Sacred India Yoga Pilgrimage 2026

20 October – 2 November | with Natalie Snooke

Join Natalie for an immersive yoga and meditation retreat in Rishikesh, India — the birthplace of yoga and gateway to the Himalayas. Held on the banks of the holy Ganges River, this spiritual pilgrimage weaves daily yoga practice, sacred ceremony, temple devotion and contemplative teachings into a deeply transformative experience.

Designed for sincere seekers desiring an authentic, yogic experience of India, this pilgrimage offers space for awakening and profound inner renewal in one of the world’s most sacred spiritual destinations.

My Sacred India Yoga Pilgrimage 2026 offers you the unique opportunity to:

• Be inspired and changed by the vibrant, life-affirming Himalayan Vedic-Yogic culture.
• Engage in puja (prayers and rituals), satsang (spiritual discourse) and kirtan (chanting), that’s steeped in jnana (wisdom) and bhakti (devotion).
• Deepen your practice of self-awareness and self-enquiry with daily sadhana (dedicated yoga and meditation) along with evening wisdom circles – guided and supported by my 18 years of teaching and facilitating retreats – anchored in the heart, with a love for India.
• Experience serenity and silence with four days’ stay at a quiet, secluded eco-friendly, organic retreat centre, on the sacred banks of the Ganga, in a forest village.
• Enjoy unhurried visits to powerful local shrines, Hindu temples and yoga ashrams.
• Breathe-in the healing, natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills, monkey forests and waterfalls with regular swims, reflective walks and hikes.
• Have fun with the hustle-and-bustle of inexpensive Rishikesh market shopping, tasting local dishes and buying organic products and handicrafts unique to India, with a lovely, like-minded group of friends.

“Your India Pilgrimage was fabulous and exceeded all of my expectations. I felt a strong sense of belonging to a community I’d never been to. I experienced a deeper sense of love, kindness, appreciation and non-attachment. And I could let-go in a safely supportive group. The daily care and consideration you showed took group experience to a new level. The daily yoga practice gave me a whole new depth of self-awareness. And the food was amazing!” ~ Niamh Toohey

Beloved India!

No where else on the planet can do for you exactly what India does.

India is called ‘the Mother.’ And true to her nickname, she’s the glorious feminine archetype. India fully embodies all the qualities of a mother. She is loving, generous, fierce and urges you to grow.

India serves as a powerful catalyst, asking you to engage, surrender and transform your beliefs, your judgments and your ego. For these reasons alone, spending time in India is life-changing and transformational.

For over 5000 years, Yoga has been a practised and lived culture in India. And for yogis and meditators, coming back to the traditional roots is incredibly rewarding.

India is a land of paradox. Where the palpable, peaceful essence of it’s people exists amidst a level of colour and chaos, wealth and poverty, grit and grace you won’t find anywhere else – making us more present and open to life.

Chances are, you dream of going to India but are also afraid of the poverty. I get it.

However, what you don’t consider, is that despite the poverty, there’s a happiness and palpable, gentle presence in every person, rich or poor. With curiosity and compassion, I will guide and encourage you to make sense of India in your own way. And like many others on my retreats, there’s every chance you’ll grow to love it!

“I loved your India Retreat. Visiting India for the first time with a new group of like-minded people, having the opportunity to get to know them through shared experience, is very special. It was a unique, cultural immersion and worked its magic. And it was a photographer’s dream! Since returning home, I’ve been aware of a subtle increase in my state of calm and a balance in my emotions. Thank you.” ~ Louise Armstrong

Devotion ~ Surrender to Yourself in Rishikesh

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of the sacred Maa Ganga lies Rishikesh. Made famous by the Beatles, Rishikesh is a holy town and place of pilgrimage, where yogic sages and rishis have meditated for thousands of years in the quest for self-realisation.

Rishikesh is like my second home. I’ve been there countless times. Unlike other parts of India that can feel noisy and intense, Rishikesh has a more gentle, nourishing sway. Life evolves around honouring and blessing the Ganga. Taking a dip in her waters is an act of devotion that cleanses and heals your soul. And it literally takes your breath away!

