Some reviews of the Varanasi Sacred Tour.
“I definitely think it has helped me since I got back just dealing with day to day situations and with family. An awful lot of the nonsense just washes over me, whereas before it would really, really get to me. I also don’t take work so seriously or stress about things anymore. I suppose overall I am a lot more hopeful. I think Varanasi gives you hope. I think anyone who has gone to Varanasi has an edge over ANYONE who has NOT been to Varanasi. For Sure. Just with living life and dealing with things. A day hasn’t gone past that I haven’t thought about it.”
Lorraine C.
“Varanasi is a special place. A place where one must consistently look beyond or inside but not directly at what is seen. Everything is happening at once, with no ‘time’ or space for contemplating or processing. It is a place where ones mind and all its conditions must surrender..to the city.
Then there is the advantage I had- possibly -over other adventurers like myself- from the West. I had Natasha Nandini, who gave me access to the internal quieter places both in the city and in myself.
Natasha allows one to know the serenity behind the chaos. The love within the temples, the alleyways where again nothing and everything is present at once.
I highly recommend taking this week with Natasha- if you want to meet people who are interested in your journey, people who want you to fall in love with their city. If you want to practise yoga where it comes to life and if you are willing to be pushed past the chaos the city exposes in you..then go..with Natasha..because this way one is not a spectator but a sapling absorbing the sun.”
Helen Carolan- 2024
“I am very grateful that Natasha bring us together to practice yoga and understand india culture at its origin. Varanasi is known to be one of the most ancient city in the world. I had an amazing experience going to temples which Natasha, who brought us. I would not have known them as a foreigner. At some of these temples we recollected some of its history and significance of each which is meaningful for non-Indian visitors. I felt more connected with these scared sites after knowing their significance. I especially like the music concerts of Varanasi, with the use of classical Indian instruments. I learnt of the concept of Swara Yoga; a kundalini-based yoga using one’s voice projection of Sanskrit syllable. Natasha invited Dr Ashisk Kumar to give us a private concert which is an eye-opening experience. I went into deep silence when he being to do the chanting. Overall, it was a profound experience for myself and I felt fully blessed by it.”
V. Chng
*So despite my tendency to be highly sceptical and reluctant to write or trust reviews or testimonials online, i feel compelled to do this by the force of the energies i witnessed and experienced a month or so ago in the city of Benaras, so i hope it will be read as coming straight from the heart. if you want to delve into the soul of this astonishing place and it’s people, whilst being guided and enlightened along your path, then this is the way to experience Varanasi. As can happen daily in this exceptional place, when total chaos almost overwhelms, Natasha’s intimate local knowledge and connections brings delights and charms into focus. Rather than a pre-planned or scripted ‘tour’, Natasha spontaneously moves you through the city from the little known temples, along the magnificent Ganga at the best hours, into restaurants and homes to eat clean & delicious local food, round a maze of mysterious bustling alleyways to a soundtrack of sacred music and performances private and public. For me the week was profoundly inspiring, and just the right mix of blissful musical experiences, encounters with amazing characters, fascinating excitement and restfulness! A small but beautifully composed group made things easy logistically and had a feeling of ease and instant friendliness. Forget your Spanish holiday, go heart-healing-india!”
K.A.
*For the first few Full Moons after the trip I missed Varanasi, Natasha and the group, the River the music so much.. it was not easy.
Imagine Full Moon beside the Ganges, the music, chanting, the Temples and people; but no it wasn’t too crowded at the time. Seeing a body being burned at the Harischandra Ghat cleared something for me and fulfilled one of the original reasons I had long wanted to go to Varanasi. I am a yoga teacher and had been to India many times already but this was one of the best and most fulfilling trips ever. it was Natasha’s experience with the locals, her grasp of Hindi which made me feel safe there… what to eat and not to eat is difficult to pick up in a week.. but you have to. Any problems and Natasha took us to a really good Ayurvedic clinic just around the corner from where we were staying. I still use the Triphala I got there every morning.
The concerts we attended were very good, and the visits to the homes of the musicians Natasha knows so well were really special.It was a privilege to listen and watch Natasha herself play at one of the evening concerts. Hotel Haifa was fine, the visits to the temples really good, and let’s not forget the bookshops. I have just been re-reading Alain Danielou’s “Shiva and the Primordial Tradition”, which Natasha pointed out. There were so many things, I could go on; the group was lovely to be with although they probably thought I was a bit reserved re the pan after lunch! Govindaji, a good friend of Natasha’s and a Priest from a family going back generations made us feel welcome and the lunches at his restaurant looking over the river were wonderful.
Did I mention the Sadhu.. the image of him conversing with Natasha during our epic walk along the Ganges that night keeps popping up in my mind.
I can highly recommend this Music Tour with Natasha.”
Trevor T.
“Natasha is a wonderful guide, her many years of experience in visiting Varanasi is reflected in her natural ease in her surroundings. Her fluency in the Hindi language allows for wonderful meetings and interactions with locals, which adds delightful nuances to the tour.
The music is, of course, sensational and with Natasha’s deep connections you are welcomed into the music world of Varanasi. Her teachers and friends are wonderful people who warmly welcome you into their homes and thus allowing for another insight into life in Varanasi.”
B.A.
‘An amazing tour under the guidance of Natasha. It is not the ‘tourist book’ guide to Varanasi but a very real experience where this ancient city, the music, the people and the places come alive. You are in great hands as Natasha guides you weaving seamlessly in and out of so many aspects of life, you know you’re lucky to be there.
Concerts and private audiences with some of the great musicians/ singers who keep the raags alive with such love dedication and devotion is a true privilege. These ancient sounds and music of Varanasi are like her heart beating and for a while, on this tour, you too become part of it.
Speaking perfect Hindi Natasha could translate what was being said at many of the places and temples we visited.
She is a wonderful guide and her love for this ancient city and its music shines. If you feel any draw to Varanasi you could not be in better hands.’
R.C.
“I participated to the Varanasi music tour last February, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s been the best trip of my life. It was my third time in India but it felt like the first real, close and authentic experience with the country.
Natasha is a wonderful guide and teacher, she has a fantastic energy to be around and is a kind, knowledgeable and loving person. Her deep connection to the Indian music, culture and society guarantees an experience that is far from tourist tracks.
We spent 7 wonderful days immersed in Varanasi lifestyle, met amazing musicians, attended private and public concerts, ate delicious food and visited the many places of interest that the city offers.
Natasha looked after us very well: she constantly made sure we were informed, safe, and she met every request we might have had regarding sightseeing or shopping. The schedule of the days was well organized but left space to improvisation, which is part of the fun and experience of India.
If you want a real Varanasi experience that goes to the heart and soul of this incredible city, look no further!”
A.D.