Kumbh Mela Special Fixed Departure (23 - 28 JAN’25)

Kumbh Mela Bathing Dates

Bathing	Dates
Paush Purnima (Main Snan)	Monday, 13th January 2025 (Kalpwas Starts)
Makar Sankranti (1st Shahi Snan)	Tuesday, 14th Jan 2025
Mauni Amawashya (2nd Shahi Snan)	Thursday, 29th Jan 2025 (Royal Bath)
Basant Panchami (3rd Shahi Snan)	Sunday, 2nd February 2025
Maghi Purnima (Main Snan)	Wednesday, 12th Feb 2025 (Kalpwas Ends)
Maha Shivratri (Main Snan)	Wednesday, 26th Feb 2025 (Kumbh Ends)

23 JAN’25 ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...

OVERNIGHT HOTEL – DELHI

24 JAN’25 DELHI – VARANASI (VISTARA UK-673 @ 1320 / 1445 HRS)

Transfer to New Delhi airport to board the flight to Varanasi, Exceptional Escapes representative would assist you at Varanasi airport and transfer to Hotel for check in.

Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
Evening Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat. (Not to Miss activities, highly recommended) witness the aarti ceremony – one of the most popular and important rituals of the Hindu faith. Hear temple bells ring out as pilgrims chant and pray before a row of young Brahman priests who wave flaming oil lamps in worship of the Ganges. Watching this scene from the river is unforgettable!
Rest of the time is fee for relax.

OVERNIGHT HOTEL – VARANASI (BREAKFAST)

25 JAN’25 VARANASI

Start your DAY with a private boat ride on the river Ganges.  Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.
Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this oldest living city of the world

Also visit Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among the sacred riverfronts, alongside the river Ganga. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here. 
The holy city of Varanasi in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state is the gateway to salvation, so goes a Hindu belief. Fuelled by such faith, thousands over the last many centuries have travelled to Varanasi, also called Kashi, with a desire to die there. Dying in Varanasi is supposed to break the cycle of death and rebirth. Once one dies in Varanasi, he or she is never reborn, and thus attains salvation.

Batuk Bhairav Mandir, The temple is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. An interesting feature of the temple is the sacred Akhand Deep which is believed to be burning for ages. The oil from this lamp is said to have healing powers.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi is aimed at transforming pilgrims' experience of the temple town. Followed by Kashi Vishwanath (Darshan), the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith. 
After taking in these rituals, disembark for a short walk through the buzzing lanes of Varanasi’s old city. Along narrow passageways, pass bazaars that cater to the millions of pilgrims who come here to worship Kashi Vishwanath, the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith.

Kedar Ghat one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi. Apart from the fabulous views the ghat offers, it houses the famous Kedareshwar Temple (after which the ghat has been named) dedicated to Lord Eshwar (Shiva) and the Gauri Kund, (pond) which lies at the base of the temple. The temple is believed to be a replica of the famous Kedarnath Temple located in Uttarakhand.

Durga Temple; is also known as the Monkey temple (because of the presence of huge number of monkeys), situated in the Durga Kund, Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18th century. Durga temple was constructed by a Bengali Maharani in the north Indian Style with multi-tiered shikhara. An attractive pond known as the Durga Kund is made on the right side of the temple which really increases the beauty of the temple. The pond has stone stairs at all sides as well as there is watch pillars at each corner of the pond.

Sankat Mochan Temple; is one of the important and sacred temples of Varanasi located in the southern part of teh city. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps alleviate suffering.

Tulsi Manas Temple; is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. It is also an important tourist attraction of the holy city. The Tulsi Manas temple is located near the famous Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram.
Later visit the the Bharat Kala Museum the Kashi Hindu University has a museum that has an excellent collection of precious and extraordinary historical objects, statues, pictures, paintings and documents. Museum is small but very well maintained and gives an over view of the very old city of Varanasi.

New Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is also called the Birla temple as the famous industrialist family of India, the Birlas, constructed it. The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple. The temple is built in white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University.

Followed by a private guided excursion to Sarnath; the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Rest of the time is free for shopping of Banarasi Silk Sarees have been an integral part of every North Indian bride’s trousseau since time immemorial. Varanasi, being one of the oldest places in the world.

OVERNIGHT HOTEL – VARANASI (BREAKFAST)

26 JAN’25 VARANASI- PRAYAGRAJ (170 KMS / 4 HRS) | MAHA SHIVRATRI (MAIN SNAN) WEDNESDAY, 26TH FEB 2025 (KUMBH ENDS)

Post breakfast drive to Prayagraj; sanctity is manifest by references to it in Purans, the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth(iePrayag) to perform ‘PrakristaYag’, at the beginning of the creation and he also referred to it as Tirth raj or the King of all pilgrimage centers’ As per writing of ‘PadamPuran’ – “As the sun is amongst the moon and the moon amongst the stars, likewise ‘Prayag is best amongst all places of pilgrimage”The bathing at Prayag is mentioned in Brahma Puran s “ in the month of Magha at the bank of Ganga Yamuna in Prayag bestows results of millions and millions of AshvmedhaYajna”). On arrival check into your Hotel.

The Kumbh Mela is a religious fair that takes place every four years in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It is the world's largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims, and it attracts millions of people regardless of caste, creed, or gender.

