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TOURS |
THE HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION
(Rishikesh) |
Rishikesh: Inspite of being the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is a quieter and more easy-going place than Haridwar. Surrounded by hills on three sides, it lies at 356m. The holy Ganges flows through the town. There are many ashrams alongwith along its banks and many blearily-eyed sadhus (holy men). This is a great place to stay and study yoga, meditation and other aspects of Hinduism, or just to unwind from the rigours of travel. |
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Haridwar: Propitious location at the point where the Ganges emerges from the Himalaya to begin its slow progress across plains, makes it a particularly holy place. There are many ashrams.
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Ananda (A Rafael Resort and Spa) - Is a world class spa and resort. Once the residence of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, the palace and precincts now invite the leisure, lifestyle and business travellers. Here one can experience the lifestyle of royalty. Wonder through the palatial sweep of gardens and tarry at the Tea Lounge. Play billiards at one of the oldest tables in India. Peruse through priceless tomes in the Maharaja’s 100 year old Library. Spend a refined evening attending exclusive soirees in the gracious Ballroom.
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Itinerary |
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Day 01 |
0615 hrs : Transfer to New Delhi Railway Station.
0645 hrs : Arrive New Delhi Railway Station (Platform No. 15) - coaches will approach from Ajmeri Gate side. Platform will be cleaned and specially decorated.
0700 hrs : Departure by Shatabdi Express for Haridwar.
On board, special arrangement will be made to supplement the breakfast provided by the Railways
1122 hrs : Arrive Haridwar Railway Station
(Cold towels and soft drinks served at the platform.)
Drive to Mandarin Oriental Ananda in a coach (45 kms/01 hour drive)
1245 hrs : Arrive at the Vice Regal Palace
Guests celebrate their arrival to the enchanting Ananda Hills with a flute and a glass of Champagne. Each are bestowed a traditional Indian flower garland and simple blessing from a women in a flowing sari. The enlivened guests are escorted down the hillside, stairs center a terrific waterfall emanating from the Pavillion above. The Music Pavilion shelters a ceremony with smoke, flame, chant and wooden flute. The sound of the chanting draws the walking guests along the Palace Lawn expanse. Reflecting water surrounds the Pavilion and catches the dancing colors of flame.
1330-1500 hrs : Lunch at The Restaurant
1530-1700 hrs : Booking of Spa treatments as per schedule of our Spa Physician
Spread over 21,000 sq.ft. and nestled on a ridgeline of a Sal forest, overlooking the sacred Ganges River, the Ananda Spa is a wellness sanctuary for rejuvenation and revitalization of the Mind, Body and Soul.
The Spa Resort is dedicated to restore balance and harmonize energies through a holistic approach incorporating the healing principles of Ayurveda, Marma Rebalancing and Aromatherapy along with the contemporary Spa technology. The integration of lush greenery, fresh mountain air with luxurious therapy rooms and mystifying Himalayas views, provide the optimum environment to renew and restore. Ayurvedic herbs and oils rebalance the energies, while natural essences and minerals invigorate and revitalize.
Ananda Spa boasts of being India’s only internationally accredited Spa. It is dedicated to provide guests with total immersion in a ‘well-being’ oriented lifestyle and therapy approach, with the ‘wellness focus’ being integration of Yoga and Ayurveda philosophies - along with purifying face and body therapies incorporating the five elements of nature to bring about physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Drawing from the ancient Ayurveda herbal heritage and cultural philosophies of Yoga and Meditation, the emphasis we feel of the Ananda Spa experience is to discover an effective synergy between traditional and modern wellness, to enhance one’s awareness between the emotional and spiritual dimensions.
1930 hrs : Cocktail drinks and hors d’oeuvres served in the Hillside theatre.
A traditional Garwalian musical and dance performance welcomes the visitors. After settling into the Guest Residents perched along the North ridgeline, visitors stroll down a terraced amphitheater tucked along the Southside. A lone flutist accompanies the Evening Soliloquy - the blue night fades to black. The opening tabala drum rhythms accompany Indian violin and harmonium melodies.
The illuminated Palace hovering on the opposite ridgeline further along the estate accents the starlit night. A gentle cascading waterfall nearby flows between the stage and front row cushioned sitting area - a terrific place to lounge and stretch out after the meal; close to the energy and mystery.
