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The Spirit of India
A Yoga &
Spirituality Tour of North India
March 15-30,
2008
Past Tour
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Tour Leaders: Michele Labelle is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, researcher,
and has released the CD “Breath of Life”. Mr. Karampal Singh is a
professional tour guide and teacher of the ancient spiritual wisdom of India.
Read more about Michele and Karampal on our
About Your Tour Leaders page.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day
1 Sat, Mar 15: Depart your home city |
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Depart your home city on your international flight. |
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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) |
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Day 3 Mon, Mar 17: connection
city/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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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.
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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)
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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) |
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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) |
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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. |
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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. |
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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) |
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Day 15 Sat, Mar 29:
Ananda in the Himalayas (B) |
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Your day is at leisure to choose from the many activities and treatments
available at the spa. |
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Day 16 Sun,
Mar 30: Ananda in the Himalayas to Delhi (B) |
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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. |
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Day 17 Mon, Mar 31: Fly to your connection city. Connect to your home city |
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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. |
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(B =
Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Your Journey Includes: |
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- 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
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| Special
Added Features: |
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- 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
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| Tour
does not include: |
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- 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)
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Tour Price |
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
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USD $2615.00 -
Double Occupancy |
USD $1050.00 |
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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. |
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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