SONEPUR MELA with accommodation on a river boat
24-27 Nov 2010

We will anchor midstream off the confluence, and use our country boat (small boat) each day to take us to and from the fair, thus combining seclusion from the crowds and ready accessibility to the action.

The Sonepur Mela  takes place for about a month each year at the confluence of the Rivers Ganges and Gandak about 25km from Patna. It is held for about a month around Kartik Poornima, the full moon day, which in 2010 will fall on or close to 21 November, with the busiest days being either side of Full Moon.

The fair is centred on the Hariharnath temple at the confluence, and many of the million or so visitors will take the opportunity to bathe in the holy river waters. Every sort of animal and bird can be bought here, from dogs, cats, monkeys and songbirds to water buffalo, horses, camels and elephants – many of the latter are beautifully decorated for the event.  There are also numerous sideshows and stalls, selling fabric and clothes, ornaments, toys, weapons and agricultural implements, while entertainers and jugglers perform to the crowds.

We will also organise a halfday excursion Vaishali. This site, sacred to both Buddhists and Jains, lies a few km north of Sonepur. Here Buddha preached his last sermon, and we shall see a pillar erected by the Emperor Ashoka around 230 BC, as well as visiting the archaeological museum and the nearby Jain shrine.

Day 0          Overnight train to Patna, dep approx 5pm

Day 1.         Sail upstream from Patna.
Days 2-3.    At Sonepur, visiting the fair and nearby Vaishali.
Day 4.         Sail downstream to Patna, overnight train to Delhi

Day 5          arrive Delhi approx 7.30am

Cost:  approximately Rs55000 - first class on train and twin share on the boat, including all meals & excursions.  

Optional 8 day cruise before/after the Fair - from/to Farakka (includes train from/to Kolkatta): US$350 per day

Further information / bookings:  Csar Tours (csartours@xtra.co.nz – tel 9871003919)