Kumbh Mela - The Fabled Festival
Join us on this once in a lifetime journey to the largest pilgrimage festival on earth.
It is everything you have heard and more!
This amazing Mela is due in January/February 2013
The Purna (complete) Kumbh Mela is one of the most highly auspicious Hindu gatherings which has occurred every twelve years since ancient times. It has always taken place in the city of Allahabad at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.
It is the quintessential Indian experience. You cannot really know India until you have joined the throngs in their joy and reverence on the banks of Mother Ganga. There are massive crowds, flamboyant sideshows, naked Naga, and ancient mystics. Everyone is welcome, no one will leave unchanged by the teeming humanity that coexists on the banks of these holy rivers for the duration of the festival.
The Maha ('Great') Kumbh Mela which comes after 12 'Purna Kumbh Melas' (every 144 years) is also held at Allahabad. In 2001 this Mela was attended by around 60 million people, making it the largest gathering anywhere in the world
| 7 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 3rd February 2013 | |
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| Price: | (Click here to inquire) | |
Day 1 - Arrival day - Delhi (overnight train) Today is arrival day and after a group meeting we head to the Delhi train station for our overnight journey to Allahabad Day 2 - arrive Allahabad The excitement builds as we approach the festival. On arrival we make our way to our tented camp which is our home for the duration of our stay. Our compound is perfectly located for access to the river as well as the fairgrounds and festivities. The noise is unabated with music and celebration throughout the night but our luxury tents with private facilities will provide us some welcome respite as required Days 3-5 - Allahabad - Kumbh Mela Festivities We are present on one of the main bathing days. We venture to the riverbank before dawn to experience the stunning ritual of the mass bath that the Hindus will enjoy in their holiest of rivers. There is nonstop activity on the banks and we enjoy a number of boat excursions into the heart of the river taking in the view from the water as well as the river bank.
In the evening the fairgrounds and sideshows come alive and there is action a plenty from the kitsch magic shows to the freakish rituals of the Naga ascetics.
We will be spellbound by the vibrant crowds and the open and friendly folk who journey from all over India and indeed the world to cleanse themselves and join in the biggest festival of the year Day 6 - Allahabad to Delhi We plan to catch a day train back to Delhi in time for a farewell dinner to share stories and marvel at our once in a lifetime Kumbh experience Day 7 - Delhi departure You are free to depart today at your convenience |
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Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | (Click here to inquire) | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | (Click here to inquire) Single | Details |
| (Click here to inquire) Double |