14 days Rajasthan Boutique Tour & Yoga Ashram Experience

12 - 25 October 2019

 

This tour and retreat has been created for Yoga in Daily Life practitioners who desire to have an experience of the “roots” of YIDL and India in an easy going, fun, real and meaningful way. 

 

For 14 days this exciting and totally unique retreat has been designed with a balance between sightseeing, culture, activities, experiences and yoga ashram immersion in authentic India.

 

While some people take to India like a duck to water, others do not. Our retreat will be a small group of not more than 15 people so proper care and support can be given to each person. You will have the opportunity to dive into your own sacred journey as we aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment to enable inner awakenings, life shifts, amazing experiences, unique adventures and new friends.

 

We start the tour on Saturday 12 October so arrive in Delhi, India, before this day. The last day of our tour is Friday 25 October and we will be in Jadan, Rajasthan.

Read through the following itinerary for all the details. Everything optional, you are welcome to do as much or as little as you like.

 > VIEW WHATS'S REQUIRED & OTHER INFORMATION

 > SEE COSTS

> HOW TO REGISTER 

If you have questions then email Gita melbourne@yogaindailylife.org 

 

 

 

ITINERARY

Day 0  Friday 11 October  

Arrive ...

In your own time arrive in Delhi. You’ll be met at the airport and brought to the Yoga in Daily Life Delhi ashram. There is no official program this day.

In the evening we’ll have a welcome circle to get to know each other and prepare for our journey.

Included: Regardless of your arrival time all meals this day will be provided at the ashram as well as share accommodation for a relaxing night sleep.

Not included: taxi from airport to ashram

 

Day 1 Saturday 12 October

Delhi to Agra

Early morning yoga class followed by breakfast.

Then we’re off to Agra by car. It will take approx. 4 hours. On arrival we’ll book into our accommodation. Then head off to see the famous Taj Mahal. We plan to be there mid – late afternoon to get the best light for reflection of this monument in the water. Yes, bring your camera!

Included: Yoga class, breakfast & journey by car. Some of us will stay the night at the Coral Country Homestay & some of us in Taj Village in Agra. These 2 accommodation places are small boutique style next door to each other.

Not included: Lunch, dinner and entry costs to the Taj Mahal.

 

Day 2 Sunday 13 October

Agra to Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur

Morning yoga class followed by breakfast.

Our car will take us to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri which is about 1 hour away. Listed among the World Heritage Sites, Fatehpur Sikri is a stunning specimen of the Mughal dynasty where you can get a feel of the rich historical culture of medieval Mughal India. We’ll visit the grand fort and if time allows see other beautiful monuments which are a blend of Mughal and Persian architecture.

After a bite to eat we will continue to Jaipur which is a further 3.5 hours journey. In Jaipur you have the choice to stay in the Yoga in Daily Life Jaipur ashram or a nearby hotel. Dinner will be served for us at the ashram.

Included: Yoga class, breakfast, travel by car & dinner. As well as the night accommodation in either Jaipur ashram or nearby hotel.

The Yoga in Daily Life ashram in Jaipur is managed by MM Swami Gyaneshwarpuri. It has a big hall, rooms for accommodation, a garden, sizable kitchen & more. Accommodation is generally share 2 people per room, each with its own bathroom, basic, clean and safe. 

Not included: Lunch and entry fees into any places we visit.

 

Day 3 Monday 14 October

Morning yoga class followed by chai then breakfast in Jaipur ashram.

In the morning we are booked for a class to learn traditional Rajasthani block textile printing. This experience includes printing your own cotton shawl to keep! And is included in the retreat cost.

While we are there you can peruse &, if you wish, purchase some beautiful fabrics, tablecloths, bedcovers, quilts etc and clothes for yourself or gifts. Plus, if you wish, you can choose a fabric to be made into an Indian style outfit, design of your choice, measured and fitted especially for you. They will make it up and deliver to the ashram that same evening. 

From there we continue to Amber Fort nearby. We’ll get some lunch then explore this fort. This magnificent fort that was constructed in 1592 AD, comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. 

Dinner is in ashram. Followed by evening prayers & satsang.

Included – breakfast & dinner, accommodation, yoga programs & block printing class.

