Yoga and Wellness - India
The Spirit of India
A Yoga & Spirituality Tour of North India
March 15-30,
2008
Past Tour
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Tour Description
Join
Michele Labelle and Karampal Singh on a journey of Yoga and
Spirituality – The Spirit of India! 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.
We will witness unforgettable ceremonies at the most-visited pilgrimage
destination in India, the River Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh. And no
visit to India would be complete without witnessing the spectacular Taj Mahal
and exotic Rajasthan, the land of the Kings.
Our Tour Escort in India for the entire trip is Mr. 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.
You are invited to join Michele & Karampal on a trip of a lifetime. Come explore
and immerse yourself in the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be
touched, moved and inspired.
The Hatha Yoga you will practice has 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 day, will have a specific focus to allow your
spirit to open to India’s magical diversity.
About Your Tour Guide
Michele Labelle
Michele's love for travel has taken her to all Four Corners of the globe. 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 newly released 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, moved 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 Depart your home city
Day 2 Overnight in your connection city (if necessary)
Day 3 Arrive Delhi
Day 4 Delhi/Jodhpur, Desert Camp
Day 5 Jodhpur
Day 6 Jodhpur/Jaipur
Day 7 Jaipur
Day 8 Jaipur/Agra
Day 9 Agra/Delhi
Day 10 Delhi/Haridwar
Day 11 Haridwar
Day 12 Haridwar/Rishikesh, Ashram stay
Day 13 Rishikesh, Ashram stay
Day 14 Rishikesh/Ananda in the Himalayas
Day 15 Ananda in the Himalayas
Day 16 Ananda/Delhi. Depart Delhi
Day 17 Arrive back in your home city
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Sat, Mar 15: Depart your home city
Depart your home city on your international flight.
Day 2 Sun, Mar 16: Arrive in your connection city
Arrive in your connection city. Some airlines will require a forced overnight in
the connection city. This may or may not be the case with the airline you choose
(i.e. with Singapore Airlines an overnight in Singapore is required). Some of
you will be able to fly to Delhi directly from your home city! You will want to
arrive in Delhi on March 17th. Please advise us of your flight arrival details
as soon as you have them.
Overnight: Connection City (1 night – usually provided by airline)
Day 3 Mon, Mar 17: connection city/Delhi
Fly from your connection city to Delhi.
After arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport and proceeding through
customs and baggage claim, you will be greeted by our representative carrying a
sign “Spirit of India Group” in the arrivals hall. You will be transferred to
The Vikram Hotel in Delhi. On the way, catch your first close-up look of the
capital city by night, epitomizing India's extraordinary mix of historic
grandeur and contemporary design.
Overnight: Vikram Hotel, Delhi (1 night)
Day 4 Tue, Mar 18: Delhi/ Jodhpur; Manvar Desert Camp (B, D)
Morning Yoga and breakfast at hotel, then drive to visit the amazingly beautiful
Bahai Temple – The Lotus of Bahapur – A Magnet for the Heart. (http://www.bahaindia.org/temple/index.html).
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,
departing at 1:10 pm and arriving at 2:00 pm (IC471), from where we will be
driven to Manvar Desert Camp (www.manvar.com). Check in to the camp, with
accommodations in deluxe tents surrounded by sand dunes in the Great Thar
Desert. Manvar is located in the heart of the Great Indian 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. This evening we will enjoy a Jeep or camel
safari to visit tribal villages, see the desert wildlife, watch local crafts
people at work, and enjoy the beautiful sand dunes. The evening is livened up by
campfire, mashaals, local musicians and dancers. Welcome to India!
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp, Thar Desert, Rajasthan (1 night)
Day 5 Wed, Mar 19: Manvar Desert Camp to Jodhpur (B)
After an early morning yoga class with Michele and breakfast at Manvar Desert
Camp, enjoy the drive to Jodhpur and check in at the Ummed Hotel. Visit majestic
Mahrangarh Fort, with its spectacular palaces decorated with exquisite
engravings and mirrors. We will enter through the gates which bear the
handprints of the “Sati” – women of the royal harem, who took their own lives
when their men were defeated in battle. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the dramatic
white marble memorial.