Once you land in Rishikesh and experience the contemplative way-of-life, you might never want to leave. You can feel the high vibe of energy – and life just takes on a beautiful flow.

Different to a holiday, going on pilgrimage is both an inner and an outer journey.

You’ll get to know yourself more authentically. We embrace each day not as tourists wanting mere pleasure, but as seekers of Truth, open to the deeper Self-discovery and realisations that life presents when we take the time to enquire. We practice letting-go of expectations, fears, habits and mental obstacles to awaken the depths of our hearts and our Being – all made possible by Rishikesh’s unique way of stirring the soul. 

“Enriching. Moving. Balancing. Transforming. Cultural, powerful and humbling. I would highly recommend your India Retreat to others. I loved the fact that we visited places and attended ceremonies that I would never have known about or found myself visit – and that made it very special, and I felt privileged to experience that. The group was very accepting and non-judgmental, so there was a freedom to express oneself. I now understand when Natalie said ‘that if you incorporate yoga practice into your daily life, it will change your life.’ For the first time, I am feeling a sense of deep inner peace.” ~ Cassie Hayward

Enliven ~ Yogic Practice              

India teaches us how to be Yoga and to live Yoga – not just how to do yoga.

Each morning you will greet the day around sunrise with sadhana, dedicated spiritual practice. I offer integrated awareness practices that includes meditation, mantra, mudras, kriya, pranayama and yoga asana (both slow-flow and restorative styles). It’s most suitable and adaptable for students of all levels and abilities.

If you are a bit rusty or newer to yoga, no problem. There will be plenty of options given so you can learn how to safely manage any limitations or injuries – and enjoy an effective practice that meets your needs. If you have your own practice, you’re welcome to practice alone, or to join the group, as you choose.

My teaching style is clear and grounded, yet also rich with wisdom, heart and philosophy. And I love telling stories about the Vedic gods and goddesses! I hold the space for you to connect with yourself, regardless of how long you’ve been practising. You get to just to ‘be’ in your practice. Challenges will be there. Yet everything is invitational. And it’s never about ‘achieving’ or ‘competition’.

“We are not just conscious human beings. We are the Pure Limitless Consciousness itself, reflected through the mind as Awareness and manifesting itself in the form of this universe. It cannot be grasped by the intellectual mind, but can only be recognised as our True Nature.” ~ Swami Atmananda Udasin

Our daily sadhana is an essential part of our retreat. Firstly because it establishes the connection with our heart – with our Self. Secondly, with each other. And thirdly, it establishes our clear intentions for the day ahead.

From your daily practice alone, any stress from your existing life will dissolve. You’re likely to become stronger (both inner and outer), have greater clarity and feel more open-hearted. You’re also likely to have clear insights and realisations about you you are and what matters most to you in your life.

“Thank you Nat for running such a wonderful India Retreat for all of us. I discovered how much I love chanting! Taking time out for myself to explore yoga, yoga philosophy, meditation and how they all flow into one-another, I can really feel the benefits. And I found my groove. Reconnecting with our True Being, once all the layers are stripped back, it was a truly special time.” ~ Dr Allanna Treweek

Explore ~ Pilgrimage Daily Program

You will visit local temples for darshan (auspicious blessings). And you’ll visit ashrams for satsang (spiritual talks) and agni hotra (fire ceremonies) with authentic gurus and Yoga masters.

As you can imagine, in Rishikesh, there are gurus and there are gurus! I’m very selective about those we spend time with. Some of the wealth of wisdom and teachings will include time at the: Ajatananda Ashram; Parmarth Niketan Ashram; Akhanda Yoga Institute and potentially Sattva Yoga Academy with my teacher Anandji.

The very presence of a Yoga master (swami) instils profound peace and love – and I love to create the opportunities for you to experience this within yourself.

Our daily program offers a balance of walking excursions, day trips, planned group meals and free personal time. We will walk every day, getting to mingle with the friendly locals. Just walking around Rishikesh is a wonderful practice in itself!

