NZ Yoga Centre
Real time India adventures
India is Calling …
A Pilgrimage of Devotion, Community, and Remembering – with Ali
The previous hoisting of the flag at Simhastha Kumbha Mela in Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), 2013 (photos by Ali)
The Call of India
Some journeys are more than travelling for a leisurely holiday. They are a return to places and events that have defined us.
India and I have had a longstanding relationship. If you love India, India loves you right back. It is the unpredictability, vibrancy and richness of different cultures within India that infuse you with something unexplainable, and deeply meaningful.
This year’s journey feels particularly significant because it has been exactly 10 years since my Guruji passed into what is known as Mahasamadhi (a special type of afterlife absorption). Also, the sadhus (holy men) of Juna Akhara have invited me to host/fund a ceremony to mark Guruji’s remembrance. This will coincide with the hoisting of the flag at Simhastha Kumbha Mela in Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) on October 31st, 2026. Last time I was there it was with Guruji and as you can see it was pretty intense.
Key message: India isn’t simply a travel destination, it becomes part of your spiritual inner landscape. Kumbha Mela is also a place and time dedicated to resilience and austerity, community and sacred connection.
Collective Fundraising Effort
Back in July of this year, my friend Kelley and I were talking about past and future trips to India. Kelley joined us on our last group trip to India in November 2024. This time, I mentioned that I had been invited by the sadhus to commemorate Guruji, but I wasn’t financially equipped to attend without also hosting a group trip.
I had already hosted a group trip to Java in August this year, so I wasn’t quite ready for another group venture. Hosting Kiwi’s abroad is a massive endeavor involving months of planning and delivery, so in this case time wasn’t on my side. Nonetheless, duty and India were calling. Kelley suggested running a fund raiser. Great idea, I thought! Within 4 months, I had collectively raised $2000, with over 45 generous people giving what they could. This fund covered the International Flight and the cost of Guruji’s ceremony.
I was so amazed and deeply moved by the shared generosity of family, friends and NZ Yoga Centre yogis, reaffirming to me that collective effort is one of humanity’s greatest superpowers.
Photos of the fundraiser, Java, and last India trip from various sources
Honouring Guruji: Ten Years Since Mahasamadhi
Guruji was an easy-going, fun loving, and very kind person. Over the 11 years I knew him, he opened up a whole different side of India for me that what was available on the tourist trail. My experiences with rural ashram life, Kumbha Melas, pilgrimage to sacred sites all over the country, and immersion in sadhu life were only possible through his guidance and willingness. I was also able to share this knowledge of India life with all the group members I have taken to India over the last 20 years.
This time round, the significance of travelling with sadhus who shared a connection with Guruji means I will continue maintaining longstanding friendships with members of his tribe (Juna Akhada).
Key message: This group funded trip is an opportunity to honour my teacher, remember what has been received, and bolster my commitment to the path of yoga and spirituality.
Haridwar to Trimbakeshwar and onward
I leave NZ on Thursday 22 October and arrive in Delhi on October 23rd. I arrive in my spiritual hometown of Haridwar on 24 October. Haridwar, one of the great sacred cities of northern India and one I have been visiting for over 20 years.
Bathing the northern Ganges, visiting Maya Devi Temple, sitting with sadhus at Bhairav Ghat, allows you to be immersed in an atmosphere of pilgrimage, prayer and ritual. It also offers plenty of opportunities to reconnect with people I have known for a long time.
Many Westerners skip Haridwar mainly because nearby towns like Rishikesh cater to Western yoga tourism, offering vegan pizza, yoga teacher training courses and endless shopping opportunities. Haridwar is far more traditional, catering to mainly Indian pilgrims, yet, for me, there is something deeply alluring being there.
There is a definite contrast between Haridwar and Rishikesh – the self-proclaimed Yoga Capital of the World.
