Special Features
The Sacred Retreat Tour will be traveling to northern India, where there are many sacred sites to visit. The energy of this area is palpable, and worthy of the thousands of sages and yoga adepts that have walked this ground. The Garhwal Himalayas beholds some of the most beautiful places in the world. Lush grassy slopes, valleys of misty mountains, abundant flowers and birds, gushing rivers, snow-capped peaks are all a stunning external manifestation of the powerful inner, mystical energies that permeate this region. The majestic spiritual vibrations of this land are palpable to all who enter this place known as “Dev Bhumi”, or “Land of the Gods”. Treat yourself to spiritual grandeur! Here are a few of the places we will be experiencing (in order of itinerary)...
Rishikesh
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula:
In Rishikesh ("Land of the Seers") saints and sages have wandered since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge. The legendary suspended bridges of Rishikesh are located at Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. From these bridges are an incredible and picturesque view of the Ganga and the surrounding foothills of the Himalayas.
Vashistha Gofa
Vashistha Gofa Cave
The famous Vashistha meditated in this energy-filled dark stone cave on the banks of the Ganga. It is said that during a bhandara (feeding the masses), there was not enough food for the preparation of sweets. The resident sage told a disciple to take some sand and water from the bank of the Ganga, and upon returning to the grounds, it was turned into milk and sugar and used for the kheer (rice pudding). After the bhandara, the disciple was told to take a bowl of the kheer and put it back in the Ganga, and upon doing so, it turned back to sand and water. We will visit this auspicious place for meditation and manifestation of dreams.
Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram
In 1968 the Beatles travelled to this ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an Indian guru who taught them techniques in Transcendental Meditation (TM). Previously, the only way to get into this ashram was to sneak in or bribe a gatekeeper, but it has recently been re-opened to the public. A large meditation hall with graffiti on the walls is a colorful attraction. The band wrote 50 songs at this ashram, and it serves as a legendary place of history and spiritual inspiration for those who visit.
Sursingdhar
Sursingdhar:
Stunning views of the Himalayan peaks (including India's second highest peak, Nanda Devi) and the emerald waters of the Tehri Lake. Our adventures through this cool mountain region will begin with warm chai and meditation. High mountain air, vast stunning vistas, trails, and calls of various feathered ones will lead the way to natural rejuvenation in this incredible locale.
Guptakashi
Guptakashi:
A vibrant and ancient place with transformational energies. “Gupt” means secret, and “Kashi” means the holiest of the holy-- this secret kashi (nobody is supposed to know about it!) is a holy city where hundreds of enlightened beings once lived. Records in Kashi indicated that Jesus visited here after his crucifixion. All seven Kashis in India have very powerful significance for transformational energies.
Chopta
Chopta:
We will journey to the stunning region of Chopta, where the glories of
the Himalayas go beyond the imagination. For centuries, saints and adepts have walked these mystical valleys, undertheir divine spell. At 13,000 ft, Chopta and Tungnath are akin to a mystical fairyland, "the little Switzerland" of India, filled with dense oak and enchanted deodar forests, vast high altitude pastures, and panoramic snow-peaked views. The powerful energy in these regions can dissolve your worries, restore your soul, and awaken the heart of every being who enters.
Tungnath
Tungnath:
The elevated 3-4 kilometer trek from Chopta to Tungnath (12,073 ft) will surround you with the divine Himalayan aura. This astounding region can leave you speechless, gazing for hours at the ranges of sun-splashed Himalayas and valleys in a feeling of timelessness and transcendence.
Deorital
Deorital
A piece of heaven... Heavily wooded, lush green surroundings with snow-covered mountains in the backdrop, the enchanting lake of Deorital (8,000 ft) with its crystal clear blue water will take your breath away. Hindu mythology states that the Devas (heavenly beings) bathed in this lake hence the name. Good place for purification and dipping sacred items.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal: One of the
7 Wonders of the World
A tribute to love and beauty! We'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, one of the great wonders of the world. Located in the city of Agra, this architectural masterpiece was erected as a mausoleum by Shah Jehan, emperor of Mughal dynasty, in honor of his beloved wife. Created with pristine marble, construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1633, and took 20,000 workers 17 years to build.