We hope that all of our friends have taken a look at our web site and have read about the tours that we offer. It is ultimately important for us to give our guests an amazing tour experience, while offering the highest standards of hospitality and care. It is also important to us to create an understanding of our philosophy and the deep dedication we have towards operating Dunagiri Retreat in the most sustainable way possible, and share this passion with our guests and friends. In an area of such natural beauty and rich heritage, we at Dunagiri feel it is our responsibility to offer a unique and fulfilling guest experience, and to do so in an environmentally and culturally respectful and aware manner. Our guests experience beauty of nature, the places, the history and the culture of India and of the Dunagiri area…all while working together to protect the environment and benefit local cultures and communities...
At Dunagiri, our guiding philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainable/responsible tourism. Dunagiri keeps our exclusive tours small, averaging only 6-10 guests per tour, one tour a month. Yes, you read right, only 6-10 guests!! We keep our tour size small, allowing each tour to be very exclusive to insure a very personal tour experience for our guests, to minimize impact on the environment, and to allow each guest genuine contact with the place and the people. Indeed, exploring and sharing the deep understanding and pride the local people have for their heritage and the land they love adds much to what makes the experience at Dunagiri truly unique for our guests.
Accommodations at Dunagiri Retreat are comprised of two lovingly restored guest houses located on lush terraced hillsides and bordered by peaceful oak forests. The guest houses have been restored by local craftsmen, using time honored building techniques, local building supplies and have provided much needed income for many of our neighbors. Great care was taken to use natural products when restoring the guest houses, both inside and out. Even our furniture, designed by Dunagiri's Piyush Kumar, was created from local timbers by our talented carpenters. Surrounding the guest houses are organic herb and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and quiet sitting areas, all with breathtaking vistas. We have planted many native species, ranging from trees, native fruits and vegetables, wild and cultivated flowers, to native medicinal plants.
Food is prepared at Dunagiri Retreat using garden fresh seasonal produce procured from our own, as well as neighboring, organic farms, creating a much needed sustainable market for local farmers. The cuisine is vegetarian and comprised of deliciously prepared traditional regional dishes. Guests get an authentic taste of the wonderful local cuisine during their stay with at Dunagiri Retreat.
Our guests' visits help tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Dunagiri tours offer our guests the chance to experience local daily life and culture…creating a wonderfully positive experience for both guests and local people. With each stay at Dunagiri, a portion of guests’ tour costs directly support a variety of community projects... directly contributing to charities and non profit organizations working closely within the local community. Guests may also chose to participate directly in a variety of community volunteer projects..all adding to the positive experience of a stay at Dunagiri.
We simply ask that our guests live by our own philosophy of respecting and preserving our retreat’s natural and cultural environment…tread lightly…all while enjoying tranquility, beauty and receiving the highest standards of hospitality and care.
Dunagiri guests are truly leading efforts to give back to the local communities and enhance the livelihoods of local people through their own sustainable tourism choices and involvement. Not only do our tour guests return home with a sense of satisfaction from participating in an amazing tour where they have enjoyed being immersed in India and the Dunagiri area, having made a difference in the world…but also with a unique and intimate understanding of a place and its people.
http://www.dunagiri.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Dunagiri...History, Spirituality and Yoga...
India is often described as one of the most spiritual places on earth. Dunagiri is one of those special places where, it is believed “the distance between heaven and earth shrinks, the veil between the two worlds becomes so thin; one is actually able to perceive something of heaven itself”. Its greatness lies not merely in its fascinating history and captivating natural beauty, it is rather the serene and spiritual atmosphere of this place that strikes the mind and brings peace to the soul. For spiritual practices, Dunagiri offers particularly charged vibrations that are readily apparent to a sensitive practitioner.
Sensing the deep spirituality of these sites, ancient people built many of their places of worship here, or simply marked them with stones, and later yogis and monks also built their ashrams and hermitages here. Visiting these sites even today, one can lose all track of time and space, feeling deep inside that one is on holy ground. Dunagiri - also known as Drongiri, is known as the birthplace of present day Kriya Yoga. It is mentioned in the book “An Autobiography of a Yogi” by Swami Paramhans Yogananda.
