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Kumbh
Mela
Duration :- 08 Days Tour
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KUMBH MELA 2010
3 FIXED DATE TOURS
AUGUST 03, AUGUST 22, AUGUST 27,
2010-COVERING THE MOST AUSPICIOUS THREE BATHING DAYS.
7 nights / 8 days tour covering-
MUMBAI, AURANGABAD AND NASIK
COST – US $ 495 PER PERSON + MUMBAI/AURANGABAD AIR FARE
US $ 85 PER PERSON.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT US $ 195 PER
PERSON
KUMBH MELA- Of great import and easily the most colossal Hindu spiritual
gathering on this planet comes about once in every 12 years on the Indian
soil. The Kumbh Mela, it’s called. The soul of the Kumbh Mela is a mirror
of an indestructible universe. The fantastic elements of such a high order
make for an ethos that is truly invincible. It may seem like a crestfallen
bundle of spiritual beliefs to those habitual to the usual elements of everyday
religion, but that’s Kumbh for the uninitiated. This is no dogmatic routine
of chanting, ringing bells and obeisance to idols. In stinging contrast,
yet above all reproach, the Kumbh Mela reveals unspeakably candid beliefs.
Historians claim the great mela was founded by the eighth-century philosopher,
Shankaracharya, who masterminded the triumph of Hinduism in the subcontinent
and called for celebratory gathering of all ascetics, sadhus, temple priests
and monastic orders. Kumbh means an assembly of the water pot, and its origins
lie in a conflict between the demi-gods and demi-demons that arose after the
two had joined forces to find an immortality-giving nectar called Amrit –
in the Cosmic Ocean.
Legend has it that before the universe took shape, using Vashuki, the Snake
King, as a rope, the gods churned the primordial depths until Dhanavantri,
the Divine healer, surfaced holding the kumbh (pot) of nectar. A twelve-day
chase ensued as the gods struggled for the Kumbh’s possession, during which
four drops of amrit fell at twelve places on the earth. Four of these spots
are in
India.
Commemorating the triumph of the gods over their evil counterparts,
the Kumbh Mela is held at these four spots in a twelve-year rotating cycle-Ujjain,
Haridwar, Nasik and
Allahabad.
Saturated with chiming bells mingled with Vedic hymns and the incense as also
the scent of flowers, the processions of Naga (naked) sadhus
from different akhadas (orders) epitomize the time-worn
Indian specter of devotional hysteria.
NASIK–
The city has a distinct character owing to sound mythological and historical
undertones. The river Godavari flows through
Nasik. Over 2000 temples on the banks of the river
have made Nasik a holy place
for Hindus all over the world. Nasik
is situated at a distance of 190 kms from Aurangabad
and 184 kms from Mumbai.
ITINERARY
|
DAY 01
|
AUGUST 03
|
AUGUST 22
|
AUGUST 27
|
ARRIVE MUMBAI- On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred
by private air conditioned car to your Hotel Fariyas. Rest of the day free
to rest and explore Mumbai on your own. Overnight at your Hotel.
DAY 02
|
AUGUST 04 |
AUGUST 23
|
AUGUST 28
|
MUMBAI- After breakfast sight seeing of Mumbai
by private air conditioned car with English speaking guide visiting Elephanta
Caves- Also called Gharpuri is an hour's trip by motor launch from The gateway
of India.
The name Elephanta was given by the Portuguese from an elephant - like stone
found there. The famed caves lie about two thirds up the higher of the two
hills. These eight century rock-cut cavers were hewn out of the hills and
sculpted intricately. Sculptures of ‘Dwarapalas’ are found in three recesses.
Further, three avenues made from four rows of massive columns, cut into
the main rock, lead to the 18-ft. high imposing structure of Maheshmurti
– depicting Shiva as the creator, destroyer and preserver.
