About – Yatra at Bharat

about us

team yatra

Sonal's life journey embodies a true roller coaster ride, as a full-time spiritual seeker and homemaker from the USA. Born in a small town in Gujarat, India, in a farmer's house, she experienced an authentic village lifestyle during her childhood. Later, she moved to the USA with her family, striving through various jobs to help her parents put food on the table for both her and her siblings. Despite a happy marriage and the responsibilities of being a homemaker and mother, she sensed an unfulfilled aspect within herself. Her transformation began when she discovered an Isha yoga class, igniting a change in her life. Eventually, she decided to move to India, settling in her guru's ashram nestled in the forests of South India at the foothills of the Velliangiri mountains. For a decade, she lived there with her two children, who attended an international boarding school. Devoting herself as a full-time volunteer, she served as a teacher and house parent, deeply engaging in diverse yoga practices as a dedicated sadhak, or seeker. Her role as a teacher led her and the children from the Isha Home School on numerous field trips across India, exploring its many sacred places. These journeys further enriched her spiritual quest, prompting her to extend her explorations across India. This passion to share her experiences culminated in the inception of Yatra LLC - 'A Journey to Divine,' aimed at guiding others to witness the spiritual essence she encountered in India otherwise known as 'Bharat.' Since then, this endeavor has become a significant manifestation in her life.

~ Sonal Patel

A spiritual nomad, passionate street photographer, and full-time seeker, Hitarth holds a degree in social science and also operates an NGO called the 'Shailja Foundation.' Through this organization, he dedicates himself to assisting stray animals in rural areas of Gujarat. Born into a traditional Brahmin family in Gujarat, with ancestral roots tracing back to Kashi, Hitarth felt drawn to spirituality from a very young age. After exploring various paths, he found solace in the depths of Hinduism.

Following a stint in the corporate world and marketplace, he realized that the conventional 9-5 job didn't align with his aspirations. His inclination was towards living a life akin to a spiritual nomad. Hitarth possesses a profound interest in India's history and spiritual heritage. He has conducted compelling research on Kashi, delving into its mystical temples, samadhis, and concealed spiritual sites, gathering numerous captivating stories from the spiritual and yogic lore of Bharat.

~ Hitarth Jani

A local guide from Banaras, Rahul adores meeting new people and sharing the beauty of his homeland, Mahadev's Nagri, famously known as Kashi. We've known Rahul for the past five years. On one occasion, when we encountered a massive crowd while attempting to visit the renowned Kal Bhairav Temple, Rahul came to our aid. Sensing our predicament, he approached us selflessly and escorted us into the sanctum sanctorum of the Baba Kal Bhairav Temple, ensuring we experienced its sanctity. This encounter marked our first meeting with this intriguing and kind-hearted Banarasi Babu or Kashi Vashi, both terms used to describe a local from Kashi or Banaras.

Since then, Rahul has become an integral part of every Kashi trip for us, evolving into both a friend and guide. Having been born and raised in Kashi, his intimate knowledge of the city is unparalleled. Rahul is familiar with every nook and cranny of Kashi and passionately showcases its essence. With his infectious humor and joyful demeanor, he transforms the mystical lanes of Kashi into even more captivating sites to explore."

~ Rahul Chaurasiya

terms & conditions

Our cancellation Policy

The Cancellation Policies listed below apply to all reservations unless the tour booked has specific fees,as listed
below.
Please review all of your tour details prior to registering for the trip, because once an online
registration is initiated, all cancellations will be treated as per the cancellation policy.
Please note, that Yatra will always adhere to individual tour policies when and if applicable.

Cancellation made within

Date of booking to 90 days prior to trip 30 days prior to the trip within 15 days prior to the trip

Refund Policy

70% of the total purchase amount can be refunded
50% of the total purchase amount can be refunded
25% of the total purchase amount can be refunded

Please note that cancellation fees are calculated based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation form
with reference to the above policy.
All cancellations must be made directly to Yatra.
Reservations paid by, money order/traveler’s cheques, or cashier’s cheque will be refunded,

Full Refund

Full Refund will be honored, for any cancellations made by Yatra (journey to the divine) only.

What CANNOT be refunded

All hotels and tour schedules are arranged ahead of time. Any person falling to appear on the day of departure without giving prior notice will not be refunded.
No refund will be given for any portion of the tour unused by the traveler after tour departure regardless of circumstances.
No refund will be honored by Yatra due to a natural disaster or Political unrest.

Amendment Fees

Any changes made to a reservation by you after successfully completing the registration online, will be subject to a minimum $75 Amendment Fee (per change). Any changes made by you, prior to the tour, constitutes an amendment such as:

● Changing pick up time
● Changing guest name

The $75 amendment fee is the minimum charge applicable for any changes. If you request multiple changes and/or request the adjustments at the last minute, additional fees may apply (in addition to the $75 amendment fee).

FAQS

When can I expect a Refund?

All refunds will be made within 7-14 working days

How to cancel a reservation ?

We will NOT acknowledge any verbal/over-the-phone request or voice mail. Verbal instructions to our
representative without filling out a cancellation form will not guarantee your cancellation or acknowledgment of the
same.

Please process the cancellation via the website
Your date of cancellation will be registered automatically online