Wellness India

Throughout this trip we will practice various types of yoga, keeping in mind that the beginnings of Yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda and "Yoga" is a Sanskrit word derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to connect, join or balance.

In Lodi Gardens you may encounter a local laughter club – just laugh your lungs out as they say, “Laughter is the best medicine." Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the lower Himalayas on the holy river Ganges. The views are breathtaking and the atmosphere serene and lush. The city is renowned as a centre for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian-only area. 3 nights are spent in an authentic Ashram (simple but comfortable rooms that will have ensuite) which has very strict rules of conduct and silence is expected between 10pm-6am. The following are strictly prohibited at the ashram: smoking, drinking intoxicants, using drugs, eating egg or other non-vegetarian foods, playing cards, watching television, playing music on speakers and yelling or loud noises.

Rise early for a yoga session at the Ashram. After, explore Rishikesh on a walking tour including a visit to Bharat Mandir, the oldest and most sacred Temple in the region. This evening, join locals and pilgrims for an aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges.

Start the morning with an invigorating yoga session. The day is then free to relax and reflect or opt to have ayurvedic treatments or visit the famed Beatles Ashram. This evening join a calming meditation session.

After morning yoga, settle in for the drive to Nalagarh in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Here we take a walk through the Village and stay the night in a heritage hotel at the Nalagarh Fort which was built in 1421.

"Dharamshala" translates to "a spiritual dwelling" or loosely, shelter or resting place for pilgrims and travellers. It is a beautiful former British hill station situated in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladar ranges. The city is divided into lower and upper Dharamshala according to the altitude. A popular pilgrimage site, the town is filled with temples, markets, galleries and gathering places.

Take a morning yoga class then spend the day visiting key sites including The Dalai Lama Temple complex, Norbulingka Institute and hike to Bhagsunath Temple. A perfect way to explore the varied spiritual beliefs in northern India.