INDIA Selective Journeys

AN INTRODUCTION TO SELECTIVE JOURNEYS

"So

far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked." --Mark Twain Indus Experiences is pleased to offer some Selective Journeys which are greatly missed amidst the normal run of the mill sightseeing’s. These journeys enhance your overall travel experience in India.

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DISCOVER AGRA BY BATTERY OPERATED RICKSHAW Agra, the home to the iconic Taj Mahal has many other delightful hidden treasures, on this eco-friendly tour explore behind the scenes and experience another said of Agra. Discover Agra by Eco Friendly Battery Operated Rickshaws in the company of passionate guides; see behind the scenes of this historical city dedicated to the iconic Taj Mahal. The early morning tour captures the cities wealth of history passing by Dara Shikoh's library, Mirza Ghalib's birthplace and the headquarters of the Radhasoami faith: also see the ancient Manka Meshwar Temple, the inspiring Jama Masjid, and Churches of the numerous Christian sects, plus St. Patrick's Junior College - Asia's oldest convent and the Akbar Church. The tour also takes you off the beaten tourist path and glimpses into the lives of people as the day awakens - in Johri Bazaar see the shoe makers at work, the paan sellers peddling their wares, the wonderful aroma of the food in Seth Gali….Discover Agra!

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COCHIN - CULINARY CLASSES Cochin with its plethora of seafood and spices is the perfect destination to learn the secrets of the Keralan Kitchen wonderful aromatic fare with the freshest of ingredients tempt the palate, learn the secrets at the hands of the ‘Masters’ either with a hands on class, a full blown course or simply watch a demo at the hotel. One of the delights of a holiday in ‘Gods own Country’ is having a cookery class to learn the secrets of the cuisine - homestays offer hands on classes from one session to a full gastronomic course for serious culinary fans, whilst many hotels have their own nightly demonstration and culinary courses. Indeed Kerala is renowned for its cuisine - in particular its delicious seafood concoctions and aromatic spices- cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, garlic… highlighted by the generous use of coconut. Choose from traditional Kerala Syrian Christian - Nimmy Pauls Cooking School for example or Phillip Kuttys Backwater Farm using his own produce. Or try wonderful Malabar cuisine at Ayisha Manzil and learn the mysteries of authentic Muslim Malabar cuisine.

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DISCOVER DELHI Delhi is full of hidden byways just perfect to wander to get a real feel of this effervescent city. Indus Experiences offer some fascinating tours with professional guides to allow their guests to taste the diversity and hidden charm of both old and New Delhi.

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Chandni Chowk Meander, first thing in the morning, down to Moonlight Square aka Chandni Chowk the main street of the old capital area of Delhi - Shah Jahanabad. Imagine the canal that originally ran down the centre of the street with pools at major intersections - just perfect to glimpse the reflection of the slivery moon! Then back to reality as the cacophony of the street awakening assails all senses ….alas the stream is no more instead Chandni Chowk is an extremely busy road - a melange of shops, schools, homes and places of worship. The densely populated market is a perfect place to shop. For over three century’s merchants from as far away as Holland, Turkey and China came to trade. Today the lively cries of the vendors still call out enticing passers-by to purchase curios, ‘genuine antiques’ and souvenirs. Each area has a special name and specialises in a particular product. Dariba Kalan is known for its pearl, gold and silver jewellery and attar (natural perfumes). A visit to Khari Baoli is a must to buy the fabled spices of India. Kinari Bazaar is the best place to look for zari and zardozi trimmings and tinsel. The cloth bazaar of Katra Neel offers all kinds of fabrics including beautiful silks, and satins, cotton and fine muslin. Moti Bazaar is famous for shawls and lustrous pearls.

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HAUZ KHAS Hauz Khas is a reservoir built in the early 14th C. and gave its name to the village and surrounding area. The water tank was excavated during Alauddin Khilji‘s reign (1296–1316) in the second city of Delhi to provide the extra water needed to supply the newly built fort at Siri. Over the years the tank was neglected and Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351– 88) of the Tughlaq dynasty re–excavated it, clearing the clogged inlet channels and removing silt. The tank was originally vast: about 50 ha (123.6 acres) area - 600 m (1,968.5 ft) x 700 m (2,296.6 ft) length with a 4 m (13.1 ft) depth. However today the tank is smaller due to encroachment, but none the less impressive and worth a visit - leave about 1- 1 ½ hr for a tour. Note the ruins of a large Madrassa and a Royal Tomb near the one side of the tank

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LODI GARDEN Lodi Garden, embracing 90 acres of grounds, was originally named Lady Willington Park, and is one of Delhi’s most beautiful and popular parks for local people to meander, it buzzes in the cool of the morning and evening when walkers and joggers come out for their exercise! Here ancient monuments lie amidst the lovely landscaped gardensMuhammed Shah's Tomb; the last of the Sayyid rulers is the earliest of these and was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah, there’s also Sikander Lodi's octagonal Tomb and Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad square Tombs with imposing domes, turreted corners and facades, which give a false impression of being double storeyed. It takes a good couple of hours to enjoy the flowers, trees and wildlife as well as the architectural monuments.

