There is truly no better time to travel and wander outside your comfort zone than right now at this very moment. Tomorrow you will be a day closer to fading into the quiet, mysterious abyss of an afterlife, closer to health issues limiting your ability to see the world, closer to more demanding responsibilities hindering your ability to break out, see things, meet foreigners, and grow stronger and wiser. How will you contemplate your life and what emotions will arise as you lay there with but few breaths on this grand planet that was yours for the taking? Try to put yourself in that moment to see what thoughts arise.
Man, I wish I would have just quit that job I hated doing every day. Why didn’t I make the most of my two-week vacation? When did I let fear and the longing for security run the course of my life? Why didn’t I listen to all the people who told me to get out while I could? Why was I so uptight about saving money for a day I not knew existed.
Whether you have two weeks or two months, India should be on your list of must-sees. From its charismatic people and compassionate hospitality to its rejuvenating spiritual towns by the sea or in the Himalayan mountains, India has much more to offer than curry and masala chai. You will learn new ways to love deeply, broaden your perspective globally, develop a new appreciation for your life, and ultimately grow into a fuller, wiser version of yourself.
Over a one month’s span, you can cover great distances witnessing diverse landscapes and varying cultural traits. I advise you to explore…
Rishikesh – Yoga & Meditation, Mountains, Wildlife, Music
Rishikesh is a quaint town nestled at the base of the Himalayas divided by the holiest Ganges River. To get from one side to the other you have the brave the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge that sways high over the bright turquoise river and bears the crossing of hundreds of locals on motorbikes, yogis, dogs, cows, and monkeys daily. Rishikesh is the birthplace of Yoga so you will not have trouble finding a class or teacher training to complete. Many others who don’t necessarily want to partake in yoga often find incredible Ashram experiences.
During the day you can immerse yourself in the mountains by hiking to nearby waterfalls, sit by the Ganga River with a book or some music, take a yoga class, hang out at one of the many cozy cafes, feed the cows and pet the friendly local dogs, or barter for goods such as clothing, incense, journals. street food, chai, musical instruments. At night, find yourself a cafe you fancy and enjoy, or start, a jam session with musical instruments supplied. Accommodation is easy to figure when you arrive as there are many guest houses with open availability year round.
Yoga Recommendations:
AYS SRI Rishikesh Yogapeeth – 200 / 300 / 500 HR Teacher Training, Yoga Retreats
Rishikesh YogPeeth – 200 / 300 / 500 HR Teacher Training, Yoga Retreats
Surinder Singh – Hatha Yoga class (200 rupee min. donation)
Cafes:
Royal Cafe
Treehouse Cafe
Little Buddha Cafe
German Bakery and Restaurant
The Pyramid Cafe
& 20+ more!
Rajasthan, Jaipur & Pushkar – Temples, Silver, & Camels
You may have heard about Rajasthan or Pushkar as being famous for their camel fair, but there is much more than just riding camels through the Rajasthan desert. Jaipur and Pushkar are well-known for bearing beautiful gemstones and silver amongst many things. Jaipur is a bigger city known for the pink part of town with the Hawa Mahal, gemstone market, Jah Mahal, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Mandir, Jagat Shiromani Temple, and much more. Pushkar, northwest of Ajmer, is a city centered around the sacred Pushkar Lake holding sought after attractions such as the Brahma Temple
Jaipur
Pink City
Hawa Mahal
Gemstone market
Jah Mahal
Amer Fort
Jaigarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort
Birla Mandir
Jagat Shiromani Temple
Pushkar
Sacred Pilgrimage Site – The Pushkar Lake
Gurdwara Singh Sabha
Man Mahal
Pushkar Camel Festival
Aloo Baba – The Potato Guru
Temples:
- Brahma Temple
- Savitri Temple
- Varaha Temple
- Jagat Shiromani Temple
- Rangji Temple
- Pap Mochini Temple
Accommodation
- Hotel Paramount Palace
- The Madpackers Hostel
Gokarna – A spiritual jungle oasis along the coastline
Situated south of the infamous state of Goa, Gokarna is a spiritual and relaxed place alongside the ocean with less tourism than Goa. Here you can get in touch with your spirituality or hang out at some chilled beaches.
Yaana
Sathodi Falls
Mirjan Fort
Apsarakonda
Karwar
Kotitrtha
Jog Falls
Temples
- Murudeshwara Temple
- Mahabaleshvara Temple
- Maha Ganapati Temple
- Bhadrakali Temple
Beaches
- Om Beach
- Kudle Beach
- Half Moon Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Half Moon Beach
Goa – Not just Techno & Tourism
Although many Indians say Goa is “not real India,” it is a must see if you enjoy beaches hidden amongst dense palm tree jungles with cozy beach hut accommodation situated along the sparkling white sand coastline. Arambol is a city in north Goa home to many yogis and travelers completing Yoga Teacher Training courses, while Palolem in the south is a lavish yet affordable getaway.
Harvalem Waterfall & Caves
Dudhsagar Falls
Forts
- Chapora
- Cabo De Rama
- Reis Magos
Beaches
- Palolem Beach
- Agonda Beach
- Cola Beach
- Velsao Beach
- Mandrem Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Ashwem Beach
- Chapora Beach