Travel by road to Matra, birthplace of Krishna (the blue flute-playing god from the impossible Hindu patheon of colourful deities), dress up in the whitest of whites, and indulge your childhood fantasies, throwing handfuls of coloured paint at random humans in the streets. 

Holi Festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and Lord Krishna himself knows the world is ready for a whole lot of that.

Wash off all that crazy and hightail it to Agra for delicious food and some more of those comfy beds.

And a blissful yoga-nidra (laying down meditation) before bed.

Wake up bright and early and tuk-tuk to the exquisite Taj Mahal for sunrise and a peaceful, surreal, and very very special experience. The colours at that time of day are a watercolour wheel, changing from purples and blues through pinks, oranges and reds, and the peace is palpable. Expect a full heart and a lingering glow for the rest of the day.

Shine your way back to the hotel for breakfast, then we tour Agra in style, making a very special stop at Adil Khan's magic carpet shop, hidden in plain sight on the corner of Fatehabad Rd. Adil is our business partner in India, one of our most treasured friends, and a simply wonderful person. His family business is a delight to visit, and the kindness and wisdom he embodies will leave you smiling and uplifted. 

Adil will share in informal satsang-style for us.

Back at the hotel for dinner, sharing, guided meditation and restful yoga.

Jump on the train first thing and rail-trip it to Varanasi. Think endless cups of chai, far-too-much-snack-sampling, and some very competitive card games considering you are on a yoga retreat (try and beat Nathan at UNO or Kath at rummy and you get the pleasure of seeing them squirm - they both love to win.) Loser shouts the lemon-ginger-honey tea ;) 

Once in Varanasi and freshened up, we explore the town together, and it's down at the river, the powerful sacred mother Ganga (Ganges), that we are introduced to the Hindu way of death. For Hindus, cremation in Varanasi is considered the most holy place to be farewelled on the planet - guaranteeing moksha, liberation from karma and the cycles of birth and death and rebirth.

Early evening we visit the mystical ghats, the steps to the river, and participate in a local arti (blessing ceremony), and spend some time soaking up the atmosphere.

Back at the hotel we join for a very special, contemplative sharing circle and simple meditation before bed.

Sunrise sees us back at mother Ganga to witness the Burning of the Bodies in the early morning light. A beautiful, somber and joyous reminder of the impermanence of our one human life.

Breakfast, sharing circle, checkout, a visit to our favourite temples, and we fly to Delhi for the night.

Yoga and meditation at the hotel.

Fly to Rishikesh first thing, check in and go exploring this beautiful, peaceful small town. Overlooking mother Ganga and the Himayalas, Rishikesh is a gentle place, filled with ashrams, nature, wonderfully cute cafes, wandering sadhus and wanderlusting spiritual seekers.

The 'Beatles Ashram' is here in Rishikesh - as are many sacred cows, a seventh-generation ear-cleaning guy who will have you fascinated and horrified all at the same time, Tibetan momos in every restaurant and a small and eclectic bunch of travellers from every corner of the globe.

Footbridges span the huge river, massive statues abound...every moment finds a new and wonderful vista.

Kathleen attended extended yoga teacher-training in Rishikesh, and her beloved local teachers and friends will lead a selection of the classes over these 4 days.

Twice daily yoga is on offer, plus meditation, chakra workshops, cleansing sessions, chanting, yin yoga, acro yoga on the banks of the river (SO much fun and no experience needed!), and you can opt in our out of anything.

We will hike to a local waterfall, attend ceremony, and have ample free time for exploration of the local markets and shops 

Day 10, experience a (private for our group) fire ceremony with a local Hindu priest,  and we journey back to Delhi via low-flying plane.

Morning yoga and meditation, and farewell circle.

Breakfast.

Transfers to the airport (or wherever wonderful place you are off to) for your next adventure.