The Heritage vertical of Embassy Travel and Tours Along with

Prof. Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan Presents

Come and explore the Temples,

Architecture, Food,

Music, Culture,

The River and The Spirit

of this Smoking Hot Eternal City in a Never Before Manner

23rd – 26th October 2018 Registrations until :August 20th

Online Brochure - http://mysticalpalmyra.com Or contact us at sridhar@embassy-travels.com / 9282119040

Facebook Brochure: https://www.facebook.com/mysticalpalmyra/

Banaras, Varanasi or Kasi is a Kaleidoscope. It is also a phoenix among cities having emerged more vibrant and colorful from the many destructions it has faced. It is considered the home of 330 million gods who are held together by an enormous corpus of mythology and are the very essence of the city. The human endeavor is equally inspiring. Rich textiles, Unique handicrafts, delectable food, intriguing aghoris, eternal ganga, serene Ghats, the ever consuming flames of Manikarnika and the adobe of Lord Vishwanath and much more. In the tradition of Annapoorni, the goddess of food, this city whets the appetite of the scholar and the layman. Mystical Palmyra is proud to bring to you for the very first time a very unique experience that captures a slice of the human and the divine. Prof Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan would unveil the mysteries surrounding the temples and the gods. Authentic Banarasi food, traditional weaving, trip down the ganga, the serene Ghats, the outstanding places of learning, Sarnath…..it is a packed eclectic itinerary that awaits you. For the true flavour of the city to sink in we have designed various walks. Come with us to savour this city which predates history and promises eternal Moksha.

v  Assi Ghat v  Riva Koti v  Nandalal

Bejoria Sanskrit University

v  Sangameshwara Temple

v  Rani Lakshmibai’s birthplace

v  Swaminath Akhara v  Lolark Kund

One of the largest and the southern most Ghat the Assi Ghat provides nourishment to the soul and the body. This is also the place where saint Tulasidas attained moksha. Starting from Assi Ghat, our tour will proceed to the Tulsi Ghat covering amongst others, oldest traditional wrestling or Khusti schools called Akharas, Riva Koti where we can catch a glimpse of students practicing music, and wonder at the ancient reservoir Lolark Kund dedicated to the sun god.

v  Ramnagar v  Old Banaras Saree

wearers v  Ramnagar Fort

and Palace v  Shiv Prasaad Lassi

Bhandhar v  Introduction to

Banaras sarees by one of the leading Business houses of Varanasi

18th century red sandstone Ramnagar fort was home of the former rulers of Banaras. It is believed that Veda Vyasa resided at this place. The FORT houses an interesting and impressive museum. A clock that displays year, month, week, day and astronomical facts is the highlight of this museum. We will also get to marvel at the dexterous play of warp and weft of the famous Banaras weaves and get an inside view from one the largest and oldest silk merchants. Next we get to treat ourselves to the sublime drink of the Banarasi citizen – The Lassi

v  Ganga Aarti v  Boat Ride v  Bath in the Ganga v  Dashashwamedh

Ghat

Fondly addressed as Ganga Maiyya, the Sacred river sustains this ancient land. A widely held belief is a dip in these holy waters not only cleanses the body but also the soul. We will also continue this tradition. We will catch a panoramic view of the Ghats on a serene boat ride and step on the Ghats to witness the grand spectacle of the Ganga Aarti.

v  Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple

v Monastery Ruins v Archeological

Museum v  Chaukandi Stupa

From the luxurious Prince of Lumbini to the renounced state of The Buddha, Sarnath is one of the four important places of this transformation. The first sermon of the Buddha was under the Bodhi tree here. Many ruins of the monasteries date back to the 3rd century BC We will tour this land of Buddha and admire the Stupas, the remains of the Monasteries and also visit the Museum which houses the Emblem of India, The Ashoka lion capital

v Vishwanath Gali v Vishwanath temple v Annapoorni

Temple v Gyanvapi Mosque v Visalakshi Temple v Kachauri Gali

Repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, the Lord of the Universe, one among the 12 of the Jyothirlingas, Vishwanatha resides with his consorts Visalakshi and Annapoorni in the vicinity. We will navigate the colorful and narrow winding streets of old Varanasi leading up to these shrines. On the way we will also pass by Gyanvapi Mosque. The adjoining by lane is the culinary capital of Varanasi street food and we shall indulge

