Photos are courtesy of Dunagiri Retreat
Yoga Odyssey to Dunagiri, India
Dunagiri or Drongiri, India has been known for centuries as a sacred place, a Vaishnavi Shaktipeeth, closely associated with ancient myths, having been blessed by the presence of famous saints who chose it as a place for spiritual practices. It is the birthplace of Kriya Yoga, mentioned in the book An Autobiography of a Yogi by Swami Paramahansa Yoganada, chapter 34, "Materializing a Palace in the Himalayas."
The physical itinerary is similar to the cultural odyssey but the focus of this special journey will be towards yoga and the deep spiritual history of the area. You will have more time at ashrams/yoga centers and local temples. Daily yoga will be practiced with your group leader as well as with a locally renowned yoga instructor.
Nestled in verdant terraced hills at 7400 ft., Dunagiri Retreat is bordered by ancient oak forests and overlooks dramtic snow capped Himalayan peaks. Surrounding the two guest houses are organic herb and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and quiet sitting areas, all with breathtaking vistas. You will get an authentic taste of delicious traditional vegetarian cuisine prepared with organic ingredients from local farms.
Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi, Transfer to your hotel where you can relax, enjoy the surrounding sights and have an evening meal.
Day 2 In Delhi After breakfast, you will enjoy a day visiting some of Delhi's famous UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb. You will also stroll leisurely through the maze of Old Delhi streets, soaking up the aromas, colors and sights of India. In the evening, you will board a first class train for an overnight journey to the magnificent Himalayas and the town of Kathgodam.
Day 3 Dunagiri On arrival at Kathgodam, you will be driven through the mountains to Dunagiri, stopping to enjoy the mountain scenery, sites and villages along the way. After arrival at Dunagiri, you can enjoy time to rest, freshen up and a delicious meal. You will be given a tour of Dunagiri, and can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Yoga and meditation.
Day 4 Dunagiri Meditaion and Yoga, After breakfast, we will walk through the lush forests and fields to one of the local villages, where guests can meet the villagers, spending time getting to know the people, their customs and their lifestyles. Enjoy a meal prepared by the local families, experience local dress, music, and dance. It will be truly unique day of broadening our appreciation for the local culture.
Day 5 Dunagiri Meditation and Yoga, After breakfast, embark on a day trip to the nearby mountain village of Dwarahat, where visiting beautiful 10-12th century temple complexes and ancient sculptures, exploring the village lifestyle and taking in the beautiful scenery and good food.
Day 6 Dunagiri Yoga and Meditation, After breakfast, we begin our trek to the Dunagiri Temple. After a one-hour hike through oak forests, along mountain ridges and with breathtaking views on all sides, we reach the hilltop Dunagiri Temple. Here we learn of the history, the meaning and take in the deep feelings of such a place. This is a most beautiful place for a lunch and then we will enjoy a peaceful return hike.
Day 7 Dunagiri Yoga and Meditation, After breakfast, we leave for a mountain drive to
the village of Kausani, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way. In Kausani we will visit the Kausani Tea Estate, learning of its history and teas, perhaps choosing to purchase some of the fine blends. We will also visit the Gandhi Ashram, where Gandhi spent time in 1929. Our afternoon will include enjoying some shopping and a wonderful local meal.
Day 8 Dunagiri Yoga and Meditation, After breakfast, we will depart on a long trek to Pandukholi. Gorgeous mountain vistas, local flora and fauna and the history of the area will fill our trek. A mountain meadow, the nearby ashram and amazing views will create a perfect place to have a meal and take in the experience. Enjoy a picnic of wholesome, healthy and delicious meal prepared in the Ashram at 8,800 feet
Day 9 Dunagiri to Kathgodam Yoga and Meditation, After breakfast and an activity, there will be time to enjoy Dunagiri before packing up and leaving for Kathgodam. During the long mountain drive towards Kathgodam we will stop to enjoy the scenery and sites along the way. After arrival in Kathgodam, you can explore the area before the train departs for Delhi.
Day 10 Delhi After a morning arrival in Delhi, we will transfer to the hotel. There you can freshen up, and are free to rest, relax, enjoy the surrounding sights, a meal and later be assisted with your transfer to the International Airport for your flight back.