Day 1 - ARRIVE MADRAS
The romance and colour of India greets you as you disembark from your jet in Madras - Founded 350 years ago, Madras is one of the India’s major cities. A major port on India’s Eastern Coast, Madras is the hub of the industry and commerce in South India. Old forts, Churches and Temples are in interesting contrast to the city’s grand commercial avenues, opulent cinemas and modern housing.
Our representative escorts you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 – MADRAS / KANCHIPURAM / MAHABALIPURAM
This morning you drive along palm fringed roads to the Golden City of Kanchipuram, one of India’s most sacred spots, Kanchipuram is filled with medieval temples, soaring towers covered with an astonishing profusion of sculpted images, typically representative of South Indian architecture, are everywhere. You will visit four of the most significant temples, all built between the 7th & 8th centuries. The very term Kanchipuram Silk is a dazzling array of colours offer shot with threads of gold.
Brides from all over India travel here to shop for bridal saris. Behind practically every door is a master weaver at work carrying on a tradition and a way of life that has hardly changed at all over the centuries. Before you leave visit one of the silk weaving factories. Proceed to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal town not far from Madras. Against the backdrop of a blue ocean and frothing waves are dotted beautifully carved stone images, rock cut temples and glorious friezes - all works of medieval kings. Particularly memorable are, the Five Rathas a stunning group of monolithic monuments and the Penance of Bhagirath a huge fresco carved into a ridge of rock.
You will have some time to enjoy the white sandy beaches - some of the finest in India. Look out for the numerous stone masons at work here chipping and carving likenesses of the images on these ancient complex. As you leave Mahabalipuram later this evening you will see the ocean filled with fisherman returning with their day’s catch.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - MAHABALIPURAM
This morning you will celebrate the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival to the accompanying music of the wind and with Arjuna’s Penance serving as a backdrop, artists from all over the country come together to pay tribute to celestial dancers.
FOLK DANCE INCLUDES : Karagam, Kavadi, Dummy Horse, Kancheepuram Kattaikoothu, Oyilattam, Kalattam & Kummi, Puppet show, Karagam & Kavadi, Nattupadalgal, Thevarattam, Puliyattam, Makuda Attam, Thappatam, Dummy Horse, Tribal Dance, Kokkalikattaiattam, Silambattam.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 – MAHABALIPURAM / MADRAS / DELHI
Morning depart for Madras. On arrival in Madras you visit the National Art Gallery and Museum which houses, among many priceless treasures, the famous 10th century bronze. Siva Natraja, typical of medieval South Indian art you will also visit the Cathedral of San Thome and St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India. Several notable people were married here including Elihu Yale, later to found Yale University. Note the pretty stained glass windows and elegant cane seating.
Evening take a two hours flight to Delhi - India’s splendid capital. Founded on the sights of the several cities, it has been the seat of power for centuries. Today an Old and New city combine to present a harmonious whose offering the traveller elegant shops, broad laburnum lines avenues, sunwarmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colourful bazaars.
Our representative escorts you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 – DELHI / RISHIKESH
Depart for Rishikesh which means - The plaits of the sage.
On arrival check in at HOTEL. Afternoon registration and distribution of Yoga Kits, issue of program sheets. Evening witness Ganga Aarti - The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive. Barefoot, sorried ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air.
A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming Ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the river.
Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and let them float out on the river. It is a ceremony of worship, remembrance and hope.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - RISHIKESH
At the foothills of the Majestic Himalayas, surrounded by tranquil forests is the revered city of Rishikesh. A spiritual centre for learning, since ages, the city is the perfect venue for the International Yoga Week. On the banks of the sacred river Ganga, participants learn, discuss, absorb and practice the various aspects of Yoga, helping unleash the truly awesome human energy.
At the foothills of the Majestic Himalayas, surrounded by tranquil forests is the revered city of Rishikesh. A spiritual centre for learning, since ages, the city is the perfect venue for the International Yoga Week. On the banks of the sacred river Ganga, participants learn, discuss, absorb and practice the various aspects of Yoga, helping unleash the truly awesome human energy. It is at Rishikesh that the mighty Ganga changes its hues-changing from a tumultuous, wild barrage to a gently flowing serene river.
