Any advice for Kolkata - Varanasi - Rishikesh - Dharmshala + Yoga/Meditation camp

amb005

Hi,

I have been in India for 3 weeks now, and this site has been perfect in helping, having no lonely planet I have just been going to google typing the next leg of my journey and the first results are usually an india mike thread of someone asking exactly what I wanted to ask... the regulars are very selfless and its really appreciated by a lot of people who arent registered!

I am now after a bit more detail and have quite a few questions. I am currently in Kolkata, and am wanting to do a round trip through the North and then back again as I have a flight leaving from Kolkata. I am trying to find accommodation and journey details I am on a budget so trying to stay and travel pretty cheaply but also cleanly. Will be happy spending around 350 for accommodation. From Kolkata to Varanasi I have found some good information such as: Train 3027 departs Howrah daily at 20:00 and gets to Varanasi at 10:50. Vishnu Lodge = has cheap rooms and clean close to the river (this kind of advise for the rest of the journey would be perfect.) The rest of my journey is not as solid, I was wanting any advice I am not locked into any schedule so any must sees would be great, I was thinking of seeing the erotic temples but it seems like it is going to be a hassle traveling and I have way too much luggage.

The basic skeleton itinerary is Varanasi-Rishikesh-Dharmshala and back (the back journey I am thinking of just doing in one hit so maybe a 35 hour train ride back to Kolkata). I am also wanting to stay a week or so in a nice peaceful meditation or yoga camp, anyone have any to recommend for an absolute beginner? I basically just want to rejuvenate myself from all the drinking and lack of excercise over the past 5 months

Any accommodations in these places, or any other places nearby that I must see (Im not too much of a history lover, I just like nice places and for me thats any chilled out rainforesty, rivery, paradisey style :P) that will fit into my budget would be much much appreciated.

Actually I have just done a bit of research, and seems that its going to be easier and better option just to catch a jet airways flight from Delhi to Bangkok, the airfare will be about 13500 INR, as opposed to the 10500 INR from Kolkata, so not much difference specially seeing as I will also save by not taking the train back to kolkata... so need to eat as much of the food here as possible before I leave, am going to miss it!

Anyone else on the same journey here is what I ended up doing: caught the 4265/BSB DDN EXP from Varanasi to Haridwar Jn, once arriving in Haridwar caught the bus straight to Rishikesh. I found the perfect ashram that matched everything I was looking for, its called Phool Chatti Ashram, about 5 kms up from Laxman Jhoola, its right on the banks of the ganga, surrounded by beautiful mountains and gardens, away from all the noise of the main town, and the ashram caters for beginners, it was definitely my best experience in India met great people and had a great time.
Then caught the Poorva Express from Delhi back to Kolkata as air india express flights to bangkok for kolkata are only 5000 INR including taxes. Hope it helps,

Hel

Hi -thanks a million for the info- glad it all worked out well for you- I'm going to check out that Asram when I head there in August. H