SRF Yogis India Tour (20 Days and 19 Nights)

Delhi-Ranchi-Kolkata-Varanasi-Ranikhet-Agra-Delhi
Smriti Temple, YSS Ranchi
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
YSS Ranchi
Anandaloka, Serampore
Immortal Ghats of Varanasi
Smriti Temple, Serampore
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Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, our tour leader will welcome you. Subsequently, you will be driven to the ashram of Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) in Noida for your stay. The Noida ashram of YSS, built in 2010, is the newest among the four ashrams of YSS in India. Enjoy a peaceful day at the ashram with no scheduled excursions.
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There will not be any excursions during the day, allowing for a peaceful stay at the ashram.

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After breakfast, visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple, a modern-day architectural masterpiece. The temple's well-conceived exhibitions enlighten visitors about India's ancient cultural and spiritual heritage. Later, we will return to the ashram for an overnight stay.
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Drive to New Delhi Airport for a flight to Ranchi. Upon arrival in Ranchi, you will stay at the ashram of YSS. Established in 1917 as a school for boys focused on teaching how to live, the institution later transformed into an ashram dedicated to spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga. The living room of Paramhansa Yogananda, the Litichi Tree, and the Smriti Temple are significant locations within the ashram premises associated with the life of Yogananda. These sites are open throughout the day for private meditations.

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There are no scheduled excursions. Feel free to use this time for your personal meditation, participate in group meditation sessions, explore the serene 25-acre property, or seek guidance from the resident monks. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ashram.
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Peaceful stay at the ashram.
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Drive to Ranchi Airport for a flight to the City of Joy, Kolkata. Upon arrival, you will be driven to Dakshineshwar, where you will stay at the ashram of YSS. The Yogoda Satsanga Society of India operates ashrams, schools, and retreat centers across the country. The Kolkata ashram, located in Dakshineshwar, serves as the headquarters of this esteemed organization since 1939. Dakshineswar is situated north of Kolkata (Calcutta), along the eastern bank of the holy river Ganges. The name Dakshineswar is derived from the famous Kali temple in the neighborhood which faces south or Dakshin.
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There are no scheduled excursions. Enjoy relaxed time in the spiritual vibe of the ashram and indulge yourself in meditation, reading, contemplation, or interaction with resident monks.
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After breakfast, visit the renowned Shri Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. Established in 1855 by Kolkata's wealthy businesswoman Shri Rani Rashmoni, known for her philanthropy. The temple houses the living quarters of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who served as the head priest for many years and often experienced profound communion with Goddess Kali here.

Later, drive to Serampore (15 km, 45 minutes), home to Swami Shri Yukteswar's ashram. Explore the Smriti Temple on the ashram grounds and Anandaloka, once the residence of Shri Yogananda's uncle and now a YSS meditation center. Visit the Roy Ghat, where Babaji appeared to meet Shri Yukteswar. Return to the ashram in Dakshineshwar after lunch.
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In the late afternoon, visit the Mother's House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in India. This sacred place was the lifelong residence of Saint Teresa, also known as Mother Teresa, and now houses her tomb and personal belongings for visitors to pay homage.

Next, explore the residence of Bhaduri Mahashaya, the Levitating Saint, followed by a visit to Shri Yogananda's childhood home at 4 Garpar Road. Stepping into the abode of Shri Yogananda is an unforgettable experience for every devotee of YSS/SRF. Return to the ashram in Dakshineshwar for dinner and overnight stay.
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Drive to Kolkata Airport in the afternoon for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. There are no planned excursions for the evening, allowing you to relax and settle in. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
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Embark on the much-awaited visit to Satyaloka, the ancestral house of the Lahiri Family, which houses the ashes of Shri Lahiri Mahasaya. Pass by Lahiri Mahasaya's residence, paying homage from outside as the house is not open to visitors. Next, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha began preaching after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Explore the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery, a Buddhist temple, and the archaeological museum. In the early evening, enjoy a memorable boat ride on the Ganges at the ghats. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

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After breakfast, you will board a flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at a hotel for an overnight stay.

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Early morning, board a train to Kathgodam (5.5 hours). Upon arrival, drive to Ranikhet (75 km, 2.5 hours). Check-in at a hotel in Ranikhet. Perched at an elevation of 1800 meters, Ranikhet is a quaint town maintained by a regiment of the Indian Army. The fresh, cool air carrying the scent of Pine, the silence of the mountains stirred by the chirping of Himalayan birds, the thick green cover of Pine and Oak trees, and the majestic views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges rejuvenate mind and body.


Lahiri Mahasaya, an accountant in the Military Engineering Department, was transferred to Ranikhet in 1861. His office in Ranikhet served as a temporary shelter while the British Army set up a post there. During his time in Ranikhet, Lahiri Mahasaya embarked on a transformative journey. He walked from Ranikhet to Kukuchhina through mountain trails, where he met his immortal Guru, Shri Babaji, and was initiated into the ancient system of Kriya Yoga inside a cave now known as Babaji Cave.

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No excursions are planned for the day. Relax and unwind in the serene surroundings of Ranikhet, and feel free to plan your own activities.

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Drive to Kukuchhina (55 km, 2 hours) where Babaji's cave is situated. From the base of the mountain, the trek to the cave would take around 45 minutes. At the spot where Babaji had materialized a golden palace, stands a small temple (Smriti Temple) dedicated to Babaji, constructed by YSS. After visiting the cave and the Smriti Temple, you will head back to the hotel in Ranikhet.

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Drive to Kathgodam Railways Station (75 km, 2.5 hours) for a train to New Delhi. Upon arrival in New Delhi, you will check-in at a hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

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Visit to the Qutub Minar – one of the tallest minarets in the world. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim conqueror of Delhi, laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar in 1192 AD. The height of the Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters, and there are 379 steps to reach its top. You will then explore the Dilli Haat - a unique shopping complex with craft stalls selling native, utilitarian, and ethnic products from all over the country. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

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After breakfast, drive to Agra (250 km, 4 hours) where you will check-in at a hotel. Post lunch, visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum of white marble, built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 16 years to complete the work on the main structure. Artisans from all over India, Central Asia, and Iran were involved in constructing this masterpiece. The Taj Mahal is renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Agra Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site like the Taj Mahal, has a rich history. Originally a brick structure built by a Hindu king, it was later enhanced and fortified by the Mughal emperor Akbar and his son Shah Jahan. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

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After breakfast, you will be transferred to New Delhi International Airport for your onward journey, marking the conclusion of your tour. We trust your time with us was fulfilling, leaving you with lasting memories and a refreshed outlook.

Smriti Temple, Near Babaji Cave
YSS Ashram Ranchi
YSS Ashram Dakshineswar
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