India Pilgrimage
The Ellora Caves & Goa
2nd -10th February 2027
This is a pilgrimage both inside and outside, outwardly, an immersion into India’s ancient and spiritual heart, inwardly, the pilgrimage is to go within oneself.
The journey begins in Aurangabad, with morning yoga and visits to the extraordinary ancient Ellora caves, creating space for meditation and reflection..
From there, we move to the palm fringed beaches of Goa, expect deep dives with me in yoga, with morning workshops and a more gentle practice in the late afternoon, allowing time for rest and recuperation whether you want to chill on a sun lounger and tuck in to your novel. There is also a half day excursion to an authentic organic spice farm with Indian buffet.
There will be opportunities for ayurvedic massage and additional tours by arrangement.
The combination is what makes this journey unique and offers a chance to experience a richer, more meaningful side of India before settling into the nourishment of a more traditional yoga beachside retreat.
Itinerary
Tuesday, 2nd February
Day 1: Arrivals at Aurangabad
Let us know your arrival time and we will have a transfer to pick you up from the airport and whisk you away to the Lemon Tree resort, the first stop of our trip. Lemon Tree is a visually stunning hotel with expansive gardens. For our first arrival day there will be an optional evening meditation for those that wish to join. Or simply relax in your new surroundings and take a dip in the pool.
Wednesday, 3rd February
Day 2: Pilgrimage to the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Built between the 6th and 10th centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for being carved straight out of solid basalt cliffs. The Ellora caves also house the Kailasa temple, the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world.
During this one day excursion we will enjoy a guided tour, lunch and an afternoon of meditation and chanting at this incredible sacred site.
Thursday, 4th February
Day 3: Travel to Patnem Beach, Goa
We will head together to Goa on a half day journey. By the afternoon we will have time to settle into sun kissed surroundings, and regroup for an evening yin yoga and meditation session before more free time to head to dinner.
Friday, 5th - Tuesday 9th February
Day 4-8: Our Daily Ritual
From Friday, we will settle into our first full day in our stunning surroundings. Our mornings will find us at Soul & Soil Yoga Shala from 8am for three hours of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation to deepen our relaxation and bodily connection.
We will then have brunch together at the Shala.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore as you wish, before we meet again later in the afternoon for our evening meditation and Yin yoga practice. Dinner options are plentiful, and you're free to choose how to spend your evening.
Sunday, 7th February
Spice Farm Tour & Goan Lunch Buffet
On Sunday, we will meet for a slightly shorter morning Yoga practice and earlier light brunch as we will be collected for our Tour and whisked away to visit the spice plantation in southern Goa. The tour includes transfers and a buffet lunch.
*Exact date subject to change based on availability
Wednesday, 10th February
Final morning and departures
For our final morning together we will meet for morning yoga and brunch, before checking out of our accommodation and heading for onward travels.
*Transfer not included but we can help you to arrange
Accommodation Options, Goa
Simple Room, £1400 (early bird price)
Our simple room accommodation option comprises of a beach bungalow, with double or twin bed, AC, private bathroom, hot running water and a mosquito net and towel. Hosted by Home Beach Bungalows.
Luxury Room, £1650 (early bird price)
Luxury rooms include a king-size bed, private terrace overlooking the swimming pool and garden area, AC, fridge, private bathroom, toiletries and towels. Hosted by Crystall Goa.
Both accommodation options are within a ten-minute beachfront walk to the yoga shala, where brunch will be hosted.
All guests will receive the same room type in Aurangabad at the same hotel for the first two nights. The remaining 6 nights of the trip are available as a Simple accommodation for a reduced rate or a Luxury option.
Inclusions
The pricing above includes:
* All accommodation for the full duration of the pilgrimage including the hotel stay in Aurangabad. The total price varies dependent on the Goan hotel option.
* Transfer to and from Aurangabad airport on the 2 and 4 Feb
* Transfer from Goa airport to your chosen accommodation
* Exclusive use of the Yoga Shala
* Entrance to, transfer, guided tour and lunch at Ellora Caves
* Daily breakfast or brunch
* All yoga, meditation and chanting classes and tuition, up to 5 hours per day excluding travel days
* A half-day excursion with lunch to a Goan Spice plantation
Exclusions / Optional Extras
The pricing above excludes:
* Transfer from Goa on the last day
* Flights including any internal flights on travel days (we will share recommended internal flights to book)
* Dinner or any additional meals other than brunch
* Ayurvedic treatments and massage (we can help arrange this for you)
* Additional day tours
Useful Information
* Remember to bring your yoga mat with you and some kind of blanket or shawl for meditation.
* It’s recommended to travel over the weekend and spend a night soaking up the cultural phenomenon that is Mumbai at least a day before arriving. This will help you to acclimate to India time and arrive well rested for the start of the pilgrimage.
* You must apply in advance for a visa to travel to India via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
* All classes are optional so should you feel you need to rest, please follow the needs of your body and sovereign mind and feel free to make your own choices.
* There is no need to operate as a group at dinner, should you wish to take some time for yourself or break off into smaller groups, this is encouraged!
* Should you have any questions about travelling to India, Nick has been many times and is only too happy to answer your queries.
To book your place, contact Melody via WhatsApp: +447990 988 836