Later proceed to visit Triveni Sangam is a point where three rivers of religious importance- Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati meet. People can easily differentiate between the rivers as they maintain their original colours and this convergence point is considered as an auspicious junction as according to the Hindus, a bath here will help them wash away their sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. This place is also super crowded during the religious festival- Kumbh Mela.

Rest of the time is free for relax.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL- PRAYAGRAJ (BREAKFAST)

27 JAN’25 PRAYAGRAJ - AYODHYA (170 KMS / 4 HRS APPROX)

Post breakfast drive to Ayodhya,also called Oudh or Awadh, town, south-central Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies on the Ghaghara River just east of Faizabad.An ancient town, Ayodhya is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, revered because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. According to this source, the town was prosperous and well fortified and had a large population. on arrival check into your Hotel.

Later visit Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple that is being built in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, according to the Ramayana the birthplace

Next visit Hanuman Garhi; is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site guarding Ayodhya.

Next visit Kanak Bhawan; Legend goes that Ram was coming home with his bride, Janaki, the beautiful daughter of Raja Janak. Kaikeyi was in a dilemma – what would be a good ‘mukh dikhai’ for the first daughter-in-law of Raja Dashrath? She didn’t want anyone to feel she was any less a mother to Ram than Maa Kaushalya, so, a palace for the newlyweds would be ideal, she thought. Kanak Bhawan, dating back to Treta Yug, is the beautiful palace that she gifted to Sita. The beautiful idols of Goddess Sita along with Lord Ram and his three brothers at Kanak Bhawan are a delight to sore eyes.

Ram ki Paidi is actually a flight of steps on Nayaghat near the bank of the Saryu River where huge crowds of pilgrims and the devotees take a bath in the holy waters of the river. The original steps were washed away by the strong currents of the river. A new ghat with the steps was constructed by the joint effort of the then Chief Minister of UP, Shri Shripati Mishra, and his irrigation minister Shri Vir Bahadur Singh during the period 1984-1985.

Evening experience the Aarti at Saryu Ghat.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – AYODHYA (BREAKFAST)

28 JAN’25 AYODHYA – DELHI (VANDE BHARAT 22425 @ 1520 / 2340 HRS) | DELHI DEPARTURE

Post breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Ayodhya visiting;

Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan; this place is famous for the Valmiki Ramayana which has been engraved beautifully on marble here. When a devotee’s wish is fulfilled, he comes here to submit text copies filled with ‘सीता राम’ written several thousand times, at the Ram Naam Bank.

Sita ki Rasoi; is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels. One among the two kitchens revered in Sita's name, this Sita Ki Rasoi is a basement kitchen.

Later transfer to Ayodhya railway station to board the train to Delhi. Our representative would assist you at Anand Bihar Terminal and transfer to airport to board the international flight for onward journey, taking back Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage Travel Experience of INDIA.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.

Kumbh Mela in India is the perfect representation of faith that epitomizes the power of faith which can lead to any core of belief. People from all around the world come bundled up to be a part of this religious fair that witnesses a huge congregation every year. Kumbha is a Sanskrit word that means ‘pitcher’, which is also referred to as the ‘Kalasha’. Hindu in India considers it as a way to get free from all the sins by bathing in the sacred river Ganga on this auspicious occasion.

It is celebrated on the confluence or ‘Sangam’ of the pious rivers. According to the Hindu belief, the ‘Sangam’ is the best place to attain ‘Moksha’ or Salvation which means to get freedom from the infinite cycle of life and death. The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolizes attainment of 'Nirvana' or 'Moksha'.

Witnessing the Auspicious Sites!

Kumbh Mela is acclaimed as the site of the observance whirling between four pilgrimage sites on the sacred rivers at Haridwar on the Ganges River, at Nasik on the Godavari, at Ujjain on the Shipra and at Allahabad on the conflux of the Ganges, Yamuna and Sarasvati. It gives us the wonderful opportunity to purify our soul by taking a dip in the holy river.

What Legends Say?

There are different legends behind the Kumbh Mela. It is said that in the mythological times, a waging war between the demons and the demigods took place for the possession of elixir of eternal life. In the process, a few drops of the elixir had fallen on to the various four places. These four places are known as Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. It is believed that the drops contributed mystical powers to these places.

The normal Kumbh Mela is held after every 3 years, the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela takes place after 6 years at Allahabad (Prayag) and at Haridwar. The Purna Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 years at four cities Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain and Prayag (Allahabad).

And the Festivity begins…

The significance of the Hindu festival is best explored in its various forms. People from all the corners of the world gather under the same religious umbrella and make the event successful. Hermits, Naga, Yogis, and Sages perform the rituals by bathing in the pious river of Ganga. The outcome is the huge exhibition of spiritual power that can be experienced at its best. People from European countries also come to be a part of the age-old holy gathering.

MahaKumbh-Origin and Celebration!

Mahakumbh means a huge pitcher which represents completeness. In the past, all the hermits, who felt themselves complete and contended, used to gather at Kumbh Mela. It was the time when people relieve themselves of the strain of the merits gained through Sadhna by bathing in the rivers. Water has always been known for its quality to absorb and similarly, it used to absorb the energy they radiate. The spiritual seekers, arriving from all corners to accompany the saints, also gain that merit while taking a dip in the rivers. The venue for Kumbh Mela is decided on the basis of the position of the Sun, Moon and Jupitor which hold in that period in various zodiac signs. The Maha Kumbh Mela is excitingly celebrated at Prayag after 144 years.

Move towards a heavenly realm of ‘Nirvana’ with Kumbh Mela!