Yoga – A Way of Life

Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, Yoga means union of the individual consciousness or

soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a 5000-year-old Indian body of

knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn,

stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial

aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and

soul. The science of Yoga imbibes the complete essence of the Way of Life.

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in

ancient India. There is a broad variety of yoga schools, practices, and goals in Hinduism,

Buddhism, and Jainism. Among the most well-known types of yoga are Hatha yoga and Rāja

yoga.

Yoga as a lifestyle or the ‘yogic way’ has a huge following. It is amazing that a tradition

which is more than 5000 years old has today become a popular way of life. The power of

yoga lies in its simplicity, flexibility and diversity. Yoga is not a religion, yet can be practiced

in harmony with any religion. The yogic philosophy and its various techniques can be

followed by anyone and everyone in any setting. This broad scope of yoga has made it easy

for people from all walks of life, whether busy or active or even sedentary, to follow their own

selective techniques, suited to their lifestyle

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi our representative will meet you at the airport and assist you till your

check in process at the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Haridwar (by train) - Uttarkashi

Morning transfer to Railway station for Haridwar. Meet our representative on arrival at

Haridwar Railway station and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the evening,

visit temple of Lord Vishwanath at Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Uttarkashi

Morning Yoga session followed by Breakfast. Short Yoga discussion (optional). Lunch. In the evening, perform meditation & Yoga. Overnight stay at hotel. Day 04: Uttarkashi Morning Yoga session followed by Breakfast. Short Yoga discussion (optional). Lunch. In the evening, perform meditation & Yoga. Overnight stay at hotel. Day 05: Uttarkashi - Rishikesh (150 kms) Rishikesh In the morning after breakfast drive back to Rishikesh, on arrival check-in at Ashram. Overnight stay at Ashram. Day 06: Rishikesh Morning yoga session followed by breakfast. Later theory class. After lunch time for rest, then yoga meditation class. In the evening, see aarti being carried out on the banks of Ganga River. Overnight stay at Ashram. Day 07: Rishikesh Morning yoga session followed by breakfast. Later theory class. After lunch, time for rest, then yoga meditation class. Overnight stay at Ashram. Day 08: Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi (by train) Morning transfer to Haridwar Railway station for Delhi. Meet on arrival at Delhi Railway station and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel. Day 09: Delhi Departure. In the morning stay in the hotel and relax. In late evening, head for the Delhi airport for onward destination.

Tour ends

Important Notes:

During the stay at Ashram vegetarian meals will be provided as per yoga instructor

consultation. Daily yoga, nature walk is part of general package.

This is an indicative program and same may be changed during tour due to

operational ground conditions. Also suggested program can be alternated as per

guest’s request.

Program 02

Yoga & Meditation: Get set for a life changing experience and achieve spiritual peace

through yoga and meditation.

Yoga is a whole life process. Ultimately, there is only one Yoga with many aspects.

Meditation is so much at the core of traditional Yoga that meditation virtually is Yoga.

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to Delhi! Arrive in Delhi International be met & transferred to hotel. (O/n at Delhi)

Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to explore Delhi city which includes visit of Red Fort, Jama

Majid, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, Lotus

Temple. (O/n at Delhi)

Day 3: Delhi

Whether you’re coming into Delhi as tourist, business delegate to attend conference etc our

local- yoga Guru , give one of these locations a shot for your next outdoor yoga experience

and reconnect with yourself and nature in one of these beautiful places. Worldwide, there’s

been a movement to take Yoga outside of the studios and into the open parks. You stretch,

sweat and breathe in the great outdoor parks. There is something magical about taking part

in an outdoor yoga experience in the early morning, as the sun shines it’s first rays of the

day. . (O/n at Delhi)

Sites: Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park

Day 4: Jaipur

After breakfast at hotel, drive from Jaipur to Delhi (260 km, 5-6 hrs drive) . Arrival Jaipur &

check in into hotel. (O/n at Jaipur)

Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to visit Jaipur city which includes visit of Amber Fort with the

joyride of Elephant, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple & Local Market.

(O/n at Jaipur)

Day 6: Agra

After breakfast at hotel, drive from Jaipur to Agra (240 km, 4-5 hrs drive) & on the way visit

of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrival Agra & check into hotel. (O/n at Agra)

Day 7: New Delhi

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to explore Agra City which includes visit of Taj Mahal, Agra

Fort & later drive Delhi. Arrival Delhi & transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi.

