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Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Susan Allen – September 2025

Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Susan Allen – September 2025

Overview
Tour Plan
Includes / Excludes

Embark on a transformative journey to Spiritual India, the birthplace of yoga, guided by experienced New Zealand Yoga and Meditation teacher Susan Allen. This retreat is perfect for those who’ve always dreamed of experiencing the rich culture and spiritual essence of India. Under Susan’s expert guidance, you will immerse yourself in authentic yoga and meditation practices, explore sacred sites, and see the vibrant beauty of India in a supportive group of like-minded people. This 12-day retreat begins in Delhi where we come together as a group and head to Rishikesh (via Haridwar) on the second day. The next 6 days, with the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, you will be immersed in the rich and transformative practices of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is called the “Yoga capital of the World”, where ancient yogis and rishis have been practicing yoga here for millennia and there is a tangible energy and atmosphere that buoys any spiritual practice. For the last 3 days of this Retreat we head to Varanasi, the spiritual epicenter of India. Varanasi is believed to be the oldest continuous living civilization in the world, dating back 5000 years. Hindus believe that if someone exhales their final breath here and is cremated in Varanasi, it will bring salvation (Moksha) and break the cycle of death and rebirth. We will visit ancient Ghats (steps leading down to the river) and Temples built in the 12th century. We also have planned an exclusive fire ceremony in a temple performed by a Priest for our group.
What you will learn at the Retreat
The yoga asana sessions will have an emphasis on cultivating a deep connection with the physical body. You will be guided through carefully designed sequences where the breath is a central element, and the postures are performed slowly, mindfully and appropriately.
Meditation is the culmination of yoga practices. Through the practice of meditation, we can have a tremendous impact on our experience and appreciation of life. Everyone can meditate if given the right instructions, and when practiced properly, meditation can bring ease to the mind and joy to the heart. The practices we will do include both tranquility practices that quieten the mind as well as awareness practices that open the mind. They are very practical and accessible to all.
Meditation is the culmination of yoga practices. Through the practice of meditation, we can have a tremendous impact on our experience and appreciation of life. Everyone can meditate if given the right instructions, and when practiced properly, meditation can bring ease to the mind and joy to the heart. The practices we will do include both tranquility practices that quieten the mind as well as awareness practices that open the mind. They are very practical and accessible to all.
How this Retreat will enrich your life:
The purpose of this retreat is twofold. Firstly, to share with you an unforgettable exotic adventure to the Himalayas, to the home of yoga, Rishikesh. The other part of the experience is to dive deep into the ancient practices of yoga and meditation, to learn a practice that you can take home with you for the rest of your life.
The practices will be taught in a personalised manner with structure and clarity. The sessions will be suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. If you have any physical or mental limitations, you are welcome to get in touch with Susan before booking your spot on the tour. She is generous with her time and knowledge and will be available throughout the retreat to discuss your personal practice.
The location:
Our retreat center in Rishikesh “Atali Ganga” is nestled amongst the majestic mountains beside the holy river Ganga. On one side is a reserved forest with plenty of wild life, while on the other side, you are a short walk to the sandy banks of the river. The views from the resort are stunning. Imagine yourself meditating at dawn on the banks of the Ganga, where holy men and pilgrims come to worship and the Himalayas as the backdrop. True mystical India.
About Susan Allen:
Susan did her first yoga teacher training in 2002 in the home of yoga - Rishikesh, the location for this Retreat. Since then, she has travelled to India over a dozen times both to study Yoga as well as Meditation under the guidance of some of India's most prestigious teachers. She has a deep connection and love for the people, the culture and the rich spiritual heritage of India.
She has taught yoga for many years in Ireland, opening yoga studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand as well as running dozens of retreats in Bali and across NZ. This will be her first retreat to India, and she is tremendously excited and passionate about sharing a mystical Indian yoga experience with others at the source, where it all started – full circle!
This is a small group tour of 15 people. Contact us to reserve your spot now.