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MEHRAULI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK Popularly known as Jamali Kamali, this Delhi Park is distinctive due to the ruins from early medieval times to the 19th c. dotted around the landscape. The Park encompasses over 200 acres and is close to the Qutub Minar World Heritage site and the Qutb complex. There are over 100 historically significant monuments, tracing a history of over 1,000 years of continuous years of occupation in ‘Delhi’. The main attractions include the Mosque and Tomb of Jamali. Jamali was the nom de plume of the Saint and Poet, Shaikh Fazlullah -who was also known as Jalal Khan. He lived during the reigns of Sultan Sikander Lodi and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Such was his prestige that he became a favourite of both kings. To take in all the atmosphere and sights allow around 2 hours for a tour.

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Jama Masjid & lanes of Old Delhi walk Start the walk exploring the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, fringed with palatial mansions, browse colourful bazaars, pass by a beautiful Jain Temple and linger by stalls selling aromatic street food before reaching the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. The great Mosque of Old Delhi has a vast courtyard where 25000 devotees can congregate. Building commenced in 1644. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of the Red Fort and Taj Mahal fame, completed the extravagantly decorated building with its three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets, constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. Allow at least 2 hours to absorb the delightful walk and exploration of the Jama Masjid.

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1857 UPRISING: KASHMIRI GATE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD Kashmiri Gate, the Northern Gate, was one of the main city gates to the historic walled city of Delhi. It was built by the Military Engineer Robert Smith in 1835, and so named simply because it was the start of the road to Kashmir! The places of interest in this area mostly relate to the early years of the British Residency and the Uprising of 1857. During the Mutiny of 1857 Indian soldiers fired volleys of cannonballs from this gate at the British, evidence of the struggles are still visible today with damage to the walls. The tour will walk the main areas of interest of the Uprising and takes around 2 hours: preferably taken before the main rush hour!

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TUGHLAQABAD FORT

OLD FORT & NEIGHBOURHOOD

Allow at least a few hours to wander the Tughluqabad Fort spread out over 6.5 km, and now a vast silent ruin. The massive complex, with sloping walls once 10-15 m high, had fortified parapets and circular bastions for extra protection. It was buil by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty. The interior includes a Royal Tomb (once set amidst a lake), palace buildings, eerie dungeons and a secret escape route for the Royal family and court! During its heyday it was said there were 52 gates, now only 13 remain.

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This area plays a major part in the rich mix of the capitals history: it’s associated with the legendary capital of Indraprastha, prehistoric settlements have been found, 2 medieval dynasties had their capitals here and of course its links with Partition in 1947. Other unusual places to see are a Hindu temple where liquor is the holy offering, a 13th C. Sufi shrine where pots are offered to make a wish and a Mughal madrassa built by a lady. The Old Fort or Purana Quila rests quietly amidst wild greenery and was built on the site of the most ancient of the numerous cities of Delhi, Indraprastha. It’s roughly rectangular in shape and was once surrounded by a moat, connected to the River Yamuna. The Northern Gateway - the Talaqui Darwaza (Forbidden Gateway) and Southern Gateway (HumayanDarwaza) combine Islamic pointed arches with Hindu Chhatris and brackets. Each evening at Purana Quila there’s a spectacular sound and light show. Visitors need to allow around 2-3 hours for a visit.

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MEHRAULI VILLAGE

LANDMARKS OF 1857: NORTHERN RIDGE

This walk explores the area behind the famous Qutb complex. A historic village, Mehrauli is built around the Sufi shrine of Bakhtiyar Kaki. Each monument in the neighbourhood has a story to tell: step wells where water smells of sulphur, a tank where the Prophet Muhammad left a mark, martyrdom site of the Sikh hero Banda Bahadur, a palace of the Mughals and a still empty grave for the last Mughal Emperor. A good 2 hours is need for this walk of exploration.

