PEACE YOGA
INDIA TOUR
2013
Its
natural landscape encompasses all that can be offered the world over -: endless
snow, breathtaking peaks, the desert, luxurious virgin forests, plains furrowed
with wide rivers, colours and perfumes from the strongest to the most delicate.
In the same way, its culture is an inexhaustible reservoir; a treasure trove,
we could say, of all that humanity can offer us.
Its
incomparable diversity without doubt comes from the fact that India for over
three thousand years has never rejected nor eliminated any part of its history
or endeavours. It is at once, a land of the silence of meditation and the voice
of prayer, a land of a logic most subtle and the spell of sensuality, a land of
fervent passions and calm equanimity. Journey with us beyond the modern world
into the colour and magnificence of glorious India, from rickshaw rides through
bazaars of Old Delhi to hear the chanting of the scarlet-robed monks in Little
Lhasa and the loin-clothed yogis in the ancient cities of Varanasi and
Rishikesh. Go white -water rafting and
have a dawn boat ride on the Ganges River and camel and elephant rides in the
deserts of Rajasthan, and marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Taj Mahal. Live
and eat like Maharajahs and Maharanis. This is the 'journey of a lifetime'.
You are
warmly invited to join us for the Peace Yoga Tour of India, 2013.
Limited
numbers apply, so to avoid disappointment, register your interest as soon as
possible. A cut-off date will apply.
Itinerary
DAY 01, FRIDAY, FEB 01: LEAVE
FOR INDIA ARRIVE MUMBAI
Optional, Singapore Airlines flight departs Brisbane
You are welcome make your own travel arrangements to take
advantage of budget carriers, e.g. Air Asia.
DAY 02, SATURDAY FEB 02: DEPART MUMBAI - ARRIVE UDAIPUR
From Chattrapati Shivaji International
Airport Mumbai, transfer to domestic airport for a connecting flight to
Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur
meet and transfer hotel by coach. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Jagat Niwas
Palace. Enjoy Jagat Niwas
Palace, down a meandering lane this 17th century Haveli (mansion), where you can sit and gaze at the
lake from large window alcoves. The rooftop restaurant is extremely romantic
and intimate and the view is from large arched Jharokas against which you rest
and enjoy your meal.
DAY 03, SUNDAY FEB 03: UDAIPUR
After breakfast we visit the City
Palace, towering impressively over Pichola Lake, a fascinating conglomeration
of courtyards, mirrored pavilions, terraces and gardens built at different time
by various Udaipur Maharanas. The nearby Jagdish Temple dedicated to the Hindu God
Lord Vishnu, preserver of the universe. We will take a relaxing boat ride
around Lake Pichola to view the old city, palaces and surrounding hills, see
the merchant’s Havelis, temples, the Royal hunting lodge and the exquisite Gul
Mahal Pavilion on Jag Mandir Island. Overnight in Jagat Niwas
Palace.
DAY 04, MONDAY FEB 04: UDAIPUR
Free day to explore the intricate laneways and experience
the miniature painting student workshop and the wonderful shopping. Catch a tuk
tuk to the vegetable market for incredible photo opportunities! Enjoy the best Thali
Restaurant in India for lunch and time to just relax and soak in the ambience
of Unbelievable Udaipur. Overnight Jagat Niwas Palace.
DAY 05, TUESDAY FEB 05: UDAIPUR
- JODHPUR
Morning after
breakfast drive to Jodhpur (The Blue City) en route visit one of the biggest
and most important Ranakpur-Jain temples [85 kms/2 hrs], in white and amber
marble, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. Continue
to Jodhpur [185 kms/5 hrs], afternoon arrive and
transfer to Balsamand
Palace for overnight.
This palace is still used by the Royal Family and each of the 9 royal suites
(all different) is exquisitely furnished ready for the family’s arrival. Royal
Polo Ponies are in the stables and available for riding. Stroll through the
gardens, around the lake, or just soak in the ambience of the exquisite dining
room and lounge filled with family photos and memorabilia. Overnight at Balsamand Palace.
DAY 06, WEDNESDAY FEB 06: JODHPUR
Morning after breakfast, visit to the massive 15th
century Mehrangarh Fort which, together with its satellite red sandstone
palaces and museum forms one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. The
lifestyle in Jodhpur
is unusually fascinating; with local people distinctively attired and turbaned
as they run what is the area’s main trading center for wood, cattle, camels,
cotton, salt, hides and agricultural produce. Overnight at Balsamand Palace.
DAY 07, THURSDAY FEB 07: JODHPUR - KHIMSAR
After a
leisurely breakfast drive to Khimsar [110 Kms/ 03 hours] enroute visit to a Bishnoi Village. Bishnoi Village
is a perfect example of dedication for nature exhibited by the local people.