Includes

- 11 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
- Dinner in Delhi
- All lunches and dinners in Rishikesh
- Air-Conditioned Transportation as per the Itinerary
- Ganga Arti at Triveni Ghat at Rishikesh
- Yoga and Meditation space exclusive for our group at Atali Ganga
- One evening spiritual session on Hinduism at Atali Ganga
- Local English-speaking guide at Varanasi
- Boat ride at Varanasi
- Special Fire Ceremony and Prayer at a temple at Varanasi
- Present applicable taxes in India @ 5%

Excludes

Lunch and Dinner in Varanasi
International airfare
Domestic flights from Dehradun to Varanasi (approx. USD $140 at current airfares but will be charged at actual cost at time of booking)
Alcoholic beverages consumed with hosted dinners
Tips and any personal expenses
Anything which is not mentioned under Inclusions

Delhi

Rishikesh

Varanasi

Tour Plan

Day 01 Saturday, September 27: Arrive in Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by our local representative for transfer to our hotel. After checking in, take a few hours to rest and unwind from the long flight. That evening we will meet as a group for the first time. A great opportunity to introduce ourselves over dinner.

Day 02 Sunday, September 28: Delhi - Rishikesh

Early morning check-out today with a packed breakfast and head to the New Delhi Railway Station for our train to Haridwar. On arrival in Haridwar, we will drive to Rishikesh. It is a 45-minute scenic drive on a well-maintained road along the banks of the Ganges River.
Early today evening Susan will talk to the group about what to expect over the next 6 days and answer any questions. Later in the evening, we will enjoy dinner by the outdoor pool overlooking the Himalayan Ranges.

Day 03 - Day 08 September 29 – October 4: Rishikesh

The next 6 days are the essence of this retreat. The practice sessions we will do together under the guidance and instructions of Susan will be a combination of yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices) and dhyana (meditation) as well as an introduction to yogic philosophy.
We will have a daily schedule:
7 - 8.30am: Meditation instruction and practice either in our hotel or on the banks of the Ganga 8.30am: Refreshments by the river - tea, coffee, fruits & snacks
9 - 11am: Yoga asana practice in the hotel.
11am – 12 pm: Lunch
1.00 - 3pm: Meditation practice and discussion
3.30 - 5pm: Yoga asana and restorative practices
5pm: Dinner
6pm onwards - optional evening programs such as trips to Ganga, bonfire by the pool side, optional cooking lesson, visit to Rishikesh town or time for yourself to reflect, journal, etc.

Day 09 Sunday, October 5: Rishikesh – Varanasi

After our morning yoga and meditation session, we will have free time till lunch. After lunch we head to Dehradun airport (1 hour drive) for our flight to Varanasi. We will reach Varanasi in the evening and after checking in to our hotel, the evening is at leisure.

Day 10 - Day 11 October 6 & 7: Varanasi

For the next two days we will explore the fascinating city of Varanasi. History and spirituality are etched in every temple and Ghat here. It is a surreal experience to see people perform various rituals, from daily prayers to cremation ceremonies on the Ghats… it is a profound connection to the cycle of life and death.
We will go for a boat ride on the river Ganga to witness the sunrise. As the sunrise casts a golden glow on the Ghats, you can see devotees perform their morning rituals, such as bathing in the Ganges, and worshiping the Sun. In the evening, we will also witness the sunset Aarti ceremony (Lighting Lamps) on one of the Ghats. It is a daily Hindu ritual performed at sunset where devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges to offer prayers and light offerings to the goddess Ganga, through a coordinated display of lit lamps, chants, and devotional music.
We will visit some of the important ghats and temples. Some of these temples were built in the 12th century. We have arranged an exclusive Fire Ceremony (Hawan) and Pooja (Prayer) at one of the Hindu temples for our group. Participation in such a ritual performed by a Hindu priest is considered an auspicious blessing and will be both exotic and special.
Varanasi's food scene is as rich and diverse as its spiritual heritage. It is famous for its street food with some local must-try delicacies. Our expert local tour guides will take us to the right place where the food is clean, safe and tasty.

