India: A Journey of Soul and Soil
We are excited at Empyrean to open this trip for the second time to a non-university audience. We look forward to sharing this experience with a wider community of diverse backgrounds and ages.
Here we will continue Empyrean's practice of learning and reflection through the journey, sharing readings and films about the places we will visit and making intentional time each day to reflect on our experience and to think about how we can meaningfully bring our experiences home to improve our own communities as we learn from the inspiring individuals and places we encounter on our Indian journey of soul and soil.
Our tour begins in Delhi, with a chance to explore the old and new cities. Explore sprawling gardens, ancient tombs and sacred spaces. Dig deep into urban food production as we meet the innovators who are bringing permaculture to the city’s balconies and rooftops.
Continue to Agra to explore the iconic Taj Mahal with the man who literally has a PhD on the building’s astounding architecture and history.
Venture north by train into Uttarakhand, into the foothills of the Himalayas. Meet families who have lived in this region for generations. Experience with the unique vegetables and spices grown in the highland soils of the Himalayas. Spend time with leaders of the India’s foremost agricultural social movement, who are helping Indian farmers to prosper by returning to chemical-free, regenerative practices. Explore their demonstration farm and engage in hands on learning. Catch your breath with peaceful walks through the adjacent forest.
End your journey in Rishikesh, the ancient spiritual community on the banks of the holy Ganges as its emerges fresh and clear from the Himalayan mountains. Wade into the waters and get lost in ancient Hindu ceremonies that draw thousands daily. Experience yoga and meditation in the epicenter of India’s yogic community.
Continue to Agra to explore the iconic Taj Mahal with the man who literally has a PhD on the building’s astounding architecture and history.
Venture north by train into Uttarakhand, into the foothills of the Himalayas. Meet families who have lived in this region for generations. Experience with the unique vegetables and spices grown in the highland soils of the Himalayas. Spend time with leaders of the India’s foremost agricultural social movement, who are helping Indian farmers to prosper by returning to chemical-free, regenerative practices. Explore their demonstration farm and engage in hands on learning. Catch your breath with peaceful walks through the adjacent forest.
End your journey in Rishikesh, the ancient spiritual community on the banks of the holy Ganges as its emerges fresh and clear from the Himalayan mountains. Wade into the waters and get lost in ancient Hindu ceremonies that draw thousands daily. Experience yoga and meditation in the epicenter of India’s yogic community.