2030 hrs : Dinner at The Restaurant
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Day 02 |
0700-0800 hrs : Enthusiastic guests step from the room wearing in simple Indian Kurta Pajamas to prepare for their morning Yoga. Upon meeting at Ananda Spa, a procession of harmonious white strollers, each with straw yoga mats under their arm, move in unison up the hillside to the chosen morning Yoga venue - Viceregal Hall. The windows are tall - the outside sal Forest trees, taller. The Yoga teacher begins with a gentle introduction, about the xxx asana - and the class all reach even taller. Ananda Yoga enhances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual qualities of beginners and experienced participants are encouraged to experience a higher level of personal contentment through individualized concentration incorporating devotion, dedication and discipline to one’s lifestyle. Ananda Yoga acquires a special meaning in the setting of a natural Himalayan sal forest and the environs of India’s first destination spa resort, located in the picturesque birthplace of India’s ancient arts of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.
0800-0900 hrs : Special Ananda breakfast at The Restaurant
1000 hrs : Drive to Shivpuri (45 minutes drive) to experience white water rafting
The river rushes below the rubber boat. The helmet and soft life preserver are reassuring as the guide pushes off with his paddle. Riding the holy river of India is a thrill. The water splashes. The laughter heightens. The exhilaration is complete.
1400 hrs : Campsite Lunch
The sand between the toes is a splendid feel after the water soaked tennis shoes of the earlier rafting trip. Volley ball followed by a simple meal on the banks of the holy river Ganga
Drive back to the resort
1600-1930 hrs : Complimentary use of our wet spa areas: Sauna, Steam, Jacuzzi, Gymnasium and Swimming Pool. Let the Wraps, facials and massages relax and refresh you.
2000 hrs : Maharaja tent dinner at the Music Pavillion lawn Royal bunting festoon the Maharaja’s tents set regally upon the Palace Lawns. Placed between the Palace Guest House and the Music Pavilion, the tents gently shelter the guests from the night sky. Facing the Music Pavilion, the band plays a soft tune as the guests congregate near the water’s edge under the shelter. Another exciting Himalayan day is the topic of lively conversation.
Small raised platforms are filled with soft pillows and cushions, just as though the Maharaja’s entourage was about to return. Instead the assembling group of visitors soon fills environs. Waiters in flowing turbans offer delicate snacks. Royal Himalayan Cuisine is prepared at small-animated kitchens surround the tent’s open sides. While the band rests, the Maharaja’s strolling musicians roam between the chatting guests - a solo flutist, a juggler, and fire-eating magician. The band returns and evening winds along into the night.
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Day 03 |
0830 hrs : Special breakfast at The Restaurant / Tree Top Deck
1000 hrs : Trek to the Kunjapuri temple (2½ hours each way)
Ascend 308 steps of the Resort’s nearest temple sharing commanding valley views with the goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. Carried from Jaipur, the hilltop idols rest in a temple offering sanctuary and commemorating the place where part of the Goddess Sati’s has fallen when Lord Shiva carried her damaged body throughout the universe.
Trek back or drive back
1400 hrs : Lunch at the Hill side theatre
1600 hrs : Drive down to Rishikesh to see the Evening aarti at Rishikesh
Parmarth Niketan, cir 1942 (cultural heritage and educational programs). The ashram is the sight for the evening’s rituals along the river banks. Chanting, fire, smoke and ceremony offer a glimpse into the ancient spirituality of the Ganga River Valley. Sheltered along the river, with Idol statues looming, the environment is captivating. The walk to the ashram is lively with vendors and pedestrians.
2000 hrs : Sit down dinner at the Vice Regal Hall accompanied by a live Band |
Day 04 |
0800 hrs : Breakfast at the Restaurant / Tree Top deck
0930-1330 hrs : Energy Sauna, Steam, Jacuzzi Gymnasium and Swimming Pool. Let the Wraps, facials and massages relax and refresh you or booking of Spa with Spa Physian
1400 hrs : Special lunch at the Palace lawn
1550 hrs : Leave for Haridwar sightseeing
1810 hrs : Board the Shatabdi train from Haridwar
2240 hrs : Arrive New Delhi Railway Station.
Transfer to Hotel by Deluxe Coach |
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