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A Spiritual Pilgrimage
in India
Exploring the Holy Cities of North India
16th Nov - 1st Dec 2023
Kolkata Bodhgaya Varanasi Rishikesh
Explore the holy places of India with spiritual conversations, meditation and magic in the unfolding moment with 2 Yogis.
Spiritual Conversations, Meditation and Magic
Join a small group, maximum 15 people led by Soraya Saraswati & Sarva Atma Mithra on 16 days of Spiritual Pilgrimage to India.
Soraya will lead chanting and meditation.
Sarva Atma will offer his wisdom and knowledge on the history of India and its holy places as we travel together.
Comfortable Hotel accommodation and Delicious Indian Cuisine: all accommodation & meals included.
Pay a $500 deposit toward the Pilgrimage to secure your place at the Early Bird Price of $5,550 Shared Room / $6,900 Single Room. Save $500
Spirituality is the heartbeat of India.
While traveling to these most sacred places of India you will be in deep connection with nature and experiencing the flow of Spiritual energy. You will start you journey from Kolkata, known as the city of joy. Here we will visit Mother Teresa’s House and Orphanage.
You will then travel to Bodhgaya by day train. This place was made famous as it is where Gautama Buddha attained the enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visitors flock to Bodhgaya to feel the energy of this place and contemplate how the life of Buddha impacted the world.
The Spiritual Capital of India
After two days stay, we will travel by day train to Varanasi, one of the seven holiest cities in India. It’s also known as the spiritual capital of India. Devotees come to this holy place to take a dip in the holy mother River Ganges and to perform various rituals along the riverbank. There is a strong belief among Hindu devotees that taking a dip into the River Ganges washes away your sins of the past.
Many Hindus travel to Varanasi to die and be cremated by the priests in the sacred burning fields by the ghats. Whether you’re a believer or not, if you travel to Varanasi you cannot escape the pull of spirituality and the sacred atmosphere of this very special place. Personally it will be my third visit to Varanasi and this place continues to live in my heart (Soraya).
The capital of Yoga
We will then fly to Dehradun in the evening, and transfer to Rishikesh. Even though it’s known as “the capital of Yoga” after Beatles passing through in the 60’s, Rishikesh is a relatively calm and relaxed city. Situated along the two banks of the Ganges, it is filled with the ashrams and yoga centers. We will be visiting the Shivananda Ashram here and the Bharat Mandir, near the ghats.
To witness the ritual ceremonies of Arti on the ghats at sunrise and sunset is a special experience. Our trip will end here where you can either choose to continue on with Terry and Soraya to an Ayurveda Centre or return to Delhi where you can fly back to international destinations. If you wish to visit the Taj Mahal it can be easily organised as a day trip our from Delhi See more details below.
YOUR HOSTS:
Soraya Saraswati & Sarva Atma Mithra
Sarva Atma and Soraya Saraswati are all seasoned travellers in India and will accompany your journey. They will offer guidance, meditations, mantra and spiritual conversations along the way. Sarva Atma Mithra was born in India and has a deep understanding of Indian Spiritual History. He is based in Kerala. He also has a yoga school in France and trains Gaia Healers.
Soraya Saraswati is a Yoga Swami and Yoga Philosophy Teacher and Therapist with 40 years experience. Soraya is based in Australia and have been taking groups to India for many years together.
The Pilgrim Package Includes
Raise your vibration to one of Loving Peaceful Presence
Join Soraya and Ekashi Sarva Atma Mithra in India on the Nov 16th – Dec 1st 2023
All transfers and transports
Whilst in India
- Airport pickup from Kolkata to hotel.
- International Airport drop off in Delhi.
- Train Bookings to Bodhgaya and Varanasi.
- Car and Bus transfer fares.
All Meals
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
North Indian Food is rich in flavour with many types of bread, roti, puris, and samosa, curries, paneer and rice dishes. 99% of meals included. See itinerary.
All Accomodation
Twin Share
Comfortable hotel accomodation is included on a twin share basis. Single rooms can be requested see the additional cost.
