Overview
Escape to the quiet hills of Binsar for a 7-day writer’s retreat in India designed to spark creativity and reflection. Words in the Wild blends writing workshops, mindful journaling, and guided nature walks led by an experienced mentor, Amrita Tripathi — the perfect balance of solitude, inspiration, and community.
Set in the tranquil forests of Uttarakhand, this creative writing retreat invites you to slow down, write deeply, and reconnect with your voice. Whether you’re starting a story or refining your craft, you’ll find space to think, write, and belong — surrounded by mountain silence and kindred spirits. Amrita Tripathi is a podcaster, author, award-winning former journalist and a Founder.
Amrita's literary contributions include three novels of contemporary fiction, including most
recently The Other Sister. She has also co-authored four non-fiction books on mental health
with leading psychologists and psychiatrists. These works, such as Real Stories of Dealing
with Depression, Young Mental Health, The Age of Anxiety, and Life Interrupted, have helped
to mainstream conversations around critical mental health issues, including depression,
anxiety, youth mental health, and suicide prevention.
Through The Health Collective, she leverages storytelling to destigmatise and empower
individuals around mental health. The Health Collective consistently ranks amongst top sites
on Mental Health. The Health Collective has shared 500 stories of mental health from an
India lens, reaching 300,000 people.
Her 20+ year career spans global Tech and the media, across broadcast and digital. Amrita's
background includes five years at Twitter India, where she was Head of Content
Partnerships. Prior to that she was an award-winning journalist, and news anchor.
Amrita holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and has completed the Leadership in Tech
fellowship at the Virginia Tech Institute and the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme
from Saïd Business School. She is also an Aspen India fellow and an invited speaker at
multiple panels, conferences and literary festivals.
As the host of the #SayAgain Podcast, Tripathi speaks to leaders and change-makers about
current events, trends and their own leadership journeys and philosophy.
Trip highlights
Itinerary
Arrival & Grounding
Pick up from Katgodham train station
Drive to our stay for the week
Welcome drink
Opening circle: Introductions, intentions, what writing means to each participant.
Evening bonfire
Meals included: Dinner
Observation & Presence
Morning hike
Workshop 1: Creative Writing 101
Writing Prompts
Recharge & Inspiration from Nature
Optional Session 1: Confidence Building: Women X Leadership
Optional Session 2: Owning your Narrative
Sharing Circles
Storytelling under the stars
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Inspiration in Solitude
Sunrise yoga
Workshop 2: The Struggle is Real: Writing with Heart, Editing with Clarity
Tips & Best Practices
Lunch with a view
Feedback Sessions
Tea Circle: Discussion on creative blocks and routines.
Film screening
Farewell dinner for our mentor - Amrita
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Connection & Culture
Village visit
Guided journaling prompts
Solo writing hours in scenic spots
Optional photo or sketch walk — observation through another medium.
Group reading or creative game
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Stories from the Hills
Morning walk
Creative prompt writing/ Solo writing sessions
Optional Mountain Letters activity — write a letter to your future self or a loved one, sealed and mailed later.
Bonfire gathering — informal storytelling, music, and local snacks.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Creation & Celebration
Gratitude meditation session
Self-guided Writing Marathon — 2–3 hour uninterrupted writing block
Group editing circle or “Silent Café” — everyone writes quietly together.
Optional art journaling or collage session (materials from the nature around).
Final Reading Night — participants share their favourite piece.
Celebration dinner under the stars.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Integration & Departure
Breakfast and goodbyes
Departure to Katgodham station
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
Twin sharing rooms at the heritage property at Itmenaan Estate.
Inclusions
What's Included
6 nights and 7 days stay at Itmenaan estate
All meals as per the itinerary
Pick up and drop to Katgodham train station
Writer's workshops by Author Amrita Tripathi
Daily guided hikes, yoga amd meditation sessions
What's Not Included
Personal transport to and fro Katgodham station
Flight fares
Any shopping, food, transport outside of the itinerary
Any activity not mentioned on the inclusion list
Important details:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar (approx. 4.5 hrs drive) and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam (approx. 3.5 hrs drive).
We’ll help coordinate shared transport from Kathgodam for those arriving by train.
Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in cosy mountain cottages or rooms with forest views.
All meals — vegetarian and non vegetarian options and locally sourced — are included, with evening tea and light snacks.
Please inform us of any dietary preferences or allergies in advance.
You’ll have both structured sessions with mentor Amrita Tripathi and quiet creative hours to write independently.
No prior writing experience is required — just curiosity and an open mind.
Meet your Host
Amrita Tripathi is a podcaster, author, award-winning former journalist and a Founder.
Amrita's literary contributions include three novels of contemporary fiction, including most
recently The Other Sister. She has also co-authored four non-fiction books on mental health
with leading psychologists and psychiatrists. These works, such as Real Stories of Dealing
with Depression, Young Mental Health, The Age of Anxiety, and Life Interrupted, have helped
to mainstream conversations around critical mental health issues, including depression,
anxiety, youth mental health, and suicide prevention.
Through The Health Collective, she leverages storytelling to destigmatise and empower
individuals around mental health. The Health Collective consistently ranks amongst top sites
on Mental Health. The Health Collective has shared 500 stories of mental health from an
India lens, reaching 300,000 people.
Her 20+ year career spans global Tech and the media, across broadcast and digital. Amrita's
background includes five years at Twitter India, where she was Head of Content
Partnerships. Prior to that she was an award-winning journalist, and news anchor.
Amrita holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and has completed the Leadership in Tech
fellowship at the Virginia Tech Institute and the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme
from Saïd Business School. She is also an Aspen India fellow and an invited speaker at
multiple panels, conferences and literary festivals.
As the host of the #SayAgain Podcast, Tripathi speaks to leaders and change-makers about
current events, trends and their own leadership journeys and philosophy. The podcast has
found an audience across metros and Tier 2 cities, as well as reaching 30,000 streams. She
also hosts Harper Podcast, speaking to writers about their books and ideas.
As the founder of Tap in Tribe, she amplifies women's voices in leadership and is a dedicated
mentor to young women entrepreneurs and a passionate mental health advocate, extending
her impact beyond professional achievements. Her tenure on FICCI’s national taskforce for
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) highlights her commitment to fostering inclusive
environments. Her startup Tap in Tribe was also a knowledge partner for FICCI during G20
Empower.
X: @amritat | @healthcollectif
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/amritatripathi2023
E: amrita@healthcollective.in
