27th Dec to 1st Jan
Artcation
📍Andretta, Himachal Pradesh
A 5-day mindfulness retreat at Andretta, an artist's colony in Himachal
let's travel outside, to dive within.
What is ARTCATION all about?
At Project Aaina, we believe that self-discovery and healing can come in many forms. That's why we've curated an immersive experience that uses art, music, and movement to help you connect with your inner self and explore new ways of self-expression.
We strive to create a safe space for our participants to engage in activities that enrich their minds, body, and soul. Our retreats offer a unique opportunity to explore different aspects of oneself, connect with diverse groups of people, and experience the wonders of nature, all while having a lively time.
Our Art and Mindfulness retreats are designed to be inclusive and accessible, providing a supportive and welcoming environment where anyone can feel comfortable exploring their creative side. We believe that everyone has the potential to be creative, and we're committed to helping individuals tap into that potential through our carefully curated activities and supportive environment.
Our sessions include art and movement-based activities, musical activities, and interactive activities such as art circles, yoga, meditation, sound healing, and music circles to name a few. We encourage our participants to approach art as a process rather than a product, enabling them to reclaim their relationship with art.
Whether you're an experienced artist or just beginning to explore your creative side, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience and celebrate this New Year by celebrating yourself. Come discover the joy of unlocking your inner artist and embracing the power of self-expression in a safe and nurturing environment.
NOTE: You don’t need to have any kind of background in Art or be an Artist. It’s about flowing from one medium to another.
When is it happening?
27th Dec 2023 to 1st Jan 2024
Celebrate your new years with us🎊
Where is it happening?
Andretta, often referred to as the "Village of Artists," is a picturesque settlement located in the foothills of the Himalayas, merely 10km from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. Notably, the village is home to the prestigious Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, this institution has played a pivotal role in promoting pottery and traditional crafts in the region.
Beyond its evident artistic allure, Andretta is embraced by the enchanting beauty of the Himalayan slopes, nestled between the majestic, snow-capped Dhauladhar range and the dense greenery and bamboo groves of the Shivalik hills. The village is further distinguished by its colonial-era architecture and charming cottages, contributing to its undeniable old-world charm.
With its rich cultural heritage, natural splendor, and profound artistic significance, Andretta stands as a well-kept secret in Himachal Pradesh, alluring those in search of a tranquil retreat and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art and craftsmanship.
Where will we stay?
A unique experience of luxury within a time capsule.
The Mirage - a boutique heritage homestay nestled in a lush, quiet setting offering stunning views. Set in the idyllic Andretta artist’s village, it is the perfect space to relax and rejuvenate. The property consists of traditional Himachali mud houses lovingly restored to an inviting retreat. The Main House of The Mirage was built in 1948 by the drama teacher of Prithviraj Kapoor and Jaya Dyal, both of whom arrived in Andretta from Lahore at the time of Partition. Along with other members of Lahore’s cultural scene at that time, they joined Norah Richards, who had established an artist’s colony here in the 1920s. It is set amongst dense foliage, against a backdrop of jungle & bamboo groves.
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Source : The Mirage Andretta
What are you paying for?
A comfortable and luxurious stay at The Mirage, a beautiful boutique hideaway. You'll be staying on a Double sharing basis, so you can come with friends or make new ones.
*Single occupancy rooms are available at an extra cost*
Hassle-free travel to and from the meeting point, so you can focus on enjoying the retreat without any worries
Healthy and mindful meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to nourish your body and mind
Self-exploratory activities, so you can connect with your inner self and discover new things about yourself
A pottery session in the Artists village of India
Extensive Art sessions loaded with supplies, where you'll have a breathtaking view and a fully immersive outdoor experience, so you can unleash your creativity and express yourself
Exclusively designed movement therapy sessions to rejuvenate your body and help you connect with your physical being
Guided meditation to experience ecstatic states within yourself, so you can find peace and balance in your life
Sound healing therapy to experience deep relaxation and cleanse your aura, to help you feel refreshed and revitalized
Drum circles to be in harmony with oneself, nature, and all those around you, and to enjoy the basis of life: music and rhythm
Breath-work sessions to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing mental clarity, so you can feel more centered and focused
Art therapy sessions to express emotions and thoughts through art, and gain a new perspective on your life
A movie night and discussion under the stars
Stargazing and nighttime meditation sessions to connect with the universe and find peace within yourself, and witness the beauty of the starry skies
Scenic hikes and nature walks to explore the surrounding area and immerse yourself in nature's beauty
Live music around the campfire, to enjoy the company of others and connect with your inner rhythm
And the best part? We host our retreats in a location that's far away from the daily noise, so you can truly disconnect and reconnect with yourself. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
What is the price of investing in yourself?
