Diving in Immortality
Safari Experts has found a ground handler that shares our philosophy to discover the inspiring and the unbelievable, the traditional, the beautiful and the bizarre. We are travelers not tourists, as we experience India in a whole a new way, with a new perspective. Our safari will leave you with the sense of thrill and delight, lasting far beyond your trip.
ITINERARY THURSDAY, 17 JAN’19: ARRIVE KOLKATA (Meals Aloft) On your arrival at the international airport in Kolkata and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel.
Kolkatta (spelled Calcutta before 1 January 2001) is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the second largest city in India after Mumbai. It is on the east bank of the Hooghly River. When it is called Calcutta, it includes the suburbs. This makes it the third largest city of India. This also makes it the world's 8th largest metropolitan area as defined by the United Nations. Kolkatta served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911.
Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
FRIDAY, 18 JAN’19: KOLKATA (B, L & D)
In the footsteps of the Raj - Dalhousie Square - Colonial Calcutta Walk
The British had sought to build ‘the second city of the Empire’ right here and it is this ‘building’ that you will see the ‘European’ areas of what was once the capital of the British Empire in India. There are major plans underway to beautify and restore this heritage site with its rich and varied architectural styles.
One of our most popular sites serves as the perfect introduction to British Calcutta and gives you a sneak peek into what went into the making of the Colonial Capital of India. So prepare to whet your appetite for all things Raj.
Also visit The Victoria Memorial which is a large marble building in Kolkata, it was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The memorial lies on the bank of the Hooghly River
Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
SATURDAY, 19 JAN’19: KOLKATA –KAZIRANGA (B, L & D)
Transfer to Kolkata airport, flight to Guwahati
Kolkata – Guwahati Air India (AI-729) dep. 0950 / arr. 1105 hrs
Pick up from Guwahati airport and drive to Kaziranga National park (5 hrs) famous as the only natural habitat of the Great Indian Rhinoceros.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam-This national park covers about 430 sqkms, bordered on the north by the Brahmaputra River and on the south by the Karbi Anglong hills. The largest number of one-horned rhinoceros in the world roams its swamps and grasslands with tall thickets of elephant grass and areas of a mixed deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen forest. It is home to a wide variety of other animals and birds, and the open vistas make it relatively easy to see many species of wildlife in a day.
The park contains approximately 35 major mammals, including wild elephants, a tiger, a small population of hoolock gibbon, capped langurs, bristly hare, hog badger, otter, leopard, wild boar, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, muntjac, water buffalo and gaur. Among the rich birdlife are the rare greater adjutant stork, Bengal florican, black-necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, Pallas's fish eagle, swamp partridge, grey peacock-pheasant, great pied hornbill, green imperial pigeon, babblers and thousands of migratory birds, seasonally attracted to the various water areas of the park from as far away as Siberia.
Overnight at the hotel in Kaziranga
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
SUNDAY-MONDAY, 20-21 JAN’19: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (B, L & D)
Early morning Elephant Safari (subject to availability) and after breakfast enjoy a morning Jungle Safari, returning to the lodge for lunch.
Evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open Jeep
Overnight at the hotel in Kaziranga
TUESDAY, 22 JAN’19: KAZIRANGA – VARANASI (B, L & D) Early morning (around 0530 AM) transfer to Guwahati airport (5 hrs), for flight to Varanasi via Kolkata
Guwahati – Kolkata Air India (AI-730) dep. 1140 / arr. 1300hrs Change plane at Kolkata airport, layover time 1h30m Kolkata – Varanasi Air India (AI-422) dep. 1430 / arr. 1530hrs
Pick up from Varanasi airport and transfer to hotel.
Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Varanasi is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.
Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
WEDNESDAY, 23 JAN’19: VARANASI (B, L & D)
Boat Journey - Subah-e-Banaras Sunrise Boatride The subah, or morning, is for Banaras! Get up at the crack of dawn with us for this amazing boat journey. As the sun rises you will see those who flock to the riverside for morning worship. Along the way you will hear about the interesting history of the ghats and their patronage by the Maharaja's who built them. The adventure ends with a short walking tour around Tulsighat's hidden sun temple. You will come away refreshed and ready for the rest of the day. Breakfast at Panchkote Raj Ganges
Further walking tour – Historical Walk – Southern Temples & Sacred Ponds Walk A walk through the mystical landscape of poets, sacred temples, holy ponds near Assighat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganga River. Walk in the footsteps of 16th century Banaras poet and mystic Pandit Goswami Tulsidas, translator of the sacred Ramanyana text. You will hear about the history and special culture of Varanasi while visiting the Southern temple established by Tulsidas! The walk ends with a special darshan, meaning 'taking sight' of a hidden sun temple behind his home.