Yoga is an old civilization and its believed to be purely Indian Indian in origin. The word YOGA in Sanskrit literally means union. according to the Upanishads and the Yoga texts, Yoga means the communion of the individual soul (jivatman) with the Universal Spirit or God (paramatman).
Today, Yoga is easily understood as the union of the body with the mind with the soul. It begins with the body and ends with the soul. It also means the discipline of all the powers of the body, mind, intellect emotions and will giving poise of the soul enabling one to link at all aspects of life in an unruffled manner.
It transforms the inert (Tamasic body to the level of the vibrant (rajasic) mind and then take both body and mind to be one with the serenity of the self or soul.
Thus Yoga with the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life. It draws out the best in a person and provides the finest system of education.
Yoga is also used as a performing art (Kala) as a science (Shastra) because it experimental, filled with finest and elegant techniques for moulding the body and the mind and it is philosophy (darshana) as it guides on the way towards the perfect physical health and purity of mind with its ultimate goal of emancipation freedom and beatitude (Moksha).
In Yoga, the guru or the Teacher is given the utmost importance. And as a yoga exponent Iyengar’s life and works have assumed epic proportions.
Iyengar believe that the body is his temple and asanas are his prayers. Watching him perfrorm asanas is like seeing sculpture come alive. His performances acclaimed as an “experience that comes but rarely in one’s life”. Over the years he has taught yoga to famous personalities in India and abroad. Yet he has not lost touch with the common man.
Iyengar’s method of yoga has transcended the barriers of caste, class, creed and race across the world. There are over 170 Iyengar Yoga Centres imparting training all over the world.
Acclaimed by the world Yoga community honoured by some of the largest nations, B.K.S. Iyengar is truly a living legend.
Inaugural ceremony and speech by chief guest.
Lunch at venue. Initiation and introduction of yoga module for the week by Yogacharya course co-ordinator followed by tea break. Pranayama and meditation.
Departure to Haridwar for Ganga Arti, cultural program followed by dinner at tourist bungalow Haridwar.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - RISHIKESH
Universal prayer, yoga demonstration and practice of assanas. Tea/Coffee break.
Pranayama meditation. Dinner.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - RISHIKESH
Yoga therapy - a practice exposure. Visit to Onkaranand Ashram. Rest of the program same as previous day. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 - RISHIKESH
Early morning walk along the holy river Ganges. It is a place of ashrams where solace come to spend their time in serenity of God. Visit the Shivananda Ashram where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Also visit Laxman Jhoola - a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga. Time permitting, participate in a prayer meeting and watch a Yoga demonstration.
Later in the afternoon depart for Delhi by coach.
Arrive and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - DELHI
This morning you will start sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. An aura of history is everywhere in Old Delhi. Red Fort with its majestic ramparts and Jama Masjid one of the Asia’s Largest mosques from the hub. Emperor Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar Complex, dating back to the 12th century. You will also make a stop at Rajghat - Mahatma Gandhi’s final resting place.
New Delhi is well planned with wide tree lined avenues, fountains and parks. Colonial architecture dominates this part of the city, you will drive along the ceremonial avenues of Rajpath and view the splendid Presidential Palace, the circular Parliament House and impressive diplomatic enclave.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 – DELHI / SURAJKUND
This morning depart for Surajkund by coach to witness SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA.
Handicrafts had been a muted presence in Indian life for centuries, adding colour, beauty and utility to all homes alike. Now for the fifth time an effort is made to capture the dynamics of this great tradition through professionally organized crafts fairs.
About 8 km South of Delhi, in the sun drenched panorama plains of Haryana, there lies the serene arc of a lake. Legend say, Raja Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty built the Lake and a Sun Temple is in ruins, but the lovely wooded landscape worships a different power - the craftsmanship of Indian artisans.
Master-craftsmen from all over the country come to display their skill and sell their exquisite products. Major crafts here on display are Kalamkari, glass, scroll, Madhubani and phad painting; block tie and die printing; handloom textiles, embroidery; sandalwood, rosewood carving; various kinds of terracotta and pottery; brass, copper and iron metal crafts; stone carvings and sculptures; cane and grass crafts; paiper mache and lacquer work, etc. - a shopping bonanza by any standard.
