ASICON 2014 kolkata

Excursion to Mathura, Vrindavan & Gokul
Morning our transport will report at your designated hotel & proceed for an Excursion to Mathura, Vrindavan & Gokul.
Vrindavan is also a small place lying adjacent to Mathura. Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna spent his youth playing with Gopis and Sakhas. Vrindavan is the place once known for the fragrant groves. While in Mathura and Vrindavan Tour, you'd find many places showing the life and different forms of Lord Krishna in an explicit manner.
After sightseeing of Mathura & Vrindavan drive to Gokul where Nand Gopal was sheltered in Yashoda Maiya’s home in secrecy to escape the wrath of tyrant Kansha. Also visit Gokul Nath Ji Temple. Proceed to Mahavan – believed to have cradled Lord Krishna. Visit ‘Assi Khambha’ the temple dedicated to Mathura Nath Ji. Continue to Goverdhan – where Lord Krishna held aloft ‘Giriraj’ , the sandstone hill on his finger for seven days and nights to protect the people of Braj from the wrath of rain and thunder sent by Indra. Return to Delhi.

Full day excursion to Bishnupur, 100km northwest of Kolkata is famous for its rich architecture, music tradition and handicrafts legacy of pottery and weaving. Known for its unique terracotta temples, each of the temples displays an exquisite art form and each more beautifully embellished than the other. The former capital of the Malla kings, Bishnupur is renowned for its crafts such as intric ate Balucheri saris, the rare ganijifa (circular Indian playing card), delicate carving on shells and bell metal artefacts.

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

Day 1: Starting point – Kolkata (140 kms – 2hrs distance)
Morning drive from Kolkata to Bishnupur, home to a collection of elaborate terracotta temples that resemble tiny jewel boxes. The Shyama Raya temple was built in 1643 and is completely covered with terracotta friezes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the life of Lord Krishna. The Rasa Mancha temple resembles a flattened pyramid and features 108 symmetric pillars around its base. Other temples to be visited include Jor Bangla, Madan Mohan and Shridhara. After dinner we will return again to several of these temples, which are beautifully illuminated every evening.
Day 2: Bishnupur
Drive to Shantiniketan, stopping en route at several artisan villages. West Bengal has a rich tradition of textile weaving and embroidery, and we will visit one or two rural enclaves where they still practice this art. We will also visit a village of potters that create the region’s famed Bankura horse votives out of red terracotta. Arrive Shantiniketan in time for dinner.
Day 3: Shantiniketan
Morning tour of Shantiniketan, founded in 1921 by Rabindrinath Tagore, a revered poet, writer, musician and playwright. In 1913, Tagore became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, and he is the author of the national anthem of both India and Bangladesh. He founded Shantiniketan (now Visva Bharati University) with the goal of creating a traditional Indian system of education in which gurus teach their disciples in open air, with an emphasis on the arts, humanities and Bengali culture.
We will visit the Uttarayan Complex where Tagore lived and worked, and view outdoor campus artwork by contemporary masters such as Nandalal Bose, Ram Kinkar Baij and Binod Bihari Mukherjee. Afternoon visit to a local leather workshop, a village where they create primitive brass sculpture using the lost-wax method, and a local jeweler who utilizes only organic plant material in his designs.
Day 4: Depart Shantiniketan
Drive to Kolkata for your return flight to back home

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

Day 1: Starting point – Kolkata
Early morning flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. Upon arrival, begin drive to Puri. En route we will visit several villages that utilize rice, the main crop in this region, for constructing and decorating their simple mud huts. Rice straw is utilized for roof thatching, while rice paste is used to decorate houses with intricate geometric and floral designs.
Afternoon walking tour of Puri. Highlights include a stroll along Puri’s lively beach promenade and a rooftop viewing of the 12th century Jagannath Temple, which is home to 6,000 resident priests.
Day 2: Puri
Morning tour of the Sun Temple at Konark. This complex, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was built in the 13th century by the Ganga dynasty, and originally served as a navigational aid for sailors heading to Kolkata. While the site’s tallest towers have collapsed due to sea and air corrosion, the remaining structures still feature thousands of striking carvings and sculptures. The main temple is shaped like a gigantic chariot, complete with 12 pairs of wheels.
Three life-sized images of the Sun God, made of colored chlorite stone, are positioned at different points around the temple so that the sun illuminates their faces at dawn, noon and sunset. Drive Konark to Bhubaneswar, stopping en route in the village of Pipli, known for its brightly colored appliquéd fabrics and decorative items.
Day 3: Bhubaneswar
Full day tour of Bhubaneswar, which is home to over 400 Hindu temples dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Highlights include the temples of Lingaraj, Vaital Deul, Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar and Rajarani. Afternoon tour of modern Bhubaneswar, which was planned by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946 and blends colonial and traditional forms with modern influences from Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh. Many of its notable buildings, including the Secretariat, the Rabindra Mandap
the Orissa State Museum and the Unit 2 Market, were designed by government architect Julius Vaz. If time permits, we will visit an ambitious housing complex in nearby Chandrashekharpur designed by S. K. Das that combines dwellings for low, middle and high income families. Bhubaneswar
Day 4: Depart Bhubaneswar
Drive to Kolkata for your return flight

