Palmleaf Library Journey (North India) 11 Days
Guide: Amara Marcus Hugk and Sri Sarvabhavana (Translator)
09.02. 2024 – 19.02.2024 – Registration deadline: 15.12.2023
If you have any questions about this journey please do not hesitate to contact us - by email: [email protected] or by telephone at: 03391-4002218.
Price
• Double room, without flight: 2,500 euros (per person)
• Single room, without flight: 2,700 euros
Departure from Delhi in the morning
End of trip in Udaipur, noon
Itinerary
This journey to north-west India leads to sacred and culturally important places in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The focus of this trip is a visit to one of the few and authorized palm leaf libraries in India.
Only in the libraries where the palm-leaf reader stands in a pure, uninterrupted disciple-teacher succession can reproduce the information recorded on the palm leaves by the saints, also called Rishis, thousands of years ago faithfully. In addition, the trip is mainly about getting impressions of the cultural, mystical and spiritual heritage of India.
Shri Sarvabhavana was born in northern India and is considered in Germany to be an important translator and expert on the Vedic texts, which he translates into English and German. Due to his deep knowledge of India and its Vedic roots, he can give the participants of the trip very good access to this diverse and fascinating country.
Number of travel participants: at least 6 participants and up to a maximum of 15 participants
Our itinerary: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Udaipur
Day 1 Arrival Delhi :
Arrival in Delhi – preferably in the morning or at night. You will be picked up from the airport by a taxi driver or personally by one of the two guides holding a sign with your name on it. Meeting of the group at noon in the hotel, joint welcome dinner and, if time allows, a stroll through the city to Connaught Place, through modern India, with its various shops and stalls, to a small temple visit by Sri Hanuman, the protector of travellers.
(breakfast/-/dinner)
Day 2 Agra – Jaipur:
Early in the morning we continue our journey by specially hired bus from Delhi to Agra to visit one of the most famous wonders of India - the Taj Mahal. There we have enough time to explore the complex ourselves and to hear from our tour guide about the history and historical background of the special mausoleum. After that we continue towards Jaipur where we will stop for lunch. We continue relaxed, where shortly before sunset we visit a selected place - the Chandh Baori temple complex from the 8th century - with one of the deepest wells in Rajasthan. From there it is not far to our hotel in Jaipur, where we can relax in the garden and end the day together with a yogi tea.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 3 Jaipur:
Jaipur - the phenomenal capital of Rajasthan - also called "The Pink City" because of the colorful painting of the old town, here we open our first domicile for the trip. In the morning after arrival light breakfast and in the evening we go to the highest temple of Sri Ganesha, which is located directly at the city wall. The temple complex built by the then King Jai Singh offers us an incomparable overview of the city. Then we visit the city center with its inscrutable city traffic and turn to two special facilities of the royal city. The famous Palace of the Winds (“Hawa Mahal”), which housed the harem of the then king with its very idiosyncratic building design, as well as the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory, which is unique in shape and has equipment over 27 meters high. Since the observatory is very close to the main palace of the king, it was used as a direct part of the palace complex by the king and his astrologers and scholars. Both facilities give us a deep insight into the phenomenal world of ancient Indian culture and the deep perspectives of time, consciousness and belief. The oversized measuring devices were used to calculate the time and the heavenly bodies for special religious rites, birth and death, as well as quite profane events, e.g. B. used the arrival of the monsoon. Here is also the largest sundial in the world, which can determine the time with an accuracy of 4 seconds. We have enough time to experience this unique city with all its cultural features, the colorful markets and the beautiful Radha Govinda Temple. Especially the evening prayers in this temple complex, where the whole city comes together to pause and pray, is a very impressive experience.
(breakfast/-/dinner)
Day 4 Jaipur:
From our hotel we drive to the surrounding fortified city of Amber, the original seat of the Maharajas, from where we climb the fortifications either by elephant or on foot. There we hear about the stories of the Rajputs and life in these mysterious walls, have an amazing view over the entire desert plateau of Jaipur and reach another section of the fortress through a secret passage that was only reserved for the kings. Then there is a visit to a handicraft factory, where carpet-knotting and gem-cutting are demonstrated to us. For both crafts, Jaipur has become famous all over the world. After lunch, everyone has time to explore the city on their own and let yourself be tempted by foreign spices, exotic clothing and expensive gemstone jewelery at the colorful markets.