v  Shankar Mutt v  Shiv Mutt and

Bharathiyar’s house v Dikshitar’s

Samadhi v Kedareshwar

Temple and Ghat v Kasi Mutt v  Thumiri Recital

The famous philosopher saints have established their mutts at Kasi and we will visit a few The visit will also include Muthuswami Deekshitar’s Samadhi and the Varanasi residence of the Mahakavi Varanasi is synonymous with the light Hindustani classical Thumiri. We shall draw in the mellifluous rendering of this art by a local artiste

v  Shankat Mochan Hanuman

v Durga Mandir v  Tulsi Manas Mandir

The Hanuman Chalisa is believed to have first been sung at this shrine of Bajrang Bali The soulful outpourings of The Ramayan by sant Tulasidas at the Tulsi manas premises is the most adapted version of Ramayan. We will also visit the colorful Durga Mandir to finish the popular holy circuit

v Khojwa v Grain Market v  Lacquer work v Ramleela Ground v  Shankudhara Pond v Dwarakadish

Temple

This old part of the Banaras offers a fascinating insight into the traditional markets and crafts The Lacquer work is a a local specialty Khojwa houses the Ramleela grounds where every year thousands gather to witness a splash of colorful costumes, joyful music and a bit of mythology We will surprise ourselves with a glimpse of an ancient masterpiece tucked away unsung in the most unassuming place

v  Lal Khans Tomb v Archeological

Excavations v  J Krishnamurthi’s

Study Centre v Adi Keshav Temple v Vindhu Madhav

Temple v Alamgiri Mosque

Raj Ghat has a pastoral atmosphere. It is the site of the ancient excavations. It also houses the study centre of philosopher J. Krishnamurthi. As the name suggests, Panchganga Ghat is the confluence of The five holy rivers Ganges, Sarasvati, Yamuna, Kirana and Dhupapapa. The Mosque of Alamgiri, also known as Beni Madhav-ka- Darera, stands tall near the Ghat on a site where the original Vindu Madhav Temple was located

v  Tamil Department v Vishwanath Temple

Established in 1916, The Banaras Hindu University is one of the oldest and the largest universities in Asia. It houses a thamizh department which has been active since five decades. It has been chaired by many illustrious tamil scholars. The Tamil department has contributed in strengthening Tamil culture in the city of Varanasi through various cultural initiatives

v Manikarnika Ghat v Harischandra Ghat v Mumukthi Bhawan

It is a popular belief through the ages that to breath your last in the city of Kasi and be consigned to the flames on the sacred river Ghats brings you Moksha The Mumukthi Bhawan is the adobe of people who have chosen to spend their sunset years to fade away at Kasi The Harischandra and the Manikarnika Ghat are the earthly threshold where the funeral pyres are believed to be constantly alive for the past 3500 years We will witness flesh turn to ashes which is a day to day event and how life around it stays dynamic. It requires a strong heart to walk along these Ghats and we believe you are not faint hearted

v Raja rams Chaat v Kasi Chaat

Bhandhar v Deena’s Chaat

Bhandhar v  Blue Lassi v  Pehalwan Lassi v Keshav Thambul

Bhandhar v Madhur Jalpan v  Shiv Prasaad Lassi v  Baati Choka v  Shree Shivay v  Jaipuria

Varanasi is not just food for soul but also moksha for the tongue. The varied fare is world renowned and trip to this city without a bit of gluttony is incomplete Creamy Lassi, Hot Kachoris, Tangy chat, chai in the Khulad and of course the Banarasi Paan are in the not to be missed menus Come with a strong stomach and a hearty appetite J

•  09.30 - Meet at Hotel Ganges Grand Lobby, orientation and baggage drop

•  1000 - Ram Nagar Trail

•  1300 - Lunch @ Nat Kot Mutt

•  1400 – Check into hotel Omkar Palace

•  1530 - Assi Trail •  1900 - Ganga Aarti @

Dashashwamedh Ghat •  2030 – Dinner @

Shree Shivay •  2200 - Manikarnika

walk

•  0830 – Check out after breakfast

•  0845 - Kal Bhairav Temple

•  0930 - Sarnath Trail •  1300 - Lunch @

Guleria Koti •  1430 – Check into

Hotel Ganges Grand •  1600 - Mumukthi

Bhawan •  1700 – Famous Holy

Trail •  2030 - Dinner @

Baati Choka

•  0500 - Varahidevi Temple •  0600 - Assi Ghat

Swaminath Akhara Khusti •  0700 - Bath at Ganga •  0800 - Breakfast at hotel •  0930 - Vishwanath Trail •  1200 - Khojwa trail •  1330 - Lunch @ Shankar