Travelling with the Sadhus: The Road to Trimbakeshwar
Around 29 October, my journey continues overland towards Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik in Maharashtra, and I’ll be travelling with a group of sadhus.This offers an opportunity to be immersed in the ascetic traditions of Juna Akhara. When you travel in the company of sadhus it is sometimes 10-12 people travelling in one vehicle, staying at ashrams, eating only dhal and rice, often with very austere surroundings. I have packed a bed roll, sleeping bag, pop up tent, bucket, and washing line just in case I need it! These sorts of trips mean you control very little and have to allow the journey to unfold as it does.
Trimbakeshwar has beautiful walks, temples and scenery so I’m sure I will fit in some interesting solo trips to sacred spots, as well as spend plenty of time in sadhu company. The Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh begins ceremonially on 31 October 2026 with Dhwajarohan, the hoisting of sacred flags. The principal ritual bathing dates are scheduled for 2027, so this journey will witness the opening of the wider Kumbh cycle rather than participate in its major bathing days.
Key message: Sometimes the most meaningful part of a pilgrimage is not simply where we go, but who we travel with and what the experience asks of us.
Ajanta and Ellora: Art, Faith and the Sacred Imagination
After leaving Trimbakeshwar area, I plan to head to Aurangabad, now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the town closest to the Ajanta and Ellora caves.These cave temples, with their remarkable rock-cut architecture, celebrate the extraordinary artistic achievements of India’s religious traditions.
This is the plan any anyway, I’d love to see them as it might open up a new travel route for my next group trip to India in 2027/2028. If you are keen to know more, please let me know.
From approximately 7 November, the plan is to travel northwards towards Barsana, where Guruji is buried and where his ashram still is, to celebrate Diwali with friends before returning to Delhi by 10 November.
Why I’m Sharing This Journey With You
For many years, I have shared yoga, teaching, encouragement, knowledge and opportunities for people to explore their own well being and spiritual lives. With this trip, a significant amount of people contributed money towards the airfare and the ceremony. For me this act of kindness has added deep personal, spiritual and cultural significance to the journey. Although I’ll be funding the rest of the trip throughout India, peoples’ contributions have got me there and funded a very important ritual, which is amazing. So, thank you to all of you who gave.
I have added many of you to the new NZ Yoga Centre Community page because I’ll be sharing photographs, reflections and stories as the journey unfolds, including the sacred places I visit, the people I meet and the experiences that stay with me. If you would like to join but don’t yet have an invite please message me and I’ll add you. Likewise, if I have added you but you don’t want to be included in the trip updates please feel free to leave the group.
Blessings to the journey. Om Namo Narayan!
WINTER RESET at the NZ Yoga Centre, Marton, 4710
This one day retreat is not an escape, it is space to return to yourself. It’s a deliberate step inward to a place of quiet strength and inner calm.
This guided experience is designed to help you:
— regulate your nervous system
— reconnect to your body
— move deeper into a quiet self awareness
Two options:
• One-Day Immersion, May (Marton)
• 3-Day Winter Retreat, October (Tongariro National Park)
Elemental Reset — The First Step Inward
A complete experience in a single day.
This one day retreat acts as:
- A standalone reset
- A prioritization of your health and well being
- A possible stepping stone for a 3-day mountain retreat in October 2026
Refined Flow
Morning → Opening & Deeper Connection
10:30 — Arrival & relaxation
Soft music, tea, quiet arrival and settling in to relaxed introductions
11:00 — Opening Circle & Intention
- This opens up engagement and sets our intention
11:30 — Yoga Flow
“Understanding your internal landscape”
Includes:
- Smooth easy yoga stretches and flow
- Breath as regulation
- Guided relaxation curated to include input from the group. This helps you to arrive into a calm centred mind
Lunch → Reconnection & Nourishment
12:45— Light vegan lunch: delicious dhal with organic rice and homemade chutney. Or, bring your own lunch and snacks. Feel free to bring food to share with the group.
