9 DAYS SAILING & CAMPING YOGA RETREAT IN RIVER GANGES, INDIA

Overview 

Refresh your senses on 9 days tour with a healthy dose of daily yoga whilst sailing down the Ganges. Enjoy being nurtured by a perfectly balanced blend of peace, prana, culture and adventure. Walk your worries away as you wander through the streets of Varanasi and its splendid Ghats.

Tour Highlights

  • Soulfit Journey believe in real life experiences combined with luxury, so rest but rejuvenate your soul with our Soulfit Indian Adventure.
  • Enjoy the delicious vegetarian dishes of authentic Indian cuisine.
  • Practice and perfect your sunrise yogic practice with skilled yoga instructor whilst sailing down the Sacred Ganges and sunset yogic practice on the islands of Bhogaon and Sultanpur.
  • Walk among the ancient wonders hidden within the walled streets of Old Delhi and the majestic Jama Masjid.
  • Learn the national significance of the world famous Triveni Sangam in Allahabad.
  • Wander among the ancient temples of the tantric cult of Vindhyachal. 
  • Learning the strength of the historical significance of Chunar Fort.
  • Enjoy sailing down the Sacred Ganges all the way from Allahabad to Varanasi.
  • Take in the kaleidoscopic view of ancient civilizations that have settled and centred their lives surrounding the Sacred Ganges for more than 2000 years.
  • Visit Triveni Samgan to view the magical confluence of three Holy Rivers of India, the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Mythical Sarashwati.
  • Pray for your ancestors during the Flower Candle Ceremony in Varanasi.
  • Let your ears enjoy the soothing sounds of the traditional live Sitar and Tablas Indian music.
  • Bear witness to the splendor of the renowned Evening Arati Ceremony in Varanasi.
  • Lose yourself in the fascinating hustle and bustle of the Varanasi Bazaars.
  • Be accompanied by a qualified and highly skilled Yoga Instructor and an experienced and fluent English speaking Group Tour Leader.
  • Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 passengers onboard. 

Included

  • Accommodation: 3 Nights in 4 star Hotel; 3 nights Ganges riverside camping, 2 nights in A/C train.
  • Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners
  • Transport: Fully air conditioned train sleeping cart 1) Delhi to Allahabad 2) Varanasi to Delhi; private coach, mini-vans, boats and tuk-tuks. 
  • Accompanied skilled and experienced Yoga Instructor throughout the tour.
  • Guides: Fully qualified, English speaking Tour Leader and local guides where appropriate.
  • Activities:  Daily Sun Salutation yoga and meditation program  whist sailing on and camping along the Sacred Ganges,  evening flower candle ceremony with live music, evening Aarti ceremony at the Varanasi main Ghat, visits to Triveni Samgam at Allahabad, Sitamarhi Village, Vindhyachal,  local primary school and Chunar Fort.
  • All monument entrance as per the itinerary.
  • Applicable surcharge and Government taxes.

Not Included

  •  International airfares, Departure airport tax for international flights & Visa fee.
  • Travel Insurance – (Is must to join the group, we would not be able to accept passengers without travel insurance in any circumstances).
  • Additional meals not mentioned in itinerary, Alcohol, water bottles and other drinks
  • Single room surcharge, Pre and post tour accommodation
  • Hotel incidentals: mini bar, laundry, spa, health club, telephone etc.
  • Tips, gratuities and Camera Fee at monuments.
  • All suggested option and transport involved.
  • Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical       evacuations, riots, strikes etc.
  • Anything which is not mentioned in included list.

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your Soulfit-Wellness begins with a welcome meeting at 5:30 pm on Day 1 and also a group dinner.  You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day earlier so you're able to attend the meeting. If so, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, tipping kitty and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide your tour leader with. We will spend our first night at our hotel in Delhi.

Practice Sun Salutation Yoga and meditation session, before enjoying a hotel breakfast. Rooms are available until 11am. Upon exiting the hotel, dare to venture into a very busy Delhi for a half day walking tour around the wonderful walled city of Old Delhi. Experience the local life while traveling on Delhi Metro train. Visit the historical sites and bustling markets that Old Delhi is awash with. Exploring the exciting bazaars where everything from fireworks and silks to copper and spices is for sale, walk in to one of Delhi’s most majestic buildings, the Jama Masjid.  After our tour in and around the Jama Masjid, enjoy lunch together before your afternoon is free for you to do as you wish at your own pace. the evening, board an overnight train to Allahabad.

