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.

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.

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.

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 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

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