Day 12 Wednesday, October 8: Varanasi

After breakfast, the tour ends today.
You can stay back in Varanasi for a few more days, as it is easy to fall in love with this place. Alternately you can visit places like Khajuraho (UNESCO certified Temples), Panna National Park (Tiger safari and wildlife), Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. We can organise any flights and accommodation as required. If you love Indian food, we’ve got that covered too.
Here’s some inspiration to consider spending a few more days in Varanasi. Susan was in Varanasi in January 2025, and shared some of her thoughts on her experiences there:
“Everything you could ever imagine India to be you will find in Varanasi. In January this year I spent two weeks here wandering the Ghats and small back alleys of the old town. Hindus come from all over India to bathe in the Ganga and receive all the blessings and auspiciousness that this conveys.
All day long temple bells ring as bodies are cremated on the banks of the river. It is both intense and hugely captivating watching these rituals that have been happening here for millennia. Holy cows and not so holy dogs and goats roam around amongst it all. Each morning, I would get up and do yoga on the rooftop overlooking the river before finding my way (or not!) through the back alleys to some mouthwatering local street vendor selling dosa and chai for breakfast.
This particular visit I went on a boat ride at dawn where they had a traditional Indian music performance as the sun came up. Varanasi is full of people, full of smells, full of a vibrancy and an ancientness that is impossible to imagine until you’ve been there.”

If you need more information about this itinerary, email us at hello@goodfoodjourneys.com. Or if you are keen to join us on a trip of a lifetime, BOOK NOW.

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Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

Udaipur

Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

Udaipur

Delhi

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)

Upon arrival at Delhi international airport, our company representative will meet & assist you with traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free & easy for own activities. Evening proceed for Dinner at Masala Library Restaurant ( www.masalalibrary.co.in) Masala library by Jiggs Kalra a magnum opus of the Czar of Indian Cuisine & tastemaker. The culinary offerings at Masala Library endevour’s to offer its patrons a never before under taken gastronomic voyage capturing the grandeur of centuries old traditions and the long last essence of one of the oldest known gastronomic tradition in the world. The main focus is to revive the traditional recipes specially KABAB & CURRIES. After dinner return to hotel(Meal Include – Dinner) Overnight at Delhi hotel

Day 02 Delhi – Full Day Tour with Culinary experiences

Post breakfast; proceed for a full day guided tour in Delhi starting from Old Delhi visiting drive pass Raj Ghat, visit Jama Maszid, drivepass through Red Fort & Chandni Chowk market and later enjoy an authentic old Delhi street food and taste (if guest like).

After old Delhi tour; procced for lunch at a famous Old Delhi Indian restaurant called "Chor Bizarre" (www.chorbizarre.com/del) Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience, great décor, distinct ambience, wonderous cocktails, superlative food, charming old world service. Every city in India have its own special ‘Chor Bazar’ which translate as ‘thieves market’. All kind of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This brings an inspiration and to celebrate the eclecticism of India.

Later proceed to visit India Gate, drive pass through Parliament Street & President house and visit Qutab Minar.

After sightseeing; In evening, you will take a cooking class session at chef Harpal Singh Sokhi at home with dinner. He is celebrity chef from India. Also known as “Energy Chef of India” is now a “Dancing Chef Of India”. Hailing from North India, which, like the rest of India is rich in culture and cuisine, Chef Harpal is a music lover and is fluent in English and five Indian languages, namely Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Telugu. He graduated from the catering school at Bhubaneshwar, a capital of Orissa. He spent his initial years in learning different international cuisines but later realised that his interest lay in unearthing the authentic regional Indian food.

(Meal Include – Breakfast & Lunch)

Overnight at Delhi hotel.

Day 03 Delhi – Agra (By train Gatiman Express at 0810/0950 hrs) Half day Tour

Early breakfast; check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi- Nizamuddin railway station to board the train to Agra; the city of Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival at Agra Railway station; Meet & assistance by company representative & transfer to hotel for check-in. After lunch proceed for a half day guided tour in Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Post tour; spend some time in shopping the world’s best Marble products and the famous James & Jewelry.

In night enjoy the dinner at Bellevue Restaurant in hotel Amar Vilas (www.oberoihotels.com/amarvilas) Bellevue offers an unforgettable dining experience. It is well known that Mughal Emperors were patrons of lavish foods. At here chef tried to capture Mughal’s passion for international flavours. You will find Italian Classics reinvented with an Asian twist that reflects the gout de terrior ot the spirit and nature of the South and South East Asian Regions.