Every house in the village is built in a traditional way with utmost
cleanliness around it. People of Bishnoi community rarely cut trees; they
worship animals as a part of conserving nature. It is because of this reason,
that the people are considered the pioneers of the green movement of the world.
The village is a perfect blend of the Indian culture and traditions.
Upon arrival at
Khimsar check into Hotel Khimsar Fort built in the 16th century perched on the
edge of the desert is an oasis of peace with its pool and sprawling lawns where
you will be served a banquet by candlelight in the partially restored ruins.
The turbaned and superbly attired waiters believe that visitors are to be
treated as Gods. They are some of the gentlest and happiest folk you could ever
meet. Enjoy the night time celebrations. Local tribal dance, magicians,
puppeteers all for your enjoyment. Overnight at Khimsar Fort.
DAY 08, FRIDAY FEB 08: KHIMSAR
SAND DUNES
Breakfast at hotel. Afternoon Camel Safari to Sand Dunes,
for your overnight stay in the Khimsar Sand Dunes. This is an oasis in the
desert and you will feel it is a mirage as you arrive by camel. The
accommodation is in mud brick traditional round houses, beautifully furnished
with magnificent locally produced textiles and decoration. Some have bathrooms
with open roof so you can shower under the desert stars. 5 star accommodation
equaled only by the magnificent food, service and scenery. Lie in the hammock,
gazing at the wild geese in the lake surrounded by the sand dunes.
DAY 09, SATURDAY FEB 09: KHIMSAR - JAIPUR
Morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at
Jaipur check into Hotel Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur’s first Palace Hotel where the
front garden is the recreation of Emperor Babur’s Mughal garden at Dholpur. Free
time for shopping…Unique block print garments and Best
shopping for gems and jewellery- possibly in the world.
DAY 10, SUNDAY FEB 10: JAIPUR
Today after breakfast we drive to nearby Amber Fort,
ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress - Palace and its
richly decorated apartments. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber,
this fort palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their
stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. You will
visit the palace and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has
breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal [Water
Palace] below.
In the afternoon we visit Palace of the Winds and City Palace,
still inhabited by Jai Singh’s descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and
Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Manta astronomical
observatory and the Maharaja’s museum with his personal collection of weaponry,
miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace
stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace
of Winds, an elaborate
pink sandstone facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the
daily goings on in the street below. Overnight at Jai Mahal Palace.
DAY 11, JAIPUR FEB 11: JAIPUR
- AGRA
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra. Enroute lunch stop at Chandra Mahal
Haveli, Bharatpur. Afternoon arrive and transfer to WelcomHeritage Grand
Imperial. WelcomHeritage's Grand Imperial offers enough history to keep guests
engrossed for days at an end. There are special rooms, old mementos,
photographs and macho stories of courage and valor that can be recounted over
and over again. Located in the heart of the city of Agra, the hot seat of the Mughal Empire, the
100 year old WelcomHeritage Grand Imperial is constructed of biscuit bricks
commonly referred to as Lahori bricks, which were also used in the construction
of the world renowned monument of love - The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Post
World War II, the Imperial Hotel, as was then known, played hosts to
distinguished guests such as The Crown Princess of England and Japan, Prince
Aga Khan, Shri Moti Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Jai Prakash Narayan and
renowned film personalities like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and others. Overnight
at WelcomHeritage Grand Imperial.
DAY 12, TUESDAY FEB 12: AGRA-DELHI
Early morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. The whole of
Taj complex measures 580 by 300 Mts. and the garden 300 by 300 Mts. The guiding
principle is one of symmetry. The four minarets [41.6 Mts. high] at each corner
of the plinth provide balance to the tomb. Lady Diana said “There are two sets
of people in the world...those that have seen The Taj and those that haven’t.”
Seeing is believing, this beautiful monument to Love! After breakfast visit
Agra Fort. Agra Fort, on the west end of the Yamuna River,
Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the centre of the city. The outer walls,
just over 20 Mts. high and faced with red sandstone, tower above the outer
moat. The fort is crescent-shaped with a long nearly straight wall facing the
river. Time to visit the family of the artisans responsible for marble work at
the Taj... still creating masterpieces in age old fashion and technique. Visit
local market. Drive to Delhi.Check into hotel.
DAY 13, WEDNESDAY FEB 13: DELHI- VARANASI
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. Varanasi,
the oldest living city in the world. Sightseeing of Varanasi including visits to Sarnath
(Sarnath is one of the holiest places of Buddhist pilgrimage as this is the
place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining the
enlightenment,) bustling bazaar of Varanasi, different Ghats and attend Ganga
Aarti in the evening. Overnight at Taj Ganges.
