YOGA RETREAT IN INDIA
Love and Spirit – a sacred time of meditation in Mother India
Why This Journey Matters
Something shifts when you step away from everything familiar. India doesn't just inspire change, it demands it. This is your chance to shed the noise of daily life and find clarity in one of the most spiritually alive places on earth.
THE INDIA DIFFERENCE
India is where yoga was born, where millions come seeking answers, and where the energy of devotion is woven into daily life. This isn't a vacation, it's a pilgrimage through chaos and calm, color and stillness, ancient wisdom and raw beauty. We'll move through bustling cities and peaceful ashrams, giving you space to strip away distractions and reconnect with what matters.
NOURISH YOUR PRACTICE
Your body and spirit need more than rest, they need real nourishment. Share authentic meals, practice ancient techniques, and immerse yourself in rituals that have guided seekers for thousands of years.
Daily hatha yoga & meditation
Ganges river ceremonies & temple visits
Time in a Himalayan ashram
Taj Mahal, historic forts, sacred sites
Balance of group connection and solitude
FIND WHAT'S BEEN WAITING
This retreat blends adventure with introspection, giving you time to explore India's spiritual depth while finding your own. Ten days to question, release, and remember who you are beneath everything else.
February 6-15, 2026 | 10 Days Delhi • Jaipur • Agra • Varanasi • Rishikesh
What’s Included?
9 nights accommodation (mix of yoga ashrams, boutique hotels, heritage properties)
Daily vegetarian/vegan meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Herbal teas and healthy snacks
Purified drinking water throughout
Daily morning and evening yoga sessions (Hatha, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga)
Meditation and pranayama (breathing) practices
Guided Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi
Sound healing or kirtan session in Rishikesh
Wellness consultation or Ayurvedic assessment
All ground transportation in private AC vehicle
Delhi → Jaipur → Agra → Varanasi → Rishikesh transfers
Airport pickup and drop-off
Guided tours of Taj Mahal (Agra)
Amber Fort and City Palace (Jaipur)
Boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise (Varanasi)
Visit to Beatles Ashram (Rishikesh)
Local market walks and cultural orientation
English-speaking yoga instructor throughout
Local guides at historical sites
Welcome and farewell ceremonies
Sample Day Schedule
✨ Daily schedule varies by location as we journey through Delhi • Jaipur • Agra • Varanasi • Rishikesh ✨
Our Accommodation
Your 9-night journey includes stays at handpicked yoga ashrams, boutique hotels, and heritage properties. Each accommodation offers a unique window into Indian culture while providing comfort and tranquility for your retreat experience. From riverside ashrams in Rishikesh to historic properties in Jaipur, every stay is designed to complement your yoga practice and cultural immersion.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Join Mark and Zefea on a sacred journey of love, spirit, and self-discovery in Mother India!
Step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of India, a land that has inspired seekers for millennia. Together, we will travel through Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, and Rishikesh, exploring the timeless beauty, devotion, and wisdom that flow through this sacred land.
Guided by Mark Drost and Zefea-Samson Drost, founders of Evolation Yoga this retreat is more than a journey; it is a return to your essence. Mark and Zefea will lead a team of teachers and guides to curate this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With over 40 years of experience in yoga and meditation, Mark brings a profound depth of practice inspired by the lineage of Paramhansa Yogananda and enriched by decades of teaching worldwide. His approach weaves the stillness of meditation, the power of breath, and the unity at the heart of yoga into every experience.
Zefea, a three-time Dutch champion and world top 10 finisher in the International Yoga Championships, will be experiencing India for the first time alongside you. Her journey to the birthplace of yoga is one she has dreamed of for years. Since co-founding Evolation Yoga with Mark in 2009, she has trained over 3,000 teachers across 345 programs worldwide. Now, she brings her open heart, her passion for community, and her spirit of discovery as we explore this sacred land together, student and teacher, all walking the same path home.
