The Rishikesh Yoga Holiday - 5Th Edition

THE RISHIKESH YOGA HOLIDAY - 5TH EDITION

The Swargashram area by the Ganga

th rd What is it? A group holiday to Rishikesh with Rujuta Diwekar. 28 Nov – 3 Dec 2016.

Amongst all the legacies from our rich civilization, Yoga surely must count as the most priceless, it being a way of life and encompassing all else. Somehow we seem to have lost it amidst the weight loss totting, self proclaimed

yoga experts promising ‘results’ in 2 weeks, or the latest meditation/ chanting fad. This holiday then is more than a trip to Rishikesh with some asana classes thrown in, its an attempt to understand the very basics of this science through structured classes on the knowledge contained in the Yoga sutras, the right Asana techniques and practical nutrition for a wholesome way of life. Of course, this is Rishikesh so there is plenty of time pass stuff too ; white water rafting, visit to theme restaurants and coffee shops, treks in the jungle, Ashram stay, evening Ganga aarti and lots of delicious, wholesome food ensures we get the complete Rishikesh experience.

Rishikesh Rujuta Diwekar

From the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at India’s pre-eminent fitness professional, a best Devprayag to the holy city of Haridwar, the Ganga selling author, a long time Yoga practitioner, a born flows with an amazing force and grace. On the left trekker, amongst the most sought after speakers – bank lies Rishikesh and the Swargashram area Rujuta dons many hats and adeptly at that. Her love beyond the Ram jhula. Since ages this has been the for the Himalaya and passion for holistic fitness is chosen place for saints, yogis, rishis for their spiritual the driving force behind this Yoga holiday. She will practices and still reverberates with those vibes, best be taking daily sessions on practical Nutrition for a experienced through an ashram stay. holistic lifestyle. www.rujutadiwekar.com

The Yoga studio and classes The diversions

Yoga classes will be conducted by Smt Usha Ji, one of We are in Rishikesh, so its only fair if we indulge in the best Iyengar teachers (more details here), at the the multiple options available as far as adventure Yoga studio in Ganga Sadan on the banks of the river activities, walks, trippy restaurants, coffee shops, (pic above). The daily classes will focus on developing spas, etc are concerned. What we can’t miss is the an understanding of the correct Asana techniques thrilling experience of the world’s best white water and will form a base for your practice back home. rafting on the Ganga. Also on the agenda are visits Siddharth, a renowned Vedantic scholar, will be to a theme restaurant and short treks to the hills conducting classes on Gita and Yog sutras. above Rishikesh and the jungle behind the ashram. Itinerary and Schedule: 6 days, 3 days off work

Date Activity Remarks You have to… 28th Nov, Pickup from Dehradun airport or You can either fly into Dehradun in the Book your air/train Monday train station in the morning and morning (reach between 1-4 pm) or take the tickets to Dehradun drive to Rishikesh ashram. overnight train to Dehradun. Evening ~ 1 hour. orientation session.

29th Nov We set into a pattern for the next It might sound hectic but there will be plenty 4 days – yogasana classes with of free time on your hands. We will use some Usha ji, nutrition sessions with of it to explore Rishikesh. Today’s outing will Rujuta and sessions on Yoga sutras be to the Lakshman Jhula area. There will be by Siddhartha. meal timings that need to be followed.

30th Nov A proper sequence of asana The classes will work on providing a practice and a theoretical theoretical and practical understanding of understanding goes hand in hand. Yoga asanas, so that it no longer stays as an esoteric art but a proper science.

1st Dec The idea is to equip you with the Its time for some adventure. We will either go necessary base to continue your for a session of river rafting on the Ganga or a individual practice once back at short but beautiful trek to the Kunjapuri for a home, under the guidance of a view of the snow peaks. Either ways, its teacher and/or through books, etc. gonna be plenty of fun.

2nd Dec Today is the day for wrap up and The outing today is a very special one as we putting everything that we learned visit an orphanage, not an ordinary one mind together in a way that you can you, called the Ramana’s paradise. The kids take it back with you. study there, live there and help run the entire place including a café.

3rd Dec, Last Asana class in the morning. Book yourself either a flight/ train out of Book your return air/ Saturday Time for some shopping and drive Dehradun in the afternoon around 3 pm. train tickets. back to Dehradun

Note – This is a tentative schedule and there can be some changes based on group dynamics.

Pics from the earlier editions of the Rishikesh yoga holiday (More pics here)

Class with Rujuta Ganga Arti The group with the teachers

Cost for the trip: The cost components of the trip are:

Daily classes with Rujuta, Usha Rujuta Diwekar will conduct classes on Nutrition for a wholesome living. Devi and Siddhartha Usha Devi will conduct Yogasana classes. Siddhartha will conduct classes on Yoga sutras.

Stay and food At the Omkarananda ashram. All meals are included (except when you chose to explore the restaurants and coffee shops in Rishikesh). Meals will be purely vegetarian and cooked with the best and freshest ingredients.

Transportation From and to Dehradun airport or Haridwar station, in and around Rishikesh. Adventure outings A session of white water rafting on the Ganga or trekking to Kunjapuri.

The cost of the trip = Rs 75000/- (on twin sharing basis). Rs 105000 /- for single occupancy.

Group size will be restricted to 25 and will be on first come first serve basis. Confirm your place by making the full payment in advance. Read our cancellation policy and fill the release document.

Payment options: 1. Cheque/ DD: 2. Online transfer/ Deposit to: For ‘Connect with Himalaya’. Account name: Connect with Himalaya 403, Ram Krishna chambers Bank: Axis bank Linking Road, Khar west Branch: Springfield- Lokhandwala, Mumbai Above Reebok showroom Current A/C #: 415010200003681 Mumbai -400052 IFSC: UTIB0000415, SWIFT: AXISINBB002

What to get along? This is a great time to be in Rishikesh with just the perfect weather (Temp range: Min 8- Max 20 degree C). Early mornings and late evenings can get windy so carry a windcheater. A warm sweater and/ or a light jacket, a woolen hat and a shawl will suffice otherwise. Carry your swim shorts/ trunks for rafting and swimming. Most of your requirements can be met by the Rishikesh market, including internet connection.

Making a contribution: There is always a way of giving back to the place and people where we go for our holidays. The ashram where we stay and practice Yoga is involved in many community projects and we will be making an indirect contribution to their efforts. Also, you can purchase woolens and other local produce directly from the locals in Rishikesh. Our outing to Ramana’s paradise will help the kids to be self sufficient.

Get connected: GIFT THIS TRIP

You can chose from gift vouchers Gaurav Punj starting from Rs 5000. [email protected] +91 9833829240 Write to us with the name of the www.connectwithhimalaya.com receiver and the denomination of Pics from earlier retreat, here the voucher.