Yoga and Wellness - India
The Spirit of India
A Yoga & Spirituality Tour of North India
March 2 – 15, 2009
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Tour Description
Join Michele Labelle and Karampal Singh on a journey of Yoga and Spirituality – The Spirit of India!
India’s charm lies in its colourful play of contrasts. Awaken the senses and feel the warmth of this exotic land and its people. From vibrant and bustling cities to the peace and serenity of the desert, feel your spirit come alive.
The Spirit of India journey is a wonderful way of exploring
India’s magic in a group setting with like minded travellers ready to explore
new adventures.
Jasmine incense burns as you walk by little shrines and Ganesh, the half
elephant - half human god, and remover of all obstacles, is available to you as
you pray.
Imagine yourself just after sunrise, revitalized by your first yoga class in the great Thar dessert at Manvar camp. Surrounded by warm sand dunes and a peaceful blue sky, peacocks walk majestically around the circle where we have shared our yoga class. Having moved from one posture to the next, the rhythm of life in your body is awakened to something bigger than one could have ever imagined. All is well in the great Thar dessert. After the famous buffet style breakfast we jump into jeeps for our safari tour in the desert to explore village life. The wonderful laughter of children resounds as we observe impalas and wild camels eating in the tall trees. We return to base camp to set out for our next destination - the blue city of Jodhpur.
Our walking tour takes us to the majestic Meherangarh Fort which was built on a
solid rock foundation. A narrow road winds its way up to the main gates.
A father plays his traditional violin-like instrument while his son, wrapped in
a coined costume, dances for us. We are all mesmerized by the music, the well
adorned dancing child, and the town below, speckled with blue colour. It is all
so magical.
The next day’s adventure will take us to Jaipur. The markets are filled with
colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. A man is getting a shave at a shop which
is simply a mirror nailed to the side of a tree. The children are coming home
from school and 5 to 7 of them are all stuffed into a tuk tuk. A family of
four sits on one bicycle and the sacred holy cow takes precedence anywhere along
the road. Everywhere you look there is always honking traffic and people
everywhere.
In Jaipur we are greeted at the Shahpura House Hotel with various flower garlands, some made of fragrant roses. A cold drink to quench our thirst beckons us in a waiting area along with a reception fit for a queen or king. We are guided to our vibrant rooms, adorned with matching palates of mutli-colored bedding decorated with sequins fit for royalty. We enjoy a nice snack by the pool and that evening we engage in a yoga class on the royal carpets in the courtyard. Who could ask for more?
Our journey includes Hatha Yoga practices and group meditations
which have been designed to open the seven major energy centers or chakras. Also
learn about the Indian philosophies of Pantajali’s 8 limbs of Yoga. Each Yoga
session will have a specific focus to allow your spirit to open to India’s
magical diversity.
Journey with us on this trip of a lifetime. Come explore and immerse yourself in
the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be touched, moved and
inspired.
About Your Tour Guide
Michele's love of
travel has led her to extend her passion for teaching Yoga in sacred places
around the world. Her commitment is to teach and empower people to be the best
they can be, mentally, physically and spiritually. It is with pleasure that she
creates an environment of integrity, fun and ease in all that she does.
Michele is a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher; she has studied with Sandra San
Martino in White Rock, BC. and Peri Ness in Encinitas, California. Her
commitment to the breath and stillness is ongoing. Learning and teaching is a
way of life for her.
She has transformed her experience from working as a Respiratory Therapist for
16 years and is now working on medical studies researching the effects of Yoga
on specific medical conditions. Many years of practical experience have given
Michele a unique view of the breath. Besides teaching Yoga, she facilitates
workshops, retreats, and seminars and also volunteers for at risk youth in
various institutions in the Vancouver area.
In her CD the “Breath of Life”, she leads us to a place of inner calmness and
healing with a focus on the breath; through a peaceful and rejuvenating
visualization. See her web site:
http://www.azuryoga.net
You are invited on a trip of a lifetime exploring and learning Indian
philosophies that will leave you touched loved and inspired for the rest of your
life.
Mr. Karampal Singh
Our Tour Escort in India for the entire trip is Karampal Singh. Karampal began his own spiritual path at age 9 and is still learning every day because, as he says "ancient learning and wisdom is an ocean." Holding a Masters in art history, Karampal has been assisting seekers of wisdom for 30 years and has been a licensed tour guide with the India Tourism Department since 1984. We're privileged to have him share his unique experience and perspective on the ancient wisdom of India.
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Tour Summary
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Day 2 Delhi - Jodhpur - Manvar
Day 3 Manvar
Day 4 Manvar
Day 5 Manvar - Jodphur - Jaipur
Day 6 Jaipur
Day 7 Jaipur
Day 8 Jaipur - Agra - Overnight train
Day 9 Arrive Varanasi
Day 10 Varanasi
Day 11 Varanasi
Day 12 Varanasi - Khajuraho
Day 13 Khajuraho
Day 14 Khajuraho – Delhi. Depart Delhi
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Mon, Mar 2: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in bustling Delhi. Meet and greet on arrival at the airport and transfer
to the hotel for check in.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2 Tue, Mar 3: Delhi – Jodhpur – Manvar Camp (B, D)
After breakfast at hotel we drive to visit the amazingly beautiful Bahai
Temple – The Lotus of Bahapur – A Magnet for the Heart. (http://www.bahaindia.org)
In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline
has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing
their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of
worship. This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus
Temple". With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors
surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual
atmosphere.
