Major Locations for Yoga :

Rishikesh (Uttranchal), Haridwar (Uttranchal), Gaya (Bihar), Kerala, Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

Time : Any time of the year. The International Yoga Festival is organised every year from 2nd to 7th of February by the UP Tourism.

What is Yoga
Yoga is the Sanskrit term for Union. Many people believes that, the term Yoga refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, but, the traditional acceptance is the union between the Jivatman and Paramatman that is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore, Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal or state of union with the divine.

Origin of Yoga
Yoga was propounded by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yog' which means 'union,' presumably union with the divine being or God. It is a secular and scientific methodology to experience the integration of the body-mind-soul.

Most Practiced Yogas
Some of the most often practiced types of Yoga are : Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Tantric Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Raja Yoga.

The Need of Yoga
Amidst the stress of the regular activities our mind craves for peace and tranquility. To uplift ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually, most of the time we walk at the seashore or gaze at the soothing sunrise to attain temporary peace. But, it becomes more refreshing and reviving if we can take a break and opt for the soothing Yoga activities.

Yoga in India
Since time immemorial India has been the land of saints and sages who meditated and practiced yoga. The spiritual city of Rishikesh happens to be the Yoga capital of India. Tourists flock to practice Yoga in the lap of the Himalayas in India. Rishikesh hosts the International Yoga Week every year in the month of February attracting several experts and participants. The trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without the visit to the Glasshouse on the Ganges, which was once a private garden retreat of Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.

The Benefit of Yoga
Practicing Yoga is not just key techniques to recline you. They can be chosen to channelise your mind, revive your soul and keep your body fit. It is in the coordination of the - body, mind and soul, that the perfect state of composure can be attained. Yoga clubs the tempo of the body with the melody of the mind and the amity of the soul, to create the symphony of life.

The Yoga and Its Common Features
A sage, Patanjali, put forward yoga as a system of philosophy. The common form of Yoga is also referred to as the Ashtang Yoga, which comprises of eight basic features namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratayahara, Dharna, Dhayan and Samadhi. Each feature has its own importance.

Yama
Yama encourages the universal disciplines of truth, self-control, non-violence, non-stealing and non-greed.

Niyama
The second feature, Niyama, advocates human values of contentment, self-study, penance, cleanliness and surrender to God.

Asanas
Asanas are the various Yogic postures that are to be performed to keep the body healthy and fit.

Pranayama
Pranayama is one aspect of Yoga in which the management of the breath is covered.

Pratayahara
The feature of Pratayahara is practiced to relax the mind and alienate oneself from the five senses.

Dharna and Dhyan
Dharna and Dhyan are about concentrating and meditating.

Samadhi
The final aspect of Samadhi refers to the ultimate state of oneness with God.

The Yoga Centre in India
There are several centers in India bringing the authentic forms of Yoga techniques within the reach of the common man. The Yoga tour in India aims at offering an introduction to the tourists about the yoga centres in India and the teachings and training of Yoga at these centres like Madras (Chennai), Rishikesh, Kerala, and Bihar. Yoga tour at the Yoga centres in India destroys the toxic properties of the body through purification of bowel, enemas, cleansing of the nasal passage and eyes.

Yoga Remedies
Even today, people practice the ancient art of Yoga religiously as it brings out the best in the person. Usually the common man practices Yoga for curing specific problems and taking remedies against the illness.

Yoga is also practised to cure the common modern day ailments like Asthma, Arthritis, etc. There are several asanas that can be practice to inculcate confidence and keep depression at bay. Attainment of the certain pose instructed in an asana makes the body supple.

Yoga and Meditation Tour

Rejuvenate yourself, the most effective way, just as our saints and Sadhus have been doing for centuries. India is known as the country where Yoga & Meditation are a way of life. India, though taking impressive strides towards urbanization and industrialization, still has locales where the concepts of Yoga & Meditation are an integral part of human life. We will take you to the vicinity of Rishikesh, where luxury is blended with natural beauty and everything is in tune with nature.

