Rishikesh. For centuries a holy pilgrimage site in the scenic Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh gained worldwide fame in 1968 when the Beatles stayed at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It has since been called “The Yoga Capital of the World.” Ashrams and meditation centers connected to famous gurus and little-known lineages alike dot the areas on both sides of the River Ganges, along with temples both ancient and new. We’ll visit the ashram made
famous by the Fab Four, attend enchanting sunset aartis (chants and fire rituals) in different locations, meet with various teachers and lineage holders, meditate in ancient temples, and more. We’ll take full advantage of all the riches of Rishikesh on foot, take excursions to places like the sacred town of Haridwar, and leave plenty of time for personal exploration and daily satsangs. Rishikesh is endlessly colorful. No one ever forgets it, and everyone wants to go back.

Varanasi. From the foothills where the Ganges rushes fresh we’ll fly to the vast plains where the same sacred river flows slowly toward the sea. Varanasi (formerly Benares) is the holiest city in India and is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Busy and bustling in places, it is eternal along the river, where time seems to have been suspended and life goes on as it has for thousands of years. It is a seat of learning; the home of temples and ashrams large and small, ancient and new; the site of unforgettable rituals; and the most auspicious place to die or to have a loved one’s remains turned to ashes at the cremation grounds. Also, as it happens, it’s a great place to shop, to dine, to meet interesting people, to learn new things, and to capture the endless parade of photogenic moments. It is the heart of India; one cannot know the country without seeing Varanasi. As in all the locations we visit, we’ll make the most of our ample supply of contacts to arrange special access to unforgettable places and people.

Khajuraho and Panna Tiger Reserve. We conclude the main tour with some special sightseeing. First stop, a short plane ride from Varanasi, is the ancient city of Khajuraho. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical, archeological, and esthetic importance. Its magnificent temples, built between 950-1050 AD, are world-renowned for unique sculptures that depict yogic practices, spiritual teachings, sports, cultural values, and, most significantly, erotic acts. Beautiful, intricate, and expressive, the art on the Khajuraho temples never fails to elicit awe and wonder.
Close to Khajuraho is the vast (200 square miles) Panna Tiger Reserve. In addition to tigers, leopards, and other exotic animals, the park is home to more than 200 species of birds. We’ll spend our last two nights at a resort in a nearby village and tour the national wildlife preserve.

Amritsar. Those joining us for this special add-on tour will fly to Amritsar in the state of Punjab, in the northwest corner of India. This ethnically and religiously diverse region—where traders and invaders from other parts of Asia crossed in and out of the Indian subcontinent—was split during the tragic days of Partition, with a chunk of it becoming part of Pakistan. It is also the birthplace of the Sikh religion, and Amritsar is the home of the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Saheb), the magnificent cornerstone of Sikh worship. This sacred shrine is a major pilgrimage destination and a popular tourist attraction. We’ll have ample time to soak in its esthetic grandeur, its historic and cultural importance, and its spiritual substance.
We will also visit Jallianwala Bagh, a walled garden near the Golden Temple, to pay homage to a tragic moment in India’s history. On April 13, 1919, a peaceful crowd of 2000 Indians gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to protest British rule. British soldiers opened fire, massacring the protestors even as they dispersed in panic. The Martyrs’ Memorial was built in the shape of an eternal flame.

Dharamshala. We board a comfortable coach and ride four hours north and east through some interesting and beautiful terrain to Dharamshala. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, nearly a mile high on the edge of the Himalayas, the hillside city is surrounded by cedar forests. It has been the home of the Dalai Lama and his government-in-exile ever since he was forced to flee Tibet in 1949. Then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allowed the Tibetans to settle in what had once been a summer vacation spot for British colonial officials. We will have ample time to enjoy the serene atmosphere in and around the Namgyal Monastery (aka the Dalai Lama's Temple, aka Namgyal Tantric College), as well as other sites, such as: the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, which houses over 80,000 manuscripts and other resources related to Tibetan history, politics, and culture; and the Tibet Museum with its collection of 30,000 photographs documenting the Tibetan journey into exile across the Himalayas. We will be in touch with officials in hopes of having an audience with the Dalai Lama, or at least a senior monk. We’ll also take advantage of any discourses, meditations, and rituals that are scheduled during our visit. In addition, we’ll take excursions to the picturesque surrounding area and visit some unique sites, such as: