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India-Nepal Itinerary March 19th to April 9th, 2010 Bernardo Kushala & María Fernanda Gay Day 1: (Arrive Delhi) Arrive Delhi, late evening. After immigration and customs, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel Taj Palace. Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a great empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties - the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which, in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations. Overnight at the Taj Palace. India is recognized for its ancient knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda all
over the world. Yoga is an art of transforming the inert Body to the
level of vibrant Mind in order to unite your Body and Mind into one
with the serenity of the Self or soul. Yoga helps in Rejuvenating your
Mind and Soul and brings out the best in a person. Yoga is now been
practiced all over the World. Our Yoga Tour takes you to Haridwar
-Rishikesh located in the lap of the Mighty Himalayas. Day 2: (Delhi- Haridwar) Early morning transfer to railway station to board the Shatabadi to Haridwar, departing Delhi at 06:55 a.m. On arrival at 11:25a.m.we transfer to Mohyal Ashram. A beautifully build ashram on the Hardwar - Rishikesh Highway, with one of the best Yoga halls in the area. Haridwar is the first town where the holy Ganga River emerges to meet the plains. One of the oldest living cities from the time of Lord Buddha, its mythological character and mystic influence brings to pilgrims a purification of the mind, body and soul. Numerous tanks, bathing ghats (river banks) and temples become bustling sites of ritual Hindu practices performed by pilgrims for the salvation of their ancestors and their own expiation. Little has changed from the past as we take a walk by the riverside bazaar with stalls of small eateries and others selling ritual paraphernalia; mounds of vermilion powder, coconuts wrapped in red and gold cloth .... The banks teem with humanity as the rich and the poor, families and sanyasis dip in the holy water in an effort to achieve purity. After check-in the guests are taken around the Ashram and briefed about
the course followed by lunch (Ayurvedic meals throughout the stay).
After lunch, we begin with an introduction with the Yoga and meditation
teacher followed by an introductory session of Yoga & meditation.
Later in the evening visit Harkipauri for the famous Ganga Aarti & floating of
diyas (lamps with marigold flowers) on the Ganges. Dinner and Overnight. Day 3: (In Haridwar). The day begins at 07:30 a.m. with the morning walk to the River Banks. The first session of yoga at the yoga hall at the ashram led by the
learned yoga instructors, who will explain the benefits of the
different yoga postures & the art of performing for physical & mental
benefits. (If yoga is preferred to be done without a walk, even that is
possible) Breakfast at 09:00 a.m.
Meditation class at 10:30 a.m. In 3 Levels (Basic, Gradual and Advanced, as per Candidates).
Followed by a topic of the day discussion/lecture.
Buffet lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Some time to relax. Later in the day the group can enjoy some optional activities such as:
1. Visit to Patanjali Yog Peeth - Swami Ramdevji.
2. Availability of Ayurvedic therapies for massage by specialized
Ayurvedic physians / masseurs.
3. Reiki under the guidance of Reiki Master.
4. Half-day excursion trip to various temples & ashrams of Hardwar .
Evening at sunset we proceed for the Ganga Aarti at Har ki pauri or Bhajan recitals that are organized at the place of stay or at any ashram.
Ayurvedic dinner at 08:30 p.m. Overnight at the Ashram. Day 4: (Haridwar - Rishikesh). In morning, after breakfast we drive to Rishikesh (approx 24 kms- 45 mins drive). On arrival check-in to Hotel Vasundhra. The Day is free to practice Yoga/Meditation on your own. Rishikesh, full of ashrams and holy men, temples bells and chanting priests. At dusk, we head down to the banks (Triveni Ghat) Hindu ceremonial ritual known as Aarti, conducted by Brahmin priests every sun set Aarti is a Sanskrit word which stands for homage or devotion. The aarti or offering of the lamps is observed at prescribed hours of the day and night to invoke the gods. It is believed that the gods physically present themselves before devotees at this ceremony. The lamps are revolved before the idols in a clockwise manner along with the chanting of hymns. This recitation is accompanied by drums, blowing of the conch-shell and tolling of the temple bells. At the end of the `aarti', the priest takes a handful of water which he revolves around the god's idol. This is to pacify `agni' (the fire God), who is pressed into service in the form of the wick lamp. The lamps themselves are charged with this "Presence" and thus after the ceremony devotees collect the fumes and smear their faces with its aroma. Overnight in Rishikesh. Day 5, 6 & 7 (In Rishikesh) The day begins at 07:30 a.m. with the morning walk to the River Ganges. The first session of yoga at the Holy river Ganga banks / yoga hall at
the place of stay (depending on the weather) led by the learned yoga
instructors. (If yoga is preferred to be done without walks, even
that is possible) Breakfast at 08:30 a.m.