Dunagiri...History, Spirituality and Yoga...
“Spirituality is not a progress or a search or travel in time. It is travel in eternity.”
The Principles of Sahaj Marg, set 1, p. 86 lecture "Religion and Spirituality" -Rev. Chariji
From very early times places such Drongiri (Dunagiri), Badrinath, Kedarnath have been known as Soul of Gods (Devatma Himalaya) since these places are also the meditation spots (asanpeeth and sadhna-sthali) of many realized souls. Dunagiri or Drongiri is counted amongst one of the seven Kulparvats of the Purans. It is said that just like grass and shrubs growing near a sandalwood tree imbibe some of the fragrance of sandal, similarly every part of these mountains is imbued with the spiritual vibrations of the “realized souls”.
For spiritual yogis, Dunagiri shaktipeeth is an extraordinary place to gain special progress in their path. Seekers can feel the palpable vibrations and divine energies of saints who have meditated here since millennia. The trees and naturally growing medicinal-herbs in the forests here seem to be also charged with these vibrations. Due to this, it is believed the process of dhyaan and samadhi is facilitated with divine assistance. For followers of spirituality, Dunagiri is known to be a concealed shaktipeeth (gopniya shaktpeeth) where the primordial power removes the veil of Maya and Illusion and propels as well as motivates one towards the path of Pure Truth and Liberation. According to Swami Satyeswarananda Giri there are only two Vaishnavi Shaktipeeths in India. One is Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, and the other is Dunagiri which is a gupt shaktipeeth and hence not counted in the 51 shaktipeeths mentioned in the Puranas (though some other texts such as Devibhagwatpuran, Matsyapuran etc. mention 108 shakipeeths). Dunagiri is significant since like Vaishno Devi in J&K, it is a self-evolved (self-evident) shakitpeeth, not based on the story of Daksha’s Yagna after which Devi’s body parts fell in several places where a shakitpeeth was established thereafter.
From time to time spiritual seekers have been blessed with the light of self-realization at Dunagiri. The divine power, Shakti, has been witnessed here by saadhaks. Dunagiri attracts such saadhaks (seekers) from not only Uttarakhand, but also from Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Southern India. It is also a special place for many seekers from foreign countries who visit to meditate here.
Dunagiri and Kriya Yoga
Dunagiri is also intimately associated with Mahavatar Babaji and Kriya Yoga. It was at Dunagiri in 1861 that Shyamacharan Lahiri, better known as Lahiri Mahashaya, was given initiation into Kriya Yoga and the discipline of Kriya Yoga was re-established in the world after having been ‘lost’ for centuries. This first meeting, spectacular and miraculous, occurred at a cave at Dunagiri. The full account of this meeting is well documented in the famous book “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Swami Yogananda Parahamsa (chapter 34-Materializing a Palace in the Himalayas). The cave at Dunagiri is well marked and is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
Swami Satyeswarananda Vidyaratna also meditated at Dunagiri for twelve years before receiving Purna Diksha from Mahavatar Babaji. He has also recounted in books his meetings with Mahavatar Baba at Dunagiri.
Other famous Saints connected with Dunagiri:
Among the famous saints of Uttarakhand who are known to have made Dunagiri as their sadhna-sthali (chosen place for spiritual practices) are Haidakhan Baba, Neemkaroli Baba, Sombari Baba, Harnarayan Swami, Shri Ram Baba, Mahatama Laxminarayan Das, Nantin Baba, Mahatama Balwant Giri, Mahant Pawan Giri and Baba Kisan Giri. Mahavtar Baba gave initiations to Haidakhan Baba in Manas Yoga, to Neem Karoli Baba in Mantra Yoga and to Sombari Baba in Pashupat Yoga (The Divine Himalayan Yogi by Sw. Satyeswarananda Maharaj, Page 108-109). After Dunagiri these saints traveled to various parts of India and established ashrams there.
