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