ENTRANCE FEE TO ELEPHANTA
CAVES – USD 5 PER PERSON
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai city visiting -
The Gateway of and the chief entry port
of India is a largest industrial
center and is reputed to be the most cosmopolitan city in the east . With
it's beautiful natural harbor , studied with emerald islands and palm -
fringed shore which rises gradually to the mountain peaks . It is one of
the finest waterfronts. Highlights of the city sightseeing include the Gateway
of India, Hanging gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, The bustling Crawford
Market, Flora Fountain and the Dhobi Ghats - a vast outdoor laundry.
ENTRANCE FEE TO THE PRINCE OF
WALES MUSEUM
– INR 350 PER PERSON.
Rest of the day & evening free for shopping and overnight at your Hotel.
DAY 03
|
AUGUST 05
|
AUGUST 24
|
AUGUST 29
|
MUMBAI / AURANGABAD
– BY AIR- After breakfast transfer by private air conditioned car to Mumbai
domestic airport in time to connect your flight to Aurangabad.
On arrival transfer by private air conditioned car to Hotel Taj Residency.
Afternoon tour of Ellora caves by air conditioned car with English speaking
guide. About 18 miles away from the city of Aurangabad
- a group of rock temples - posses a magnificent series of Buddhist, Brahmanical
and Jain temples of the 9th Century A.D. Kailash
Temple, hewn out of a single
rock, carved with life size figures of gods and goddesses, is a wonder.
Overnight at your Hotel.
Entrance
fee to Ellora Caves
– US $ 5 per person.
DAY 04
|
AUGUST 06
|
AUGUST 25
|
AUGUST 30
|
AURANGABAD
- After breakfast tour of Ajanta
Caves by air conditioned car
with English speaking guide - Hewn out of rocks richly sculptured and with
walls, ceilings and pillars domed with fresco paintings depict the life
of Buddha. These cave picture galleries are unique in the history of art
and date from the 22nd Century B.C. to the 7th Century
A.D.
Rest of the day free to relax.
Overnight at your Hotel.
DAY 05
|
AUGUST 07
|
AUGUST 26
|
AUGUST 31
|
AURANGABAD-NASIK
-
BY SURFACE 190 KMS/4 HRS. – After breakfast leave by private air conditioned
car for Nasik. On arrival check
in to your Hotel Emerald or Natraj (subject to availability). Rest of the
day free to relax and Explore Nasik on your own.
|
DAY 06
|
AUGUST 08
|
AUGUST 27
|
SEPTEMBER 01
|
NASIK- KUMBH MELA – Today after breakfast
we take you to the Banks of the Holy river Godavari
for the auspicious bath. You may have to walk about half a mile or so because
of heavy rush the cars are not allowed near the Banks and have to be parked
far away. You will see Hundreds of thousands of people all taking the holy
dip in the river. It will be either 1st, 2nd or 3rd
auspicious Snan (Bath) respectively
depending upon the tour you chose. These three baths are the most important
days of the Kumbh Mela. You are requested to keep all your precious belongings
like credit cards, cash, passport etc. at the Hotel Lockers. Also it is
advisable not to become friendly with any unknown person during the visit
to Mela. Overnight at your Hotel.
|
DAY 07
|
AUGUST 09
|
AUGUST 28
|
SEPTEMBER 02
|
NASIK-MUMBAI
- 184 KMS/4 HRS –After breakfast leave by air conditioned car for Mumbai.
On arrival check in to your Hotel Fariyas. Rest of the day free to relax.
Overnight at your Hotel or you may be required to be
transferred in time to Mumbai International airport to connect flight back
Home- depending upon your flight schedule.
|
DAY 08
|
AUGUST 10
|
AUGUST 29
|
SEPTEMBER 03
|
MUMBAI / HOME
TOWN
– transfer by private air conditioned car in time to Mumbai international
airport to connect your flight back home.
Bon voyage
Cost includes:
1) All sightseeing and excursions by private air conditioned car with
English speakingguide.
2) 7 nights accommodation on twin sharing on room + breakfast basis
in designated Hotels.
3) All arrival / departure transfers by private air conditioned cars.
Cost does not include:
1) Any porterage, tips, telephone calls. Laundry, table drinks and
meals other than specified above.
2) Entrance fees to Monuments of visit the details of which are
given separately in the itinerary.
3) Any other item not included specifically.
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