The mela comes as a unique opportunity for crafts persons selected from all over the country. It provides the crafts person with an opportunity to mingle with each other and get an exposure to crafts trend as practiced throughout the country. The day performers and the cultural events at the Natyashala are yet another experience that the crafts personified of interest.
The Surajkund crafts mela is unique in one more aspect : It comes as an opportune event to witness some of the most fascinating aspect of folk theatre. All through the mela period, the day performers entertain the crowd with the Mela grounds. Kutchi Ghori, puppet shows, magicians, natts, shenai players, Kala Jadu performers and Mehndiwali come to delight visitors.
Within the mela area, provision for food stalls is also made. Popular South Indian food, Punjabi food, Chinese and Puri Bhaji are available. Regional foods of the Theme state are also introduced to visitors.
Return to Delhi for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 – DELHI / SURAJKUND
Full day visit to Surajkund Crafts Mela.
Evening return to Delhi for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 – DELHI / UDAIPUR
This morning a short flight takes you to Udaipur - a beautiful city of lakes, palaces and fountains still evoking the rich sensibilities of a royal lineage long gone by, leaving only this dreamy city to continue forever. Our representative escorts you to the hotel.
Afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganaur Boat - the royal bare of the house of Mewar. The barge is regally decorated and takes you for a cruise around the mystical Lake Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - UDAIPUR
Your day starts with a visit to City Palace now a museum, completely white and majestic, the royal palace stands on a hill. Surrounded by crenallated walls. It is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inland mirror work, galleries covered with frescoes, temples and kiosks.
In the old town the Jagdish Temple built in mid 17th century has remarkable bronze statue. Visit the exquisitely fashioned Sahelion - Ki - Bari or garden of maids of honour with fountains, a lotus pond chhatris & Kiosks of black marble. Afternoon free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 – UDAIPUR / RANAKPUR / JODHPUR
Morning depart for Ranakpur, famous for the Jain temples dates back to the 15th century. It has 29 halls supported by more than 1444 pillars, each different. Intricate carvings adorn the interiors of the vast temple complex. Nearby are two more Jain temples and a temple to the Sun God.
Continue your journey to Jodhpur - a city founded in the 15th century by a chieftain of Rajputs, natives of Rajasthan, this city stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. Arrive and check in at hotel. Late afternoon visiting the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and explore its many places where royal apartments had such evocative names as the Pearl Palace and the Pleasure Palace. Royal trappings adorn rooms painted and carved in intricate patterns. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 – JODHPUR / NAGAUR
This morning depart for Nagaur by coach. Arrive and check in at Royal Camp.
Overnight at camp.
Day 17 - NAGAUR
Full day visit to Nagaur Fair. Explore the colourful activities, an opportunity to buy handicraft items.
Once the job of buying and selling is over, the assembled folk settle down for serious business of enjoying themselves. The Rajasthani dance and music, Camel race are the special features of this fair.
Overnight at camp.
Day 18 - NAGAUR
Full day visit to Nagaur festival to participate in the colourful activities of fair. Also visit the spice market one of the unique site, trading is done of various spices of many varieties. Overnight at camp.
Day 19 – NAGAUR / KHIMSAR
Morning depart Nagaur for Khimsar.
Arrive and check in at FORT KHIMSAR - this fort architecture offers great heterogeneity. Originally, the fort walls, turrets and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed around the beginning of the 16th century. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier classified Heritage Hotels of India.
Afternoon take a jeep safari to photograph the herds of the famous Indian Gazelle (chinkara) and the highly protected rare Black Buck or blue bull can be sighted in abundance. Followed by picnic tea atop the famous sand - dunes of Panchla. As you sip tea, watch evening sunset behind the dunes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 – KHIMSAR / JODHPUR / DELHI
Morning depart for Jodhpur airport and on arrival take a short flight for Delhi.
Our representative escorts you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 - DEPART DELHI
Your India experience comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport to catch your homeward bound flight.