Meditation class at 10:30 a.m. Delivering in 3 Levels (Basic, Gradual and Advanced, as per Candidates).
Followed by a topic of the day discussion/lecture.
Buffet lunch at 1:00 p.m. Some optional Activities to be enjoyed whilst the stay in Rishikesh along with Yoga and meditation:
1. Availability of Ayurvedic therapies for massage by specialized
Ayurvedic physians / masseurs.
2. Reiki under the guidance of Reiki Master.
3. Half-day excursion trip to various temples & ashrams of Rishikesh.
4. Half-day excursion to Vashisht Cave for meditation -The entire drive (36 kms) is along the river Ganges towards the source for about an hour. Arrive and explore vashistha cave, where famous Indian saint Vasistha, meditated. A perfect place for transcendental meditation. 5: Trek half a day to the sacred Kunjapuri temple dedicated to the goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva. Spectacular scenery along pathways pioneered by sages on pilgrimage in ancient India. Picnic baskets and local `pathfinders' come along. (at sunrise on a clear day). 6. One can take rafting trip or can do a waterfall trek for half a day.
Yoga & meditation at 5:00 p.m. for two hours.
Evening at sunset we proceed for the Ganga Aarti at Trevini Ghat /
Parmarth Niketan or Bhajan recitals organized at the place of stay.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Day 8 (Haridwar-Delhi - Jaipur) An early morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabadi departing for Delhi at 06:00 a.m. On arrival in Delhi at 10:30 a.m. drive to Jaipur (approximately a 5 hours drive). Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters - from painters and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty, for in the sprawling, barren plains beneath Amer, the former capital; he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique in two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made Jaipur a haven and a center of commerce and religion. Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenellated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition. On arrival transfer and check-in to Jai Mahal Palace. Overnight in Jaipur. Day 9 (In Jaipur) After breakfast, encompass the highlights of Jaipur city as we drive to visit the open air royal observatory "Jantar Mantar" stopping en route to see the "Hawa Mahal" or the Palace of Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh, the creator of Jaipur loved mathematics and science, sending emissaries to the court of Mirza Beg in Samarkand who had built an observatory in 1425. Spending much of his time studying astronomy, he constructed masonry observatories at Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura and most impressively the `Jantar Mantar' at Jaipur, built between 1728 and 1734. Next to the Observatory is the City Palace and Museum with its fine collection of textiles. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur, covering one seventh of its area and is surrounded by a high wall. It differs from conventional Rajput fort palaces in its separation of the palace from its fortifications, perhaps modeled on the Mughal architectural style with its main building scattered in "a fortified campus". The Royal family occupies a portion of this Palace, with other areas converted to museums, displaying their vast collection of textiles and costumes, an array of armory, miniature paintings and carpets, the finest of which was displayed at the "Flowers Underfoot - Indian carpets of the Mughal Era" exhibition ,1997/98 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The rest of the day is to explore the colorful markets of Jaipur and the bustling bazaars laden with souvenirs, carpets, world famous gems and jewelry, textiles, the specialty being the traditional hand block printed fabric, antique textiles and handicrafts. The vehicle and guide is at your disposal for the afternoon. Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace. Day 10 (Jaipur) After breakfast, trace Jaipur's history at the Amber fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated by jeep, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door. Jaipur has a variety of attractions, many best explored individually. You may wish to return to the hotel or may choose to further explore the Jaipur markets of blue pottery, gems, textiles and the hustle and bustle. Overnight at the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur. Day 11 (Jaipur - Agra) After breakfast, proceed to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone former capital of the Mughal empire. According to legend, Emperor Akbar, having no male heir made a pilgrimage to the town of Sikri to seek the blessings of the revered saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint assured Akbar he would have three sons and when his prophecy was fulfilled the king was so overwhelmed that he built a city at Sikri. Politically astute and remarkably broadminded for his time, India's greatest emperor successfully addressed the Hindu-Moslem divide by marrying a Hindu princess whilst also combining their distinctive architectural styles finely exampled at this World Heritage Site. The city lived between A.D. 1571 up to 1585 and then became a ghost town, abandoned, possibly due to complexities with the water systems. