Part A: New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Rishikesh + Part B: Gujarat, Pilgrimage to Swami Kripalu's home. 

India is often described as Incredible India! It's true! There is so much variety in food, clothing, sites, sounds, languages, people, thoughts, etc., that the only word to capture it all is DIVERSE!

Join us for a journey through some of the famous and hidden gems to get a more complete experience of India.  We will travel with Malika, a yoga practitioner and teacher who grew up in India, lived in the US for over 20 years, and moved back home five years ago.  As a local herself, she will take us to some of her favorite spots and also introduce us to some of the most delicious cuisines. In addition, you will have ample time for shopping and also just being! When possible, we will begin our day with an asana and/or yoga nidra practice and spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing.

As All That Matters yoga + wellness celebrates our third year as a 501c3 nonprofit and our thirtieth year as a wellness community, we are excited to share the highlights of this heritage trip; taking us to explore the roots of yoga and our lineage through Swami Kripalu*:

We will be in India for Diwali! Diwali is the country's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.  

On our visit to Gujarat, our host will be Indukanta, who spent several years at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (in Stockbridge, MA) and now spends 3-4 months each year in Kayavarohan. She will be taking us around. 

Other points of interest:
• Taj Mahal (one of the 7 wonders of the world and considered the ultimate symbol of
love) at sunrise
• Other historic sites such as Agra Fort, Hawa Mahal, and  Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
• Spiritual sites such as Rishikesh (the Yoga capital of the World)
• Accommodation in luxury and heritage palace hotels
• Rickshaw Tour of Old Delhi, Open Jeep tour of Jaipur at night
• Local Bazaars in each of the cities to see marble craftsmanship, modern and traditional
clothes from Rajasthan, handicrafts from different states of India, and much more
• Local Cuisine for a full flavor of India
• Yoga and Yoga Nidra
• Walks through local markets to get a feel of the culture and plenty of shopping
opportunities!

Our Accommodations

India is known for its hospitality; treating guests with utmost respect and providing the best services.  During our time together we will stay in 5-star hotels and Unesco heritage properties, where you will surely experience India's warm hospitality, majestic architecture, sprawling gardens, rich heritage, serene retreat locations, and modern + luxurious amenities.  Gallery photos are examples of rooms, dining experiences, and spas.

ATMY+W retreats offer an opportunity to connect on a deeper level, beyond the studio, cultivating a community of support, or Sangha.  Our curated retreats are soulful journeys for the body, mind + spirit inspiring transformation, renewal, joy, connection, and moments that matter. 

*Please Note: 

- There are 2 ways to take this trip with us. You can join us for 13 days (Part A) and depart on day 13 when we return to New Delhi OR you can join us for an additional 4 days and journey (for Part B) to Gujarat, the pilgrimage to Swami Kripalu's home, the temple built for him, and surrounding areas.

- Itinerary is subject to change

Malika Rajan spent the first 40 years of her life living a reality that didn't feel like her dream. She had the good fortune of attending prestigious institutions such as St. Stephens' College in India, and Harvard Graduate School of Education in the US. She had a successful career in digital marketing working for start-ups and large companies.

During this time, Malika describes herself as a closeted hippie. On occasions, she ventured off to live in other countries or took time off from corporate life to just be, and those were the happiest moments for her.  Having felt purposeless for a long time, Malika took a weekend trip to the Kripalu Yoga Center and that was the turning point. Subsequently, she completed her first Yoga Teacher Training in 2013 with the Pranotthan School of Yoga.

A few years later Malika found the courage and opportunity to leave the high-stress world of marketing and move to an ashram. The teachings of the Amrit Yoga Institute are based on an energy lineage and that of Swami Kripalu, on whom the Kripalu Yoga Center was founded. She lived at the ashram for almost 3 years and took the basic and advanced trainings in Yoga & Yoga Nidra. In addition to organizing retreats & workshops in India and teaching in programs and the community, Malika enjoyed working in the ashram kitchen and participating in various community activities.

In 2019, she moved back to India. That the corporate world was far behind was crystal clear to her, as she now had the opportunity to live her dream. Malika loves to teach as part of her practice. Every opportunity in which she can share what she has learned, she considers a gift and a reinforcement of the teachings.

Currently, Malika is focused on spreading the energy-based teachings of Yoga and Yoga Nidra through classes, workshops & discussions.  Today, a typical day includes morning practice, playing with her dog, singing to her parrot, teaching occasionally, sitting out in the garden, gardening, cooking, watching movies, walking & hanging out with family.  Her life has meaning & purpose and for that, she is grateful.

Sun/Mon

Oct 12, 13

· Welcome and transfer to your hotel

· Welcome lunch

· Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour 

· Qutub Minar 

· Lotus Temple

Tues/Wed/Thurs

Oct 14, 15, 16

· Lunch at   Neemrana Fort Palace (included)

· Amer Fort

· Jeep Safari at   Night; City Palace & Hawa Mahal

· Galtaji Temple

· Jantar Mantar

· Local Shopping 

Fri/Sat

Oct 17, 18

· Taj   Mahal – Sunrise 

· Marble   craftsmanship & shopping

· Agra  Fort

· Dance  Show at Kalakriti

Sun/Mon

Oct 19, 20

· New Delhi by   Night: India Gate & Parliament

· Dilli Haat Market

Tues/Wed/Thurs

Oct 21, 22, 23

· Train to Rishikesh

· Beatles Ashram

· Aarti on River Ganges

· Visit to Shiv Caves

· Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula

· Local Cafes

· Walking tour of Rishikesh

Fri

Oct 24

· Train back to New Delhi

· Option to either continue to stay in Delhi on your own or to go to the airport to catch the flight back home!

Fri

Oct 24

· Overnight in Delhi

Sat

Oct 25

· Early morning flight to Gujarat

· Visit Kayvarohan temple

· Gujarati thali dinner experience (included) 

Sun

Oct 26

· Visit Kripalu Samadhi Mandir & Lunch   (included) 

· Late evening flight back to Delhi

Mon

Oct 27

· Check out and flight back to the US