Pilgrimage to India: The Three Jewels of: Varanasi, Bodh-Gaya and Delhi

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1 ZENITH on the road Pilgrimage to India: The Three Jewels of: Varanasi, Bodh-Gaya and Delhi February 27 th March 11 th 2013 Atum O Kane With the support of Emmanuel O Kane and Zahir Roehrs A journey for pilgrims honoring the heart and soul in all that we meet, in each other and ourselves. In Varanasi we will be staying on the banks of the Holy River, Ma Ganga, the center of the Hindu world. Indian music concerts, a timeless boat ride at dawn, and the ritual life of this sacred and ancient city create memories for a life time. In Bodh-Gaya is the source and center of the Buddhist world, meditating by the Bodhi tree where Buddha reached illumination, in the midst of monks and pilgrims from all the branches of the tradition, is a profound blessing. We will also practice at beautiful temples that represent Buddhism as empresses in various cultures. In Delhi we will encounter the presence of the Sufi Masters Hazrat Inayat Khan and Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan at their tombs. Essential elements of their luminous teachings on Universal Sufism and the emerging consciousness of our time will be shared. A visit to the Hope Project, which serves the local community, and exploring the vibrant world of Old Delhi will engage us in the vivid and colorful daily life of this city. Ours will be a spiritual journey in which we will focus upon visiting shrines imbued with the presence of those beings and events which have deeply inspired humanity. We will also be attentive to the internal sacred landscapes of our own heart. To enhance this dimension, meditations and

2 suggested spiritual practice related to the visited places will be part of our daily programs. Many participants on our previous tours have been with us on several pilgrimages and often speak about the whole experience, inner and outer, shared with others, which makes this a very special time. This is also a time of sharing with others; our groups are always international, often with participants from 5-6 different countries. We have found that this greatly contributes to the richness of the experience. As on all our tours we will try to leave plenty of free time whenever possible for you to explore the surroundings on your own or in small groups. We will not try to see everything to be seen, but rather strike a balance between the outer and inner sightseeing. Hope to see you in India Atum, Emmanuel and Zahir

3 In addition: For those who wish, an overnight excursion to Agra, to visit the Taj Mahal. You would be leaving for Agra upon our return to Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Fathepur Sikri, return to Delhi in the afternoon of March 13 th in time to catch your return flight during the following night. The overnight trip to Agra includes, accommodation at Hotel Trident, Agra (5 Star) with breakfast only, transfer from Delhi to Agra and back, sightseeing of Agra and Fathepur Sikri with local English speaking guide and entrance fees at places of visits. The Program: 27 Feb Individual arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. All participants make their own flight arrangements and bookings to and from Delhi. Flights usually arrive and leave around midnight. Arrival is the night Feb 26th / Feb 27th 27 Feb Overnight at Hotel in Delhi; Visit to Nizzamuddin 28 Feb Overnight at Hotel; visit to Old Delhi 01 March Overnight at Hotel continued visits in Delhi 02 March Overnight at Hotel continued visits in Delhi 03 March Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer from Hotel to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shiv Ganga Express Train at hrs. Overnight on the train, airconditioned sleeper. 04 March Arrive at Varanasi in the morning and transfer to hotel. Varanasi - Hindus holiest city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre where the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. 05 March Morning, boat excursion on the river Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi) and to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. 06 March Visit to the buried Buddhist city Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, and the Buddhist temples. 07 March After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival check-in at Hotel Royal Residency. Bodhgaya is one of the most sacred place for Buddhists & Hindus and has a number of Buddhist temples. It is here, under the MahaBodhi tree, Lord Buddha attained enlightment. 09 March Overnight at Hotel.

4 10 March After early dinner, transfer from hotel to Gaya Railway station to board Rajdhani Express at hrs for Delhi. Overnight on rails. 11 March On arrival in Delhi transfer from railway station to hotel. We have reserved dayrooms, meaning until 20:00 that evening, for resting and showering. Later that evening individual transfer to airport for return flights, and/or ongoing travel. If you would like to stay longer on your own we can arrange room bookings for you.