On arrival at Allahabad, drive to hotel in order to freshen up and eat breakfast. Afterward, proceed to the world famous Triveni Sangam in Prayag.  Two rivers; the Ganges and the Yamuna wind themselves around Triveni Sangam, but it is also home to the mythical Saraswati River.  A place of religious importance and the site for the historic Kumbh Mela ceremony, held every 12 years, Triveni Sangam is also the site where the ashes of several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi , have been immersed into the sacred waters.

Proceed to the Sailing Point of Sitamarhi Village, where we will be welcomed in the traditional way of the local people, who will adorn us with garlands. After a short rest, continue on by slowly strolling through the village on our way to visit the Sitamarhi Temple. The Sitamarhi is significant for its connection to the renowned Ramayana, the Indian epic written by Maharishi Valmiki.  Within the Ramayana, the lives of Lord Rama and his consort Maa Sita are written about at great length and in great detail. Valmikiji writes about Maa Sita’s noble character, particularly in regard to her sincerity, sacrifice and devotion to Lord Rama. It was at the site of Sita Marhi, that Maa Sita descended into the lap of Mother Earth.

After our village walk, set sail once more and eat lunch aboard the boat.We will then journey on to Vindhyachal where we will camp in small mountain dome-tents after an evening of twilight yoga and authentic Indian cuisine.   

Wake up early with morning tea/coffee and practice Sun Salutation Yoga session before breakfast. Spend the early hours of the morning visiting the ancient temples of the tantric cult at Vindhyachal. Board the boat and enjoy a mid morning snack whilst sailing past the Mirzapur district.  Along the way, watch and bear witness to the ancient religious rituals that are performed by villagers who spend their lives along the shores of the sacred Ganges.  After lunch, sail on, stop and settle at the island of Bhogaon, where we will camp in small mountain dome-tents after another evening of twilight yoga and authentic Indian cuisine.  

Wake up early with morning tea/coffee to practice a pre breakfast Sun Salutation Yoga and meditation session.  After breakfast set sail once more and enjoy the river side scenery before eating lunch aboard the boat.  After lunch, come ashore at the ancient Chunar Fort- which as a social, trading and military meeting point, acted as a bridge between the northern and eastern states of India during the medieval period.   After exploring the site and learning the historical significance of Chunar Fort, sail on, before stopping and settling at the island of Sultanpur, where we will camp in small mountain dome-tents after another evening of twilight yoga and authentic Indian cuisine.   

Wake up with morning tea/coffee to practice a pre breakfast Sun Salutation Yoga and meditation session. After breakfast explore some of the tranquil areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. After a mid morning snack, sail ashore in order to explore and engage with the teachers and students of a local, state run school. Return to boat in order to eat lunch and sail on to the Assi Ghat, situated in the ancient city of Varanasi.

After reaching Varanasi, say farewell to sailing boat and its crew. Find land legs again and make way, via local tuk-tuks, to hotel.  There are few things more exciting than zipping through the busy and bustling streets of Varanasi in a tuk-tuk.  The humble tuk-tuk is the best mode of transportation to navigate through the crowds that vie through Varanasi, in search of the charismatic Ghats of Varanasi. Evening is free for to do as you wish at your own pace, or consider choosing from some of the optional activities which your tour leader will be happy to assist in the arrangements of. Overnight in Varanasi. 

Practice a pre breakfast Sun Salutation Yoga and meditation session, before embarking upon a walking orientation tour around the ancient streets of Old Varanasi after breakfast. As the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is often referred to as “the Holy City of India”; "the religious capital of India"; "the city of Shiva", and "the city of learning".   After the orientation tour, you are free to wander as you wish around Varanasi, at your own pace.  

In the evening, assemble at the renowned Assi Ghat before boarding a boat that will take us to the far end of the Ganges River, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Anchored at this quiet spot, enjoy a live performance of Sitar artists, (the Sitar is a traditional Indian musical instrument) whilst the crew lighten flowered earthen candles in order to participate in a flower ceremony that involves setting free your thoughts and prayers as you set free the flowered candles and watch them sail, twinkling away across the Sacred River Ganges. 

Once the flower ceremony has been performed, set sail again slowly across the Ganges, viewing some of the renowned Ghats along the way, before, reach the Main Ghat and settle down to view, from unique vantage point, a truly fascinating and memorable evening Aarti Ceremony.  After a fascinating day,  retire for the evening in Varanasi hotel.

(Please note – it is vital that you bring both camera and mosquito repellent when viewing the water based evening Aarti Ceremony viewing.  Furthermore, riding on the boat depends entirely on the current of the river, as we will not take risk our client’s health and safety by taking a boat rides during heavy monsoons, when tides are high and currents are strong).

