India Golden Triangle tour and Rishikesh Yoga ashram Retreat

March 28 - April 11 2025

Join me in March 2025 for this amazing tour of Northern India

We will start in Delhi and then travel to Varanasi, Agra(Taj Mahal), Jaipur and then to Rishikesh in the northern reaches of the Ganges

In Rishikesh we will rest and recharge at the truly stunning Rishikesh Yogpeeth Ashram set in the hills high above the Ganges where we can relax, practise yoga(optional) and let the whole amazing experience sink in

We will return to Delhi for an overnight stay and then board our flight home in the morning of 11 April.

Summary Itinerary

28 Mar 2025 - Board your Singapore Airlines Flight at 9am. Transit in Singapore and then fly to Delhi arriving 9.00pm

29 Mar - Day in Delhi incl a tour to visit the major sights

30 Mar -Board our fast train in the mornng to Varanasi. Arrive in the afternoon in time to take a sunset boat ride on the Ganges and experience the amazing Ganga Arti ceremony

31 Mar - Early start to experience the Ganges at sunrise and maybe a communal yoga class. Day tour to Sarnath

1 Apr - Day at leisure to explore the city before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Agra

2 Apr - Arrive Agra. transfer to the hotel for a rest and then visit the Taj Mahal in the afternoon

3 Apr - Drive by private bus to Jaipur(the pink city) approx 5hrs. Check out the city and maybe do a night safari by Jeep

4 Apr - Jaipur. Day to explore the city

5 Apr - free day in Jaipur before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas

6 April - Arrive in Rishikesh and make your way up the hill track to the Ashram for yoga and relaxation

7 Apr, 8 Apr - Rishikesh Yogpeeth Ashram

9 Apr - Transfer by private bus to our Delhi Hotel

10 Apr - Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Brisbane on Singapore airlines.

11 Apr - Arr Brisbane 6.55am.

Tour ends

Total Tour Price $5650.00 incl airfares

(subject to price increase as airfare change)

Note: The price above includes economy class fares on Singapore airlines as at April 2024. The price will/may change so it is recommended that after paying your deposit you pay for the airfares asap to keep the cost down. My travel agent will arrange these fares with you and any variations you may like

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - 28 March

Depart Brisbane on your Singapore airlines flight at 9.10am

Transit via Singapore

Arrive in the capital of India, Delhi at 21.00

Embrace the chaos of the streets tempered with serene beauty of monuments and culture. A city that is always changing and never ceases to surprise. Transfer to Hotel

Day 2 - Old Delhi sightseeing. This will be an introduction to the Indian culture and diverse experiences that awaits us. Start with a perfect introduction to Indian history by visiting the labyrinth, where every twist and turn reveals the rich heritage and enduring spirit. Enjoy the diversity of colours on a rickshaw ride and head to spiritual Sikh temple where chaos & calmness unite. Take a walk in Asia’s biggest spice market, Khari Baoli popular for the unique spices and condiments of high quality. INCLUDED - Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride, Sikh Temple Visit, Spice Market Visit

Meals - Breakfast

Day 3 - In the morning transfer to the Train station and board your super fast train to Varanasi.

This afternoon arrive in the spiritual city of India, Varanasi and be ready to immerse in the living embodiment of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Transfer to hotel, take some rest and be ready to experience the vibrant chaos of Varanasi old City.

Varanasi is nothing like you have seen before, it can not be described but only experienced.

Hop on your personal evening boat ride and sail in the Holy River, Ganga, it is a pilgrimage place for Hindus. Everyone visits varanasi to find solace in river’s flow and and chants of pilgrims. Find your own reasons and peace in the mesmerising beauty of Varanasi and finish the day by having dinner at a local place.

INCLUDED: Old city walk, Evening Boat ride

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Begin your day by rising early to witness the mesmerising sunrise along the banks of the Ganges. As the first light graces the horizon, watch the pilgrims gathered by the ghats expressing gratitude for the divine presence of the Ganges. Allow yourself to be carried along by the gentle flow of the river, absorbing the spiritual energy. Observe as Varanasi awakens around you, it comes to life with the dawn. Witness pilgrims from all walks of life immersing themselves in the purifying waters of the holy Ganga, embrace the profound sense of peace that envelops Varanasi at the break of dawn.

Visit the heart of Buddhism’s origin at Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first Sermon and experience the profound sense of connection Buddha’s teachings and wisdom.

INCLUDED - Morning Boat ride, Sarnath tour

Meals - Breakfast

Day 05 - Enjoy a relaxing morning after two full days, have a late breakfast or revisit the maze like lanes of old Varanasi, the morning is free to explore.