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel, where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 - Delhi
In the morning take a city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple and Akshardham Temple - The Place of Gods, India Gate - The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House - The Government headquarters. In the afternoon take a city tour of Old Delhi covering Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort - The red stone magic, Gandhi memorial - The memoir of father of the nation. Also enjoy the sound & light show in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 - Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
Morning transfer to station to catch Shatabadi Express to Haridwar.On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour followed by grand viewing of Ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centre of Philosophical studies, Yoga and Meditation. An international yoga week is being organized here every year by U.P. Tourism between 02nd and 07th February. A few of the ashrams in and around Rishikesh are.

Muni Ki Reti Mahesh Yogi Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Shankracharya nagar

Swarg Ashram Parmarth Niketan

Ved Niketan Yoga Study Center

Shanti Kunj Maa Anand Mai ashram

Arrive and check in into one of the Ashram. Afternoon is to be spent on briefing of day routine

Day 04 to Day 07- Rishikesh (Ashram)
A Typical day At Ashram

05.30 A.M. to 06.30 A.M. Meditation classes

07.00 A.M. to 08.00 A.M. Yoga class

08.15 A.M. Breakfast

12.00 Noon. Lunch

15.00 A.M. to 15.45 A.M. Lecture

16.00 P.M. Tea

16.30 P.M. to 19.00 P.M. Yoga & Meditation Classes

19.30 P.M. Dinner

Day 08 - - Rishikesh - Shivpuri
Morning drive to Shivpuri, arrive & check in Nature camp resort. After a welcome drink & acclimatization briefing about the whole schedule. Late afternoon jungle walk in the reserve forest around the Nature Camp Resort. Campfire followed by dinner & overnight stay.

Day 09 - Shivpuri
Early morning wake up for a Yoga class followed by relaxation of body & mind. After yogic breakfast drive to Byasi / Kaudiyala to start the rafting up to Shivpuri. Arrive Byasi briefing on safety, raft manoeuvring, team spirit development etc. Today we exercise teamwork and hit the most exciting rapids on Ganges. Lunch at nature camp resort. Free time for own activities. Evening meditation and relaxation followed by campfire & dinner at camp.

Day 10 - Shivpuri
Early morning wake up for one and half hour drive to Hindolakhal, arrive and start trek to Kunjapuri. The one hour trek goes through thick forest till we reach the top i.e Kunjapuri. After exploring the area for some time join the class for Asanas, relaxation & meditation. Witness the sunrise on Greater Himalayan peaks and afterwards trace your steps back to Nature camp resort. Free time for own activities. After lunch drive to Chilla for a wildlife Safari. Arrive Chilla, briefing on jungle discipline, animal behaviour & low impact eco friendly outdoors. Drive back to Nature camp resort for Dinner & night halt.

Day 11 - Shivpuri - Delhi
Early morning advance yoga class with question answer session helping in assessment of change in personality during the course. After breakfast we raft down from the Shivpuri to Rishikesh assessing leadership qualities, team spirit and training for rescue. Lunch at Brahampuri. In the evening you will be transferred to station to connect train to Delhi. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 - Delhi - Agra
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Sikandara, on arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon half-day city tour is being organized covering Taj Mahal, Red fort, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 - Agra - Jaipur
This day drive to Jaipur enroute visiting old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon enjoy city atmosphere which by many means is fabulous. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 - Jaipur
Morning you will be taken to Amer Fort, where you will have the sheer pleasure to enjoy the Elephant Ride. Afternoon city tour covering Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Royal Observatory & Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 - Jaipur - Delhi
Morning free. Late afternoon drive back to Delhi upon arrival you will be taken to hotel where we will be holding a few rooms for wash & change. Have your dinner being organized by us. Transfer to International Airport for flight back home.

for more informations and queries email us at : info@DestinationHolidays.net