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Sights & Sounds of North India
February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Sights & Sounds of North India
February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Sights & Sounds of North India
February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Sights & Sounds of North India
February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Sights & Sounds of North India
February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Don't miss out on an experience of a lifetime. Spaces are limited. Register now.
 
Highlights
Sights & Sounds of North India

Sights & Sounds of North India

There is not one India; there are many. In this unique sight-and-sounds tour we will experience the cultural, spiritual and scenic diversity of North India on a journey that opens our senses — and our hearts — to all North India has to offer. Together we will explore the ancient and contemporary, the grand and the humble. We'll travel from the fashionable, cosmopolitan city of New Delhi to India’s oldest holy city of Varanasi to behold the iconic Taj Mahal — one of the seven wonders of the world — and venture down the quaint, temple-lined alleys of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna. And everything in between.

 

We'll ride elephants to the majestic Amber Fort of Jaipur and take rickshaws through the medieval labyrinth of Old Delhi, board one of India’s famous trains for Agra and cruise the Ganges at sunrise, serenaded by classical Indian musicians. We'll hear the music of India’s many spiritual traditions, including sublime bhajans (hymns) in Sikh temples, devotional Sufi qaawali music in mosques, orthodox Vedic chants in the spectacular evening artis and the stunning silence of Sarnath, where the Buddha found enlightenment.

 

We'll breathe in cardamom and rose in India’s oldest spice shop and the aroma of incense in Hindu temples. We'll share a cup tea from the corner chaiwallah and indulge in a lavish, multi-course meal in a Mughal palace. We'll hunt down treasures by traditional craftspersons in centuries-old bazaars and delight in innovations of India’s most cutting-edge designers found in modern boutiques. We'll meet the people of India and make new friends. We'll do yoga with Ann to keep us grounded and open for the yoga of travel. And like with all good yoga, we'll come home, well … transformed.

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Pricing

Single Room

$ ($4595)Show Details

Shared Double Room

$ ($3595)Show Details
 
Included
  • 10 nights in 4/5-star hotels
  • extensive pre-trip assistance
  • expertly planned, tried-and-true itinerary
  • private guides and tours throughout
  • all land transport (private buses, boats, trains)
  • private airport transfers
  • all entry fees to monuments, concerts, etc.
  • breakfasts and all taxes
  • yoga & meditation with Ann
  • International & domestic airfare
  • lunches and dinners
  • Indian visa
  • travel insurance
  • gratuities
 
Payment and Cancellation Policy:

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your space. Final Balance Policy: Final payment must be received by ... Dec 9, 2016, in order to be eligible for the early bird pricing, and all payments are non-refundable. Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation, your entire payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit if the cancellation is made before Dec 9, 2016. Payments are non-refundable after this date. Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip. There are many travel insurance companies to choose from, but Travelex and World Nomads are two reputable organizations for worldwide travel coverage.

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Ann Dyer Cervantes
Ann Dyer Cervantes reconnects her students to the innate pleasure of moving their bodies for classes that bring joy as well as results. Her teaching —  grounded in her beginnings in Iyengar Yoga, a degree in dance, and the study of somatics — inspires and integrates the body, heart, and mind while keeping her students safe. Classes often include chant, breathwork, and meditation for a complete yoga practice. Her teaching in international retreats draws inspiration from the art, poetry, music, and spiritual traditions of the local culture for an exceptionally deep, memorable retreat experience.  Ann is the Owner/Director of Mountain Yoga in Oakland. She has led international yoga retreats for over 20 years.

Years Teaching

20 + years

Style

Vinyasa, Iyengar, chanting, and meditation

Inspiration

You, yoga, art, and life

My Profile & Retreats
 

FAQ

What cities in Northern India will we visit?

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi

What airport do I fly into?

For the The Highlights of North India only, fly into and out of Delhi (airport code: DEL) arriving Feb 8th and departing Feb 18th after 9pm (Your departure flight out of Delhi should be scheduled for no earlier than 9 p.m. on Feb 18th to allow for any flight delays from Varanasi into Delhi.)

If you are participating in both North and South trips, fly into of Delhi (airport code: DEL) on Feb 8th and out of Trivandrum (airport code: TRV) on Feb 27th

Are there group airfares?

No, there are no group airfares, as we will have people joining us from all over the US, with some arriving early, some arriving late, some using miles, etc. We are happy to provide guidance and review any itineraries you find. Please contact us before purchasing flights, and as always, travel insurance is strongly recommended.

 

How will I book my domestic airfare for travel within India?

Domestic airfare is NOT included in the price, but we will take care of the booking for you so that we all travel together once we arrive in India.

 

We will take two flights during week 1, and these cost approximately $200 to $300 round trip.

