Kumbh Mela Classical India Tour

In the morning drive to Haridwar and upon arrival check in at Camp accommodation. Blessed by the presence of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, the three major Hindu Gods, the temple town of Haridwar is considered as one of the most sacred Hindu sites in India.

The backdrop of beautiful Himalayan mountains, lush green forests and a fast-moving river certainly adds a charm to this holy city. Haridwar is a pilgrimage destination for millions of Hindu people who come from across India and even outside India to take a dip into the holy water of the river Ganges.
It is widely believed that all sins of a person are washed away when they take a dip in the river’s holy water. It is here that the greatest spiritual event on earth known as Kumbh Mela takes place. The festival is once-in-a-lifetime experience for every visitor who is curious about Hindu religion and philosophy. Devotees belonging to certain religious sects are dressed in amusing costumes, while others are half or fully naked as per their religious values.

The bustling noise from the sounding bells, chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras create a vibrant atmosphere during the Kumbh Mela. Processions are carried out by various religious sects on camel-back and elephant-back, while others travel in their gold and silver chariots being pulled by devotees. Later part of day is free for you to explore and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Kumbh Mela. Overnight stay in Camp.

For next two days, you will witness the Kumbh Mela in full fervour. This great Indian Festival attracts the largest gathering of people on the planet for spiritual fulfilment. A large number of Sadhus (sages) with their disciples make Haridwar their home during Kumbh Mela. To live among the Sadhus, who have dedicated their entire lives to meditation and spiritual deeds is indeed a unique experience of life. There are many Ashrams set up for this special occasion where the Sadhus along with disciples stay and have discourses about religion and Hindu philosophy. You may also join them and take advantage of their preaching to learn about the divine path to ‘Moksha’. There may also be an opportunity to interact with them and take pictures of them with their permission.

If you go by the Hindu mythologies, then this is the only time and place in the world where you can unburden your sins and achieve ‘Nirvana’ from the vicious cycle of birth and re-birth. Take dips in the holy water of Ganges that is said to wash away all the sins of a person. Light a Diya, attend Yoga sessions and make a wish, they do come true! After full day of hustle and bustle, return to Camp for nice meal and relax in your Luxury Camp. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, get ready for a long drive to Agra which is not only known for Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World but has also played a significant role in shaping India history. On the way to hotel, glance at the beautiful Taj Mahal and upon arrival at hotel check-in for overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave for city tour of Agra, once the capital of Mughal India and centre of great power and glory. Visit world famous “Taj Mahal”, the monument of love immortalized in marble. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Queen Mumtaj. While the arch-and-dome profile of clean white marble has become iconic, the beauty of Taj Mahal lies in its details: inlaid semi-precious stones and Koranic verse in calligraphy create an enchanting interior space.

Then visit Agra Fort which was built by Emperor Akbar. He was undoubtedly the Greatest Mughal Emperor of India. The construction of Agra fort commenced in the 1565 and completed in 1571. Built with red sandstone, Agra Fort is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Next we visit Sikandra, the tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. The construction is a mixture of many architectural styles and completely different from earlier Mughal Buildings. Afternoon visit Itmad-ud-Daulah. It is a tomb built with white marble in the typical Islamic style architecture. It was built by the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in the memory of her father. Overnight stay.

In the morning, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri on our way to Jaipur. Fatehpur Sikri is, undoubtedly, one of the best preserved Mughal Palace cities in India.

The city was built by Great Mughal Emperor, Akbar, around 1570, by employing some of the most renowned craftsmen of the time and using highest quality material. However, the city suffered a tragic fate as it had to be abandoned forty years later due to failure of the water systems.

Then proceed to Abhaneri, a small Indian village which has one of India’s deepest and largest step wells (also known as tank gardens). Step wells are unique to India. They were used for preserving water to cope with the seasonal availability of water in India. They served as a place for social gatherings as predominantly women came to collect water from them and were worshipped on religious occasions for sustaining the villages.
Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave for morning excursion to Amer Fort. The Amer Fort in Jaipur was built with red sandstone and white marble which makes it a stunning sight. Ascend the Fort in unique style on elephant back. Although the outer appearance of the fort is rough and craggy, the interior presents a completely different picture with numerous beautiful and intricate carvings. The mirrors in the fort reflect the water in the lake – creating a wonderful sight. The Fort also has remnants of its rich past and the oldest of ruins dating back to the 16th century.

In the afternoon, we will conduct the city tour of Jaipur where we visit the City Palace and museums. The Palace houses a prestigious collection of different types of Rajasthani Dresses. The museum contains a fascinating armoury of Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid and encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards. Near the city palace is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), our next destination.

Hawa Mahal is five stories high and its windows are decorated with delicate screens carved in stone. These allowed royal ladies to view the city and bazaar without being seen from below. Also visit Jantar Mantar, magnificent stone observatory built in 1728. The observatory has large scientific instrument, interestingly built in brick and mortar, including a very accurate 90 feet sundial. The afternoon is kept free for you to explore the local Bazaar or relax at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Transfer to Airport to catch flight for Varanasi. Arrival at Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Varanasi is most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus and the sight of devout praying standing water deep in Ganges. Afternoon, tour of Ganges by boat and experience Aarti ceremony on Ghat there. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Early Morning boat cruise on the river Ganges to visit Bathing Ghats. See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river and people bathing in the holy water and worshiping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, city tour of Varanasi visiting various temples. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. It was here that the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and set in motion the wheel of law of buddhist faith. Overnight stay.

In the morning, we shall arrange your transfer to Varanasi airport to catch flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, we shall provide you car and driver at your disposal for last minute shopping or visiting Delhi and transfer to Delhi airport to catch your flight to onwards destination.