PILGRIMAGE SERVICES AND TOURS

This page contains links and information about devotees offering pilgrimage services, either in India or pilgrimage trips from outside of India. If you are aware of persons offering to take devotees on pilgrimages to India that would like to be included on this Web page, please have them send information about their services to Allen. This Web site does not guarantee any of these pilgrimages, nor has responsibility for them. It is offered as a public service to make devotees aware of them.

MASTER’S DARSHAN TOURS
www.mastersdarshan.com
Email Craig Bell

MASTERS DARSHAN TOURS PRESENTS

2010 Fall Pilgrimage

MAIN TOUR - October 7th though November 22th

MAIN TOUR Includes: New Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Ganga Camp, Badrinath, Pipal Koti, Jyotir Math, Rudraprayag, YSS Dwarahat Ashram, Babaji’s Cave, Corbett Park, Vrindaban, Agra, Taj Mahal, Kolkata (Calcutta), YSS Dakshineswar Ashram, Kali Temple, Sri Yukteshwar’s Serampore Ashram, Paramahansa Yogananda’s Family Home, Puri, Sri Yukteshwar’s Hermitage, Bhuvaneshwar, and Varanasi.

ASHRAM & MORE TOUR- October 28th, through November 29th

ASHRAM & MORE TOUR Includes: New Delhi, Vrindaban, Taj Mahal, Puri, Dakshineswar YSS Ashram, Benaras, Ranchi Convocation, Corbett Park &YSS Dwarahat Ashram (Babaji's Cave)

Ganga Arati in Hardwar Akshardhan Temple in Delhi

Rama in RishikeshGanga in RishikeshGanga Arati

This itinerary is subject to change. You may make your trip as many days as you are able to get away. Review this itinerary, decide where and when you would like to join us and depart, then contact Craig for a quote on the cost for that portion only.

Details:

MAIN TOUR

OCT. 07th, DAY 01: -Depart USA.

OCT 08th, DAY 02: -Arrive in New Delhi, India. Transfer to YSS Noida retreat. Overnight

OCT 09th Day 03- Enjoy retreat and ashram life. Overnight

OCT.10rh, DAY 04 - New Delhi: After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple and see the beautiful movie 'Mystic India' Transfer to train station for overnight first class train to Kathgodham.

OCT. 11th Day 05 - Arrive Kathgodham train station and transfer to the Wild Animal Preserve of Corbett Park. We will be staying at the beautiful Tarangi Resort. This is an amazing place, with exquisite riverside accommodations. Swim in the Kosi River or lovely pool. Enjoy massage, yoga or just relax. In the afternoon, take an elephant ride into the jungle looking for the elusive Bengal tiger or just enjoy the spectacular setting. We will continue to have our group meditations and chanting.

OCT. 12th Day 06 - This morning we will take jeeps into the main preserve. You will see flora and fauna native to this area of India. On previous rides into
the jungle, we have seen sambar deer, peacocks, wild boar, pythons, monitor lizards, alligators, wild elephants, a king cobra and an occasional tiger. Return to resort for meditation and dinner. Overnight

OCT. 13th Day 07 - Today we will drive through the Himalayan foothills to our YSS Dwarahat Ashram. After some chai, enjoy group energization and meditation in this magical place, where Babaji’s presence is so powerful. Overnight

OCT. 14th Day 08 - Enjoy the peace and serenity of the ashram grounds or take short walks through the beautiful hills. After the evening meditation, enjoy the nightly satsanga with Swami Nirvananandaji. Overnight

OCT. 15th Day 09 - Today we will take our sacred pilgrimage to Mahavatar Babaji's Cave. The place where our incredible path all began. . After the evening meditation, enjoy the nightly satsang with Swami Nirvanananda. Overnight

OCT. 16th Day 10 - This day is free to enjoy the ashram grounds or visit Ranikhet where Lahiri Mahashaya was stationed. He spent his free time wandering the surrounding foothills before his meeting with Babaji. Overnight

OCT 17th Day 11 - After breakfast take a long scenic drive to Pipal Koti as we climb higher into the Himalayas. Overnight

