Sacred Sites of India with Betty and Sarah and Shantum Seth

Bodhgaya, India • Feb 18 - 28 2025

Explore beautiful India and Sacred Sites

Join Betty Riaz, Sarah Speigel, and Shantum Seth for an opportunity for spiritual exploration and adventure and luxury tour to the sites of the Buddha’s enlightenment. This extraordinary retreat will immerse you in the heart of India's rich spiritual heritage, guiding you through breathtaking landscape, ancient traditions, and profound healing experiences.


Trip Overview - 10 nights/11 days: 

3 nights/4 days in Rishikesh along the Sacred Ganges

4 nights/5 Days at luxury Ayurvedic resort in the foothills of the Himalayas

2 nights/ 3 Days Exploring Buddhist Sacred Sites with renowned teacher Shantum Seth

1 night Dehli Airport in preparation to fly


We begin with exploring beautiful Rishikesh, amidst the towering Himalayan peaks and cradled by the Ganges River. A destination for yoga and spiritual practitioners, we will take in the banks of the Ganges, ancient meditation caves, and the cultural significance of this gateway to the Himalayas. 


From here we travel to the luxurious sanctuary of Six Senses Vana. This Ayurvedic and Tibetan healing spa is surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains.  You'll be pampered with personally tailored Ayurvedic treatments, energy-balancing rituals, and meditation sessions. Daily yoga, delicious and healthy food, and deep rest await. Your stay includes multiple healing treatments each day, and personal Ayurvedic/Tibetan medicine consultation. 


We move on to the sacred city of Gaya with our local guide and expert, Shantum, where the footsteps of the Buddha have left an indelible mark. Shantum Seth received the ‘lamp transmission’ from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh ordaining him as a Dharmacharya (Teacher of the Dharma) in 2001 and he has been teaching in India and across the world. He has also been leading pilgrimages ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha' and other multi-faith and transformative journeys since 1988. He is considered the foremost guide to the sites associated with the Buddha and is a profound cultural interpreter. His commitment to a cross-cultural understanding, with a mission of ‘Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World’ has led him to travel to more than 65 countries and nearly every state of India.


As you explore the holy sites and site of the Buddha's awakening, you'll connect to the roots of Buddhist spirituality. Shantum, our guide, uses storytelling, his local experience, and knowledge and insight to bring the trip further to life. Visit the serene Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree where Shakyamuni Buddha sat for six years until he fond his awakening. Together, we will visit Rajgri and Vulture's Peak, the site where sutras were spoken long ago.


Each destination on this journey is carefully chosen to provide you with an immersive and authentic experience, allowing you to embrace the ancient teachings and wisdom that India holds. Our journey is complete with daily yoga and meditation, history, teachings, delicious food and comfortable luxury hotel accommodations. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you. 


Locations: Rishikesh, Dehradun,  Bodhgaya, Rajgir

Teachers/Facilitators: Betty Riaz, Sarah Spiegel, Shantum Seth 


Itinerary: 

Flight BOSTON TO DEHLI, INDIA via Suggested Airlines Qatar or Emirates


Depart Evening February 16th, 2025:  Arrive 2 days later on Feb 18th


February 18, 2025: Arrive Delhi, Fly Direct to Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport


February 18-21, 2025: Rishikesh |Stay 3 Nights at Roseate Ganges Hotel|


Feb 21-24, 2025: Ayurvedic Retreat and Spa |Stay Six 4 Nights Senses Vana|


Feb 25, 2025:  Travel to Bodhgaya: Visit Buddha sites with Shantum Seth
|Stay 1 Night Mahabodhi Gaya/ The Royal Residency Bodhgaya|


February 26, 2025: Bodhgaya and Rajgir |Stay 1 night  Indo Hokke Hotel Rajgir|


February 27, 2025: Fly from Patna Airport to Dehli; Overnight near the Dehli Airport

February 28th early am: Depart from Delhi, India to Boston

 

Who may attend? All are welcome to join this retreat. 
Yoga classes will be all levels and and all outings and activities are included.


Travel Insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance for all retreats. If you are looking for a company we suggest World Nomad. We are not affiliated with the company we have just heard good things from retreat participants who have used their services.  


https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance





Room Options

All prices are per person: 


Shared occupancy room: $5800

Single occupancy Room: $8800




What's Included

Yoga classes will be a mix of vinyasa and also restorative & relaxing flows.  
Morning meditations will offer the opportunity to start each day in a peaceful way 
All tours and travel arrangements once in country of arrival  *except air travel
All meals  
All entry fees to all sites and activities
2 Massages Daily at Six Senses Vana
Ayurvedic Consultation at Six Senses Vana
Luxury accommodations in India

February 18: Arrival to Delhi | Fly to Dehradun and transport to Roseate Ganges Hotel
2 nights At 5-star Luxury Roseate Ganges Hotel

February 19-20: Rishikesh along the Ganges River
Rishikesh is a hub for spirituality and known for its numerous sacred sites. It is believed that the water at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers are cleansing and purifying.

