Home > Destinations > Eastern India > The Sonepur Cattle Fair
THE SONEPUR CATTLE FAIR
Day 1 London to Delhi
Fly via Dubai with Emirates to Delhi.
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred to the
Claridges Hotel in New Delhi where you will stay overnight. Later
today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni
Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit
Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati
Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the
imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 3 Delhi to Patna – by air
This morning leave Delhi and fly to Patna. On your arrival you will be met
and transferred to the Assam Bengal Navigation ship the RV Sukapha which will
be your base for the next three nights. Later today sail upstream from Patna
towards the site of the Sonepur Cattle Fair. (L/D)
Taking place for approximately a month each year – a date centred on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day – the Sonepur Cattle Fair is held at the confluence of the Rivers Ganges and Gandak about 25km from Patna. The RV Sukapha will anchor midstream at Kumhar Ghat, a 15 minute drive to the fair, thus combining seclusion from the crowds and ready accessibility to the action. Subject to river conditions, Assam Bengal Navigation may also take their country boat to the fair itself. They also plan to have their own tent with attached bathroom available on site to provide respite from the crowds.
Day 4 Sonepur
to
Day 5 Sonepur
Spend two full days at Sonepur visiting the fair. 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. Being centred on the Hariharnath Temple, which is
at the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak, many of the million or so visitors will
also take the opportunity to bathe in the holy river waters.
Some optional excursions will also be organised by Assam Bengal Navigation to include visits to the Tomb of Shah Daulat at Maner, one of the finest Mughal monuments of Eastern India, the State Museum and the State Printing Press which was once the East India Company’s opium warehouse. A longer trip will visit Vaishali, a site sacred to both Buddhists and Jains, which lies a few miles north of Sonepur. Here Buddha preached his last sermon and there is also a pillar erected by the Emperor Ashoka around 230 BC. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Patna to Kolkata – by air
Sail downstream to Patna. After breakfast disembark and transfer to the airport for
your onward flight to Kolkata. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the
Oberoi Grand Hotel, centrally located in the city, for your two night stay. (B)
Day 7 Kolkata
Full of holy men, gurus and street temples, Kolkata has been called the soul of
India. Spend the day sightseeing in this fascinating city. (B)
Day 8 Kolkata to London
Fly with Emirates via Dubai to London.
STAYING ON
Glenburn Tea Estate offers a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Sonepur Cattle Fair. A beautiful and historic planter’s bungalow, with fabulous Himalayan views, Glenburn is located close to Darjeeling and the airport of Bagdogra which has direct flights to Kolkata.
Wildlife enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the Northeast state of Assam. A short flight from Kolkata, Manas, Orang and Kaziranga National Parks offer an abundance of flora and fauna in what is an under–explored part of India. Further details can be found on our tour Wild Assam.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE SONEPUR CATTLE FAIR
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £1,470. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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