(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

Overnight at Agra hotel

Day 04 Agra- Jaipur (245 kms/ 04-05 hrs drive)

Post breakfast; drive to Jaipur; the capital city of Rajasthan State and known as the “Pink City. Upon arrival Jaipur; check-in to the hotel and relax.

In Evening procced to visit Chokhi Dhani Village; Chokhi Dhani is a popular and remarkable attraction of Jaipur. It is an ethnic village resort offering you all type of entertainment options including dance, music, food and accommodations in royal styles. We can enjoy the activities at Chokhi Dhani include magic shows, puppet shows, Rajasthani dance, Rajasthani folk music, future tellers, acrobatics on a bamboo and luck predicting parrots. There are also interesting activities and adventures that will keep you completely engaged, like camel ride, elephant ride and horse ride and boating. Later take the Rajasthani dinner at the most sumptuous at Royal Rajasthani dining hall where we can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisines with cultural performances by bhopa and bhopan (Rajasthani songs & Music)

(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

Remark: After visit Chokhi Dhani village; if guest not like Rajasthani food than we can arrange the dinner on finest restaurant in Jaipur (Restaurant Peshawar in hotel ITC Rajputana – On direct payment basis/ similar )

Overnight at Jaipur Hotel

Day 05 Jaipur – Full day tour

Post breakfast; leave for an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the Elephant ride to ascend the Amber fort. After visiting Amber fort, visit to a traditional Rajasthani Handicraft & handloom factory to see the craftsmen performing.

Afternoon enjoy the lunch at a famous Jaipur restaurant Swapna Bhawan in Hotel Raj Palace (www.rajpalace.com) Formal receptions remained the local activity of country life during the British period. Hence the Thakur Sahib made Swapna Mahal imitating the great houses of the British and French nability. This hall is completely titled out with European furniture, Chandliers, Mirrors and Crockery Collection. The Food is serve in Royal Thali (is a big plate made of silver , gold or other metal).

Later procced visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Before returning your hotel; a short stop in front Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for photo shoot.

After relaxing; In evening, we will proceed for dinner at Restaurant Rajput Room in hotel Taj Ram Bagh Palace; Here first we will explore Ram Bagh Palace and later enjoy the dinner. They special prepared the Rajasthani Thali and serve.

(Meal Include – Breakfast)

Overnight at Jaipur hotel

Day 06 Jaipur - Udaipur (By Flight)

Early breakfast; on time transfer to Jaipur airport to board the flight to Udaipur; city of lakes. Upon arrived Udaipur; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in / or Proceed direct half day guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. (Check-in time is 02 PM- Subject to early check-in facility if room are available)

visiting City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings built in the year 1725. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) and Jagdish Temple; the Indo-Aryan Temple and visit Old city of Udaipur.

Later in evening procced for a cooking class demo on Rajasthani cuisine at chef home and enjoy the dinner with variety of foods which is prepared by chef.

Chef : Mr. Vimal Dhar

One of India’s most renowned Young Chef, CHEF VIMAL DHAR is a highly experienced Chef with a passion for perfecting culinary specialties. With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, this astute and result oriented professional has been featured among INDIA’S TOP CHEF in the book MY LAST SUPPER by Melanie Dunea. The soft-spoken Chef Vimal Dhar also holds the distinction of having been featured in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA magazine by Mr. Stan Sessor and in the DISCOVERY CHANNEL by Anthony Bourdain. Also featured on TRAVEL & LIVING CHANNEL.

CHEF VIMAL DHAR is featured among 50 Chefs handpicked globally by celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea for her latest coffee table book MY LAST SUPPER. For this book, the Dunea travelled the world to short list (based on surveys and extensive research) the 50 best names in the culinary world and interviewed each one of them herself.

(Meal Include – Breakfast)

Overnight at Udaipur hotel

Day 07 Udaipur – Delhi (By flight 9W-823at 1300/1410 hrs)

Post breakfast; On time transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, New Delhi airport; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the time is free for leisure and relax. In evening proceed for dinner at Indian Accent Restaurant. After dinner return to hotel

(Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

Overnight at Udaipur hotel

Day 08 Delhi (By flight) & Departure

Post breakfast; On time transfer to Delhi International airport to board the flight to onward journey.

(Meal Include – Breakfast)