Sacred Spiritual Pilgrimage to India

If you’re yearning for a deeper connection with your soul, ready to let go of the worries of your mind and connect to the magnificent power of your heart…

We invite you to join us, Victoria & Doug Allen, for a spiritual pilgrimage to the yoga capital of the world – Rishikesh, India, and the ancient Himalayan city of Badrinath.

September 26th – October 9th, 2017

As the sun is setting behind the Himalyan Mountains and people are gathering along the banks of the Ganges River to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, you find yourself smiling from ear to ear. You don’t know what is happening, but you can feel it in your bones. Something is shifting within you.

When music begins to play and seekers of all ages sing songs of devotion to the splendor of the universe, you feel like you’re home – even though you’re in a foreign land. You’re at ease. You belong. You’re in flow. A sense of contentment and appreciation fills you from head to toe.

Although you wish you could marvel at the beauty of the Ganges forever, before you know it, you’re back in your boutique sanctuary at a beautifully-appointed wellness resort savoring a delightful Ayurvedic dinner with newfound friends. Deep gratitude floods your body as you anticipate what the next day brings.

Oooooh…the magic of Rishikesh!

Rishikesh – located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India – is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh became known to the west thru the Beatles, but has been a Hindu holy city and pilgrimage site for millennia. Hallmarked by the fast-flowing Ganges River and forested hills, Rishikesh is a true gem for anyone who is craving transformation.

**Rishikesh is the PERFECT place to connect with your Soul for 10 glorious days (and 10 nights)…**

…practice restorative yoga with Victoria Allen to unwind deep tension in your body and mind, and energize your whole system through Sattva yoga with master Anand Mehrotra.

…meditate and chant with Doug Allen as you dive into the immense brilliance of your heart.

…hike in the foothills of the Himalayas to quiet the chatter of your mind while connecting with the magnificence of nature.

…feel inspired by dharma talks with spiritual master Anand Mehrotra about consciousness and devotional practice.

…release what no longer serves you at evening fire ceremonies known as pujas, specifically designed to purify your nervous system and fill you with a sense of ease and serenity.

So why should YOU join us?

This Spiritual Pilgrimage to Rishikesh is an EXQUISITE environment to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and experience a charging of your soul.

This journey is JUST what you’ve been looking for to press the pause button, sink into your heart, and gain an expanded perspective on life and the way you are living your life. Imagine how exquisite it feels to tap into the greater wisdom of your innermost self.

Plus you’ll be exploring the ancient city of Rishikesh, perhaps the best place to get to know India. It isn’t crowded or polluted. The serenity of the Himalayan energy permeates Rishikesh. You’ll discover the delights of Mother India by strolling through boutique-lined streets, immersing yourself in the energy of holy sites, and taking an (optional) dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River, without fear of getting ill. It is easy to shop in Rishikesh, and you can often get gems for a fraction of the price of what you pay elsewhere.

As you trek by car to the ancient city of Badrinath for a two night stay, you’ll experience the extraordinary light of this magical land perched in the Himalayas. Badrinath has been a spiritual center over 12,000 years ago. Its’ origin dates back to when Vishnu, in physical form, did spiritual practices there. The greatest spiritual masters have all passed through or stayed for some time in Badrinath. The great yogi Babaji, whom Yogananda talked about in Autobiography of a Yogi, has his subtle plane ashram in Badrinath. Dazzling with exquisite temples and holy sites, Badrinath offers an empowering initiation for your soul.

The Venues

The Sattva Spa and Retreat

We’ll be spending five fabulous nights at the Sattva Spa, a beautiful yoga retreat center nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, approximately twenty minutes outside the heart of bustling Rishikesh. The Sattva Centre features beautifully appointed rooms with Indian hand crafted furniture and prints, spacious bathrooms, each room has a warm and inviting ambiance with a direct view of the Himalayas that provides an environment that is comforting and exotic.

And, if you so desire (I bet you do!), the Sattva Center features the Sattva Spa a progressive wellness center which incorporates the ancient Indian healing techniques of Ayurveda with modern spa amenities. This is a true healing sanctuary and provides the ideal space to slow down, attune to Mother Nature, sacred mantras or in simple silence as you rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the lap of Himalayan luxury.

The Sattva Spa customizes its rich services for each individual, incorporating an Ayurvedic doctor consultation prior to treatment for optimal, holistic re-balancing. From body-melting massages to deliciously relaxing Shirodhara treatments (an Ayurvedic therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over your third eye to balance and stabilize your mind), you may never want to leave the spa (but you should!)

At Sattva you may also choose a private Vedic astrology reading with Anand. During each session, Anand reads your birth chart and offers wisdom and individualized guidance for life path. Both spa treatments and astrology readings can easily be scheduled upon your arrival – although they are not included in the cost of your trip.

