Yatra Bliss in India
21 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2027
RISHIKESH, INDIA
A Sacred Yoga, Wellness & Spiritual Pilgrimage
Yoga • Meditation • Ayurveda • Culture • Connection
10 NIGHTS | LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS
EARLY BIRD: R28,000 per person sharing
Reserve your space!
COME HOME TO THE HEART OF YOGA
There are journeys we take to see the world…
And then there are journeys that quietly change the way we see ourselves.
Join me, Lynnette Gouws of Ananda Wellness for an extraordinary 10-night yatra into the heart of India.
Together, we will journey to Rishikesh, the sacred Himalayan town known throughout the world as the
“Yoga Capital of the World.”
This is so much more than a yoga retreat – It is an invitation to step away from the familiar and immerse yourself in a place where yoga, spirituality, ancient traditions, Ayurveda, music, meditation and everyday life exist side by side. Together, we will practise yoga beside the sacred Ganges, experience the rhythm of ashram life, sit in meditation, visit ancient temples and sacred sites, witness the breathtaking Gang Aarti ceremony, chant and sing kirtan, explore colourful streets and markets, nourish ourselves with Ayurvedic vegetarian food, and make space simply to breathe, be and absorb the magic of India.
This is a pilgrimage into the roots of yoga — and, in some beautiful way, a pilgrimage back to yourself.
A JOURNEY OF YOGA, SPIRIT & DISCOVERY
Rishikesh sits at the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of the sacred Ganges — known here as Ma Ganga.
For centuries, seekers, yogis, teachers and pilgrims have travelled here in search of wisdom, spiritual connection and transformation. And now, you have the opportunity to experience it for yourself.
This yatra has been thoughtfully designed so that you immerse yourself into the traditional rhythm and teachings of an authentic ashram, explore the vibrant life of Rishikesh, visit sacred temples and sites, experience the powerful Gang Aarti ceremony, practise with local teachers, share yoga and meditation together, and still have plenty of time to wander, shop, enjoy riverside cafés, receive Ayurvedic treatments or simply sit beside the Ganges and watch the world go by.
You won’t simply be visiting India. You will experience it.
THE YATRA
TWO WORLDS. ONE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE.
Our pilgrimage unfolds across two very different and complementary experiences.
We begin by immersing ourselves in the sacred rhythm of Ashram life, where we can experience yoga beyond the physical practice. We then transition into the peaceful surroundings of Veda 5 Retreat Centre, where we slow down, receive, restore and integrate everything we have experienced.
THE ASHRAM YATRA AT
ANAND PRAKASH ASHRAM
6 NIGHTS | TAPOVAN, RISHIKESH
Our first six nights will be spent at Anand Prakash Ashram, a traditional yoga ashram in the heart of Rishikesh.
Here, we will step into a slower and more intentional rhythm and experience a taste of authentic ashram life.
The experienced teachers at the ashram share classical Hatha Yoga practices, alongside teachings and practices rooted in the broader traditions of yoga.
You will have the opportunity to experience:
You will have the opportunity to experience:
- Sunrise meditation
- Classical Hatha Yoga
- Pranayama, Mantra and Meditation
- Agni Hotra — sacred fire ceremony
- Kirtan and chanting
- Ayurvedic-inspired vegetarian meals
- Periods of silence and reflection
Alongside the ashram programme, I will offer my own yoga, meditation and wellness practices, thoughtfully woven into our experience to complement what we receive from the local teachers.
This is where we begin to move beyond yoga as simply a physical practice.
We begin to experience yoga as a way of living, listening, connecting and coming home to ourselves.
THE BLISSFUL PAUSE AT
VEDA 5 RETREAT CENTRE
4 NIGHTS | RISHIKESH
After immersing ourselves in the rhythm of ashram life and exploring the vibrant energy of Rishikesh, we will transition into four restorative nights at Veda 5 Retreat Centre.
Nestled amongst the Himalayan foothills and lush natural surroundings just outside Rishikesh, Veda 5 offers a beautiful space to pause, integrate and exhale.