Overnight: Ummed Hotel, Jodhpur (1 night)
Day 6 Thu, Mar 20: Jodhpur to Jaipur (B)
Arise for an early breakfast before transferring to the railway station for a
train trip to Jaipur, departing at 5:45 am and arriving at 10:43 am, where we
will check in at the Shahpura House Hotel. Jaipur is the capital of India's
state of Rajasthan. The city, with its harmonious pink walls, gates and stone
buildings, was built in 1727 and is surrounded by dramatic, barren hills and
ruined fortresses. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Jaipur.
Evening yoga class with Michele.
Overnight: Shahpura House Hotel, Jaipur (2 nights)
Day 7 Fri, Mar 21: Jaipur (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then we will visit the picturesque 16th century
Amber Fort with its fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. We will
approach the fort by jeep, or possibly by Elephant! In the afternoon we will
explore the sprawling City Palace, with its fabulous museum, ancient
observatory, colorful market and the Palace of the Winds, built for the ladies
of the royal harem.
Day 8 Sat, Mar 22: Jaipur to Agra (B)
Morning yoga class with Michele and breakfast at the hotel, we will drive from
Jaipur to Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, stopping on the way at the "ghost city"
of Fatehpur Sikri. Now deserted, it remains as perfect today as when it was
built by Emperor Akbar in 1571.
On arrival at Agra, we will check in to the Holiday Inn. In the afternoon, we
first visit Agra Fort, Akbar's palace, with its magical view of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Agra (1 night)
Day 9 Sun, Mar 23: Agra to Mathura (B)
We will rise early and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise - an enduring
monument to love – the Taj Mahal is described as “A tear on the face of
eternity” by the poet Laureate Tagore. Built by a grieving Shah Jahan in memory
of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is built of glistening marble and
fabulously decorated in a mosaic of semi precious stones – a stunning mausoleum.
Later, we will continue on to the temples of Mathura, revered as the birthplace
of Lord Krishna and, as such, one of the most sacred places for the Hindu faith.
Mathura served as one of the Kushan Empire's two capitals from the first to the
third centuries and was home to a famous school of sculpture for 1,200 years.
Today, the Mathura Museum still owns the largest collection of redstone
sculptures in Asia, depicting many famous Buddha figurines. In stark contrast,
though, Mathura's skyline is now dominated by the towering steel sculpture of a
high-tech Indian Oil refinery, one of the largest in Asia.
Meditation at the temple
Overnight: Best Western Radha Ashok, Mathura (1 night)
Day 10, Mon, Mar 24: Mathura/Delhi/Haridwar (B)
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the Delhi railway
station and take the train to Haridwar, departing at 3:25 pm and arriving at
7:25 pm. Upon arrival in Haridwar we will check in to the Hotel Haveli Hari
Ganga. A major Shakti Peetha (place of strength), Haridwar is known as "The
Gateway to the Gods." Considered by some to be the second most holy pilgrimage
site (after Varanasi), Hindus the world over flock here for a holy dip in order
to attain salvation from their sins of birth.
Overnight: Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar (2 nights)
Day 11 Tue, Mar 25: Haridwar (B)
After a buffet style breakfast at the hotel, we will make a pilgrimage to the
Goddess Mansa Devi Temple, riding a cable car to the holy hilltop shrine. We'll
also visit the Chandi Devi Temple, built in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat
Singh. Walk through the old streets where tiny stalls sell an assortment of
goods including shawls, brassware and bangles.
In the evening, attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti Ceremony, when offerings of
flowers and glowing lamps are made to the holy river Ganga (Ganges).
Evening yoga and meditation with Michele.
