IN YOGANANDA’S FOOTSTEPS INDIA TOUR FOR DEVOTEES OF PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA (SRF/YSS)

Hello fellow devotees and friends of SRF,
We, Network Tours have been organizing many tours for SRF Devotees – “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India Tour that includes participation in the YSS Convocation Retreat (Sharad Sangam) in Ranchi. Based on feedback from many devotees and our 20+ years of experience in organizing customized tours, Network Tours, New Delhi, has arranged fabulous 22 to 30 day group tours that combines the Sharad Sangam Ranchi spiritual experience with our popular “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India Tour—the tour especially designed to visit many of the special locations mentioned in “Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Notes:

• As many devotees have requested, the SRF/YSS spiritual tour “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India Tour now includes YSS Ashram stays whenever possible, in lieu of hotel accommodations.
• Note that ashram accommodations can be quite austere. We suggest that first-time visitors consider enhancing their first Indian experience by staying in 4-star hotels instead of ashrams and budget hotels. The additional comfort of nicer hotels can be easily arranged for a modest increase in cost.
• The detailed itinerary will be sent to you upon request or after submitting your first deposit.
• Customized pre-tour and post-tour options may be arranged upon request.

Network Tours has organized several successful spiritual “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India tours since 2001 for SRF devotees and friends. Our recent big tours include the Footsteps tour in February 2013 that included the Maha Kumbh Mela, a group tour in January 2016 & 2017 lead by Tour Leader James Aram, and several smaller groups in 2017 & 2018 & 2019. Our strength is serving repeat travelers from the SRF families who feel India is their second home. We are proud to be a part of the making of the movie ” Sacred Journeys of the World by Bruce Feiler” http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sacredjourneys/content/kumbh-mela/ and taken care of all the logistics of their travel arrangements.

After two years of no travel due to Covid pandemic, we are totally recharged to restart with our spiritual journeys. We will ensure all covid protocols for a very safe journey in India. Only fully vaccinated devotees will be allowed to participate in these tours. We are now giving all flights to various destinations wherever possible to ensure safety and hygiene.  

In the year  2022 & 2023,  we are organizing two group tours for SRF Devotees – First one in September/October 2022 which includes stay at YS Ashram in Ranchi , Noida , Daksineswar and Dwarahat. The second tour is in January/February 2023 to coincide with the Republic Day Cultural festivities and the holy month for bathing at the Prayag Triveni Sangam. These tours are being coordinated by our dear fellow devotee James Aram who was a member of the group during the 2013 Kumbh Mela and tour leader in January 2016 & 2017. 

We have divided the September/October 2022 Pilgrimage Tour into two parts as  “Main Footsteps Tour” & “Pre Tour to Badrinath” covering all the important spiritual sites as mentioned in the Autobiography of the Yogi. Brief details as mentioned below:

“IN YOGANANDA’S FOOTSTEPS- INDIA TOUR”
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022

An Indian pilgrimage experience customized for SRF members & friends 24th September  – 21st October  2022

(26 days in India; allow two travel days from USA; one travel day to return from Delhi) Featuring 03 days participation for Sadhana Sangam at the YSS Ranchi Ashram 08-11 October 2021 – A very special experience that will yield a lifetime of memories.

Principle Destinations:- New Delhi, Haridwar /Rishikesh , Vashishta Cave, Rudraprayag, Ranikhet, Dwarahat YSS Ashram, Babaji’s Cave, Delhi, Brindavan, Mathura, Agra,  YSS Noida Ashram, Varanasi, Bodhgaya,  Ranchi YSS Ashram, Kolkata YSS Dakshineswar Ashram, Belur, Serampore, Puri/Bhubaneswar , Delhi. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE “IN YOGANANDA’S FOOTSTEPS” INDIA TOUR ITINERARY:

24Sept – 26Sept: In Delhi – Visit India Gate, Presidents House, Parliament House, Red Fort, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, cycle rickshaw ride in the old market, YSS Kendra. Stay at a nice budget hotel close to the bazaar to buy essential items required for your India journey.

