Lately, I meet an rising variety of individuals curious about what I name “transformative journey,” or journeys that mix interior and outer exploration, and offer you a brand new perspective. For these vacationers, I at all times recommend a visit to India, a birthplace of holistic wellness. As a frequent customer to India and a journey advisor, here’s a two-week itinerary I created to expertise the nation’s historic therapies in breathtaking places.
Days 1-3: Solar Salutations in New Delhi
India’s bustling capital metropolis might not seem to be the plain place to search out interior peace, however religious traditions run deep right here. You’ll be able to go to the spartan house the place Mahatma Gandhi spent his ultimate days, or assist at a Sikh Temple’s neighborhood kitchen, the place meals is cooked and served to greater than 10,000 individuals every day. My crew and I may also organize a surya namaskar, or solar salutation session within the Lodhi Gardens, together with a non-public workshop to steadiness your chakras — the seven power facilities which are central to Hindu mindfulness practices. Afterward, you may retire to the lavish, non-ascetic comforts of The Leela Palace New Delhi.
Days 4-5: Yoga and Sound Therapeutic in Agra
The colossal majesty of the Taj Mahal is value a visit in itself. However you can even follow morning yoga and pranayama (managed respiration) lessons close by, and revel in views out of your room at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, the place one of many spa therapies makes use of singing bowls to steadiness your power.
Days 6-8: Ayurvedic Exploration in Ajabgarh
Tucked amid the rugged slopes of the Aravalli mountains, the village of Ajabgarh is house to a stately Seventeenth-century temple and fort complicated, and Amanbagh, an opulent backyard resort that was as soon as the personal searching lodge of Sir Jai Singh Prabhakar, the maharaja (prince) of Alwar. Right here, you may take a deep dive into Ayurveda, the guiding rules of conventional Indian medication which were practiced for greater than 5,000 years. A customized evaluation with an in-house practitioner is adopted with particular suggestions for optimizing your well being, together with the usage of sure spices and herbs.
Day Sept. 11: Organics and Astrology in Jaipur
The “Pink Metropolis” of Jaipur is understood for its elegant structure, grand royal palace, and vibrant bazaars. You may as well go to an natural farm run by a household of nobles; take a guided hike within the Aravalli foothills; and meet with an knowledgeable in nadi jyotisha, an historic Indian follow of studying palm leaves. Spend the evening on the beautiful Rambagh Palace, a former residence of the maharaja of Jaipur.
Days 12-14: Non secular Retreat at Ananda within the Himalayas
Set within the distant foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Ananda is among the world’s most peaceable and enchanting wellness retreats. The 100-acre property, overlooking the river Ganges, offers a uniquely serene setting for pursuing concord of thoughts, physique, and spirit. Courses and one-on-one periods in Ayurveda, yoga, and the Hindu vedanta philosophy are provided right here. You may as well e book a non-public session with a physiotherapist, candle meditation workshops, and a Tibetan therapeutic remedy with natural oils.
Marion Miller is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and makes a speciality of India journeys. You’ll be able to create a tailored itinerary with Miller by contacting her at mmiller@micato.com.