Not included - Lunch, travel, shopping and entry and guide fees.

 

Day 4 Tuesday 15 October

Morning yoga class followed by chai then breakfast in Jaipur ashram.

Hitting the tourist trail like locals by taking the metro to enjoy a day of sightseeing in the old Pink City of Jaipur.

The Jaipur City Palace is a structured tangle of vast courtyards, manicured gardens and beautifully built mahals and one of the most revered attractions among the places to visit in Jaipur. An impressive fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family, who live in a private section of the palace. The opulent sections of the City Palace such as Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani Palace, still narrate the tales of the Jaipur’s glorious past and are ideal sights for history buffs and photographers.

Should time allow we can also visit:

1. The Hawa Mahal. The 'Palace Of The Winds', is a beautiful five-storey palace that was constructed in 1799 and it is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs. The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public.
2. The Jantar Mantar. If we have Astrology enthusiasts in our group then, this is for you! Housing 19 architectural astronomical instruments, the Jantar Mantar is every meteorologist’s dream come true. It features masonry, stone and brass instruments that were designed using ancient astronomy principles of Hindu and Sanskrit texts. Believe it or not, these instruments are proved to be accurate even until today!

Plus, we’ll make time to explore the local markets & shop for amazing stuff such as traditional clothes, jewellery, gems, handicraft etc

Dinner in ashram. Then, if we are not too tired, evening prayers & satsang.

Included – breakfast & dinner, accommodation & yoga programs

Not included - Lunch, travel to, within & from the city, shopping and entry into places we visit.

 

Day 5 Wednesday 16 October

Jaipur to Kailash

Morning yoga class followed by chai then breakfast in Jaipur ashram.

From our whirlwind tour so far, we will now begin to slow down. Our car will take us on the 2 hour journey to the Kailash Yoga in Daily Life Ashram. A small and beautiful ashram where Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji (great grandfather of the Yoga in Daily Life linage) lived. Here one can easily experience peace and find a refuge from the material world. In the countryside near a small Rajasthani village, we will immerse ourselves for 5 nights in a yoga program, ashram and traditional Indian life imbibing the teachings of the yogis and rhythms of nature. This ashram will become our ashram and we have the opportunity to experience something really wonderful.

We will stay here Days 6, 7, 8, 9 and then leave on Day 10.

These days will include:

• Complete yoga program
• Evening satsangs with MM Swami Gyaneshwar Puri
• Routines of ashram life including morning & evening prayers
• Daily karma yoga – that is to help with cooking, cleaning, gardening, milking or feeding the cows, maintenance etc for just 1 or 2 hours each morning to help us get the feeling of being a local!
• 3 meals a day
• And a few other experiences such as a visit to the local village, a bhajan (music & singing) night around the fire with the locals, mala making & journaling.

Here everything is included. Our accommodation will be in little round huts with their own ensuite. We will have 1 each. They are very basic and clean.

While everything here will be quite straight forward, simple and routine, within that and because of that it invites a truly enriching experience. When all the noise and clutter of our life is stripped away, we get know who we are without the stuff. Furthermore, yes there is more!, after the struggle of desires and cravings have dropped away, we have the opportunity to find contentment, that which is born from having less and experiencing a happiness that is coming from within and not triggered by external things.

 

Day 10 Monday 21 October

Today we are going to Udaipur! After morning prayers and breakfast we'll sadly pack and excitedly get in our car to go by 7am at the latest! It is an 8 hour car trip, extra with toilet & lunch stops.

Udaipur is known as the ‘city of lakes’ & the ‘Venice of India’ as a number of lakes and palaces adorn the city and add to its timeless beauty.

We are staying 2 nights at the 3 star Jaiwana Haveli. Jaiwana Haveli was once the private residence of the Thakur of Jaiwana and is located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola with lovely views across the sparking waters and island palaces to the Aravali Mountains beyond.

After leaving our luggage at the accommodation we hope to go for a boat ride on the picturesque lake being there for sunset and dinner. We still have a bit more to do to bring this to fruition so watch this space!

Included is breakfast, any yoga programs we might squeeze in and the car trip.

Not included is lunch, dinner & boat trip.