26Sept – 28Sept: Haridwar & Rishikesh – The Holy town of Rishis, Yogis, the famous Ashrams, participate in the personalized Ganga Arti. Take the Holy dip and participate in the Ganga Arti. Visit the Keshavananda and Anandamoyi Maa Ashrams.

28Sept – 29Sept: Rudraprayag – Take the Holy dip and see the confluence of two Holy Rivers.

29Sept – 03Oct: Dwarahat/Ranikhet – Stay at the YSS Dwarahat Ashram for 03 days, visit Babaji’s Cave and enjoy the wonderful view of the high Himalayas at sunrise and sunset. Participate in ashram activities. Visit the Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Ashram (Guru of Ramadass).

03Oct – 04Oct: Delhi Night stop en-route to Brindavan. – Stay at three star budget Hotel.

04Oct – 05Oct: Brindavan/Agra – Absorb the divine vibrations of Lord Krishna’s birth place in Mathura and visit Brindavan, Krishna’s boyhood home.Meditate at the Anandamoyi Maa’s Ashram and visit an ashram dedicated to Swami Keshabananda. Stay at a 3-star hotel. Visit the World Heritage Site and monument of love, the majestic Taj Mahal.

05Oct – 08Oct: In YSS Noida – Ashram – Relax, energize, meditate, and explore the grounds at the lovely YSS Noida Ashram. Stay at YSS Ashram.

08Oct – 10Oct: Varanasi – Boat rides in Varanasi at Sunset and Sunrise on the River Ganges. Meditate at Anandamoi Ma’s Home and visit Lahiri Mahasaya’s home and participate in Ganga Arti and walking tour of the oldest holy city in the world.

10Oct – 11Oct: Bodhgaya – Visit the Buddhisht Shrine and meditate at Kiran Lama’s monastery. This is a night stop en-route to Ranchi. Stay at three star budget Hotel.

11Oct – 14Oct: Ranchi -3 days stay at the YSS Ranchi Ashram Visit YSS Headquarters and retreat center. Participate in daily ashram activities including group energization and meditation.

14Oct – 17Oct: Kolkata Daksineswar Ashram – Stay at YSS Ashram at Dakshineswar for 03 nights. Visit Sri Yukteshwarji’s ashram site at Serampore, Paramahansa Yogananda’s boyhood and family home in Kolkata, Kali Temple at Dakshineshwar, Mother Teressa’s Kolkata home and convent, Swami Vivekananda’s house and Sharda Maa’s Ashram. Participate in daily ashram activities including group energization and meditation.

17Oct – 20Oct: Puri/Bhubaneswar – Visit Sri Yukteshwarji’s Karar Ashram and Lord Jagannath Temple museum. Stay at a beautiful 3-star hotel close to the beach.

20Oct – 21Oct: Delhi, Depart for USA – Return from Puri to Delhi. Spend night in Delhi, do last minute shopping and take flight back home.

The all-inclusive 26-days “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India tour is value-priced as follows:

BASE TOUR PRICE – per person, twin-sharing (at least 10 persons): USD 2990

BASE TOUR PRICE – per person, twin-sharing (minimum 04 persons): USD 3290

EXTRA FOR SINGLE ROOM – in hotels only, not an option in ashrams: USD 695

EXTRA TO STAY IN BUDGET HOTELS NEAR ASHRAMS (in lieu of staying in the ashrams) – per person, twin sharing: USD 450

INITIAL DEPOSIT – twin-sharing: USD 750

INITIAL DEPOSIT – single room: USD 1000

REGISTRATION RECEIVED AFTER July 24TH 2022, SUBJECT TO USD 200 SURCHARGE (late registration fee)

Tour price includes:

# Accommodation in clean, comfortable budget three-star hotels and YSS ashrams on twin sharing basis (single rooms available at additional cost; see above)

