India Yatra – Shiva Secrets with Alexia

Welcome Circle at 18:00 & Opening Ritual.

*We are happy to help you arrange your transfer from Delhi International Airport to Rishikesh. If you fly into Dehra Dun Domestic airport, your transfer is included.

We will explore Rishikesh and visit the famous Beatles Ashram, attend an Aarti Ceremony (devotional light ceremony for Maa Ganga) and tune into Shiva Mantras.

Today we will rise early to see the sunrise at Kunjapuri temple. The morning will be free to explore Rishikesh. In the afternoon we will travel to Vashisht Cave and enjoy a Satsang at Maa Gyaan’s Hermitage the banks of the Ganges river.

We will leave North India and fly to Chennai, which lies in the most Southern state called Tamil Nadu. Check-In and arrive in a different climate.

We will drive from Chennai to the first Pancha Sthula which is connected to the Wind (Air) Element: Sri Kalahasthi Temple.

After the visit and tour we continue our journey to Kanchipuram.

Morning visit of the Ekambareswarar Temple which is connected to the Earth Element. We will then continue to the spiritual hub of Tiruvanamalai.

Today we will visit the incredible Arunachaleshwarar Temple (Fire Element) followed by the Ramana Maharishi Ashram, which is a powerful spiritual hub for thousands of devotees and pilgrims. We will hike the Arunachala mountain which is known to be the “embodiment of Shiva” and connect deeper with the Elemental teachings.

We will continue our journey from Tiruvanamalai to Tirchy.  On arrival we visit Jambukeswarar Temple (Water Element), followed by a Kirtan and teachings on the Water Element.

From Trichy we will drive to Chidambaram Thillai Nataraj Temple (Ether Element) and connect with the teachings of the Space Element. We will continue our journey to Pondicherry in the afternoon.

Today we will visit Auroville, a well known township which is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity – in diversity. In the afternoon we will visit the old town of Pondicherry.

We explore Elemental Meditations and Shiva teachings followed by a journey back to Chennai to celebrate our Yatra with a big dinner and Closing Ritual.

9am Breakfast in our Chennai Hotel

Check Out and Departure from Chennai International Airport.

Yes! Our pilgrimage route takes us mostly to spiritual places that are often off the beaten tourist track. These places are well maintained and safe. We are also always making sure we are staying in clean hotels and take plenty of safety measurements.

You can apply online for your e-tourist Visa to India via this link:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
You can apply for this Visa anytime after you have signed up for the pilgrimage. You will receive an email with an ETA that says “VISA GRANTED”. The ETA is an confirmation, however, you will only receive the VISA STAMP upon entry at immigration.
Alternatively, you may also apply for a regular paper Visa at your local embassy.

Yatra is a sanskrit word and means “spiritual journey” or pilgrimage. I have called my India journeys Yatras because they are fundamentally different to Retreats. We are traveling a lot, visiting sacred sites, temples and spiritual homes. We will do daily spiritual practices and hold our energy and intentions high. This is not a trip to relax, but a deep encounter with yourself and a country that has ancient roots of wisdom and will empower you to see beyond the veils.

It requires you to be open, accepting, loving and welcoming. It might take you to your limits, yet only to discover that your mind is your only limit. India helps us expand and grow. Be open and you shall receive.

Our Yatra begins in Rishikesh and ends in Chennai.
You may book your flight into Delhi or Dehra Dun and out of Chennai International Airport or simply book a return ticket to and from Delhi International Airport and book your domestic flight from Chennai to Delhi separately.

• If you arrive in Delhi we can organize a pick up from the International Airport and take you directly to Rishikesh. The travel time will be approximately 4-5 hours.
• If you arrive in Dehra Dun domestic airport, the travel time to Rishikesh will be about 45 minutes. This transfer is included in the Yatra if you arrive on the 1st day of the Yatra.

Yes, we are sending out a packing list with the confirmation of your space on the Retreat.

Yes, some cash is always recommended as there are no cash machines in the desert. While this is an all-inclusive trip, you might want to buy souvenirs and gifts in the market and also give tips to our Berber team. Best you exchange cash right at the airport so you do not need to worry later as we are on a tightly timed adventure trip.

While India is quite colorful and open when it comes to dress code, there are certain standards to follow especially when visiting temples and sacred sites.
Make sure to pack clothes that are not black in color, long sleeves (below shoulders) and lose pants or skirts (below knees). You can also use shawl to wrap around your waist, head or shoulders when you enter a temple site.
If you do not have clothes that suit this trip, do not worry, come in comfortable outfits and i will take you to the markets on day one. You can get India clothes for a cheap price at the local markets and they will serve you for many India trips to come 🙂