To learn more, please visit our web site at http://www.dunagiri.com/Yo
Monday, August 24, 2009
Few places are left on our planet where we can enjoy tourism experiences in such a pristine and tranquil environment as Dunagiri Retreat – a small, exclusive country retreat found in the lush Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India. Nestled in the hills at 7400’ Dunagiri Retreat overlooks dramatic deep rural valleys and cloud covered Himalayan peaks. Guests stay amidst ancient forests, terraced hills, fascinating history, rich local culture and captivating natural beauty.
Dunagiri’s guest houses, private and serene, are situated on a stunningly beautiful estate bordered by peaceful, dense oak forests. Surrounding the guest houses are charming organic herb and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and quiet sitting areas, all with breathtaking vistas. Our vision is to offer our guests a space where reflection and refreshment of the body and soul come, with each taking away what they need from the experience. Dunagiri is intended for nature lovers who value peace, calmness and appreciate the natural grandeur of their surroundings.
Accommodations at Dunagiri Retreat are comprised of two lovingly restored guest houses located within expansive gardens. Minimalist by design, the comfortable and stylish rooms offer our guests an elegant yet relaxed ambiance… perfect for you to snuggle up with your favorite book, to sit with a cup of our special herbal teas or to gently withdraw from the outer world into your essential self.
Dunagiri offers something for all guests. For those who yearn to get away from the city heat, to relax for a short holiday, explore the area’s spiritual heritage, or trek the local hills and enjoy nature, Dunagiri’s tranquil setting is a most refreshing and restorative solution. Guests from across the world are welcomed to join us for one of our Dunagiri Tours, where they will be immersed in a richly layered experience, exploring the beauty of nature, history, culture, people and places of India, Uttarakhand and of the Dunagiri area.
Believing firmly in sustainable, green tourism, we strive to ensure our retreat’s natural and cultural environment is managed and operated according to highest possible standards, practices and guidelines in sustainable tourism. Good environmental ethics allow us to maintain the availability of resources such that future travelers are not inhibited from enjoying the same experience. Our guiding philosophy is environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, intergenerational equity and cultural heritage preservation. Of great importance at Dunagiri, is to offer respect and empowerment to the local people from the small surrounding villages. Indeed, exploring and sharing the deep understanding and pride the local people have for their heritage and the land they love adds much to what makes the experience at Dunagiri truly unique.
Join us. We hope that a visit to Dunagiri is an experience like no other, creating a journey for mind, body and soul, which will stay with our guests forever.
Please visit http://www.dunagiri.com for more information on visiting Dunagiri Retreat!
DUNAGIRI RETREAT TOURS
The mystery, magic and diversity of India has beckoned many a traveler from ancient to the modern times. India – the thought itself conjures up a spectrum of images. From wonderful food to the Taj Mahal, from Ayurvedic medicine and ancient cultures to yoga, from Maharajas and their palaces to Mahatma Gandhi, from colorful streets to the cool majestic heights of the Himalayas…make India an utterly compelling holiday destination. A crossroad of cultures, India is a world in itself - one that visitors can’t help but fall in love with.
Have a wonderfully relaxing yet enriching holiday as you join us on one of our Focus Tours – Cultural Heritage tour, Photography tour, Yoga and Spirituality tour, a tour for Artists and Painters, or on a tour specially designed for Overseas Students. Our tours lay emphasis on personalized high-quality care, comfort and luxury. See India from inside out as our knowledgeable guides, experts and hosts accompany you throughout to provide contexts relevant to the focus of tour and to answer your questions.
Kahlil Gibran discovered the secret of the sea in meditation upon the dew drop - we invite you to do the same via our fascinating focus tours.
SCHEDULE OF ALL TOURS
2009
December 2-11 Yoga and Spirituality Tour
2010
January 3rd-12th Overseas Students' Tour
February 17th –26th Cultural Heritage Tour
March 15th – 24th Cultural Heritage Tour
April 4th–23rd Yoga and Spirituality Tour
May 5th-14th Photography Tour
June 2nd –11th Artists' Tour
July 7th – 16th Overseas Students' Tour
July 21st – 30th Overseas Students' Tour
August 4th-13th Cultural Heritage Tour
September 1st-10th Photography Tour
October 6th –15th Cultural Heritage Tour
November 6th – 15 Artists' Tour
December 1st – 10th Yoga and Spirituality Tour
Please visit http://www.dunagiri.com for more information on visiting Dunagiri Retreat!
CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURS
"I discovered the secret of the sea in meditation upon the dew drop." _Kahlil Gibran
Cultural Heritage tours are often the best way to see the main highlights of a country & observe its culture. Dunagiri’s Cultural Heritage Tours will immerse our guests in a richly layered experience, exploring the beauty of nature, history, culture, people and places of India. Expect to make new friends, enjoy beautiful and fascinating destinations, explore local culture, enjoy delightful cuisines and luxurious stays, while being safe as well as looked after. Above all, have fun on the trip of a lifetime. An experience like no other, Dunagiri Cultural Heritage Tour will take you on a journey for mind, body and soul, which will stay with you forever.
A cultural heritage tour with a difference, our tours do not believe in a race-to-touch-the-most-pos
Starting the tour in Delhi, travel in the air-conditioned comfort of your private chauffeured vehicle as we uncover the highlights of India's bustling capital. Stroll through the maze of Old Delhi streets and soak in the aromas, colors and sights of India as you get to explore the vitality of its ‘bazaar’ culture. Step back in time to investigate the magnificent monuments of Delhi, some of which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Get an orientation from an expert guide for Delhi, who besides being a cultural historian, is also an academician as well as a cultural activist.
From Delhi, travel comfortably in the comfort of your first-class, air conditioned cabin on the train to the great Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. Our destination is Dunagiri Retreat – a small, exclusive, elegant, luxury country retreat in an idyllic mountain setting. Very few places are left on our planet where we can enjoy tourism experiences in such pristine, tranquil and calm environment. Dunagiri’s greatness lies not merely in its fascinating history and captivating beauty, it is rather the serene and spiritual atmosphere of this place that soothes the mind and brings peace to the soul.
Against a backdrop of magnificent temples and rich mythology, explore stunning landscapes by car and on foot. Trek to an Indian village, make new friends and observe the unparalleled warmth and hospitality of an Indian village home. Interview a Hindu monk – who renounced a career in the army and gave up all possessions - notice his amazing enthusiasm and zest for life. Sense the deep peace and calm of this area which ancient people selected thousands of years ago to build their places of worship and meditation. Encounter temple rituals that have been performed since the time of Egyptian Pharaohs. Visiting these sites even today, one can lose all track of time and space. Get a glimpse of eternity as you relax, enjoy and behold dramatic landscapes in immaculately pristine and peaceful nature letting you perceive something of heaven itself. One of the precious gifts of realization of eternal time and space is that when you cannot physically go back to these places, you can return repeatedly to them in your memory and imagination.
HOW THIS HOLIDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Part of proceeds from this tour will be contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURS - DATES
2010
February 17th – 26th Cultural Heritage Tour
March 15th – 24th Cultural Heritage Tour
August 4th - 13th Cultural Heritage Tour
October 6th – 15th Cultural Heritage Tour
To learn more about Dunagiri Retreat's Cultural Heritage Tours, please visit our site at http://www.dunagiri.com
Thank you!!
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
From the busy streets and historic sites of Delhi, to the scenic vistas, ancient temples and local culture of the Himalayas, India offers photographic experiences like no other. Our Photography Tours are not technical workshops but travel opportunities for you to see and capture the spirit of the place.
Our Photography Tours combine the itinerary and experiences of our Cultural Heritage Tours, with added opportunity given to guests to explore the culture, places and people from a photographer’s point of view. However, the pace is more relaxed to suit the tour - we give you more time in the field to work on your photography while enjoying nature. Guests are often out with the sunrise as well as sunset to take pictures in the soft low light, and take midday breaks when the light is harsh. Whether it be flora and fauna, breathtaking landscapes, historical sites or the people of India…for every photographer, from novice to pro…the opportunity for the perfect shot lies in all directions. Outings and treks are planned with extra thought given to times and subject for photography.
Our Photography Tours will be joined by a locally renowned photographer, who will accompany guests on a treks and day trips, giving instruction, hints and suggestions for the ultimate in photography experience and results. Our Photography Tours, synonymous with photo travel, guided photography tours, photography vacations and holidays, are not technical workshops but travel opportunities designed for you to put into practice what you've learned in workshops or books. (Will include a shopping stop at a Delhi photography supply shop on day 2, to pick up any needed supplies).
