Yoga Immersion in India
Study, practice, and experience Yoga in Vrindavan, India
February 11–22, 2027
Yoga Practitioner, have you….
dreamed of traveling to India to experience Yoga at its source, but felt scared or overwhelmed to go alone?
longed to experience yogic philosophy first-hand, outside of just reading about it in books?
been called to study the Bhagavad Gita so you can understand yoga on a deeper, more authentic level?
wanted to teach yoga philosophy with more confidence in your classes, but aren’t sure how to get there?
felt confused by all the conflicting information about yoga philosophy and want guidance you can trust?
wanted to discover yoga beyond the asanas, so you can honor and respect its roots?
Hi, I’m Juliana Larochelle, and that was me too.
After graduating from my 200-hour yoga teacher training I knew how to get into a downward-facing dog just fine, but couldn’t wrap my head around the philosophy that this practice I was growing to love is based on. It felt like every studio I visited, provided a different version of the truth. It all left me feeling confused.
That is—until I signed up for Professor Edward Bryant’s Bhagavad Gita class at Rutgers University, where I was studying. It was one of the hardest but most life-changing classes I encountered, and it shifted something in me. It was also during this class that I first encountered a study abroad opportunity where I could deepen this newly acquired information through firsthand experience. Robert Lindsey would be leading a group to learn from a renowned scholar in Vrindavan, India. I immediately knew I needed to sign up.
In December 2015, I traveled to Vrindavan, India, for a Hinduism 101 class taught by Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji and Robert Lindsey. There, yoga philosophy went from something confusing to something I got to embody and experience daily. I began applying what I was learning in the classroom and textbooks to how I was living day to day. The trip made a lasting impact on my perspective and on my life.
While there, I brushed cows at the onsite cow sanctuary, toured ancient temples, experienced Kirtan, and ate Ayurvedic vegetarian meals every day. Much of our food was grown at the ashram, which has several acres of farmland called Jiva Farm. It was a far cry from my nights out as a Rutgers student, eating whatever the dining hall had to offer. In retrospect, I’m grateful to my younger self for taking the risk and opening space to step into a new, expanded version of myself.
A highlight from the trip was making a solid connection with Robert Lindsey, who is now a trusted friend and resource. His love for Vrindavan was contagious for our entire group – his patience and care made everyone feel at home. His knowledge of the philosophy, town, temples, sacred sites, and logistics made the trip smooth and easy. I am so excited we have the opportunity to work together and take a new group of eager students to Vrindavan, now 10 years later.
Our Seva:
It is my incredible honor to return to Jiva Ashram with you for a 12-day Yoga Immersion in India, co-hosted with Robert Lindsey. We are again teaming up together to focus on a shared goal in helping the Jiva Farm maintain rightful ownership of their land that is currently under illegal seizure. The Jiva Farm rests on several green acres, a short distance walk to the holy Yamuna River. This land provides food for the ashram, a safe haven for cows, and green space for the community, which is dwindling in this heavily populated area. The Jiva Farm needs financial support to fight ongoing legal battles to uphold their sovereignty.
Seva – is known as selfless service, in Sanskrit. It is a term we learn about in yoga. Selfless Service is a way to give back to communities and the world at large so the sanctity of nature and our sacred traditions can stay alive. 100% of the profits for this retreat will go directly toward stopping the illegal takeover of this land, so it can be safely preserved for generations to come.
The Details:
We invite you to join this experience of thoughtful, immersive, connected travel. We will sojourn to India from February 11 to 22, 2027. This 12-day immersive yoga experience will allow you to explore bhakti yoga and deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy. Spend your days exploring ancient temples, studying the Bhagavad Gita, and experiencing Bhakti Yoga. Eat ayurvedic vegetarian meals and enjoy a daily asana and meditation practice.
Experience....
𑁍 Kirtan at Krishna Balaram Temple
Experience the devotional atmosphere of Krishna Balaram Temple through live kirtan, the practice of call-and-response chanting rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition. Surrounded by music, chanting, and devotion, you’ll witness one of the most well-known spiritual gathering places in Vrindavan come alive.
𑁍 Loi Bazar
Explore Vrindavan’s bustling market street, famous for its colorful shops selling devotional items, handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and unique souvenirs. A perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of local culture.
𑁍 Madan Mohan Temple
Visit one of the oldest and most historically significant temples in Vrindavan, deeply connected to the early Bhakti Yoga tradition and the teachings of Krishna devotion. Perched on a hill overlooking the Yamuna River, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere, stunning views, and a glimpse into the rich spiritual history of Vrindavan.
𑁍 Durga Temple
Visit the Durga Temple in Vrindavan, a sacred space dedicated to the Divine Mother. Experience the vibrant energy of temple rituals, devotional chanting, and the colorful atmosphere that reflects India’s rich spiritual traditions.
𑁍 Jaipur Temple
Explore the historic Jaipur Temple, known for its striking sandstone architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Built by the royal family of Jaipur, this temple offers a quiet space for reflection and appreciation of Vrindavan’s devotional culture.
𑁍 Elephant Sanctuary in Agra
Spend time at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Agra dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants. Learn about their care, hear their stories, and experience a more compassionate way of connecting with these gentle animals.
𑁍 Kusum Sarovar
Perhaps the most iconic temple in the Vrindavan region. Immerse in
its historic architectural beauty and colorful paintings depicting the legends of Krishna adventures.
𑁍 Prem Mandir
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Prem Mandir, Vrindavan’s “Temple of Love.” Adorned with intricate marble carvings and illuminated at night, this temple is a stunning tribute to Radha and Krishna’s divine love.
𑁍 Taj Mahal
Conclude your journey with a visit to India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal. Marvel at this wonder of the world, a timeless symbol of love and architectural beauty, as you reflect on the transformation of your inner pilgrimage.
Leave with:
50-hour Bhagavad Gita & Bhakti Yoga Certificate - continuing education hours approved by the Yoga Alliance
A clearer understanding of the Bhagavad Gita & Bhakti Yoga, and how to apply it in your life
New yoga friends you’ll cherish for life
A renewed relationship with yourself and your practice to help you lead your students more confidently beyond the asanas
The Cost:
Early Bird Pricing ends July 31, 2026
Single Room
Early Bird: $2,750 USD
Regular Price: $3,150
This registration is for one person in a private room. The room includes one bed and a private en suite bathroom. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of registration.
Double Room
Double rooms are available for participants traveling with a significant other or a friend they would like to share a room with. We do not pair strangers together in shared rooms. This registration is for one person in a shared room with a private en suite bathroom.
Early Bird: $2,350 per person
Regular: $2,750 per person
When applying, please indicate that you are traveling and rooming with a partner or friend and include their full name so we can pair you together.
What’s Included:
Everything on the schedule
Daily meditation and yoga practices
Bhagavad Gita classes
Cultural excursions
Three nourishing vegetarian meals per day
Round-trip transportation to and from the airport
What’s Not Included:
Airfare
Personal travel insurance
Any souvenirs or personal purchases
Meet Your Guides
Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji
Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji is a renowned Sanskrit scholar, teacher, and spiritual leader dedicated to preserving and sharing the wisdom of Vedic philosophy. After earning engineering degrees from IIT and building a successful career in the U.S., he left it all to return to India and pursue spiritual study.
In Vrindavan, he immersed himself in Sanskrit and the six systems of Indian philosophy under the guidance of his guru, Sri Haridas Shastri Maharaj. Inspired to protect and teach this ancient knowledge, he founded the Jiva Institute of Vedic Studies.
Today, Babaji continues to guide students worldwide, sharing the profound teachings of Bhakti Yoga and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition through his scholarship, translations, and direct mentorship.
Robert Lindsey
Robert Lindsey grew up in Baltimore with a passion for academics and spirituality, leading him on a lifelong journey of study, travel, and service. This calling led him to Vrindavan, India—the heart of devotional practice—where he first arrived in 2010 and instantly fell in love with the place, its people, and its spiritual culture. Inspired to share Vrindavan’s magic, Robert founded a study abroad program at Rutgers University bringing students to Vrindavan for immersive courses on Hinduism co-taught with Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji. The response was so positive that he also led annual retreats in Vrindavan for Yoga Vida NYC, where he was the Director of Yoga History and Philosophy. Over the past 15 years, Robert has led over a dozen groups of students and yoga practitioners through transformative learning and spiritual experiences in India.
Today, Robert’s mission has expanded to protecting Vrindavan’s sacred spaces from rapid development. Through this retreat, he invites others to experience the beauty, wisdom, and devotional heart of Vrindavan while raising vital funds to defend Jiva Farm and the local community from illegal land seizure.
Juliana Larochelle
Juliana is a yoga teacher and mentor with 12 years of experience. After taking her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, she felt a disconnect. She knew how to hit the poses, but the philosophy and history of yoga left her confused. She signed up for a Rutgers course with Professor Edwin Bryant and her worldview expanded, taking her to Vrindavan, India for two immersive experiences that helped solidify her yogic values in a modern world. Now, she is returning to help protect the local culture, community, and from which she has learned so much and open the hearts of others to do the same.
FAQs
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying at the Jiva Institute, a comfortable ashram setting with both single and shared room options. Each room includes a private bathroom equipped with a European-style handheld shower, hot water heater, air conditioning, and wifi. Please keep in mind that this is an ashram, not a five-star resort. Power outages may occur from time to time, which is a normal part of life here.
The address: Jiva Institute 380 Sheetal Chaya Raman Reti, Vrindavan UP 281121, India.
Are flights included?
No, you will be responsible for finding and booking your travel.
We will provide info on suggested itineraries.
Will transportation to and from the airport be provided?
Yes! Once you arrive in India, you’ll be taken care of. We’ll guide you between destinations so you don’t have to worry about navigating a new and unfamiliar place. You will need to fly into New Delhi (DEL).
We’ll offer two group transportation times based on recommended flight options. If you choose a different flight, you’re welcome to meet us at the airport at those designated times. If that doesn’t work for you, we can help arrange private transportation for an additional fee - the earliest that you may arrive to Jiva Institute is 6pm on February 11.
Is there a flight you recommend? How does group transportation to and from the airport work?
Everyone will be flying in from different locations, so we’ve selected two recommended group flights that our schedule is built around:
United Airlines (EWR → DEL)
Depart Wednesday, February 10 at 8:30 PM via Flight UA 82
Arrive Thursday, February 11 at 9:50 PM
Return:
Depart Monday, February 22 at 11:55 PM via Flight UA 93
Arrive Tuesday, February 23 at 6:20 AM
American Airlines (JFK → DEL)
Depart Wednesday, February 10 at 7:35 PM via Flight AA 292
Arrive Thursday, February 11 at 8:35 PM
Return:
Depart Monday, February 22 at 11:55 PM via Flight AA 293
Arrive Tuesday, February 23 at 6:25 AM
We will provide two group transportation times from the New Delhi (DEL) airport based on these two flights. If you book one of these options, transportation will be coordinated for you.
If you choose a different flight, you’re welcome to meet us at the airport at one of the designated pickup times. If your arrival or departure does not align with either group transfer, we can arrange a private ride for you with a trusted driver for an additional fee.
We’ll also provide two group transportation times for the return to the airport based on these same flights. We’ll be tracking everyone’s travel, so if there are any delays, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
What will a typical day at this retreat look like?
Wake up for morning meditation practice led by Robert and then yoga asana practice led by Juliana, followed by breakfast. We’ll study the Bhagavad Gita, practice Kirtan, and have question and answer classes with Babaji at the Jiva Ashram. We’ll have an Ayurvedic Lunch and take daily cultural excursions. A tentative schedule can be found here, and it is subject to change.
Is it safe?
Yes, millions of people travel to India each year, and we take every precaution to ensure a safe and supportive experience. Like anywhere, it's important to travel with awareness and preparation. To clarify: Jiva Ashram, where we’ll be staying, is not on the same property as Jiva Farm. There is no threat of Jiva Ashram land trying to be illegally seized. Jiva Ashram is in a gated community with 24-hour security.
What is the cost?
This retreat is an investment of $2,350-3,150 USD with early bird and payment plan options available. All of the profits will go to the efforts to protect Jiva Farm.
Are payment plans available?
If you would like to set up a payment plan, please indicate this in your application. At the time of registration, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required, followed by four additional payments.
Are refunds available?
Refund Policy:
At the time of registration, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required.
You may cancel and receive a refund (minus the $500 deposit) until October 31st.
Cancellations made after October 31st are non-refundable.
What Previous Participants Have to Say About the Trip:
Tania | @tanqitravels
My experience at Jiva Institute was completely transformative. I felt safe because everyone we met showed care and deep dedication to the mission and the wellbeing of all the other people around. The classes are very impactful and the delivery felt genuine, with one purpose to help you understand and absorb the material. Rob supported us through patiently answering questions, always staying calm and grounded, delivering medicine, knowledge, and a solid presence when needed. He went above and beyond to fulfill every request, when we needed anything he was always there to guide us with a smile. His kindness, hard work and tremendous love for Vrindavan is felt in every word, every smile, and every breath we shared together. The yoga classes were creative and being able to experience different teachers and classes really made this yoga immersion unique. I want to thank everyone, from the kitchen and cleaning staff, to Babaji, and the wonderful kirtan leaders, Kamala, Jaya, Gopal and all the residents at Jiva! This experience would not have been the same without you. Thank you 🙏
Kristen | @k_tawy
Forget the five-star resorts...if you want a true, life-changing immersion in India, you want Rob and Jiva. I’ll admit I was on the fence about traveling somewhere so different, but Rob’s guidance made me feel supported every step of the way. He leads you through the 'uncomfortable' parts of growth with grace, teaching you and opening your mind in ways a typical vacation never could. If you're ready to challenge your soul and discover a new side of yourself, this is the trip of a lifetime. So don't wait!
Larissa | @larissa.yoga
Attending the yoga and Bhagavad Gita retreat in Vrindavan, India was a truly transformative experience. Immersed in such a sacred and vibrant setting, the teachings came alive in a way that felt both deeply personal and universally meaningful.
Robert is an exceptional teacher. His depth of knowledge is clear, yet what makes him truly special is his ability to present a very complex and profound text like the Bhagavad Gita in a way that is simple, relatable, and easy to understand. He has a rare gift for breaking down intricate philosophical ideas without losing their essence. Throughout the retreat, Robert was incredibly patient and generous with his time. He welcomed every question with openness and kindness—even when, like Arjuna, the same question was asked again and again. His thoughtful answers never felt rushed or dismissive; instead, they invited deeper reflection and understanding.
What stood out most was his genuine enthusiasm for the culture and the teachings. His passion is absolutely contagious—you can’t help but feel inspired and eager to learn more. Robert also went above and beyond to make sure we felt fully prepared and supported throughout the entire journey. He took the time to explain the culture in advance, what to expect, and even broke down airline requirements so nothing felt overwhelming. Once we arrived, we never had to open our wallets, and we felt safe and well cared for at all times. India is very different from the U.S., but Robert gave us the awareness and tools to navigate situations that might otherwise feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to foreigners.
Juliana was incredibly kind and inclusive throughout the retreat. She made everyone feel welcome from the very beginning and created a space where each person felt seen and supported. She was always attentive to our needs and made sure that if anyone needed anything, it would be taken care of. Juliana’s yoga sessions were a perfect complement to the experience. Her classes were fun, creative, and a wonderful way to reconnect with the body after the meditation practices taught by Robert. The balance between stillness and movement felt intentional and deeply nourishing.
Robert’s care extended far beyond teaching. He truly went above and beyond—for example, getting cold medicine for those who weren’t feeling well and ensuring we always knew a doctor was available to come to the ashram if needed. That level of attentiveness made a huge difference and added to the overall sense of safety and trust.
One of the most special parts of the retreat was the group itself. Juliana attracted an incredible group of people, and we quickly formed a genuine sense of community. The connections felt natural and meaningful, and I truly believe these are friendships that will last a lifetime. The people at Jiva were some of the kindest I’ve ever met, adding another layer of warmth and authenticity to the entire experience.
Another deeply meaningful aspect of the retreat is that the proceeds go toward helping protect Jiva Farm from illegal takeover. This beautiful green space is so vital for both humans and animals in Vrindavan. I witnessed firsthand the impact of rapid development—monkeys whose natural habitats have been destroyed to make way for buildings, then pushed out of the last remaining food sources and forced to survive by eating trash in the streets. Being at Jiva Farm felt like being part of something important and protective. During our time there, we were able to give back in small but meaningful ways—helping plant trees and spending time with the animals the farm cares for, including dogs and cows. These moments added a sense of purpose and connection that went far beyond a typical retreat experience. Since returning home, I have continued to use the meditation techniques I learned during the retreat, and they have already become an important part of my daily life. I also plan to continue with a daily japa practice, carrying the spirit of the retreat forward.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking both spiritual growth and a meaningful, well-supported, and heart-opening experience. I would absolutely consider coming back.
Steph | @stphbrd
The yoga immersion in Vrindravan was a true coming home to the self and to yoga practice. The whole town of Vrindravan is a reminder that yoga as a way of life. From the classes on Bhagavad Gita to cultural excursions to group activities and yoga asana practice, the whole experience was a comfortably uncomfortable, exciting journey.
A great experience for yoga teachers or anyone interested in diving deeper into yoga practice. Lead by the best, Juliana, Rob and Colleen made sure everyone was supported emotionally, physically and spiritually. I truly enjoyed it more than words can even express.
Scarlett (left) & Steph (right) planting a tree at Jiva Farm
Scarlett | @yogascarlett_inmotion
Thank you Rob and Juliana for everything! There is no better way to experience India for the first time than joining this yoga immersion.
Everything is very organized and well communicated that made me feel safe and comfortable before I even got to India. Even I’m in a foreign and overwhelmed country, I felt like in home with this community.