have stops on the way for some surprise interaction with the locals. Yoga tours India will check in to Gajner Palace, a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas. The palace is situated on the embankment of a lake and has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. We will relax here and enjoy dinner together with some more cultural entertainment. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Cultural entertainment, surprise road stops
Accommodation: The Gajner Palace

Day 11 - 25th Apr (Fri) : Bikaner > Mandawa

We will enjoy our yoga session and breakfast prior to visiting the fort. We will check out of the palace and go to our next destination stopping over at the only camel breeding farm of its kind in whole Asia to enjoy a warm cup of camel milk…..we follow the road through the heart of the Thar Desert to Mandawa. Mandawa used to be a medieval Indian trade city.

Upon arrival, we will check into Castle Mandawa which is a curious mixture of the old and the new. Medieval turreted towers, palanquin-roofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock... a huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the fort every hour.

Also here a massage awaits us after this long drive and will enjoy dinner together with a citar performance. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Camel farm, fort visit, massage, cultural entertainment
Accommodation: Mandawa Castle

 

Day 12 - 26th Apr (Sat) : Mandawa > Jaipur

Enjoying our yoga session in one of the stunning rooms from the Mandawa Castle, we will enjoy breakfast prior to checking out making our way to Jaipur, also knows as the Pink City and the capital of Ayurvedic science.

Upon our arrival, we will check in the Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels full of amazing preserved Havelisat. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The rest of the day we concentrate on all and everything that has to do with Ayurvedic science, massages, treatments and not to forget your personal astrology chart explained to you in details. Unending shopping options Jaipur offers and our guides are at all times stand-by. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Ayurvedic day, massages, treatments, guided shopping
Accommodation: The Alsisar Haveli

Day 13 - 27th Apr (Sun) : Jaipur

This morning we will have a guest yoga instructor from Jaipur to lead us this morning in our yoga session. After our yoga session and breakfast we will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate of the Fort where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our yoga tour guides will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.

We shall also visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city.

Later, we proceed on a yoga tour of the City Palace & Observatory, the latter an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date. (B,L,D)

 

Activity of the day: Elephant ride, fort visit, palace visit, observatory visit with yoga tours India.
Accommodation: The Alsisar Haveli

Day 14 - 28th Apr (Mon): Jaipur > Ranthambore

Also this morning we will have our guest yoga instructor enticing us with some new techniques to deepen our yoga session with yoga tours India. Following breakfast we drive to Ranthambore National Park. After check in and a cup of tea, we go for a sunset safari. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Safari yoga tours India
Accommodation: The Pugmark Wildlife Resort

Day 15 - 29th Apr (Tue) : Ranthambhore

Early morning yoga session in the wildlife resort is something!!! After breakfast the whole day is being spend with Jungle excursions in open top vehicles. Ranthambhore is known to have India's friendliest tigers assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. (B,L,D)

Activity of the day: Jungle excursions
Accommodation: The Pugmark Wildlife Resort

Day 16 - 30th (Wed) : Ranthambhore > Agra

An early morning yoga session followed by breakfast are prior to our last excursion through the park. From here we drive to Agra stopping at deserted Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.

From here we continue our ride to Agra. (B,L,D)
Rest of the day is at leisure, car and driver at disposal to visit local markets

Activity of the day: Jungle excursion, market visits with yoga tours India
Our accommodation: The Howard Park Plaza

Day 17 - 1st May (Thu) : Agra > Delhi
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. At dawn we will visit the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising sun on this brilliant white marble building. We will have our last yoga session here.

After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.

Later we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest freeways.

This is our last day of the yoga tours India and will finish this day with a dinner with our Indian tour leader, Tapas, and his family at his home! You could also participate in the actual cooking of the meal.

Activity of the day: Taj Mahal visit, dinner at home of Indian family…a fun cooking class with yoga tours India
Accommodation: The Connaught

Day 18 - 2nd May (Friday) : Delhi / Departure

This is our last morning and many flights leave early morning. We will have a yoga meditation session to empty our minds of all that we have experienced coming to a tranquil space. Followed after breakfast, its time to say goodbye to new made friends and yoga tours India.

You will be transferred to the International airport to connect to your onward flight back home.

Cost: $3,500

Included at Yoga Tours India:

-18 days, 17 nights accommodation
-18 dinners, 17 lunches, 17 breakfast
-All transport
-All yoga sessions
-Dinner with an Indian Family
-All journeys as per itinerary in a Deluxe Air – Conditioned Coach
-All excursions and work shops
-Local guides, all applicable taxes
-Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
-Accompanying escort throughout the tour
-Boat ride in Udaipur
-Inner India airfare for Delhi / Udaipur sector
-Rickshaw ride in Delhi
-Camel ride in Sam
-Entrances Fee to monuments
-Jungle Excursions at Ranthambhore in Open Top Vehicles.

Cost Does Not Include:

- Camera & Video Fee to monuments
- tips & gratuities
- cancellation & travel insurance (we strongly recommend insurance)

For bookings on Yoga Tours India please click here

Back to top