# All meals – breakfasts, simple lunches, & dinners

# 02 bottles of pure drinking water every day

# Transportation by A/C coach and car inclusive of all taxes, parking, & toll fees

# 04 domestic airline flights in India & 02 train rides in A/C cabins

# Entrances to all monuments

# Services of friendly tour escort who has accompanied many SRF devotee groups to all of Guruji’s principle sites over a 10-year period (tour group of 10 or more)

# Services of professional English-speaking/spiritual guides that assist in visiting historical sites and take you to locations mentioned in Autobiography of a Yogi and other points of spiritual interest

# 01 round-trip boat ride to Serampore from Dakshineswar (for a tour group of 10 or more).

# 02 boat rides on the River Ganges in Varanasi

# Cycle rickshaw rides in Delhi, Puri, and Varanasi

# Mobile phone carried by the escort to receive calls and connect with family in emergencies

# All applicable taxes

Tour Price does not include:

# Expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, internet usage, souveniers, etc.

# Medical insurance (required) or travel insurance (recommended)

# Personal donations at temples

# Extra, voluntary donations to YSS ashrams and monks (recommended USD 5-10 per night’s stay)

# International airfares & India Visa expenses

Please contact Mr. James Aram at jparam@gmail.com or sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com to register and request for detailed itinerary of this tour. A personalized itinerary with daily schedules will be provided to each traveler in advance of the start of the tour. Please register with an initial deposit of USD 750. Register for the Pre Tour by 24th July 2022. Late Registration Fee – USD 200.

We will be offering a 06 days Pre Tour to visit Badrinath for SRF devotees joining the “September/October 2022 – Footsteps India Tour “. The 06 Days Extended Pre Tour to Badrinath is priced at USD 795 per person on twin sharing (group of 4-10 person). The tour price includes accommodation on twin sharing in carefully selected budget hotels for 05 nights (Rudraprayag, Joshimath & Badrinath), all meals. Pay additional USD 350 for taking a single occupancy room. Initial deposit USD 200. Register for the Pre Tour by 24th July 2022. Late Registration Fee – USD 100.

We are also organizing the “ “In Yogananda’s India Footsteps Tour” in January/February 2023. This tour will start from 24th January to 21st February 2023 (28 days in India). Beside all the principal destinations, highlights and inclusions which are covered in September/October 2021 tour, all the devotees will also be experiencing the Cultural vibrancy of India at the Republic Day ceremony in Delhi

The January/February “In Yogananda’s Footsteps – 2023” Tour is priced at USD 3190 per person on twin sharing basis (minimum 10 person). Additional cost for a single room: USD 695 extra.

There is also an additional option for travelers that may prefer to stay in hotels near the ashrams in lieu of staying in the ashrams (on a single room basis): USD 450 extra.

Register for the January/February 2023  “ In Yogananda’s India Footsteps”  Tour by November 15^th, 2022. Please contact Mr. James Aram at jparam@gmail.com or sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com  to register and request for detailed itinerary of this tour. A personalized itinerary with daily schedules will be provided to each traveler in advance of the start of the tour. Please register with an initial deposit of USD 750 on twin sharing. Registrations received after November 15^th , 2022 will attract a Late Fee of USD 200.

NOTE: We plan to start a group mailing list of the tour participants. The purpose will be share information and options on a regular basis relating to the tour, such as:

# Requirement of a current passport and visa to travel to India. Good news is that India has E-visa facility for tourists from many countries including USA.
# Best air fare option to travel to Delhi (India) and back from your desired US city of departure.
# Travel health insurance.
# Deposit and money forwarding instructions.
# Sharing devotee questions and comments, as appropriate, with the rest of the group.
# Other tour and pilgrimage related information of interest.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also offer incentives to any potential tour leaders that bring in 10 or more devotees to their group. We want to reward the initiative and effort it takes to put together a good group.

If you wish to join our tour, please email us your confirmation and submit a US $750 deposit. On receipt of deposit we will send you a detailed day-wise tour itinerary.