DAY 14, THURSDAY FEB 14: VARANASI
Dawn boat ride to witness the magic of sunrise over the
Ganges, and the timeless tradition of the local people and visitors as they
visit this holy city and sacred river. See the amazing sites of the most ancient living city in the world. Free time for exploring and shopping. Overnight at Taj Ganges.
DAY 15, FRIDAY FEB 15: VARANSI-DELHI
Morning at leisure. Later transfer to airport for flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to Old Delhi and enjoy the thrill of a rickshaw ride through the Old Bazaar, also visit Jama Masjid and Red Fort . Overnight at hotel.
DAY16, SATURDAY Feb 16 DELHI-RISHIKESH
Early morning drive to Rishikesh. Afternoon free on your own to explore Rishikesh and enjoy the incredible shopping experience. Evening Aarti at Parnath Niketan Ashram. The most beautiful Ashram in Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges River. Overnight at hotel or ashram.
Day 17, SUNDAY Feb 17 RISHIKESH
Early morning participate in Childrens Prayers/Yoga class instructed by an
experienced teacher, then enjoy the thrill of white water rafting on the
pristine turquoise waters of the Ganges
River as it flows from the Himalayas, freshly melted snow and glorious forests
surround you in this magnificent place of peace.
Afternoon free to explore the Yogi hermitages along the river Ganga or practise Yoga or shop to your hearts content.
DAY 18, MONDAY FEB 18: RISHIKESH – HARIDWAR – AMRITSAR
Morning at
leisure. Later in time transfer to Haridwar (25 Kms.) to board Jan Shatabdi Exp
12053 to Amritsar
at 1435 hours. Arrive Amritsar at 2145 hours and transfer to ISTA Hotel for the overnight stay. It is nestled in the
holy city of Amritsar which was founded by the fourth Sikh Guru Ram Das in 1577
and offers, friendly service, spa treatments, Yoga, meditation and organic
cuisines. It is a haven of old world charm for visitors to Amritsar,
the Sikh holy city of the Golden
Temple (the Sikh
community’s holiest shrine). It is of course attractive by itself too as a
reclusive wellness boutique spa, SVAASA Spa which is renowned for its Ayurveda
and universal therapies.
DAY 19, TUESDAY FEB 19: AMRITSAR
After breakfast go for the sightseeing of Amritsar
visiting the Golden Temple including a visit the community kitchen, where you can practise Seva, ( selfless giving) by assisting to make chappatis, Jallianwala
Bagh, Ranjit Singh’s Panorama and Wagha Boarder. Back to hotel for the
overnight stay.
GOLDEN TEMPLE: Amritsar
is renowned for its Golden Temple which was covered in Gold leaf by Maharaja
Ranjit Singh (The king of Punjab) in 1803 with approximately 1600 Kgs. of gold
hence its popular name is Golden
Temple. It is also known
Durbar Sahib (the Highest Court)
or Harmandir Sahib (The abode of God)
JALLIANWALA BAGH: The historic site
where hundreds of innocent people along with women and children were shot dead
by British General Michael Dyer on 13th April 1919. A memorial has been created
here as a national monument in the memory of those who lost their lives.
WAGHA BOARDER: Afternoon excursion to Indo-Pak boarder at Wagha to
witness the retreat ceremony performed by the soldiers of Boarder Security
Force and Pakistan Rangers at the same time, A very colourful and unique
ceremony of its kind which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world and is
worth a visit.
DAY 20, WEDNESDAY FEB 20: AMRITSAR - DHARAMSALA
Morning at breakfast drive to Dharamsala [210 Kms/06
Hrs]. Upon arrival check into Chonor House, The Dalai Lamas' authentic little Tibetan Hotel
where each of its eleven well-appointed rooms is beautifully decorated
according to a unique Tibetan theme. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay
at Chonor House.
DAY 21, THURSDAY FEB 21: DHARAMSALA
Full day in Dharamsala. Overnight at Chonor House. This
is where we engage in charity activities in the local primary schools, homeless
villages, Leprosy
Village and Dalai Lamas Orphanage.
You are welcome to join us during the shopping expeditions to local markets and
trades people to purchase foods for distribution to the wonderful people that
we visit during our stay on this beautiful Himalayan Village.
DAY 22 FRIDAY FEB 22: DHARAMSALA
Full day in Dharamsala. Overnight at Chonor House.
DAY 23 SATURDAY FEB 23: DHARAMSALA
- DELHI- BRISBANE
Transfer by cars to
airport for flight to Delhi, transfer by coach to Delhi Khan Market. Then a divine visit to Taj Mahal Hotel to view the magnificent Zardozi domes and complete your tour with an optional massage or spa treatment before our farewell dinner. Overnight hotel.
