INDIA: Mindfulness and Cultural Journey with Bruce and Emma Kittle

Delhi, India

NJ
Nanda Journeys
  • Email address verified
86 reviews
Mar 16 - 30, 2024
Group size: 1 - 20
INDIA: Mindfulness and Cultural Journey with Bruce and Emma Kittle
Delhi, India

Nanda Journeys
  • Email address verified
86 reviews

Mar 16 - 30, 2024
Group size: 1 - 20

About this trip

Journey to INDIA for a transformative and once in a lifetime experience! Explore the sights and sounds of India while also participating in mindful practices with Bruce and Emma to enhance your wellness journey! Participate in meaningful service and adventure while also supporting the impactful mission of Operation Freedom Paws (OFP). Your journey of physical and mental well-being to India will empower OFP to support the physical and mental well-being of veterans, first responders, children, and other individuals with disabilities, by pairing them with dogs pulled from rescues and shelters, to create lifesaving service dog teams. To date, Operation Freedom Paws has been honored to work with over 500 clients and their family members providing them with their 48-week training program, service dogs (pulled from shelters and rescues), mental health services, food and gas cards, temporary housing, veterinary care for dogs and a safe place to go 24/7 at no cost to them. A minimum donation of $5,000 will be awarded to Operation Freedom Paws to save lives at both ends of the leash and heal families. 


Emma Kittle Ponce has been teaching yoga and breathwork for almost a decade. Her curiosity and calling to healing herself has helped her connect with and facilitate healing for many others. She is a certified holistic Health Coach and is passionate about helping others create their own Recipes for Wellness, through meditation, movement, mindfulness, and food.


Bruce Kittle, Emma’s father, has a diverse set of life experiences including football coach, criminal defence attorney, restorative justice facilitator, ordained pastor, certified life coach, and circle keeper. He is a mindfulness and meditation practitioner and leader, working with people to “mindfully discover and express their authentic self.”


Before embarking on your India adventure, you can practice with Emma & Bruce on Hidden Pearls Studio where they offer movement, meditation, and mindfulness practices you can download and use on the go. They also host Hidden Pearls Podcast with George Kittle (brother / son) with a mission to unite the world through storytelling.


Immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of India, engaging with local communities, delving into time-honored customs, and embracing the wisdom of age-old philosophies. This holistic expedition transcends the physical journey, evolving into a profound exploration of mind, body, and soul. Guided by expert facilitators, dedicated to crafting an experience that nurtures and revitalizes at every stage, this voyage is an immersive embrace of well-being and self-discovery.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  

Discovery

- Self discovery through reflection, meditation, & dialogue on the magic & mystery of India

- Create lasting memories while engaging with rescued elephants 

- Discover the captivating architectural wonders of Old and New Delhi

- Immerse yourself in the rich artistic traditions of block printing

- Witness the ethereal sight of the Taj Mahal at sunrise

- Enjoy a thrilling white-water rafting adventure on the Ganges


Enlightenment

- Expansion of self & our world views through cultural immersion into the depth and richness of

India’s historic spiritual traditions 

- Daily guided group circles to reflect, debrief & integrate experiences

- Hear from an Ayurveda Doctor or Expert who will delve into the intricate world of doshas and the Ayurvedic lifestyle

- Explore healing and health with food in a traditional cooking class 

- Revisit history at the historic and spiritual Ashrams of Rishikesh


Mindfulness 

- Daily breathwork & yoga practices for grounding, presence & alignment

- Absorb the morning serenity with yoga overlooking the Ganges

- Engage in a spiritual blessing ceremony with a local priest 

- Meditate, fly kites, and enjoy classical dance in Old Delhi's haveli

- Witness the enchanting Aarti Ceremony by the banks of the Ganges


Compassion

- Exploring our own growth and development to our connections with and service to others

- Immerse yourself in transformative service at a local school

- Engage in service alongside members of the Sikh community Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple community kitchen

- Engage with leaders supporting mental health needs in Jaipur

Why Nanda Journeys

"I just got back from a trip to India with Nanda Journeys and had a wonderful time. We saw some amazing sites and had knowledgeable guides join us along the trip, who were able to give us historical information and share their knowledge of just about anything with us. I also loved the fact that we got off the beaten track. I can only say, if you get a chance to travel with Nanda Journeys, do it." 

Andrea Lamperti - Journey of Purpose and Discovery - India


“I am a travel junkie. I’ve lived all over the world in places like Thailand and the Czech Republic. I have this intense, unexplained desire to learn as much as I can about human connections and other cultures. When my mom proposed that we go through a travel company for our big mother-daughter trip, I must say I was a little concerned that it would involve tour buses and restaurants with a special “tourist menu”. Oh my goodness was I completely wrong. Nanda journeys curated an incredible trip taking us to places I never could have found on my own. We let them know we loved farm fresh food, nature and yoga and they put us up in an off the grid self-sufficient farm that held daily yoga and meditation classes in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle! I was blown away. They took care of experiences like spending a day at natural hot springs, jungle tours, kayaking, and being totally immersed in the culture of beautiful Costa Rica. We felt taken care of the whole time. I’m an experienced traveler but could never have put this trip together (especially for the price they did!). I am so grateful for Nanda journeys and how extremely thoughtful they were in turning our vision into a beautiful yoga-centric mother daughter trip. It was an exceptional experience. ” 

Meg Sylvester,  Mama, Creator and Spiritual Guide.

