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. Come discover the joy of unlocking your inner artist and embracing the power of self-expression in a safe and nurturing environment.

When is it happening?

23rd to 28th June 2023

Where is it happening?

Just a few kilometres away from the bustling town of Manali, nestled amidst the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range, lies a hidden gem that has the power to soothe your soul - Sonaugi village. It's hard to describe the magic of this place, where the serene and tranquil air wraps around you, and the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar range tower above you. Located at an altitude of 1920 M / 6300 ft, Sonaugi is a world away from the crowds of Manali.

Legend has it that the land was named Sonaugi, or the "Land of the Golden Crop", after nearby villagers discovered fields of golden wheat growing here. Today, Sonaugi is a picturesque retreat for the senses, with towering Himalayan Cedars (Deodar) embracing the landscape on three sides, and lush apple orchards stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Where will we stay?

Indulge in a luxurious stay at The Sonaugi Homestead by Banjara Experiences, a charming and serene abode that promises to enchant you with its rustic allure. Painstakingly hand-built by Italian architect Eris Binda in the traditional Kath-Kuni construction style, this retreat seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of its surroundings, offering a tranquil haven for you to unwind after a day of exploration.

The Retreat boasts of well-furnished, comfortable rooms, enveloped by the verdant mountains and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Every room exudes a rustic charm, with its wooden decor and earthy color tones, ensuring a cozy stay. The panoramic views of the mountainside and snow-clad peaks in the distance will take your breath away.

The pristine atmosphere of the retreat is sure to rejuvenate your senses and embalm your soul. The silence, occasionally broken by the soothing sounds of nature, creates the perfect ambiance for meditation or igniting your hidden artistic talents. Get ready to fall in love with the magic of The Sonaugi Homestead, a destination that will stay with you forever.

What are you paying for?

• A comfortable and luxurious stay at The Sonaugi Homestead, a beautiful boutique hideaway nestled in the serene kullu valley. You'll be staying on a triple sharing basis, so you can come with friends or make new ones.

*Single occupancy rooms and double sharing 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.

• 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.

• Breathwork 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.

• Astrology and tarot reading sessions to gain insights into yourself and your life path, and to help you find clarity and direction.

• Stargazing and nighttime meditation sessions to connect with the universe and find peace within yourself, and witness the beauty of the starry skies.

• Experience the sunrise and sunset from the vicinity of the property, and be mesmerized by the stunning views.

• 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 -

With travel included-INR 31,999/-

Without Travel- INR 28,500/-

(A portion of this money is used to provide activities for underprivileged children)
(A GST of 18% is included)

Travel (Meeting Point)

THE MEETING POINT WILL BE Chandigarh on 23rd of June 2023 AT 10 PM 

• You should arrive by 10 PM on the 23rd June 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 10:30 PM

• We will be reaching our Retreat destination around 6 AM on the morning of 24th June 2023 and will be leaving from Sounagi post 9 PM on the 27th of June 2023  

• You should plan to return to your destination after 9 AM on 28th June 2023

How to reach the location on your own?

• Air: The nearest airport to Sonaugi is Bhuntar Airport, which is only 40 kilometers away and approximately a 1-hour drive from the retreat center.

• Road: Private and state-run buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other neighboring states. If you are coming from Delhi, you can take a bus to Manali and get down at Patli Kuhal, which is only 18 kilometers before Manali. Sonaugi is just a 30-minute drive from there.

• Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh (288 km/ 7 hrs) and Kiratpur Sahib (208 km/ 6 hrs)
  
  

What’s the group size?

We keep the group size limited to 15 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 - 24th June 2023

• Arrive in the early morning and take in the breathtaking surroundings of our location.

• Settle into the accommodations and get lost in the rustic charm of the building, while taking in the panoramic views of the nearby mountainside and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

• Connect with your creative side during an Art circle, where we'll provide a tranquil and serene atmosphere for you to express yourself away from the noise of the city.

• Build meaningful connections with your fellow participants while exploring your inner selves and unleashing your artistic potential.

• End the day with a healing meditational experience, immersing yourself in the serene silence of nature and rejuvenating your mind and soul.

DAY 2 - 25th June 2023

• Yog Nidra: Start your day with the ultimate relaxation technique that will help you de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body.

• Embracing the power of community through a visit to the local village and interaction with the local people

• A textile-based activity that inspires creativity: Discover a sustainable way to create beautiful things with this interactive textile-based activity that encourages creativity.

• Drum circle: Let the rhythm of the drums take over and experience the joy of creating music together in a drum circle.

• Experience deep states of relaxation through sound healing and meditation: Indulge in a deeply relaxing and restorative experience through the healing power of sound and meditation.

• Campfire and live music: End your day around a cozy campfire with live music, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

DAY 3 - 26th June 2023

• Start the day by reconnecting with your body and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself through movement therapy.

• Embark on a picturesque hike to an interactive art-driven group set up amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the surrounding landscape and indulge in the therapeutic practice of forest bathing while experiencing the magic of art.

• Reclaim spiritual balance with chakra meditation and sound healing, guided by a skilled practitioner who will help you find inner peace and harmony.

• Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky and the vastness of the universe from the crystal-clear skies of The Sounagi Homestead, where you can witness countless stars and galaxies that are usually hidden from view.

DAY 4 - 27th June 2023

• Visits to enhance the appreciation of nature and new cultures: Explore the beauty of the surrounding area while gaining a deeper appreciation for new cultures and ways of life. This will be an experience that will stay with you forever.

Why should you join this retreat?

The reasons are simple:

• Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

• Reclaim your spiritual balance with Art 

• Connect with your inner self through music therapy and sound healing

• Introduction to different meditative and therapeutic techniques that can help you kick start your self-reflective journey

• Stay in a serene boutique stay amidst snow-clad mountains 

• Have the much needed getaway you have been thinking of that is full of fun activities

• An all inclusive journey where you are free of any traveling hassle with one time payment

• Connect with a lot of fellow travelers and experience not just a trip but a memory to cherish

• Let it all flow free and let go of everything you have been tied to by breaking patterns that no longer serve you stepping into a better version of yourself 

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

Inclusions:

• Accommodation for 3 Nights and 4 Days at The Sonaugi Homestead

• Travel to and from Chandigarh

• 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

• Any additional activities during the retreat

• Medical expenses of any nature