"Rishikesh, You are not a Place, you are a Feeling"
Join me on this spiritual trip into the heart of the birth place of yoga - Rishikesh, situated on the holy Ganges river and in the Himalayan foothills. Rishikesh is one of the busiest, most popular and the most beautiful destination in India. And for a good reason! There is so much to see and experience in this region and I can't wait to explore it with you!
Our days will be filled with daily yoga practices, meditation, chanting, visits to ashrams, sunrise hikes to temples, holy ceremonies on Ganges river, visits to local markets, people and life watching, water rafting and so much more. There will also be plenty of time for rest, reflection and quietness.
For 6 days we will immerse in nature and life of this spiritual centre, reconnect with our soul through the integrative practices of yoga and self inquiry, and explore all that Rishikesh and surrounding
have to offer.
After arriving in New Delhi we will take a scenic drive along the Ganges, through the mountains and arrive to our resort which is beautifully situated on the banks of Ganges river in Rishikesh. Here we will settle for 6 days while waking up to the sounds of river bubbling over rocks and branches, the song of birds, the rustling of trees.. practicing yoga outdoors and enjoying a delicious vegetarian breakfast in the fresh air. And this is just to start our day, before we go onto exploring the city and the spiritual site visits and excursions. Full itinerary below.
What to Expect:
While our days will be filled with activities from morning yoga sessions, to sunrise hike, visits to temples, ashrams, kirtans and other unique experiences, there will also be plenty of time for rest and reflection. All of the activities are optional, and you can make choices according to your mood that day. On most days we will start and end our day with yoga and meditation, and practices will be designed in such way to energise us in the morning, and relax and soften our bodies (and mind) in the evening. So expect energising vinyasa flow practice in the morning, and yin/restorative/stretchy practices in the afternoons. On days the group feels up for it, a workshop style class will be available.
We will just go with the flow and see where the day takes us.
A detailed daily schedule will be given to all attendees a few days before our departure, along with the list of things to bring, etc. You will be guided along the way through everything... from visa application to packing list!
Saturday, March 18th - Day 1
India incredible India
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Arrive at New Delhi International Airport and proceed to Rishikesh by road. It will be a scenic drive along the Ganges, through the mountains with various interesting stops on the way.
Arrive to Antalya Resort and have lunch,
relax and explore the property.
Yoga in the evening.
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Accommodation: Antalya resort & spa
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Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
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All meals during our stay are vegetarian.
Monday, March 20th - Day 3
Vashishta Caves & Haridwar
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Wake up for Sunrise Pranayama & Yoga
After breakfast we head to Vashishta cave.
Yoga in the afternoon and free time.
A short drive to Haridwar in the evening to visit the famous Mansadevi Temple. Visit Daksh Mandir, Shantikunj Ashram, Local Market and conclude our day with the famous “ Har Ki Pauri” Aarti.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Wednesday, March 22nd- Day 5
Waterfall Hike
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Morning Yoga on the banks of Ganga.
Hike to the “secret waterfall” with a pool of spring water. Jumps and waterfall swims await!
Yoga in the early evening and free time to explore the local markets or take a walk down to the Ganges.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Sunday, March 19th - Day 2
Rishikesh Tour & Beatles Ashram
Morning Meditation and yoga outdoors followed by vegetarian breakfast.
A guided tour of the famous Ram Jhulla , Laxman Jhulla and visit the Beatles Ashram which showcase the time spent by the iconic band in Rishikesh in 1968.
Lunch at the resort.
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This evening we visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram famous for its Yoga International Festival, along with its Ghat and Temple. Partake in the kirtan and the famous Ganga Arti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Tuesday, March 21st - Day 4
Rafting on the Ganges
Morning Yoga and Meditation
Day of Adventure rafting on the river Ganges
Yoga in the afternoon and free time to explore local markets, shops or just relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Thursday, March 23rd- Day 6
Last day / Departure
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Morning Yoga and Pranayama.
Free time to do last minute market shopping, get a massage or chill. Departure for Delhi to catch the onward flights.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Still not sure? Click on this link to view why Rishikesh is a must see destination.
What's Included:
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Resort Accommodation for 6 days and 5 nights
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Yoga Twice Daily
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Meditation and Breath Work Daily
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Spacious rooms with balcony overlooking the Ganges river
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All meals as per itinerary
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Group Airport Transfers to and from Rishikesh
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Intercity Transfers
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Ganga River Rafting
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Cost of all entrance tickets as indicated
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Services of a professional English-speaking guide
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Risihikesh tour
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Vashistha Caves
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Haridwar Tour
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All activities as mentioned in the schedule
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All govt taxes and service taxes
Not included:
Expenses of a personal nature (e.g. tips, laundry, drinks during meals )
Any Visa fees
International Air Tickets
Travel Insurance
PRICES
All inclusive
EARLY BIRD until Feb 1st
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Double occupancy (bring a friend)
AED 4200 p/p
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Single Occupancy
AED 5350 p/p
PAYMENT
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To secure your spot a non-refundable
AED 1000 deposit is required.
Full Payment is due by February 17th.
Please email me for bank details at danica.alkharfan@gmail.com
or via WhatsApp +971 50 1574155
REGULAR PRICING
(still great value!)