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

Day 1: Bagdogra/NJP - Darjeeling
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway station and drive to Darjeeling Overnight at Darjeeling
Day 2: Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery Return to the hotel for breakfast and later proceed for city tour Overnight at Darjeeling
Day 3: Bhubaneswar
Full day tour of Bhubaneswar, which is home to over 400 Hindu temples dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Highlights include the temples of Lingaraj, Vaital Deul, Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar and Rajarani. Afternoon tour of modern Bhubaneswar, which was planned by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946 and blends colonial and traditional forms with modern influences from Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh. Many of its notable buildings, including the Secretariat, the Rabindra Mandap
the Orissa State Museum and the Unit 2 Market, were designed by government architect Julius Vaz. If time permits, we will visit an ambitious housing complex in nearby Chandrashekharpur designed by S. K. Das that combines dwellings for low, middle and high income families. Bhubaneswar
Day 4: Pelling – Gangtok
Breakfast at the hotel and morning walking excursion to Sango-Choling monastery Afternoon drive to Gangtok Overnight at Gangtok
Day 5: Gangtok
Breakfast at the hotel Full day city tour of Gangtok including excursion to Rumtek Monastery Overnight at Gangtok
Day 6: Gangtok– Bagdogra/NJP
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time for flight /train to onward destination.

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

DAY 01 ARRIVE NEW DELHI
Arrive Delhi where you will be met by a Meetings & More representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Complete your check in formalities Half day city tour of New Delhi This afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour of New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - a superb example of early Afghan architecture built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s Tomb - the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Also drive past the India Gate - War Memorial Arch, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s Residence, the Parliament House – the Government headquarters and other Government buildings. Overnight in New Delhi

DAY 02 NEW DELHI - AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel Later leave Delhi and drive to the Agra the city of the Magnificent Taj Mahal (205 Kms / 4.5 hours approx). On arrival check in to the hotel . Afternoon visit Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the Agra Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction.
Within the 70 feet high fortified walls, it is accessible through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful hall, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-am and Moti Masjid. Evening free at leisure and for independent activities Overnight in Agra
DAY 03 AGRA - JAIPUR
Early morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) Taj Mahal, described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a 'tear on the face of eternity', the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture marvelous buildings. An expression of undying love by Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalise his dead empress, Mumtaz Mahal, the satin smooth marble mausoleum was built over a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1645 A.D., using a work force of 22,000 artisans. It was meticulously planned and perfectly executed with carefully designed garden and adjacent buildings to compliment the entire environment.
Breakfast at the hotel Later leave Agra and drive to the Pink City of Jaipur (250 Kms / 6 hours approx.) Arrive Jaipur and Check into the hotel. Evening visit the colorful markets of Jaipur Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 04 JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel Following breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Amber Fort. En route, enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue on drive to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. At the foot of the hill you will board jeeps to transfer you up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Overnight in Jaipur.
DAY 05 JAIPUR – NEW DELHI - KOLKATA
Breakfast at the hotel Leave Jaipur and drive to Delhi (265 kms / 5 hrs) On arrival drop at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal to board flight to Kolkata At Kolkata Airport you will be met by a Meetings & More representative who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

Day 1: Kolkata – Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Breakfast at hotel. Checkout from hotel to board flight to Bagdogra. Arrival at Bagdogra Airport where you will meet by Meetings & More representative who will assist you and transfer to the Darjeeling by surface Overnight at Darjeeling
Day 2: Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery Return to the hotel for breakfast and later proceed for city tour Overnight at Darjeeling
Day 3: Darjeeing – Pelling
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pelling Afternoon visit Pemayangste monastery Overnight at Pelling
Day 4: Pelling – Gangtok
Breakfast at the hotel and morning walking excursion to Sango-Choling monastery Afternoon drive to Gangtok Overnight at Gangtok
Day 5: Gangtok
Breakfast at the hotel Full day city tour of Gangtok including excursion to Rumtek Monastery Overnight at Gangtok
Day 6: Gangtok– Bagdogra/NJP
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra in time for flight to onward destination.

