RETREAT IN RISHIKESH
During the retreat, we’ll have daily group sadhanas and various inspirational activities. We’ll meditate in Vashishta Gufa, on the banks of the Ganga, a favourite sacred site for still, deep, meditations. Walking distance from the retreat, this is the cave where Sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. He was among the seven great sages (Saptarishis) and the guru of Lord Ram. On our third day, we’ll spend in silence, introspecting and communing with God in nature next to the Ganga.
The retreat will be led by Keshava, Daya, Chika and Hari from Ananda Sangha Delhi. This trip is for those who are fully vaccinated.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Thursday, 17 March
We start by bus from Ananda Sangha, Panchsheel Park, Delhi at 5:00 AM sharp. On the way to Rishikesh, we have breakfast (on your own) in the motel. (Or you may choose to fly.) Our bus reaches our retreat centre at approximately noon. We walk 15-20 minutes to the retreat, partly uphill, but without steps. Porters carry our bags. We settle into our rooms and enjoy a welcoming lunch. We have free time before evening tea and an opening circle, where we can all meet and share. This is followed by group sadhana and dinner.
Friday, 18 March
Our day starts with group sadhana at 6 am. After a light breakfast, we walk to Vashishta & Arundathi Caves to meditate. We come back to the retreat for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll have special nature activities and a walk down to the Ganga, where we can take a holy dip if the current isn’t too strong. The day ends with meditation, dinner, and kirtan.
Saturday, 19 March – A Day of Silence and Introspection
Our day starts with meditation at 6 am followed by breakfast in silence at 8 am. During the day we’ll be in silence, diving deep into stillness, with optional guided introspection and journaling. You can choose a quiet, secluded spot in the retreat centre to spend the day, or walk back to the Vashishta cave or the Ganga beach on your own. We’ll regroup for sadhana at 5 pm and end our silence with chanting then dinner.
Sunday, 20 March
Our day starts with a meditation at 6 am followed by breakfast at 8 am. We’ll have a closing circle all together at 10:00 am. We’ll pack our bags and meet for lunch at 12:30 pm. Start from Rishikesh by bus at 1:30 and reach Delhi at 8:30 pm.
ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION
This 4-day retreat will be held at a beautiful and quiet retreat centre, 22 kilometres above Rishikesh, towards Badrinath, across the Ganges. Transport from and to Delhi will be a 6-hour journey by bus. All meals are included.
Flight Option – Rather than travelling by bus, you can also choose to fly to Dehradun, and taxi one hour to the retreat. Round-trip flight is about Rs. 4500, and taxi (can be shared) about Rs. 3000 for a mini-car and Rs. 5000 for a MUV, each way.
PROGRAMME FEES
Double occupancy: Rs. 16,000 per person.
Single occupancy (a limited number of private rooms): Rs. 19,000 per person
If you wish double occupancy accommodation and you don’t know another pilgrim, you’ll be assigned a roommate if possible.
The programme fee includes group transportation by bus from Delhi-Rishikesh-Delhi, lodging and meals (excluding breakfast on Thursday and dinner on Sunday). Not included are personal snacks and beverages, donations, and optional tips.
APPLICATION AND PAYMENTS
Spaces are limited.
First, we approve your application and then ask you to make full payment.
In case of cancellation, Rs. 2000 of the fee is non-refundable if cancelled by March 10th. No refund if cancellation after that date.