Ardh Kumbh Mela of Haridwar, the sacred pilgrimage
According to Hindu mythology, Kumbh Mela (the Kumbh Fair) is the largest gathering of sadhus and saints in the world. Based on the positions of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, every 6 years Hindu pilgrims from all over the world meet on the banks of India’s holiest river to achieve divine bliss. The next sacred gathering will take place at Haridwar’s Ardh Kumbh Mela between January and April 2016. We naturally propose you in this circuit to be part of this unforgettable and extraordinary adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Free meals and overnight in Delhi.
Our representative and driver will welcome you at Delhi airport and take you to the hotel.
Day 2 : Visit the city of Delhi
Free meals and overnight in Delhi.
You start visiting the old city and its monuments : Jama Masjid Mosque, Red Fort (closed every Monday) a bike ride to the Chandini Chowk market and then in the early afternoon you visit the Sikh temple, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch visit Humayun's Tomb and QutubMinar, in the evening according to free time you make a trip to IndiaGate.
Day 3: Mandawa, the new Indian horizon
Free meals and overnight in Mandawa.
Departure for Mandawa, founded in the 18th century and containing superb havelis whose splendor has not faded over time. Stroll in this open-air museum and visit the havelis still inhabited. Overnight at the hotel.
Days 4 : Mandawa to Bikaner
Free meals and night at Bikaner.
The morning departure for Bikaner, known for its camel farms and its magnificent fort. Composed of narrow streets and havelis whose facades are carved in red sandstone,. You will visit Fort Junagarh, the labyrinth of corridors and the Shri Karni Mata Temple, a magnificent marble temple dedicated to the worship of rats. Overnight at the hotel. At sunset, camel ride in the desert of thar.
Days 5: Pushkar, the sacred city
Free meals and overnight in Pushkar.
Road to Pushkar, great place of pilgrimage and one of the rare places where to find a temple dedicated to Brahma god. Ghats allow pilgrims to descend to the lake level to swim in the sacred waters. It is also the site of one of the country's largest livestock fairs (between October and November). Visit the temples Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Savitri and Pap Mochani.
Day 6: Jaipur, the pink city
Free meals and overnight in Jaipur.
Departure from Pushkar and short stop in Ajmer, visit the tomb of the Sufi mystic Moinuddin Chisthi. Arrival in Jaipur, the pink city, which owes its name to the fact that it was repainted in 1876 on the occasion of Prince Albert's visit. Visit the Baapu bazaar and local markets. In the evening, an Aarti ceremony in Birla Temple opens a small window on the Hindu religion.
Days 7: Discovery of Fort Amber and the Wind Palace in Jaipur
Free meals and overnight in Jaipur.
Visit the stables where elephants are decorated before their arrival at Fort Amber. Elephant ride to Amber's fortress. Visit of the Wind Palace. Lunch in Jaipur then free time for a personal discovery of the city and the bazaars. Visit of the Maharaja Palace and the Sawai Jai Singh II Observatory.
Days 8 : From Jaipur to Agra via Abhaneri
Free meals and night in Agra.
Days 9 : Visit Taj Mahal and return to Delhi
Free meals and overnight in Delhi.
Early in the morning with the first rays of the sun, the Taj Mahal, India's iconic monument offers you its beauty. An unforgettable moment. Then visit the Red Fort. Then drive to Delhi and transfer to New Delhi station to take the train to Haridwar. Another driver welcomes you to Haridwar and takes you to the hotel.
Days 10 : The Kumbh Fair
Free meals and overnight in Haridwar.
The Kumbh Fair is religiously the most important for Hindus. Every Kumbh, millions of Hindus take part in the celebrations. The Naga Sadhus, who never wear fabric, are smeared with ashes.<br />
it is believed that swimming during Kumbh cures all aches and sins.
Days 11 : End of stay
Early morning transfers to Hariwar station to take the train to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi, free time to visit the city: Lodi's garden and do a tour around Connaught Palace. In the evening, transfer to Delhi airport to catch the flight back to your country.