Rishikesh, India
A Journey into the Heart of Yoga and the Wild 2/18/28 - 3/1/28
with optional Taj Mahal Extension 2/17-2/18 2028
Join me with my dear friends Dinesh and Bristol in 2028 for 13 days and 12 nights exploring yogic culture, Himalayan scenery, and new friendships. We start in Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges, the birthplace of yoga. Temple bells and the Himalayan breeze invite calm and openness. Each day includes strong, devotional asana, study of timeless philosophy, mantra, meditation, and time to reflect on what matters. At dusk we join the Ganga Aarti, a moving riverside ceremony of light and intention.
Then we travel to Jim Corbett National Park, a protected wilderness. Here practice blends with nature: morning yoga, healthy meals, and safaris where elephants, deer, and the rare Bengal tiger show our connection to all life. Evenings are for rest, stories, philosophy, and quiet under the stars before returning home.
This retreat is an invitation to:
Reconnect with the lineage and sacred context of yoga
Balance powerful physical practice with the softness of devotion
Experience the Himalayas and the Indian jungle in one transformative journey
Remember the ancient truth that yoga is both strength and surrender
Travel with a community of seekers who value culture, depth, and respect
Dates:
Optional Taj Mahal Extension: 2/17- 2/18 2028
2/18-3/1, 2028 - 13 days/12 nights
Retreat includes:
Multiple zoom meetings to help you prepare for our trip and packing assistance.
Most meals (free days excluded), lodging, local transportation, excursions, trekking and yoga.
Pricing:
$3900 Double Occupancy (two beds per room)| $5900 Single Occupancy
$500 Deposit due by January 1, 2027
Flexible payment plans available.
Itinerary:
2/17 Taj Mahal overnight in Delhi
2/18- Transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh Retreat Center
2/19- Rishikesh Tour
2/20- Haridwar and Triveni Ghat
2/21- Kunjapuri Temple
2/22 Vashista Gufa + Devaprayag
2/23- Parmarth Niketan
2/24 Transfer to Jim Corbett National Park
2/25-2/29 Residential style Yoga retreat and Tiger Safari.
Bristol Maryott
Bristol Maryott is thrilled to be the owner of Jala Studio: Yoga & Art in Providence, RI. Bristol is an Advanced-Certified Jivamukti, KPJAY Level 1 Authorized and prenatal yoga instructor with over seventeen years of experience teaching yoga. Bristol’s practice and teaching is informed by the light and grace of her dear teachers. She is grateful for the tutelage of Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life, as well as senior Jivamukti teachers Lady Ruth & Yogeswari. Bristol also travels to India regularly where she loves to practice with Saraswathi Jois in Mysore. She also has completed an Ashtanga second series intensive with Manju Jois.
Dinesh Dhanai
Every time we visit India, people remark that a highlight of their trip is getting to know the incredible Dinesh Ji. My dear friend Dinesh is one of the reasons I always feel called to go back to Dev Bhoomi. He helped me to fall in love with this place and I know that he will help you to fall in love with it too. Dinesh is the leader at HimalyKanthi Retreats and the runs the Trekking and Adventure for the famous Ananda in the Himalayas Retreat center frequented by high profile guests such as Oprah and Gerard Butler. Dinesh and his team are quite truly the very best guides that you can have in Uttarakhand.
Planning your pilrimage to Dev Bhoomi:
When considering a journey to the Dev Bhoomi, the high himalayas and the sacred Ganges, it’s essential to plan ahead. This journey can include trekking to the very source of the river, located high in the Himalayas at a stunning glacier. This trek demands physical preparation and training; the altitude and terrain can challenge even experienced hikers. If you choose this path, prepare your body with conditioning exercises, endurance training, and attend yoga to build strength and flexibility.
On this trek, you will be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with each step deepening your connection to this sacred land. The experience of reaching the glacier—the birthplace of the Ganges—is profoundly spiritual. It offers a unique opportunity for reflection, meditative practice, and a chance to honor the river's significance in cultural and spiritual contexts.
Alternatively, for those who prefer a more leisurely experience, resting at our comfortable hotel provides a different way to connect with the area. From this base, you can partake in local rituals, visit nearby temples, and engage in mindful practices at a more relaxed pace. This option allows you to absorb the essence of the Ganges without the physical demands of trekking while still nurturing your spirit.
Whether you choose to embark on the trek or rest in the hotel, planning ahead is vital for an enriching experience. Each option offers a unique way to engage with the spiritual landscape of the Ganges and can lead to profound personal growth.
Want to come? Click the link below to make your deposit.
Taj Extension
The optional Taj Mahal high-speed train extension from Delhi offers an efficient and comfortable travel experience, allowing visitors to reach one of the world's most iconic monuments with ease. Accompanied by Sumit from Taj Wonder Tours, guests will benefit from his extensive knowledge and passion for the region's rich history and culture. The journey, characterized by smooth rides and picturesque landscapes, enhances the overall experience, as travelers can relax and soak in the anticipation of seeing the magnificent Taj Mahal. This extension not only saves time but also adds a layer of convenience and enjoyment to the exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The extension includes your hotel stay in Delhi on the evening of 9/30 and 10/1. You will be picked up at your hotel at 6AM on 10/1 to take the high speed train to Agra. You will return to your hotel the same evening around 7pm. The rest of the retreat begins the next day 10/2 at 10AM where we will head back to the airport for our 25 minute flight to Dehradun- Uttarakhand.
Pricing- $575 Double occupancy | $775 Single occupancy
