Hridaya Bhav Sangha: India
A Journey to the Heart in Rishikesh

February 2-9, 2027

with Resilient Joy & Swadharma Yogshala

Pricing
Apply Now

Retreat Overview

7 Nights, 8 Days | Yoga, Devotion & Sacred Tradition in the Birthplace of Yoga

Step into the heart of yoga and spiritual exploration with the Hridaya Bhav Retreat in Rishikesh. This 7-night, 8-day immersive journey is more than just a retreat—it’s a sacred pilgrimage. Disconnect from daily life and immerse yourself in the profound wisdom, rituals, and traditions that have guided seekers for generations.

In Sanskrit, Hridaya (हृदय) means “heart”—the seat of wisdom, love, and truth. Bhav (भव) is the soulful feeling of devotion, surrender, presence, and openness to life and its beauty. Sangha (संघ) is a sacred community—a gathering of individuals who come together in shared intention, support, and connection on the path.

Together, they invite you to explore yoga as a path to reconnect with your true self, your heart, and something greater—held within the embrace of community.

Through meditation, movement, mantra, sacred rituals, and philosophy, you will dive into the essence of yoga—a practice that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage in yoga as a living tradition that fosters transformation and deep connection.

In the sacred space of Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, you will absorb the teachings of India, participate in sacred ceremonies, and experience the deep vibrations of devotion through every practice.

This retreat is your invitation to step away from the noise, reconnect with your heart, and experience the profound wisdom of yoga in one of the most sacred places on Earth.

A Journey of Transformation
This retreat is an invitation to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the living wisdom of yoga. Step into the sacred, embrace the essence of devotion, and return home with a renewed sense of clarity, connection, and inner peace.

People participating in a Hindu prayer ceremony, sitting on the ground in front of an altar with flower decorations, and praying with hands folded, on a rooftop with a temple, river, and mountains in the background.

Why Rishikesh?

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh has long been a sanctuary for sages, yogis, and seekers. Known as the birthplace of yoga, it is infused with centuries of devotion, making it an unparalleled destination for deep introspection, transformation, and connection.

The spiritual vibration of this land is palpable—the prayers, meditations, and rituals of saints and renunciates have woven a sacred energy into its very essence. Here, the mountains whisper ancient wisdom, and the river carries the echoes of devotion.

A man sitting cross-legged inside a cave with rocky walls, eyes closed, wearing a green t-shirt and shorts, with dust on his legs and a relaxed expression.
A man sitting cross-legged inside a cave with rocky walls, eyes closed, wearing a green t-shirt and shorts, with dust on his legs and a relaxed expression.
A group of people participating in a spiritual or religious ceremony indoors. An older man with long gray hair and a beard is sitting cross-legged, with hands pressed together in prayer. Others are sitting around him, some with musical instruments like a drum. Light streams through large windows with decorative wood carvings, and sheer curtains hang beside the windows.
Four women performing yoga in a river with a misty background of green forested hills.
A group of women participating in a Hindu religious ceremony, wearing traditional clothing and floral garlands, with a woman in the foreground holding a lit diya (oil lamp). In the background, Buddhist-style stupas and mountains are visible.

Who Is This For?

This retreat is open to all seekers—whether you are beginning your journey or deepening an existing practice. You don’t need prior yoga experience—just an open heart and a willingness to explore.

  • This journey is for you if:
    You feel called to experience India’s spiritual traditions firsthand

  • You seek a deeper understanding of yoga beyond just physical postures

  • You long to take part in authentic rituals and ceremonies

  • You wish to connect with teachers, wisdom, and sacred spaces

  • You are open to personal transformation through reflection, community, and ancient traditions

Group of people engaged in a spiritual or cultural ceremony inside a decorated room with pink walls and black-and-white checkered flooring. Some are sitting on the floor, while others stand, and one person is taking a photo or video. Several women are dressed in white, and there are baskets and colorful fabrics on the floor.

What To Expect?

On this journey, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Experience yoga beyond the physical, with guided asana practices, meditation, breathwork, and spiritual discussions that deepen your connection to yourself and the wisdom of yoga.

  • Wander through the vibrant streets of Rishikesh, where sacred cows roam freely, the aroma of freshly brewed chai fills the air, and temple bells echo alongside the flowing Ganges.

  • Visit sacred temples and sites, where sages and seekers have meditated for centuries, absorbing the stillness and devotion woven into these sacred spaces.

  • Connect with revered teachers and spiritual guides, learning from those who have dedicated their lives to the study and practice of yoga in its many forms—philosophy, mantra, meditation, and conscious living.

