TRAVEL IN NORTH INDIA 2019: NALANDA – BODH GAYA – VARANASI – KHAJURAHO – SANCHI – DELHI

As part of its educational programs, the Hellenic-Indian Society for Culture and Development organizes a cultural journey to some of the most sacred destinations for the pious Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.

Dates:

Departure on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Return on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. Subject to availability of tickets.

Duration of the trip:

The total duration of the trip in India is estimated at about 14 days (13 days in India plus 2 days international journey).

Main stations of the trip:

BIHAR: Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment and Buddhahood. The Peace Stupa in Rajgir and the famous Buddhist University of Nalanda flourished in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar known to the ancient Greeks as Pataliputra.

UTTAR PRADESH: Varanasi, the capital of Hinduism, and Sarnath. the deer park where the Buddha gave his first sermon.

MADHYA PRADESH: Khajuraho, a group of ancient temples famous for their decoration with erotic sculptures. The Marble Rocks and Waterfalls of Narmada River in Bhedaghat. The pillar of the Greek Ambassador Heliodorus in Vidisha. The Great Buddhist Stupa of Sanchi. Bhopal, the capital city of the State.

DELHI the capital of India.

Itinerary:

The program and the dates are indicative and may change according to the availability of tickets and the weather conditions in our routes. Follow our website for updates.

Wednesday 31/7/2019 –Date 1: Athens –New Delhi – Patna

Thursday 1/8/2019 –Date 2: Patna – Nalanda – Rajghir – Bodh Gaya

Friday & Saturday 2-3 / 8/2019 –Date 3 &4: Bhodh Gaya

Sunday 4/8/2019 –Date 5: Bodh Gaya – Varanasi

Monday 5/8/2019 – Date 6: Varanasi

Tuesday 6/8/2019 – Date 7: Varanasi – Sarnath – Varanasi

Wednesday 7/8/2019 – Date 8: Varanasi – Khajuraho

Thursday 8/8/2019 – Date 9: Khajuraho

Friday 9/8/2019 – Date 10: Khajuraho – Bhedaghat

Saturday 10/8/2019 – Date 11: Bhedaghat

Sunday 11/8/2019 – Date 12: Bhedaghat – Vidisha – Sanchi – Bhopal

Monday 12/8/2019 – Date 13: Bhopal – Delhi

Tuesday 13/8/2019 – Date 14: Delhi – Athens

Services included in the tour package:

Hotels – Double rooms in 3-star hotels or monasteries with an extra charge for single rooms. Hotels will be selected after extensive research into their category and according to availability without having to break the group into different hotels. The hotel names will be given herewith for reference.

Meals – Daily breakfast in hotels. Dinner can be included in hotels at an additional cost for those who want it. There are many good restaurants in big cities, but indigestions in India always need special attention. In some cases, especially after a long trip, it is good to have food in the hotel.

Transportation – Domestic airplanes and trains will be used for long distances. Tempo and cars will be used for shorter distances and wherever the train will not be available.

Communication – wi-fi will be available free or at a reasonable charge in most of the hotels. Indian sim cards are available with presentation of the required documents, see HERE.

Boating– Boating in the Ganges in Varanasi for an hour. Boating tour in Bhedaghat for an hour. Boating tour in Omkareshwar for an hour

Lectures and Seminars – Lectures by local teachers and monks in ashrams and monasteries. Introductory seminars on Indian culture by Dr. Dimitrios Vassiliadis.

Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites.

Cultural Programs – To be advised later which folk programs will be available.

Requirements:

Sound physical condition.
Medical Tests: Ask your doctor if you are fit to travel to India. No special vaccines are required.
Proper clothing: Suitable for trekking, raincoat, avoid ‘non-conservative’ clothes.
Simple living and basic knowledge and understanding of Indian culture.
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly forbidden in holy places.
Shoes and photography are not allowed inside many temples.
All participants should be members of ELINEPA. If you are not a member yet, please download the Membership Form HERE

Cost:

The exact cost will be adjusted in accordance with the transportation, hotel and service prices we shall face (including international airfare). Hotel prices will be based on double rooms rates, single occupancy and dinner at hotels (if preferred) will be charged for separately.

Limited number of participants.