Bid goodbye to Varanasi and Hop on your overnight sleeper train later this afternoon to proceed for the city known for its glorious monument, Taj Mahal.

INCLUDED - Overnight Train ride

Day use Rooms

Meals - Breakfast

Day 6 - Agra Arrive early in the morning and relax before you visit the magnificent Agra fort, which boasts impressive architecture with massive walls. Explore a maze of courtyard, pavilions steeped in history.

Check in to your hotel and be ready to explore the number one and the most beautiful wonder of the world, a symbol of love - Taj Mahal.

Rest a little before you visit the magnificent Taj Mahal in the evening. As you stand before the Taj Mahal, immerse yourself in its romantic history and timeless beauty, feeling the eternal love that inspired its creation. Learn about the exquisite art of Hand Knotted carpets as the rural women showcase their skills of intricate designs passed down through generations.

Day 7 - Drive to Jaipur Hop on your private bus to the Pink City of India, Jaipur. (approx. 5 hrs)

This heritage city of India is also the capital of the most colourful state - Rajasthan.

The architecture in Jaipur has captured the essence of many wanderlusts over the years. Check in to your hotel and proceed for a walk in the old city of Jaipur. Be mesmerised by the terracotta coloured walls and busting streets filled with the aroma of spice. In the evening, enjoy a refreshing

Night tour safari of the Jaipur city in an open jeep. Watch the sun go down over the Aravali hills and get a bird eye view of the city. INCLUDED - Market walk, Wind Palace (Photo stop), Night Tour Safari

Meals - Breakfast

Day 8 - Jaipur

Watch the Sunrise over the Aravalli hills as you cruise in the optional Hot Air Balloon ride. Witness the royalty of the past when you visit the most colourful fort of India, Amber fort. A fort as grand as our history bedazzled by the Belgium mirrors, is quite a sight to see. With each courtyard telling a unique story. Get the opportunities to learn about the local art of Hand Block Printing which is practised by the outskirts villages of Jaipur. Relax in the afternoon or visit other 4 iconic sites of Jaipur such as Observatory, City Palace or Albert Hall museum in your free time.

In the evening, head to a local family for homely interaction and delicious home cooked meal.

INCLUDED - Amer fort, Demonstration of Hand Block Printing, Home Cooked Meal OPTIONAL - Hot Air Balloon HOTEL - Arya MEALS - Breakfast

Day 9 - Jaipur - Rishikesh overnight train

Visit the City Palace of Jaipur and see the beautiful courtyards of the residence of the royal family and be ready to watch some brave ladies navigate the old city of Jaipur in Pink City Rickshaw. Try the local delicacies of Jaipur, trust the locals - they know the best places to try samosa and chai.

Free afternoon. Bid goodbye to the Pink city and be ready for another overnight train journey to Rishikesh for the scenic beauty of Himalayan mountains.

INCLUDED - City Palace, Pink City Rickshaw Tour OPTIONAL - Hot Air Balloon MEALS - Breakfast

Day 10 - Rishikesh Arrive Haridwar this morning and transit to Rishikesh with amazing scenic view of the mountains. This will be your introduction to an authentic Ashram experience which will be home for your next few days full of peace and serenity.

Meals - Dinner

Day 11 and day 12 Ashram Stay Rishikesh Yogpeeth

Includes, Yoga, breathwork, yoga education

Meals All meals while on the ashram

Day 13 - Transport back to Delhi hotel

Day 14 - In the morning transfer to the airport for your 9am flight Singapore

Transit in Singapore and then overnight flight toBrisbane

Day 15 - 11 Apr - Arr Brisbane 6.55am

Inclusion: •

9 nights accommodation and 3 star stay combination 5 • 8 breakfast, 2 dinners Meal Plan - Buffet Breakfast at Hotels Restaurants. Buffet breakfast served at the listed hotel's will be Hygienic, healthy with wide ranges of dishes to opt from. The breakfast served in these hotel's will surely pamper your taste buds. •

2 overnight sleeper trains •

1 Superfast express train from Delhi to Varanasi •

Private Bus - from Agra to Jaipur •

Overnight Trains - AC Second Tier •

Monument fees and camera fees • Services of Licensed Guide which are approved by the ministry of Tourism for your sightseeing trip. •

Transport: Air-condition bus with licensed experienced driver during your entire travel

3 nights accommodation on the Ashram incl all meals

Exclusion: • Hotel staff tip • Driver tip • Local monuments guide tip • Tour leader tip • Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone, alcoholic beverages, medical expenses