The pilgrimage of the Kumbh Mela

Arrival at the airport of New Delhi, meeting with our operators at the terminal exit and trasfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, guided tour of Lutyens district, car ride to see the Parliament Building, the Presidential Palace and the India Gate. Visit of the famous of Humayun Mausoleum, an architectural marvel. The city tour ends at the Qutb complex, with a visit to the Qutb Minar, with its five floors and 72 meters high, and at the Iron Column . Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in New Delhi.

In the morning (10 a.m.), visit to the poor neighborhood of Paharganj, in Old Delhi, led by the young people of Salaam Balaak Trust ONG, who saves the children from the street, instructs them and trains them professionally. The City Walk itineraries aim to bring to light the tragic reality of street children and to show the world from their perspective. The walk takes place in the Paharganj district and in the areas around the railway station, accompained by a former street child who was helped by the NGO and is now in employment. This gives you the unique opportunity to visit the city with exceptional guides. In the afternoon, transfer by car to Nawalgarh (about 5 hours), in the Sekhawati region in the Rajasthan, where you can walk and visit some of the 200 Hveli, the ancient and sumptuos Indian residences, present in Nawalgarh. The wonderful frescoes of the Haveli are true work of art.
Overnight stay in Nawalgarh (B).

After breakfast, departure to discover Nawalgarh and its most beautiful Haveli (traditional houses). Free lunch and then in the afternoon camel ride through the countryside of the surroundings of Nwalgarh to Dundlod. Visit of the village and return to the hotel. In the evening, dinner accompained by a small concert of Indian classical music by local musicians.
Overnight stay Nawalgarh (B,D).

After breakfast, a cooking class will be held by an eco-lodge family member lunch preparation. In the afternoon transfer by car to Jaipur (about 3 hours and half), the largest city in Rajasthan and a symbol of magnificence and abundance. Founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, it was the first Indian city with a reticular plan. Capital under the kingdom of Kachwaha clan, the city is an ideal tourist destination.
Overnight stay in Jaipur (B,L).

After breakfast, visit to the Hawa Mahal on the way to Amber Fort. Transfer by jeep to the castle. After lunch, visit at Anokhi museum, that shows how much the handicrafts plays an essential role in the rural economy of India. In the afternoon, visit to the Royal Palace and to the ancient city; places full of charm, culture and architecture, with wonderful fortresses, majestic buildings, peaceful temples and beautiful Haveli (ancient stately homes). A refined handicraft and a spectacular goldsmith tradition increase the uniqueness of the “pink city”. The lush gardens and flower beds add serenity to the landscape. Together, these ingredients create a picturesque environment that bewitches visitors. Walking through the streets of this unique city makes it easier to understand local history.
Overnight stay in Jaipur (B).

After breakfast, transfer to Agra by highway (about 4 hours). Arrival in Agra around lunchtime. Lunch at Sheroes hangout cafè, a small restaurant supported by a local NGO in favor of women victims of acid attacks. After lunch, visit of Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), one of the most famous and visited monuments in India, built for will of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The imposing white marble building is today an universal symbol of love and romance and it is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built in 1653, a date symbolically reported in the 16 gardens and 53 fountains present; it required 16 years of work and the commitment of thousand of craftsmen.
Overnight stay in Afra (B,L).

In the morning transfer by car to Lucknow (about 5 hours). Transfer to the hotel for check in. Later, visit to the colossal tomb of Bara Imambara built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, a Nawab; the title Nawab or Nababbo (in Italian indicates a very rich and wealthy person) was originally attributed to a governor or a viceroy and then became a high title attributed to Muslim nobles. Next we will visit the Bhulbhulaya or labyrinth full of corridors, rooms, passages with some of these blind-bottomed.
Overnight stay in Lucknow (B).

After breakfast, transfer to Allahabad (about 5 hours). Check in at the hotel or tented camp. Free afternoon for a first contact with the Hindu meeting of the Kumbh Mela. Allahabad, the ancient holy city of Prayag, has always been considered a center of culture and religion during the many millennia of Indian history, and for this reason was particularly targeted by Muslim invaders subjects of the emperor Akbar, who even turned the name into Allahabad (the city of Allah).
Overnight stay in Allahabad (B,L,D).

These two days will be dedicated to what is considered the biggest religious gathering on earth, the Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated every three years in rotation in the sacred cities of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. During the days established by the brahmins consulting the Indian lunar calendar, thousands of Hindu pilgrims go to the banks of the Sangam, a mythical place where the water of the three sacred rivers of northern India (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) meet, to complete the rite. From January to March 2019 the Ardh Kumbh Mela will be held in Allahabad, where long the banks of the rivers, faithful and pilgrims gather to cleanse themselves from all sins by taking a dip/bath (snan) in the sacred waters and reaching liberation (Moksha). Families, young, old, children from all over India, from all castes, poor and rich, will come together and gather to participate. The event will also bring sadhus, priests, ascetics to the famous Naga Sadhu who live and turn naked covered only by ash. We will have the opportunity to attend this celebration during the feast of the Maghi Purnima (19 February) an important date in the celebrations.
Overnight stay in Allahbad (B,L,D).

These two days will be dedicated to what is considered the biggest religious gathering on Earth, the Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated every three years in rotation in the sacred cities of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. During the days established by the brahmins consulting the Indian lunar calendar, thousands of Hindu pilgrims go to the banks of the Sangam, a mythical place where the water of the three sacred rivers of northern India (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) meet, to complete the rite. From January to March 2019 the Ardh Kumbh Mela will be held in Allahabad, where long the banks of the rivers, faithful and pilgrims gather to cleanse themselves from all sins by taking a dip/bath (snan) in the sacred waters and reaching liberation (Moksha). Families, young, old, children from all over India, from all castes, poor and rich, will come together and gather to participate. The event will also bring sadhus, priests, ascetics to the famous Naga Sadhu who live and turn naked covered only by ash. We will have the opportunity to attend this celebration during the feast of the Maghi Purnima (19 February) an important date in the celebrations.
Overnight stay in Allahabad (B,L,D).

After breakfast, transfer by car (about 3 hours) to Varanasi. Check in at the hotel on the banks of Ganges, to rest. Following, visit of Varanasi. The luxurious vegetation on the banks of the river increases the charm of the city. It is the ideal destination for travelers fascinated by Hindu beliefs, customs, culture and ideas. Here it is possible to live authentic experiences of Hindu life.
Overnight stay in Varanasi (B).

After breakfast, guided tour of the sacred city, whichboasts many attractions. It is rich of ancient temples such as Kashi Vishwanath, Kal Bhairava, Durga Kund and Annapoorna. Moreover, Varanasi is an important center of art, handicrafts, education and culture. There are the Benares main Ghats, or steps that lead to the Ganges, many of which are used for ritual ablutions, others for cremations. A legend or mythological episode is often associated witht the bleachers; others are private. The most important step for cremations is Manikarnika Ghat, also known as Mahasmasana, included in the tourist tour. It is believed that burning bodies in these special places is the right way to achieve Moksha, salvation. In the evening, we will witness the famous religious ritual of Ganga Aarti Puja, which takes place every day at sunset at Dasaswamedh Ghat, near the Kashi Vishwanath temple and is a very choreographic ceremony. It is performed on a stage by a group of young Pandits, wrapped in saffron-colored tunics, who hold the ceremonial dishes in front of them.
Overnight stay in Varanasi (B).

Transfer to the airport and departure with international flight (via Delhi).