Here the pace becomes softer and there will be time for:
Rest & Reflection
Movement & Ayurveda Wellness
Nature & Connection
Veda 5 offers spacious accommodation, beautiful natural surroundings, a swimming pool, music spaces, an Ayurvedic restaurant and wellness centre.
You will also receive two Ayurvedic wellness treatments, giving you the opportunity to experience some of India’s ancient healing traditions for yourself.
Our time here will allow everything we have experienced to begin to settle.
We will continue with yoga, meditation and wellness practices, while also creating plenty of space to simply enjoy being in India.
From sacred practice to deep restoration — this is where we integrate the journey.
THE YATRA EXPERIENCE
MORE THAN A RETREAT. MORE THAN A HOLIDAY.
A journey into yoga, spirituality, culture and connection.
Apart from all these meaningful experiences listed below, we believe not every moment needs to be scheduled.
There will be space to rest, journal, wander, shop, enjoy a chai, sit beside the Ganges or simply absorb the extraordinary energy of India.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Practise with experienced local teachers and with Lynnette, while experiencing yoga in one of the world's most important centres for traditional yoga teachings.
ASHRAM LIFE
Step into the daily rhythm of an authentic ashram and experience yoga as a complete way of life — not simply a physical practice.
AGNI HOTRA
Experience the sacred fire ceremony at the ashram and witness the beauty of ancient ritual and mantra.
GANG AARTI
Experience the extraordinary Gang Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges, where fire, mantra, music and devotion come together to honour Ma Ganga.
SACRED TEMPLES & SITES
Visit temples and sacred places around Rishikesh and experience the spiritual traditions that have shaped this extraordinary town.
KIRTAN & MUSIC
Share moments of chanting, kirtan and live music as we open ourselves to the devotional heart of India.
AYURVEDA
Nourish your body and experience India's ancient wellness traditions, including two Ayurvedic treatments at Veda 5.
RISHIKESH EXPLORATION
Explore the vibrant streets, markets, shops and riverside cafés of Rishikesh.
NOURISHMENT
AYURVEDIC • VEGETARIAN • NOURISHING
Food is an important part of the experience. Meals served at both Anand Prakash Ashram and Veda 5 Retreat Centre will be vegetarian, nourishing and inspired by Ayurvedic principles.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout our stay at both retreat centres, along with purified drinking water and teas.
During excursions there may be opportunities to experience local cafés, street food and other culinary delights at your own expense.
A SMALL GROUP & A DEEP EXPERIENCE
This yatra is intentionally limited to:
12 PARTICIPANTS ONLY
Keeping the group small allows us to create a more intimate, connected and supported experience, one where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard and held within the group.
There is no specific age limit. Participants should, however, have a good general level of health and fitness as the journey involves walking, hills, stairs, seated meditation and physical yoga practices.
Further participation information and practical guidance will be provided to all confirmed participants.
YOUR INVESTMENT IN YATRA BLISS
10 NIGHTS’ ACCOMMODATION • ALL INCLUDED RETREAT-CENTRE MEALS • LOCAL YOGA TEACHINGS • SACRED CEREMONIES • AYURVEDIC WELLNESS TREATMENTS • CULTURAL EXPERIENCES • GROUP EXCURSIONS • GROUP DELHI/RISHIKESH TRANSFERS • RETREAT HOSTING & SUPPORT
From the moment you arrive in Delhi to our closing ceremony in Rishikesh, we’ve thoughtfully included the essential elements that allow you to relax into the experience.
Click on the tabs below to view details of what is included in your investment.
