Join Bob Holman on a journey tracing the Beats in India and preserving language.
Click for Bob Holman: Bob Holman’s Bio
Detailed Itinerary:
Departure January 7 – 26, 2016
Day 01: 07 Jan’16 (Thursday) Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met at the airport by our representative and driven to your hotel
Note: Room reserved from 1400 hours of this day
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 02: 08 Jan’16 (Friday) Delhi – Gaya – Bodhgaya
1200 hours: Transfer to Delhi Airport Terminal 3 to board Air India flight for Bodhgaya
Flight AI 433 for Delhi – Bodhgaya (1320 / 1450)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)Refreshments at the airport
On arrival, transfer to Bodhgaya (approximately a 45 minute drive) and check-in at hotel
Dinner at hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 03: 09 Jan’16 (Saturday) Bodhgaya
This morning see the famous Bodhi tree of enlightenment. According to Buddhist traditions, Prince Siddhartha, a wandering ascetic sat in meditation under a bodhi tree. After three days and three nights of meditation, Siddhartha claimed to have attained enlightenment and insight. His disciples used to visit this place during the full moon in the month of April-May, according to the Hindu calendar. This spot became known as the day of enlightenment, Buddha Purnima or Bodh Gaya and the tree as the Bodhi tree. The Beats were interested in the philosophy of Buddhism and thus made pilgrimages to various holy places.
Lunch and Dinner at hotel/ Overnight at the Hotel
Day 04: 10 Jan’16 (Sunday) Bodhgaya – Varanasi
After breakfast at hotel, transfer by road to Varanasi (approximately a 06 hour drive) Enroute Lunch at a local restaurant
On arrival, check in at Hotel. Evening enjoy an exclusive boat ride on River Ganges to see Aarti (Prayer) ceremony
Dinner at hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 05: 11 Jan’16 (Monday) Varanasi
Sunrise boat ride on the holiest river in India, the Ganges, and attend aarti (light with blessing) ceremony. The Beats spent hours along the Ganges River witnessing cremations, frequenting the ashrams, making pilgrimage to Sarnath and studying life. Afternoon visit a silk weaving factory and see how the famous Varanasi silk is made. The Beats began their journey in western garb but by the middle of their India sojourn had taken to wearing lightweight “pajama like” clothes bought at local shops. Gandhi’s handspun Khadi cloth and clothes made from Varanasi silk were favorites.
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 06: 12 Jan’16 (Tuesday) Varanasi – Kolkata
After breakfast drive to Sarnath (Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays), Deer Park, where Siddhartha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightened.
Note: Hotel check out is at 1200 hours (We would request for late check out, however same is subject to availability and will be known on day itself)
Lunch at a local restaurant
1630 hours: Transfer to Varanasi airport to board Jet Airways flight for Kolkata
Flight 9W 2894 for Varanasi – Kolkata (1850 / 2040)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)
Note: Flight does not operate on Sundays
On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in
Dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 07: 13 Jan’16 (Wednesday) Kolkata
After breakfast, tour Kalighat and Howrah Bridge. Kalighat is a temple dedicated to Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction. The former name of Kolkata, Calcutta, is said to have been derived from the word “kalighat, followed by visit to Flower Market with a visit to Jagannath Ghat. The Howrah Bridge spans the Hooghly River and was originally named the New Howrah Bridge because it links the city of Howrah to its twin city Kolkata (Calcutta). On 14 June 1965 it was renamed Rabindra Setu, after a great poet and the first Indian Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, however, it is still referred to as the Howrah Bridge. In search of Spiritual aspiration the Beats visited the city’s soul temple, Kalighat, adding to the already vibrant bustle and devotion rituals. The Beat’s also were intrigued by Howrah Bridge and the colorful characters, often streets men or yogis, who stayed nearby.
Visit the National Museum (closed on Mondays and Public holidays), one of Asia’s finest, which houses rare antiques, ornaments, armor, fossils, stones, paintings of the Mughal era, regal outfits/uniforms, skeletons of rare animal and mummies, among other exhibits.
Lunch (traditional Bengali Lunch) at a local restaurant
Drive down to Kumartulli (Potter’s Colony) via Chitpur Road is known for its internationally renowned artisans who craft the most beautiful idols from straw and clay. How these images are crafted, the conditions in which the artisans live and work, where their material is sourced from, and which industries depend on these creations for their very survival will be observed in life-affirming action.