 

Day 11 Tuesday 22 October

We’ll start the day with our regular yoga & meditation class on the terrace. Followed by breakfast.

As we only have this one day in Udaipur I am suggesting the following plan, but you are welcome to do something else if you wish.

 After breakfast I suggest heading out to explore the Jagdish Temple and City Palace which are nearby to where we are staying.

The Jagdish Temple (situated in the City Palace complex) is built with Indo-Aryan style of construction that gives the temple a rather distinct nature that can’t be overlooked. Lush halls, carved ceiling and pillars along with gorgeously painted halls are some of the highlights.

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvellous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

After lunch continue exploring the markets in this area & do any last-minute gift shopping for yourself or others.

Included - Breakfast, yoga program & accommodation

Not included – lunch & dinner, travel + entry fees

 

Day 12 Wednesday 23 October

Yoga class on the terrace followed by breakfast.

Then we pack and head off in our car to Jadan Ashram.

On the way we will visit Ranakpur Jain Temples (2 hours from Udaipur). This stop in our journey has come highly recommended. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex, build in the 15th century, in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

After lunch we will continue the 2.5 hour journey to Jadan Ashram.

Jadan ashram is the epi centre of all things Yoga in Daily Life and the manifestation of the vision of the founder of Yoga in Daily Life Vishwaguruji Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Here you will see the famous OM Ashram still in construction and some of the humanitarian projects we support. It is a huge ashram!

This trip has been planned that it will fold into the schedule of Vishwaguruji! We hope that he will be in Jadan ashram with us. If this is the case, anything could change on our daily schedule, be ready for the adventure!

We’ll settle into our share accommodation. Our rooms will be like the other ashrams, basic & clean. I’ll give a tour of the main parts you’ll need to know straight away like the eating area and satsang hall. Dinner will be followed by evening prayers & satsang.

Included – breakfast & dinner, yoga program, travel & accommodation

Not included – lunch & entry fees to sites we visit

 

Day 13 Thursday 24 October

Morning prayers. Yoga & meditation class followed by breakfast & chai.

Mid morning we will take a walking tour of the whole ashram.

Lunch

mid afternoon yoga nidra

yoga & pranayama class

dinner

evening prayers & satsang

Included – everything

Not included – anything you buy at the ashram shop. There is some interesting stuff there so leave room in your luggage!

 

Day 14 Friday 25 October = our last day.

Early morning prayers. Yoga & meditation class followed by our official retreat closing circle.

breakfast & chai.

Our officical retreat is complete ... 

If you're staying this day may flow as yesterday. You are welcome to get involved in karma yoga if you wish. Or spend extra time in meditation, journaling or anything you wish.

STAYING longer in Jadan ashram?

Our official retreat is complete and you are invited to stay longer and join Vishwagurujis program.  Diwali, the festival of lights, is 27 October, so there will be that celebration + visits to Nipal & Khatu ashrams I imagine. And other adventures. This information will not be available until closer to the time, but you can make your plans to leave space to join in for an extra week or more.

GOING - should you wish to travel onward home or elsewhere –

Taxi car to Jodphur is 2 hours away & get a flight to Delhi

Train from Marwar Station (near Jadan) to Jaipur (5 hours) & …

It’s recommended that you get a flight that you can change your return date should the magic of Mother India weave her way into your heart.

 

 

RETREAT COSTS:

Includes accommodation, travel between places we visit, breakfasts, all meals when in ashram, all Kailash ashram activities & the block printing lesson in Jaipur.

OWN room: it’s possible in Agra, Jaipur & Udaipur. $1940

SHARE room: $1620

Remember in Kailash ashram everyone gets their own hut. In Delhi & Jadan there are no options but to share.

 

Not included – travel to Delhi ashram & from Jadan ashram; travel within cities, entry and guide fees to places we visit, lunch & dinners when we are out & anything I forgot.

