Sacred India
Spiritual Tour from Canada
An India yoga retreat & pilgrimage · Govardhan · Vrindavan · Agra
All inclusive except international flights & meals
Reserve Your Place
From $1,500 CAD — complete package
We handle all logistics inside India so you can focus fully on the experience — this is an India yoga retreat and pilgrimage where the practice, not the paperwork, comes first.
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels and ashrams at each stop along the route
Ground Transport
All transfers between Govardhan, Vrindavan, and Agra — no logistics stress
Guided Tours
Entry fees, local guides, and organized visits to all 7 sacred locations
Spiritual Practices
Sessions at the Siddha-Siddhanta Yoga Academy and group meditations at each site
A 7-Day India Tour —
three cities, seven sacred sites
Govardhan
Uttar Pradesh · Sacred hill town of the Braj region
Sacred Hill
Govardhan Hill
A 21 km sacred hill revered as a manifestation of Krishna himself. Pilgrims perform the parikrama — a barefoot circumambulation — as one of the most spiritually significant acts in the Vaishnava tradition.
Temple
Dana-Ghati Temple
One of the most revered temples along the parikrama route, dedicated to the moment Krishna playfully asked for a "toll" (dana) from the gopis. An active center of devotional chanting and ritual.
Practice
Shailendra Sharma's Siddha-Siddhanta Yoga Academy
A rare teaching lineage rooted in the Nath sampradaya. Shailendra Sharma is one of the foremost living masters of the Siddha-Siddhanta system — a path that unifies yoga, tantra and devotion.
Vrindavan
Uttar Pradesh · The eternal forest of Krishna's childhood
Sacred Ghat
Shri Devrahas Baba Ghat
A riverside ghat on the sacred Yamuna, named after the legendary saint Devrahas Baba. A place of deep stillness, sunrise rituals and aarti ceremonies on the water.
Temple
Prem Mandir
A breathtaking white marble temple dedicated to divine love (prema). Intricate carvings depict the eternal play of Radha-Krishna. At night, the temple is illuminated in shifting colors — an unforgettable sight.
Agra
Uttar Pradesh · Heart of the Mughal Empire
UNESCO Monument
Taj Mahal
Built 1632–1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his wife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements. We visit at sunrise — before the crowds, in full morning light.
UNESCO Fort
Agra Fort
A massive 16th-century red sandstone citadel — the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Housing palaces, mosques and audience halls with a direct sightline to the Taj Mahal across the river.
The teachers whose
world we enter
Shailendra Sharma
Nath Sampradaya · Govardhan
Shailendra Sharma is one of the foremost living masters of the Siddha-Siddhanta system — an ancient yogic lineage rooted in the Nath tradition, which integrates hatha yoga, tantra, and devotional practice into a single unified path.
He runs his Academy at the foot of Govardhan Hill, where he teaches a small number of serious students. His teaching is direct, practical, and grounded — rare in a world of commercialized yoga.
Devrahas Baba
Vrindavan · 1889 – 1990
Devrahas Baba was one of the most revered saints of 20th-century India, known for his extraordinary longevity — oral tradition credits him with living over 250 years. He spent decades meditating on the banks of the Yamuna in Vrindavan, attracting devotees from across India including presidents and prime ministers.
He embodied the path of pure bhakti — unconditional love and surrender — and was known for his ability to transmit inner stillness to anyone who came into his presence. The ghat on the Yamuna bears his name to this day.
"India is not visited — it is experienced from the inside. Every place here is a mirror."
More than a yoga retreat
in India — a living journey
Access to closed practices
The Siddha-Siddhanta Yoga Academy with Shailendra Sharma offers teachings simply not available to ordinary visitors.
Guides with deep tradition knowledge
Every site is revealed in its spiritual context — not as an architectural landmark, but as a living place of practice.
Zero logistics stress
Hotels, transport, entries — all pre-arranged. Your only job is to show up fully present.
Small, intentional group
No large buses, no rushing. A carefully sized group from Canada for a genuine shared experience.
Your 7-Day India Tour itinerary
Delhi → Govardhan → Vrindavan → Agra → Delhi. All transfers between locations are included.
The people who
lead the way
Artem Rusinov
Founder of Vipassana.ca, certified yoga instructor, and Vipassana meditation teacher. After a career in the special forces and executive leadership, Artem dedicated his life to contemplative practice and inner transformation. On this journey he leads the group through India's sacred sites, connecting each location to the living traditions of yoga and meditation — so the trip becomes not just travel, but practice.