INDIA
India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which find expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India’s ancient and diverse culture, sweeping back at least 5000 years, with successive waves of migration absorbed into the fabric of Indian life, has enriched it time and again to make a multi-cultural nation with a rich diversity of languages, customs, cuisines, religions, literature and arts. Within this kaleidoscope of immense variety there is a thread of continuity that has determined Indian civilization and social structure.

India, it is often said, is not a country but a continent. From north to south and east to west, the people are different, the languages are different, and the country is different. There are few countries on earth with the enormous variety that India has to offer. India is a land of romance and dreams, of splendour and extravagance, of forts and palaces, beaches and jungles, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and rituals. Explore the diversity of Northern India expressed by the mystic ambience in Varanasi, through the architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic forts and palaces of Gwalior and Rajasthan. India rewards the traveller with her timeless landscapes, spectacular architecture, monumental history, cultural kaleidoscope and undeniable aura of romance and mysticism. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

KOLKATA - NEW DELHI (By Air)
Breakfast at hotel Check out from hotel to board flight for New Delhi. Arrival in New Delhi Airport where you will be met by a Meetings & More representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel Complete your check in formalities. Half day city tour of New Delhi This afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour of New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - a superb example of early Afghan architecture built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s Tomb - the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Also drive past the India Gate - War Memorial Arch, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s Residence, the Parliament House – the Government headquarters and other Government buildings. Overnight in New Delhi

DAY 02 NEW DELHI - AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel Later leave Delhi and drive to the Agra the city of the Magnificent Taj Mahal (205 Kms / 4.5 hours approx). On arrival check in to the hotel . Afternoon visit Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the Agra Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction.
Within the 70 feet high fortified walls, it is accessible through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful hall, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-am and Moti Masjid. Evening free at leisure and for independent activities Overnight in Agra
DAY 03 AGRA - JAIPUR
Early morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) Taj Mahal, described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a 'tear on the face of eternity', the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture marvelous buildings. An expression of undying love by Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalise his dead empress, Mumtaz Mahal, the satin smooth marble mausoleum was built over a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1645 A.D., using a work force of 22,000 artisans. It was meticulously planned and perfectly executed with carefully designed garden and adjacent buildings to compliment the entire environment.
Breakfast at the hotel Later leave Agra and drive to the Pink City of Jaipur (250 Kms / 6 hours approx.) Arrive Jaipur and Check into the hotel. Evening visit the colorful markets of Jaipur Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 04 JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel Following breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Amber Fort. En route, enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue on drive to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. At the foot of the hill you will board jeeps to transfer you up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Overnight in Jaipur.
DAY 05 JAIPUR – NEW DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel Leave Jaipur and drive to Delhi (265 kms / 5 hrs) On arrival drop at the Indira Gandhi Airport, Terminal to board flight to onward journey.

Tour duration: Same Day
0700 hrs: Leave Delhi and drive to Agra (204kms /5 hrs). 12.00 hrs: Arrive Agra; on arrival visit the Red Fort which stands on the banks of the river Yamuna making itself quite dominant in the whole area. It was designed and built by Akbar in 1565 .A.D. The Agra Fort is fortified by a 70-foot high wall. Within the precincts of Agra Red Fort is the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Moti Masjid and Diwan-i-Khas. The fort is safeguarded by four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sandstone. After visit, transfer to Hotel Jaypee Palace or similar and have a Buffet lunch in hotel restaurant.
After lunch, visit the Taj Mahal, described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a 'tear on the face of eternity', the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture. An expression of undying love by Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalise his dead empress, Mumtaz Mahal, the satin smooth marble mausoleum was built over a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1645 A.D., using a work force of 22,000 artisans. It was meticulously planned and perfectly executed with carefully designed garden and adjacent buildings to compliment the entire environment.
Time permitting, a brief visit to see the local craftsmen doing marble inlay work. 16.30 hrs: Leave Agra and drive to Delhi 21.30 hrs: Arrive Delhi and get dropped off at hotel or Airport for onward journey. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday

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