6 nights at Anand Prakash Ashram in twin-share accommodation
4 nights at Veda 5 Retreat Centre in twin-share accommodation
Yoga and meditation with experienced local teachers
Yoga and wellness practices with Lynnette
Daily Agni Hotra fire ceremony at the ashram
Two Ayurvedic wellness treatments at Veda 5
Temple and sacred site visits
Group visit to experience the Gang Aarti ceremony
Kirtan and chanting experiences
Cultural exploration of Rishikesh
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Anand Prakash Ashram
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Veda 5
Vegetarian Ayurvedic-inspired meals
Purified drinking water and teas
Group transfer from Delhi Airport to Rishikesh
Group transport for included excursions
Group transfer from Rishikesh back to Delhi Airport
Lynnette Gouws — Retreat Host & Yoga/Wellness Facilitator
Janet Farquason — Retreat Co-Host & Experienced Travel Guide
Pre-retreat online group gathering and preparation
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International return flights to India
Additional meals and beverages outside the included programme
Additional Ayurvedic treatments or massages
Personal shopping and activities
Meals purchased during excursions where stated
Tips for local guides, porters and staff
Travel insurance
Visa costs, where applicable
Laundry
Personal transport outside the included group transfers
Entrance fees for places visited independently
Personal expenses
EARLY BIRD rate
R28 000
/ pp sharing
Early Bird offer available for a limited time only
You can choose to pay the full retreat amount now to claim the Early Bird Rate or you can pay the non-refundable deposit to secure your spot and pay the remainder no later than 16 August 2027. There are only 12 places available!
Please note: you will be redirected to my ananda wellness bliss website to purchase your ticket.
DEPOSIT
R9 000
/pp sharing
Non-refundable Deposit
SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THE YATRA by paying the 50% non-refundable deposit.
Only 12 places are available.
The balance may be paid:
- In full
- With instalments
- Through an agreed payment plan
Final payment is due no later than 16 August 2027.
Please note: you will be redirected to my ananda wellness bliss website to purchase your ticket.
Once your deposit payment has been received, you will receive a retreat booking information form and important participant information. Please reach out to Lynnette at [email protected] to formulate your instalment payments or an agreed payment plan, or to enquire with any questions.
Kindly take the time to read our refund & cancellation policy.
Meet your Yatra Hosts
We may arrive as strangers…but we will leave as a little tribe.
Your Yatra hosts, Lynette and Janet, will accompany your entire journey. Together they will ensure that your experience is ……
LYNNETTE GOUWS
FOUNDER OF ANANDA WELLNESS | YOGA, SOUND & WELLNESS PRACTITIONER | RETREAT HOST
Lynnette is the founder of Ananda Wellness and the creator of Ananda Wellness Holistic Getaways. With more than a decade of experience teaching yoga and creating transformative retreats, she is passionate about bringing people together through meaningful experiences that nourish the body, mind and soul.
Her own journey through yoga and holistic wellness has led her to explore and train in a wide range of practices, including Vinyasa Krama Yoga, meditation, breathwork, TRE®, sound healing, Yin and Restorative Yoga and other holistic modalities. Yet for Lynnette, the practices themselves are only part of the journey. Her true passion lies in creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, experience something meaningful and perhaps discover a little more of their own bliss along the way.
Deeply connected to nature and inspired by the transformative power of travel, Lynnette believes that the places we visit can become part of our own inner journey. Her retreats are therefore never simply about where we go, but about how we experience the journey together.
With her warm, intuitive and nurturing approach, Lynnette creates retreats where people feel welcomed, supported and free to simply be themselves, this pilgrimage to India is one she has been dreaming of sharing for a very long time. She looks forward to welcoming you, walking this journey beside you and experiencing the magic of India together.
JANET FARQUASON
RETREAT CO-HOST | SACRED SPACE HOLDER | YOGA, SOUND, WELLNESS PRACTITIONER AND TRAVEL GUIDE
Janet is a dear friend and fellow wellness practitioner who will join this pilgrimage as our retreat co-host, sacred space holder and experienced travel guide.
A Cape Town-based yoga, sound and wellness practitioner, Janet’s work is rooted in nature, movement, sound and silence, shaped by years of travel, spiritual study and a deep connection to the natural world.
Her warmth, experience and love of meaningful travel make her a wonderful companion for this journey, and together we will hold a safe, supportive and connected space for our group as we explore the many layers of India.