Since its dedication to public worship in December 1986, this Mother Temple of
the Indian sub-continent has seen millions of people cross its threshold, making
it one of the most visited edifices in India. From its high-perched pedestal,
this 'Lotus' casts its benevolent glance over vast green lawns and avenues
covering an expanse of 26 acres of land. Its soothingly quiet Prayer Hall and
tranquil surroundings have touched the hearts of the Temple's numerous visitors,
awakening in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit
of its peace for themselves.
In the afternoon we return to the airport for a short flight to Jodhpur, from
where we will be driven to Manvar Desert Camp. Check in to the camp, with
accommodations in deluxe tents surrounded by sand dunes in the Great Thar
Desert. It lies between the cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. It is
an unprecedented tourist destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy
Rajasthan’s desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. The evening is livened up
by dinner, campfire, mashaals, local musicians and dancers.
Overnight at Manvar Camp
Day 3 Wed, Mar 4: Manvar Camp, Jeep Safari, Tribal Villages (B, L, D)
Early morning Yoga in the desert followed by breakfast at camp. Enjoy the
rest of the day at your leisure. This evening we will revel in a thrilling
Jeep Safari to visit tribal villages, see the desert wildlife, watch local
crafts people at work, and enjoy the beautiful sand dunes. After dinner we will
enjoy an evening discussion with Karampal.
Overnight at Manvar Camp
Day 4 Thu, Mar 5: Manvar Resort (B, L, D)
Early morning Yoga in the desert followed by breakfast at camp. After
breakfast we take a short drive to the Manvar Resort. Take a dip in the pool,
enjoy the surroundings, and relish the stunning peaceful atmosphere. Lunch and
dinner at the resort. After dinner we will enjoy an evening discussion with
Karampal.
Overnight at Manvar Resort
Day 4 Thu, Mar 5: Manvar Resort; Jodhpur (B, L)
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. After breakfast we take a short drive to the
Manvar Resort. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy the surroundings, and relish the
stunning peaceful atmosphere. After lunch at the resort we drive to Jodhpur for
the evening. Tonight we enjoy an evening Yoga class at the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur
Day 5 Fri, Mar 6: Jodhpur – Jaipur (B)
An early start today as we head to the train station and make our way to Jaipur.
Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel for check-in. A Traditional Welcome with
flower garlands awaits us at the Shahpura house.
The evening is yours to settle in and enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 6 Sat, Mar 7: Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Elephant Ride, Amber Fort (B, D)
Early morning Yoga followed by breakfast. We then head out to enjoy a
brief photographic stop at Hawal Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Later we
make our way to the beautiful Amber Fort and enjoy a delightful
Elephant Ride! Amber Fort is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The
rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside,
but once inside, the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the
walls depict hunting and war scenes as well as festivals, and precious stones
and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. A major attraction at Amber is the
Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. This adventure is bound to
enrich your memories of the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with
a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort, visit the Jag Mandir or the
Hall of Victory. Dinner this evening at the Shahpura House Rooftop Restaurant.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 7 Sun, Mar 8: Jaipur, Maharaja City Palace, Jantar Mantar (B)
Enjoy an early morning Yoga class to get us ready for the day. After
breakfast at the hotel, we tour the “Pink City” of Jaipur. We visit
Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence. Part of the Palace has
been converted into a museum, while a small portion is still used by the Royal
Family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers
almost one-seventh of the area of the city. The main entrance leads to the
courtyard at the centre which is the Murbarak Mahal. One of the major
attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum. On the
first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum, with the finest example of
fabrics and costumes from all over India. Later visit the Jantar Mantar,
the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world built by
Jai Singh from 1728 to 1734. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the
Observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
The afternoon is free for independent activities.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 8 Mon, Mar 9: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Overnight Train (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Agra while stopping enroute to visit
the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 km from Agra, the
city was built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar in honour of the great Sain Sheikh
Chisti, who blessed Akbar and prophesied the birth of three sons to the heirless
Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully
occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and fell to ruin after Akbar
left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of
this beautiful city. Here we will visit the remarkably well-preserved and
graceful building with the “Ghost City”, including the Jama Masjid, tomb of
Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak to the grandeur
and splendour of the Mughal Empire in the height of its power.
In the afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra, a city on the banks
of the Yamua River. At one time Agra served as the capital city for the great
Mughal Empire, and is now the repository of some of their finest architectural
creations. The Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573,
reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and
design. Construction for this fort palace was initiated by Akbar as a purely
defensive citadel. It was subsequently completed by two successive generations
that added the delicate mosaic and magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the
history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal.
