Temples – Tradition – Transcend

Join Kellie Brett on this inspiring journey to connect with the soul of the Himalayas, its holy cities, and the timeless wonders of India.

Our journey commences visiting the foothills of the Himalayas to the birthplace of yoga, the holy city of Rishikesh. We explore traditions, temples, and meditate at sunrise on a Devi temple mountain top. We explore markets, bazaars, the Beatles Ashram and witness evening Aartis and devotional practices in this mountain enclave.

We will immerse ourselves in a personally curated 5-day yoga retreat, culminating in an intimate Homa fire ceremony where priests invoke ancient mantras in a powerful ritual of devotion.

Our next leg of the journey is to the sacred city of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi can be both seen and felt.

We journey into the old city winding down narrow laneways, exploring bustling bazars and holy shrines. In the evening, we immerse in one of the most beautiful and spiritual sacred aarti ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges River.

To complete our journey, we take a sunrise boat trip, witnessing Hindu pilgrims, life and livestock harmoniously gathering in a melting pot of humanity and spiritual tradition.

Varanasi is one of the most fascinating places on earth, a place where the cycle of life and death merge and Intimate rituals and the prayers of millions are imbued in the air.

Woven throughout this tour is a unique blend of yoga, meditation and mindfulness personally facilitated by Kellie Brett.

Delhi — Rishikesh — Varanasi — Delhi

09 Nights / 10 Days

Temples and Traditions

Monday, 1st March – Wednesday, 10th March 2027

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

09 Nights Premium, Deluxe, and Heritage Accommodation or similar.
09 Daily Breakfasts
08 Dinners
03 Lunches
Daily Yoga, Including a 5-day Yoga, meditation and mindfulness retreat.
03 Domestic Flights from Delhi to Dehradun, Dehradun to Varanasi, Varanasi to Delhi.
All sightseeing as per program with Private Driver & Air-Conditioned Coach.
English speaking Local guide in Rishikesh and Varanasi.
Entrance fees to the monuments (one visit) as per the program & applicable taxes.
Group Airport transfers within the included package dates.

From $ 5,395*
*AUD per person twin share

Single Room supplement available

Trip Highlights

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR:

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the sacred temples and bustling markets of Rishikesh.
Step back in time with the artwork and essence of the Beatles Ashram.
Wander the local markets & bazaars to shop for hand-crafted artisans’ wares in Rishikesh.
Experience sunrise Meditation at a Sacred Devi Temple on a Mountain top in the hills of Rishikesh.
Witness a Sacred Aarti on the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Immerse in an evening of Sound Healing, Music & Chanting in Rishikesh.
Experience the spiritual essence of a Homa (fire ritual), an ancient Vedic ceremony.
Discover the Ancient City of Varanasi on a guided walking tour winding through alley ways, ghats and temples.
Experience an evening Sunset Ganges Boat Ride and Sacred Aarti Ceremony on the Ganges.
Witness the sun rise on an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, and morning local activities.
Woven throughout this tour is a unique blend of yoga, meditation and mindfulness, including a 5-day retreat, personally curated and facilitated by Kellie Brett.

Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrival: Delhi International Airport.
Upon arrival and once you have cleared customs, you will be personally met by our representative in the arrivals area who will assist you to transfer from the airport and check into your hotel.

Day 2

Our journey begins as we take a flight to the foothills of the Himalayas to the holy city of Rishikesh and our accommodation with views of the sacred Ganges River. We begin with an opening circle, Yoga & meditation followed by Welcome Dinner.

Day 3

Morning myoga – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat Program. This Afternoon we commence a guided walking tour of Rishikesh and in the evening we experience the soulful Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.

Day 4

Morning myoga – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat Program. Day at Leisure to explore the market and bazaars of Rishikesh. Evening myoga – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat Program.

Day 5

Morning myoga – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat Program This afternoon we step back in time and visit the Beatles Ashram, followed by an immersive evening of Music & Chanting and a Sacred Aarti on the Ganges.

Day 6

We rise early this morning to experience sunrise at a Sacred Devi Temple upon a mountain at the foothills of the Himalayas. We return to the hotel for late breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Rishikesh. Afternoon myoga – Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Retreat Program.

Day 7

Conclude your Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat with an early morning traditional Homa Fire Ceremony, yoga and closing circle. Afternoon at leisure and farewell dinner.

Day 8

This morning, we fly to the holy city of Varanasi and stay at our eclectic heritage boutique Hotel situated on the ghats of the Ganges River. Evening meditation and dinner on the Roof Top Terrace.

Day 9

Begin with meditation on the ghats. We then commence our sightseeing discovering the Ancient City of Varanasi on a guided walking tour winding through narrow alley ways, local bazaars, ghats and temples. This afternoon, we proceed to the River Ganges for our sunset boat ride and experience the sacred evening Aarti ceremony followed by dinner on the Roof Top Terrace.

Day 10

Our final day in Varanasi, we are up early at dawn, to proceed for our boat ride on the River Ganges where we will witness the Hindu pilgrims perform rituals on the ghats and the burst of humanity as Varanasi comes to life.

We return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we share a farewell lunch, before boarding your international flight home or onward journey.

Tour Exclusions

Cancellation Conditions

From: $ 5,395*

*AUD per person twin share

Prices are subject to change and availability.

For Tour Enquiries:

Contact Kellie Brett – [email protected]

Payment and Travel Bookings:

Contact Kecci at Essence of India Tours
[email protected]

Payment plans are available for this package.
Prices are subject to availability and change without notice.
Booking terms and conditions apply
For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $15 bank service fee applies.

Image Credits

“It is necessary that we know with absolute certainty
that in essence we are spirit.”

~ Rabindranath Tagore