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Double Occupancy
AED 4450
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Single
AED 5600
FLIGHTS FROM DUBAI
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Airline: Air Arabia
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17th March: Sharjah - New Delhi
21:40 -2.20/G9463
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23rd March : New Delhi- Sharjah
18.20-20.50/G9466
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* you may choose to fly with a different airline or arrive a day or more earlier.
My travel organiser Sophia, at Sugarcane Elephants, can arrange accommodation and separate transportation for you ( at extra cost), should you choose that option.
Here is what some of the previous groups had to say
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" Amazing yoga experience in paradise - I feel incredibly grateful to have been on this yoga and meditation retreat in beautiful Sri Lanka, with the most amazing teacher Danica Al Kharfan. For the longest time I’ve wanted to go on a yoga retreat, but never found the one that just felt right.
I was meant to go home for Christmas, but thanks to covid my plans got cancelled and for some reason, I found Danica. It was actually a very stressful and emotional time for me as I was so excited to go home for the holidays, but life had other plans for me. I did not know anything about Danica before this retreat, but I am so grateful that her post (randomly) appeared on my Instagram feed… it was fate!
From that first message I sent to Danica, I just felt at ease, and I knew that she was going to be someone special on my yoga journey. She was so encouraging, supportive, helpful and I’ll never forget what she said to me: “Don’t stress. It will all work out one way or the other. Take your time to make the right decision for you. It will all come together. Don’t stress.” And that is exactly what happened!!
I can’t stop talking about this amazing yoga experience…. from the perfect location, the structure of the days on the retreat, meditation each morning, the asana practice, the lovely yogis, our teacher and the deep connections that were formed. My first yoga retreat has really set the bar very high!! I have been doing yoga for many years and have had many teachers on my yoga path but none like Danica and I am eternally grateful that I met her. She has so much experience and made every practice different and challenging. I can honestly say that my yoga practice (asana, meditation, pranayama) has deepened on all levels.
Danica has the ability to connect with every person and is sensitive to each person’s needs. She has the ability to challenge you in each asana practice and once you are in the flow, you don’t want the practice to stop (we went on for more than 2hours some days). Even though I have done some postures a million times I feel that I have learned so much from her just by simple adjustments or tips she has given us. Danica also encouraged me to try some postures for the first time and helped me to get my “head” out of a headstand and handstand and overcome my fear!
Danica has so much compassion and love for others and passion for what she does, and this retreat has been the best 6 days. She is a such a generous teacher with so much knowledge and experience. I did not only find a teacher but also a friend in Danica. Anyone will become a “richer” person for spending time on a yoga retreat with her. 1000% recommend this amazing teacher. Sign me up for your next retreat Danica!
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Lee A H
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" Danica is a wonderful and wise soul. Beyond being an amazing yoga teacher she is such a loving, caring and compassionate being.
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I had the pleasure to experience her Yoga and Meditation retreat in Zanzibar. In this beautiful and totally natural surrounding we went on a journey into our inner selves. Starting each day with a sunrise meditation at the beach followed by an extraordinary yoga class, we explored the island together. From a cultural tour in Stone Town, swimming with the dolphins to a meditation in a shelter in the mangroves, it was such a blissful time with lovely people. Danica was preparing our yoga and inner self work sessions in the Yoga Shala always with all of her heart. Whether strong vinyasa flow or Yin Yoga, she always knew exactly what we needed. All of her Yoga classes are so complete and beautiful - sharing her thoughts and beloved quotes in the end.
This retreat was not just an escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai into this graceful place in Zanzibar, it was also a journey into the depths of our soul. Furthermore it created a wonderful community out of the individuals we have been in the beginning - held together by Danica. Thank you for all the wisdom, good energy and dedication your shared with us. You really live Yoga as an art.
Thank you for always being there for me and taking care of everyone of us."
Jenny Traesch, Dubai
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“ It has been short but a very impressive and an unforgettable journey : my 3 day Yoga retreat with Danica.
Her professionalism, her humble nature, combined with her amazing teaching skills made this retreat truly an unforgettable one.
Also the Yogis who joined the retreat were well chosen and were nearly all were on the same level.
Danica, very carefully picked up a super venue for this retreat ( Jebel Ali Resort) and outdoor facilities added a great value to our practices.
I would recommend Danica’s retreats to all Yogis who would like to enjoy perfect Yoga practices in beautiful surroundings. "
Lale Ansingh Veral, Dubai
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" Danica's Yoga Retreat was held in the beautiful, tropical beach resort of Jebel Ali Resort with lush vegetation and roaming peacocks. Danica took care of every detail to make the retreat special, from freshly made vegetable juices and gifts in the rooms, to carefully chosen menus with vegan options (all meals were included) and infused water on the beach. The schedule was perfect, challenging but with enough time during the day to relax and recuperate. We started with a beautiful sunrise meditation and pranayama, followed by a 2 hour energetic vinyasa yoga. A delicious breakfast followed and then free time for the beach or the many activities the resort has to offer. In the late afternoon, we had another pranayama and talk session followed by a slower yoga class full of deep stretches. The classes were a perfect mix of movement, stretching, and balance, with options for deeper more advanced asanas.
The whole weekend was blissful and just went by too quickly! "
Ivana Okereke, Dubai