• Entry fees for our whole trip will come to approx. $140. Guides will be extra but we can share those costs. At the Jaipur Palace there is a Museum tour $10 (included in the calculations) or a tour inside the Palace $60 (not included in the calculations). I included in the calculation $70 for the boat tour & dinner on the Lake in Udaipur. It may be more or less.
• Eating out meals will come to approx. $120 (that’s 8 meals x $15 each)
• Airport to Delhi ashram on arrival is approx. $10
• Jadan to Jodphur by car is approx. $100 per car. 2 hour trip. So if there are 2 of you its $50 each. You can get a flight from here to Delhi.
• Marwar Junction (near Jadan) to Jaipur by train approx. $15 a seat. 5 hour trip. You can get a flight from Jaipur to Delhi or Air Asia have direct flights from Jaipur to Avalon Airport.

 

Flights, VISA & Insurance.

You must organise all these yourself. Some credit card companies will give complementary travel insurance if you book your trip using the card. Of course conditions apply so investigate this. Insurance is essential.

E-Visa is easy to obtain online. Be sure you tell them you don’t need to pay extra to get it in 2 days & that you can wait a week and pay less!

It’s recommended that you get a flight that you can change your return date should the magic of Mother India weave her way into your heart.

 

Health & Wellbeing

The climate in October is lovely. Warm days in the mid - late 20’s and fresh evenings. Even so, it is advisable in the months before the trip to get your immune system strong and gut flora healthy. You may also wish to see your local GP regarding vaccinations.

 

Dress

Rajasthan, while very modern in many mays, continues to display modest dress. This is a requirement in ashram.  Long loose-fitting pants. Long kurta or shirt style top with sleeves (no singlet). Nothing see-through. Bring 2 outfits with you and you can buy 1 or 2 more while in Jaipur.

 

Eating

Our whole retreat is pure vegetarian including no egg or alcohol. This is traditionally how India was, plus it’s a safer way to travel. If you have any intolerance's or allergies we will do our best to accommodate, but it's somewhat limited as India does not offer options for non dairy or gluten free alternatives. 

 

Toileting

Many places in India use water not toilet paper for cleaning your bottom and in the ashrams it is forbidden to use toilet paper. Often the plumbing has thin pipes that get easily blocked if anything is flushed. But do not worry, this is part of the cultural experience and we will not be shy in helping you to manage this way of toileting.

 

Disclaimer

We provide a thoughtfully planned program and care and support throughout the whole experience.

But no responsibility will be taken for any injuries incurred during the retreat. Medical history forms are to be completed before the retreat, however we also advise you to consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and if this journey is suitable for you.
It is essential that retreat participants retain full responsibility for their own physical and general well-being in applying instructions in the guided programs to their own circumstances, and to any other programs including the travelling, touring and free time periods. Yoga in Daily Life will not accept liability for any injury or loss suffered by retreat participants in their practice, or any other time or activity. 

The description of the journey is given in good faith; no responsibility for misinterpretation will be accepted. The program has been designed for optimum circumstances and will give ever effort to make it so, but should the weather turn foul, the traffic be bad, the hotel double booked, should time warp and days go quicker than what we planned to fit in them, then you accept this is also part of the experience. 

I understand that I participate in this yoga retreat at my own risk and accept full responsibility for any loss or injury suffered. I also accept that things may go pear shaped in the plan and will switch on my yogic mind to accept whatever presents itself in the moment and either enjoy or learn (or both) from the experience. 

 

HOW TO REGISTER

This trip is for you IF you are practicing Yoga in Daily Life (any level), have heard about the ashrams in India (you don't need to know much, but at least know they exist) and wish to have a supported way to visit India and the ashrams. 

The experience of Yoga in India is not at all the same as it is here. The experience of India is an onslaught of all the senses. Therefore it is recommended to have minimum expectations and simply be open to the what is with the assurance that we are there for you.

Email melbourne@yogaindailylife.org with the answer to these questions:

• Name:
• Email address:
• Mobile phone number:
• City & country where you live:
• Which YIDL centre or classes do you attend:
• Describe your yoga experience - how long have you been practicing & what level:
• Do you have a medical condition that we should know about, such as high or low blood pressure, diabetes, depression, arthritis, sore back, neck, knees, any recent accident or operation etc ? This information will be kept confidential and will assist the retreat organisers and teachers to adapt the classes.
• Do you have any food intolerances or allergies?
• How did you hear about this retreat?
• Do you prefer your own room or share room?

I will respond with further information.