September 19th, 2025 - september 28th, 2025
Varanasi | Ayodhya | Vrindavan, India
A 10 Day Journey from the Mind to the Heart
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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 that resonate with the spiritual vibrations of hundreds of years of worship.
These hallowed spaces purify the mind, infuse the soul with boundless energy, and recharge your spirit, allowing you to Find clarity about your dharma (duty).
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites
We will be visiting many of the important sites associated with the Bhakti (devotional) traditions of India, as well as unique landmarks and ancient cities such as Varanasi and Ayodhya.
World Renowned Teachers
Participants will have the opportunity to spend quality time with world renowned teachers who are experts in the field of Vedic philosophy.
Visiting Saints
Unlike conventional pilgrimages, this journey allows participants to experience the vibrant spiritual presence of revered saints firsthand. This rare opportunity to receive blessings directly from such extraordinary personalities makes it a very unique experience.
Guides
Swami Chidanada
Swami Chidananda is a spiritual educator and monk initiated in the Vedic Hari Bhakta Lineage, 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.
Before entering the spiritual path, he had a successful career as an investment banker and entrepreneur. Now, he uses his experiences to convey the ancient Yoga Systems in a relatable and accessible way for those seeking to reconcile Western and Eastern philosophies.
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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September 19th, 2025
Arrival at Delhi airport by 17:00 (Shuttle will be waiting for participants / all transportation AFTER arriving in Delhi 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)
Short organisational meeting with pilgrimage participants
Rest
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September 20th, 2025
8:00 Breakfast
09:00 Radha Raman temple, Nidhivan, Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vamshi Vat
13:00 Lunch
15:00 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda
18:00 Evening prayers at Sri Giridhar Dham, kirtan
19:15 Banke Bihari, Sri Radha Vallabha Temple
21:00 Dinner and rest
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September 21st, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
7:00 Morning prayers and Yagna (fire ceremony) at Sri Giridhar Dham
8:45 Breakfast
09:30 Radha Damodara Temple, Radha Shyamasundara Temple, Mirabai Kutir
13:30 Lunch
14:30 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda
16:30 Yamuna boat trip, Keshi Ghat - evening Aarati of Yamuna Devi
20:30 Dinner
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September 22nd, 2025
6:00 Morning Asana Practice (optional)
7:30 Breakfast
8:00 Parikrama around Vrindavan, on the way visit famous temples and places where Krishna's pastimes took place (Kaliya Ghat, Imli Tala, Shringar Vat, Keshi Ghat, Yamuna River, Jagannath Temple, Neeb Karoli Baba Ashram)
13:30 Lunch
Time for shopping & rest
16:30 Om Chanting
18:00 Evening prayers at Sri Giridhar Dham
21:00 Dinner & Rest
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September 23rd, 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 & Hanuman Temple
20:00 Dinner
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September 24th, 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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September 25th, 2025
7:00 Early breakfast
8:00 Visit Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon.
10:00 Kashi Vishwanath Temple
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
18:00 Experince Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
20:00 Dinner & Rest
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September 26th, 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
20:00 Dinner
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September 27th, 2025
7:00 Early breakfast
7:30 Departure to Govardhan
8:30 Parikrama around Govardhan and visiting different sacred places (Kusum Sarovar, Manasi Ganga, Gayaprasad Samadhi, Govinda kunda, Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda).
Lunch on Govardhana in the Sri Yugal Bhajan Kutir Ashram
17:00 Visit to Shri Gopinath Mandir
20:00 Dinner
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September 28th, 2025
8:00 Breakfast
9.00 Farewell meeting & sharing of experiences
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 Expenses
Cost
Single Room - $2750 | Double Room - $2250
What is Included?
All ground transportation in India, within the itinerary; including transfer from and to (Delhi) airport.
Multiple shuttles are planned to take pilgrims to Vrindavan (the starting point of the pilgrimage) based on arrival times. If the flight arrives after the pick up window, pilgrimage organisers will work with each individual to insure transportation will be provided to Vrindavan, regardless of arrival times.
Accommodation & three meals per day.
All the hotels we will be staying at during the pilgrimage have been personally approved by Swami and are included in the total cost of the trip. Upon registration for the pilgrimage, all hotels will be booked automatically for the participants based on the preference of a double or single room.
All required tips and taxes
Professional local guides, and tour leaders
All hotels, trips, restaurants etc have been personally inspected by the teachers
What is not included?
Flight to and from India; passport and visa fees; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; beverages; any transportation outside of group activities.
Additional Information
After your booking is confirmed, a deposit of 20% is needed to secure your spot in the pilgrimage.
The rest of the amount is required 8 weeks before arrival.
If you cancel at least 4 months prior to the start date of the trip we will:
Refund 50% of your deposit;
If within the 4 month window for the pilgrimage that you originally booked, the deposit is 100% nonrefundable.
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. All transportation will be taken care of during the pilgrimage at no extra cost, including the trip from Vrindavan to Delhi Airport at the time of departure.
Please plan to arrive in Delhi on the 19th of September, 2025 no later than 17:00 (exceptions can be made if we are informed in advance).
Departure will be on September 28th, 2025 (based on departure times, we will arrange transportation accordingly).
International flight tickets should be booked as early as possible as prices keep increasing as you get closer to the date of departure.
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. The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travelers 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. Please note that many insurance carriers require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made.
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All accommodations during the pilgrimage are included in the total cost of the trip and will be booked automatically for the participants.
Participants will be staying in accommodations that have been vetted by the tour guides and have been used for previous pilgrimages, with positive reviews by the participants.
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.
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It is quite easy and inexpensive to get a local SIM card for your mobile phone at Delhi airport. It is more difficult to get one outside of the airport. You need one photograph and a copy of your India visa and passport. If you have a ‘locked’ phone, you may need to ‘unlock’ it before you come to India. Mobile telephony in India is inexpensive.
Reserve Your Spot
If you would like to attend the pilgrimage, please send an EMAIL to info@swami.love with the following information:
First and Last name as it appears on your passport
Country & City of residence
Gender
Accommodation Preference (please specify if you would like a single or double room for the duration of the pilgrimage / Single Room - $2750 | Double Room - $2250)
Food Allergies (if any)
Any additional questions or comments you might have about the pilgrimage.
Upon sending the email to info@swami.love you will receive a follow up email with next steps for secured payment (via bank transfer / credit card). A deposit of 20% is needed to secure your spot in the pilgrimage.
Registration Deadline: Currently the 2025 pilgrimage is OPEN to all who have access to the website link. Once the spots are filled, future registrations will only be on a waiting list basis, and will receive confirmation by Swami, if a spot becomes free.