Inspired with Leyla - formerly
Yoga Uganda
Mindful Exploration Yoga and culture retreat
22nd Jan - 29th Jan 2024
Gujurat Mindfulness Retreat was created as a yoga and culture retreat that transports yogis outside of their studios to further develop their practice while discovering the colorful and enchanting landscape that is Gujurat
Born in Gujurat, Payal Gori will return to the heart of her ancestral soil to guide you through a place very dear to her heart and soul. She will gently switch between at least 6 languages each day, to communicate with drivers, organize cars, discover temple opening times, food ingredients, where to get chai and anything else to ensure that you have nothing to worry about other then enjoying the unfolding journey.
Leyla Meredith will lead the asana, meditation and pranayama sessions. They will be a variety of yin and yang depending on the day and space available. Please note asana is not the focus of this retreat mindfulness is.
We want our retreat to be a journey for our guests. A journey into wellness and mindfulness as well as a journey to new lands and cultures.
India is a country steeped in mystery and mythology, art and poetry, music and tradition. Located at the far Western edge of Gujarat, Kutch is not part of the usual tourist trail. Whilst many traipse through Rajasthan for a view of the desert, fewer venture to the other side of the Thar desert to explore this spectacular region. This makes it the perfect place to really feel how our ancestors must have felt when there was nothing before them but oceans of elusive sand.
Kutch is a place of wonders! Mountains, dessert, beaches, broken down palaces and many many cross-cultural temples and mosques. The cottage industry of block printing, vegetable dying and handloom ajrakh all originate from this small town.
It's an incredible melting pot of cultures and landscapes making it hard not to fall in love with its colors, flavors and smiles.
On this retreat you can expect to go beyond the surface to discover the heartbeat of Kutch and the people who make up the soul of the city.
What makes this retreats unique is the extensive amount of one-of-a-kind experiences incorporated into every day
You can expect to immerse yourself in daily yoga or meditation practice in the most gorgeous spaces, stay in world class accommodation, explore the Rann of Kutch and ride camels if you want to into the sunset.
You will have the opportunity to discover the essence of this region of India: learn how mud and mirror work is created, watch artisans at work block printing then try yourself and dance and spend the night beneath the stars listening to the beats of local music around a camp fire.
Located at the far Western edge of Gujarat, Kutch is not part of the usual tourist trail. Whilst many traipse through Rajasthan for a view of the desert, fewer venture to the other side of the Thar desert to explore this spectacular region. This makes it the perfect place to really feel how our ancestors must have felt when there was nothing before them but oceans of elusive sand.
Whats included
• Daily yin or yang asana practices
• Led and silent meditations
• Access to the Festival site
• Excursions to sacred sites
• Shopping experiences
• Trip to local artisans
Accommodation
• 2 Mandavi Beach - Serena Hotel
• 2 nights White Desert Festival Rann of Kutch - Rann Visamo or similar
• 3 Nights Bhuj City - Times Square Club or similar
• Daily breakfast and dinner - Lunch included some days
• Airport Transfer from Bhuj to Guest House and drop off
This festival of Kutch celebrates the colour of the region, providing an arena for the arts and crafts of Gujurat to be displayed and purchased. It's possible to spend hours just walking through the stalls looking at the detailed embroidery on bed linen and brightly coloured leather work that had been intricately carved into decorations.
Beyond the festival we will visit local artisans who practice traditional Indian arts including rabari emroidery, rogan art and the distinctive mirror work that Kutch is known for.
Air from Mumbai to Bhuj.
Day 1 (22nd Jan 2024) – We make our way to the beautiful coast where trading first begun between West coast of India and East Africa. We will spend 2 nights an a beautiful beach resort and visit the old stone town. The resemblance and cross culture between Mandavi, Zanzibar and Lamu cannot be missed!
Day 3 (24th Jan 2024) Drive to the white dessert and at the Desert Festival Site. New to our offering for 2024 is the chance to stay in the desert, spend more time with the tribes that get to gather once a year when the desert appears. During this time they share stories, sing, dance and eat together. Its a special thing to witness and be part of.
Day 5 (26th Jan 2024) – We drive down to Bhuj, the big city of Kutch region and stay in an amazing property. Over these 3 days we will immerse in fabric printing workshops, visit cottage industries and indulge in amazing kutchi food. From the Aina Mahal to the local markets, 3 days might not be enough for this town!
Day 8 (29th Jan 2024) Its a short drive to the airport where we catch our flight to Mumbai or Ahmedabad
Gujarat is a DRY STATE – No alcohol.
All meals included will be vegetarian and vegan friendly. Lunch is not included in Bhuj and Mandavi to be able to explore local places.
Kutch is not a frequently visited spot by tourists, in Gujarat you will always find love and warm welcomes. The Eco Village in Hudko is a community created space and as a part of Karuna Ethos to promote sustainable lifestyle, all our accommodation profit goes back into keeping the local arts alive.
Of course we will have daily yoga, meditation and movement too!
Single room $2349
Shared room $2189
You are welcome to pay in installments. We need a minimum of 8 people 2 months before for this trip to run.
You can read a bit about kutch here: https://www.gujarattourism.com/hub/8
FORWARD OPTIONS
Even though the planned retreat ends here, Leyla and Payal plan to spend 2 days in Mumbai! You are all welcome to come see Mumbai with us and we can advise on further travel!