Day 12 Wed, Mar 26: Haridwar to Rishikesh (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Rishikesh. Visit Mother Miracle
School and check in at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram (www.parmarth.com). In the
evening, learn about daily life in the ashram. You will enjoy the yoga and
meditation classes held here each day.
Overnight: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh (2 nights)
Day 13 Thu, Mar 27: Rishikesh (B, L, D)
Early breakfast at the ashram, then we will enjoy the morning river rafting on
the Ganges. Lunch and Dinner are included at the Ashram. Yoga and meditation
classes at the Ashram.
Day 14 Fri, Mar 28: Rishikesh to Ananda in the Himalayas (B)
After breakfast at the ashram, we drive to Narendra Nagar and check in at the
amazing Ananda in the Himalayas (www.anandaspa.com). Narendra Nagar is a place
of great historic and mythological significance, known since ancient times as a
seat of spirituality and meditation.
The next two days you will enjoy the amenities at Ananda in the Himalayas - such
as nature walks, yoga classes with breathtaking views of the Himalayan
foothills; meditation classes; Ayurvedic seminars and cooking classes; fitness
classes and golf instruction; and use of the sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi,
gymnasium and swimming pool. Optional Ayurvedic treatments can be booked.
Overnight: Ananda in the Himalayas (2 nights)
Day 15 Sat, Mar 29: Ananda in the Himalayas (B)
Your day is at leisure to choose from the many activities and treatments
available at the spa.
Day 16 Sun, Mar 30: Ananda in the Himalayas to Delhi (B)
After breakfast at the spa, we will be driven back to the International Airport
in New Delhi for the return flight home. Most international flights will depart
in the late evening. Please advise us of your flight departure details as soon
as you have them. Depart Delhi on your international flight.
Day 17 Mon, Mar 31: Fly to your connection city. Connect to your home city
Arrive in your connection city. Connect to your flight to your home city,
arriving the same day. Some of you will fly from Delhi directly to your home
city.
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Tour Inclusions and Price
Your Journey Includes:
Assistance on arrival/departure at the airports/railway stations by our office
representatives.
Accommodation sharing twin room on bed & breakfast basis at all hotels except at
Manvar Camp and Parmarth Ashram (Rishikesh) which is on full board.
Breakfast daily
Dinner at Manvar Camp
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per itinerary using air-conditioned
coach
Local English speaking Tour Escort for entire journey
Michele Labelle as your Yoga Teacher and Tour Hostess for entire journey
Entrance fees at places of visits
Camel/Jeep Safari at Manvar Camp
Elephant/Jeep ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
Airfare Delhi/Jodhpur
Train fare Jodhpur/Jaipur & Delhi/Haridwar.
River rafting on River Ganges at Rishikesh
4.9% India Service Tax
Added Features:
Travel with Yoga Teacher Michele Labelle and a group of like-minded spiritual
seekers
Enjoy five yoga classes and meditations with Michele Labelle
Experience two yoga classes at the Ashram
Travel with Professional Tour Guide and Spiritual Teacher, Mr. Karampal Singh
Visit the amazing Bahai Lotus Temple in Delhi
Experience the Great Indian Thar Desert at a beautiful desert camp
Visit the famous Taj Mahal
Participate in Aarti Ceremonies and Puja’s
Experience an Ashram stay in Rishikesh
Rafting on the River Ganges
Two night stay at the luxurious spa, Ananda in the Himalayas
Not Included:
International Airfare to Delhi (please ask us for a quote)
Medical and cancellation insurance (please ask us for a quote)
Fees to obtain valid passport (required)
Fees to obtain Tourist Visa for India (required)
Lunches and Dinners (except for one lunch and two dinners, as noted in the
itinerary)
Any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, table drinks
etc.
Gratuities to drivers, guides, waiters, bellboys etc. (approx. USD $75 per
person)
Tour Price
Tour Price Per Person
(Land Only)
Single Supplement
USD $2615.00 - Double Occupancy
USD $1050.00
Note: Pre-paid gratuities 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