About Us | Soul India Journeys

Our Story

Soul India was born from a simple truth: India has the power to transform lives. Not through grand promises or quick fixes, but through the quiet, profound wisdom that has been preserved in its temples, mountains, and ancient practices for millennia.

We started as travelers ourselves—seekers drawn to India's sacred landscapes, searching for something deeper than what modern life could offer. We found teachers in remote ashrams, wisdom in silent meditation halls, and connection in the eyes of strangers who became friends. We discovered that India doesn't just show you new places—it shows you new parts of yourself.

Today, we create journeys for others who feel that same calling. We work with local guides, spiritual teachers, and communities who embody the wisdom we first came seeking. Every journey we design is an invitation—not to escape your life, but to return to it with new eyes, a quieter mind, and a more open heart.

Our Mission & Values

Authentic Connection

We create intimate experiences with genuine teachers, local communities, and sacred traditions—not tourist attractions, but real encounters that honor India's living wisdom.

Inner Transformation

Every journey is designed to facilitate personal growth. We provide space for reflection, silence, and self-discovery alongside cultural immersion and adventure.

Respectful Engagement

We approach India's sacred traditions with reverence and humility, ensuring our journeys benefit local communities and preserve the sanctity of holy sites.

Sustainable Travel

We partner with eco-conscious accommodations, support local businesses, and minimize our environmental impact while maximizing positive cultural exchange.

Personal Attention

Small group sizes and personalized itineraries ensure each traveler receives the guidance and space they need for their unique journey.

Cultural Bridge

We serve as a bridge between ancient Eastern wisdom and modern Western seekers, translating traditions in ways that are accessible yet authentic.

What Makes Us Different

Deep Local Knowledge

Our team has spent years building relationships with spiritual teachers, ashrams, and communities across India. We don't just visit places—we're welcomed as trusted friends.

Experienced Guides

Our guides aren't just knowledgeable about history and culture—they're practitioners themselves, with deep personal experience in meditation, yoga, and spiritual practice.

Thoughtful Itineraries

We balance sacred experiences with rest, adventure with reflection, and structure with spontaneity. Every day is intentionally designed to support your inner journey.

Ongoing Support

Your journey doesn't end when you return home. We provide integration resources, community connections, and continued guidance to help you sustain your transformation.

Meet Our Team

Our team combines decades of experience in spiritual practice, cultural immersion, and transformative travel. We're guides, practitioners, and lifelong students of India's wisdom traditions.

Elena Efanova

Yoga Teacher & Journey Organizer

For more than 10 years, Elena has been organizing training seminars and trips to spiritual places, exploring traditions and culture of different countries. She has conducted dozens of trips in India, Bali and Sri Lanka. Trained in the Iyengar tradition since 2007, she has been teaching yoga since 2018 and has lived in Rishikesh for the last 4 years. Elena brings deep knowledge of hatha yoga, breathing practices, and meditation, helping travelers connect with their body, feelings, and inner power.

Mittra Rawat

Hatha Yoga Teacher

Mittra Rawat has been teaching hatha yoga for over 12 years. Trained at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Institute and follows the tradition of Sivananda Yoga. He teaches at his studio in Rishikesh. In his classes, Mittra teaches not only classical asana techniques and body training, but also invites students to explore and realize the inner sensations and limitations of the body and mind. Mittra's classes are known not only for the practice of hatha yoga, but also for the stories through which he shares important and timeless wisdom that can be lived during the class and beyond. Kindness, loving presence, allowing the student to practice as they can in the here and now, a subtle sense of humor - these valuable qualities bring students to him from all over the world. This approach allows even difficult asanas to be performed in awareness and in harmony with one's nature, level of practice, and limitations. The teacher combines strength and gentleness, which makes mastering yoga accessible and effective.

Atharva

Cultural Guide & Spiritual Facilitator

Atharva is an experienced trek leader and retreat curator based in Rishikesh, with over 6 years of hands-on experience guiding groups across the Himalayas and North India. Having successfully completed 27+ iconic treks multiple times, he brings deep route knowledge, a safety-first approach, and a calm, mindful leadership style to every journey. His work blends adventure with local culture, sustainability, and meaningful group experiences—creating treks and retreats that are not just trips, but transformative journeys.

Sreeja Raghu

Journey Coordinator

Sreeja Raghu is a senior yoga therapist and wellness curator based in Rishikesh, with over 16 years of experience in yoga therapy and integrative healing. With a background in Psychology and Yoga, she brings a calm, therapeutic, and human-centered approach to retreats. Co-curating wellness and trekking-based programs across India, Sreeja supports holistic well-being through mindful movement, breathwork, and sustainable practices that extend beyond the retreat experience.

About Soul India