10 Day Journey From the Mind to the Heart
October 12th - 21st, 2025
Varanasi | Ayodhya | Vrindavan, India
A pilgrimage is more than a retreat; it is a profound spiritual journey that takes you to sacred sites imbued with centuries of devotion, rituals, and divine energy.
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites
We will be visiting many of the important sites associated with the devotional traditions of India, as well as unique landmarks and ancient cities such as Varanasi and Ayodhya (Diwali celebrations will also be taking place during this time in the cities, making it a very auspicious time to visit.)
World Renowned Teachers
Participants will have the opportunity to spend quality time with world renowned teachers who are experts in the field of Yoga philosophy.
Visiting Saints
Among many others, we will be visiting the resting place of the famous Saint Neem Karoli Baba (the spiritual teacher of Krishna Das and Ram Das) & Anandamayi Ma (considered to be the incarnation of the Divine Mother).
Guides
Swami Chidanada
Swami Chidananda is a spiritual educator and monk, holding the distinguished title of Swami.
Through the study of scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami has gained a deep understanding of the science of Yoga and has devoted his life to helping others on their inner journey.
Additional information about Swami can be found by exploring his social media page on Instagram, @swami_chidananda, or by listening to his podcast, 'The Path of a Swami.'
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October 12th, 2025
Arrival at Delhi airport by 17:00 (Shuttle will be waiting for participants / all transportation AFTER arriving in Delhi Airport is included in the cost of the pilgrimage)
If the flight arrives earlier / later than the pick up time, pilgrimage organisers will work with each individual to insure proper transportation is provided from the airport based on arrival times
20:00 Arrival to Vrindavan
Check-in & Dinner (Sri Giridhar Dham Ashram)
Organisational meeting with pilgrimage participants & Swami
Rest
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October 13th, 2025
8:00 Breakfast
09:00 Guided Temple Visits (Radha Raman Temple, Nidhivan, Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vamshi Vat Temple)
Participants will receive reading material prior to the pilgrimage to help familiarise one with the sites we will be visiting. Swami and guides will also explain each place and its significance while at the sacred sites)
13:00 Lunch
15:00 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda
18:00 Evening Meditation & Kirtan (Devotional Music) at Sri Giridhar Dham Ashram
19:15 Guided Temple Visits (Banke Bihari Temple & Sri Radha Vallabha Temple)
21:00 Dinner and rest
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October 14th, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
7:00 Morning Meditation and Yagna (fire ceremony) at Sri Giridhar Dham Ashram
8:45 Breakfast
09:30 Guided Temple Visits (Radha Damodara Temple, Radha Shyamasundara Temple, Mirabai Kutir Temple)
13:30 Lunch
14:30 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda
16:30 Yamuna River Boat Trip & Evening Light Ceremony (Aarti) on the Yamuna River Bank
20:30 Dinner
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October 15th, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
7:30 Breakfast
8:00 Guided Meditation Walk around the City of Vrindavan
Will visit famous temples and places where Krishna's pastimes took place (Kaliya Ghat, Imli Tala, Shringar Vat, Keshi Ghat, Yamuna River, Jagannath Temple)
*** Will also visit the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, the famous teacher of Krishna Das and Ram Das
13:30 Lunch
Time for shopping & rest
16:30 Om Chanting Circle (Optional)
18:00 Evening Meditation & Kirtan (Devotional Music) at Sri Giridhar Dham Ashram
21:00 Dinner & Rest
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October 16th, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Departure to Ayhodya
Lunch on the way
17:00 Arrival to Ayodhya, check-in to the hotel
Visit to Ram Janmabhoomi Temple & Hanuman Temple
20:00 Dinner
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October 17th, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
7:30 Breakfast
09:00 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda
10:30 Free Time & Shopping
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Departure to Varanasi
20:30 Dinner & Rest
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October 18th, 2025
7:00 Early breakfast
8:00 Visit Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon)
10:00 Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
18:00 Experience Ganga Aarti (Evening Light Ceremony) at Dashashwamedh Ghat
20:00 Dinner & Rest
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October 19th, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Check out and departure to Vrindavan
Lunch on the way
17:00 Arrival in Vrindavan, check-in to the hotel
Visit to Shri Gopinath Mandir Temple
20:00 Dinner
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October 20th, 2025
7:00 Early Breakfast
7:30 Departure to Govardhan Hill
8:30 Guided Meditation Walk around Govardhan Hill and visiting different sacred places (Kusum Sarovar, Manasi Ganga, Gayaprasad Samadhi, Govinda kunda, Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda)
Lunch on Govardhana Hill in the Sri Yugal Bhajan Kutir Ashram
17:00 Visit to Anandamayi Ma Ashram
20:00 Diwali Celebrations at Shree Giridhar Dham Ashram. Flower aarti, Kirtan, dancing, puja to honor Lakshmi and prayers to the Divine Mother to bless us with prosperity and Divine Love in our lives.