Here we will learn about sacred rituals and visit some of the temples and sites of this stunning city. 


February 21: Depart for Six Senses Vana, 2 hour drive to upper Deradhun

February 21-25: 4 night Stay at Six Senses Vana Forest Retreat Center includes Yoga, meditation, personalized Ayurvedic and Tibetan healing treatments.

Named after the forest we take refuge in, Six Senses Vana aims to protect and nurture, providing space to discover and flourish. Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies combine with a kind-hearted team and personalized support.

Every stay at this Six Senses retreat in Dehradun includes full-board accommodation with all meals provided and prepared with guided nutrition; daily retreat activities such as yoga, meditation, workshops, and functional fitness; wellness consultation and screening; daily treatment; and attire to wear.

Includes all SPA treatments, including a special visit to Ahimsa Retreat Center with Shantum Seth.


February 25-27th: Buddhist Sacred Sights with Shantum Seth
Fly Dehradun-Delhi-Gaya/Patna.  *flight not included

Feb. 25th Drive to Bodhgaya | One night at  Mahabodhi Gaya Hotel| The Royal Residency Bodhgaya.

Visit the sacred city of Gaya with our local guide and expert Shantum,  where the footsteps of the Buddha have left an indelible mark. As you explore the holy sites and site of the Buddha’s awakening, you'll connect to the roots of Buddhist spirituality. Shantum, our guide, led Ticht Nacht Han through India, and adds story telling, experience, and local knowledge and insight to our trip.  Visit the serene Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree where Shakyamuni Buddha sat for six years until he found his awakening

Evening drive from Bodhgaya to Rajgir | One Night Indo Hokke Hotel

Together we will visit Rajagri and Vulture’s peak, the site where sutras were spoken long ago.
Here, the Buddha delivered profound teachings central to Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy at Vulture's Peak, including the Heart Sutra, a central teaching in this practice.
Enjoy a meditation amidst the views and the rich and powerful history of this place.

February 27: Afternoon Flight from Patna-Delhi ; Stay in Delhi Airport Hotel
February 27th/ Feb 28th:  Early 3 am flight from Dehli to Boston on Emirates.

See table below:

 

S.no.

Date

Day

Travel

Night's Stay

Hotels

1

18-Feb-25

Tuesday

Arrival in Delhi. Fly to Dehradun.

Roseate Ganges Hotel

Roseate Ganges Hotel

2

19-Feb-25

Wednesday

Rishikesh

Roseate Ganges Hotel

Roseate Ganges Hotel

3

20-Feb-25

Thursday

Rishikesh

Roseate Ganges Hotel

Roseate Ganges Hotel

4

21-Feb-25

Friday

Vana

Vana

Six Senses Vana

5

22-Feb-25

Saturday

Vana

Vana

Six Senses Vana

6

23-Feb-25

Sunday

Vana

Vana

Six Senses Vana

7

24-Feb-25

Monday

Vana

Vana

Six Senses Vana

8

25-Feb-25

Tuesday

Fly Dehradun-Delhi-Gaya/Patna. Drive to Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Gaya / The Royal Residency Bodhgaya

9

26-Feb-25

Wednesday

Bodhgaya. Evening drive to Rajgir

Rajgir

Indo Hokke

10

27-Feb-25

Thursday

Fly Patna-Delhi

Dehli Airport

 Dehli Airport Hotel


What's Not Included

What types of things are not included in my retreat participation fee? 
Transportation to India and flights within the country are not included.       
  (we will arrange transfer flights for the group and collect payment.) You are responsible for booking your round trip Flight from Boston - Dehli - Boston

Any Alcoholic Beverages  

Taxi rides for personal day-trips or excursions not part of the group  scheduling 

Gratuities for hotel staff / drivers 

Inter-country flights to be arranged by retreat leaders 



Travel

Travel Info: 
Fly into Delhi, India arriving February 18, 2025 and departing from Delhi February 27, 2025. 

Suggested Flight: 
United Emirates:

Departure: 
Monday February 16, 2025 22:15 Boston 
Arrives Delhi Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:40
One stop in Dubai
17 hr, 25m

Return: 
Thursday February 27, 2025 21:25 Delhi
Arrives Boston Friday February 28, 2025 13:55
One stop in Dubai
27 H

Qatar Airways is also an option

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