  • Be nourished by authentic Ayurvedic meals, carefully prepared to balance mind, body, and spirit. Made with seasonal, sattvic (pure and wholesome) ingredients, each meal is designed to promote vitality, clarity, and deep nourishment while aligning with yogic principles.

  • Take part in ancient ceremonies, including fire and flower rituals, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at sunset, an offering of light and devotion to the sacred river.

  • Experience the healing power of sound, through an immersive sound healing session. These vibrations help restore balance, calm the nervous system, and guide you into deep states of relaxation and awareness.

  • Lose yourself in the magic of kirtan, the practice of devotional singing. Voices join together in call-and-response chants, creating an atmosphere of joy, connection, and spiritual upliftment. Kirtan is a heart-opening experience that allows you to feel devotion through sound and community.

  • Absorb the energy of the Himalayas at sunrise, as we journey to a sacred mountaintop temple, witnessing breathtaking panoramic views of the sun rising over the peaks. The Himalayas, often called the “abode of the gods,” hold an undeniable spiritual potency that has drawn seekers for centuries.

  • Build deep connections with a community of like-minded individuals on a shared spiritual path. Through shared practices, heartfelt conversations, and moments of stillness, you will form bonds that extend beyond this retreat—creating a supportive, soulful community rooted in growth and exploration.

A group of people participating in a meditation or yoga class, sitting cross-legged on colorful mats in a spacious room with large windows and curtains, natural light streaming in.
A group of people pose together by a river with mountains in the background. The group includes both men and women, some dressed in traditional Indian attire. The scene looks festive and outdoors, with boats on the river and buildings on the hillside.
Two women are hugging outdoors near a river with mountains in the background. One woman is wearing a red floral dress and the other is in traditional Indian attire. They appear to be sharing a heartfelt moment. There is a large mural of a woman with flowing hair on a wall to the right.

Accommodations

Retreat participants will stay in either shared or private rooms, each with its own bathroom, in the peaceful Laxman Jhula area of Rishikesh. The guesthouse features an on-site yoga shala where daily practices, gatherings, and events take place, creating a cohesive and supportive retreat environment. Accommodations include daily vegetarian meals.

Just a 5–10 minute walk from the riverbank, guests have easy access to temples, ashrams, bookshops, cafés, and the vibrant spiritual culture of Laxman Jhula—offering an ideal balance of tranquility and connection.

Set against the Himalayan foothills, this serene setting provides a sanctuary for deep practice, reflection, and renewal throughout the retreat experience.

Pricing

Shared Room (Twin Sharing)
Comfortable shared accommodation with private bathroom
$2,100

Private Room
Private room with private bathroom for deeper rest and solitude
$2,600

*Payment plans available

View from a balcony with checkered floor tiles, overlooking a green lawn, trees, and mountains in the distance.
Sunset over a river valley with hills, residential buildings, and trees in a mountainous area.
A bedroom with a bed, a patterned rug, a small cabinet, beige curtains, a ceiling fan, a chair, and a window with a view outside.
View from a balcony overlooking a river at sunset, with residential buildings on the left and hills in the background.
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What’s Included:

✔️ Airport Transfer – Complimentary pick-up for a seamless and easeful arrival
✔️ Comfortable Accommodation – Peaceful retreat stay in the serene Laxman Jhula area of Rishikesh
✔️ Ayurvedic Meals Daily – Thoughtfully prepared sattvic meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to nourish and restore
✔️ Daily Yoga – A curated blend of Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative practices to support all levels
✔️ Daily Meditation – Guided sessions to cultivate inner stillness, clarity, and presence
✔️ Workshops – Insightful teachings on yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, astrology, breathwork, and conscious living
✔️ Excursions – Explore the natural beauty and spiritual richness of Rishikesh, from scenic landscapes to sacred landmarks along the Ganges
✔️ Temple Visits – Immerse yourself in the energy of ancient temples and revered spiritual sites
✔️ Ceremonies – Experience traditional rituals including Ganga Aarti and sacred fire ceremonies
✔️ Community & Connection – Meaningful connection through shared practice, reflection, and a supportive sangha

What’s Not Included:

❌ Airfare – Flights to and from India
❌ Visa – Required for international travelers (check entry requirements)
❌ Travel Insurance – Highly recommended for medical coverage, trip cancellations, and personal liability
❌ Spa & Wellness Treatments – Any Ayurvedic therapies
❌ Personal Expenses – Shopping, souvenirs, snacks, or meals outside the accommodation facilities
❌ Optional Activities – River rafting, private healing sessions, or other add-on experiences
❌ Additional Transportation – Any extra airport transfers or personal transport outside retreat activities
❌ Additional Stay – Accommodation outside of the retreat dates is not included in the program price if you choose to extend your time; however, we can recommend trusted accommodations

Meet Your Hosts & Learn More

A woman with curly dark hair, smiling, sitting on a stone surface near a body of water with shisha city in the background. She is wearing earrings, a white traditional top with red accents, maroon pants, and jewelry, including rings and a bracelet.