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October 21st, 2025
8:00 Breakfast
9.00 Farewell meeting (sharing of experiences & gifts)
11.00 Time for shopping
14.00 Leave from the hotel to Delhi airport (transportation included in the cost of the Pilgrimage)
Pilgrimage organisers will work with each individual to insure proper transportation based on departure times
Varanasi
Varanasi, often referred to as the spiritual heart of India, is a mesmerizing city that enchants visitors with its vibrant culture and ancient traditions. Situated along the sacred Ganges River, this timeless city offers a unique blend of bustling markets, awe-inspiring temples, and serene ghats where pilgrims gather for rituals and meditation. Varanasi's narrow, winding streets are alive with the colors, sounds, and aromas of traditional India, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking authenticity and spiritual awakening.
Vrindavan
The beloved home of Krishna, is alive with devotion and love. From its old streets to its temples, the air is filled with soul-stirring kirtans. Saints' footsteps mark its sacred soil, guiding seekers on the path of Love. It's a place where chanting the Divine Names brings peace and joy, connecting souls with the timeless dance of devotion.
Ayodhya
Revered as the birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya is adorned with sacred temples, majestic ghats, and ancient relics that tell tales of epic lore and spiritual devotion. Visitors can experience the profound serenity of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, explore the intricacies of Hanuman Garhi, and partake in the vibrant local festivals that bring the city's legends to life.
Trip Information
Price
This pilgrimage is by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please send an email to info@swami.love to request an invitation.
What is Included?
All ground transportation in India, within the itinerary; including transfer from and to (Delhi) airport
Accommodation & Meals
What is not included?
Flight to and from India
FAQs
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Arrival and departure are to and from New Delhi (Delhi), India. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip flight arrangements from their point of origin to New Delhi, India and back.
Once you’ve arrived at the airport, the team will be waiting to take you to the starting point of the pilgrimage.
Most international flights arrive at night or early morning. We can help you with bookings. You may check with us before you confirm your flight bookings.
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You will need a valid passport (the passport expiry date should not be less than 6 months from date of entry into India) and visa for India.
The visa for India should be obtained before travel and should be either a Double Enty or a Multiple Entry visa. The visa should be obtained before travel. Please make sure that the visa covers the dates of your travel.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as e-Tourist Visa on Arrival (eTVA) is available for 165 countries.
Each participant must submit a scan of their passport which carries the following details in order to reserve accommodation: Name, gender, date of birth, passport number, date of issue of passport, date of expiry of passport, place of issue of passport, and emergency contact information. In addition, registrants must provide the visa number, date of issue, date of expiry and place of issue as soon as the visa for travel to India has been issued. It would be helpful if you could scan the page with your visa and the page in your passport with your photograph and send it to us.
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It is required for registrants to purchase travel insurance after being approved for the pilgrimage. The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travellers are encouraged to identify a policy that suits their needs. Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay. Before purchasing insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your policy includes medical care overseas.
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Each room has a private shower and toilet. The accommodations are clean and comfortable and some of the best available in the areas we will be visiting. If you prefer a single room, there is a price supplement.
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The vegeterian food (no eggs or fish) in the places we visit will be clean, fresh and prepared to suit a delicate digestive system. You will be provided boled mineral water for drinking.
If you are coming from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of yellow fever inoculation is required by the Indian authorities. There is no other medical restriction upon your entry into India. We normally recommend a Hepatitis-A shot and a Tetanus shot. If you prefer to be more careful, then please speak to your physician.
We do carry a first-aid kit with us, but many people prefer to bring their own supply of medicines.
Presently there are no Covid restrictions.
We would recommend you get a bug spray and a mosquito repellent cream.
Also stomach medicine for both diarrhea and constipation as one’s stomach has its own way of adjusting to different foods.