This walk highlights the landmarks of the revolt of 1857 scattered on the northern ridge - called the ‘Indian Mutiny’ by the British and the ‘Indian Uprising’ by the Indians - taken by the Indians, defended by the Indians and finally taken by the British. There are numerous sites to visit where heavy fighting took place. The painful scars can still be seen. Places covered in the walk include the 14th C. observatory named after a mysterious Pir, a Mosque which suffered heavy shelling, the British Vice Regal Lodge and memorials built by the British. The walk takes roughly 3 hours.

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JAIPUR

Jaipur is a fascinating city filled with a veritable treasury of culture on these walks, and ballooning experience, see Jaipur from a different angle - off the main tourist track but filled with delightful vignettes of an age gone by and to interact with local people.

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HOT AIR BALLOONING

Take to the air serenely floating above the Pink City, watching the myriads of people go about their daily lives, and then glide silently over the majesty of the Aravali Hills and the superb Amber Fort, see ancient forts hidden in the folds of the hills and tiny villages dotted across the land whilst ‘flying ‘through wonderful scenery. This must be one of the most scenic and outstanding Balloon flights in India - and beyond!

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AMBER HERITAGE TRAIL BEYOND THE FORT Older than the famous Amber Fort and Palace complex the now sleepy town of Amber is rarely visited by travellers. However a delightful 2 hours guided walk explores the rich heritage. See Historic Temples, havelis, and ancient water harvesting structures, framed by the lovely Aravali range of hills. An extension to the tour (or standalone tour) takes a trek through the hills visiting a ruined fort, shrines and interaction with the local villagers.

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BAZAARS, CRAFTS & CUISINE WALK

Under the patronage of the Royal family and local nobles Jaipur has developed a profusion of traditional arts and crafts. Today, Jaipur is considered one of the main destinations to explore the richness and diversity of traditional production methods. On this walking tour see silversmiths, bangle makers and painters at work, meet a local family and sample some of the regions culinary delights - do try Samosa Kachorii.

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TEMPLES & HAVELIS WALKING TOUR This fascinating 2 ½ hour walking tour uniquely explores the religious life of local communities. Not only does it visit vibrant local Temples and witness the Hindu prayer ceremony, but walkers interact with residents over tea and snacks in their homes. The tour leaders have a warm relationship with the resident artisans, Temple priests and local citizens making the walk truly engaging.

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THE ART & ANTIQUITIES OF OLD JAIPUR This 1 ½ - 2 hours of walk provides an interactive, innovative encounter with the trading communities of the old city. With anecdotal stories from the resident guide on the walk, it reveals the life style, craft activities and historic buildings to walkers. See the Havelis, Temples, public buildings, and craft areas associated with the traders.

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1135 AD RESTAURANT IN AMBER FORT 1135 AD derived its name from King Ambrish, founder of the Kachhwaha dynasty, and is located at one of the highest levels of the fort. It’s a part of the ancient palace next to the shrine of the Goddess Durga. The restaurant, opulent, lavish and utterly romantic echoes the glorious Royal heritage of Amber where guests, treated like Royalty, dine on mouth-watering Rajasthani food or a Continental selection. The atmosphere takes you back to the days of brave warrior Princes and the sheer luxury they lived in.

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JODHPUR

Experience the Blue City from another perspective guided by local experts off the main tourist routes learn about the fascinating legends, see the bazaar’s and learn about the fascinating ‘Tie & dye’ techniques - even make your very own creation!

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BUSTLING BAZAAR OF OLD JODHPUR

BRAHMINS & THE BLUE CITY WALKING TOUR

On this fascinating leisurely Bazaar Walk explore the vibrant shops and stalls selling virtually anything you want! Spices, groceries, specialist stalls selling local milk or cheese, tie & dye textiles, jewellery shops, leather outlets, lacquer makers…………Also sample some of the local food delicacies including Misri Mawa and Lassi. Led by experienced and enthusiastic guides meet the warm and hospitable locals.

On this carefully designed walking tour, taking roughly 2 ½ hours, dive deep into the heart of Jodhpur to discover the lesser known treasures of this enchanting city. Listen to fascinating legends from the past, peep into the life of locals….meeting and interacting with some of the city’s residents, wander through narrow alleyways dotted with Indigo coloured houses. Led by our experts this walking tour offers a great insight into majestic Marwar.

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KOLKATA

Steeped in history these guided walks delve deep into the legacy of the British Raj and looks at modern India……the architecture is stunning and the stories behind the building quite fascinating.