Yoga Teacher
Founder of Resilient Joy
Wisconsin, United States

Connect with Kayla on Instagram

Kayla Gonzalez

A man with curly hair and a beard wearing a white shirt, standing outdoors with hands pressed together in a prayer gesture, with water and cityscape in the background.

Yoga Teacher
Founder of Swadharma Yogshala
Rishikesh, India

Connect with Shobhit on Instagram

Shobhit Ghanshyala

A man and woman standing on a balcony with a temple in the background. They are dressed in traditional Indian clothing, smiling, with the man wearing a white kurta and loose green pants, and the woman in a white embroidered dress with matching leggings. The woman is standing on a small red and black patterned rug.
Two people, a woman on the left and a man on the right, sitting on a riverbank and smiling at each other. The woman is wearing traditional Indian clothing with a red patterned scarf, and the man is dressed in white. They are sitting cross-legged under a tree with leaves. In the background, there are buildings and a misty mountain landscape across the river.
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Explore Rishikesh

People lying on mats in a yoga class with a wall decorated with colorful symbols, flowers, and drums in the background.
Three cows standing inside a fenced corridor, with a white cow on the left, a brown cow in the middle, and a dark brown cow on the right.
A group of people participating in a yoga or meditation class in a bright room with large windows and ornate woodwork. The instructor, sitting on a mat in the center, appears to be leading the session, with students seated on mats around him.
People celebrating with flower garlands, throwing flower petals, wearing traditional Indian clothes, smiling during a joyful outdoor festival.
A woman walking across a narrow suspension bridge with mountain scenery in the background.
A cow is drinking water on a riverbank, with a mountain landscape and people walking in the background.
A woman with a light green headscarf sitting on a large rock by a river, surrounded by many rocks, with lush green trees on the opposite bank.
People sitting on the floor, preparing flower petals for a traditional ceremony. Two large baskets contain colorful orange, pink, and white petals, with some petals scattered on the floor. The participants are dressed in traditional clothing and are arranging or sorting the flowers.
A person sitting on a bench playing a vintage wooden piano with sheet music and notes on a nearby paper.
People participating in a traditional Indian ceremony, decorating and paying respects at a temple or shrine with marigold flower garlands and offerings.
Group of people celebrating with flower petals, garlands, and music on a rooftop or terrace, with some seated and others standing or dancing, during a traditional Indian ceremony.
Two women stand on a rocky riverbank with mountains in the background, smiling and holding hands above their heads.
People practicing yoga or stretching outdoors by a river with mountains and buildings in the background, during early morning or late evening.
Group of diverse people wearing colorful traditional clothing and flower garlands, raising their hands together outdoors with mountains and buildings in the background.
A person practicing yoga in the tree pose on a large rock in a forested mountain landscape with evergreen trees and mountains in the background.
A monkey sitting on the seat of a red motorcycle among several parked motorcycles, with a scenic view and trees in the background.

Retreat Terms & Conditions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All payments are non-refundable within ninety (90) days of the scheduled arrival date. No refunds will be issued for late arrivals, early departures, missed activities, illness, personal emergencies, or removal from the retreat. Processing fees are non-refundable. If a refund is requested more than ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled arrival date, $400 of the total payment is non-refundable and will be retained as a deposit.

The Host reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the retreat due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, illness, venue issues, government restrictions, or emergencies. In such cases, the Host’s liability is limited to a refund of payments received, excluding travel or other expenses incurred by the Participant.

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

Participant Responsibilities & Conduct

Participants confirm they are in suitable physical and mental condition to participate and agree to disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, pregnancy, or health concerns prior to the retreat.

All safety instructions must be followed. Respectful behavior toward participants, staff, instructors, and local residents is required at all times. Disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful conduct may result in removal from the retreat without refund.

Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

Participation involves inherent risks, including physical injury, illness, emotional distress, property damage, or loss. By participating, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks and releases and waives all claims against the Host, organizers, instructors, staff, and venue owners, including claims based on negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Insurance

Participants are responsible for obtaining adequate travel insurance, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and personal liability.

Media Release

Participants grant permission for photos or recordings taken during the retreat to be used for promotional or educational purposes unless written notice is provided prior to the retreat (unless stated otherwise prior to retreat date).

Agreement

By submitting a deposit or payment, the Participant confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.