AEI- 55 Taj Mahal and Wellness 9N-10D
What is wellness?
“Well-being” is a broad term used to describe a general state of positive physical, emotional, and mental health. Well-being includes aspects such as feeling happy, having positive interpersonal relationships, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, having enough energy to perform daily activities, being in good physical health, and having the ability to manage stress and difficult situations. In short, it encompasses well-being in different areas of life.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India that has spread and become popular worldwide. The practice of yoga aims to improve physical, emotional, and mental health through a series of body postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation and relaxation techniques.
Yoga is a very diverse practice, with many different styles and approaches. Some styles, such as Hatha Yoga, focus on body postures and breathing, while others, such as Kundalini Yoga, focus more on meditation and the body’s energy.
In short, yoga is a holistic practice that seeks to unite the body, mind, and spirit, and can have benefits for physical, emotional, and mental health.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a mental practice that aims to train the mind to focus attention on the present moment and cultivate mindfulness of experience. Through meditation, one seeks to calm and quiet the mind, reduce stress, increase concentration and mental clarity, and develop the ability to respond more effectively to challenging situations.
Meditation can take many forms, including seated, walking, and moving meditation, and can be practiced individually or in a group. During meditation, attention is typically focused on a word, phrase, object, physical sensation, or the breath in order to keep the mind focused on the present moment.
Shatam Jeeva concept – well-being
Shatam Jeeva is a holistic wellness retreat in Baidyanath, based on the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The entire campus comprises 100 acres of man-made forest, and the retreat itself consists of 12 rooms nestled within the forest in Jhansi. Shatam Jeeva is an alcohol- and smoke-free, fully vegetarian Ayurvedic retreat with al fresco dining. It is a place for a complete retreat experience; all our guests refrain from leaving between wellness centers.
Day 1. Arrival-New Delhi
Arrival in Delhi on an international flight. Our Spanish-speaking representative will meet you at the airport, provide assistance, and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2. New Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Old Delhi, with a guided tour of the Old Delhi area, including a walk past the Red Fort and along Chandni Chowk. We will stop to visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Gandhi . This beautiful park is where the cenotaph, a black marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination, is located. Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi were also cremated there. We will continue our tour of New Delhi, visiting government buildings and India Gate, a 42-meter-high stone triumphal arch
inscribed with the names of the 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during World War I. We will enjoy a panoramic view of the Parliament area and the President’s residence.
Later, we will visit the Gurdwara Bangladesh Sahib, a Sikh temple located in Connaught Place. It is the most important Sikh temple in Delhi. Thousands of people of all faiths visit this temple daily.
Finally, we will see the Qutub Minar, one of the oldest monuments in the first city of Delhi, as its construction began in 1199. This complex is characterized by its blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its minaret, the tallest in the world, reaches a height of 72.5 meters, arranged in five tiers of decreasing diameter. At the foot of the minaret is the Alai Darwaza Gate, made of red and yellow bricks, which once served as the entrance to the mosque. The tomb of Sultan Iltutamish and the mausoleum of Imam Zami are also located here. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3. New Delhi-Jaipur (270 km, 5 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Old Delhi, with a guided tour of the Old Delhi area, including a walk past the Red Fort and along Chandni Chowk. We will stop to visit the Birla Hindu Temple. Overnight stay. Jaipur, the Pink City, owes its nickname to the color of the sandstone used to build the buildings of the old city. The city’s pleasing design is thanks to Maharaja Jai Singh II, who began its construction in 1728 and commissioned his architect, Vidyadhar Chakravarty, to skillfully blend diverse styles such as Hindu, Jain, Mughal, and Persian. In the afternoon, we will visit the Birla Hindu Temple .
Day 4. Jaipur-Amber-Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Amber Fort. The ascent will be on elephant back (subject to availability) , and the descent by jeep. The fort was built by the Mughal kings to defend the Citadel. This complex consists of a group of buildings, including a palace and another fortress in a higher position. Visit to the Maharaja’s Palace , residence of the Jaipur royal family. This complex is filled with palaces, gardens, and other buildings, most notably the Chandra Mahal, which has seven stories. Inside, you’ll find the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, where you can admire carpets, enameled objects, weapons, miniature paintings, cannons, and the maharajas’ clothing. Next, we’ll visit Jantar Mantar , the astronomical observatory, with its 30-meter-high sundial and other fascinating astronomical instruments. This is one of five observatories in the area. Next to this area is the well-known Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal (a facade with the structure of a palace), which was used by women to watch the processions and street life. Return to hotel and overnight stay.
Day 5. Jaipur-Agra (240 kms-05hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Agra, arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the Red Fort of Agra. The Red Fort , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, dates back to 1565 and is conceived as a walled palace surrounded by a deep moat. The fort, accessed through an imposing gate called Amar Singh, contains numerous palaces and stately buildings constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar and used by successive Mughal governments as a base of operations for Mughal power. Overnight stay.
Day 6. Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal (closed every Friday throughout the year), the monument that has brought worldwide fame to Agra and become the symbol of India. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned in 1631 in honor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Lady of the Taj, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1629. Construction, which involved 20,000 people, was not completed until 1653. It is the most representative example of Mughal architecture. The chief architect, Isa Khan, designed this complex within a rectangle measuring 508 by 304 meters, with a central garden flanked on all four sides by octagonal pavilions. The mausoleum, built entirely of white marble, stands on a marble base with a minaret, also white, at each corner, each reaching 41 meters in height. The central section consists of four small domes surrounding a larger one in the middle. The remains of this couple rest in the crypt of this two-story building. While the architectural ensemble is impressive in itself, the decoration known as pietra dura, featuring intricate details such as floral arabesques and geometric motifs in semi-relief with precious stones, is truly remarkable. The rest of the time is free, and accommodation is available.