After visiting the fort we make our way to the stunning Taj Mahal. Built
by Sha Jahan in 1630 for his Queen, Mumatz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains,
it is described as “a tear on the face of eternity” by the poet laureate Tagore
and is an enduring monument to love. This architectural marvel is a perfectly
proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to
the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and
Italy. The construction of this “Love Poem in Marble” took 17 years to complete.
Later transfer to the railway station to connect for our overnight train (Magadh
Express) to Varanasi, departing at 11:30 PM.
Overnight Train
Day 9 Tue, Mar 10: Varanasi, Aarti Ceremony (B)
Arrive in Varanasi at 7:40 AM and transfer to hotel for check-in. The rest of
the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. In the evening we witness the
intriguing Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating oil
lamps on the river Ganges. Enjoy the mystical scene of Ghats and temples lit
with oil-lamp lights or candles, and observe the people performing their
prayers.
Overnight in Varanasi
Day 10 Wed, Mar 11: Varanasi, Boat Ride on River Ganges (B)
Awake in the early morning and revel in a relaxing boat ride on the holy
River Ganges. Later we will enjoy Yoga in the Ghats overlooking the
sacred river. We then visit the Old City of Varanasi before visiting
Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple. On our way back we drive past the
Banaras Hindu University before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Enjoy
the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Varanasi
Day 11 Thu, Mar 12: Varanasi, Sarnath (B)
After breakfast at the hotel we visit Sarnath, where Lord Bhudda preached
his first sermon “Maha-Dharma-Chakra-Pravartan” (in Buddhist terminology,
“turned the wheel of law”), after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the
richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in dates from the time of Ashoka to the
12th century AD. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a
pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adored Lions, which today
forms the national emblem of India. Among other structures at Sarnath are the
ruins of the brick temple, representing the Mulagandha kuti, ruins of stupas,
and monasteries. Sarnath has also yielded an extremely rich collection of
Buddhist sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images which
can be seen at the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath. Later in the afternoon or
early evening enjoy a relaxing Yoga class. We then enjoy a group dinner at the
Hindustan Hotel Restaurant. Evening discussion with Karampal.
Overnight in Varanasi
Day 12 Fri, Mar 13: Varanasi to Khajuraho (B)
Awake early this morning for an energizing Yoga Class to start the day
followed by breakfast. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to
Khajuraho. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for check in. Enjoy the rest of
the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Khajuraho
Day 13 Sat, Mar 14: Khajuraho (B, D)
Another early morning Yoga Class prior to breakfast and then a full day
visit to the Eastern and Western Group of Temples.
The Western Group houses the Kandariya Mahdeo Temple, the most
important temple of the grouping dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the
largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. We also visit the Chaunsat
Yogini Jain Temple dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of the
goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest.
The Easter Group includes the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple
dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the
Javarti Temple. There are also three Jain Temples which contain numerous
Vaishnav deities.
In the evening enjoy a Sound and Light Show in Khajuraho followed by your
Farewell Dinner. Gather with new-found friends to share stories and
relive the wonderful memories of all our extraordinary experiences.
Overnight in Khajuraho
Day 14 Sun, Mar 15 Khajuraho to Delhi - Depart Delhi (B)
After breakfast we will gather for our Closing Sharing Circle to share
our favourite experiences from our journey and to bid everyone farewell. We then
check out of the hotel by noon. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport for
our afternoon flight to Delhi and then on to our individual return flights home.
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Tour Inclusions and Price
Tour Includes:
12 nights accommodation in 4* Star Hotels and Manvar Desert Camp, plus 1 night
sleeper birth on overnight train Agra/Varanasi
Arrival and departure transfers
Buffet Breakfast Daily
3 Dinners in Jaipur, Varanasi and Khajuraho
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Manvar Camp and Lunch at Manvar Resort
All transfers, sightseeing tours, excursions as per itinerary
Private Transportation in air-conditioned coach
English speaking Tour Escort for entire trip
Entrance fees at all places of visits
Train fare - 2nd AC sleeper – Agra/Varanasi - Magadh Express
Domestic Airfare - Delhi/Jodhpur, Jodhpur/Jaipur, Varanasi/Khajuraho and
Khajuraho/Delhi
All Gratuities/Tips (for guides, drivers, housekeeping, porters, waitstaff, etc.
- $100 per person included)
Added Features:
Travel with Yoga Teacher Michele Labelle and local Spiritual Guide Karampal
Singh
Yoga and Meditation Classes with Michele Labelle
Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
Boat ride on Sacred River Ganges in Varanasi
Aarti Ceremony in Varanasi
Tour does not include:
International Airfare to Delhi
Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian)
Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in the itinerary
Cost to obtain valid passport and visa (Visa required for India)
Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any
item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary
Day Rooms in Delhi on last evening
Tour Price
Tour Price Per Person
(Land Only)
Single Supplement Gratuities
USD $3500.00
USD $707.00
Included in Tour Price
Note: Gratuities are to cover guides, drivers, waiters, baggage handling,
etc. Your Tour Escort will carry and disburse these funds so that you can relax
and enjoy your trip, knowing that everyone assisting you is being taken care of
properly.
Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private
room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not
traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy
to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions,
registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure
date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have
not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to
pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this
process.
Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver,
B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca