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Lazarus Journeys to the Ganges

Our main setting lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It's situated at the base of a steep valley by the Ganges with sizeable gardens and its own private ghatt. The water in this area is clear and its colour can be described as an enchanting 'emerald-green-blue.'

On the opposite bank of the river is a one of the many white sandy beaches in the area where you will see yogi's in the distance clothed in orange bathing and performing their morning and evening rituals. The only route to the building is from a steep, winding path which gives you private seclusion and a sense of being isolated. The intensity of the rapids ensures there are no unnatural sounds.

Our venue is in an area where once only Yogis’, Gurus’, Swamis’, Sadhus’, Nagar Babas’ and Rishis’ lived and there are still large numbers of them there today. It’s regarded as the first stopping post for those leaving a worldly life to begin their ‘sadhana’ in the higher Himalayas regions. There are many legends and facts regarding famous seers and saints who have lived here.

The Ganges curves either side of our setting and the foothills opposite extend to a height of 1,000 feet. Two kilometres to the left or right (either way) are ancient pilgrimage villages with foot bridges across to either side.

There is a legend that from Laxman Jhula the god Laxman drew his bow paving the way for the gods to enter the inner Himalayan region. Ram Jhula was made famous to westerners by the Beatles visit during the sixties and they wrote many songs there including ‘Here Comes the Sun’ on the beach opposite our venue. The ashram where they stayed is now derelict but with its forty natural caves it makes an interesting place to visit and is said to have an unusual atmosphere.

Many regular western visitors have commented on the atmosphere of this ancient spiritual area and have been drawn to staying for longer periods. It's said that because it’s been used for spiritual practice for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, a special, uplifting vibration is palpable in the air. The area is literally teeming with those dressed in orange robes and, coupled with its numerous ashrams, it’s commercially become the Yoga capital of India.

(This location has also been chosen for its easy, relatively short route from Delhi enabling those who can only take a shorter break to experience a retreat process.)