OCT 18th Day 12 - Morning drive up the beautiful Himalayas to Badrinath or Badrinarayan. In the Autobiography, Paramahansa Yogananda mentions that this is the current abode of our great guru Mahavatar Babaji. We will enjoy two lovely days here, visiting the holy temple and caves of this area. We will check into our lovely mountain hotel. Overnight

OCT. 19th Day 13 - Day free in Badrinath to explore the ancient village of Mana, the last outpost before Tibet. Take a pilgrimage to Vaiyasa's Cave which is over 5000 years old, dating from the time of the Pandava Brothers. Overnight

OCT. 20th Day 14 - After our wonderful stay in the holy pilgrimage site of Badrinath, we will drive to Rudraprayag for rest and relaxation. Overnight

OCT. 21st Day 15 - Drive along Ganges to our beautiful river camp. Overnight

OCT 22nd & 23rd Days 16 & 17 - This beautiful camp is secluded but is very comfortable. It is great for just plain relaxing, kicking back and being pampered. We will have daily group energization and meditation. Every night we will have chanting under the stars or just sip a hot cup chai after our delicious dinner. For the more adventurous, we offer river rafting, kayaking and trekking as some of your options. Overnight

OCT 24th Day 18 - Today we will drive down the river to the cave of Vashishta Muni, the guru of Sri Ram. After meditating in the cave, we will go down by the river to the Christ Cave. This is where Jesus appeared to Papa Ram Das. Holy vibrations permeate these sacred places. Then we will drive to Rishikesh to spend the next four days. Overnight

OCT 25th Day 19 - We will start our day with group meditation and chanting. The morning will be free to explore this ancient city, shop, or just relax. In the afternoon, we will walk across the suspension bridge to attend an enchanting evening arati at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Here we will enjoy kirtan and worship of Mother Ganga under the stars. Return to our hotel. Overnight

OCT 26th Day 20 - After group meditation and breakfast, the morning will be free. Later that afternoon we will drive to the city of Dehradhun to visit the bedroom where Sri Anandamoya Ma left her body. Return to Rishikesh. Overnight

OCT 27th Day 21 - After group energization and meditation, we will cross the river and take a scenic walk up the ancient path where pilgrims and sadhus have journeyed on their way to the high Himalayan shrines. We will return to our guest house for lunch, relaxation and evening group meditation. Overnight

OCT 28th Day 22 - Drive one hour to the holy city of Haridwar. Visit Keshavanda's Ashram. After lunch we will explore this ancient city before our afternoon visit to Shree Anandamoy Ma's Ashram and Samadhi Shrine. Enjoy evening Aarati on the banks of the Ganga. Transfer to train station to take overnight train to Delhi.

OCT 29th Day 23 - Morning arrival Delhi. Transfer by A/C Coach to holy city Vrindavan, the boyhood home of Lord Krishan. Enjoy the ambiance of this amazing town. You can almost feel the Divine Cowherd dancing with his Gopis along the sacred Jamuna r\iver. Visit the incredible ISHKON temple and melt into the devotees devotion to Radha and Krishna. In this town 'Spirit and Nature' truly dance together. Overnight

OCT 30th Day 24 - Early morning visit to the city of Agra to visit the incredible monument to love, 'the Taj Mahal'. Return to hotel and take a pilgrimage to the jail cell where Lord Krishna was born. Take an afternoon and evening boat ride on the sacred Jamuna river. Overnight

OCT 31st Day 25 - Take early morning drive back to Delhi. Enjoy breakfast along the way. Reach Delhi in time to catch flight to Bhuvaneshwar. This sacred city is known for it ancient temples and caves. Take an afternoon drive to city of Puri on the Bay of Bengal. Transfer to an beautiful seaside hotel. Day free for enjoying resort grounds. Overnight

NOV 1st Day 26 - After group meditation, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast on the veranda and in the afternoon visit to Sri Yukteshwar's Puri Ashram and the famous Jaganath Temple, where it is said, that Lord Jesus spent some of his missing years before returning to Palestine. Overnight

NOV 2nd Day 27 - Visit the YSS Kendra of Puri and have group meditation. Day free for just relaxing and enjoying the Bay of Bengal. Swim in a beautiful pool, get a massage or just relax. Overnight

NOV 3rd Day 28 - Enjoy group meditations and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the town or just enjoy resort. Board evening overnight train to Kolkata. Overnight aboard train.

