Activity Offerings

CMLA is pleased to announce the 2019 yatra

to Rajasthan Temples from November 13-26, 2019

under the guidance of Swami Ishwarananda


 

Preliminary itinerary details are as follows:

 

13 Nov’19 (Wed): Arrive at Ahmedabad

Arrive at Ahmedabad and transfer to hotel (strictly before 5 pm).

Camp briefing (mandatory for all), Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

14 Nov’19 (Thu): Ahmedabad

Following breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad, covering Gandhi Ashram; also known as Sabarmati Ashram , is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. It was from his base here that Gandhi led the Dandi march also known as the Salt Satyagraha on 12 March 1930.
In recognition of the significant influence that this march had on the Indian independence movement the Indian government has established the ashram as a national monument. Adalaj Vav (Stepwell), was built in 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty. It is intricately carved and a fine example of Indian architecture work. Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes inspired by Yogiji maharaj the fourth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan. Also visit Hutheesing Jain Temple is double storied. The main temple houses 11 deities and its basement houses six of them. The temple was built during a severe famine in Gujarat. Building the temple employed hundreds of skilled artisans which supported them for a period of two years.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Calico Museum visit will not be possible, as they allow maximum 20 visitors only and do not take big group.

 

15 Nov’19 (Fri): Ahmedabad

Day trip to visit Statue of Unity
Following breakfast, you will be driven to Kevadiya colony (Approximately 200 Kilometres/04 & half hours) for visit of the World’s Tallest Statue of Unity (182 metres / 597 Ft.), a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first deputy prime minister of India and the chief adherent of Mahatma Gandhi during the non-violent Indian Independence movement; highly respected for his leadership in uniting the 562 princely states of India to form the single large Union of India without any bloodshed. It is located on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada.”
Return to Ahmendabad
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

16 Nov’19 (Sat): Ahmedabad to Mount Abu

Drive from Ahmedabad to Mount Abu, a journey of 230 kms and approximately 6 hours via Modhera and Siddhpur
Modhera: Modhera is famous for its Sun temple. It is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. Built in 1026 A.D, the temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Every inch of the edifice, both inside and outside is magnificently carved with sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers.
Patan: Home of the famous patola silk saris, Patan is a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. Rana ki vav (step well) is another interesting edifice to visit.
Sidhpur: Situated on the banks of river Saraswati, Sidhpur is famous for Havelis of the Vohra community and Hindu pilgrim center. The best way to appreciate the marvelous carvings and the glass paintings at Sidhpur is to take a guided walk along the narrow streets.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

17 Nov’19 (Sun): Mount Abu

Following breakfast proceed for a full day city tour of Mount Abu. Visit the following places:
Adhar Devi Temple (one of the Shakti Peeths) is constructed on a mountain peak, which lies to the north of Mount Abu. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and comprises around 365 steep steps to be climbed. It is located in a cave and is approximately 3 km from Mount Abu. The temple was named after the ‘Adhar’ of the Goddess Durga, which fell at the site and was found hanging in mid-air.
Dilwara Jain Temples: Built between 11th & 13th century, these world famous temples are famous for their beautiful carvings in marble. These temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. Built in 1031 A.D., The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these temples dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
Nakki Lake: The popular tourist spot, is said to have been dug by the God themselves with their nails. The lake is surrounded by the hills and parks.
Shri Raghunathji Temple: Dedicated to Shri Raghunathji, the temple is situated near Nakki Lake.
Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University: It is situated amidst scenic hills of Aravalli in Mount Abu. This university was established in 1936 with an objective of spreading peace and awareness in the world. It is situated in the backdrop of dense forests and is currently managed by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organisation.
This university also aims at providing spiritual awareness and encouraging perfect attitudes, universal love and lifestyles among people. There are several courses available at this university, including yoga, meditation and spirituality. It also has a museum, which provides meditation sessions.
Note: For visit of Brahma Kumaris University, prior permission from the dean is required. We need to request with details like Group members profile, Purpose of visit, Date of visit, Number of persons for visit.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

18 Nov’19 (Mon): Mount Abu-Udaipur

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur (160 Kilometers, 4 hours drive approximately).
Visit Jagdish Temple and the City Palace which stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single façade.
In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh and inspired him to build Udaipur. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

19 Nov’19 (Tue): Udaipur

Post early breakfast, drive to Nathdwara (55 Kilometers, 1 ½ hours’ drive approximately) to visit Nathdwara temple
In 17th century, The statue of Lord krishna was moved from Vrindavan, to save from the rage of Mughal King Aurangzeb. The cart of Lord Shrinathji struck at Sinhar village. The priest traveling with Shrinathji realised that Lord Krishna wanted to stay here, and accordingly a haveli was built, now known as the famous temple of Shreenath ji. The town was renamed as Nathdwara, means “Gateway to Lord”. There are eight main darshan of Shrinathji in daily routine and they all have an important part due to different timings. (Please note the Darshan timings are based on auspicious timing calculated based on Hindu calendar and are given for each day on the Temple board website  Temple doors are closed between Jhalkis (darshan) It is a 10 minutes walk from the Vehicle Parking area to the temple gate. There is no arrangement for Special Darshan. Please note that there are thousands of devotees (mainly local) who visit the temple daily.
Also, one of the largest Shiv Murti is coming up near Udaipur in Nathdwara. Its length is 351 feet & 70 feet long. The foundation stone for same was laid on 18 August 2012 by Sant Murari Bapu.
There are 4 elevators inside the statue. In two elevators, 29-29 pilgrims will be able to go together at 110 feet and 13-13 pilgrims from two lifts to 280 feet. There will also be three stairs for the maintenance staff.
80% of the statue being built on 25 bigha of land has been completed.
The completion date is not yet finalized (Visit to Shiv Murti is subject to same being open at the time of group’s travel)
Continue to visit Eklingji and Nagda temples (27 Kilometers, 30-40 minutes drive)
A complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls dedicated to Lord Shiva – the deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. Located about 22km north of Udaipur, the Shiva temple here was originally built in 734 AD. The walled complex includes an elaborately pillared hall under a large pyramidal roof and features a four-faced Shiva image of black marble. A religious place from every angle it is also well known as Kailashpuri or the abode of Shiva, the family deity of the ruling Mewar dynasty. Even today the Maharana of Udaipur visits this marble temple every Monday. The Lord is regarded as the real ruler of the state who functions through his representative on earth, the Maharana of Udaipur. Complimenting the living temples of Eklinji is Nagda
Later return to Udaipur.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

