Compare Lotus of the Desert Retreat- 17 Days/16 Nights by Flowing Spirit Journeys vs India in 12 days - Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 17 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,300 | $ 1,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 135 | $ 142 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 Breakfasts. |
| Description |
The lotus has its roots in dark murky waters, yet still grows towards the light and blossoms where it has been planted. The Lotus of the Desert Retreat is a powerful exploration of the divine feminine and how she manifests within us. It is a chance to discover how each one of us may grow into our abundant potential and fully bloom where WE have been planted in our lives. It is a unique opportunity to travel as a group of women, in sisterhood, supporting one another as we open and flower as the radiant beings that we are! |
Experience the land of a thousand colours starting with the multicultural city of Delhi. Discover the historic cities of Mandawa and Bikaner. Explore the rose pink city of Jaipur and admire the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra - one of The Seven Wonders of the World. In Rajasthan, the golden city of Jaisalmer, The Thar Desert and the mystic Jodhpur Fort are all yours to discover. |
Day 1:
Delhi- Arrive in Delhi by 3pm-Group meeting, Opening and Invocation, Delicious Indian dinner.
Day 2:
Delhi to Pushkar- Travel by train and taxi to the Sacred Brahma city of Pushkar- Pushkar is a quaint desert oasis situated around a beautiful Lotus-shaped lake. It is the only holy place dedicated to the creative force of Brahma and is powerful pilgrimage site. Upon our arrival, we will deepen our journey with a sunset Yoga practice, meditation, rest, and exploration.
Day 3-6:
Pushkar- Supported by the oasis’ high spiritual vibration, we will balance our time between inner exploration and connection to sacred desert sites. This portion of the retreat includes daily yoga and meditation, sunrise and sunset hikes to the mountain-top temples of the Goddesses Gayatri and Sati, tantric ritual, and a Yagna (Fire ceremony) at the Shaktipeeth Goddess Temple. We will also visit ashrams from the Satya Yuga era, Potato Baba, and the Brahma Temple
Day 7-10:
Blue City Jodhpur- Arriving as the princesses that we are, we will stay as royalty in one of the area’s enchanting and beautiful hotels. Here we will practice resting in a state of inner silence amidst the bustling Indian City. We will explore the winding streets of the blue city, visit Mehrangarth Fort, and head out on safari to visit local artist villages and wildlife.
Day 10:
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer- Visit Jaisalmer Fort and explore
Day 11-13:
Camel Trekking Jaisalmer-This phase of the journey will be a chance to experience the profound silence of the Desert Landscape as we travel upon camels into some of the more remote areas of Rajasthan. We will visit local villages, move through breathtaking landscapes, and sleep beneath a sky of infinite stars. On the final day of the trek, we will return to Jaisalmer for restorative yoga and relaxation.
Day 13-15:
Return to Jaisalmer for embodying abundance – Delicious Food, shopping, Integration, a hotel fit for Queens, and our closing circle.
Day 16-17:
Delhi- Experience the spiritual aspects of Delhi as we integrate our experience of moving meditation within Riskshaws, markets, busy streets, and delicious restaurants.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Delhi. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Delhi
Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to hotel. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city centre. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Mandawa
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Mandawa. En-route, pass through authentic villages and start to enter some of the most rural parts of India. On arrival in Mandawa, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city. See the amazing Havelis - mansions noted for their frescoes depicting images of British colonial rule. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading centre for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. We recommend to visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendour. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road to Jaipur. Arrive at your hotel and the rest of the day is free to start to get to know the Rose-Pink City of India. We recommend a wander through some of the markets in the area to see the unique handicrafts and jewellery on offer. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 9: Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur - Fathepur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located. Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 11: Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, return by road to Delhi and once you have arrived, visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterwards, transfer to the Gateway of India, the residence of the country's president, and visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples.* Overnight stay in Delhi. * Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith, and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Note: The Lotus Temple & The De Akshardham Temple are closed on Monday. For all the departures on Thursday will not be able to do the Full-day Delhi Temples tour.
Day 13: Delhi - US
Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
