Madhuban
Himalayan Retreat
Come, Discover Yourself
Himalayan Retreat
Come, Discover Yourself
At Madhuban, you can immerse yourself in nature, reconnect with your inner self, and rediscover your true essence. The Talla Valley in Ramgarh, known as the "fruit bowl," is abundant with plum, pear, peach, and apricot orchards, offering a harmonious environment for a spiritual retreat.
Madhuban beckons you to pause and connect with your inner ecology amidst the rich
flora and fauna, in tune with the seasonal rhythms. As the Mother called it, this valley is
Sri Aurobindo's foothold in the Himalayas, inviting each of us to find peace and harmony.
Come to Madhuban and awaken to a profound sense of self amidst
nature's embrace.
Is one of being worthy of the faith that The Mother invested in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi branch, when on 12 February 1956, for its opening, she sent a handwritten message:
"Let this place be worthy of its name and manifest the true spirit of Sri Aurobindo's teaching and message to the world. With my blessings".
In sync with the above, Madhuban’s vision is to serve as a spiritual retreat for sadhaks, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment through school programs. It also aims to support local communities by promoting integral education, health, and sustainable livelihoods. All efforts are carried out within a framework that is ecologically sustainable, spiritually uplifting, and collectively focused on fostering inner harmony among all participants.
Madhuban's Mission:
To strive to be an ecological community focused on principles of Integral Yoga; a space where each individual connected to it is able to be conscious of the aim of life for his/her own being and with the needs of the space, needs of the other co-habitants, and the larger vision of the space.
All those living in Madhuban Himalayan Retreat as well as visitors to it need to be mindful of their own personal routines while being respectful of the community's fixed daily practices of:
1. @ 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. – Morning yoga /shramdan
2. @ 7.30 a.m. – Breakfast
3. @ 12.00 p.m. – Lunch
4. @ 4.00 p.m .to 4.30 p.m. – Collective reading
5. @ 4.30 p.m. – Tea break
6. @ 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. – Sports/physical fitness
7. @ 7.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. – Meditation
8. @ 7.30 p.m. – Dinner
- 21 FebruaryDarshan Day and the Mother's birth anniversary; all-day program
- 29 FebruaryDay of the Supramental Manifestation
- 24 AprilDarshan Day: the Mother's final arrival in Pondicherry; all-day program
- 7 JuneRelics Enshrinement Day at Madhuban; all-day program
- 13 AugustBirth anniversary of Shri Surendra Nath Jauhar 'Faquir'
- 15 AugustDarshan Day: Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary; all-day program
- 17 NovemberThe Mother's Mahasamadhi Day; collective silent meditation
- 24 NovemberDarshan Day and Siddhi Day; march-past and satsang
- 5 DecemberSri Aurobindo's Mahasamadhi Day; collective silent meditation
- 31 DecemberMid-night meditation
Overview
The youth camp at Madhuban offers youth a unique opportunity to develop life skills, resilience, and a spirit of service while surrounded by the serene Himalayas. The camp combines practical survival skills, community outreach, and adventure activities designed to enhance self-confidence, physical capability, responsibility, and purposeful living. It is an immersive experience aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to face life’s challenges
Objectives
- Skill Development: Enhance survival skills, first aid proficiency, and disaster management.
- Personal Growth: Foster self-confidence, physical fitness, and teamwork through engaging adventure activities.
- Community Engagement: Encourage social responsibility and empathy through a mentoring program with local youth. • Environmental Stewardship: Instill a sense of duty towards preserving the natural environment.
Rationale
Experience Life Beyond Gadgets:
The immersion in nature encourages students to form deeper connections with their surroundings and each other, away from the distractions of screens and social media.
By sharing group activities such as nature walks, games, and campfire storytelling, students will strengthen bonds with their peers, building memories that don’t rely on technology.
Madhuban’s peaceful setting and the mindful activities encourage students to slow down, develop awareness, and connect with themselves.
From observing the sunrise and birds in the morning to learning basic outdoor skills, every moment at Madhuban becomes a learning opportunity.
Camp Highlights and Activities
Disaster Management & First Aid Workshop
Learning Outcome: Empower students to respond effectively in emergencies and understand the basics of first aid and disaster management.
Rope Course and Adventure Activities
Learning Outcome: Develop physical strength, mental resilience, and the ability to work as a cohesive team under challenging conditions.
Trekking and Bird Watching
Learning Outcome: Deepen connection with nature, improve observation skills, and cultivate patience and appreciation for wildlife.
'Clean the Himalayas' Drive
Learning Outcome: Foster a sense of environmental stewardship and personal accountability toward sustainable living.
Big Brother, Big Sister Mentorship Program
Learning Outcome: Build empathy, communication skills, and cross-cultural understanding while instilling a spirit of service.
Takeaways for Students
Each participant will return with enhanced self-reliance, a stronger sense of social responsibility, practical life skills, and a deep respect for nature and community. We envision that this camp will inspire students to embrace challenges and cultivate a meaningful approach to life.
A journey towards living consciously
Join us in the tranquil Kumaon Hills at Madhuban, where the serene natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for a journey of self-discovery. Over the course of a few days, you will:
Disconnect from Technology
Break free from the daily distractions and immerse yourself in a space that fosters clarity and mindfulness.
Learn techniques that encourage self-reflection, helping you to realign your personal and professional goals.
contactus.madhuban@gmail.com
Welcome to Madhuban. This unique retreat offers children the chance to unplug from their daily routines and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Join us for an unforgettable experience where learning and adventure go hand in hand.
Connect with nature while promoting physical and mental well-being. Through serene trails, mindful exploration, and team-building experiences, kids can unwind and rejuvenate in a peaceful environment.