Read more about what people are saying about Nanda Journeys HERE

Download PDF Program details

CLICK HERE to download a PDF copy of the program highlights

CLICK HERE to download a PDF copy of daily itinerary

CLICK HERE to learn more about OPERATION FREEDOM PAWS

What’s included

  • Hotel Accommodations
    Luxury Boutique Accommodations
  • Most Meals
    Breakfast daily, lunches & dinners as outlined in the daily itinerary
  • Entrance Fees
    All entrance fees and activities mentioned
  • National Guide
    English speaking guide to stay with you throughout the program
  • Local Guides
    Local Guides who will provide specialized local knowledge throughout the journey
  • India Domestic Flight
    Flight from Jaipur to Rishikesh is included
  • Private local transport
    Private motor coach and driver
  • 24/7 Travel Support
    Nanda Journeys team support before, during and after travel. 24/7 during travel.
  • Unique itinerary
    Nanda Journeys has designed this program exclusively for Bruce and Emma and the Operation Freedom Paws organization
  • Most Tips
    Tips for restaurants, local guides included
  • Community Impact
    Your participation will empower Operation Freedom Paws to support the physical and mental well-being of veterans, first responders, children, and others with disabilities.
  • Community Impact
    Donations will be made to support education, conservation, mental health and food poverty in India

What’s not included

  • International Flights
    International Flights are not included. Nanda Journeys can assist you with flights upon request
  • Passport & Visas
    Passport application, renewal and your tourist visa are not included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Meals include soft drinks with alcoholic beverages being at your own personal expense
  • Meals
    Meals not mentioned in the program itinerary
  • Insurance
    Travel insurance is not included, but highly recommended. Nanda Journeys will provide recommendations
  • Tips
    Tips for the national guide, your driver and hotel staff are not included. Suggested tipping $10 per day guide, $5 per day driver, $1-3 in room maid service.
  • Personal Items
    Any item purchased at the hotel or restaurant which is not mentioned in the daily itinerary

Available Packages

Shared Room Land Only

By selecting this package you acknowledge that flights are not included and that you will be sharing a room with a travel companion. 


Please review Booking Terms & Conditions   HERE 


  ** Nanda Journeys will endeavor to assist persons requesting a roommate, however, a shared room cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be contacted to confirm space in a shared occupancy room approx. 90 days prior to travel. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate, the enrollee will be invoiced the applicable single supplement **  

$5,999
Single Room Land Only

By selecting this package you acknowledge that international flights are not included. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions  HERE 

$7,698

Available Add-Ons

Chicago Air India Supplement
$1,080
Seattle Business Class Upgrade
$9,347
Private Transfer Delhi
$50
Airport Transfer
$60
Sold Out


Itinerary

Day 1 - March 16, 2024
Depart for India

Make your way to India today. Flights are not included in the program cost. Nanda Journeys will be happy to provide assistance and asks that you wait for their guidance before booking any flights to India. The group will be given the formal go ahead as soon as it meets its program minimum number. The maximum group size is 20.

The bustling metropolis of Delhi has been invaded, destroyed, and rebuilt countless times in its 5,000-year history. Today, it is a sprawling urban center unofficially divided into two parts: Old Delhi: the classic Indian experience of colorful, crowded streets and historical monuments: and New Delhi, India’s capital, a city of wide avenues and government buildings that the British began erecting in the early 1900's.

Your Organizer


NJ
Nanda Journeys
86 reviews
Nanda Journeys offers theme-focused trips to global destinations that speak to your interests, bringing together travelers with purpose and passion to explore the world in an meaningful way. We create travel programs for the diverse, adventurous explorer united in a desire: to not only experience a destination, but to truly experience a culture & connect with its people, visiting unexplored, off-the-beaten path destinations, that provide an opportunity to give back, and make a meaningful difference in the communities they visit.