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THE PATH OF KNOWLEDGE This is an intriguing walk, led by experienced guides from the Department of Tourism walking the main sights of knowledge in Calcutta (Kolkata). Places to see include: College Street, the Medical College – Calcutta University – Ashutosh Museum – Mirzapur Street eateries where walkers can stop for a delicious snack – Radhanath Mullick lane – College Square – Mahabodhi Society – Sanskrit College - here the great educationist and reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, served as the illustrious principal – Presidency College – Old Bookshops where some very interesting books can found and if desired purchased and finally College Street Market.

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THE DALHOUSIE SQUARE Led by an experienced guide from the Department of Tourism, the area near and around Dalhousie Square provide one of the most interesting walks through the 18th - 19th C. history and architecture of Kolkata.The tour walks via Bhawan – Treasury Building – St. John’s Church – Secretariat Offices – Kolkata GPO & Postal Museum – Collectorate Building – Writers Building , the seat of the State Government – St. Andrew’s Kirk; the Scots in the East India Company brought their 'rivalry' with the English to the banks of the Hooghly, when their own Kirk was built in 1818 by Messrs Burn, Currie & Co, its steeple was higher than that of the English Church at St John's! – Old Currency Building – Central Telegraph Office and finally ends at the Great Eastern Hotel.

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MUMBAI

Step outside the tourist box and see the real sights and sounds of this famous city. Mumbai has many different faces….it’s the Indian financial capital as well as the centre for the flamboyant Bollywood films.

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MUMBAI BY DAWN

THE WORLI FISHING VILLAGE

Dawn start to this walk to see the great city awakening from its slumbers. It’s an amazing experience seeing hundreds of newspaper vendors sort out newspapers in 7 different languages, watching a fish auction as the nights catch is landed, visit the vibrant coloured herb market, see the milkmen drive past with their canisters , visit the colourful flower and vegetables markets filled with produce all ready for the start of the Mumbai shopping day. Mumbai by dawn truly defines the mercurial character of Mumbai.

Nestled in an area dotted by State-of-the architectural wonders and towering sky- scrapers, there has existed for over 600 years the quaint and picturesque Worli Fishing Village. Nothing has changed since the time of the first settlement – be it the way they make their nets, catch the fish, do their business, follow their beliefs, customs or age-old traditions. This tour gives a window-seat into the lives of the people, transporting the visitor to a land of stories…. legends and the folklore of superstitions. Also walk inside the Worli Fort….lost in the pages of history…. this British watch tower still stands tall, overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. From the top see the architectural masterpiece – Bandra Worli Sea link, and a birds –eye view of the vintage village.

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FOR GOD’S SAKE – THE RELIGIOUS SOJOURN Mumbai is a city of diversity in terms of its people and the unique traditions and cultures they follows. Over the years the city has welcomed people of different races, religion and cultures with open arms living up to the noble ideal of Athithi Devo Bhavo - which means ‘the guest is like God, and need and comforts of the guest is paramount’. This diversity is evident from the myriad places of worship present in the city. The tour ‘For God’s Sake’ takes participants on a Religious trail, experiencing the different religions of Mumbai - Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Buddhist. This tour gives a deep insight into lives and spiritual beliefs of Mumbai and its people.

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LET’S SAY SHALOM – JEWISH HERITAGE EXPERIENCE ‘Let’s say Shalom’ is an ode to the two thousand year old Jewish heritage existing in India. This historic experience is a journey through Jewish history, visiting places of Jewish interest in Mumbai. See stunning synagogues, the quaint Sassoon Library and the magnificent Bhau daji Lad Museum. Also visit the beautiful art district of Kala Ghoda, the Dhobi Ghat, the Dabbawalas and drive pass gracious Colonial architectural masterpieces. Optional: Stay for Sabbath prayer or have a Kosher Meal - which need to be arranged in advance. Please note all visits to religious buildings on tours are subject certain restrictions when services are being held. Alternative venues are selected if visiting at those times.

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TOUR DE’ ART

This tour is an exclusive look into the contemporary art in the city and is individually tailor – made for art lovers. Due to the personalised nature it needs to be booked at least a month in advance in order to arrange meetings with leading figures of the art world, including Museum directors and Private collectors. Tour De’ Art gives an opportunity to experience and engage with contemporary Indian art and the artists whose work has left a lasting imprint in Indian and overseas. Tours are arranged in galleries and in private houses to see some wonderful collections.

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Howzaat – For an Experience of Cricket If you’ve toured India and not experienced the game of cricket then you haven’t yet lived the country! Followed like a religion by billions in India, cricket has its holy precinct in the city of Mumbai. Every day the grounds turn into a melee of whites as thousands of young cricketers play the sport with fervour and unmatched enthusiasm. What better way to experience this madness of cricket than being right in the centre of it all? For newcomers learn the basics of the game, have a coaching lesson, meet the players- even bring your own team and play against the locals ….then relax over lunch. These tours are personalised and can include tickets for games.

