Print this page A Glimpse of India: Yoga in Rishikesh on the Banks of the Ganges
WEA Sydney and Darshan Events present an educational travel experience for those seeking a deeper immersive understanding of Indian civilisation, spirituality and culture.
To find out more please enrol in one of the Free Information Sessions: https://www.weasydney.com.au/course/TOUR.GIT.1
To make an initial enquiry and receive a brochure with details, please email education@weasydney.nsw.edu.au
Yoga in Rishikesh on the Banks of the Ganges - 2 October to 16 October 2027 (dates are for India tour only - do not include flight dates)
This carefully curated educational journey invites curious travellers and lifelong learners to explore Rishikesh, the world’s Yoga capital, a great place to stay and study yoga, meditation and other aspects of Hinduism, or just to unwind from the rigours of metro city life.
Also included in the tour are visits to the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and to Dharamshala, the home of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama and a busy bazaar town inhabited by a sizeable Buddhist Tibetan community.
Highlights
- Visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs at Amritsar
- Witness the Wagah Border Beating Retreat ceremony in Amritsar
- Visit the Dalai Lama monastery in Dharamshala
- Enjoy the Toy train ride from Shimla to Kandhaghat
- The Evening prayer ceremony at bank of the river Ganges in Haridwar is an experience to remember for a lifetime
- Yoga sessions in Rishikesh – whether you are a beginner or an experienced Yoga practitioner, this experience in the world’s yoga capital provides a fulfilling exposure to an environment steeped in spiritual heritage, Himalayan views, and vegetarian, alcohol-free living.
Learning Components
Participants will receive:
· A pre-departure orientation session in Sydney.
· Reading materials and tour notes introducing details of the cities included in the itinerary and introduction to yoga.
· Educational commentary and reflection discussions throughout the journey.
· Opportunities to explore the relationship between health, wellbeing, culture and environment from an intercultural perspective.
Itinerary Overview
· Amritsar – meaning "holy pool of nectar", is home to the Golden Temple, considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site.
· Jallian Wala Bagh - This place noted for its most notorious massacre under British rule in 1919 is now a garden and memorial to the 379 who lost their lives.
- Wagah Border - the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.
· Dharamshala - synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even though the Tibetan community dominates the town, it has still retained the colonial lifestyle and British fervour.
· Shimla – The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations". Situated in the north-West Himalayas and the capital of the mountainous state of Himachal, or the "abode of snow", Shimla was the summer capital of India before Independence.
· Chandigarh One of the few modern planned cities in India, architect Le Corbusier’s vision and genius is presented in the urban planning and architectural designs of the neat geometrical reinforced concrete structures.
· Haridwar – known for its river ghats and temples, is also renowned for the evening Ganga aarti, a spectacular worship of the Holy river.
· Rishikesh - Three days of yoga and meditation sessions in the world’s yoga capital with plenty of leisure time to explore the city.
· Delhi - Visit the grand Akshardham temple, explore Old and New Delhi housing ancient Islamic architecture sus=ch as the Qutb Minar and Humayun’s tomb and grand examples of British architecture in the India gate and the Red fort. A cycle rickshaw ride through Chandnin Chowk is also included
Practical Information
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights (does not include flight times to and from India)
Twin share – Aus Dollars $5,900 (Land costs) per person
Single supplement – Aus Dollars $1,200 per person
Deposit: AUD $500 per person.
Minimum Group Size: 10 participants.
Included:
· Accommodation on a twin-share basis with breakfast
· Land transportation and sightseeing
· Entrances to monuments and attractions
· Fully escorted tour and local English-speaking guides
· Welcome and farewell dinners
· Yoga meditation and yoga sessions
· Pre-tour orientation session and educational notes
Not Included:
· International airfares
· Airport taxes
· Visas
· Travel insurance
· Most lunches and dinners
· Personal expenses and gratuities
Fitness and Accessibility
This journey involves extensive walking. Participants should have a reasonable level of mobility and be comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Optional Extension
Participants may choose to extend their tour visiting Agra and Jaipur (4 nights 5 days) 16 Oct to 20 Oct with Taj moonlight sighting on 17 October.
Important Note
This educational journey is promoted by WEA Sydney as part of its WEA Educational Journeys program. The tour is operated and managed by Darshan Events in conjunction with Boutique Travel Services, a licensed Australian travel agent. All bookings, payments, travel arrangements and tour operations are managed by the tour operators in accordance with their terms and conditions.