Michele Labelle has enjoyed teaching Hatha, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga since 2003. She has facilitated local and global yoga retreats and loves to share her passion for India and Tahiti with her fellow travellers.
MOREJoin Michele Labelle on a trip of a lifetime to sacred North India. Come immerse yourself in the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be touched, moved, and inspired.
We will witness unforgettable ceremonies at the most-visited pilgrimage destination in India, the River Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh. And no visit to India would be complete without witnessing the spectacular Taj Mahal and exotic Rajasthan, the land of the Kings. Enjoy daily Hatha Yoga practices with Michelle, designed to open the seven major energy centres or chakras. We will also travel to Jaipur and the temples of Mathura, and will enjoy 2 blissful days at the spa resort of Ananda in the Himalayas with optional Ayurveda treatments. READ MORE
Michele Labelle has enjoyed teaching Hatha, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga since 2003. She has facilitated local and global yoga retreats and loves to share her passion for India and Tahiti with her fellow travellers.
MORE
It was an amazing trip with wonderful leaders and wonderful co-travelers. My ever grateful thanks to Michele and Karampal for the tremendous, thoughtful job they did. Siona Windsor, Mercer Island, WA
TESTIMONIALS
It was evident how extensive the preparations and planning that Sacred Earth Journeys must have undertaken in order for our journey through India to be so seamless.Lee Ann Baxter, Vancouver, BC
TESTIMONIALS
Tour Description
Join Michele Labelle and Karampal Singh on a journey of Yoga and Spirituality – The Spirit of India! Michele's love of travel has led her to extend her passion for teaching Yoga in sacred places around the world. Her commitment is to teach and empower people to be the best they can be, mentally, physically and spiritually.
We will witness unforgettable ceremonies at the most-visited pilgrimage destination in India, the River Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh. And no visit to India would be complete without witnessing the spectacular Taj Mahal and exotic Rajasthan, the land of the Kings.
Our Tour Escort in India for the entire trip is Mr. Karampal Singh. Karampal began his own spiritual path at age 9 and is still learning every day because, as he says "ancient learning and wisdom is an ocean." Holding a Masters in art history, Karampal has been assisting seekers of wisdom for 30 years and has been a licensed tour guide with the India Tourism Department since 1984. We're privileged to have him share his unique experience and perspective on the ancient wisdom of India.
You are invited to join Michele & Karampal on a trip of a lifetime. Come explore and immerse yourself in the Indian experience that will cause your soul to be touched, moved and inspired.
The Hatha Yoga you will practice has been designed to open the seven major energy centers or chakras. Also learn about the Indian philosophies of Pantajali’s 8 limbs of Yoga. Each day, will have a specific focus to allow your spirit to open to India’s magical diversity.
Depart your home city on your international flight.
Arrive in your connection city. Some airlines will require a forced overnight in the connection city. This may or may not be the case with the airline you choose (i.e. with Singapore Airlines an overnight in Singapore is required). Some of you will be able to fly to Delhi directly from your home city! You will want to arrive in Delhi on March 17th. Please advise us of your flight arrival details as soon as you have them.
(Overnight: Connection City, 1 night – usually provided by airline)
After arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport and proceeding through customs and baggage claim, you will be greeted by our representative carrying a sign “Spirit of India Group” in the arrivals hall. You will be transferred to The Vikram Hotel in Delhi. On the way, catch your first close-up look of the capital city by night, epitomizing India's extraordinary mix of historic grandeur and contemporary design.
(Overnight: Vikram Hotel, Delhi, 1 night)
Morning Yoga and breakfast at hotel, then drive to visit the amazingly beautiful Bahai Temple – The Lotus of Bahapur – A Magnet for the Heart. In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus Temple". With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere.
Since its dedication to public worship in December 1986, this Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent has seen millions of people cross its threshold, making it one of the most visited edifices in India. From its high-perched pedestal, this 'Lotus' casts its benevolent glance over vast green lawns and avenues covering an expanse of 26 acres of land. Its soothingly quiet Prayer Hall and tranquil surroundings have touched the hearts of the Temple's numerous visitors, awakening in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit of its peace for themselves.
In the afternoon we return to the airport for a short flight to Jodhpur, departing at 1:10 pm and arriving at 2:00 pm (IC471), from where we will be driven to Manvar Desert Camp. Check in to the camp, with accommodations in deluxe tents surrounded by sand dunes in the Great Thar Desert. Manvar is located in the heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert. It lies between the cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. It is an unprecedented tourist destination offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Rajasthan’s desert life, culture, wildlife & beauty. This evening we will enjoy a Jeep or camel safari to visit tribal villages, see the desert wildlife, watch local crafts people at work, and enjoy the beautiful sand dunes. The evening is livened up by campfire, mashaals, local musicians and dancers. Welcome to India!
(Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp, Thar Desert, Rajasthan, 1 night)
After an early morning yoga class with Michele and breakfast at Manvar Desert Camp, enjoy the drive to Jodhpur and check in at the Ummed Hotel. Visit majestic Mahrangarh Fort, with its spectacular palaces decorated with exquisite engravings and mirrors. We will enter through the gates which bear the handprints of the “Sati” – women of the royal harem, who took their own lives when their men were defeated in battle. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the dramatic white marble memorial.
(Overnight: Ummed Hotel, Jodhpur, 1 night)
Arise for an early breakfast before transferring to the railway station for a train trip to Jaipur, departing at 5:45 am and arriving at 10:43 am, where we will check in at the Shahpura House Hotel. Jaipur is the capital of India's state of Rajasthan. The city, with its harmonious pink walls, gates and stone buildings, was built in 1727 and is surrounded by dramatic, barren hills and ruined fortresses. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Jaipur.
Evening yoga class with Michele.
(Overnight: Shahpura House Hotel, Jaipur, 2 nights)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then we will visit the picturesque 16th century Amber Fort with its fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. We will approach the fort by jeep, or possibly by Elephant! In the afternoon we will explore the sprawling City Palace, with its fabulous museum, ancient observatory, colorful market and the Palace of the Winds, built for the ladies of the royal harem.
Morning yoga class with Michele and breakfast at the hotel, we will drive from Jaipur to Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, stopping on the way at the "ghost city" of Fatehpur Sikri. Now deserted, it remains as perfect today as when it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1571.
On arrival at Agra, we will check in to the Holiday Inn. In the afternoon, we first visit Agra Fort, Akbar's palace, with its magical view of the Taj Mahal.
(Overnight: Holiday Inn, Agra, 1 night)
We will rise early and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise - an enduring monument to love – the Taj Mahal is described as “A tear on the face of eternity” by the poet Laureate Tagore. Built by a grieving Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is built of glistening marble and fabulously decorated in a mosaic of semi precious stones – a stunning mausoleum.
Later, we will continue on to the temples of Mathura, revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and, as such, one of the most sacred places for the Hindu faith. Mathura served as one of the Kushan Empire's two capitals from the first to the third centuries and was home to a famous school of sculpture for 1,200 years.
Today, the Mathura Museum still owns the largest collection of redstone sculptures in Asia, depicting many famous Buddha figurines. In stark contrast, though, Mathura's skyline is now dominated by the towering steel sculpture of a high-tech Indian Oil refinery, one of the largest in Asia. Meditation at the temple.
(Overnight: Best Western Radha Ashok, Mathura, 1 night)
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the Delhi railway station and take the train to Haridwar, departing at 3:25 pm and arriving at 7:25 pm. Upon arrival in Haridwar we will check in to the Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga. A major Shakti Peetha (place of strength), Haridwar is known as "The Gateway to the Gods." Considered by some to be the second most holy pilgrimage site (after Varanasi), Hindus the world over flock here for a holy dip in order to attain salvation from their sins of birth.
(Overnight: Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar, 2 nights)
After a buffet style breakfast at the hotel, we will make a pilgrimage to the Goddess Mansa Devi Temple, riding a cable car to the holy hilltop shrine. We'll also visit the Chandi Devi Temple, built in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. Walk through the old streets where tiny stalls sell an assortment of goods including shawls, brassware and bangles.
In the evening, attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti Ceremony, when offerings of flowers and glowing lamps are made to the holy river Ganga (Ganges).
Evening yoga and meditation with Michele.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Rishikesh. Visit Mother Miracle School and check in at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. In the evening, learn about daily life in the ashram. You will enjoy the yoga and meditation classes held here each day.
(Overnight: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, 2 nights)
Early breakfast at the ashram, then we will enjoy the morning river rafting on the Ganges. Lunch and Dinner are included at the Ashram. Yoga and meditation classes at the Ashram.
After breakfast at the ashram, we drive to Narendra Nagar and check in at the amazing Ananda in the Himalayas. Narendra Nagar is a place of great historic and mythological significance, known since ancient times as a seat of spirituality and meditation.
The next two days you will enjoy the amenities at Ananda in the Himalayas - such as nature walks, yoga classes with breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills; meditation classes; Ayurvedic seminars and cooking classes; fitness classes and golf instruction; and use of the sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, gymnasium and swimming pool. Optional Ayurvedic treatments can be booked.
(Overnight: Ananda in the Himalayas, 2 nights)
Your day is at leisure to choose from the many activities and treatments available at the spa.
(Photo: McKay Savage, Wikimedia Commons)
After breakfast at the spa, we will be driven back to the International Airport in New Delhi for the return flight home. Most international flights will depart in the late evening. Please advise us of your flight departure details as soon as you have them. Depart Delhi on your international flight.
Arrive in your connection city. Connect to your flight to your home city, arriving the same day. Some of you will fly from Delhi directly to your home city.