Practice morning Yoga and meditation session and then a tranquil hotel breakfast whilst planning a full day that is free to do things as you wish at your own pace. Hotel rooms are available until 11am, so consider choosing from some of the optional activities, with which your tour leader will be happy to assist in the arrangements of. In the evening bid farewell to India’s Holiest City and board an overnight train to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, drive to a comfortable hotel to enjoy one more breakfast with group before you continue on your forward journey.  Rooms are available at the hotel until 11 AM. We would be happy to book a room for you, for an extra night if you wish.  Furthermore, if you need assistance in booking airport transfers, then we would be happy to arrange that for you. But please inform your tour leader far in advance, in order to make the appropriate arrangements for you in a timely manner. Our services end at 11 AM today. We look forward to serving you again for future Soulfit-Wellness trips.  Live a happy and Soul-fit life, Namaste!

Tour Price and Add on

Good To Know

Insight of Sailing and Camping Trip

Sailing: Boats are common wooden country boats with a couple of rows, a mast and two boat men on each boat. There will be no seats or bench. On board there will be mattresses & pillows and 4 persons can easily sit in a relaxed position while enjoying the landscape. The sitting area is covered with a canvas roof.

Camping: We camp on a deserted beach or island depending on the season. Small mountain dome-tents with carry-mattresses are used. We provide blankets and hot water bottles normally but clients bring their own sleeping bags. Breakfast, high tea and dinner, are served on the island however, lunch is always served on board the boat.

Toilets: We will pitch a tent with a dig-in pit when camping, but will stop at a deserted bank when sailing.

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is compulsory for our trip. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.  When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our Tour Leader. If you have credit card insurance our Tour Leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Getting Visa to India is easy now.

e-Visa Facility is available for nationals of following countries/territories
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameron Union Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China- SAR Hongkong, China- SAR Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'lvoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal , Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda,Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For more details on e-visa please visit – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change – it’s important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

Tipping

Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. Over the years we have found that many of our travelers find the need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if they don’t have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a tipping kitty system; however the money is not collected in your final payment received by Soulfit Journey. This is so that it can be submitted directly to your Tour Leader who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers – guides, drivers, helper, attendants, Potter, bathroom attendants, shoe keeper, gate keeper, restaurants etc. – on your behalf. We have calculated the tipping amount of USD 90 to be paid per person to your Tour Leader upon arrival in India at group meeting on Day 1.

Your Tour Leader

The Tour Leaders with Soulfit Journey are some of the best in industry and have wide knowledge of diverse culture, history and people in India. We recommend tipping your Tour Leader as they work long hours to make trip successful. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD 10 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more as you see fit, depending on your perception of service and quality of your trip.

Your Yoga Instructor

You will be accompanied by highly skilled yoga instructor throughout the tour. The instructors are qualified from recognized yoga institute and experienced regular practitioners. We recommend tipping your Yoga Instructor. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD 10 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more as you see fit, depending on your perception of service and quality of your trip.

Single Travelers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don’t involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travelers share with people of the same gender in twin share accommodation. On a selection of our trips; you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis or as per requirement Give little extra to yourself as you deserve it. Book single supplement on this trip.

Domestic Airline & Baggage Allowance

Domestic airlines within India have recently reviewed their checked luggage limits, as such all airlines have now implemented a maximum checked luggage limit of 15 Kgs. Please keep in mind when packing for your upcoming trip as international airline may have higher luggage allowance. Any excess luggage charges incurred will be at the expanse of passenger and they should be paid upon check in. Please ensure you adhere to the above regulation whenever you are embarking on a domestic fight.

Physical Requirements

This trip is only for very physically fit and healthy travelers. It is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted each day and participate in 3-5 hours of daily physical activities, including scaling several steep steps without handrails.

Appropriate Dress

When visiting temples or mosques, both men and women should dress in non-revealing clothes. Full-length trousers with a shirt or t-shirt for men; and pants or skirts well below the knee with a top that covers the shoulders and upper arms for women. Women might also consider carrying a ‘modesty shawl’ in their daypack – this could be a sarong or light scarf – which they can wear over their shoulders and heads to feel more comfortable while sightseeing at mosques. Religious sites and homes throughout India – for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Muslims or Buddhists to name a few – require all visitors to remove their shoes to enter. Even if you then need to walk outdoors, over hot or rough ground, you will not be allowed to wear shoes. You will often find shoe storage rooms near the entrance of a site where it is customary to leave your shoes near the entrance. Occasionally there are ‘shoe minders’ who will offer to keep your shoes safe for a ‘tip’ –If you do not want to remove them, you will have to remain outside.