Tours & Guide
Whilst in India
All scheduled tours and guides are included in your price. This includes day excursions, guided walking tours and temples.
Chanting, Meditation & Satsangs
Timings based on the groups needs
Satsangs with Sarva Atma. Chanting and Meditations and contemplations along the way with Soraya & Terry.
Entry to Temples
And other Holy Places
Entry to all temples, Holy Places and other Spiritual locations are all included.
Daily Satsang Meditations
We travel as wandering yogis following a deep calling to freedom
Daily Satsangs & meditations along the way as we steep ourselves in the philosophy behind the spiritual culture.
Morning Chanting
Led by Soraya Saraswati with ancient mantra & deep stillness
With spontaneity and taking advantage of the magic in our journey. This is yoga in action moment by moment in presence.
Yogic Wisdom
Offered by Sarva Atma
Sarva Atma will offer his wisdom and knowledge on the history of India and its holy places as we travel together. Sharing several special satangs on Advaita and Yogic Culture.
Local Guide
India Guide
A local Indian guide accompanies us as we travel to assist with any translation or local requirements.
A $500 non-refundable deposit will hold your place.
Full payment is required by October 1st. Numbers limited for this intimate retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
It runs for 16 days from 16th November arrival in Kolkata and ends in Delhi on December 30th with transport organised for international flights out on the 1st December.
All internal Accommodation in India, internal flights and train travel, 99% meals. An Indian translator and guide throughout our journey.
International flights are not included. A flight from Varanasi to Delhi is included. Please make sure you have travel insurance booked as well.
We will be staying in clean local hotels carefully chosen for you of 3 or 4 star level.
- International airfares to and from India.
- Arriving in Kolkata and Leaving from Delhi.
- Visas which can be purchased easily online – we will advise.
- Any personal needs or spending on shopping,
- Note: Prices may vary depending on room choice. Single or shared.
- Personal toiletries.
- Any personal medications.
- Tips and donations.
- Travel Insurance – Please take out travel insurance before arriving in India.
It is possible to leave us in Delhi. Please discuss with Soraya.
We retain a $500 booking fee if you cancel up to 4 weeks before the retreat. Cancelation after this time brings a $600 booking fee as numbers are limited and we may have to turn people away. If we fill your spot we will reduce the cancellation fee.
Yes, we can set up a payment plan after the $500 deposit is paid. The payment plan must be completed 4 weeks prior to travel.
Yes we can advise you on this. Booking earlier is better. The flights on Singapore airlines from Brisbane are very reasonable at around $1600. It is important to take out travel insurance. Or insurance may be included in your credit card. Ask your bank.
This is the coolest time in India and the most pleasant to travel. Kolkata will be warm but as we move further north it will be cooler and cold in Lakshman Jula and Rishikesh. So bring clothes for warm Autumn and winter. It is easy to have your clothes laundered along the way so travel as light as you can.
Daily Program of our Journey
Arrival at the Kolkata airport where you will meet our local staff. Transfer to the hotel. Some flights may arrive at night so rest is important. As per your arrival time we will connect for a meal and introductions.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include : Lunch and dinner
Full day sightseeing of Kolkata. We will visit Mother Teresa’s House and Orphanage. And Flower Markets.
Morning transfer to the railway station take train to Gaya. Upon arriving at Gaya Junction we will be transferred to the hotel in BodhGaya.
Train: Depart at 12.10 and arrive Gaya Junction at 18.40
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
During your stay we will spend quality time visiting Maha Bodhi temple complex, known to be one of the oldest brick temples of India. This is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Pilgrims and Buddhist monks come to worship, meditate, and do circumambulation around the main shrine.
A day excursion will be organised to visit Nalanda and Rajgir : Nalanda is the ancient university where thousands of monks used to study philosophy. This was the main seat of knowledge and learning established in the 5th century.
Rajghir was the largest city in Majjhimadesa during the Buddha’s time. Among the many notable places in the area are the tranquil Vulture’s Peak (Gijjhakuta), where the Buddha meditated, and the
Sattapanni Cave, where the First Council was organized after the Buddha’s passing.