Later visit College Street, stretching from Bowbazar to MG Road north Kolkata, which houses many centers of the city’s intellectual activity. Learn about the Hungryalist movement, and the influence that both Bengali literary members of this movement and the Beats had upon each other. The Hungry Generation was a literary movement in the Bengali launched during the 1960s in Kolkata, India. Due to their involvement in this avante garde cultural movement, the leaders lost their jobs and were jailed. This movement the Beats found akin to their own controversial struggle in their own country, America. One Hungryalist, Malay Roy Choudhury introduced Ginsberg to “three fishes with one head” Of Indian emperor, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar. The three fishes symbolised coexistence of all thought, philosophy and religion.
Have coffee at the Indian Coffee House, a cafe that has attracted the city’s intellectuals for decades. Numerous bookstores are also located here and, in fact, it is the largest second-hand book market in the world, largest book market in India and collectively boasts of a collection of almost any title ever sold at Kolkata. One can buy rare books at throw-away prices and extensive bargaining take place.
Overnight at the Hotel
NOTE: From Jan 13 – 17 Aditi Sircar will accompany the tour –she is a Baul expert.
Day 08: 14 Jan’15 (Thursday) Kolkata – Tarapith – Shantiniketan
Early morning drive to Tarapith (approximately 05 hour and a 30 minute drive), a small temple town known for its Tantric temple and cremation ground where Tantric rites are performed. The main temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to a fearsome Tantric aspect of the otherwise loving Divine mother, Shakti. Also nearby is Bama Khepa’s (the mad saint) ashram. Bama Khepa is said to have resided in the cremation grounds as a mendicant and perfected yogas as a saint. The Beats were enthralled with the concept that men in India, yogis, even in their day were still attempting to perfect spiritual athletics, so to speak.
Lunch at a local restaurant or packed lunch
Later drive to Shantiniketan (approximately 01 hour and a 30 minute drive) and check in at Hotel
Watch a short introductory film on the Bauls followed by a brief workshop with three Bauls with their different kinds of instruments and different styles of singing and dancing.
Dinner at hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 09: 15 Jan’16 (Friday) Shantinekatan – Joydev Kenduli – Shantiniketan
Drive to Joydev Kenduli to see the festival (approximately 01 hour and a 30 minute drive each way) Packed Lunch from hotel
Joydev Kenduli Mela that celebrate the poetry and music of the Bauls and Fakirs in such a divine, spiritual, and philosophical manner. It’s an annual three-day festival held in Joydev Kenduli in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Joydev Kenduli is regarded as the birthplace of poet Jayadeva and coincides with Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of winter harvest, considered auspicious.
The philosophy and songs of the Bauls are a notable representation of folk culture of the district. Baulism is a religion depicted by liberal philosophy and lifestyle which has links to the Sahajiya movement (16th century) and is derived from Sahajyan, a form of Vajrayana Buddhism, influenced also by Vaishnavism and Sufism. Chandidas and many other poets were part of the Sahajyan movement. The Bauls earn their living by singing and collecting alms. They accommodate people from any caste and creed. Rabindranath Tagore, the great Bengali poet, was inspired by their philosophy and patronized them actively. This area was a favorite haunt due to the inspiration the Bauls had on the Beat poets with their lively spiritual songs and carefree philosophy of life.
Note: The Baul Mela in Joydeb Kenduli is still a very rustic one. There is now one Akhra (a big tent with a stage) managed by one Baul called Shadhon Bairagi almost on the edge of the Mela. It is quite a big one and they build small huts with hay stacks for visitors. Normally people sit on the ground or stand to watch and listen to the performance. Generally there are no arrangements for sitting on chairs, so the visitors will have to either sit on the ground or else have to stand. We will hire few huts to experience the atmosphere or to take rest.
The performances begin in the evening and continue throughout the night till the wee hours in the morning and it gets very crowded towards the late evening and night. Please be advised that it is a small village and the Akhras are there all scattered along the narrow lanes and there will be thousands of people so would suggest to stick to one Akhra which is on the edge.
Dinner at hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: 16 Jan’16 (Saturday) Shantiniketan – Joydev Kenduli – Shantiniketan
Today visit Shantiniketan and learn about Rabindranath Tagore and the Beats. It was here, Santiniketan, which means abode (niketan) of peace (shanti), that Rabindranath Tagore started Patha Bhavana (the school of his ideals) whose central premise was that learning in a natural environment would be more enjoyable and fruitful. After he received the Nobel Prize (1913), the school was expanded into a university. Santiniketan is also an attraction because Tagore wrote many of his literary classics here. The Beats were quite fond of Tagore’s works because of the candor with which they were written and Tagore’s own quest for a spiritual and meaningful way of existing.