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, drive a short distance to `The Bagh' for lunch. Post lunch, continue to Agra which is about an hours drive. Agra, the city of Taj Mahal which was one of the grand cities of South Asia. With the arrival of the Mughals in 1526 led by Babur, Agra entered a completely new era during the reign of emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it a great center for learning, art, commerce and culture. It is therefore not surprising that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously in its monuments. On arrival check-in to the hotel Taj View. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. Day 12 (In Agra) After breakfast, explore Agra with a drive up to the Agra Fort, a World Heritage Site credited to Emperor Akbar, India's great visionary. His son, Jehangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure situated by the banks of the Yamuna River. The astonishing palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive walls of red sandstone became once more a monumental mission of the Mughal empire embellished by the artistic fusion of Islamic and Hindu tradition. Onward visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, which became the first Mughal structure totally built from marble and pioneering the extensive use of `pietra dura', the inlay work of marble, which became so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the soaring Taj, but the smaller, more human scale has its own attraction, and the beautiful patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure. The Marble Inlay factories steeped in this decorative art culture are also a specialty of Agra. In the late afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, with its incredible lacy white grandeur, perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity'. In memory of his wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan planned this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding. At sunset, the monument appears to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun. (Taj Mahal is closed on fridays) Overnight at the Taj View. Day 13 (Agra - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho) Early morning, transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi departing Agra at 8:15 a.m. and arriving Jhansi at 10:40 a.m. On arrival, drive around 40 minutes to Orchha to visit the fort and ancient temples. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the places and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After lunch at the Orchha Resort that services very tasty vegetarian food, drive for 3 hours to Khajuraho and check-in to the Taj Chandela Hotel. Later in the evening, there is an option to experience the Sound & Light show at the Western Group of temples starting at 7:30 p.m. which lasts for around 40 minutes. Society in an age free from inhibition Ancient monuments have fascinating stories to tell. But few match the mystery wrapped around the temples of Khajuraho. The Hindu Chandela kings erected 85 temples between 850 and 1100 AD. Twenty five remain of which nine are unparallel embodiments of medieval art and architecture and famous for their remarkable erotic sculptures. Each temple is dedicated to a different deity, expressing its own nature through the creative energy of shakti. Shakti cults were developed through Tantric beliefs within Hinduism, stressing that the male could be activated only by being united with the female in which sexual expression and spiritual desire were intermingled. Since this could not be suppressed, it was given a priestly blessing and incorporated into the regular ritual. Overnight at the Taj Chandela. Day 14 (Khajuraho - Varanasi) After breakfast, visit the highlights of the Western and Eastern Group of temples in this World Heritage site. Lost for centuries, the temples were accidentally discovered by a British army engineer in 1839. Around noon, transfer to the airport for the Jet Airways flight 9W 724 to Varanasi departing at 1:30 p.m. and arriving at 2:10 p.m. Upon arrival transfer to the Taj Ganges hotel. Varanasi, also called `Kashi' (the city of light) is one of the oldest cities in the world. The banks of the `sacred' Ganges teem with masses of humanity, as the rich and the poor, the families and the sanyasis (renouncer) dip in the river's holy water in an effort to achieve purity. The temple bells and chanting priests manifest the faith of the congregations that seek to make peace between the gods and one's inner soul. For Hindus, it's a place to be born and a place to die. The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. - Samuel Johnson, 1696-1772 American Philosopher. Around 4.30 p.m. drive to the city center, where seated in trishaws, you are pedaled through the heart of the city exploring and experiencing its colorful markets ending with a boat cruise on the river Ganges. Arrive at the banks of the river and sail down stream to view the activities on the `ghats' sailing upstream in time to witness the ancient Hindu ceremonial ritual called `Aarti' conducted by the