Dream Ventures India

SPIRITUALISM AT ITS BEST

KUMBH MELA 2003 - NASIK

3 FIXED DATE TOURS AUGUST 03, AUGUST 22, AUGUST 27, 2003-COVERING THE MOST AUSPICIOUS THREE BATHING DAYS.

7 nights / 8 days tour covering- MUMBAI, AURANGABAD AND NASIK


KUMBH MELA- Of great import and easily the most colossal Hindu spiritual gathering on this planet comes about once in every 12 years on the Indian soil. The Kumbh Mela, it’s called. The soul of the Kumbh Mela is a mirror of an indestructible universe. The fantastic elements of such a high order make for an ethos that is truly invincible. It may seem like a crestfallen bundle of spiritual beliefs to those habitual to the usual elements of everyday religion, but that’s Kumbh for the uninitiated. This is no dogmatic routine of chanting, ringing bells and obeisance to idols. In stinging contrast, yet above all reproach, the Kumbh Mela reveals unspeakably candid beliefs.

Historians claim the great mela was founded by the eighth-century philosopher, Shankaracharya, who masterminded the triumph of Hinduism in the subcontinent and called for celebratory gathering of all ascetics, sadhus, temple priests and monastic orders. Kumbh means an assembly of the water pot, and its origins lie in a conflict between the demi-gods and demi-demons that arose after the two had joined forces to find an immortality-giving nectar called Amrit – in the Cosmic Ocean. Legend has it that before the universe took shape, using Vashuki, the Snake King, as a rope, the gods churned the primordial depths until Dhanavantri, the Divine healer, surfaced holding the kumbh (pot) of nectar. A twelve-day chase ensued as the gods struggled for the Kumbh’s possession, during which four drops of amrit fell at twelve places on the earth. Four of these spots are in India.

Commemorating the triumph of the gods over their evil counterparts, the Kumbh Mela is held at these four spots in a twelve-year rotating cycle-Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik and Allahabad.

Saturated with chiming bells mingled with Vedic hymns and the incense as also the scent of flowers, the processions of Naga (naked) sadhus from different akhadas (orders) epitomize the time-worn Indian specter of devotional hysteria.

NASIK – The city has a distinct character owing to sound mythological and historical undertones. The river Godavari flows through Nasik. Over 2000 temples on the banks of the river have made Nasik a holy place for Hindus all over the world. Nasik is situated at a distance of 190 kms from Aurangabad and 184 kms from Mumbai.

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai - August 3 :: August 22 :: August 27
On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred by private air conditioned car to your Hotel Fariyas. Rest of the day free to rest and explore Mumbai on your own. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai - August 4 :: August 23 :: August 28
After breakfast sight seeing of Mumbai by private air conditioned car with English speaking guide visiting Elephanta Caves- Also called Gharpuri is an hour's trip by motor launch from The gateway of India. The name Elephanta was given by the Portuguese from an elephant - like stone found there. The famed caves lie about two thirds up the higher of the two hills. These eight century rock-cut cavers were hewn out of the hills and sculpted intricately. Sculptures of ‘Dwarapalas’ are found in three recesses. Further, three avenues made from four rows of massive columns, cut into the main rock, lead to the 18-ft. high imposing structure of Maheshmurti – depicting Shiva as the creator, destroyer and preserver.


Afternoon sight-seeing tour of Mumbai city visiting - The Gateway of and the chief entry port of India is a largest industrial center and is reputed to be the most cosmopolitan city in the east . With it's beautiful natural harbor , studied with emerald islands and palm - fringed shore which rises gradually to the mountain peaks . It is one of the finest waterfronts. Highlights of the city sight-seeing include the Gateway of India, Hanging gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, The bustling Crawford Market, Flora Fountain and the Dhobi Ghats - a vast outdoor laundry.

ENTRANCE FEE TO THE PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM – INR 350 PER PERSON.
Rest of the day & evening free for shopping and overnight at your Hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad, by Air - August 5 :: August 24 :: August 29
After breakfast transfer by private air conditioned car to Mumbai domestic airport in time to connect your flight to Aurangabad. On arrival transfer by private air conditioned car to Hotel Taj Residency. Afternoon tour of Ellora caves by air conditioned car with English speaking guide. About 18 miles away from the city of Aurangabad - a group of rock temples - posses a magnificent series of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain temples of the 9th Century A.D. Kailash Temple, hewn out of a single rock, carved with life size figures of gods and goddesses, is a wonder.
Overnight at your Hotel.



Day 4: Aurangabad - August 6 :: August 25 :: August 30
After breakfast tour of Ajanta Caves by air conditioned car with English speaking guide - Hewn out of rocks richly sculptured and with walls, ceilings and pillars domed with fresco paintings depict the life of Buddha. These cave picture galleries are unique in the history of art and date from the 22nd Century B.C. to the 7th Century A.D.

Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Nasik - By surface 190 kms/4 hrs - August 7 :: August 26 :: August 31
After breakfast leave by private air conditioned car for Nasik. On arrival check in to your Hotel Emerald or Natraj (subject to availability). Rest of the day free to relax and Explore Nasik on your own.

Day 6: Nasik - Kumbh Mela - August 8 :: August 27 :: September 1
Today after breakfast we take you to the Banks of the Holy river Godavari for the auspicious bath. You may have to walk about half a mile or so because of heavy rush the cars are not allowed near the Banks and have to be parked far away. You will see Hundreds of thousands of people all taking the holy dip in the river. It will be either 1st, 2nd or 3rd auspicious Snan (Bath) respectively depending upon the tour you chose. These three baths are the most important days of the Kumbh Mela. You are requested to keep all your precious belongings like credit cards, cash, passport etc. at the Hotel Lockers. Also it is advisable not to become friendly with any unknown person during the visit to Mela. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 7: Nasik - Mumbai - 184 kms/4 hrs - August 9 :: August 28 :: September 2
After breakfast leave by air conditioned car for Mumbai. On arrival check in to your Hotel Fariyas. Rest of the day free to relax.

Overnight at your Hotel or you may be required to be transferred in time to Mumbai International airport to connect flight back Home- depending upon your flight schedule.

Day 8: Mumbai - Home Town - August 10 :: August 29 :: September 3
Transfer by private air conditioned car in time to Mumbai international airport to connect your flight back home.

Bon voyage

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