Arrival Varanasi & check in into hotel. (O/n at Varanasi)

Day 8: Varanasi Sightseeing

Early morning proceeds for Boat Ride at River Ganga & after breakfast at hotel, proceed to

explore Sarnath Temple & Temples on Ghat. Later in the evening proceed to notice Aarti at

River Ganga. (O/n at Varanasi)

Day 9: Varanasi: Morning Yoga on a bank of the Ganga river

Experience the revitalizing power of yoga while practicing on the banks of the Ganga River,

during this experience in Varanasi. This early-morning class is made easy with hotel pickup

and transportation to the Shiv Temple on the Tulsi Ghat, perched on the edge of the river, for

a 90-minute class. (O/n at Varanasi)

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast at hotel, met & transferred to Varanasi Airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Arrival Delhi and proceed to International airport to connect onward flight.

Program 03

An expedition through metropolis, towns & villages!

India - the land that evokes flights of imagination and curiosity, a canvas of spectacle and colour. Ruled by a succession of native kingdoms, often overrun and inhabited by invading armies of Central Asian origin, followed by the Mughals and finally the British, transformation has been never ending. A profusion of races and cultures, and the magnitude of their legacies, are evident today.

ITINERARY…. DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI On your arrival at international airport in Delhi and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer to the hotel. Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. Stay overnight at Delhi (Meal Aloft). DAY 02 DELHI After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing of the walled city called Old Delhi and the cosmopolitan New Delhi.

Visit Old Delhi, it pulses with the energy and color, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian subcontinent. You will visit Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to enjoy rickshaw ride In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of New Delhi. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 m high tower dating back to 13th century and Humanyun's

Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal).

Stay overnight at Delhi (B).

DAY 03 DELHI- JAIPUR Afterwards drive to Jaipur (260 kms / 5-6 Hrs).

Jaipur: The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, also known as "Pink City" owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city sits on a dry lakebed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted

by fortresses and crenellated walls. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Besides cultural sightseeing Jaipur is also known for shopping and is famous for fabric, gems jewelry and handicrafts. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Stay overnight at Jaipur (B). DAY 04 JAIPUR

This morning you drive to the outskirts of Jaipur to walk through the grounds and structures of the Amber Fort. It was originally constructed by a tribe called the Meenas and dedicated to “Amba” or the “Mother Goddess.” Built over the remains of an earlier structure, the present palace complex was commenced in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh, commander of Akbar’s army and a member of the emperor’s inner circle of nine courtiers. The Amber Fort was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the

Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Maharaja (a great or high king) Jai Singh II. You have the choice of reaching the fort either on foot or atop an elephant! The short steep ascent provides views of Jaipur, Maotha Lake, and the original city walls. One of the fort’s most striking features is the Hall of Mirrors. When the palace was occupied by royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single candle reflected in thousands of tiny, intricate mirrors. Afterwards visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal and the City Palace Museum. Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Stay overnight at Jaipur (B). DAY 05 JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA After breakfast drive for Agra (240 kms / 5-6 hrs) en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri: The Red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Upon arrival in Agra, check into the hotel. Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid 16th

century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a fren zied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. Sunset visit to Taj Mahal. Stay overnight at Agra (B). DAY 06 AGRA - VARANASI Rise early for morning coffee and prepare for a truly spectacular sight, the legendary Taj Mahal at daybreak. It is often said that Taj Mahal changes its colours by every minute depending upon angle of sunrays and it is best seen either by sunset or sunrise. Sunrise however is best timing for taking pictures of this monument under mild sun light. Taj Mahal- Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul

raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. (Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays). After returning to your hotel for a full American breakfast, visit to Agra Fort. Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.The most unusual story about the Taj, is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Afterwards transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi via Khajuraho.

AI-406 (Air India) Agra/Varanasi via Khajurhao 1405/1610 hrs (Operates on Mon, Wed and Sat only) Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, as also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Varanasi is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Upon arrival at Varanasi, our representative will meet & transfer to hotel. Evening: Witness Aarti ceremony at the Dashaswamedh Ghat for glittering “aarti” ceremony

of the holy river Ganges. Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns. A group of young priests’ starts Aarti in a well organized manner by having a lighting lamp in their hand, start a rhythmic chant of mantras. Music starts by someone and priests involving in the Aarti stood up to begin the Gange Aarti. Devotees at present make clapping together with the chanting of the mantras. Priests blown the conch shells in between the Aarti very loudly and Aarti continues with the incense sticks. After completing the mantras, priests do aarti with the multi-tiered brass lamps having firing camphor or kapoor. Gange aarti ends up with the final aarti and after that the environment become very silent. Stay overnight at Varanasi (B). DAY 07 VARANASI In the early morning drive to Dashaswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you.

