Nick Acheson is a highly acclaimed naturalist who has been based for a number of years in Bolivia where he has established an international reputation for the quality of his tour-leading. In addition to remarkable expertise in the intricacies of neotropical bird identification, Nick is also a qualified teacher of yoga. He recently realised a personal ambition by combining these two very compatible passions at a wildlife lodge in Ecuador, offering clients yoga classes in addition to the day’s wildlife viewing. The great success of this initial venture has encouraged Nick to plan similarly-themed natural history holidays at some of his favourite locations around the world and we are delighted to announce that Naturetrek will be collaborating in this unique and exciting project.
If you are seeking a wildlife-packed holiday which also leaves you feeling healthier, happier and more relaxed the groundbreaking Naturetrek wildlife and yoga holidays could be the vacation you have been waiting for.
Wildlife and yoga holidays will usually include one yoga class each day, generally taken in the afternoon, and carefully tailored to the level of experience of the participants. In addition, informal talks on yoga lifestyle may be given, according to the interests of the group. Generally mornings and some late afternoons will be spent watching wildlife, just as on a normal tour. Experienced yoga practitioners are welcome but absolutely no prior experience of yoga is necessary. All you need are reasonably good health, a yoga mat and a willingness to have fun and take healthy exercise in inspiring natural surroundings. While we believe yoga can help people with serious medical problems or injuries, we regret that these holidays are not appropriate for them because of the group nature of all activities.
Our inaugural wildlife and yoga holiday will take place in historic north India which is both the home of yoga and replete with breathtaking wildlife. After admiring the amazing Mogul architecture of Agra and the Taj Mahal we will visit the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh, where highlights may include the endangered Gangetic Dolphin and Indian Skimmer, before catching an overnight train to Ramnagar, the rail-head for Corbett National Park. During our time in this most picturesque National Park we have a very good chance of seeing Tiger and Indian Elephant plus a fine supporting cast of mammals and birds. For our final destination we move even closer to the foothills of the mighty Himalaya by spending a few days in the old hill-resort of Nainital where the snowy peaks of the Western Himalayas shimmering in the distance are a major influence on the avifauna of the region. The holiday concludes back in Delhi but participants may choose to extend their visit in a variety of ways such as visiting one of the well-known Tiger Reserves or pursuing their yoga practices at an Indian ashram. The first wildlife and yoga tour will take place in late February/early March 2009 but the exact dates and cost have not yet been finalised.
If you are interested in our wildlife and yoga holidays, or would like more information on their suitability for you, please contact Paul Dukes or Rajan Jolly at the Naturetrek office. Advance expression of interest will be most welcome as it will help us cater appropriately for our inaugural holiday, and plan more exciting wildlife and yoga holidays for the future.