Sacred India:
A Journey of Spirit, Culture, and Connection
Rishikesh, India
January 5–15, 2027
(Travel Days January 4 & January 16)
Luxury Yoga retreat designed to rejuvenate the body, calm the mind, and restore inner balance.
High-End Accommodations
Our wellness retreat offers high-end accommodations designed to provide an unparalleled experience of comfort and tranquility.
Expert Yoga Instructors
Your retreat yoga teachers bring years of experience and deep knowledge in mindfulness practices to guide you on your wellness journey.
Digital and Substance Detox
We provide a peaceful environment designed to help you digitally detox by encouraging mindful presence and disconnecting from devices.
Highlights of the Journey
Join us for a thoughtfully curated 10-day immersion in yoga, meditation, culture, spirituality, and personal reflection in the sacred Himalayan city of Rishikesh, India.
Throughout our journey, we will stay at Divine Resort & Spa, a serene retreat property overlooking the sacred Ganges River and surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayan foothills. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, a spa, pool, on-site dining, and easy walking access to many of Rishikesh's most beloved temples, cafés, markets, and spiritual sites.
Designed to balance exploration, embodied practice, cultural immersion, and personal reflection, this retreat offers opportunities to deepen your connection to yourself, your practice, and the rich traditions of India.
Why Rishikesh?
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." It has long attracted pilgrims, spiritual seekers, yogis, and travelers drawn to its unique blend of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and vibrant spiritual culture.
Our retreat is intentionally scheduled outside of peak tourism season, allowing for a more authentic and spacious experience of this remarkable place.
Your Retreat Experience
Each day includes opportunities for:
Yoga and meditation
Cultural immersion
Spiritual exploration
Personal reflection and journaling
Community connection
Rest and integration
Free time for shopping, spa treatments, and exploration
The retreat balances structured experiences with flexibility, allowing participants to engage at a pace that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Highlights of the Journey
~Sacred Sites and Cultural Experiences
Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti
Devprayag and Vashistha's Meditation Cave
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Bharat Temple
Raghunath Temple
Triveni Ghat
Trayambakeshwar Temple
Beatles Ashram
Ram Jhula and local markets
~Immersion Experiences
Yoga and meditation practices
Traditional ceremonies and rituals
Opportunities for service and cultural connection
Artisan markets and local shopping
Optional spa and Ayurvedic experiences
River walks and Himalayan excursions
These experiences are designed not simply as sightseeing opportunities, but as invitations to engage with the history, spirituality, and living traditions of India.
~Optional Experiences- Participants may choose to add experiences such as:
White-water rafting
Ayurvedic treatments
Jyotish (Vedic astrology) readings
Indian cooking classes
Additional temple visits
Service opportunities at Ramana's Garden
Optional experiences are not required and allow participants to personalize their retreat experience.
Our Team
Catherine Cook-Cottone. Catherine Cook-Cottone is a licensed psychologist, certified yoga therapist, experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), equine-assisted therapist, and Professor in the Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. For more than two decades, she has studied, taught, and researched the intersections of mindfulness, embodiment, yoga, self-regulation, trauma, and well-being.
In addition to her academic and clinical work, Catherine teaches yoga, leads retreats, and facilitates equine-assisted therapy through Blue Horse Equine Therapy. She is passionate about creating experiences that invite reflection, personal growth, and meaningful connection with self, others, and the natural world.
During our journey through India, Catherine will guide yoga, meditation, reflective practices, and group discussions while helping participants explore the rich intersections of culture, spirituality, embodiment, and mindful living.
Catherine Cook-Cottone, Phd, C-IAYT
Leslie Rothschild. When people find out that I am a yoga teacher I often hear “I can’t touch my toes so I can’t do yoga” or “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga”. These statements often lead people to not trying yoga. One of my favorite yoga quote is from a well know yogi (yoga practitioner) named Krishnamacharya. He said “If you can breathe you can do yoga”. I believe in this quote whole heartedly - it’s all about finding the yoga practice that works for each individual. My slow flow classes are designed around this idea. We’ll often linger in poses for a few breaths to experience the pose not only on a physical level but an energetic level as well. I enjoy explaining variations and modifications for various poses so that each person can experience yoga in their own way.
I am a certified 500 hour Yoga Alliance teacher and educator who has spent the last 25 years dedicating herself to living and studying yoga. I am also an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and YCat certified Yoga in Cancer and Chronic Illness teacher.