Valerii Bandurko
Certified yoga instructor, meditation practitioner, and retreat facilitator. Drawing from his experience in yoga, breathwork, and Vipassana meditation, Valerii supports participants throughout the journey — handling coordination on the ground and guiding daily practices that cultivate self-awareness and emotional balance at every stop along the route.
Moments from the road
Real moments from people who've traveled with us. Replace these placeholders with your own photos.
We can help you
extend your journey
If one week isn't enough — or if you want to arrive early or stay after the group departs — we're happy to help. Whether it's extra days in Vrindavan, a side trip to Rishikesh or Varanasi, or simply recommendations for where to stay and what to see on your own, just ask.
There's no extra charge for advice. India rewards those who take their time.
Tell us how much time you have — we'll suggest the best extension for you
Ask about extensionsReady to go?
Spots are limited. Leave your details and we'll reach out with full information and booking confirmation.
Fill out the form below or write directly to life@vipassana.ca
Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any yoga or meditation experience to join?
No. This 7-day India tour is open to everyone. It's a classic guided tour at heart: comfortable hotels, private transport, expert guides. If you have a practice, the sacred sites will deepen it. If you don't, you'll simply experience some of the most extraordinary places in India with people who can explain what you're looking at.
What exactly am I paying today?
Today you're paying a $300 CAD deposit to reserve your spot. This is not the full price.
Full tour cost per person:
Shared room — $1,500 CAD
Private room — $1,800 CAD
Your $300 deposit is applied toward that total. We'll contact you after booking with the payment schedule for the remaining balance.
What's included in the price?
Accommodation at every stop (hotels and ashrams)
All private ground transport between Delhi, Govardhan, Vrindavan, and Agra
Entry fees, local guides, and organized visits to all 7 sacred sites
Yoga and meditation sessions, including a practice at Shailendra Sharma's Siddha-Siddhanta Yoga Academy
Not included: international flights (Canada ↔ India), meals, travel insurance, personal expenses.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancel more than 2 months before departure (before November 7, 2026): your deposit is fully refunded.
Cancel less than 2 months before departure (after November 7, 2026): the $300 CAD deposit is non-refundable, as we've committed to accommodation and ground arrangements on your behalf.
If you've already paid part or all of the remaining balance, contact us directly and we'll work through the options with you.
Why is the tour cheaper than most India retreats?
Because flights and meals aren't included, and because we run small groups without a large agency markup. You book your own flights (often cheaper and more flexible from your own city) and eat where you like, India has extraordinary food at every price point.
Is this a religious trip? Do I have to participate in rituals?
No. Nothing is mandatory. You're welcome to sit quietly and observe, join in fully, or photograph the architecture. The sites we visit are places of active worship, and we approach them respectfully, but how you engage is entirely your choice.
What's the accommodation like?
Comfortable hotels and ashrams are selected for cleanliness, location, and safety. Shared rooms are twin-share (you'll be paired with someone of the same gender unless you're travelling with a partner or friend). Private rooms are available for the $1,800 CAD rate.
I'm travelling solo. Is that okay?
Very much so. Most people on this spiritual trip to India come solo. The group forms quickly, and the small size makes it easy.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes, and we'll help you plan it at no extra charge. Whether it's extra days in Vrindavan, a side trip to Rishikesh or Varanasi, or recommendations for travelling on your own afterwards, just ask when you book.
Do I need a visa?
Canadian passport holders need an Indian visa. The e-Visa process is straightforward and done online. We'll send you full instructions and timelines after you book, but you're responsible for arranging your own visa.
What about vaccinations and health?
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. We'll include general guidance in your pre-departure pack, but medical advice must come from a qualified professional who knows your history.
What's the weather like in January?
January is one of the best times to visit northern India. Days are mild and pleasant (roughly 18–24°C), mornings and evenings are cool. Pack layers and something warm for sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
How do I get there? Are flights included?
Flights are not included. You book your own return flight to Delhi (DEL) and we handle everything from arrival. This gives you flexibility on departure city, dates, and airline — and usually saves money.
Ready to Join? Or Have Questions?
Whether you're ready to book or just curious, leave your details and we'll get back to you with everything you need to know.