Hindu Brahmin priest class. Aarti is a Sanskrit word which stands for homage or devotion. The aarti or offering of the lamps is observed at prescribed hours of the day and night to invoke the gods. It is believed that the gods physically present themselves before devotees at this ceremony. The lamps are revolved before the idols in a clockwise manner along with the chanting of hymns. This recitation is accompanied by drums, blowing of the conch-shell and tolling of the temple bells. At the end of the `aarti', the priest takes a handful of water which he revolves around the god's idol. This is to pacify `agni' (the fire God), who is pressed into service in the form of the wick lamp. The lamps themselves are charged with this "Presence" and thus after the ceremony devotees collect the fumes and smear their faces with its aroma. Overnight at the Taj Ganges hotel. Day 15 (In Varanasi) After a cup of coffee and croissant served in the lobby, an opportunity to return to the river at sunrise, when the banks are alive with the multitude of worshippers who come to immerse themselves as they face the rising run. This worship form is better known as "Surya Namaskar" which translates into paying homage to the Sun God. The river is an intimate part of the Hindu psyche. And a life-sustaining metaphor of the complex Hindu world. Through history, its life giving waters nurtured civilization on the Gangetic plain and developed the epic poems and texts of Hinduism. The mountain, plain and river are the real protagonists and metaphors of India's life, flowing unbroken from the ancient past into the present. Happy is he who makes a pilgrimage to the Ganges, but thrice happy is he whose soul ebbs away at its sacred stream and whose body becomes a prey to the flames at the sacred banks. Return to the Taj Ganges for breakfast. Following breakfast, visit the buried city of Sarnath where Gautam, the Buddha, arrived after attaining `sambodhi' (enlightenment) and preached his first sermon; "All is Sorrow" - ultimately his teachings laid down the path to the cure of worldly sorrow. This is known in the Buddhist world as the turning of the religious wheel (dharma-chakra pravartana). Sarnath remained an active center of Buddhism up to the end of the twelfth century AD. Centers of Buddhist learning arose in the temples and monasteries at Sarnath and many sects and sub-sects of Buddhism flourished here. Sarnath and Varanasi were plundered by Muslim invaders at the end of the twelfth century and razed to the ground. Enjoy the museum which displays some wonderful Buddha images. While returning to the hotel, there lies an option to visit the silk weaving factories and outlets. This afternoon, visit Jnana Pravaha which is a private institution and trust situated on the lap of the holy Ganga stream and started for the promotion and dissemination of the centuries old message of Kashi (Varanasi) involving Indian philosophy, literature, art, music and culture. The building itself, set in a beautifully laid out lawn and garden, was designed by India's famous architect B.B. Doshi to represent the union of male and female aspects (Pursua and Prakrti) reminding us of the early Indian rock - heaven architecture. The basic ethos of Indian culture and ageless spiritualism are highlighted, preserving the visual and performing arts of the country and aspects of classical literature, traditional wisdom and metaphysics. We are escorted around the complex which also has a superb and important collection of miniature art paintings and its various facets. In its museum section we see art and artifacts tracing and telling us the story of Varanasi. Overnight at the Taj Ganges. Day 16 (Varanasi - Kathmandu) Breakfast is at leisure. Later we proceed to the airport to board the Indian airlines flight to Khatmandu (flight operate only on Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat) departing at 12:10 p.m. and arriving at 01:20 p.m. After obtaining the visa upon arrival, clear immigration and customs, we transfer to the Hotel Radisson. The tiny mountain Kingdom of Nepal, ringed by the Himalayas is a land of contrasts harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. 2000 years of truly peaceful co-existence has produced a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism which is distinctly Nepalese in character. In the afternoon, we drive to city's Durbar Square to see fine examples of Nepalese architecture in the Palaces and Pagodas. Visit the Living Goddess, who often acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. We then board trishaws and ride through the narrow lanes of the old city to "Thamel", Kathmandu's hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain. The bazaar offers glimpses of the telegraphic avenue in San Franscio. It's also a center for low budget tourists, backpackers and trekkers, full of one to two stars hotels, hundreds of big/small restaurants and lodges. Overnight in Kathmandu. Day 17 (In Kathmandu) Early this morning (weather permitting), transfer to the airport for an hour's flight to witness the awesome sight of the Himalayas, the "abode of the gods". This hour long flight-seeing near the border of Tibet, passes Mt. Everest