Touching the Roots of India

Ayurveda, Meditation, Emperors and the Gods, with Belinda Macri

North India, 14 to 28 February 2011

I’m excited to share with you a once in a lifetime trip to India.

For many of us that have been touched by Ayurveda, Yoga or Meditation the heart of these practices is in India. We’ll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the place which will certainly transcend ourselves and our practice.

Arriving in Delhi on Feb. 15, 2011, we will begin our journey as a group and travel to The International Conference on Ayurveda and Yoga, at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India. We will spend the next five days exploring, living and understanding the depth of Ayurveda and Yoga. We will then travel as a group to three locations, sightseeing these historic places:

Agra – Experience the Taj Mahal at sun rise
Orchha – a town steeped in history, known for its palaces and temples built in the 16th & 17th century
Khajuraho – sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Jain patriarchs.

I look forward in sharing with you my teachings during our tour from the Chopra Center in Advanced Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

Join me, and Welcome! Belinda Macri

See map of India and local map.

ITINERARY
14 Feb 2011 Depart the Americas
Depart the Americas this evening. Overnight: On board your aircraft.

15 Feb 2011 Depart Europe / Arrive Delhi
Depart Europe this morning, arrive Delhi this night. Spiritual Journeys representatives will meet you as you exit Delhi airport customs and immigration, and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.

16 Feb 2011 Delhi / Haridwar / Rishikesh
Delhi to Haridwar by train departing 6:50 AM and arriving Haridwar at 11:25 AM. Our representatives will meet you and transfer you to Rishikesh by road, a journey of 1 hour. Upon arrival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, register for the Ayurveda Conference. Rest of the day at leisure to wander in Rishikesh. Overnight: Rishikesh Ashram.

17 – 20 Feb 2011 Rishikesh
Attend Ayurveda Conference. Overnight: Rishikesh Ashram.

21 Feb 2011 Rishikesh / Delhi
Attend the Ayurveda Conference till it ends around 12 noon, then depart Rishikesh for Haridwar train station by road, a journey of 1 hour. Depart Haridwar at 6:13 PM for Delhi by train, arriving at 10:45 PM. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.

22 Feb 2011 Delhi / Agra
Depart for Agra by train, leaving at 6:00 AM and arriving at 8:00 AM. Spend the day sightseeing this city. Overnight: Agra.

23 Feb 2011 Agra / Orchha
Depart at dawn to see the Taj Mahal as the sun comes up. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then depart for Orchha by train to Jhansi leaving mid-morning and arriving early afternoon, then a 1-hour drive to Orchha. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone; a rich legacy and unique murals and paintings bring to life Hindu & Islamic palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Jehangir Mahal to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir, Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple specially constructed to enshrine the image of Ram and the palace-turned-temple Ram Raja Mandir, the only temple in India where Ram is worshipped as a king, and participate in an Aarti at dusk at this temple. Photo opportunity and Aarti at sunset. Overnight: Orchha.

24 Feb 2011 – Orchha/ Khajuraho
Morning sightseeing of Orchha and drive to Khajuraho in the afternoon. King Yasovarman began the era of temple construction around 930-1050 AD. The patient hands of the craftsmen have transformed even the mundane to excellence unparalleled anywhere else in the world for you to see amongst the finest examples of temple architecture. The depiction of uninhibited sex hints towards a liberated society in yesteryear. It is also suggested that prior to entering the place of worship, if one was attracted to sex as depicted, then perhaps one was not ready to take the next step towards enlightenment. Such depiction of sex forms only a small fraction of all the carvings at Khajuraho. Overnight: Khajuraho.

25 Feb 2011 – Khajuraho
Morning sightseeing tour of Khajuraho temples then spend the afternoon at leisure in this tranquil sleepy town. Overnight: Khajuraho.

26 Feb 2011 – Khajuraho / Delhi
Depart by car after a leisurely breakfast to Jhansi, a journey time of 4-5 hours. Embark on your train journey to Delhi departing at 6:56 PM and arriving at 10:30 PM. Overnight: Delhi.

27 Feb 2011 – Delhi
Spend the whole day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi. Overnight: Delhi.

28 Feb 2011 – Delhi / Departure
Spend the whole day at leisure, doing your own thing, then transfer to the airport for your return flight. Overnight: On board your flight.

1 Mar 2011 – USA/Europe Arrive
Arrive Europe this morning and the USA this evening.

- End of Services -

REGISTRATION: Basic tour $1,960.00 - land only; airfare to and from India is additional (estimated $1,300). "Single Room" is available at additional cost (although not during the A&Y conference). Price is per person in US funds based upon double occupancy. Fees increase on August 15 then again on January 16. $500 deposit required with registration, non-refundable. Fill the Registration Form and e-mail to Deepak Singh.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: E-mail: Deepak Singh, Spiritual Journeys, Inc., 262 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. USA. Ph: 508-358-4267.