Evening visit to the Ganges for glittering evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony. This memorable experience will take you on a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of this unique city followed by a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness striking religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience. Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
THURSDAY, 24 JAN’19: VARANASI – ALLAHABAD (B, L & D)
Drive to Allahabad (3-4hrs)
Allahabad is one of the oldest cities in India. It is crowned in ancient scriptures as ‘Prayag’, ‘Prayagraj’ or ‘Teertharaj’ and is considered the holiest of pilgrimage centers of India. It is situated at the confluence of three rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. The meeting point is known as Triveni and is very sacred to Hindus.
The biggest religious ceremony in the world, known as "Kumbh Mela" (Festival of Urn), The Purna Kumbh Mela is the biggest and the most auspicious fair. It occurs four times every twelve years and is organized in rotation among four places where drops of the sacred nectar spilled over: Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. A mass pilgrimage for the Hindu community of India, the Kumbh Mela or Kumbh fair is rumored to be one of the largest congregation of sages, yogis, ascetics, mendicants, men, women and children on the planet. But every sixth year after a Purna Kumbh Mela, an Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place. In the Hindi language the word "Ardh" stands for "half" and "Mela" means "fair". The "Ardh Kumbh Mela" is called so because it is held at the sixth year and marks the halfway stage between the celebrations of the Purna Kumbh Melas every 12 years. The Ardh Mela (half Fair) takes place six years after the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar& Allahabad only.
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
Kumbh Mela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar - described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Kumbh Mela literally means festival of the pot or a festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar. During the festival, Hindus consider Allahabad as India's religious capital and more than ten million people dip into the holy Ganga, in order to purify body, mind and soul and wash off their sins. On the eve of such a bathing day, the town vibrates in hectic religious fever and the center stage of the Maha Kumbh Mela is occupied by the sadhus who belong to dozens of Hindu sects. Ardh Kumbh Mela is not just a mere festivity like Diwali or Holi but holds a lot of importance for people in India. People look up to Kumbh Mela & Ardh Kumbh with highest regard, as this event gives them a golden opportunity to liberate themselves from the miseries and sufferings of life.
It enables them to take a holy dip in the sacred water and wash away all the sins they have committed in the past. People come from different parts of the country to be a part of this sacred ceremony. It is believed that taking a holy dip in water paves way for attainment of Moksha.
On arrival, settle into your private camp with time at leisure before an informative briefing on the days ahead.
Overnight at the Camp in Allahabad
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 25-26 JAN’19: ALLAHABAD (B, L & D)
Two nights and three days experiencing the Ardh Kumbh Mela, its meaning and relevance, rituals and understanding why millions of people who journey here from all walks of life in what is the ultimate spiritual quest.
Apart from day activities during your stay in Allahabad, experience additional activities of the Ardh Kumbh Mela such as a scheduled walking tour with an English speaking guide near the bathing areas.
More about the Private Camp & the Festival – The Camp gives travelers a rare front row seat for this incredible spectacle, a midway celebration of Ardha Mela, the largest gathering on Earth. Unlike the festivities of Holi or Dwali, few Westerners witness the intimacy of this spiritual happening.
