Kumbh Mela, Allahabad

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to the hotel for overnight stay. 

Day 02 – Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – Delhi – Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx. 260kms / 05hours). This historic city was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amer valley to newly formed and planned city of that time. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, soldier and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is world famous as the Pink City. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check – in at the hotel.

Afternoon is free to relaxation or independently explores the crowded and colorful lanes of the pink city’s local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort situated just outside the city is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city down below. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.

Later visit City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware and pottery. Another monument near is Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra
Morning leave for Agra (approx. 255kms / 06hours) enroute visiting Abhaneri. This village is home to an unheralded architectural jewel and one of the most beautiful step wells (Baori) in Rajasthan. Abhaneri was gifted with skilled craftsmen and many sculptures from Abhaneri belonging to the post Gupta or early medieval period are displayed in various museums around the world.

Continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. Later witness the display of Marble Inlay Work (same intricate work done on marbles used in Taj Mahal). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 – Agra – Allahabad (By Night Train)
After breakfast, start sightseeing tour of Agra city visiting the Agra Fort containing the halls private and public audiences. Both buildings are truly spectacular and the Taj Mahal is now one of the wonders of the World.

Later visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shahjahan in 1648 in memory of his Queen Mumtaj Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skills (Friday Closed).

Late evening transfer to the railway station to board train for Allahabad. Overnight on the board.

Day 07 – Allahabad (Kumbh Mela)
Morning arrive in Allahabad and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Post breakfast witness grand Kumbh Mela known as one of the biggest gathering of humans. Kumbh mela is held after every 12 years at the bank of river Prayag.

Spend your whole day is watching sadhus performing several rituals and taking dip in holy river.

Late afternoon return to the hotel for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – Allahabad (Kumbh Mela)
Today wake up early and take a dip in Holy River. You will see thousands of sadhus performing rituals, martial skills and holy bath.

Spend a whole day in witness this grand gathering. Late afternoon return to the hotel for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – Allahabad (Kumbh Mela)
Spend another whole day in witness this grand gathering and rituals performed by Naga sadhus. Take a dip in Holy River as believed by Hindus that all sins are washed away by taking dip in sacred water.

Late afternoon return to the hotel for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – Allahabad – Varanasi 
Early morning spend some time at river bank. After breakfast, drive to Varanasi (approx. 120kms / 02 ½ hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Later proceed for a panoramic city sightseeing tour of Varanasi including tour to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality.

Evening witness Aarti ceremony at ghats. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Varanasi 
This morning an early start for a dawn boat ride on the Ganges River. Ritual is a very important aspect of Hinduism and there is no better place to observe it than at the Ganges. You will view the thread ceremony, head shaving and food being offered to the departing souls. Also along its bank witness devotees bathing, cremating their dead and doing laundry. A walk through narrow twisting lanes will give you a chance to witness the various rituals of the pilgrims and followed by temple tour.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later tour the old city visiting the principles temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning.

Evening is free to enjoy local bazaar (Optional) by own or for individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.             

Day 12 – Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight) 
After breakfast, morning is at leisure for relaxation or individual activities. In time transfer to the airport to connect the flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, rest of the day is free for individual activities or shopping.

Late night departure transfer to the airport to connect your flight for onward destination.

**This tour can be change/ amend as per the client requirement or number of days in hand to witness this unique festival.