Descend with confidence! Rappelling is an exciting activity where students can overcome their fears and build teamwork skills. Our experienced instructors ensure safety while making the experience fun and rewarding.
2. Yoga
3. Outdoor gym
4. Badminton court
Madhuban today is a calm environment for spiritual retreats, writers and artists residences, vedic chanting, nature treks, and a wholesome experience of living in a community set-up where work is done in the spirit of an offering to the Divine. To apply to host or to participate in a retreat, write to: contactus.madhuban@gmail.com
From the moment I put my feet there, an overpowering calm, peaceful and strong spiritual vibration filled my being. The beauty of Madhuban, the exquisite fragrance of the flowers all around, the majestic mountains, and, above all, the simplicity, love, care and dedicated service from Anju didi and other members of the Madhuban community has made a deep impact on my heart.
I witness the concept of putting spirituality into action for the upliftment of local communities so beautifully in Madhuban.
Combine these with modern amenities and comfortable rooms, sattvik food at the Dining Hall, the time I spent at Madhuban has created a deep positive impact in me and I can't wait to come back and spend more time at Madhuban.
I feel truly blessed to have "discovered" this quite extra-ordinary place. As well, to be received here by everyone – in the kitchen, in the gardens, everywhere – with deep attention and abiding welcome, is the most hearting healing.
Thank you everyone indeed for making Madhuban my "home".
We have adopted schools in the nearby villages and work closely with the state board and NCERT curriculum guidelines and books, with our background in integral education we weave in a framework of processes that aim to empower each stake holder around the child to be mindful of our three guiding principles of education and true teaching:
1. Nothing can be taught. The teacher is not an instructor or task-master; he is a helper and a guide. His business is to suggest and not to impose. He does not actually train the pupil's mind, but only shows him how to perfect his instruments of knowledge... He shows him how to acquire knowledge for himself.
2. The mind has to be consulted in its own growth. The idea of hammering the child into the shape desired by the parent or teacher is a barbarous and ignorant superstition. It is he himself who must be induced to expand in accordance with his own nature.
3. Work from the near to the far. Work from that which is, to that which shall be. The basis of man's nature is almost always in addition to his soul's past, his heredity, surroundings, nationality, country, the soil from which he draws sustenance, the air he breathes, and the sights, sounds, and habits to which he is accustomed.
In accordance with the above, Madhuban tries to celebrate the human spirit through the following:
Camps for village education
Computer literacy for village youth
Music and art classes for village women
Knitting and stitching workshops for village women
Garbology classes for village schools
1. Stitching unit:
Stitching classes are regularly held for village girls. Courses are of three to six month duration. Post-training employment is given in our own stitching unit to those who qualify as seamstresses; for those who want to become entrepreneurs, support is given to set up their own small-scale business.
2. Knitting unit:
A group of village women, comprising mostly mothers of our school children, meet every Tuesday and hone their skills for knitting woollens. They now make and sell their finely knitted mufflers, shawls, socks, capes, and baby suits through Madhuban Himalayan Retreat. The money they make is collected and accounted by them. Madhuban Himalayan Retreat has supported this enterprise by building their skills, giving them a room with a view, and providing opportunities for travel to see more organised skill work in places such as Auroville and Delhi.
If you are coming to stay indoors, than you can from your room look at spectacular views of the trickling river in the summer, clouds dancing in the mountain dales during monsoons, trees laden with fruit between summer and monsoon, orange to yellow hues of our trees and vines in autumn, flowers of myriad hues in spring, and winter bare nature in all its rugged beauty.
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Prohibited Substances: Smoking and the consumption of gutka or any tobacco products are strictly prohibited on Madhuban Himalayan Retreat campus. Additionally, the use of alcoholic beverages and drugs is forbidden throughout the entire duration of the camp.
- Expected Conduct: We encourage all participants to bring a cheerful attitude, a spirit of positivity, and an openness to the experiences ahead. Respect for the natural environment, fellow participants, and Madhuban Himalayan Retreat's values is paramount.
- Discipline: Maintaining discipline and adhering to these guidelines is crucial for fostering a harmonious atmosphere. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated.
- Medical: People with high blood pressure and other diseases, who have problems with high altitude and/or living at the first and second floors, and also those needing special facilities, food or care, should not apply.
We have trained personnel who can administer first aid. Participants are responsible for their own medical expenses. The organizers are unable to cover any costs related to accidents or illnesses that may occur during the camp.
- Luggage Advisory: There is a slight climb before reaching the Ashram, so it’s advisable to pack luggage that is easy to carry and manage. Opting for two smaller bags instead of one heavy bag will make the journey more comfortable.
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Conscious Living: Please Bring Your Own Towel and Toiletries.
At Madhuban, we embrace mindful living in harmony with the Himalayas. To conserve water and protect the delicate ecosystem, we kindly ask guests to bring their own towels and toiletries. We also encourage you to carry back any waste, helping us keep the mountains pristine and clean. Your mindful choices make a difference in preserving this beautiful environment and reflects our commitment to conscious, sustainable living. Thank you for joining us in caring for this precious environment.
To book, please email us.
contactus.madhuban@gmail.com
Phone number.
+91 76688 70757
By Flight: From New Delhi to Pant Nagar then take a cab to Talla Ramgarh, look for Madhuban after the Talla market
By Train: From new Delhi to Kathgodam or Haldwani or Rudrapur and then take a cab to Ramgarh, look for Madhuban after the Talla market
By Road: Book a bus or cab from New Delhi to Talla Ramgarh, look for Madhuban after the Talla market