We look forward to taking care of all your “In Yogananda’s Footsteps” India tour needs!!!!!!

Best regards.

Jai Guru.!!!!!

James P Aram – USA Representative. call +1 (530) 588-3864
Sandhya Pande – India Representative. call +91-9811111266

Testimonials

“Excellent tour overall. We were very pleased with the coordination, places we visited and with the guides. Highly recommended tour company – Thank you” Rafaelina and Eugene Ruiz. – In the Footsteps – February 2019.

” I’ve gone to India 4 times, the last 3 trips were SRF/YSS pilgrimage. Six of us from NY went in 2017 and the group chose to use Network Tours for all of our travel arrangements and everything worked perfectly. Sandhya is a YSS devotee but first and foremost she is a wonderful person and a very experienced, totally professional business owner with a very successful travel agency based in New Delhi. Good luck! Jai Guru! – Bill Siegel January’2018″

“Prasad was our shepherd. We could never have successfully completed this tour without him. Your team guided us safely and with very helpful information and lots of patience and goodwill. Thanks to all of your for this tour – Susan Bettmann , Vermont , USA – October Footsteps Group Tour 2017”

“Thank you Network Team. You all did a great job making this one of my most memorable travel experiences. I will come back to India. Thank you great job !!!!! Jai Guru !!!!! – Tm Boettcher, California , USA – October 2018”

The Tour deserves the highest rating for the pilgrimage travel. Our group of 18 were treated like family. Got the best care. Prasad our main guide is now part of our greater family as well as Debashis and others who shared their love and hearts. My heart is now in India. I hope and dream it is possible to return again and I must say this group of travelers also became one loving family. Thank you Sandhya, Ajay, Balbir for the perfect plan for the travel. Namaste – Jai Guru” – Deborah Sioux Thorup (Chico CA 95973, USA) – January 2016.

“ I really enjoyed the tour. All my needs were met. There was a lot of variety at first. I enjoyed going to and learning what I could about the different religions. At the end though too many temples all else was great. Thank you so much for getting this together. It was a great trip and people I will always remember with heartfelt love” – Susan Woods (Newada City, USA) –January 2016.

” Dear Sandhya, Thank you and your great team (Prasad and Ajay did a great job indeed) so very much for offering me and our SRF devotees group an wonderful journey in India! It was one of the most meaningful and uplifting journey of my life to visit your fascinating country that I miss already.

The group members were very pleased, as you can see from their messages of appreciation that you received already. I was very pleased to meet you in person also.

I hope that we can work together in the future again. With gratitude and best wishes, Dan Pricop – Tour Leader of SRF Group Kumbh Mela 2013″

“Dear Sandhya, I was a member of Dan Pricop’s recent tour group. I’m dropping a note simply because I failed to adequately express my deep appreciation for your services during our brief meeting the other night.

Most of all, words can’t describe my immense pleasure with the entire trip. I don’t recall ever experiencing such a sustained period of joy, awe, and deep appreciation for the culture and history around me. To make that so, your staff did a superb job of arranging and orchestrating all the events, connections, and presentations by the guides. I don’t know how you did it all for the price we paid, but I know everyone in the group was equally impressed and greatly appreciative.

It will take some time for my heart and mind to integrate the experience of the past three weeks. I tried to come to India without expectations other than to expect the unexpected. I did have, however, a great many positive imaginings about this trip. I truly can say all were happily and vastly exceeded!

Thank you for making my dream trip to India a reality, and please know that I will eagerly and heartily recommend Network Tours to everyone I can.

Sincerely, J. Aram” with Rinnie and our team members.

“Dear Sandhya Josef and I are eternally grateful for your loving help. We would not be traveling to India as often or as happily as we do if you were not helping us. Ajay and Prasad are wonderful to work with . Please know we are ever grateful, send our love, gratitude and blessings so that this year is the best one yet for family, work and God!” – Judy Szamos !!!! October 2018.

Judy Szamos, California , USA