Although the focus is on photography, we are very aware that it is also your holiday. Because of this, we always stay at the best available hotels, provide you with high quality meals, and do our utmost to make the trip as enjoyable for you as we possibly can.
HOW THIS HOLIDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Part of proceeds from this tour will be contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS - DATES
2010
May 5th-14th Photography Tour
September 1st-10th Photography Tour
To learn more about Dunagiri Retreat's Photography Tours, please visit our site at http://www.dunagiri.com
Thank you!!
ARTISTS' TOUR
For artists, India provides an endless array of inspiration through its rich palette of landscapes and colorful culture. Dunagiri’s Artists’ Tours combine the itinerary and experiences of our Cultural Heritage Tours, with creative planning, attention to detail and a commitment to artists’ needs and interests. Special efforts are made to identify locations within the itinerary that feature unique cultural, historical and landscape characteristics. Dunagiri Retreat Artists Tours are travel and holiday opportunities that provide a relaxed, stress-free, yet stimulating environment for furthering the participants' artistic endeavors.
Outings and treks are planned with extra thought given to, and ample times provided for, plein air painting or drawing. Whether it be from India’s beautiful plants and wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, or historical sites…every artist, from novice to pro…will find inspiration for their work. Dunagiri’s Artist’s Tours will be joined by a locally renowned artist, who will accompany on a treks and day trips, giving instruction, hints and suggestions for the ultimate in painting/drawing experience and results.
Although the focus is on art, we are very aware that it is also your holiday. Because of this, we always stay at the best available hotels, provide you with high quality meals, and do our utmost to make the trip as enjoyable for you as we possibly can. Finally, your comfort and safety, as always, remain upper most as we plan and carry out these diverse workshop experiences. And we also focus on having fun- - a LOT of fun!
(Will include a shopping stop at a Delhi artists’ supply shop on day 2 to pick up any needed supplies)
HOW THIS TOUR MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Part of proceeds from this tour will be contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
2010
June 2nd –11th Artists' Tour
November 6th – 15 Artists' Tour
To learn more about Dunagiri Retreat's Artists' Tours, please visit our site at http://www.dunagiri.com
Thank you!!
YOGA AND SPIRITUALITY TOURS
India is often described as one of the most spiritual places on earth, and our Yoga and Spirituality Tours will take guests from Delhi, to the Himalayan foothills, to the Dunagiri area, allowing guests to explore the mystical aspects of India’s rich past and present. We will stay at Dunagiri, an exclusive Nature Retreat. Dunagiri is one of those special places where, it is believed “the distance between heaven and earth shrinks, the veil between the two worlds becomes so thin; one is actually able to perceive something of heaven itself”. Its greatness lies not merely in its fascinating history and captivating natural beauty, it is rather the serene and spiritual atmosphere of this place that strikes the mind and brings peace to the soul. For spiritual practices, Dunagiri offers particularly charged vibrations that are readily apparent to a sensitive practitioner.
Sensing the deep spirituality of these sites, ancient people built many of their places of worship here, or simply marked them with stones, and later ascetics and monks also built their ashrams and hermitages here. Visiting these sites even today, one can lose all track of time and space, feeling deep inside that one is on holy ground. Dunagiri - also known as Drongiri, is known as the birthplace of present day Kriya Yoga. It is mentioned in the book “An Autobiography of a Yogi” by Swami Paramhans Yogananda.
