Simhastha 2004, Kumbh Mela, Ujjain

The Simhastha – Kumbh Mela, will once again take place at Ujjain after a gap of 12 long years. This mammoth festival is a salute to the ancient Hindu ritual of taking a dip in the holy river, which is said to break the cycle of death and rebirth.

Believed to be one of the holiest festivals in India, The Kumbh Mela attracts locals and visitors alike. Though all the rituals associated with the Simhastha are interesting, particularly striking to observe, are the thousands of Sadhus (holy men) that come part n parcel with the festival.

The entire period of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela spanning April 05 to May 05, 2004, is considered auspicious, though there are five main bathing dates. The Kumbh Mela for a visitor is much much more than just a dip in the holy river. It can be described as is an affirmation of faith, an enacting of a ritual, a deeply religious tribute to Hinduism or simply a way of life.

Come to the Kumbh Mela at Ujjain and be a part of a historical festival that defies all explanation, rises above all platitudes and simply has no equal!

SAFFRON SERENADE
We suggest an itinerary that combines the best of the region with something for every traveller. The programme below gives you a chance to experience the magnificance of The Simhastha along with some of the other marvels of our country. This suggested itinerary, can either be done on its own or combined with any other tour.
* In Ujjain meals will be pure vegetarian.
* Consumption of Liquor is strictly probhited

Fixed Dates for arrival into Delhi: 15 April/ 18 April/ 20 April/ 30 April, 2004

Day 01: Depart home/ Arrive Delhi
Late evening (or early morning on Day 02) arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rooms on immediate occupancy. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Half day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Delhi/ Indore (By air: 9W 3309)
D: 0545 hrs A: 0745 hrs
Departure transfer to domestic airport for flight to Indore. Arrival at Indore and transfer to the hotel. Excursion to Mandu (97 km/ 2 hrs).
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Indore/ Ujjain (By road: 55 km/ 1.5 hrs)
Morning drive from Indore to Ujjain. Arrival and transfer to the Camp. Afternoon - Mela related activity.
Overnight at the Camp.

Day 05: Ujjain
Full day activity at the Kumbh Mela. Overnight at the Camp.

Day 06: Ujjain/ Bhopal (By road: 183 km/ 4 hrs)
Morning drive from Ujjain to Bhopal. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of the city.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Bhopal/ Jhansi/ Orchha (By rail: Shatabdi Express)
D: 1450 hrs; A: 1747 hrs
Excursion to Sanchi (46 km/ 1 hr) Transfer to the railway station for Shatabdi Express from Bhopal to Jhansi. On arrival at Jhansi, drive to Orchha (16 km/ 15 mins).
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Orchha/ Khajuraho (By road: 178 km/ x 4 hrs)
Morning sightseeing of `Orchha. Afternoon drive from Orchha to Khajuraho. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho/ Jhansi (By road~: 181 km/ 4 hrs)
Jhansi/ Gwalior (By rail: Shatabdi Express)
D: 1755 hrs; A: 1855 hrs
Morning sightseeing of Khajuraho. Afternoon drive from Khajuraho to Jhansi railway station for the Shatabdi Express. Arrival transfer in Gwalior. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Gwalior/ Agra (By rail: Shatabdi Express)
D: 1900 hrs; A: 2010 hrs
Morning sightseeing of Gwalior. Evening transfer to the railway station. Arrival in Agra, transfer and check-in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Agra
Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Agra/ Delhi (By road: 203 km/ 4 hrs)
Morning sightseeing of the city. Afternoon drive from Agra to Delhi to connect for onward flight.

The cost 02 night in Ujjain is US$ 180 per person
Supplement for single occupancy is US$ 130
Supplement cost of US$ 25 per person (for 02 nights) for booking during 18-20 April / 21-23 April / 23-25 April / 03-05 May, 2004

The above cost includes:
Two nights twin sharing accommodation in comfortable air-conditioned tents at SITA's Nirvana in Ujjain (April 15, 2004 till May 06, 2004)
Traditional welcome with welcome drink (non-alcoholic)
All meals-pure vegetarian Indian and Continental fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner
2 bottles of mineral water per tent per day
Use of Yoga Centre with daily yoga classes
Morning and evening traditional Hindu prayer ceremonies
Visits to the in-house astrologer and palmist
Free use of lounge and library
Free use of Business Centre and minimal charges for Internet facilities
Use of locker facility at Reception

Note:
Rates quoted are nett and non-commissionable.
No free tour leader will be allowed on the above package
Accommodation in Ujjain will be in air-conditioned tents
All the events / inclusions stated above are for guests availing the package during the stated period only
It is possible to book pre and post tours, which can be combined with your stay at Ujjain.Costs for these will be extra
Consumption of alcoholic beverages and non-vegetarian cuisine is stricty prohibited during your stay in Ujjain
The two nights in Ujjain can be done on its own or can be combined with any other itinerary.
We can make you custom itineraries specially tailored for your individual travel requirements incorporating the two nights in Ujjain.

Booking Procedures and Conditions
All reservations are on request basis and will be confirmed within 24 hours
Deposits: A deposit of US$ 50 per tent is required by November 01, 2003. This deposit is non-refundable. Payment: 50% of the payment is to be made by January 01, 2004. Full pre-payment is to be made no later than March 01, 2004

Cancellation
Prior to January 15, 2004-No charge (other than the US$ 50 deposit)
January 15 to January 31, 2004 - 20%
February 01 to February 29, 2004 - 30%
March 01 to March 31, 2004 - 50%
After April 01, 2004 - 100%

Note: There will be no refund for unutilized events / services. This programme is subject to minor amendments.

Click here for Reservation