NOV 4th Day 29 - Arrive Kolkata and transfer to the YSS Dakshineswar Ashram. In the late morning, we will take a short walk to the famous Kali Temsple mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi. This is where Mother Kali appeared to Guruji. We will then visit Ramakrishna's room, a great place to meditate. In the afternoon return to the ashram for group meditation and dinner. Overnight ashram

NOV 5th Day 30 - We have a very full day. During this day we will visit Mother Teresa’s home and charity where her body lies and then drive to Master’s first meditation hall. This is where Guruji danced in ecstasy. Next door is the home of Tulsi Bose, the boyhood friend of Yogananda’s. After a short visit, we will walk around the corner to the Shrine of the Levitating Saint, mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi. The highlight of the day is our visit to Guruji’s boyhood home (4 Gurpar Road) and meditate in the sacred attic, where he found God. Evening Celebration of Diwali and Kali Puja. Overnight ashram

NOV 6th Day 31 - Immediately after breakfast, we will take a beautiful, scenic boat ride up the Ganges to Serampore. Here we will stroll down Rai Ghat Lane, the same walk taken by Master and Sri Yukteswar each morning to take their dip in the Ganges. At this ghat (bathing place), Mahavatar Babaji appeared under the banyan tree to Sri Yukteswar, after the completion of his Holy Science. We will chant and meditate at Sri Yukteswar's ashram and visit his family home. Then we will walk a short distance to Ananda Lok, where Guruji lived while attending Serampore College. Return by boat to Dakshineswar Ashram, have dinner and transfer to railway station for overnight train to Puri. Overnight ashram.

NOV 7th Day 32 - Today is free to enjoy the ashram and attend group meditations and classes. Overnight ashram.

NOV 8th Day 33 - Take early morning flight to the Holy City of Banaras (Varanasi). Met and transfered to hotel on the banks of the Ganges. Enjoy dinner under the stars on the banks of the holy Ganges. Overnight

NOV 9th Day 34 - Varanasi is considered the city of Lord Shiva, king of all yogis. We will rise at dawn and take an early morning boat ride on the holy Ganges. As the morning sun rises over this holy river, you will hear the ancient sounds of priests performing their pujas and rituals. The sound of bells and conch shells waft through the air in the distance, beckoning your soul to join in the worship of the Lord. We will stop at Hanuman bathing ghat for those who would like to take their holy dip in the Ganges. For many, the dip in this sacred river is a highlight. When you feel the magic of these sacred waters, you will then know why it is worshiped as a form of Divine Mother each night. We will return to the hotel for breakfast and later visit Lahiri Mahashayas home and Satya Lok. Overnight

NOV 10th Day 35 - After breakfast, we will take a short drive to Sarnath and Deer Park, the site of Buddha's first sermon after his enlightenment. We also have lots of free time for shopping and exploring in Varanasi.

NOV 11th Day 36 - Today we will visit Anandamoy Ma's ashram and Taranga Swami's ashram.. After dinner enjoy evening Aarti on the banks of the Ganges.

NOV 12th Day 37 - Today we will take a train ride to Ranchi and check into our very nice hotel. Evening visit to YSS Ranchi Ashram. Overnight hotel.

NOV 13th Day 38 - Register for Sarad Sagam the week long YSS Convocation.

NOV 14th through 20th Day 39 through 44 - Enjoy group energization and meditations. Attend daily classes on Guruji's sacred teachings. Attend the sacred Kriya Ceremony and if you are eligible, receive Diksha for Kryia II.

NOV 21st Day 45 - Day free to enjoy Ranchi Ashram.

NOV 22nd Day 46 - Take afternoon flight to Delhi. Upon arrival the group will be given a day room to clean up and get ready to fly home to the States that evening. After dinner transfer to International Airport. (Optional extra day in Delhi is available but this will be added to tour cost and must be scheduled in advance.)

NOV 23rd Day 47 - Arrive home and 'begin dreaming and the longing of your return to 'Magical India'.