Alternatively, we offer the possibility to visit Agra or the Taj Mahal at an additional cost (see when booking). Early in the morning we take a specially hired bus to Agra to visit one of the most famous wonders of India - the Taj Mahal. There we have enough time to explore the complex ourselves and to hear from our tour guide about the history and historical background of the special mausoleum. After that, it's back to Jaipur where we'll make a stop for a special attraction. Just before sunset we visit the Chandh Baori temple complex from the 8th century - with one of the deepest wells in Rajasthan - a unique sight of historical architecture of ancient India. From there it is not far to our hotel in Jaipur, where we can relax in the garden and end the day together with a yogi tea.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 5 Jaipur-Pushkar:
The bus takes you to Pushkar (approx. 4 hours bus ride), a sacred place in the middle of the Thar steppe desert, which was an important resting place on the Indian Silk Route in the early history of the continent and was therefore both a trading city and a place of pilgrimage. Arrived at our Haveli Hotel, in the evening we visit the holy lake that is built in the middle of the city and is surrounded by many bathing ghats. Special Puja ceremonies also take place here and we will hold a purification ceremony there, under the guidance of a Brahmin priest, which promises us protection and transformation and also prepares us in relation to the reading. Afterwards we visit the main temple which towers over the lake and is dedicated to Brahma. It is one of the few Brahma temples in India, and thus a special feature that attracts many pilgrims to this place.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 6 Pushkar:
In the early morning we take the cable car to the highest mountain not far from Pushkar Lake. This is a famous place of meditation where the Gayatri Mantra was received and where an ancient sun temple stands as a reminder. The early morning is particularly suitable for going into a sun meditation there. Then we walk back to the old town and let ourselves drift through the alleys along the bathing ghats, where we can browse the shops and markets of Pushkar individually or just relax in one of the many small restaurants and cafes. The day offers many opportunities to explore the small town's markets, find a cozy cafe in the winding streets or linger on a roof terrace. We spend the evening together hiking through the city or to the adjacent mountain ranges and their remote ashrams.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 7 Pushkar-Udaipur:
Continue to Udaipur - one of the pearls of India. In this very attractive place one can regain strength and time can be spent in various private activities and amusements, such as a boat trip on the scenic lake or palace sightseeing, but also temple visits (the largest temple building in Udaipur, Jagadish Vishnu Mandir from the 17th century), local inquiries and "India shopping" in the small streets. Many small antique shops tempt you to pause, but also a few modern cafes invite you to linger. Also the super deluxe hotels with roof terraces and their view of the lake, with its summer palaces lined on the banks, enchant everyone who comes to visit. We relax again and prepare ourselves mentally for tomorrow's reading.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 8 Udaipur:
Of course, the visit to the palm leaf library is the focus of the day and it starts relatively early. Divided into several groups throughout the day, the drive to the palm leaf library goes past rice fields and small villages. After about 2 hours drive we come to this place famous for its palm leaf readers, even if this village seems inconspicuous and simple at first glance, the readings are really something. We spend the whole day doing the readings and traveling back and forth to Udaipur.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 9 Udaipur:
After the intensive day before, there is free time in the city today and, if desired, the translation of the personal palm leaf and advice from Shri Sarvabhavana. There is also the opportunity to consult an Ayurveda doctor who will provide individual prevention options, diagnostics and nutritional advice. Free time can be used to visit the Royal Palace or experience a boat trip on Lake Pichola with all its stunning hotels and palaces. There is an island on the lake where the 18th century Taj Lake Palace served as the current hotel but at the time was the summer residence of the Mewar Kings. An incredible castle that also served as a backdrop for world-famous films ("Octopussi", "Jewel in the crown"). The city enchants with its charm of history.
(Breakfast/-/-)
Day 10 Udaipur:
Depending on the size of the group, Shri Sarvabhavana's translation of the palm leaf reading will continue throughout the second day. Free time can be used individually to go on an excursion to Nathwara or Ranakpur (not including travel expenses!). Both places are located in the immediate vicinity of Udaipur and convey their impressive history through the historic temple complexes and cultural monuments. Of course, everyone can also arrange the day individually and discover the city. The personal guide is available to learn something about the city, to visit shops or simply to stroll through the markets.
In the evening we visit an event together that conveys the rich culture and folklore of Rajasthan to us. Fire dance, music and theater are on the program. Finally, we visit a restaurant on one of the roof terraces, where we eat together in the evening.
(breakfast/-/dinner)
Day 11 Udaipur:
We conclude the many “outer” and “inner” impressions of the journey early in the morning with an ancient fire ceremony to strengthen the 9 planets – also known as Shanti Homa. This special ceremony takes place in the courtyard of our hotel with a local priest. There everyone can define their desires and direction in life and give them to the ceremony. It also helps us to process what we have heard and experienced on this journey and to gain more clarity for the future. After this meditative experience, which will last about 4 hours, we prepare for the end of the journey. In the afternoon we will say goodbye to everyone. Anyone flying back that day will be picked up from the hotel by a shared taxi and taken to the airport. Since everyone books their own flight back home from Udaipur, you can of course decide to stay longer in India.
(Breakfast/-/-)
What makes the difference: "digesting" the whole thing...