You can experience this entire Retreat for a budget of -
Without travel- INR 37,999/-
With travel- INR 41,999/-
(A portion of this money is used to provide activities for underprivileged children)
Travel (Meeting Point) For those traveling with us
THE MEETING POINT WILL BE CHANDIGARH ON 27th OF DECEMBER 2023 AT 10:30 PM
You should arrive by 10:45 PM on the 27th Dec 2023 at the meeting point. You can meet with your co-participants and get to know the team (the exact location will be shared later)
We leave from Chandigarh at 11:00 PM
We will be reaching our Retreat destination around 6:00 AM on the morning of 28th Dec 2023 and will be leaving from Andretta post 11 AM on the 1st January 2024
You should plan your return to your destination after 8 PM on 1st January 2024
For those not traveling with us
You should arrive by 8:30 AM on 28th of Dec 2023 at the property.
You should plan your return from Andretta post 11 AM on the 1st January 2024
How to reach Andretta?
By Air
Dehradun’s airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is located 20 km away from the city centre. Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect and Spice Jet have regular flights to Dehradun. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the city, which should take you 40 to 45 minutes depending upon traffic.
Dehradun’s airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is located 20 km away from the city centre. Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect and Spice Jet have regular flights to Dehradun. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the city, which should take you 40 to 45 minutes depending upon traffic.
By Train
Dehradun is connected by regular train services to cities Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ujjain, Chennai and Varanasi. The Dehradun Railway Station is located 1-2 kilometers away from the city centre and should take you only ten minutes, depending on traffic. Dehradun is connected to the rest of the country by trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun AC Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express and the Amritsar-Dehradun Express among others.
By Bus
By Road
By Road
By private vehicle or taxi, you will need 11-12 hours from Delhi, 6 hours from Chandigarh, and 5 hours from Amritsar. From Delhi to Palampur, (via Chandigarh), daily overnight Volvo buses (private and government) are available. HRTC has daily buses from Chandigarh to Palampur.
Warning: Don’t program your GPS for the whole trip from start to finish. Google Maps will bring you the shortest but worst way. Program in increments, from Delhi or Chandigarh, via Amb, Pragpur, Tanda hospital, Panchrukhi & Andretta (The Mirage).
What’s the group size?
We keep the group size limited to 18 participants, to curate a personalized experience.
What’s the day-wise journey like?
Note - This is just an overview of the itinerary. You are in for a lot of fun surprises.
DAY 1 - 28th Dec 2023
Arrival and Introduction: Upon reaching Andretta in the dawn, settle into your comfortable accommodation. Take some time to relax and rejuvenate, allowing yourself to be fully present and ready for the experiences ahead. Connect with your fellow retreat participants as we embark on this transformative journey together
Artful Unwinding: Create some art to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life and begin your transformation in a colorful way
Building Connections: Forge connections with like-minded individuals and enhance your artistic experience by sharing stories, ideas, and creative insights
Rhythmic Exploration: Celebrate music and rhythm in this drum circle. Learn the skill of percussion and express yourself in ways you've never experienced before
Reflection and Meditation: As the day unfolds with new connections and experiences, find your path back to yourself through a serene meditation session. Embrace the inner beauty and silence, both within and around you
DAY 2 - 29th Dec 2023
Yog Nidra: Start your day with the ultimate relaxation technique that will help you de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body
Community Art Connection: Cherish the power of art and communication to understand community and connection in a thrilling and innovative way
Pottery Session: Get your hands into the clay and experience a creative pottery session at a scenic pottery studio
Guided Chakra Meditation & Sound Healing: Experience a rekindled sense of inner balance by soaking yourself in the transformative journey of chakra meditation and sound healing. Guided by a seasoned specialist, to lead you on this spiritual path
DAY 3 - 30th Dec 2023
Movement therapy: Start the day by reconnecting with your body and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself through movement therapy
Immersive Drum Circle: Develop a connection between your physical self and your mind in this rhythmic movement and drum circle, you also get to sense the intricate realm of your emotions
Outdoor Art Session: Embark on a remarkable journey through nature and the enchanting art of painting with this activity, providing you with an opportunity to connect with nature and yourself in this outdoor art session
Sound Meditation: Allow the soothing sounds to guide you into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace, creating the perfect atmosphere for reflection and introspection
Movie Screening and discussion under the stars: As the night unfolds, we set up a special outdoor cinema experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie under the starry canopy, a unique way to end your day on a cinematic note. 🌌🎥🍿
DAY 4 - 31st Dec 2023
Meditative Art Therapy Session: Immerse yourself in a meditative art therapy session
Music Circle: Engage in a delightful and amusing music circle, where vibrant tunes and joyful recollections from your childhood will fill the air with melodies
Self-Reflective Journey: Embark on a self-reflective journey in a meditative journaling session. Explore your inner thoughts, gain valuable insights, and create takeaways to cherish from this introspective experience
New Year's Eve Party: End the day with a fantastic New Year's Eve party. Celebrate, dance, and make memorable moments as you ring in the New Year with fellow participants
DAY 5 - 1st Jan 2024
Farewell with Gratitude: As your transformative journey draws to a close, say goodbye to the remarkable property, enchanting surroundings, and the cherished connections you've made during your retreat
On our way back we will be taking a tour of a tea estate and will be indulging in refreshing a tea-tasting experience
Why should you join this retreat?