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel. After breakfast visit Mother India Temple, Baneras Hindu University and Durga temple. Later excursion to Sarnath, once of the most sacred places for Budhhist, where Lord Buddha

gave first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath has previously been known as Mrigadava, "deer park," and Isipatana, meaning the place where holy men (Pali: isi) fell to earth. The latter name is based in the legend that when the Buddha was born, devas came down to announce it to 500 holy men. The holy men all rose into the air and disappeared and their relics fell to the ground. The current name Sarnath, from Saranganath, means "Lord of the Deer" and relates to another old Buddhist story in which the Bodhisattva is a deer and offers his life to a king instead of the doe he is planning to kill. The king is so moved that he creates the park as a sanctuary for deer. After his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath seeking his five former companions. He found them, taught them what he had learned, and they also became enlightened. This event is referred to as "the turning of the wheel of the Dharma" and also marks the founding of the Sangha, or the community of monks. The places of interest at Sarnath are Dhamekha Stupa, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Ashokan Pillar and Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Stay overnight at Varanasi (B).

DAY 08 VARANASI – DELHI- DEHRADUN- HARIDWAR After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight Delhi and afterwards to Dehradun.. SG-2172 (Spice Jet) Varanasi/ Delhi 0920/1100 Hrs & SG 2327 (Spice Jet) Delhi/ Haridwar 1505/1605 Hrs Haridwar is a sacred territory where pilgrims come from across the world. It is among the most revered pilgrimage centers of India which occupies a prized position in hearts of Hindus. The meaning of Haridwar is 'Gateway to God'. It is set amidst calm and attractive surroundings at the foothills of the mesmerizing Himalayas. It is believed in the Hindu traditions that one must visit Haridwar at least once in a lifetime. It is a magnificent place where the holy river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plain of North India. The scenic beauty of Haridwar is equally mesmerizing. The views of the holy river Ganga and majestic mountains are the sights to behold. Haridwar is also the place for the world well-known for Kumbh Mela which is celebrated in every 12 years. Kumbh Mela is the major religious gathering in the world which is celebrated for forty days. Stay overnight at Haridwar (B & D). DAY 09 HARIDWAR Full day free at Haridwar to explore Ghats & Asharam. Evening visit Hari –Ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti- Hardwar is performed at Har-ki-Pauri, its is

one of the famous rituals in India. It starts in the after sunset, with great crowds gathered in the region of both the banks of a canal that carries the waters of Ganges. Stay overnight at Haridwar (B, L& D). DAY 10 HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH - HARIDWAR After breakfast excursion to Rishikesh & visit Ram Jhulla, Laxman Jhula and a visit to Sadhak Grama Ashram. Ramjhula is situated 3Km north of Rishikesh. It's a very popular place amongst people coming for religious purposes because it has very known Ashrams. Most known is Geeta Bhavan & Swarg Ashram and these temples are very important in Hindu society and you will see much more commotion here, and later in Lakshmanjhula.

Lakshman Jhula: 2 kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the well-known Lakshman Jhula a suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side, including the famed Lakshman Temple at Tapovan. One more noteworthy ashram is the 13 storeyed Kailashananda Ashram, with each storey being dedicated to a different deity. Later visit to Sadhak Grama Ashram. Grama means "village" and Sadhaka means "spiritual seeker" in the sanskrit language -thus we are "A village of spiritual seekers devoted to the teachings of Swami Rama of the Himalayas." Built like a beautiful Meditation hill village, our ashram was established by Swami Veda Bharati in 2002. Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) is also the Headquarters of the Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International (AHYMSIN), a worldwide non-profit society of like-minded persons with the aim and purpose to teach and make available the knowledge of Yoga meditation within the Tradition of the Himalayan Masters, as interpreted by Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Their activities include teaching the art and science of Yoga Meditation and carrying out Research and Publications in the field of Yoga Meditation and related branches of knowledge. We are registered in India as a non-profit society. Later drive back to Haridwar. Stay overnight at Haridwar (B, L& D). DAY 11 HARIDWAR – DEHRADUN-DELHI – OUT After breakfast drive to Dehradun to board flight to Delhi. 9W-823 (Jet Airways) Dehradun/ Delhi 1235/1335 Hrs Meet upon arrival and transfer to hotel for wash and change. Later departure transfer to airport to board flight to onward destinations.