20 Nov’19 (Wed): Udaipur to Jodhpur

Morning drive from Udaipur to Jodhpur, (300 Kilometres and journey time of approximately 07 hours) enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temples
Ranakpur Complex which holds an exceptional beauty and makes for a convenient stop between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Deep in the forest, tucked away in a remote and quite valley of the Aravalli Range, some 90km from Udaipur is Ranakpur. It boasts of some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. The main shrine of Adinath, with its 1444 exquisitely carved columns is the largest and most complex Jain temple in the country. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Continue travel to Jodhpur
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

21 Nov’19 (Thu): Jodhpur

Following breakfast, proceed for city tour of Jodhpur
The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is set high on a hill overlooking the city. Inside are some of the most intricately ornamented palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. The palaces all have evocative names: the Moti Mahal, or Pearl Palace; the Phool Mahal, or Flower Palace; and the Sukh Mahal, or Pleasure Palace. The ramparts of the Fort offer stunning views of the blue-painted Brahmin houses for which the city is famous. On your way down from the Mehrangarh Fort you will visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble cenotaph built in 1899 to honour late Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Afternoon tour of Bishnoi Villages.
A highlight of this excursion is a visit to the Bishnoi tribe who have shot into international prominence on account of their conservationist religious beliefs. They protect their flora and fauna with a reverence and live in tiny tidy hamlets. They farm large agricultural tracts where they keep parts fallow for the benefit of wildlife. Their history and customs are legendary and as far back as the 16th century they are known to have resisted royal edicts ordering the felling of trees, by literally wrapping themselves around them. In the 19th century many sacrificed their lives when defying the Jodhpur ruler from cutting down a forest by tying themselves to the trees.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

22 Nov’19 (Fri): Jodhpur-Pushkar

Drive to Pushkar. (200 Kms, 5 hours approximately). Visit Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple.
Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is a Hindu temple close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them.Although the present temple structure dates to the 14th century, the temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is mainly built of marble and stone stabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (Shikhara) and a (hansa) bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the central images of Brahma and his second consort Gayatri
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

23 Nov’19 (Sat): Pushkar -Jaipur

Drive from Pushkar to Jaipur. (150 Kms, 3-4 hours drive)
The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state of Rajasthan and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the “pink city”. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur’s bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.
On arrival transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

24 Nov’19 (Sun): Jaipur

Today, you will explore the city of Amer.
Drive to the ancient capital of Amer (also known as Amber) to see the fabulous Amer Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city
Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of this fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amer was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. Ascend the fort on Elephants. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. The town around
Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe
In the afternoon, proceed for a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.
In the evening witness aarti at the Govind Dev Ji Mandir. It is a sacred place that was made for the 8th avatar of Shree Krishna ji maharaj. It was built in 1735 by the king, Sawai Pratap Singh II. The ceiling of the temple is made of gold and looks really beautiful. The temple was positioned and made such that the Maharaja can get a direct view from his palace
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

 

25 Nov’19 (Mon): Jaipur–Delhi

Drive to Delhi and transfer to hotel in Gurgaon.
Camp conclusion (Mandatory for all), farewell dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

 

26 Nov’19 (Tue): Depart Delhi

Transfer to airport for flight to onward destination


 

Yatra is open to Chinmaya Mission members only. Seats are available, strictly on first-cum-first basis and on approval discretion of CMLA Administration.

 

Registration Fee

A non-refundable registration fee of $500/yatri. 

You may pay registration fee in one of the following ways:

1.   By check. Please make payable to ‘CMLA‘ and mail to the following address:
     Attn: CMLA 2019 Yatra Coordinator
     Chinmaya Rameshwaram
     14451 Franklin Ave
     Tustin, CA 92780

Please select a valid form 

2.   By a secure payment using credit/debit card via Paypal (one submission per yatri).


 

Yatra Fee (after registration due of $500 is paid)

$2900/yatri on double occupancy basis

$3900/yatri on single occupancy basis

Yatra fee is due by June 30, 2019

Yatra fee includes all boarding, lodging, entry fee into all temples and galleries and road travel in India from November 13 evening until November 26 morning.

 

Travel Reservations

For assistance for international flight booking, contact, Rashmin Paleja @ 626-392-7789

PLEASE NOTE: Passport and Indian Visa/OCI should be valid until  at least 6 months after November 10, 2019.

 

Cancellation Policy

  • Registration deposit fee (due date May 31, 2019) is non-refundable.
  • Balance Yatra fee should be paid by June 30, 2019.
  • Cancellation made more than 60 days before the Yatra start date  – 50 % of yatra cost + the non-refundable deposit will be deducted.
  • Cancellation made between 45 days and 60 days before the Yatra start date – 75 % of yatra cost + the non-refundable deposit will be deducted.
  • No refunds will be done for cancellation made within 45 days from Yatra start date.

 

For any inquiries, please send email to cmrameshwaram@gmail.com with subject line: ‘Rajasthan Yatra’

 

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