We will move into the Artspace for lunch and light conversation
- Slow, grounding
- Focus: coming back into the body
- Prioritization of nutrition
Iconic Artspace is part of the NZ Yoga Centre
Early Afternoon → Breakthrough Layer
1:30 — Guided Breathwork & Sound Journey
This is an interactive experience to calm the mind and bath the room in sound. We will use sound and voice to guide an uplifting experience
2:00 — Gentle exploration into the deeper nature of self
Don’t underestimate the power of this session. This is where transformation lands. Ali will take the answers from your retreat application questions and compile the information so that each person can gain deeper insights that guide ongoing practices.
Includes:
- Journaling prompts
- Optional sharing of what you have gained from the one day retreat
- Clear takeaway: What shifts from here?
3:00 — Closing sequence
→ Explain the 3-day retreat in October.
FAQ
“Can I come alone?”
Yes. Many participants attend solo. The space is designed to feel safe, grounded, and inclusive.
“Do I need experience?”
No. This is guided and accessible for all levels.
“What should I bring?”
- Comfortable warm clothing
- Water bottle
- Journal and pen
- Light snacks
“How many people attend?”
this is a small group of 5-10. Intentionally kept intimate.
What’s the next step?
Simply pay your $80 retreat package to:
Sadhana Yoga
01-0504-0163452-00
include your name as a reference
Exciting updates for 2026
TRAVEL GURU
Would you like to escape on our next global getaway to somewhere amazing?
Message me https://www.facebook.com/ali.hale.tilley/
INDIA 2025
YOGA, MEDITATION & ADVENTURE
We are currently inviting a select group of yoga practitioners (4 to 8 people) to join us on a two-week yoga immersion in India. We will visit 6 different locations across Northern India – Delhi, Barsana, Taj Mahal, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Varanasi and Rishikesh. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and empower individuals through the 8 limbs of yoga, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and a deeper sense of community.
Our commitment is to engage with sacred spaces around India for the purpose of self-discovery, embracing the rich traditions of yoga in the land of its origin. We aim to guide our participants along the path to greater physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
As we explore the diverse landscapes and absorb the energy of this ancient land, our aim is to cultivate a supportive community where every participant feels seen, heard, and uplifted. Through daily yoga practice and shared experiences, we seek to create lasting connections and friendships that extend beyond the borders of our journey.
Join us on this amazing adventure as we embrace the spirit of yoga across Northern India.
If you would like to know more contact Ali on nzyogacentre@com or call (06) 3274108
Weekend Yoga Retreats 2025
If you would love to treat yourself in 2025 to a beautiful weekend Yoga Retreat, why not join us for one of our retreat weekends in stunning locations like Taupo and National Park.
If you are time poor but want to invest your energy in feeling radiant and positive, a Yoga Retreat with Ali might be the perfect get away break.
Sacred Luxury is just on your doorstep …
Contact Ali at
e: nzyogacentre
p: 06 327 4108
Sue’s Testimonial
India 2024
Review
I was invited by my friend in the UK, to join a group of strangers from the other side of the world and be immersed in all that India had to offer. Ali made this process seamless, ensuring the group meet, via WhatsApp meetings, so our group was forming before we arrived in India. Ali ensured we had all the information we needed; her planning was second to none. Word of advice read the information she sends, it is invaluable.
All my senses were blown away by the chaos, noise, overpopulated towns and cities, cows, car horns, new aromas some pleasant, some not, the colours, and especially the wonderful food.
Whilst all senses were on high alert, this was balanced by the amazing yoga from Milan, Kelly and Ail and meditation that was on offer. The locations and variety of yoga were amazing, at sun rises to full moons, from rooftops, at the sides of the Ganges and my all-time favourite, paired yoga at the base of the Himalayas on a beach.
Th trip doesn’t stop with the exploring India and yoga, Ali introduced us, to share chai and chocolates, with Sadhu’s and her friends in local villages, experiences that will not be on any formal tour, and ones that will never be forgotten.
