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Home , Kumbh Mela, Ujjain

Diving in Immortality…

Encounters Asia – For the inspiring and the unbelievable, for au courant and the traditional, for the beautiful and the bizarre, a company for the travelers not the tourists, as we say in our local dialect ‘Kuch hat kar’ meaning something different and in our endeavor to let you experience in a whole a new way, with a new perspective. A voyage with us will not only leave you with the sense of thrill and delight but will also deepen your wisdom lasting beyond your vacation heightening your pleasure, awareness and intellect.

ITINERARY…. 17 JAN’19: ARRIVE KOLKATA (Meals Aloft)

On your arrival at international airport in Kolkata and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer 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 . It is on the east bank of the River Hooghly. 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. Kolkata served as the capital of India during the until 1911.

Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata

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 we’ll show how you in the course of our walk through the ‘European’ areas of what was once the capital of the

British Empire in India. There are major plans on to beautify and restore this heritage site with its rich and varied architectural styles.

One of our most popular walk this 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.[2] The memorial lies on the maidan (grounds) by the bank of the Hooghly River

Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata

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-The National Park covers about 430 sqkms, bordered on the north by the Brahmaputra River and on the south by the KarbiAnglong hills. The largest number of one-horned rhinoceros in the world roams its swamps, grasslands with tall thickets of elephant grass and areas of 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.

Fauna-As well as the Indian Rhino, the Park contains about 35 major mammals, including Wild Elephant, Tiger, small population of Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, 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

20-21 JAN’19: KAZIRANGANATIONAL PARK (B, L & D)

Early morning Elephant Safari (subject to availability)and after breakfast we hop for morning Jungle Safari, return to the lodge for lunch.

Evening jungle safaris in Kaziranga National Park by 4x4 open Jeep Overnight at the hotel in Kaziranga

22 JAN’19: KAZIRANGA – (B, L & D) Early morning at around 0530 AM transfer to Guwahati airport(5 hrs), 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 , Lord of the Universe, one of the oldest living cities in the world, as also one of the most important sites in India, Varanasi

is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred , the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.

Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi

23 JAN’19: VARANASI (B, L & D)

Boat Journey - -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 and their patronage by theMaharaja'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. Breakfastat 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 river, walk in the footsteps of 16th century Banaras poet and mystic PanditGoswamiTulsidas, translator of the sacred Ramanyana text. You will hear about the history and special culture of Varanasi while visiting the Southern temple established by ! 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 is memorable experience, 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

24 JAN’19: VARANASI – (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 centres of India. It is situated at the of three rivers- Ganga, and the invisible . The meeting point is known as Triveni and is very sacred to .

The biggest religious ceremony in the world, known as "" (Festival of Urn), The PurnaKumbhMela, the biggest and the most auspicious , occurs four times every twelve years and is

organized in rotation among four places where drops of the sacred nectar spilled over: Allahabad (Prayag), , and . A mass pilgrimage for community of India, the KumbhMela or Kumbh fair is rumoured to be one of the largest congregation of sages, , ascetics, mendicants, men, women and children on the planet. But every sixth year after a PurnaKumbhMela sees an ArdhKumbhMela taking place. In the language the word "Ardh" stands for "half" and "Mela" means "fair". The "ArdhKumbhMela" is called so because it is held at the sixth year and marks the halfway stage between the celebrations of the PurnaKumbhMelas every 12 years. The ArdhMela (half Fair) takes place six years after the MahaKumbh at Haridwar& Allahabad only.

KumbhMela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar - described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the . KumbhMela 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 centre stage of the Maha Kumbh Mela is occupied by the who belong to dozens of Hindu sects. Significance of Kumbh Mela

Ardh Kumbh Mela is not just a mere festivity like or but holds 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 .

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

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 while your stay in Allahabad, experience extra activities of the ArdhKumbhMela like enjoy a scheduled walking tour with an English speaking experienced guide near to 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 ofArdha Mela, the largest gathering on Earth. This mass pilgrimage, in which Hindus gather in specific locations along the holy waters of the Ganges, Yamuna and the river Saraswati, occurs just four times every 12 years, drawing up to 100 million people. Unlike the festivities of Holi or Dwali, few Westerners witness the intimacy of this spiritual happening. KumbhMela literally means festival of the pot of nectar, a reference described in ancient Vedic scriptures. According to , 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 KumbhMela 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.

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 are 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 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 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 MahaKumbMela 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 . Singh, along with expert guides from Encouters 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.

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 , club-like sectors also referred to as Shiva’s army, are among the most fascinating groups at the festival. Each 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

27 JAN’19: ALLAHABAD – – DEPARTURE (B, L & D)

On time departure 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.

Later on time departure 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

HOTEL ENVISAGED:

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

OPTIONAL EXTENSION FOR TIGER SAFARI IS PRICED SEPARATELY.  See the addendum itinerary for details.

THE 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 low or can be higher at the time of booking. Exact fare will be advised at the time of booking.