During our time together, we will practice yoga, meditate in ancient temples, reflect by the sacred Ganges, and connect with the soul of India — its people, its colors, its devotion. You will feel the living spirit of yoga come alive as we visit places of great beauty and wisdom such as the Taj Mahal, the ghats of Varanasi, and the serene foothills of Rishikesh.
This is a journey of transformation, a rare opportunity to nurture your mind, body, and soul in the birthplace of yoga. Every moment invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the stillness within.
Dates: February 6 – 15, 2026
Destinations: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Rishikesh (with a possible visit to Bodh Gaya)
Come with an open heart and leave with renewed love, clarity, and connection to yourself and to the eternal spirit of yoga.
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We recommend booking your flight online through trusted platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or directly with airlines. Try to book early for the best deals.
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Overview of the Indian Visa Process: e‑Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
Determine the visa type – most short‑term visitors need a Tourist e‑Visa.
Apply online – the Indian government uses the e‑Visa portal. You fill out the application, upload a digital passport‑size photo and a copy of your passport’s bio‑page (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay).
Pay the fee – fees vary by nationality and visa length (typically $10‑$100). Payment is accepted via credit/debit card.
Receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – within 3‑7 business days (often sooner). You’ll get a PDF emailed to you.
Print the ETA – you must present the printed document (or a clear screenshot) to immigration officers on arrival.
Arrival in India – at designated airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Guwahati, and a few others) you’ll have your passport stamped with the visa. The e‑Visa is typically valid for 60 days from the date of entry, with a single or double entry depending on the category.
Extension (if needed) – Tourist e‑Visas cannot be extended. For longer stays, you must apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate before traveling.
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Yes, we can help arrange airport transportation to your hotel.
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Clothing & Yoga Gear
Yoga pants/leggings – pick breathable, moisture‑wicking fabrics so you stay comfortable in the studios.
Loose tops or tunics – good for movement and also modest enough for temple visits.
Light jacket or fleece – evenings in Delhi, Agra and Varanasi can be chilly in February.
Warm layers for early‑morning sessions in Rishikesh – think a thermal base layer and a wind‑proof shell; sunrise yoga by the Ganges gets cold.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers – you’ll be strolling through historic sites, so good support is key.
Sandals or flip‑flops – handy for showers and casual evenings.
Yoga mat (optional) – many centers provide mats, but if you prefer your own, a foldable travel mat works well.
Micro‑fiber towel – dries fast and is easy to pack.
Modest clothing for temples – long skirts, loose shirts, or a sarong to cover shoulders and knees.
Sun protection – a wide‑brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen; the winter sun can still be strong.
Personal Essentials
Travel‑size toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothbrush).
Any prescription meds plus a small first‑aid kit (pain relievers, motion‑sickness tablets, band‑aids).
Universal power adapter (India uses Type C/D/M plugs, 230 V).
Lightweight day‑bag for your mat, water bottle, and daily items.
Notebook or journal for reflections after each practice.
Documents & Money
Passport (valid at least six months beyond travel) and printed e‑Visa.
Some Indian rupees in cash plus a debit/credit card; smaller markets often take cash only.
Photocopies of passport, insurance, and emergency contacts stored separately from the originals.
Optional Extras
Eye mask and earplugs for better sleep in shared rooms.
Tiny packet of laundry detergent if you think you’ll need to wash clothes.
Small lock for hostel lockers.
Bottom line: Pack light, layer wisely, and bring versatile pieces that let you move freely for yoga and stay comfortable while exploring the cities. You’ll be all set for a smooth, enjoyable retreat!
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Yes, daily meals are included, and we cater to vegan diets. You’ll enjoy fresh, healthy, and locally sourced meals.
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Airfare
Arrival and departure transportation
Personal transportation outside of scheduled activities
Personal wellness sessions (massage, spa treatments, etc..)
Your questions, answered:
More questions? Get in touch with me!
If you have more questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm here to help and assist you with your business needs!
– Mark Drost, Co-founder of Evolation, Head of Sales Team
CONTACT MARK VIA EMAIL