I can’t rate this trip high enough and regard myself so fortunate to have had this opportunity. I have taken away personal growth and development, everlasting memories and new friendships from the other side of the world, all in epic couple of weeks.
Liz’s Testimonial
India 2024
I am so grateful to Ali and Milan for this wonderful opportunity. They are both natural teachers and have a huge wealth of knowledge to share. They also have a close bond and did an amazing job of creating a special experience for us all. They were always generous with their time and energy on this trip. Always going above and beyond to help out when it was needed. For me, this trip to India started way before the 10th November ’24 when we departed for Delhi Airport.
It started earlier in the year on 11th February when I first heard about it from my yoga teacher at the time who announced there was only one spot left on the India Yoga Immersion Journey with Ali at Sadhana Yoga NZ. I enthusiastically got in touch because I knew this was going to be special. Ali is someone you immediately feel comfortable with and feel drawn towards. She is a great communicator, is full of warmth and wisdom and is a meticulous planner. Having been to India many times, Ali was able to introduce us to the people and places who hold a special place in her heart. This was a very unique aspect of the trip which I loved.
I also loved the opportunity to do regular yoga practice led by Milan in amazing places. Like the morning partner yoga on Rishikesh beach surrounded by the Himalayan foothills and the fast-flowing Ganges or on hotel rooftops whilst guests enjoyed a late afternoon beer and read the news. Also when led by Kelley on a tiny hexagonal ghat extending out over the Ganges in Varanasi, these were unforgettable experiences. Meditation led by Ali also takes on a new perspective when carried out at sunrise in spectacular temples or in silence whilst walking barefoot on a sacred path on the edges of a forest.
Even amongst the millions of people in India, the constant noise from traffic and the air pollution this creates, we were able to immerse in quiet peacefulness and contemplation to find a calm place and look inwards.
Another wonderful aspect of the trip for me was getting to know the rest of the group. There were 9 of us including Ali and Milan and we began getting to know each other via WhatsApp and Zoom sessions established at the beginning of the year. Right from the start we were encouraged towards communication that was open and honest and which resulted in creating a trusting connection between us.
If you want to see India through the windows of an air conditioned bus and visit popular tourist sites, then I would say this is probably not the trip for you. Although a group of us did visit the Taj Mahal, the remainder of the trip was immersion into the other side of India; hanging out with the locals, literally immersing yourself in the Ganga for a cleansing dip, eating in local restaurants, travelling by rickshaw and overnight trains. Even managing to get some sleep on a busy platform at Haridwar Train Station at 2am due to a delayed train.
Wherever you’re at on your inner journey you’re sure to get a few steps closer to your destination.
Amongst your spare rolls of toilet paper, your ear plugs, and your Imodium, make sure you also bring your sense of humour and curiosity, your openness, your sense of adventure and your desire for growth.
If you allow yourself to go with the flow into the heart of spiritual India I’m sure you won’t be disappointed
Sharon’s Testimonial
India Yoga Immersion – 2024
Short review:
Thankyou Ali and Milan for organising this trip of a lifetime. It is something that I have only dreamed of doing for many years.
A small group of 9 people shared an incredible adventure together over 2 weeks.
It was not all easy. Some things were confronting such as the pollution, the dirt, the poverty and the constant noise. At the same time it was also beautiful and colourful and set in majestic scenery in the Himalayas and by the Ganges river.
We experienced an immersion into an ancient culture and religion. We visited temples and learnt about Darsan which is a fundamental element of Hinduism.
We enjoyed yoga sessions on the roof tops with the rising sun or rising moon or on the ghats by the Ganges. We shared delicious family style meals. We experienced overnight train rides and explored local Bazaars. We drank delicious Lassi and bathed in the Ganges.
A lifetime experience. Thank you so much. Sharon
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