Visiting places, seeing things is one part of the journey, digesting, processing and integrating the impressions is another. For this reason, we offer all tour participants, if they are interested, to meet Amara and Shri Sarvabhavana in the group on the evenings when we are not on the road, to exchange impressions, ask questions and provide background information on the country, culture and spirituality. In a joint exchange, many things can be placed in a larger context and seen from a new perspective and thus made easier to understand.
Hints
• In general and when traveling to India, it is the travelers' open, as far as possible unbiased attitude towards things and the new that makes it possible to relativize their own, "occidental" ideas and thus explore the cultural and spiritual richness of the country as naturally and intensively as possible. We try to run the organization in the best way, but be prepared for typical 'India surprises'. This diverse country simply cannot be pinned down... We also offer, as far as the hotel space allows, to take part in a yoga class with Amara every morning in order to be able to enjoy India in a powerful and relaxed way.
• On the reading of the palm leaf: The information given during a reading is comprehensive and opens up a view of our life in a larger context. For this it is helpful to be aware in advance that our self-image, our wishes and ideas are of course always filtered by our own previous way of perception. It can be a great experience to have yourself and the events of your own life described from a broader perspective and thus see them in a new light. Take your time. Based on our experiences from previous trips, we have therefore also planned 3 days in Udaipur, because the place is not only an ideal place to relax, the time can also be used for the reading!
• For organizational reasons, there may be changes in the itinerary. In any case, the character of the trip remains intact.
• We look forward to accompanying you on this trip to India and to showing you a part of this great, culturally, mystically and spiritually rich country.
Travel Services Included in the Travel Price:
• Train or transport by car or minibus within India
• All overnight stays in good, clean, middle-class hotels typical of the country
• Vegetarian breakfast
• joint welcome dinner and farewell dinner
• Satsangs under the guidance of Amara or Shri Sarvabhavana
• Palm leaf library visit and reading
• Translation of the Palm Leaf Library Reading into German (after the visit)
• Organization of various excursions
• Visit to a cultural event
• Entrance fees for joint activities
• Supervision of the journey by Amara and Shri Sarvabhavana
Not included in the Tour Price:
• International and domestic air transfers
• Visa fee
• Food and beverages not listed
• Tips
• Personal expenses e.g. for massages, own activities
• Donations for spiritual rituals
• Individual taxi ride after the end of the travel group time
Further information
Since you book your flight yourself, you can coordinate the airline and also a longer stay in India. When booking your flight, please ensure that you arrive in Delhi early in the morning at the latest. When booking your return flight, please allow enough time (min. 4 hours) to check in for your international return flight to your country.
If you wish to arrive in Delhi before our departure time than 10:00 am on Monday, we can arrange for you to stay at the hotel overnight. We will inform you about the costs in advance and then bill you for them.
Visa formalities
VISA and travel documents
Passport and passport photos (3 pieces) should always be carried when entering the country and are also required at international hotels.
We recommend a one-month e-tourist visa. Further information can be found here: http://ivs-germany.com/GER/Default.aspx
Please bring 2 copies of your passport (the passport photo page and the visa page) and 3 biometric passport photos. There are hardly any opportunities to take passport photos or copies on site. The address for the visa application is: INN TAWANG HOTEL - 8A 32, Vishnu Mandir Marg, Channa Market, Block 8A, WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005, India; TEL: +91 98111 13358
Amara Marcus Hugk
The Tour Guide
Born in Berlin in 1969, learned forestry and has been traveling in India for over 27 years. During this time he gained deep access to the various traditions of the country through free self-study of Vedic philosophy and its application in ritual practice, temple architecture, yoga and meditation.
His first book “Klangreise Südindien” was published in 2006 – since then he has been leading small tour groups to the country’s special pilgrimage and cult sites. Due to his detailed knowledge of the history, mysticism and the sacred scriptures (Vedas and Itihasas) of India - the actual heart of the country - he is the ideal travel companion for newcomers and India experts throughout the tour.
Shri Sarvabhavana
Consultant & Translator
Comes from Calcutta (India) and came into contact with the mystical traditions of the Vedas at an early age. Today he translates many texts from old Sanskrit or Bengali into English or German and works as a guest speaker, translator and scholar at various institutes and universities in Germany and Austria. There he gives readings about Vedic philosophy and its integration into everyday life. Shri Sarvabhavana is highly valued as an expert everywhere.
In his early years he received the mystical abilities of clairvoyance, Vedic astrology (Jyotish) and palmistry from the lineage of "Sri Vidya Upasana" and incorporates this knowledge into his personal consultations. On our travels he will attend the translations of the palm of fate or the individual reading and translate and explain them into German or English. Through his knowledge and life experiences, he inspires many people and is an enrichment for all Malola trips.
Veden Academy is not the organizer of this trip, but only facilitates it for Malola Travel & Media.
If you have any questions about this journey please do not hesitate to contact us - by email: [email protected] or by telephone at: 03391-4002218.