ASHRAM & MORE TOUR

OCT 27th Day 01 - Depart USA on carrier of your choie

OCT 28th Day 02 - Arriva New Delhi and transfered to hotel. Overnight

OCT 29th through NOV 22nd Day 03 through Day 25 - JOIN GROUP FOR THE REST O F MAIN TOUR

NOV 23rd through NOV 27th Day 26 through Day 30 - Visit Corbett Park and the YSS Dwarahat Ashram/Delhi

NOV 28th Day 31 - Arrive home and begin dreaming of India.

FUTURE PILGRIMAGE; 2013 MAHA KUMBHAMELA IN ALLAHABAD, INDIA


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/02/09/indiahindu.DTL

www.mastersdarshan.com

We expect to fill-up quickly, so don’t delay. Once you have decided to join us, make sure to read the check list on this website under “Preparations” (PDF) . Here you will find all of the necessary items that you will need for your journey. You will also need to contact the Consulate General of Indian in San Francisco (www.cgisf.org) to obtain a visa before we depart. If we can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact us at: 760-458-0578. We would love to speak with you.

Lotus Petals Spiritual Journeys
Email Martha
lotuspetals@comcast.net

Lotus Petals Spiritual Journeys
Now is the time to consider joining my next Pilgrimage to India. It will have been two years since my last trip to India. I am so excited to see the new changes and to see my old friends. I love going every other year because it keeps it exciting and fresh for me. The tour company (owned by a YSS member) that handles our arrangements has now won awards for customer satisfaction. So we will have no worries!


You can find my 4 part video series (I really got into it) by searching for videos under the name - martyrather

You Tube videos of Mahavatar Babaji's Cave

1. Babaji's cave: Preparing

2. Babaji's cave: Hiking

3. Babaji's cave: Meditating

4. Babaji's cave: Leaving

I hope you enjoy these videos, and you can make comments there as well. Or you can watch them on Facebook by friending MarthaRather.

Jai Guru!
Marty

Highlights of the trip include:
YSS Center in Delhi
YSS Center in Ranchi
Special Services of the Mahasamadhi of Yogananda and also Sri Yukteswar in Ranchi
Visiting the birthplace of Sri Krishna
Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Foothills of the Himalayas in Springtime
YSS ashram in Dwarahat
Hike to Babaji's cave

We will stay in modern hotels near the YSS ashrams.
Minimum of 7 to maximum of 10 participants for this tour.
Or Private tours can be arranged.

TRAVEL TIPS now available at www.LotusPetalsSpiritualJourneys.blogspot.com

"Your Comfort and safety is my primary concern -- so that your Spiritual Growth can be Your primary concern." -- Marty

Martha Rather
Brentwood, TN 37027
1-615-776-2240

Travel in Himalayas
For your spiritual travel needs in India

himalayastravel@gmail.com

Our whole family are long time devotees of Yoganandaji and Babaji.

Jai Guru
aum Babaji

Arjun

Homeland
Pilgrimage to India!
by Brenda Roberts

A journey of the heart . . .

Focusing exclusively on the places, personages, and histories of our SRF/YSS line of Gurus. . .

Reverential pilgrimages to Guruji’s homeland twice yearly; Feb/Mar & Oct/Nov. 2, 3, and 4 week itinerary options. Pilgrimage itineraries are built exclusively on the places, personages, and histories of our SRF/YSS line of Gurus.

Specializing in small groups of 5 to 10 and Personalized Preparation Planning. The small group experience affords a greater personal opportunity to immerse oneself in depth in our Guruji’s homeland. Men & women welcome.

For general information, photos, journal writings, and testimonials visit www.shantilok.com.

For specific information email Brenda Roberts at pilgrimagetoindia@juno.com

Or call 001-760-749-9634

Journey of the Heart

Come, fly with me on memory’s wings!
From the Ganga to the Desert to the plains of Kurukshetra,
On dusty, misty village roads and up the Dronagiri to The Cave;
Immerse your consciousness in the soul-etching rhythm of Bharata
And see your own reflection in every pair of dark eyes
that wonder who you are.

~Brenda Roberts
© 2002

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Homeland
Pilgrimage to India!

A journey of the heart . . .