Mutt •  1400 - Hanuman Ghat

Trail •  1800 - Hotel and shopping

at the chowk •  2030 – Dinner @ Jaipuria

•  0930 - Raj Ghat Trail •  1130 – Panchganga Ghat

Trail •  1300 – Lunch @ Saffron •  1400 – Back to Hotel and

Check out •  1500 - BHU •  1600 –Ganges Boat ride •  1800 - Shopping •  2030 - Dinner @

Annapurna •  2130 - Tour Ends

The Fine Print! Several places we will be visiting are places of worship and therefore we request your special attention to the following: •  Please dress conservatively and avoid wearing

shorts and sleeveless wear or carry a garment that you can wear over your existing one. Please carry extra clothes if you wish to bathe in the Ganga

•  Comfortable shoes or slippers since monuments are footwear free zones

•  We strongly advice carrying sun block, sunglasses and cap and maybe an umbrella

•  Basic medication/ first aid will be available. Please carry your specific medication if any

•  Camera – Rs. 10 and Rs.100 for the usage of camera at certain places

•  Photography may not be permitted in certain Places

•  We would like to iterate that this is not a religious trip and therefore we all need to respect the time and interest of those who are coming to enjoy the heritage aspect of the trip. Therefore please ensure that you respect and stick to time schedules.

•  Due to unforeseen circumstances, in case we need to make certain changes in the itinerary, we request your patience and understanding. We assure you that the alternate option provided will be just as exciting

•  A Tip between Rs. 50 – Rs. 200 per person may be collected for service providers based on popular consensus

Included •  Road travel on AC vehicles •  Accommodation in AC rooms accommodating up to 2

adults. In this Trip we will be staying at Omkar Palace(http://www.sriomkarpalace.com) and Ganges Grand (http://www.gangesgrand.in)

•  Meals mentioned - 3 breakfast, 4 lunch and 4 dinners per person (Request you to specify your preference if any in advance)

•  2 bottles of water per person will be provided on the vehicle every day. We request you to bring a refillable bottle in order to reduce the usage of plastic waste.

•  Regular entry tickets where required will be provided •  Darshan at temples will be allowed if People wish to

and ONLY if time permits. •  All applicable taxes as on date Not Included •  Transportation To and From Varanasi •  Additional nights stay before the 23rd and after the 26th

October at Varanasi •  Expenses of Personal nature •  Room Service •  Any other attraction/temple not mentioned in the

itinerary •  Tips Please Note: Varanasi is all about discovering the place by foot. Our itinerary is curated in the same lines. So please bring along a mindset to brave the streets during most of the tour.

Contact: Sridharan Lakshmanan; sridhar@embassy-travels.com; +919282119040 Raji Kumar; raji@embassy-travels.com; +919840471127 Address: 23, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600 017 Bank Details: Ours is a Current Account

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STATE BANK OF INDIA: NO.13 (6), Plot No.3, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar, Chennai- 600 017.

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Cheques in Favor of: Embassy Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Minimum age: 15 years (Between 15-18 yrs they must be accompanied by an adult and above 70 years they must be accompanied by a younger person) Per person Package cost : -  INR 25,000 on twin sharing basis (We will not be pairing

guests. This is for those who are travelling as couples or with known people. At the time of registering you may check with us for other participants looking to share the room)

-  INR 28,500 on single occupancy basis Registration and Payment: Full payment: at the time of registration or before August 20th 2018 to ensure confirmed participation in the tour   Cancellation and refund: - 30 days before commencement of tour – 50% of tour cost will be refunded - Less than 30 days before commencement of tour – no refund - incase of non-participation due to rescheduling of tour by the organizers due to ANY REASON – 75% of tour cost will be refunded -Incase of cancellation of the tour by organizers – full refund including registration fee  

Embassy Travel and Tours has been in the business of tailoring unique and memorable travel experiences for the past four decades. A part of the Airlift Group of Companies, we adhere in a personalized manner to all travel related services that one might require be it guidance, documentation, reservations, currency exchange etc. Customization and luxury travel is our forte, which ensures the utmost comfort for our clients whether it is outbound, inbound or domestic travel. Mystical Palmyra is the heritage vertical we take pride in adding to our existing array of experiences extended by us. We are proud to showcase some of the neglected treasures of a bygone rich era that are just around the corner. We assure you that the whole experience will be an absolute luxurious insight into our glorious past.