and its neighboring summits, including eight peaks over 26,000 ft high. Post breakfast, drive to visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilted roof and richly carved silver door. Visitors are allowed to view the temple from the east bank of river Bagmati, as only Hindus are permitted to enter this temple. Later, visit Bodhnath. This stupa is situated east of Kathmandu and is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. Built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. This shrine is ringed by houses of the Lamas or Buddhist priests. Then we drive towards the city center to Babar Mahal, the restored palace of the former Prime Minister of Nepal which now houses a collection of some fine stores and restaurants. This is an ideal place for lunch. We spend the afternoon in Patan, popularly known as the city of fine arts enclosed within 4 stupas, said to be built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century. Walk through this township of temples including the Durbar Square and the Patan Museum which houses a fine bronze collection. On the return visit the 2000 year old stupa at Swayambhunath, situated majestically high on a hill overlooking the valley. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base on the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Overnight in Kathmandu. Day 18 (Kathmandu - Pokhara) After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu airport for the Buddha Air flight to Pokhara which departs Kathmandu at 11:30 a.m. and arrives Pokhara at 12:30 p.m. Pokhara is renowned for its setting rather than its historical or cultural endowments. Its peaceful lakeside location and proximity to the Annapurna mountain range mean it is an ideal place for recovering from (or gearing up for) a trek. The rest of the day is to explore the main street dotted with tiny shops selling Tibetan, Nepali artifacts ending with a boat ride on Phewa Lake at sunset. Overnight at the Shangri-la. Day 19 (In Pokhara) Early this morning depart Pokhara for Naudanda, a 30 minutes drive through the scenic Hyanja Valley ascending to 4600ft. The trail ascends from Naudanada very gradually through the village of Chettris and Brahmins for around 3 hours to reach Sarangkot (5200ft). Hot breakfast is arranged at a lodge in Sarangkot. Sarangkot offers great views of the Annapurna and Pokhara valley including Phewa Lake an easy walk downhill for an hour brings you to the base of Sarangkot. Return to the Shangri-la for a late lunch. The rest of the day is to enjoy the resort and the breathtaking views of the Annapurna ranges. Overnight at the Shangri-la. Day 20 (Pokhara - Kathmandu-Delhi) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the Buddha Air flight which departs Pokhara at 10:30 a.m. and arrives Kathmandu at 11:30 a.m. Later connect to the Jet airways flight to Delhi departing at 02:15 p.m. On arrival in Delhi at 3:45 p.m. transfer to the hotel Taj Palace. Overnight in Delhi. Day 21 (Delhi - Mexico) After breakfast, explore New Delhi with its majestic boulevards and grand government buildings. India Gate, Delhi's triumphal arch, stands at one end of Rajpath. At the other end of Rajpath stands the official residence of India's President, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a complex of buildings that mix Mughal and Western architectural styles. Prior to independence, this was the home of India's last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten. Close by is Sansad Bhavan, the large, though less imposing, parliament building. Visit the Tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun, which was commissioned by his senior wife Haji Begum, in the 16th century. This is an early example of Mughal architecture. The design elements of this tomb is a squat building lighted by high arched entrances topped by a protuberant dome and surrounded by formal gardens, refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. Post lunch begin exploring the historical part of the city also known as Old Delhi starting with `Shah Jehanabad' which has some dramatic remnants of the Mughal Empire in the imposing Red Fort and Jama Masjid India's largest mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jehan, creator of the Taj Mahal. Ride a trishaw through its principal street, Chandni Chowk, originally renowned throughout Asia with its tree-lined canal flowing down its center. These days it's a bustling jumble of shops, temples, mosques and craftsmen's workshops of goldsmiths, silversmiths, silk traders and embroiderers. Raj Ghat, in Old Delhi on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a simple memorial that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. A pretty park has been created around the memorial. Later, drive to the city's earliest surviving Islamic monument, the Qutb mosque and minar created by the founder of the sometimes-called Slave Dynasty, Qutb-ud-din-Aybak. 73 meters high and consisting of 5 storeys, the Qutb Minar construction started in 1199 on what was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world.
*Hotels are subject to availability, hotel category will be maintained.
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