Varanasi, India

February 23 - March 5, 2026

Experience eleven transformative days in the oldest city in the world as we explore the roots of Bhakti Yoga practice through kirtan, music, meditation, sacred sites, temples, Ganga (Ganges River), and much more. If your heart has ever been called to explore the sacred heart of India and you are ready to dive deep into devotional practice, this could be your trip of a lifetime. Our journey aligns with the Holi Festival, the Indian Festival of colors that celebrates the arrival of spring, divine love, and the triumph of good over evil. It is among the most beautiful and colorful celebrations in the world.

Limited to a small group of like-minded travelers, we will stay in the heart of Varanasi within a recently renovated hotel owned by one of India’s greatest sitar players — Pandit Deobrat Mishra. The Mishra Family has been hosting and training musicians, spiritual seekers and devotees for generations, and are among the most renowned musical families in all of India. They will help provide experiences not normally accessible to visitors, and will make you feel like family.

Watch the sun rise over the Ganga, meditate on the steps of ancient ghats, wander the colorful alleys of this ancient city, hear professional classical musicians practicing and performing their art form, chant mantras, participate in music lessons from master teachers, and receive blessings from some of the most famous temples in the world. Experiences in Varanasi will excite all your senses. Your life will never be the same.

$1,881 per person

What’s included?

  • transportation to and from Varanasi airport

  • 12 nights luxurious accommodation at Ragam Residency (double occupancy)

  • daily yoga practice

  • kirtan in the evenings

  • vegetarian cuisine of breakfast, lunch and dinner lovingly prepared by a private chef on site

  • filtered water

  • boat ride on the Ganga

  • arti (fire ceremony)

  • walking tour of the murals, ghats, markets and sacred sites

  • visits to some of India’s most beloved temples

  • music classes (options include voice, harmonium, sitar, and tabla, or applying Indian Classical Music theory to your instrument of choice)

  • dance classes (classical Indian dance in the Kathak style of Benares)

  • performances by master Hindustani musicians

  • facilitated discussions about the spirit of Bhakti Yoga, Indian mysticism, culture and devotion

  • English speaking guides from India and USA

What’s NOT included?

  • airfare to and from Varanasi

  • visa, traveler’s insurance, excess baggage fees, and other personal international travel expenses

  • meals outside Ragam Residency (not recommended in order to maintain wellness while in India)

  • personal purchases of flowers, murtis, malas, clothing, artwork, musical instruments, or other souvenirs

  • permits for entering some temples, like Kashi Vishwanath

  • medical emergencies

  • tips and small gifts for temple pujaris, guides, and others

  • lodging and meals if arriving before February 23 or departing after March 5

Minimum group size = 10. Maximum group size = 16. 50% of trip cost is necessary to reserve your spot, and the remainder is due January 23, 2026.

RSVP HERE

This immersive adventure is 11 full days from February 23-March 5. Please plan to fly to Varanasi on February 21-21, and return on March 6-7. If you would like to stay longer to experience more of this magical place, dedicate time to intensive music practice, or travel to locations beyond Varanasi, we can help you craft a personal itinerary to get the most out of your time in India.

QUESTIONS?

Ragam Residency, our luxurious accommodations, complete with its own yoga studio…

If you can’t join us in February-March 2026, please email us to be the first to hear about future dates.