 

If you are participating in both segments, there will be an additional domestic flight booked on your behalf from Delhi to Cochin, and the cost will be approximately $250. Please remember that this is a rough guestimate. We will offer a more exact figure and details as your trip approaches.

Are airport transfers included in the price of my trip?

Yes, private airport transfers are included in the price of your trip. Whenever you arrive, day or night, you will be met by a private driver and transported to the group hotel. Note: if you arrive early and decide to stay at an alternate location other than our group hotel, you will be responsible for coordinating and paying for your own transportation directly with the hotel where you will be staying.

Do I need a visa for travel to India?

Yes! The India visa process can often be a confusing and lengthy process, which is why we strongly suggest using a visa-processing service such as Travel Visa Pro, which can assist you in getting your visa in a fraction of the time for a nominal fee. If you prefer to do it on your own, you have a few options, listed in the travel planner which we will provide you when you register.

What vaccinations do I need?

There are no required vaccinations for travel to India. However, there are some recommended (suggested) vaccinations given by the CDC. To see the complete list of what is recommended, please visit the CDC Website and consult with your primary care physician to make a decision on what is best for you.  

What if I am traveling alone?

We get hundreds of travelers each year who go on retreat alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate, a single supplement will apply.

 

If you prefer to have your own private room, a single supplement will apply.

What are the accommodations like?

We will be staying at well-known 4 and 5-star hotels chosen for their location and quality of service throughout Northern India. We've used them all for groups in the past. Please contact us at [email protected] for details on where you will be staying for your specific itinerary.

Do I need to bring a mat and will props be available during yoga classes?

Yes, please bring your own mat in addition to blocks and a strap if you use props during your practice.

 

Are gratuities included in my trip price?

No, gratuities are not included in the total trip price. Tips are an essential part of the economy in India and are greatly appreciated. We suggest $10-$20/day total per person per day for housekeeping and restaurant staff as well as your local guides, drivers and principal guide who will be with you for the entire duration of the trip.

How many people are expected on this retreat?

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 12-25 attendees is a general average.

 

Are all levels of yoga experience welcome, from beginning to more advanced?

Yes, all levels are welcome. You will find that wherever you are in your practice you will get just what you need out of the yoga classes on this retreat. International Yoga works only with experienced and extremely qualified teachers, which ensures that everyone's yoga needs will be met.

What is the weather like?

November to March is the ideal time to visit India in terms of weather. In the north it can get quite cool (50-60s) with the weather starting to warm up in February and March (70-80s). In the south the temperature averages between 80-90 F with only occasional rain.

 

Testimonials

C. Giacalone, India

Hotels were truly beautiful, and the food was great. The guides were very informative and passionate. They always had a positive manner about them. All transportation was clean and comfortable. There was a lot on the itinerary for each day, the destinations were absolutely amazing!

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S. Koches, India

I'm very impressed with International Yoga, their knowledge of India, and their ability to provide the best experiences for their travelers. Everything—the accommodations, the transportation, the guides, the restaurants, and all the awesome activities—was top notch. I felt very comfortable, safe, and well taken care of the whole time. This experience exceeded my expectations and was a trip of a lifetime. The sights, sounds, and smells of India will be with me forever. Thank you!

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H. Jaisinghani, India

You guys are truly experts at what you do, and the quality of your service and flexibility to work with additional requests has been phenomenal! Attendees felt they were truly taken care of and safe!

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A. Willmer, India

Wonderful and thoughtful trip—from the beginning, where many unknowns exist, Michelle and Stephanie were very good at explaining and encouraging timely preparation and planning for every step. Then landing in India and experiencing being taken care of right from the start, as you step out of the airport—this was such a relief and comfort! The Sights and Sounds trip was truly a transformative vacation, and I feel it was because of the wonderful partnership between International Yoga; our Yoga teacher, Ann Dyer; and Mayank, our wonderful Indian guide and friend. Thank you everyone for letting us into your lives and truly giving your love and attention to making this an exquisite life experience.

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S. Cohen, India

I appreciate how much support you provided. You not only answered questions about the retreat, but also addressed my post-retreat travel concerns. In fact, even before I left for India I felt I was in really good hands!

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D. Kelley, India

I can't imagine visiting India without the guidance of International Yoga. In just over two weeks I feel I saw the quintessential Indian sites and had a spiritual, yogic experience. The itinerary was expertly planned; it was the perfect balance of tourism—seeing all the monuments and sites that India has to offer and quiet, spiritual yoga time. Beginning with the craziness of Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi made me appreciate the calmer, more meditative environment of Rishikesh even more! It was an amazing, fulfilling trip.

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February 8-18, 2017

Sights & Sounds of North India

Don't miss out on an experience of a lifetime. Spaces are limited. Register now.