How to experience the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, India

The Kangra valley itself is steeped in history.

But even almost broke my nose while trying a handstand is not enough to take the pleasure of attending the 10-day yoga retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The Basunti retreat in Himachal Pradesh, northern India, is set in a wildlife reserve in the Kangra Valley and offers immersion into one of the most spiritual of India.
India's Kangra Kangra Valley ValleyIndia

It is home to leopards, mongoose, snakes, scorpions, butterflies, birds and a single fish, to name a few creature population.

David Butterworth, co-owner with his wife retreated Izzy, is a resident storyteller.

In one of the many animal-themed Basunti his anecdotes, Butterworth explains how he once saw a fish jump and grab the single from the pool spotted dove in flight.

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Although yoga retreats are offered throughout the year, one of the best times to go to Basunti is October, when Bridget Woods Kramer visited. (This year, he will be in Basunti October 3 to 12.)

Kramer is one of the world's most famous instructors Anusara yoga - a practice that focuses on the heart and the ability of each individual student.

Finding inner strength in the Kangra valley
The Kangra Valley has more than 420 species of birds.
The Kangra Valley has more than 420 species of birds.

The Basunti day starts at 7 am with a two-hour yoga session in the straw shala overlooking the peaceful waters of the Kangra valley.

At the entrance stands a striking brass statue of the Hindu god Shiva, the symbol of strength.

Practice begins gradually, with talks by Kramer about Hindu gods and goddesses that resonates with the teachings of yoga and the benefits of yoga.

A herd of cows quietly made ​​its way past, giving us curious glances as we twisted and turned and tried to keep our balance.

Kramer said the need to stand tall and strong in yoga translates into everyday life: "This is a reminder to stand up in the face of fear."

He serves all levels, encouraging partners or individual practice.

My retreat students range from complete novice to a new yoga teacher or achieved.

Although I collapsed on the marble floor while attempting a handstand, with subsequent efforts, and with much encouragement from Kramer, I felt I could maintain the position for ages.

Well, at least two seconds and with the support of three people.

What I realized is that it seems acrobatic pose requires self-confidence and belief; increasingly difficult poses, the more I must be silent fear and resilience of the gathering - which makes me feel stronger as a whole.

"I know you can do it," said Kramer, convincing. "I know you're just scared."

Before the second day yoga session two hours in the evening, we went up on the roof of the main building Basunti, accompanied by singing religious and traditional drums of the local temple during evening prayers.

The roof is surrounded by plants and trees, all covered by Himalayan peaks, which gradually fade as the sun sets and night falls.

Evening practice focuses on breathing techniques - something that sounds simple enough but that we take for granted in everyday life.

Using exercise to facilitate and open up the chest area and back to change the way we feel, posture and allow the energy to flow freely through our body.

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Homegrown produce and ancient treasures

After the session physically challenging but resurrection, a dinner bell signal, accompanied by the singing of crickets, while guests mingle on the porch.

Basunti provide freshly prepared food using local produce and has its own good.

Visitors can try this Basunti homegrown lemon, aloe vera plant and traditional Indian neem plant, known for its healing properties effective.
Guests can ride a paddle boat and explore the Kangra Valley for the afternoon.
Guests can ride a paddle boat and explore the Kangra Valley for the afternoon.

Orange, mango and papaya trees are also in this hotel.

After a few days relaxing in Basunti, it is easy to forget you're in India is dynamic.

The boat ride in the nearby lake Maharana Pratap Sagar, a trip to the residence of the Dalai Lama from McLeod Ganj, where he often gives lectures, or visits to the temples of Masroor rock, a few hours drive away, is a reminder of the diversity of the outside wall backwards.

Basunti will also arrange a visit to the local store scarves, which have a beautiful original design makes a perfect gift.

The Kangra valley itself is steeped in history.

"The early settlers must Harappans of the Indus Valley civilization, this evidence I have found when water levels receded and banks are exposed to," said Butterworth.

Treasures he found including gray Ware pottery from around 1100-800 BC, as well as the coin of the Maurya dynasty to the Mughal Empire and the East India Company.

Butterworth family is derived from the English Midlands, but he was born the seventh generation in India.

"I'm good Punjabi boy!" he laughs.

Butterworth build reverse itself using local labor and resources.
Basunti morning yoga session starting at 7 am at the shala thatched.
Basunti morning yoga session starting at 7 am at the shala thatched.

Sitting in what was originally a corn and winter wheat fields, Basunti construction began in 2006.

Today, the environment includes the wide, open spaces between buildings containing beautifully designed, well appointed.

Getting there

The Basunti retreated about three and a half hours drive from Amritsar - private car to collect visitors from the airport.

Guests can also stay in Amritsar and asked to be picked up from their hotel.

Yoga retreats are held throughout the year, organized by teachers from all over the world who specialize in a variety of styles.

Basunti also hosts painting, fishing and photography retreats usual.

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