Drive back to Bodhgaya
Please note : A daily walking tour will be organised around the main temple with our local guide.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Morning, transfer to Gaya Railway station to take the train to Varanasi. Travelling by train in India is itself a complete journey. People from different countryside travel with their colourful costumes. Each railway station is full of life with the vendors of chai, newspapers, other eatery items selling and bargaining on the platform while a train stops for a few minutes.
Afternoon arrival in Varanasi. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
During your stay in Varanasi your days will be punctuated with the yoga practice with your teachers in the morning, local sightseeing, walking tours of Varanasi in the day and Satsang in the evening.
Please note : A day excursion will be organised to visit Sarnath. For the rest of the stay a daily walking tour will be organised in the city with our local guide. Varanasi on the Banks of the Holy River Ganga is one of the most Auspicious and Intriguing cities in India.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Morning transfer to the airport board flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Evening meal to farewell Sarva Atma who will leave us here
Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel.
Meals include: Breakfast
Exploring including a visit to the Chandni Chowk Market; one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. There is no formal tour organised for this day.
Meals include: Breakfast
Overnight stay in a hotel. If time permits, a little walk along the Ganges will be organised
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
A walking along the Ganges here is a joy in itself. Rishikesh offers so much and we will have time to stop, rest by the River Ganga closer to her source. Arati at night. Free time. Optional visit Sivananda Ashram.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel
Meals include: Breakfast We can enjoy cafe’s and restaurants along the River here.
Free day exploring – shopping. Evening Arati Ceremony and exploring the Ghats and markets. Options to eat out.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include : Breakfast
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Meals include : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kind Words from previous India Retreat Attendees
When Soraya and Terry advertised their Yoga retreat India was calling us to join them there. We were so excited, a sign this was perfect timing. It was all I hoped it would be and so much more. What took it to the next level was our time with Terry and Soraya which made a wonderful experience truly divine. Yoga, meditation, music (Terry’s flute, the divine voices of Terry and Soraya and music creating a space to elevate to higher places), teachings and sharing and just being in the presence of love and harmony was an experience I want to continue to be inspired to live by, to make this way of life my way of life. We shared our time with a like minded group. Our day trips to the Ashram to spend time with Saratma and our meditative river trip, temples, palace, the most southern tip of India, markets wove into the tapestry of richness of our experience and has created a hunger to experience more. Thank you Terry and Soraya for all you are and share with others and for providing this space of love to just be and know we can find the emptiness.
What a blessing to be part of the Music, Meditation Mindfulness and Mantra Retreat Easter 2015. There was a generous sharing of knowledge from Soraya and Terry, such warmth and gentleness from the Indian people, I felt very safe, with the bonus of the beauty of India. Now that I am home I have been able to incorporate many things that I learned on Retreat which helps me feel I have an enriched life.
The India retreat with professional facilitators Soraya and Terry Oldfield was a valuable insight to Meditation and Mindfulness. It was a joyful and uplifting experience, one I would like to do again. Denyse Liddy.
What a divine, amazing, superb and magnificent venture we had with Terry and Soraya to India. Being someone that was somewhat nervous about stepping right outside my comfort zone with Yoga and Ayurveda I was rather apprehensive until I arrived and survived the first day with so much pleasure and then it was just onwards and upwards from there. Magic in every sense of the word.
I think the words of Terry’s song sum it all up for me of the journey:
Then I fell in love with everything… Threw away the key
To all the places I’d been sheltering… To where I’d rather be
I fell in love with everything… Broke down the wall
And now there’s nothing wrong with anything… Nothing wrong at all
I would be back there on that journey in a heartbeat
I went to the retreat seeking to find a sense of calm and focus to help me undertake a project that I have planned for the year ahead.
I definitely came away from the retreat having fulfilled that purpose.
Pay a $500 to secure your place at the
Early Bird Price of $5,550 Shared Room / $6,900 Single Room.