Kumbh Mela (festival of the pot of nectar): According to Hindu mythology, the warring Devas and Asuras came together in peace to churn the ocean and the spills produced a nectar, which the Devas hid from the Asuras in a pot. The search for the pot continued for 12 years and in the chase, a few drops of nectar fell on the earth in four places, Allahabad, Nasik, Ujjain, and Haridwar. For centuries the Kumbh Mela has taken place in these four sanctified locations and millions gather to take a dip in the holy waters and obtain blessings and purify their sins. Every six years, the half celebration—slightly smaller but no less of a spectacle, is staged at Allahabad and Haridwar. Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
In 2019, the auspicious half gathering takes place in Allahabad. During the 45-day festival, Hindus consider Allahabad as India’s religious capital. People from all walks of life journey here for what is considered the ultimate spiritual quest. Encounters Asia has set up a luxury camp of just eight tents, an oasis of calm amidst the crowds and hectic religious fervor. The glamping outpost takes inspiration from the great palaces of Rajasthan and colonial-era African safari camps, outfit with wood floors, vintage rugs, block- printed fabrics, proper beds and hot and cold running water. From this comfortable base, you’ll be hand held through one of the greatest shows on earth by host Lakshmi Singh, a spiritual disciple of two great Advait philosophy masters. Singh was a princess from the royal family of Tikari in Bihar and spent years operating high-end luxury camps. In 1989 she discovered the Maha Kumbh Mela and one dip in the holy Ganges changed her life. She has traveled multiple times to Allahabad to be part of the special gathering with her guru. Singh, along with expert guides from Encounters Asia, will navigate guests through the sea of people, providing unrivaled access and photographic opportunities, from one-on-one interactions with sadhus to capturing the colors and chaos of the festival’s sacred bathing rituals, as groups of Naga sadhus, or Hindu ascetics, sprint into the chilly waters for a holy bath, some brandishing tridents, others chanting, praying, and dancing.
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
Throughout the festival, the town vibrates with energy and anticipation and the streets become a sea of ash-covered bodies decorated with bright orange marigold garlands. The smells, sights, and sounds overwhelm the senses. The akharas, club-like sectors also referred to as Shiva’s army, are among the most fascinating groups at the festival. Each akhara maintains its own tented camp. We’ll have the chance to observe as groups meditate and perform rituals, including the Naga Baba, a radical faction of Hindus who give up all of their possessions, including their clothes, and live in remote forests and caves. Their only show of materialism is the 11,000 beads worn around their necks, which they believe will help them attain the form of Lord Shiva.
Overnight at the Camp in Allahabad
SUNDAY, 27 JAN’19: ALLAHABAD – DELHI – DEPARTURE (B, L & D)
Transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi, or optional extended trip to Kahna for a tiger safari, January 28 to February 01, 2019. See the addendum itinerary for details.
Allahabad – Delhi Air India (AI-9604) dep. 1615 / arr. 1750 hrs
Upon arrival at Delhi, transfer to hotel for wash and change.
Transfer to airport to board the flight for onward journey/home
Valid for above mentioned dates
No. of Person Traveling Per Person Cost in USD on Twin Sharing Based on 8 or 9 guests double occupancy USD $7,880 Per Person Based on 10 or 11 guests double occupancy USD $7,470 Per Person Based on 12 guests double occupancy USD $7,080 Per Person Single room Supplement USD $3,750 Per Single
*Airfare Supplement (Economy Class – 20 Kgs) USD $920 Per Person From Kolkata – Guwahati – Varanasi & Allahabad – Delhi
HOTELS:
City / Nights Dates Hotel Name Room Category Kolkata / 2 17-19 Jan 2019 ITC Sonar Executive Club Kaziranga / 3 19-22 Jan 2019 Diphlu River Lodge Cottage Varanasi / 2 22-24 Jan 2019 Brijrama Palace Dhanurdhara Room Allahabad / 3 24-27 Jan 2019 Tented Camp Tented Camp Delhi / Day Use 27 Jan 2019 The Pride Deluxe Day Use Room until departure
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com
OPTIONAL EXTENSION FOR TIGER SAFARI IS PRICED SEPARATELY. • See the addendum itinerary for details.
COST INCLUDES: • Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned above • Meals on full board basis as mentioned in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner) • Tour leader (Indrajit) • Tip • Services of air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing & tour • In Kaziranga National Park: Jeep Safaris / early morning Elephant Safari as mentioned in itinerary inclusive of entry fee to park (Elephant Ride is subject to availability) • One camera fee per person per day at Kaziranga National Park (Non professional) • Package drinking water for the entire tour (available in vehicle) • Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport and during check in/out at hotels in major cities • Entrances fees to the monuments and park • Government Service tax
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: • Tip for Tour Leader. • Any airfare, airport taxes and any insurance fee • Anything not mentioned in inclusion above • Any expenditure of personal nature like video camera fee, laundry, telephone calls, hard drinks • Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in park Entry Fee, steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc. and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control
NOTE: • Airfare is quoted on the basis of best available average fare which is subject to change. This fare can be lower or higher at the time of booking. Exact fare will be advised at the time of booking.
Safari Experts - Independent Safari Consultants P. 435.649.4655 - P.O. Box 680098 Park City UT 84068 [email protected] www.safariexperts.com