Leslie Rothschild, Certified Yoga Instructor 500
Veer Shah, Local Guide and Yoga Insructor
Local guide and instructor whose knowledge of Rishikesh, its traditions, and its culture enriches the experience and provides participants with an authentic connection to the region.
Pricing and Details
Sacred India: A Journey of Spirit, Culture, and Connection
Rishikesh, India January 5–15, 2027 (Travel Days January 4 & January 16)
Join us for a thoughtfully curated 10-day immersion in yoga, meditation, culture, spirituality, and personal reflection in the sacred Himalayan city of Rishikesh, India.
Learn More About the Trip to Rishikesh January 2027
*
Learn More About the Trip to Rishikesh January 2027 *
What's Included
Accommodations at Divine Resort & Spa
Daily yoga and meditation
Scheduled group excursions
Transportation for included excursions
Retreat programming
Opening and closing ceremonies
Group support and facilitation
Not Included
International airfare
Indian visa
Travel insurance
Meals not specified
Optional excursions and activities
Spa services
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Donations and gratuities
Travel Information
Participants should plan to:
Depart North America on January 4, 2027
Arrive in Rishikesh by January 5, 2027
Return home on January 16, 2027
Recommended route:
Buffalo → Newark → Delhi → Dehradun → Rishikesh
Additional travel guidance, packing lists, visa information, and preparation materials will be provided following registration.
Flight Planning
We encourage participants to book their flights as early as possible after registering for the retreat. International airfare to India is often most affordable when purchased 4–8 months before departure, and early booking typically provides the greatest selection of flight options, seat choices, and travel schedules. Participants should plan to depart the United States on January 4, 2027, arrive in India on January 5, 2027, and return home on January 16, 2027. Current estimates suggest round-trip airfare from Buffalo and other major U.S. cities may range from approximately $1,100–$1,800 USD, depending on departure city, airline, routing, and booking date. We recommend securing flights no later than early fall 2026 whenever possible.
Optional Overnight Stay in Delhi
Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to arrive in Delhi a day early before continuing to Rishikesh. This can be especially helpful for travelers who would like additional time to rest and adjust after a long international journey.
If you choose this option, please budget approximately:
Hotel near Delhi Airport: $75–$150 USD per night
Meals: $20–$50 USD
Airport transportation: $10–$30 USD
We will be happy to provide recommended hotel options closer to the retreat date.
Zoom Meeting for more details and question- interested
August 10th at 6:30 pm via zoom
November 2nd at 7:00 pm via zoom
Cost
Early Bird Pricing (through August 15, 2026): $2,195
Regular Pricing (after August 15, 2026): $2,395
Reserve Your Space with a $500 Non-Refundable Deposit
Where We'll Stay- Divine Resort & Spa
Nestled along the holy Ganga River, Divine Resort & Spa captures Rishikesh‘s soothing energy and beautiful nature — a region known for wellness, spirituality, and the splendour of the Himalayas. The buildings are oriented toward the river providing guests with beautiful views of the Himalayas and the Ganga River. The Divine Resort & Spa is located a short walk away from the famous Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. The Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram offering nightly Ganga Aarti is also nearby. Cafes, beautiful gardens, yoga studios, yoga ashrams and temples are all close by offering guest of the resort a chance to immerse themselves in all that Rishikesh has to offer.Features include:Comfortable accommodationsSpa servicesSwimming poolOn-site restaurant and bakeryWalking access to Ram Jhula and Parmarth Niketan. Convenient access to temples, cafés, shops, and yoga centersThe resort provides a balance of comfort, convenience, and connection to the natural beauty of Rishikesh.
Divine Resort & Spa: Home Page
Energy
Self-Healing
Book Your Retreat
Sacred India: A Journey of Spirit, Culture, and Connection
Cost
Early Bird Pricing (through August 15, 2026): $2,295
Regular Pricing (after August 15, 2026): $2,500
Reserve Your Space with a $500 Non-Refundable Deposit
Join us for a thoughtfully curated 10-day immersion in yoga, meditation, culture, spirituality, and personal reflection in the sacred Himalayan city of Rishikesh, India.
Throughout our journey, we will stay at Divine Resort & Spa, a serene retreat property overlooking the sacred Ganges River and surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayan foothills. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, a spa, pool, on-site dining, and easy walking access to many of Rishikesh's most beloved temples, cafés, markets, and spiritual sites.
Designed to balance exploration, embodied practice, cultural immersion, and personal reflection, this retreat offers opportunities to deepen your connection to yourself, your practice, and the rich traditions of India.