Highlights of our program include:

• Vashishta’s Cave – a sacred cave where the wise sage Vashistha meditated for many years, with a profoundly peaceful energy.
• Anandamayi Ma’s Ashram – the shrine and revered pilgrimage site honouring the self-realised female saint Anandamayi Ma.
• Beatles Ashram – a jungle ashram made famous by the Beatles, established as a Transcendental Meditation centre by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
• Pawki Devi Temple – a beautiful, simple hilltop temple dedicated to the Devi, the Divine feminine.
• Secret Waterfall – hike uphill through monkey forests, with a swim in fresh clean mountain water.

Our schedule will be flexible, roughly-structured and adaptable to suit local traffic conditions, festivals and other unforeseen happenings, that always form part of the ‘India experience.’

Nourishment

During your free time you are encouraged to rest and reflect by the peaceful waters of Maa Ganga. Or enjoy a healing Ayurvedic massage or body treatment, venture out for a walk or explore the colourful markets that India is renowned for.

The food in Rishikesh is amazing! Both Indian and western-style cafes (often organic) are everywhere. There’s excellent coffee and sensational chai! Because we are on retreat, we will refrain from consuming alcohol – but you’ll find you won’t even feel like drinking. Fresh mango lassis are a great alternative.

All the food we eat will be cooked and served with love – and full of local flavour.

You’ll discover that there’s something special about eating food that’s prepared with a devotional attitude. Two delicious vegetarian meals (with vegan options) are included each day – the third meal is flexible and up to you, depending on your appetite and our schedule.

North Indian cuisine is tasty and can be spicy, typically with roti bread, dahl, savoury rice, samosas and vegetable curries. You’ll have the choice of spicy or not! The local fruit is fresh and plentiful, including mangoes, bananas, pineapple and paw paw.

“I really loved the ‘deep dive’ of your India Pilgrimage. Your incredible spiritual knowledge made the difference for me. It was the combination of a spiritual focus, Natalie’s presence, excellent guidance and lovely people. I also liked the pace – much slower to focus on the spiritual aspects of India. There were many highlights but the Ganges and the Hare Krishna temple were my favourites. Thank you so much.” ~ Dee Mahon

Travel & Accommodation

We will arrive and depart from Delhi, the capital city in the North-East of India. A luxury coach will transport us away from the busy metropolis, along a busy highway then up through the picturesque hills to Rishikesh.

Our first ‘home’ for eight nights is a wonderful three-star guesthouse in Tapovan, a quiet locality in central Rishikesh. We are hosted by a beautiful Indian family who take care of our every need – and where you will feel right at home! The guesthouse is super-clean, with an inhouse cook and cafe offering delicious vegetarian (and vegan) meals.

Tapovan is characterised by walking alleys, guesthouses and ashrams. And is super easy for exploring on foot. There are creative cafes, massage treatments and organic grocers, all within a stone’s throw of our door. And instead of cars, there are plenty of wandering cows and friendly neighbourhood dogs.

Both private and twin-share rooms are light, spacious, colourful and comfortable with everything you need including: wifi, air conditioning, fan, electric kettle and writing desk. Plus a balcony with fly-wire door. Each room has a private ensuite bathroom with western toilet and hot water 24/7.

Our second ‘home’ for the last four nights is a secluded, eco-friendly retreat centre, located in a small hilltop village, north of Rishikesh – right on the banks of the Ganga. It is a truly blessed place!

All accommodation at the retreat centre is twin-share cottages, with balcony views of the Ganga and tranquil hills. They are simple yet beautiful, homely and bright. The abundant organic garden and herd of cows provides fresh homegrown produce for our meals.

All-in-all, we will do our best to live simply, follow local customs and leave a gentle ‘footprint’. Do BYO keep cup for chai and coffee.

Who is this Pilgrimage For?

My Sacred India Pilgrimage is for you if:

• You are curious about life and committed to your own journey of healing and self-discovery.
• Spirituality is something you value (and practice yoga, meditation, prayer, mindful walking, contemplation, chanting or other forms of mind-body practice) and want to deepen self-awareness, through daily practice in a spiritual culture.
• You love or are drawn to India. And you want to go with a trusty guide.
• You are prepared to be uncomfortable. India will challenge and test you! Growth happens when we are willing to embrace challenges, trust and surrender to what we don’t know.
• You are lit up about supporting others on the retreat – knowing that our happiness is greater when we give, work together and create an environment of love, support, and care for others.
• And you trust that everything happens for a reason, that it’s no mistake you are here NOW, reading this.