Day 7. Agra-Jhansi (by train 2.5 hours)
Breakfast. Transfer to the train station for departure to Jhansi. Upon arrival in Jhansi, you will be met and transferred to Shatam Wellness.
Vegetarian lunch.
Consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurvedic massage session (60 minutes).
Temple ceremony and lamp lighting with the priest.
Pranayama meditation session.
Vegetarian dinner.
Day 08. Jhansi (Wellness)
6:30 Detox Water
7:00 AM, Yoga and Meditation Session
8:30 AM, Vegetarian Breakfast
10:15 AM, Ayurvedic Massage Session (60 minutes)
12:00 PM, Activities with Sacred Cows
1:00 PM, Vegetarian Lunch and Relaxation Time
6:30 PM, Aura Cleansing Meditation Session
7:30 PM, Vegetarian Dinner
Day 09. Jhansi (Wellness)
6:30 Detox water
7:00 hours, Yoga and meditation session
8:30 hours, Vegetarian breakfast
10:30 hours, Clay pottery activities
13:00 hours, Vegetarian lunch
15:00 hours, Ayurvedic massage session (duration 60 minutes)
16:00 hours, Tea, coffee
17:30 hours, Meditation in the mountains
19:30 hours, Vegetarian dinner
Day 10. Jhansi-Delhi-Return
6:30 Detox water
8:30 am, Vegetarian breakfast
Transfer to the train station for departure by train to Delhi, arrival and transfer to the airport for your return flight
Our price includes
- 2 nights in Delhi with breakfast
- 2 nights in Jaipur with breakfast
- 2 nights in Agra with breakfast
- 3 nights at Shatam Wellness with full board
- Train ticket from Agra to Jhansi and Jhansi to Delhi on an air-conditioned train
- Transfers, visits in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Ascent to Fort Amber on elephant back (Subject to availability or by jeep)
- Tickets to the monuments mentioned in the program.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- 3 Ayurvedic massage sessions at Shatam Wellness
- Meditation according to itinerary
- Shatam wellness tour
- Experience with sacred cows in Shatam
- Temple ceremony in Shatam
- The rates applicable at this time.
Our price does not include
- Bribes
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, medicines recommended by the Ayurvedic doctor, etc.
- Any other service not specified in “the price includes”.
Please take note:
- The wellness food is purely vegetarian.
- At Shatam Wellness, communication will be in English, but they will have assistance in Spanish by phone 24 hours a day.
This is an exceptional itinerary because it introduces a unique concept: the balance between the Golden Triangle and true well-being . Unlike conventional tours, this program allows you to process the intensity of India through Ayurveda and meditation.
Highlights of what your trip includes
- Wellness Immersion (Shatam Wellness): 3 nights dedicated exclusively to physical and mental health on a full board basis, designed to reset the body after monumental visits.
- Ayurvedic Healing: Includes 3 sessions of Ayurvedic massage , the traditional Indian medicine, along with guided meditation practices.
- Spiritual Connection: Authentic and serene experiences such as the private temple ceremony and contact with the sacred cows at the retreat, a symbol of peace in Hindu culture.
- Comfort Logistics: Train tickets in air-conditioned classes and all transfers in private vehicles, guaranteeing a smooth journey.
- Amber Experience: The legendary climb to Jaipur Fort, either on elephants (a royal tradition) or in jeeps.
- Included in Destination: Entrance fees to all monuments and a tour guide to Agra who will take you by the hand from Delhi to Agra, eliminating any language barriers.
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
«This program is a gem for the modern traveler . India can typically be a constant stimulus for the senses; including Shatam Wellness midway through or at the end of the tour is a masterstroke.»
What we value most about this package is that it’s not just a tour of monuments; it’s a transformative journey . Including full board and Ayurvedic spa treatments, travelers don’t have to worry about anything other than their own well-being. It’s the perfect combination: the historical majesty of the Taj Mahal and the palaces of Jaipur, followed by the profound peace of a spiritual retreat. It is, without a doubt, the most highly recommended option for those seeking luxury, culture, and inner peace all in one package.
Tips from Asia Escapes for this Program
- About the Spa: Ayurvedic massages are therapeutic. We recommend speaking with the specialists at Shatam to personalize sessions according to your needs (stress, fatigue, or detoxification).
The Train: The journey to Jhansi is a fascinating window into rural India, very comfortable and one of the safest and most authentic ways to travel around the country.
CITY / NIGHT | Cat. A 5* Standard | Cat. B 5* Deluxe | Cat. C Grand Luxury |
Delhi 2 | ITC Welcome /Radisson Blu | Le Meridien / Claridges | The Oberoi New Delhi |
Jaipur 2 | Radisson | ITC Rajputana | The Oberoi Rajvillas |
Agra 2 | Courtyard by Marriott | ITC Mughal | The Oberoi Amarvilas |
Jhansi 3 | Shatam Jeeva-Wellness | Shatam Jeeva-Wellness | Shatam Jeeva-Wellness |