Day 24 SUNDAY FEB 24:
Day at leisure and transfer to International Airport for flight home.
DAY 24, BRISBANE
Arrive Brisbane.
END OF SERVICES.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Tour Cost Early Bird till end of May.
ON TWIN SHARE BASIS- $5300 PLUS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
AIRFARES (SEE HOTEL LIST BELOW)
(We also have shortened itinereries available at a lesser cost, with more standard accomodation)
This price does not include international airfares. We are
holding seats with Singapore Airlines and these can be taken up until
exhausted or seat relocation Occurs…(normally 30 days prior to departure).
These cost $TBA plus departure tax. You are welcome to organize your own
flights using frequent flyers or economy carriers. eg Air Asia
There will be a single supplement if single
accommodation is required- either by personal choice or circumstances … SO BOOK
EARLY-This price will be advised if necessary.
Non refundable Holding fee-(unless organizers choose
not to proceed with tour.) is $1,500.00. This can be deposited to Peace Yoga
and Meditation Centre… BSB 064-445 A/C 10334358, The bank is Commonwealth Bank
at Broadbeach.
A further $700 deposit is required 3 months before
departure with the balance payable 6 weeks prior to departure. We depart Brisbane airport 01/02/13
and return 24/02/13
We would love you to join us,
Hotel List For Travellers ( including some economy hotels)
Hotels can change without notice due to outside
circumstances beyond our control but are generally confirmed as of day of
print.
Mumbai The Leela Kapinski
Udaipur Jagat Niwas
Jodpur Balsamund Garden Retreat (5 star hotel)
Khimsar Khimsar Fort
5 star hotel (5 star hotel)
Khimsar Khimsar Sand Dunes
Resort (5 star hotel)
Jaipur Alsisar Haveli
Agra Grand Imperial ( wait listed)
Train AC Sleeper Class if overnight
Varanasi Taj Ganges
Rishikesh Parnath Niketan Ashram or Vasundra Palace
Amritsar Ista Hotel ( wait listed)
Dharamshala Chonor House
Delhi TBA
LUXURY TWIN SHARE OPTION $6980 PLUS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT AIRFARES
(SEE HOTEL LIST BELOW)
Hotel List for travelers wanting to enjoy some extra luxury
accommodation:
Hotels can change without notice due to outside
circumstances beyond our control but are generally confirmed as of day of
print.
Udaipur Shiv Niwas ( 5 star) or Jagat Niwas
Palace
Jodpur Balsamund Palace (5
star)
Khimsar Khimsar Fort 5 star
Khimsar Khimsar Sand Dunes
Resort ( 5 star)
Jaipur Samode Palace or Jai Mahal
Palace (5 star)
Agra Grand Imperial (wait listed)
Train AC Sleeper Class
Varanasi Taj Ganges (5 star)
Rishikesh Vasundra Palace
Amritsar Ista Hotel ( 5 star)
Dharamshala Chonor House
Delhi The Park Hotel (5 star)
THE ABOVE COST INCLUDES:
NB: INTERNAL FLIGHTS ARE INCLUDED
PLUS THE FOLLOWING
INCLUSIONS…
·
All overland transportation including arrival/departure transfers and
sight-seeing using A/C Mini/Large Coach and A/C Toyota Innova in Amritsar, Dharamsala
& Rishikesh.
·
Twin sharing accommodation on bed & breakfast as per itinerary
·
Services of a Professional Indian Tour Escort from day 02 to day 23 as per
the itinerary.
·
Boat ride in Pichola Lake Udaipur
·
Camel Safari in Khimsar.
·
Elephant ride at Amer Fort Jaipur.
·
Rickshaw ride in Delhi.
·
Boat ride Varanasi
·
Local English Speaking guides on sight seeing days as per itinerary.
·
Monument fee at all places as per programme.
THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT
INCLUDE:
·
International airfare.
·
Lunch and dinner except Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort.
·
Beverages and expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone bills,
still/video camera fees, tips etc.
·
Insurance of any kind (travel or personal). We recommend that as soon as you book with us that you take out insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances even before departure. eg. sickness, change of circumstances, interruption to itinerary.
·
Any extra cost due to Landslide / roadblock or any other unforeseen
circumstances.
·
Any increase in taxes or fuel, leading to increase in surface
transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to
departure.
·
Emergency evacuation charges.
·
Any cost items not listed in “cost included” section.
Buddha says..” If you pass an opportunity, it may
be many lifetimes before it comes your way again.”
Namaste!