Our Yoga and Spirituality Tours combine the itinerary and experiences of our Cultural Heritage Tours, with added opportunity for guests to explore the culture, places and people with focus directed towards yoga and the deep spiritual history of the area. Outings and treks are planned with extra thought given and ample times provided for explorations at local temples, yoga centers/ashrams. Dunagiri Retreat’s tranquil setting provides the perfect place and opportunity for guests to practice yoga and/or meditate daily. Our Yoga and Spirituality Tours will include instruction and mentoring by a locally renowned yoga instructor, as well as added teachings on the history of yoga in the local area. (Will include a related stop in Delhi on day 2)
HOW THIS HOLIDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Part of proceeds from this tour will be contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
YOGA AND SPIRITUALITY TOURS- DATES
2009
December 2-11 Yoga and Spirituality Tour
2010
April 4th–23rd Yoga and Spirituality Tour
December 1st – 10th Yoga and Spirituality Tour
To learn more about Dunagiri Retreat's Yoga and Spirituality Tours, please visit our site at http://www.dunagiri.com
Thank you!!
STUDENT TOURS
Whether exploring Delhi’s historical sites, traveling through India’s breathtaking landscapes, visiting local villages, or trekking the Himalayan foothills, each day brings guests something unique and exciting with Dunagiri Student Tours. Our Student Tours offer the itinerary and experiences of our Cultural Heritage Tours, but specifically designed for students. Whether an organized high school or college trip or college age students traveling independently, our Tour offers students the opportunity to explore the culture, places and people of India from a unique and educational point of view.
Dunagiri Tours, combine a wonderful blend of culture, history, nature, sustainable approaches, community involvement and education, offering students the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience. With our Student Tours, guests may participate in a wide variety of activities, community volunteer projects, outings, day trips, and classes…all which immerse the students in the atmosphere and local culture of the Dunagiri area, giving added depth and meaning to their time in India. Not only do our Student Tour guests return home after a most enjoyable time traveling India with friends, but with a sense of satisfaction from participating in a community volunteer experience and having made a difference in the world…and certainly with a unique and intimate understanding of a place and its people.
HOW THIS HOLIDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. Part of proceeds from this tour will be contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
STUDENT TOUR-DATES
2010
January 3rd-12th Students' Tour
July 7th – 16th Students' Tour
July 21st – 30th Students' Tour
To learn more about Dunagiri Retreat's Student Tours, please visit our site at http://www.dunagiri.com
Thank you!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
OUR MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
Through tourism, education, advocacy, and stewardship Dunagiri Retreat’s goal is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the culture, history and natural resources that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of the Dunagiri region.
The Mission of Dunagiri Tours is to provide opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture, to present them the chance to make lasting connections with places and people they meet along the way, and to offer them the utmost in hospitality. Part of our mission is also to offer opportunities for guests to give back as they travel, either by treading lightly, or through contributing to the natural environment and/or local communities in the Dunagiri area. Your visit will help us tremendously in addressing the livelihood issues of the local community – from generating employment for the local community to a local market for organic farm produce. In addition, part of proceeds from this tour will be directly contributed to charities and Non-Governmental Organizations working closely with the community you will visit.
The Philosophy of Our Tours
In an area of such natural beauty and rich heritage, we at Dunagiri feel it is our responsibility to offer a unique and fulfilling tour experience, and to do so in an environmentally and culturally respectful and aware manner. Our guests experience beauty of nature, the places, the history and the culture of India and of the Dunagiri area…all while working together to protect the environment and benefit local cultures and communities.
We simply ask that our guests live by our own philosophy of respecting and preserving our retreat’s natural and cultural environment…tread lightly…all while enjoying tranquility, beauty and receiving the highest standards of hospitality and care.
Dunagiri tours offer our guests the chance to experience local daily life and culture…creating a wonderfully positive experience for both guests and local people. With each stay at Dunagiri, a portion of guests’ tour costs directly support a variety of community projects. Guests also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in village life and share an experience, with local people. Something as simple as caring for a garden or livestock, planting a tree, spending time with children at the local school, or tackling a community project, all leave a lasting impression of time spent, for both our guests and the local people. Dunagiri guests are leading efforts to give back to the local communities and enhance the livelihoods of local people through their own ecotourism choices and involvement. . Not only do our tour guests return home with a sense of satisfaction from participating in a community volunteer experience and having made a difference in the world…but also with a unique and intimate understanding of a place and its people.
Dunagiri…is more than a place to visit. Dunagiri is an experience like no other, creating a journey for mind, body and soul, which will stay with our guests forever.
Please visit http://www.dunagiri.com for more information on Dunagiri Retreat!
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