Balance Retreat With Rachel Grunwell – February 2025

After breakfast at the hotel, Rachel will welcome you and the group will connect. Rachel will set out intentions for the journey together and go through the itinerary. We will then go sightseeing. The contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi, both with its distinct characteristics, history, and vibe is fascinating.

For dinner we will enjoy a special culinary experience at Haveli Dharampura, a UNESCO Awarded Heritage Haveli in Old Delhi. We will enjoy the flavourful recreations of tangy and tasty street food of Chandni Chowk at the comfort of our table. Take in the breathtaking view of Old Delhi, participate in a session of kite flying and enjoy sundowners of cocktails and wines on the roof top while watching the sunset. The cultural evening with traditional Indian dance and music is a great welcome to India.

We check out early from the hotel with a packed breakfast to travel to Haridwar by Shatabdi Express train. On arrival we will transfer to Rishikesh and check in to our hotel.

After lunch Rachel will take us through the plan for the rest of our stay in Rishikesh. All meals at our deluxe nature resort will be simple, yet tasty and flavoursome Indian vegetarian food.

Each morning in Rishakesh, Rachel will lead the day with yoga and/or mindfulness teachings. There will also be a wellness workshop or experience each day for 60 minutes. The rest of the day is me-time for you to savour the surrounds, sights or take precious self-care time to rejuvenate.

 After lunch a few hours are at leisure to rest, you may choose to join us for a nature trail and find a spot in the reserved forest around the hotel to practice what you learnt this morning. You can book a spa or a massage at the hotel. Or you can indulge in any of the several adventure sports activities that our hotel has access to. White water rafting, anyone?

Later in the evening we will visit the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over river Ganga named after Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana. It is made of iron, is about 450 ft long and suspends at a height of 70 feet over the river. Built in 1939, it is one of the most prominent landmarks in Rishikesh. As the legend goes, Lakshmana crossed Ganga on ropes of jute and hence the bridge has been named in his honour. Tourists find it a thrilling experience to cross the lazily swinging bridge that gives a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape and historical temples on either side.

A highlight today is yoga and meditation on the banks of the river Ganga.

After lunch a few hours are at leisure to rest, enjoy a spa, adventure sports or go on a nature trail to practice what you learnt this morning.

In the evening today we will visit Triveni Ghat, situated at the confluence of the three most sacred rivers of India. Triveni Ghat is the most popular bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Before visiting the various temples, most pilgrims take a holy dip here, which according to Hindu mythology, washes away the sins of a person.

The evenings here are stunning. We will participate in the spectacular Ganga Arti (a ritual in which lamps are lit and prayers are offered to the river) accompanied by prayers and chanting. Thousands of lamps floating in the river during the arti present a spectacular view. This experience is serene, divine, and enthralling all at the same time and will be memorable.

Rachel leads today with inspiration, mindful movement and coaching.

After lunch we will visit Rajaji National Park, which is 20 km from Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas. Spread over 820 sq. km, it is home to more than 500 Elephants, Panthers, Tigers, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Himalayan Bear, Sloth, and over 400 bird species.

Rachel leads today with inspiration, mindful movement and coaching.

After lunch the rest of the day is free to explore the local markets and the spiritual vibe of Rishikesh. Today is Valentines Day, and if you are travelling with that special someone, we can arrange a romantic candle-light dinner for two.

Rachel leads today with inspiration, mindful movement and coaching.

For lunch today we will have a cooking demonstration on how to make the simple Indian vegetarian food that we have been enjoying in Rishikesh. These skills will come in handy to impress your friends back home in New Zealand.

After lunch the rest of the day is free to explore the local markets and the spiritual vibe of Rishikesh. If you enjoyed the Ganga Arti on the Triveni Ghat, we could arrange for you to visit that experience again.

Awaken to a group meditation session in the morning. After breakfast we will drive to Dehradun (1 hour) to board our flight to Jaipur. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the magnificent ITC Rajputana Hotel, inspired by the architecture of Rajasthan’s traditional havelis and the romance and majesty of the royal era. Relax by the pool and enjoy the 5-star luxury and hospitality.

Dinner is a culinary experience of authentic Rajasthani food and culture with local folk dance and music.

Awaken to a short group meditation and intention-setting session in the morning. After breakfast we will leave for an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort and City Palace. The intricate carvings, artistic mirror work, and beautiful paintings within the palace reflect the opulence and artistic finesse of the bygone era.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the many local markets, street food or we can suggest some authentic Rajasthani restaurants. For dinner we will enjoy a Royal Thali at Swapna Mahal, a restaurant in Raj Palace, the oldest palace in Jaipur built in 1727. Evening

Awaken to a short group meditation session in the morning and intention-setting session. After breakfast we set off on a road trip to Agra. It is a 5-hour drive, but on the way, we will have a few stops to break the journey and take in some local sights such as one of the oldest stepwells that dates to the 8^th century and is 13 floors deep. And Fatehpur Sikri, a historical complex that was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.

After checking in, we will visit the Agra Fort and enjoy a light and sound show about the history and love story behind the Taj Mahal. Immerse yourself in the lights and be transported to a time where horses come galloping at an Emperor’s command!

Our last meal of this tour together will be a memorable one to reminisce about our time together. At dinner tonight we will recreate the ambience, hospitality, and the luxurious ways of the Mughal Emperors in the courtyard of our hotel. The taste and flavours of the food are as authentic Mughlai as it can get.

Early morning, we will visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Rachel will lead you through a mindfulness session amongst the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise. You will savour this place even more after learning the history behind it. We head back to the hotel for breakfast and after check-out, we will get a transfer to Delhi airport (3-hour drive) for our flight back to NZ.

Alternatively talk to us about extending your tour to spend some more nights in Delhi or head to the beaches of Goa to relax before getting back home.