Lastly, if you are completely new to yoga, expect a luxury escape or prefer to travel alone – even though you might be really keen to go to India – sorry, this pilgrimage is not for you.

Your Retreat Facilitator ~ More About Me

There are those who travel to India once. And then there are those who will travel there for the rest of their lives – I am the latter! I just love India.

I first went to India in 2007 for yoga studies and ended up living in Mysore for six months.

From the elephant sanctuaries and ancient temples in Tamil Nadu, to the beaches in Goa, to the metropolis of Mumbai and the holy banks of the Ganga, I have travelled extensively through Southern and Northern India. And I’ve successfully led international yoga groups to India in 2016, 2019 and 2024.

Yoga has been the foundation of my life for over 15 years. And my dharma is to serve others. On the Sacred India Yoga Pilgrimage 2026 I go all-out so that you have the most heartfelt, rewarding and life-changing experiences.        

“It was a magical fortnight in India and I thank Natalie for giving so much of herself. It went deeper than I had expected, and flowed so beautifully. The afternoon debriefs were tremendously helpful in understanding and integrating the benefits of yoga and meditation into my life. I am already looking forward to the next India retreat!” ~ Cheryl Ramalho

What You will Receive

With the organising done for you, you get to relax and reap all of the integrated benefits that time-out for your body, mind and soul offers.

The pilgrimage cost includes: 

• 1 night single deluxe room at the Lemon Tree Hotel Delhi;
• 8 nights’ twin-share/single room (extra surcharge) three-star guesthouse accommodation at a quiet central Rishikesh location;
• 4 nights’ twin-share room accommodation at an eco-friendly retreat centre;
• Airport transfers to and from Delhi international airport;
• All group coach and taxi transport;
• Twice daily vegetarian brunch and dinner;
• Guided, daily yoga/meditation practice and facilitated wisdom circles;
• All temple/ashram visits and group activities;
• 2 Ayurvedic massages/body treatments; and
• Entrance fees to temples and day trip destinations.  

The retreat cost does not include airfares to/from India, travel insurance… nor your inhouse laundry.

After the pilgrimage, there is the opportunity to stay on in Rishikesh and attend the Sattva Summit yoga celebration with Natalie’s teacher Anandji, at a special group discounted rate. You may attend any or all days from 5-11 November. Sattva is located in a small village called Mohan Chatti, approx 40 minutes north of Rishikesh. If you’d like to attend, please register your interest asap as places at the summit sell out.

Places on this 2026 pilgrimage are strictly limited to 12 people – past retreats and pilgrimages often sell out. If India calls you and this pilgrimage resonates, you are encouraged to get in touch and book early to secure a place!

Your Investment

Dates:      Tuesday 20 October – Monday 2 November 2026 (14 days, 13 nights)

Refund Policy: Before you book, please familiarise yourself with the Cancellation Policy.

Registrations: To book your place, please complete the Registration Form.

Travel Insurance & Visa:  As part of the terms and conditions, you are required to take out comprehensive travel insurance. You must also obtain a Tourist Visa to permit entry into India prior to leaving your country of residence. Indian visas can take days or sometimes weeks to process and should be planned well ahead of time! Australian residents can apply for an online e-visa and details will be provided upon registration.                     

Getting to/from India:  You need to arrange your own flights to and from the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Return flights from Perth to Delhi are reasonable in October and can cost as little as AUD $1000. Your arrival (flight) in Delhi can be any time on (and must be no later than) Sunday 20 October, and departure (flight) can be any time on (and must be no earlier than) Saturday 2 November.

On arrival at the airport, a friendly chaperone from the Lemon Tree Hotel will greet you and drive you to our hotel, just ten minutes from the airport. We will gather as a group and stay the first night in Delhi then travel to Rishikesh the following morning.

Once you make payment, you will receive an email receipt that confirms your registration. Then in the coming days, I will be in touch with a welcome email that guides you with the next steps to take in getting to India.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t be shy – reach out! All queries are very welcome. Please contact us via the Contact page.
                
I’d love you to join me for this unique, transformational India pilgrimage!