Also visit houses where Rabindranath Tagore lived during different seasons and his connections with the Bauls. Lunch at hotel
Late afternoon again visit Joydev Kenduli to see the festival (approximately 01 hour and a 30 minute drive each way)
Packed dinner from hotel/Overnight at the Hotel
Day 11: 17 Jan’16 (Sunday) Shantiniketan – Kolkata – Delhi
1100 hours: Transfer by road to Kolkata airport to board Air India flight (approximately 03 hours and a 30 minute drive) Lunch at a local restaurant in Kolkata
Flight AI 701 for Kolkata – Delhi (1730 / 1950)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)
On arrival, transfer to Hotel
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 12: 18 Jan’16 (Monday) Delhi – Dharamsala – McLeodganj
Morning transfer to Delhi Airport Terminal 3 to board Air India flight
Flight AI 9813 for Delhi – Dharamsala (1010 / 1150)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)
On arrival, visit to Norbulingka Institute of Tibetology (approximately a 30 minute drive), named after the summer palace of Dalai Lama in Lhasa comprises the following sections: The Centre for Arts, The Academy of Tibetan Culture, and The Literary and Cultural Research Centre (Open till 1700 hours) Lunch at Hummingbird’s café at Norling House (serves vegetarian food only) Later check in at Hotel
Dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 13: 19 Jan’16 (Saturday) McLeodganj (Dharamsala)
Early morning visit to the monastery for a prayer puja. Explore the Tibetan Library which houses many original texts and books important in preserving Tibetan culture. Dharamsala is the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile following the political uprising in 1959. His presence and its Tibetan culture make Dharamsala a popular destination. By now the Beats had dabbled in Tibetan Buddhism as well as Hinduism and wanted to visit this important spiritual center now gaining fame in north India.
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 14: 20 Jan’16 (Sunday) McLeodganj (Dharamsala) – Delhi – Dehradun – Rishikesh
Morning transfer to Dharamsala airport (approximately a 45 minute drive) to board Air India flight
Flight AI 9814 for Dharamsala – Delhi (1210 / 1350)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)
On arrival, further connect with Jet Airways flight to Dehradun
Refreshments at airport
Flight 9W 839 for Delhi – Dehradun (1720 / 1815)
(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kg hand luggage)
On arrival, transfer by road to Rishikesh (approximately 45 minutes drive)
Dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 15: 21 Jan’16 (Monday) Rishikesh
After breakfast spend the day exploring its temples and Ashrams.
Rishikesh is famous for its many Hindi ashrams and the Maharishi Yogi. Explore the temples.
Visiting Rishikesh gave the Beats a more in depth look at the practice of yoga and meditation under Hindu teacher guidance. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya of northern India, Rishikesh attracts thousands of visitors each year, some pilgrims as well as tourists. Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol free city by law and has also banned the use of plastics bags by shopkeepers and vendors. Rishikesh is known as the gateway to the Himalayas.
In the evening see Aarti (Prayer) Ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 16: 22 Jan’16 (Friday) Rishikesh – Nainital
Morning transfer by road to Nainital (approximately 06 hours and a 30 minute drive)
On arrival, check in at Hotel
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 17: 23 Jan’16 (Saturday) Nainital
Nainital at an altitude of 6358 ft sits in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by the highest mountains in the world. Magnificent views can be seen of the vast Indian plain to the south and of the mass of tangled ridges lying north bounded by the great snowy range, Himalaya. Views alone may be considered a spiritual experience along with the sheer power of nature as referred to by the Beats, who loved the remoteness of this area as well.
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 18: 24 Jan’16 (Sunday) Nainital – Almora
Morning transfer by road to Almora (approximately a 03 hour drive)
On arrival, check in at Hotel
A journey to Almora hosts spectacular pristine beauty and many noted temples, best made known by Swami Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tagore and Jim Corbett. Temples include Kasar Devi (area also has a Chabad House), Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated beside the river Ram Ganga and a sun temple (only the second in the world) located at Katarmal only a short distance from the town. The highly revered temple of Shakti or Mother Goddess is in Dunagiri, also known as the birthplace of modern day Kriya Yoga. Almora was a highlight of the Beats Himalayan experience.