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BOLLYWOOD BUZZ – A FILMI SHOW Be transported to the magical and enchanting world of Bollywood with a Bollywood Buzz experience. Take a front row seat for 45 minutes of a magical Bollywood extravaganza filled with love, action, drama, romance, colourful costumes, catchy songs and wonderful dance routines. Hero’s, heroines, villains and of course an unexpected twist keeps you glued to your seat. A narrator explains the finer nuances. So put on your dancing shoes and come explore the mystical world of Bollywood with Bollywood Buzz.

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TOUR OF DHARAVI SLUM Not perhaps a usual visitor’s tour but this excursion will be compelling and fascinating visiting the proud and industrious area of Dharavi. See where people work, where people live and where people relax - see the vast industrial areas with recycling areas, garment makers, bakeries etc. Also visit the residential areas where whole families live in a small room and the crammed local schools. Some of the areas will be familiar if you’ve seen the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, as much of the film was shot in Dharavi.

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PUSHKAR Most people visit Pushkar for the Fair - an amazing event when people come from far and wide to participate in the ‘Mela’. A complete ‘town’ springs up selling goods to keep the hundreds of thousands of visitors happy! The highlight is the Cattle Fair - the sight and sounds of the innumerable animals milling around is amazing. Hot Air Ballooning Take to the sky in a Balloon and witness the melee of cows, camels, buffaloes, goats and donkeys being bought and sold - and don’t forget the milling press of humanity! Watch the crowds jostle for position and their cries as the Camel racing gets under way ……. then soar above the noise and experience the quiet of the skies gliding silently over the stunning landscape below. Like a small sparkling jewel the Lake at Pushkar stands out amidst the parched lands below.

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RANTHAMBORE Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger", and became a National Park in 1981. Here the chances of seeing the tiger are excellent. Hot Air Ballooning Soar skywards as the sun's ray warm the land and experience the thrill of aBallooning ride over the pristine National Park, perhaps glimpsing a shy Tiger hiding in a rocky outcrop or drinking in a stream. Keep an eye out for shy leopards, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, Indian flying foxes and marsh crocodiles as you silently glide by. Soar over the vast Ranthambore Forttotally stunning in its setting. Indeed the Park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream.

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SHIMLA Shimla still retains a relaxed laid back Colonial air…. high up on the ridge the echoes of the British Raj still rings out loud and strong. The cooler climes are perfectly suited to walking and absorbing the magnificent beauty of the land……leaving Shimla behind glimpses of the snow clad Himalayan peaks tempt walkers and trekkers further afield! Once a summer retreat and ‘capital’ for the British Raj, Shimla Heritage Zone is a walker’s paradise with vignettes of its rich history around every corner. Meander along the Mall stopping by Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and the Bandstand. See the lovely ‘Tudor’ buildings and delight in some of the best examples of British architecture of the era. Wander further afield through lanes lined with lofty cedars, rattling oaks and blooming rhododendrons. See the elegant Vice Regal Lodge with its formal gardens.

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AMRITSAR The Langar experience in the Golden Temple is an extraordinary event to participate in: join with volunteers - devotees and other visitors - in preparing the meals for the followers. The institution of Guru ka Langar a wonderful expression of community service upholding the ‘virtue of sameness’ of all human beings. With a guide to explain the nuances of the Sikh religion, gain an understanding of this unique philosophies. Everyone is welcome to share the Langar and no one is turned away. In the Golden Temple Community Kitchen an average 75,000 devotees or tourists take langar in daily. Sukh Aasn and Karna Pakash Ceremony at the Golden Temple With a local guide, explaining the rituals and traditions of the ceremonies, experience the moving observances of the awakening and putting to bed of the Guru Granth Sahib. Sukh Aasn takes place at the end of the day when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally closed for the night, and The Guru Granth Sahib is taken in the golden palanquin (Palki) to the special chamber for its nightly rest. The Karna Pakash is the Opening Ceremony where Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of Sikhs, is ceremonially taken out, symbolically bathed with milk and water and placed on its throne. The book is then instituted for daily public worship at the temple where the Granth is recited all day long to the accompaniment of stringed musical instruments (Kirtans).

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Avatnta Harrow 79 College Road Harrow - HA1 1BD Tel: +44 (0)20 8901 7320 [email protected] www.indusexperiences.co.uk