Embark on a Sacred Journey
This pilgrimage is a powerful spiritual journey, carefully designed with decades of experience visiting extraordinary sites made holy by Paramhansa Yogananda and the saints and masters described in his Autobiography of a Yogi.
Hosted by Ananda India this pilgrimage will bestow many sacred blessings and priceless memories of a lifetime.
Explore the Holy Sites of India
Delhi
Our home base in Delhi will be the Ananda Center, warmly staffed by devoted disciples of Yoganandaji. Here, we’ll start each day with morning meditation, share meals, and bask in the loving energy nurtured by the Ananda Delhi community.
Explore the vibrant Dilli Haat marketplace on a guided shopping excursion, showcasing crafted treasures from across India. Discover unique souvenirs, experience local culture, and revel in the city’s dynamic spirit, all while anchored in the serene atmosphere of our Ananda Center.
Varanasi
Varanasi In the oldest surviving city in the world, we’ll delve into the sacred heritage of India’s spiritual heart. Our journey takes us to revered sites associated with Lahiri Mahasaya, Babaji, Buddha, Anandamayi Ma, and Trailanga Swami, where we’ll meditate and chant. Sunrise and sunset boat rides on the Ganges River offer breathtaking views and spiritual reflection.
We’ll visit the bathing ghat where Mataji came to Babaji, and explore ancient marketplaces filled with vibrant colors and textures. Absorb the city’s timeless energy, deepen your spiritual practice, and connect with fellow travelers in this powerful spiritual place.
Puri
Immerse yourself in Puri’s profound spiritual energy, stunning natural beauty, and relaxing atmosphere. Meditate in the sacred Mandir where Sri Yukteswar’s body is buried, and visit the revered Jagannath Temple and other holy sites. Our hotel, beautifully situated on the Bay of Bengal, offers breathtaking sea views from most rooms and is just a short distance from Sri Yukteswar’s serene hermitage.
Kolkata
Experience the sacred energy of Kolkata, where Paramhansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar lived and meditated. Visit Yogananda’s Boyhood Home (4 Garpar Road), now a shrine lovingly maintained by his family. Ananda has led pilgrimages to Kolkata for 40 years, fostering a deep friendship with Yogananda’s family and shrine custodians. Together we’ll:
- Meditate in the attic room where Yogananda experienced Samadhi
- Visit the room where Babaji blessed Yogananda
- Enjoy lunch with Yogananda’s family
- Explore the living room where Sri Yukteswar visited Yogananda’s father
- We’ll also visit the Tulsi Bose Shrine, a 5-minute walk away, where Yogananda found solace in meditation, started his first school, and began teaching organized meditation.
This sacred site has been blessed by numerous saints, including Swami Vivekananda, Anandamoyi Ma, and Swami Kriyananda. Feel the lasting presence of these spiritual luminaries.
Ranikhet (Babaji’s Cave)
This extraordinary leg of the trip takes us to the beautiful foothill region where Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have first met Mahavatar Babaji in the autumn of 1861, which contains the cave where Lahiri spent a previous incarnation. Babaji gave Lahiri Kriya Yoga initiation on this spot, thus launching its spread around the world. We’ll spend most of a day together on this hillside, taking turns meditating in the cave itself.
The other holy site we’ll visit in this region is Dunagiri Mountain, also sanctified by the presence of Babaji and Lahiri Mahashaya. The Durga temple here is situated atop a mountain which is said to have fallen from the arms of Hanuman when flying to the aid of Lakshman as told in the ancient Ramayana epic.
How to Apply
At present, we are only gathering interest for this trip. If you would like to go, please fill out the form below and let us know. We will soon be in touch with further details.