Reviews

I had an amazing time on this trip. Japan was always on my list to visit!! We had a cohesive group of wonderful travelers. Our guides, Ai and Kioury were knowledge, professional, caring and so much fun to be with. When there was an issue with a traveler's missing passport, they responded quickly and helped to resolve the situation. The itinerary was well planned, and the experience of meeting Japanese professionals was amazing. They were gracious, and I learned so much about the Japanese culture. These memories will last a life time. Thank you Nanda Journeys!
By Robin S for Japan: Positive and Productive Aging with Bobbi Kolonay on Jun 30, 2025
Robin, first, welcome to the Nanda family! We are thrilled you were able to travel with the ALCA group to Japan and hope this will be the first of many journeys with us. Thank you for your kind words, we are thrilled you enjoyed the professional and cultural programming. We will be sure to pass along your praise for Ai and Kaori.
By Nanda Journeys on Jun 30, 2025
NJ
This was a fabulous trip. Nanda did a great job balancing the cultural/educational/professional experiences with those that fall under the category of "sight-seeing." The trip included everything from n.g.o. and school visits, to safari outings at Pilanesberg, to a visit with the penguins of Cape Town's peninsula region. One of the most moving experiences was a lecture followed by dinner with Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela's jailer (Cape Town). Other unforgettable experiences in Joburg included the Apartheid Museum, lunch at Chez Alina in Soweto, a visit to Nelson Mandela's home, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. In Cape Town, we also went to the District Six Museum and Table Mountain. Our guides were so wonderful and knowledgeable. The hotels were very good. The Bakubung Lodge in Pilanesberg offered unexpected extras like tennis courts, a beautiful dining room with a fireplace (it was winter), and an off-site outpost with yummy grilled food and dancers. The Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town was also very nice with afternoon treats and a fabulous breakfast buffet. This hotel also offered a free shuttle to the waterfront every half hour. The trip deepened my understanding of S. Africa's history, culture, languages, and education system. The Nanda folks know how to create a meaningful trip.
By Althier L for South Africa Intro Literacy and Education with Patricia Edwards on Jun 29, 2025
Althier, thank you for your kind words. We are absolutely thrilled that you enjoyed your time in South Africa and that you found the professional meetings and cultural engagements enjoyable and educational. we sincerely hope that you will be able to join us on a future journey. Welcome to the Nanda family, we are delighted that you decided to join us.
By Nanda Journeys on Jun 30, 2025
NJ
Well-organized trip with outstanding South-African guides! I feel enriched by the educational and cultural program, and the safari trips were exciting.
By Ildiko S for South Africa Intro Literacy and Education with Patricia Edwards on Jun 27, 2025
Ildiko, thank you for continuing to entrust Nanda Journeys with your professional and cultural travel plans! We are thrilled that you enjoyed South Africa and look forward to you joining us again somewhere in the world soon.
By Nanda Journeys on Jun 30, 2025
NJ
I had an amazing time on this trip! The itinerary was the right amount of busy with school visits, panel discussions, museum tours, etc. mixed in with a few small pockets of free time. Our delegation was a small, yet eclectic, group of teacher educators, K-12 and university librarians, educational consultants, and school psychologists. We each had our own interests, and Nanda Journeys staff did a great job of tailoring the itinerary accordingly. And when a few of us asked about extending the trip, adding on a visit to Victoria Falls, the team at Nanda Journeys made that happen. Their communication, attention to detail, and care along the way were phenomenal. I cannot wait for my next opportunity to travel with them!
By Laura K for South Africa Intro Literacy and Education with Patricia Edwards on Jun 25, 2025
Laura, thank you so much for your kind words and for being a part of this incredible delegation. We appreciate your feedback and loved following along with this special group. We are so glad you enjoyed South Africa and your extended time in Zimbabwe and Botswana! Thank you for being a part of our Nanda family, we are excited for your next adventure with us.
By Nanda Journeys on Jun 26, 2025
NJ
We loved Portugal, the people, the music, the amazing scenery and food. Rikardo was a wonderful guide and Alba was flexible to arrange things when we needed to pivot to something new or assist our travelers who had mobility issues. I am grateful for their kindness and compassion.
By Lynn B for Portugal Music Education Journey with Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer on Jun 17, 2025
Lynn, you and your special Music Nanda family mean the world to us! Thank you for your leadership, friendship, professionalism and kind heart! You are the magic that makes this group special and we are excited to collaborate with you on next years Finland delegation!
By Nanda Journeys on Jun 26, 2025
NJ
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References

My husband and I recently traveled to Fiji and New Zealand. This was a trip of a life time and we could not have done this without the help of Nanda Journeys and Nicola Balmain. Nicola worked closely with us to understand our travel style and what we loved to do while traveling. Our trip was stunning in every way! The beauty of New Zealand was breath taking, the people were welcoming and the travel planning perfect! My husband and I are experienced travelers but we could not have undertaken this trip without Nicola's help. We were able to hike through a thousand year old forest with a personal naturalist, we saw the stunning Milford Sound via small boat and then flew back to Queenstown over The Remarkables Mountain Range. And, our flight and travel logistics ran perfectly! I have had the good fortune to also travel with Nanda on a number of professional HR and business exchanges. The enrichment of the travel experience for my career was life changing. We are forever grateful to Nanda Journeys and Nicola Balmain for giving us these life long memories. - Kathy Claytor
By Katharine C on 24 Apr, 2025