Heart of Central India Maha Kumbh Mela: 2013 Suggested Itinerary

Newsletter – January 2012
Maha Kumbh Mela: 2013
Suggested Itinerary
Classic India
Kumbh Mela is a mass gathering of Hindus
along the banks of the Holy Ganges. It is held
by turn in four different cities
Allahabad,
Haridwar,
Ujjain,
Suggested duration: 14 N/ 15 D
in India:
and
Nasik
Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi –
depending on the positions of planets and stars.
Allahabad (Maha Kumbh Mela) – Delhi, depart
The Ardh (half) Kumbh fair is celebrated every
Land in Delhi and spend two days’ sightseeing
six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, while the
in Old & New Delhi. Highlights include a
Maha (great and complete) Kumbh fair always
rickshaw ride through Chandini Chowk market,
takes place only at Allahabad every twelve
Jama masjid, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and
years.
the Lotus Temple.
From Delhi drive to the pink city of Jaipur where
The previous Maha Kumbh Mela, held in 2001,
you stay three nights. Visit the City Palace, the
was attended by around 60 million people,
spectacular outdoor Jantar Mantar Observatory
making it at the time the largest gathering
and view Jaipur’s most famous building, the pink
anywhere in the world in recorded history.
sandstone Hawa Mahal (or Palace of the
Winds), which allowed women of the court to
The dates of the next Maha Kumbh Mela
are: 14 January – 25 February 2013
watch life in the bazaar from behind stonecarved screens. Spend a morning at Amber Fort
before enjoying lunch and a private elephant
P&L will set up an exclusive tented camp for the
safari.
duration of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
From Jaipur, drive to Agra visiting Fathepur Sikri
The myth behind this festival dates back to
ancient times which the earth was being taken
over by demons and the gods were cursed. In
order to restore their powers, the gods had to
drink nectar which they procured by churning
the oceans. The god Shiva was given the task
To quote Mark Twain,
“It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make
From Agra, travel by train to Orccha where, after
and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such
sightseeing and lunch you drive to Khajuraho,
incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without
home of the famous temples. Your AC Executive
repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know
process was chased by the demons.
which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is
drops fell in different parts of India, every three
and of course, the Taj Mahal.
multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young
of delivering the nectar to the gods, and in the
Four
along the way. The next morning visit Agra Fort
beyond imagination, marvelous to our kind of people…”
train seats will be reserved in advance.
From Khajuraho you fly to Varanasi where you
get your introduction to the spiritual side of India.
years one of these four places hosts the Kumbh
Enjoy a sunset and sunrise boat cruise on the
Mela which is attended by an estimated 10
Holy Ganges and explore this most holy of cities
million people.
Maha Kumbh Mela Dates:
where Indians come to gain moksha, or freedom
from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
14 January – 25 February 2013
At the Kumbh Mela, there are auspicious
bathing dates when the numbers of pilgrim
Key Bathing Dates
swell fourfold as they bathe in the holy river. A
common sight in Haridwar will be the presence

14th January (Monday) – Makar Sankranti
of “Naga Sadhus”, distinct by their ash covered

27th January (Sunday) - Paush Purnima
naked bodies and long hair tied in a series of

6th February (Wednesday) - Ekadashi Snan
knots. They are believed to have supernatural

10th February (Sunday) - Mauni Amavasya Snan
(Main Bathing Day)
healing powers, and supposedly live only on
herbs.
From Varanasi you drive to Allahabad, where
the Maha Kumbh Mela is being held. Stay at the
Peirce & Leslie luxury camp and spend a full day
exploring the fair in the company of your escort
before flying back to Delhi and connecting with
your international flight
Heart of Central India

15th February (Friday) - Basant Panchami Snan

17th February (Sunday) - Rath Saptami Snan

18th February (Monday) - Bhisma Ekadashi Snan
Delhi – Allahabad (Maha Kumbh Mela) –

25th February (Monday) - Maghi Purnima Snan
Varanasi - Khajuraho – Gwalior – Bhopal –
Maheshwar and Mandu - Delhi, depart
If you wish attend the Maha Kumbh Mela during one of the
key bathing dates, a 3 nights’ minimum stay is required.
For details, email us at: [email protected]
Suggested duration: 14 N/ 15 D
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