5 Practical Information: Included in the price: - Double room with breakfast for all nights including two overnights in train. - All transfers and tours by bus - Assistance on arrival and departure transfers - Breakfast included in all hotels, dinners included in Bodhgaya and Varanasi. - Train tickets for Delhi/Varanasi and Bodhgaya/Delhi in air-condition sleeper. - All lectures and meditations with Atum and a concert by Uma. The language during this tour will be English. Not included: - Meals other than mentioned, airfares to and from India, Visa, tips, and all other expenses which are not mentioned are not included. Payment, Cancellations and Refunds: 1/3 of the total is due with registration, 1/3 by October 15 th, and the rest by January 1 st. Cancellations have to be in writing, a 30% cancellation fee applies for cancellations made before November 15th, 60% after November 15th and 80% after January 15th. Availability: The group size will be limited, minimum size is 20, maximum is 30, to reserve your place we recommend that you register immediately by returning the included registration form with your payment. Registration will be accepted in the order of the payments received. If possible make your pre registration by . The tour will be in English. Method of payment: You can pay by personal check made out to Zenith on the road, by international money order or by wire transfer, we recommend wire or bank transfer to: Zenith on the road ltd. Banca Raiffeisen Olivone Strada Principale 6718 OLIVONE Switzerland IBAN CH BIC/Swift: RAIFCH22 in Swiss Franc or other currencies IBAN CH BIC/Swift: RAIFCH22 in EURO If not paying by check please include a copy of your transfer with the registration form. We cannot accept credit cards. Prices: US$ SF Pound Euro Tour: Single Supplm

6 Taj Mahal additional visit Single Supplm Due to the on-going turmoil in the currency exchange rates, we must keep the option to adjust the prices if needed. Most of our costs are in Indian Rupees, and might fluctuate according to the exchange rate; any necessary changes will be purely based on the rates and clearly documented to you. Important: If you have or had medical problems please double check with your doctor about traveling to and in India. If you take medication please bring more than enough and pack it in different places in case one is lost. If you have physical limitations please consider how capable your body is of such a trip. India is a country in great change; it can be awesome and unpredictable so at times you may need to be flexible and have a sense of humor. We will be traveling together for many days, with considerable free time, you will need to balance you particular rhythm for personal space and extra group time. Along with the registration form you will find a release of responsibility form, please return it signed along with your registration. As this is high season, we recommend that you make your flight reservations as soon as possible, and please do also take out a travel / cancellation insurance. You will need to apply for a visa with the Indian Consulate.

7 REGISTRATION FORM: Last Name: First Name: Sufi Name: Street: Postal Code/ Zip : State: City: Country: Phone: Fax: Date of Birth: Nationality: Passport number: Date of Issue: Place of Issue: Expiration Date: I want to share my room with : I would like to reserve a single room and have added the supplement price Yes/No I would like to include the additional excursion to Agra and have added the extra price for this Yes/No I have included a check in the amount of $/Euro/SF/ / I have transferred $/Euro/SF/ / on / / I have read the conditions contained in this announcement concerning the travel with Zenith on the road and approve of them. Date: / / Signature:

8 Please mail or this form. Please use regular mail not registered. Zenith 13, rue de la Tuilerie F SURESNES France Liability Agreement 1. I,, am on a travel program to India with Zenith on the road ltd. Led by Atum Thomas O Kane, February 27th through March 11 th I have voluntarily signed up for this trip. I understand that traveling to any new place, especially foreign countries and remote rural regions may involve changes in plans, unexpected delays, and limited access to services. I understand that I am subject to the laws of India and that Zenith on the road ltd. and Thomas Atum Okane cannot be held accountable for the actions of governments or their representatives. I am aware that the use of transportation, housing, food and other goods, services or activities in connection with participation in the program carries a risk of personal injury and property damage or loss. 3. I release and discharge Zenith on the road ltd., Thomas Atum Okane, their representatives and legal representatives from liability or injury, damage or losses arising out of the arrangement or provision of transportation, housing, food and any other services or goods involved in my trip to India. Dated By