Yoga. Culture. Community.
10 days of Yoga + Culture
Cafe Namaste invites you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that blends yoga, cultural immersion, and connection.
Led by founder Samantha Reynolds in collaboration with Trocals, our India-based partner, this trip weaves daily practice with exploration, reflection, and moments to simply be.
From sunrise practice in Rishikesh to evening aarti on the Ganges, from the majesty of the Taj Mahal to quiet caves along the river, this is for those who crave something real.
Highlights
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Rishikesh
-
Explore Old and New Delhi
-
Celebrate Holi in Agra, the festival of colors and joy
-
Witness the Taj Mahal at sunset
-
Volunteer at a Sikh community kitchen in Old Delhi
-
Explore artisan workshops & ancient palaces in Jaipur, the Pink City
-
Meet locals and attend a community dinner
-
Meditate in Vashishta Cave, where sages practiced for centuries
-
Reset with 4 nights at a nature yoga & Ayurveda retreat center in Rishikesh with daily practice by the Ganges River
-
Learn yoga from local Indian teachers (and Sam)
-
Experience a once-in a lifetime journey
-
Elevated accommodation (4-5 star hotels)
-
Pre-departure meetings and support
-
Welcome gift
-
Local in-country team for support
Is this journey for me?
Explorers. Seekers. Yoga teachers and students. This journey is for those who want to go beyond the mat, explore yoga’s roots, and experience the culture that continues to shape it today. We’ll travel as students, not tourists: walking Delhi’s lively streets, sharing meals with locals, sitting in silence by the river. It’s for those who can embrace adventure, chaos, and beauty. India is a land of contrasts, diverse, vibrant, and unfiltered. It holds both breathtaking beauty and the raw realities of life. To step into India is to step into the full spectrum of humanity.
Travel Style: Classic with Heart - Cultural highlights, authentic moments, and meaningful connections, all with comfort and style.
Service Level: Elevated Comfort and Style -4–5-star boutique stays and private transport. Elevated yet grounded in authenticity.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light - Gentle walking, yoga, and exploration, open to all levels.
Trip Type: Small Group - Intimate journey, max 16 travelers. Real connection, shared experiences.
About the Rishikesh Retreat
4 nights/5 days | Raga on the Ganges or similar
For four nights we’ll call Rishikesh home. Our accommodation outside the city center will blend the comfort of a resort with the wisdom of ancient practices, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and mindful living. Here, our days will begin with morning yoga and meditation, balanced with workshops designed to deepen both personal practice and understanding of yoga’s roots. Between sessions, you’ll have space to experience the property or simply rest in the quiet Himalayan setting. Evenings may include satsang-style gatherings, guided reflection, or joining the sacred aarti by the river.
Workshop Topics
Local guides and sam will lead special talks and workshops on the roots of Yoga, yoga Beyond the Mat, meditation, setting up a home practice, and more.
Optional Ayurvedic & Modern Spa Treatments
The word ‘Ayurveda’ is a combination of the Sanskrit words, ayur, meaning life, and veda meaning knowledge, translating to "knowledge of life." A 5,000-year-old system of healing, Ayurveda nurtures and aligns the functioning of mind, body and soul to give you a wholesome and holistic way of life. You will have free time to book Ayurvedic rituals and modern massages ($40-200). Click here for a sample list of offerings and pricing (note: offerings subject to change at hotel's discretion)
Meals
All vegetarian meals are provided. No smoking or substances are allowed on-site. Please note Rishikesh is a sacred city. Alcohol, meat and eggs are not sold anywhere.
March is busy season (Holi) and due to availability, we will stay Raga on the Ganges in Mountain View rooms or a similar type property that allows for reflection, introspection and peace. This property is outside the city center in a quiet nature setting.
About Holi
Holi, often called the Festival of Colors, is one of India’s most meaningful celebrations. At its heart, Holi marks the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal that comes with spring. Across India, the stories and rituals vary by region, but the essence remains the same: release what no longer serves and welcome new beginnings with joy.
During our journey, we will honor this tradition alongside our local guide’s family and friends in Agra. The celebration includes music, shared meals, and the joyful throwing of natural colors. The evening before Holi, we’ll witness a traditional fire ceremony symbolizing the burning away of old patterns and the start of something new.
It’s a lived tradition, experienced in community.
What to Wear
-
Wear white if you’d like to fully experience the colors.
-
Choose older clothes and shoes you don’t mind staining.
-
The powder fades over time, but a hair covering or hair oil is recommended to protect your hair.
It’s playful, sacred, a little messy, and unforgettable.
Before You Go: Essentials
A few important things to prepare ahead of our journey:
-
Visa: You will need to apply online for an Indian tourist e-visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa.
-
Health: Check with your doctor. Bring any personal medications and basic travel health items. Medication may also be purchased in country. Note, if flying through Dubai, check the allowed prescriptions before entering the country as prescriptions are not allowed without government approval.
-
Packing: Light, breathable layers, a scarf/shawl for temple visits, respectful clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a small day bag.
-
Money: Bring a debit/credit card for ATMs and cash to exchange.
-
Mindset: Come with flexibility, curiosity, and an open heart, India is vibrant, diverse, and unforgettable.
-
Food: Vegetarian food is common. We recommend drinking bottled water only and are mindful of where we eat (ie no street food).
-
Free Time: The first part of the tour is structured given the number of cities we will visit. You will have free time in Rishikesh at the property for rest, reflection, spa and more.
How can I be culturally respectful in India?
Travel in India is as much about heart as it is about logistics. Here are a few ways to honor local culture and feel comfortable:
-
Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or sacred spaces. A scarf or shawl is useful to carry for both women and men.
-
Shoes off: Always remove shoes before entering temples, homes, or certain yoga halls. Slip-on shoes or sandals make this easy. Bring a pair of socks for convenience.
-
Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or during prayer. As a photographer-led trip, we’ll model respectful practices.
-
Right hand custom: In traditional settings, the right hand is used for eating, giving, and receiving. Keep this in mind when exchanging money or food (even if you're left-handed - like Sam)
-
Public displays: Holding hands is common, but kissing or close affection in public is not.
-
Sacred spaces: Treat the Ganges, temples, and rituals with reverence. Observe quietly before joining in.
-
Elephant Riding and Animal Welfare: Cafe Namaste does not support or offer any experiences that involve the mistreatment or exploitation of animals. Elephant riding is not included in this journey and will not be offered at any point during the trip. We also ask that participants refrain from photographing or engaging in activities that promote unethical animal tourism. This journey is rooted in respect, cultural awareness, and conscious travel. Thank you for honoring these values with us.
India welcomes travelers with warmth and openness. A little sensitivity goes a long way toward deeper connection.
📎 A full packing list, health notes, and travel tips will be sent once you register. You will also gain access to a dedicated WhatsApp group chat for support and connection before the trip.
Sam Reynolds LLC dba Cafe Namaste is a Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST4815