Samudra Studio

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, Sarah, 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 - 9 nights/10 days:

3 Days Rishikesh along the Sacred Ganges

4 Days at luxury Ayurvedic resort in the foothills of the Himalayas

3 Days Exploring Buddhist Sacred Sites with renowned teacher Shantum Seth

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:

February 18, 2025: Arrive Delhi, Fly to Dehradun

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 |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 Patna-Delhi, overnight in Delhi in preparation to fly

February 28, 2025: Depart Home from Delhi

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

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

• 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

February 19-20: Rishikesh

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 ritual and visit some of the

temples and sites of this stunning city.

February 21: Depart for Six Senses Vana

February 21-25: Stay at Six Senses Vana: 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.

February 25: Fly Dehradun-Delhi-Gaya/Patna. Drive to Bodhgaya | One night at Mahabodhi Gaya / 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

February 26: Bodhgaya. Evening drive 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 Patna-Delhi, Overnight in Delhi Airport Hotel in preparation to fly

February 28: Depart Home Early Morning

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 flight to and from Delhi.

• Massages or spa services

• Any Alcoholic Beverages

• Your Airplane tickets

• 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 28, 2025.

Suggested Flight:

United Emirates:

Departure:

Monday February 17, 2025 22:15 Boston

Arrives Delhi Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:40

One stop in Dubai

17 hr, 25m

Return:

Thursday February 28, 2025 21:25 Delhi

Arrives Boston Friday February 29, 2025 13:55

One stop in Dubai

27 H

Join the Waitlist

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