Kumbah Mela (Festival)in Haridwar Tour

Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that occurs four times every twelve years and rotates among four locations of India: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik. During this Kumbh Mela, which is considered to be the most important Hindu spiritual gathering, thousands of sadhus and pilgrims come from all over India and abroad. The most important features of this Mela are furious and exotic Naga Sadhus covered in ash, matted hairs and are known as preserver of faith.

ALLAHABAD: The Maha Kumbh, aptly termed as `mother of all congregations', is scheduled for 2012-13 in the holiest pilgrim city of Allahabad, or Prayag as it is known traditionally. To cater to the crores of pilgrims who will throng the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, proposals worth Rs 758 crores have been forwarded by the district administration to the government. These funds are to be utilised for roads, drinking water, electricity, food and essential supplies, tourism, flood control and health.

District magistrate Rajiv Aggarwal informed that the Maha Kumbh mela of 2012-13 is expected to witness a surge in the number of pilgrims visiting here. Over 9.50 crore pilgrims took the dip during the last Kumbh at Prayag in the year 2001. This number is expected to increase in 2012 as the population and also faith has increased significantly in the last decade. The administration is vying for an eco-friendly and clean Maha Kumbh 2012, he added.

The hallmark of the proposals submitted is the stress on environment. A new sewage treatment plant for the trans-Ganga Jhunsi area is proposed at a cost of Rs 50 crores. The entire area will be a no-tobacco zone. Interestingly, last year's Magh Mela was the first when tobacco and cigarettes were banned in the Sangam area. Special care will be taken to see that polluted water does not run-off into the river, and cleanliness is maintained at all times.

Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahabad
One of the most important and common reason to attend the largest holy festival Kumbha Mela is to take dip in the Holy river on auspicious dates. It is said that holy dip in sacred river during Maha Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh takes human out of the circle of life & death (also called as Moksha or salvation).

SACRED ATTRACTIONS AT HARIWAR
Har Ki Pauri (1.5 Kms)
This bathing ghat (access to the river, constructed of steps) is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that Vikramaditya built this ghat in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti (sacred ceremony) is performed on this ghat. It is a sight to behold in the evening when hundreds of lighted lamps are floated on the pure water of the Ganga.

Chandi Devi (6 Kms)
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, constructed the temple in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat. This place marks the spot where a demon was slain by goddess Chandi. There is a temple here that houses a statue placed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu saint.

Raksha Mahadev Temple (4 Kms.)
In a town called Kankhal, this temple is a tribute to the legendary king Daksha Prajapati, fatherÂinÂlaw of Lord Shiva. Mythology says that the king of this place performed a yagya. His daughter, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya. But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the insult and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On hearing this the followers of Shiva killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha temple is an attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred places in Haridwar.

Mansa Devi (3.5 kms.)
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by a ropeway or via the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill provides a spectacular view of Haridwar. It is a Shrine dedicated to Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag King Vasuki.

Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.

Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.

Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of Shravan and Phalgun

Day 01: Arrival in New Delhi
around midnight arrive in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Varanasi (by air)
In the evening flight to Varanasi. The rest of the day at leisure. Varanasi is without doubt India’s most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC.

Day 03 Varanasi - Allahabad (about 121 kms)
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi. After drive to Allahabad.

Optional: A drive can be organised to Sarnath (10 km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park.

Day 04 to Day 06: Allahabad
Right from the three to the five day, you will be busy in exploring the various activities that form a part of Kumbh Mela, like prayer ceremonies and bathing rituals. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 07: Allahabad - Varanasi (about 121 kms) Varanasi - Delhi (by Air)
Today having breakfast and driver to Varanasi airport for flight to Delhi at Afternoon In Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure.
Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Delhi airport, to catch the flight for your onward destination.

Day 08 Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km)
Today we have breakfast and leave for Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.

Day 09 Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back

of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to J antar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

Day 10 Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikr i, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11 Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.

Day 12 Agra - Delhi (about 200 km)
In the morning, after having breakfast drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)

Day 13 Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous “Humayun Tomb” which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.

Day 14 Flight to home destination
around midnight flight to home destination.

About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

Proposed Hotels	Nights	*Indo Vacations – Inclusions:* Accommodation in a double room with shower /bath & WC in the hotels as indicated. Half board (breakfast and dinner in the booked Hotels). Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Elephant ride in Amber. At least one dinner with traditional music and dance performance during the tour. An experienced English speaking Tour Guide / Tour Escort for the local sightseeing throughout the whole tour (An Accompanying Tour Escort will be provided on the group strength above 10 traveler). An air-conditioned vehicle, including insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur (experienced, reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour. All entrance fees of the mouments as per the tour itineray. All taxes. Not included are: International Flights, Camera fees, gratitude, drinks and personal expenses of any nature! Note: (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) We suggest that you book the international flights in your country as this is mostly cheaper. Please note you will need a visitor visa for India. We recommend to apply for the same well in advance. For individual travelers joining the group will not be charged extra for both the airport transfers (advance notice required) If the desired travelers do not register for the tour – An option will be available to operate the group tour with less people with some extra charges. These charges will be informed well in advance and till then there is no obligation or no cancellation charges of registration. Registration for the group tour with Indo Vacations is without any cost. Only at the time of confirmation we will send you the travel documents and ask for 25 % of the total amount as advance payment. The due amount can be paid after your arrival in India. (more information is available on query). Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes which may be beyond our control.
Hotel Florence, Delhi ***	Delhi 4
Hotel The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar (Heritage)****	Haridwar 4
Hotel Ramada / Park Prime ****	Jaipur 2
Hotel Howard Park Plaza ****	Agra 2
Total Nights	12
Heritage Hotels: Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days. Details for the vehicles used are available at the below given links: For 1 person – Tata Indica - (4 seats) http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindica.htm For 2 person – Tata Indica - (4 seats) http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindica.htm For 3 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats) http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm For 3 - 5 person – Tavera Chevrolet / Toyota Innova - (6 seats) http://www.indovacations.net/english/tavera.htm; http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10 seats) http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm; Testimonials & References from the customers who already traveled with us!