The Rainforest House

After immersing ourselves in yogic practices and the magic of the Sattva Center, we’ll be transported into the town of Rishikesh to an exquisite secret hideaway known as the Rainforest House for five awe-inspiring nights. A cozy family-owned guesthouse nestled on a white sandy beach on the secluded banks of the Ganges river, the Rainforest House is a relaxing oasis known for its breathtaking valley views and serene rainforest-like atmosphere. Featuring just nine rooms, each enjoys colorful teak furniture, an en suite bathroom, and either a private balcony or verandah to soak up the wisdom of the majestic Himalayan mountains. Designed around a courtyard with a pristine mango tree standing tall in the center and a bubbling stream nearby, the sounds of nature echoing in the distance are sure to soothe your body, mind, and spirit.

We leave Rishikesh and travel north to Badrinath – perched in the Himalayas, to visit one of the greatest holy sites of the spiritual world. We will stay at the Badriville Resort for two sumptuous nights. Lauded for its incredible mountain views and peaceful setting, the Badriville Resort features well-appointed and comfortable rooms and locally sourced, mouth-watering cuisine. During our time in Badrinath, we will enjoy free time, visit holy temples and hike in the glorious mountains. We return to Rishikesh on Oct 8 for a luxurious one night stay at the Ganga Kinare before returning to the Dehredun airport on the 9th to return home.

The Cuisine

Clean and healthy food is an integral part of transformation, the Sattva Centre serves organic vegetarian meals with the highest quality ingredients mainly grown at the centers farm. Prepared with Ayurvedic principles for balancing and purification, the Sattva Centre offers delicious early morning cups of hot chai tea and fruit, and a late morning brunch poolside. Carefully prepared curries and soups are served for dinner (with hot naan bread served right out of the clay oven). You’ll enjoy the beautiful array of delights served at each and every meal.

Meanwhile, the Rainforest House café features simple but splendid Ayurvedic cuisine handcrafted daily in their organic kitchen with exquisite attention to detail and ingredients. Your body will feel invigorated by the nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables and whole grains that fill your plate every single day. Utilizing light but robust spices in their dishes, your pallet will awaken in a sensory experience that is unique to Indian cuisine. And, if you’re craving something a bit different than traditional Indian dishes, try one of their vegetarian pizzas.

What’s Included

Transportation from Dehradun Airport to the Sattva Centre on September 26, as long as you arrive to catch the group shuttle by 2 p.m. (otherwise, you may contact the Sattva center for personal transportation)
Rooms, double occupancy, for 5 nights at Sattva Centre (hot chai & snack, brunch and dinner included)
Rooms, double occupancy, for 5 nights at the Rainforest House (3 meals included)
Daily sunrise chanting, meditation, and yoga practices
Daily late afternoon dharma talks, restorative practice and pranayama exercises
Transportation and entrance fees to any sites we visit together in Rishikesh and Badrinath
Van travel to and from Badrinath, two nights accommodations (includes breakfast)
One night accommodation at the Ganga Kinare Hotel on return from Badrinath (includes breakfast)
Transportation from Rishikesh to the Dehradun Airport on October 9th

What’s Not Included

Your round-trip airfare from home
Lunches and dinners in Badrinath
Other non-included items include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, spa services, Vedic astrology readings, personal excursions including water rafting adventures, personal taxis when not with the group, laundry, and tips for your room maid (we recommend $1-2 USD per person per day)
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance
Visa costs (visas can be arranged at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html).
Meals on your last day in Rishikesh before flying out
Vaccination costs (vaccinations are optional)
Personal astrology readings with Anand
Soul Involution sessions with Doug

Flights

Arrive into Dehradun Airport by noon on September 26, 2017, if you want to catch our shuttle. You can access Dehradun Airport from most Indian international airports (New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai). We will have one airport pick-up for the group arriving on September 26^th at 2 p.m. If you are not arriving in time to make the group shuttle, email the Sattva Centre to arrange a pick up (at your cost) ahead of time at info@mysattva.com.

Your Investment

$2500 USD double occupancy

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL PAID IN FULL BEFORE MARCH 15 $2200

This Spiritual Pilgrimage to India is limited to 16 participants!

To Join Us…

Early Bird Special of $2200 by April 1

Or…Place your non-refundable deposit of $700 USD

50% of your balance is due on July 1
The balance is due in full on Sept 1

If you prefer a 6-pay plan we are happy to create that for you! Simply place your non-refundable deposit of $700 below to hold your spot and connect with Victoria.

You must be paid in full before trip departure. Questions? Please email Victoria@raiseyourstate.com

Meet Your Guides

About Victoria Allen

As a conduit of awakening, Victoria’s expertise lies in her ability to meet people where they are and open their perception to see themselves more clearly. Trained as a psychotherapist, Svaroopa style yoga teacher, dream guide and rooted in the Toltec lineage of don Miguel Ruiz gives her a broad foundation to support individuals and couples to awaken the great love within them. She has created her own body of work called the Brilliant Powers ~ the spiritual energies that shift you from head to heart.

About Doug Allen

Doug’s personal search for inner freedom led him on a journey to study many spiritual traditions and religions. As he began working directly with spiritual masters the answers unfolded within him. He’s developed an ability to cut through to simple truths and now shares what he has learned in a clear and concise way. His many decades of personal meditation practice, has taken him inside the intricate pathways of energy. As a healer, he navigates the higher planes of consciousness and connects these energies with the groups and individuals he works with.