2010 Kumbh Mela, Haridwar
The main bathing date is 14th April. The most important dates are 14th January,12 & 13th February,15 March and 14th April.
Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar - described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Kumbha in Sanskrit language means 'pot or pitcher’. Mela means 'festival'. Thus Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot. Or in this case a festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar. The ancient origin of the Kumbha Mela is described in the time-honored Vedic literatures of India as having evolved from the bygone days of the universe when the demigods and the demons conjointly produced the nectar of immortality. It is said that the demigods and the demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos.
The demigods and the demons made a plan to churn the milk ocean to produce the nectar of immortality. They then agreed to share the nectar equally once it was produced. For the task of churning the milk ocean, the Mandara Mountain was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the rope for churning. As the churning began, the Mandara Mountain began to sink deep into the ocean, at which time Vishnu incarnated as a great tortoise and supported the mountain on His back. With the demigods at Vasuki’s tail and the demons at his head, they churned the milk ocean for one thousand years.
Duration : 08 Nights / 09 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will meet with our GTP India representative he will assist you to your pre-booked hotel. Arrival in the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi . Safdarjung's Tomb , Rashtrapati Bhawan , the residence of the President of India , Lotus Temple and India Gate - all magnificent structures that relate the story of Delhi along the centuries. Visit Red Fort comprising exquisite palaces reflecting Mughal architecture and Jama Masjid , the largest mosque in India . Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the colorful and bustling Chandni Chowk bazaars. Visit Rajghat , a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, Humayun's Tomb , one of the city's finest historic sites, and Qutub Minar , a soaring, 239.5 ft high tower of victory dating back to 1199 AD. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon: At leisure or take a walk through the city's streets and bazaars. Evening: Visit Birla Temple for Aarti (prayer) ceremony. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Jaipur
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy city tour. Visit Hawa Mahal ( Wind Palace ), a remarkable five storied building with semi octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. Through these windows, the palace women would discreetly observe the activities of the bustling bazaar below, without being seen themselves. Proceed to Amber Fort . Take an elephant ride up the Fort's ramparts. The Fort, originally built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh encloses superb palaces and a beautiful temple in marble dedicated to goddess Kali. In the Evening: Visit City Palace Museum that contains elaborate costumes, magnificent armory and intricate carved weapons. Nearby is Jantar Mantar Jai Singh's observatory - built in 1728. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Agra . En route, visit the imperial "ghost city" of Fatehpur Sikri , constructed of sandstone and built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569. The former capital of Emperor Akbar, it was deserted when its water supply failed. Within it, lies the tomb of the great Sufi saint, Salim Chisti. It houses the Panch Mahal (Palace of Five Story's) and the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), two of the many excellent representations of Mughal architecture. Afternoon arrival in Agra , check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06 : Agra
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Agra visiting Taj Mahal for a spectacular view of this magnificent monument . Taj Mahal , one of the Seven Wonders of the World built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a shrine for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal, with its majestic marble domes and elegant minarets, is the ultimate symbol of love. Thereafter, visit Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Made of red sandstone, this structure reflects fine Mughal architecture with ornate interiors in the Jehangir Mahal (Jehangir's Palace), Khas Mahal , Sheesh Mahal ( Mirror Palace ) and Deewan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience). Also, visit the marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan for her father. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Agra - Haridwar
After breakfast departure from Agra to visit Holy place of Hindus. H aridwar literally means 'The gateway to the Gods' . It's the place where the river Ganga descends to the plain. A Gateway to the four pilgrimage of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is variously mentioned as Mayapuri , Gangadwar , and Mokhsadwar in the ancient Hindu scriptures and epics. On arrival to Haridwar check in at the hotel. In the Evening visit to . Har Ki Pauri This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India . This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 08: Haridwar – Rishikesh 
Early morning proceed for the prime attractions of Haridwar. Chandi Devi This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga . The temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat. Mansa Devi This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar. Sapt Rishi at one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight. After sightseeing drive to Rishikesh . It is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas , this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham. Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it check in to the hotel for Overnight stay.
Day 09 : Rishikesh - Delhi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing in Rishikesh.. Visit Lakshman Jhula This suspended iron bridge was built in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula - The other suspended Iron Bridge was recently constructed between Shivan Ashram and Sawarg Ashram . Gita Bhavan This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.Also visit to Nilkanth Mahadeo, Triveni Ghat . In the Evening drive back to Delhi to catch a flight to your destination.