Lunch and dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 19: 25 Jan’16 (Monday) Almora – Kathgodam – Delhi
1145 hours: Transfer by road to Kathgodam railway station (approximately a 03 hour drive) to board the train.
Enroute Lunch at a local restaurant or Packed Lunch from hotel
Train ANVT KGM Shatabdi Express for Kathgodam – Delhi (Anand Vihar) (1520 / 2115)
(Train does not operate on Thursdays)
On arrival, transfer to Hotel and check in.
Dinner at hotel/Overnight in the Hotel
Day 20: 26 Jan’16 (Tuesday) Delhi
Morning visit Qutub Minar, the first Islamic dynasty building in India. Also visit Humanyun’s tomb which later became the inspiration for Taj Mahal.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Later proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi (Red Fort is closed on Mondays) Head out to explore “Old Delhi” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Visit the Red Fort, we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which will take us into the heart of Chandini Chowke (the silver square – so named because of the silver merchants). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower we end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India.
Also visit Bangla Saheb Gurudwara, a Sikh temple. Even a millionaire Sikh can be seen washing the dishes and serving the food to the pilgrims here.
Rest of the day is free for you to explore or shop as you wish. Connaught Circle has a number of English book stores to browse, other curio places of interest and restaurants and cafes.
(Please note due to Republic Day celebrations, there may be road blocks, diversions which may affect sightseeing. Also markets will open after 1400 hours)
Room reserved till departure
In time transfer to Delhi International Airport Terminal 3 to board flight for onward journey
<<
Hotel Used:
Dates Place Hotels
07 – 08 Jan’16 Delhi JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
(Deluxe View Room)
08 – 10 Jan’16 Bodhgaya The Royal Residency Hotel
(Standard Room)
10 – 12 Jan’16 Varanasi Jukasso Inn Hotel
(Deluxe Room)
12 – 14 Jan’16 Kolkata The Oberoi Grand Hotel
(Deluxe Room)
14 – 17 Jan’16 Shantinikatan Chhuti Resort
(Standard Room)
17 – 18 Jan’16 Delhi JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
(Deluxe View Room)
18 – 20 Jan’16 McLeodganj Chonor House
(Superior Room)
20 – 22 Jan’16 Rishikesh Aloha on the Ganges
(Superior Room)
22 – 24 Jan’16 Nainital Naini Retreat
(Superior Room)
24 – 25 Jan’16 Almora Kalmatia Sangam Hotel
(Standard Room)
25 – 26 Jan’16 Delhi The Oberoi Hotel
(Deluxe Room)
Jukasso Inn Hotel / Varanasi – The hotel is situated on the banks of holy river Ganga, therefore there is no accessibility of cars. The only way to reach the hotel is by boat, which will be arranged by the hotel.
Aloha on the beach / Rishikesh – Please note that Liquor and non-veg food are not allowed in-side the hotel, however, we can serve liquor and non-veg snacks on the beach.
Kalmatia Sangam / Almora – Please note good quality liquor is not available in this region so we advise you to bring your own (which can be purchased from Nainital). However, Beer can be arranged. Also this is a TV- free zone! Be prepared for peace and tranquility!
Cost is $7929.00 per person, twin share
*Additional is internal airfare at $1100.00
Single rate is $9679.00
*Additional is internal airfare at $1100.00
CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791
Includes:
• Double room on sharing basis.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Buffet or fixed menu meals in the restaurant or packed meals)
• All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned Mini Coach in Delhi, Bodhgaya, Varanasi and Kolkata sector
• All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned Toyota Innova cars for Dharamsala (McLeodganj), Rishikesh, Nainital and Almora sectors (03 people in one car)
• Assistance at all the airports / railway stations by our representatives
• Services of English speaking accompanying Tour Manager for entire tour except for Kolkata – Shantinketan sector (staying in different hotels)
• Services of Aditi Sircar (an expert on Bauls) for Kolkata – Shantinketan sector (staying in same hotels in Shantiniketan)
• Train fare on ANVT KGM Shatabdi Express for Kathgodam – Delhi (Anand Vihar) in best available class
• Entrances to the monuments/monasteries as per the program.
• 02 exclusive boat rides on River Ganges / Varanasi
• Govt. Service Tax.
Does not include:
• Any International airfare
• Any Domestic airfare (Quoted as supplement)
• Any airport tax
• Any expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc.
• Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control like flight cancellation, road blocks, vehicle malfunction etc.
• Any medical or evacuation insurance
• Any camera fee (Still / Video or Professional camera)