This escorted Pilgrimage to India is recommended for those who wish to experience the spiritual side of India at it’s best. Focusing exclusively on reverential visits to the places associated with our great Guru Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda and His spiritual lineage, this journey of the heart takes you to northern India to visit many of the places described in His spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi.”

You will thrill at seeing the lofty Himalayan mountains and you will blissfully float on the ancient holy Ganges River, but even greater experiences await you! On this soul-etching pilgrimage, you will soar in gratitude as you take the dust of Babaji’s Cave or sit under the litchi tree where The Master taught on the sacred grounds of Ranchi. Your heart will know the grandeur of immersion in lofty thoughts of The Great Ones as you visit the spots hallowed by Them, and you will be floating in joy each time you give your heart in stillness to the spiritual vibrations that abound in these holy places.

If you are wanting a spiritual boost or a new beginning, this journey of the heart is a trip of a lifetime, and for many the pilgrimage experience gives a new perspective on their spiritual life; it is a dream fulfilled for those wanting to say with The Guru “…I am hallowed, my body touched that sod.”

I invite you to join me on my 19th pilgrimage to Guruji’s India this fall! The economic times and world conditions actually make this a prime time to go – while it is still possible. Prices have dropped, we’re not getting any younger, and accessibility to the old ways in India is rapidly changing. Now is probably better than later.

I take small groups (10 max) to only those places associated with our line of Gurus. Times have wrought changes everywhere. Regardless of what you hear, devotees are not flocking to India. So, like many businesses, I have cut back and cut costs, to make it accessible for pilgrims to go in these times. This fall I am offering only the most popular 3 week pilgrimage itinerary, from Oct 10 – 31; and the cost has dropped by $600. If you bring your own roommate you may each deduct an additional $150.

We will go to the Delhi YSS Center, Babaji’s Cave, Dwarahat Ashram, Varanasi, Kolkata, Dakshineswar Ashram, Sri Yukteswarji’s Serampore Hermitage, Rai Ghat Lane, Guruji’s Attic Room on 4 Garpar Road, and Puri Ashram. (The Ranchi Sangam will be an add-on.) You will stay in the 3 YSS ashrams, a hotel on the Ganges in Varanasi (a five minute walk from where Mataji and Babaji appeared to Guruji), a hotel in Delhi, and 5 overnight first class train rides. And you will meet many Indian devotees; monastic and lay disciples, as well as see city and village life; enjoy kirtans on the Indian trains and in the ashrams, glorious meditations, taking the same drive through the Himalayan foothills as our Beloved Ma took through Ranikhet to Dwarahat on the way to Babaji’s Cave.

My niche is dedicated service to the pilgrims who go with me – both before and during the pilgrimage. India is a land of contrasts and going there also has its contrasts for most pilgrims; on one hand compelling and exciting; on the other hand a bit scary and formidable. I prepare my pilgrims personally and individually by email from the moment they make a reservation deposit. Answering questions and giving all manner of information and tips about how to best prepare oneself to get the most out of this precious experience, pilgrims have unlimited email access to me. The cost of the pilgrimage includes everything while you are in India except your gift purchases, laundry and phone calls. Ask me about the best airfares.

Once in India I am there to take care of you and remove as many obstacles as I can so that you are free to just hold the Divine Hand and receive all that is there for you. And I have developed a habit of making it my project to try to get your personal desires filled as well.

Many references and testimonies are available for you from past pilgrims. Email me for them and more information: Brenda Roberts pilgrimagetoindia@juno.com Note that although my website info has not been cost and itinerary updated for this year, there is still a lot of good general pilgrimage information there: www.shantilok.com.

You will find it is true that the joy of pilgrimage begins with the decision to do it!!

Jai Guruji! Jai Ma!
Brenda


In just a few short months another select group of devotees will be submerged in the holy vibrations of reverently going on pilgrimage to the places made holy by our sublime line of Gurus ~ unspeakable blessings await them!

