India 2013 – Yoga Retreat
February 2013 (Dates TBD)
Travel to India for the experience of a lifetime. This 12-day retreat takes you on an authentic journey to the spiritual home of yoga, Rishikesh, known as the “Abode of Sages”. Set in the lap of the lush Himalayas along the holy banks of the River Ganges, you will have an opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice while immersed in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of India.
Highlights of this retreat include:
- An authentic and well-supported immersion in ashram living
- Daily yoga classes, fire ceremonies, and transformational experiences
- Visits to historic pilgrimage sites along the foothills of the Himalayas
- Opportunities to support local children by volunteering and participating in activities at a nearby orphanage
- Optional activities, including; hiking, white-water rafting, and Ayurvedic cooking classes
- Incredible opportunities to experience the teachings of yoga closer to their spiritual source
Contact us to register or learn more about this spectacular journey.
Forest of the Sacred Fire
Highlights include:
- A complete immersion in ashram living at the Anand Prakash Ashram in an area of Rishikesh known as Tapovan (forest of austere spiritual practice)
- Opportunity to deepen your yoga and meditation practice in a quiet and intimate setting
- Twice daily yoga classes, daily Agni Hotra (fire ceremony), and evening kirtan
- Visits to historic pilgrimage sites along the foothills of the Himalayas
- Day trip to Haridwar, considered one of the 7 holiest cities of India
- Practicing karma yoga, the yoga of service, by offering our time and energy to a nearby orphanage and school for children with mobility challenges
- A wide range of optional activities, including; hiking, white-water rafting, Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic cooking classes
Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram
Anand Prakash Ashram is a comfortable, nurturing sanctuary for spiritual seekers from around the world to receive safe, clean food and water, and guidance for their yogic journey. The ashram also promotes Akhanda Yoga, the holistic, non-sectarian yoga teachings of its founders, in which students are encouraged to practice all aspects of the diverse tradition of yoga: satkarma, asana, pranayama, Vedic mantra, kirtan, and meditation, as well as to contemplate various traditions in yoga philosophy: Vedanta, Tantra, Samkhya and Classical Yoga.
The ashram is located in the dynamic international village of spiritual seekers in an area of Rishikesh called Tapovan, about 250 kms. north or Delhi. The Ganges river valley here is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and it is considered the gateway to the Himalayas. Tapovan is an ideal location for yoga sadhana; it is named for its heritage as a site for spiritual disciplines. Tap, represents tapas, the practice of spiritual disciplines. Van means forest. So, Tapovan is the forest of the yogis. Anand Prakash is on a headland above the banks of the Ganges, one of the first open spaces down river from the source of the Ganges. The wind and all the prana carried from the Himalayas whistle down the river valley and blow out over this headland invigorating the ashram area.
The following video contains a collection of images and information about the Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram.
To view photos from our previous visits, visit our photo gallery on Flickr.
Tour Leaders & Teachers
This unique retreat experience gives you an opportunity to study with international teachers and still enjoy the consistent connection and support of your tour leaders. In addition to leading asana classes, your tour leaders will help you understand Indian customs, rituals, and beliefs – and develop an appreciation for the teachings of yoga closer to their source. This journey is an adventure and a retreat – but also a genuine pilgrimage towards the center of your true self. It is our great pleasure and privilege to bring you with us on this journey and help you have the experience of India you have always dreamed of.
Parvati Angela Lytle, M.Ed.
Parvati, who received her spiritual name from her teacher upon completion of her yoga training in Rishikesh, has a BA in Religious Studies, a Masters in Education, and has lived and traveled extensively throughout the world. Her intercultural awareness, educational background, travel experience, sensitive and caring nature will enable you to relax and appreciate the wonders of India in a unique way. She is confident that this journey will be transformative on many levels for all those who join, and is happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have about traveling in India.
Johar Singh, M.A.
Joe is a Kripalu Yoga teacher whose ethnic roots trace back to the northern regions of India. He has lived, traveled, and studied yoga in several Asian countries and holds a BSc in Psychology & Religious Studies and a MA in Education from the University of Toronto. He is excited about sharing this incredible immersion experience with you and looks forward to helping you deepen and broaden your experience of yoga in this amazing international context. Feel free to contact him with your questions and to find out if this is the right retreat for you.
Yogi Vishvketu, PhD.
Yogi Vishvketu is the founder of Akhanda Yoga and a co-founder of the Anand Prakash Ashram. He has studied and practiced Hatha and Raja yoga in Kanvashram in northern India since childhood. He went on to attain a Bachelor’s degree in yoga and sports, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy. He moved to Canada in 2001, where he continues to dedicate himself to teaching the arts of yoga and Ayurveda. His mission is to cultivate the holistic practice of yoga, through his yoga teacher training programs in Canada and India, and through workshops he offers internationally.
Chetana Panwar, M.A.
Chétana is a co-founder of the Anand Prakash Ashram and developed the curriculum for World Conscious Yoga Family’s Yoga Teacher Training Programs. She is also a teacher trainer and facilitator for the 200 and 500 hour Teacher Training Programs specializing in; Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle/Ethics, Methodology, Pedagogy, and Prenatal Yoga. Chétana leads kirtan, mantra, meditation, and transformational experiences – and finds that her true nature blossoms through the integration of Jnana and Bhakti yoga: philosophical contemplation, and devotional practices.
Pricing
Program Price: TBD
Group/Couples Discount: Save $100 per person for each person when you register with a friend(s)
Registration Deadline: TBD
Note: This exclusive retreat is limited to a total of 10 participants. Just a handful of spaces remaining.
Prices are based on double occupancy and are NOT inclusive of flight. Fares tend to fluctuate daily and booking early is the best way to ensure your space in the retreat and get the lowest fare.
The detailed inclusions and exclusions for the retreat are as follows:
Registration
Contact us with any additional questions you might have about this spectacular journey. To register for this retreat and receive a detailed retreat package complete the online registration form linked to below.
Register Now
TICO Registration
All of InSite Yoga’s retreats are booked through a TICO registered travel agency. TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) protects your travel investment by regulating, monitoring, refunding, and handling complaints for all travel services sold through their registered agencies. All of our retreats are booked through:
Best Vacation Travel
TICO #50013840 | (905) 458-1597 | www.bestvacationtravel.ca
