I have been in India for 10 days and it has been intense. I recieved a gift right away when I arrived in Delhi, The second morning I awoke to read the newspaper headlines of the day. Hottest days in over 50 years! I then understood why my little walk of 8 blocks the day before was difficult. I felt the heats intenseness and I am so glad that I purchased a hemp hat from Tilley Endurables. You can go to thier website to see all the great travel clothing they provide @ www.tilley.com

I spent 3 days in Delhi before heading for the hills of Rishikesh. I did alittle siteseeing and a small amount of shopping. I ate out a couple times with great results and stayed in the hotel for breakfast and some dinners. The hotel has a 24 hour chef on hand that produced wonderful meals. I stayed at www.velvetapplehotel.com a Indian boutique hotel. I choose that over North American chains because I wanted to experience a more authent India. I had the hotel arrange for a driver to take me around for 1 day to important historical or political sites.

I had planned on taking the train to Rishikesh, a short 4 hour trip, but it was full for 4 days so I opted to let the Aurovalley Ashram send a car for me. The trip was just over 5 hours with alot of intense sites seen. I arrived at the ashram just in time to have a wonderful vegaterian lunch. 

The ashram is wonderfully peaceful, has abundence of nature, and is sustainable. It has a large garden (which now is producing tomatoes, eggplants, strawberries amoung other things. They have thier own cattle to produce products such as curd(yoghart) and lassi’s. They have built thier own well, which is wonderful not to have to worry about the food or water to drink.  Right now the strawberries are just finishing and the mango’s are just starting . Watermelon is also in season so there is a nice selection of fruit to choose from.

The schedule of events every day are Mediation from 6-7am, followed by yoga from 7-8am and then breakfast is served cafeteria style. Karma Yoga is next, which is the time to give back to the ashram by doing some chores such as dishwashing, watering the gardens, racking the leaves etc. Satsang is followed from 1130-1pm. Everyone looks forward to spending some time with the Swami, This is one of the few ashrams that has access to the Swami. Satsangs are discussions.

Lunch is served at 1pm and usually after the meal most people retire to their rooms to get away from the intense heat. Sometimes people head down to the Ganga river for a swim, which is a short 2km walk. There is wifi here and is available in the afternoon. The local students use the room in the morning. At 6pm is another mediation time and Kirtens. Kirtens are chanting and singing. The mediation room is  beautiful with a green crystal ball that weighs 700kilos in the center of the room. It is said to have healing capabilities. DInner is served at 7pm and then most people retire to their room for the evening. You do not have to do all the activities and many people head out for half days to the tourist area of Rishikesh for shopping and siteseeing.

The birds here are amazing and I will list a few that I have seen. Golden Oriole, Purple Sunbirds, Kites, Roseringed Parakeets. If you are looking for a spiritaul place to contemplate life, a place that is peaceful and plenty of nature, plus good wholesome vegaterian food, this place should be on your travel plans.

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