The Homeland Pilgrimage to India is a soul-etching, life-changing experience; for some, a living meditation; a spiritual retreat of highest magnitude. It is a kaleidoscope of inner and outer experiences ranging from fun and extreme joy and gratitude to challenge and deep introspection, personal inner growth, and the profound peace that comes from deeper understanding of self and the constant love and protection of our sublime Gurus. (See Testimonials at www.shantilok.com and email pilgrimagetoindia@juno.com for more!)

Your pilgrimage host will be Brenda Roberts, veteran of 16 India Pilgrimages and lover of Bharata (the Vedic name for India). The Homeland Pilgrimage to India includes all meals, snacks, bottled water, transport in India, accommodations, tips, entry fees and taxes. All the hassles of trying to get food, accommodations, and transportation will be handled for you, leaving you free to be a child of Divine Mother’s; to hold Guruji’s Hand as you feel the Divine Presence responding to your one-pointed devotion.

We will be traveling by overnight train, car, boat, Indian taxi, rickshaw, luxury coach, and maybe even bullock cart! On the way to our Holy Pilgrimage spots you will also have an opportunity to experience village India; much like it was in Guruji’s time. Accommodations are in 3 YSS Ashrams, a devotee home, 5 overnight trains, a YSS village school, and an occasional hotel.

As soon as your deposit is received, many packing and other helpful preparation and travel tips will be provided to you over the coming months help make your pilgrimage come alive right away. Early commitments will allow for a richer preparational experience. The pilgrimage group will consist of a maximum of ten devotees. Both men and women are welcome to join.

If you feel this is the time in your life for a new beginning, a fresh start, a new phase of life, an introspective break, a life-changing decision, a spiritually enlivening boost, or just the overwhelming pull to go to Guruji’s India, join us for an epic experience: the Homeland Pilgrimage to India! Determine to do it now and get the most out of it! Remember, the joy of pilgrimage begins when you make the decision to do it!

For general information, photos, journal writings, and testimonials visit www.shantilok.com. For specific information email Brenda Roberts at pilgrimagetoindia@juno.com Or call 001-760-749-9634

Homeland Pilgrimage to India! is a privately owned company and is not legally connected with SRF.

Ramanathan
Email lrn_in@yahoo.com

If interested, please contact me at lrn_in@yahoo.com a.s.a.p. and let us see how we can get started! In India it is necessary to book train ticket reservations well in advance ( 60 days ) during festival/pilgirmage/tourist seasons to save valuable time and avoid disappointment.

In Ma,
Ram


I would like to annouce my availability to work as a BUDGET pilgrimage travel guide/escort for YSS/SRF devotees.

Over the years, I have assisted numerous SRF bretheren as they pilgrimage to various YSS and other tourist sites in India--sites in around and Kolkata, Puri, Dwarahat, Taj Mahal, Buddhist places like Bodh Gaya, Norbulingka, McLeod Ganj, etc.--to name a very few. And I am well aware of the hassles and challenges faced by our western brotheren. I realize that some people can't afford high cost of a regular tour or that they simply prefer to direct their own tour, with the aid of an assistant.

If you are traveling solo or with a small group but want a dependable guide/escort to ease your way, please let me know. I will be happy to offer my experience/services to individuals and/or small groups (maximum 10). This includes airport pick up, booking train/hotel reservations, handling luggage, running errands ( like laundries, getting a fabric repaired, arranging internet/E-Mail facilities, locating/co-ordinating mini tours and finally seeing you off at the airport. All with a personal touch.

During my earlier career I worked as Travelling Service Executive for a big engineering firm and worked in various provinces and so I can speak the regional languages fluently.

Also if you need any job to be done like buying/sending something or contacting someone or even touring a place to find out more details, I would be happy to be of service. Regarding a honorarium for me, it can be worked out depending upon the number of people, duration, etc. My services are geared for those who may want to extend a regular tour or just want more flexibility at a cost savings.

Kindly contact me directly at <lrn_in@yahoo.com> via E-mail for more info. If you need any references I can send them to you.

Spiritual Tours of Assisi and sites where Saint Francis and Saint Clare loved God

Ingrid Henzler
Email=ihenzler@gmail.com
Assisi
Website: www.assisi-with-ingrid.com

I offer spiritual tours in and around Assisi helping you to dive deep into the life stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare (donation basis).

For more information please visit my website and feel free to contact me via email.