The reasons are simple:
Rejuvenate Your Being: Experience a holistic rejuvenation of your body, mind, and soul, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.
Spiritual Rebalancing: Rediscover your spiritual equilibrium through the healing power of art, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self.
Melodic Healing: Engage in music therapy and sound healing to establish a profound connection with your inner world.
Dive into Self-Reflection: Uncover an array of meditative and therapeutic techniques, guiding you toward an illuminating journey of self-discovery.
Serene Mountain Retreat: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a boutique stay nestled amidst snow-clad mountains, providing a serene backdrop for your transformation.
Unleash Fun and Freedom: Delight in a well-deserved getaway filled with enjoyable activities, offering the perfect escape you've been yearning for.
All-Inclusive Ease: Relish a hassle-free experience with a one-time payment, ensuring you are free of travel complexities.
Connect and Cherish: Forge connections with fellow travelers, sharing unforgettable memories that extend beyond the journey itself.
Break Free and Blossom: Release patterns that no longer serve you, embracing personal growth as you step into an enhanced version of yourself.
Join us for an extraordinary retreat where rejuvenation, self-discovery, and cherished connections await.
For those of you who don't understand anything except bullet points, here you go:
Personal growth and self-discovery exercises
Art sessions
mindfulness sessions
Movement Therapy
Drum circles
Meditation
Sound Healing
Live music
Trekking and hiking
All meals for the whole trip
Inter and Intra city travel
Accommodation
Lots of fun, friendships, and good memories.
Don't think about it too much, you deserve this break.
Contact us and book your slot right away!
The Location
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Source : The Mirage Andretta
Inclusions:
Accommodation for 4 Nights and 5 Days at the The Mirage, Andretta
Travel to and from Chandigarh (If you opt for the with travel pakage)
Authentic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner (All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhancing the authentic cuisine experience) .
Access to multiple intensive Art sessions
All the Art supplies & materials used during the sessions
Instruments for music sessions
Meditation, sound healing and movement therapy sessions
Exclusions:
Personal expenses of any nature
Laundry and toiletries
Additional beverages or food (Note: Please be aware that any meals consumed outside the property are not included in the budget)
Any additional activities during the retreat
Medical expenses of any nature
DISCLAIMER
* You are requested to respect Nature, the culture of the region, and the sentimental values of the locals. You must refrain from acts of littering, intoxication in public areas, and disrespecting people, animals, or any places of worship at all times.
* We at Project Aaina do not support the use of any kind of Intoxication since we’re here on a spiritual journey. The use of drugs, alcohol consumption and smoking is prohibited during the retreats.
*You have to be 18+ to attend our retreats. If you are below 18, we will require you to submit an NOC signed by your parents or guardian.
*All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhance the authentic cuisine experience.
* You are responsible for yourself and your belongings for the entire duration of the Retreat. The organisers are not responsible for any theft or loss of your personal belongings or for any personal injury caused to you. The organisers are also not responsible for any personal effect during or post the trip due to Covid - 19. We are trying our best to take precautions, and your help and cooperation are appreciated.
*Uninformed movement by participants during the day and night outside the property is strictly prohibited; the host or the organizers will not be responsible for any unforeseen circumstances.
* Payment policy- You can temporarily book your seat by paying the registration fee online. Interested individuals are requested to pay the full payment inorder to secure their spot for the retreat. Please note that we do not accept payments on-site during the retreat or after its conclusion.
* Refund policy- The registration fee and the advance payment is a non-refundable amount under any circumstances, however, we understand that an unexpected change of plans is always a possibility, so if you are unable to attend your Retreat, you can transfer your slot to someone else, do let us know at least two weeks before the start of the Retreat.
* A Covid - 19 negative test certificate is mandatory if you haven't got both doses of vaccine.
* If you have been previously tested positive, make sure you have completed the general self-quarantine time period of 7 days, and also given your body and mind time to recover. If your symptoms have subsided, you are most welcome. Take a test again, as the negative certificate is mandatory.
* Masks and personal sanitisers are mandatory on the trip. Make sure you carry them. It's for your own safety, and for the safety of your fellow co- travellers. Little precautions can go a long way. You are requested to help us in this, and be aware of taking necessary precautions.
*We don’t support any kind of mistreatment/bullying. Consent is a very important factor in the case of every participant and team member at Project Aaina. Happy hugs are always welcome.
*You will be asked to leave the retreat immediately if you fail to follow the above-mentioned policies.