The Jain religion emerged in North India just before Buddhism, about
two and a half millennia ago. Its teachings are dominated by the
doctrines of ahimsa (non-violence) and asceticism.

Forbidden to follow agricultural occupations, because of the violence
this would cause to organisms in the soil, the Jains turned to trade.
The many carved and opulent Jain temples bear witness to the
community's resulting wealth.

Huge complexes of Jain temples have been built over many centuries
on the holy hills of Gujarat and Rajasthan, where the great
tirthankaras ("ford makers") attained enlightenment by
means of their ascetic practices.

On this tour you will visit some of these magnificent hills, and stay
in some of India's most characterful old palace hotels. You will
be inspired, by the peace and beauty, to a life of ahimsa.

Day 1

Evening departure from Heathrow on direct British Airways flight.

Day 2

Morning arrival in Mumbai. Connecting flight to Bhavnagar.
Stay at Nilambagh Palace.

Day 3

Bhavnagar. Visit the Gandhi Smirti Museum and the Old City.

Day 4

Drive to Palitana (50km). Stay at Sumeru Hotel. Rest of the
day at leisure.

Day 5

Climb the holy Jain hill of Shatrunjaya, and visit some of the
900 temples on its slopes and summit.

Day 6

Drive to Junagarh (195km, c. 5 hours). Stay at Girnar Hotel.

Day 7

Climb the 5000 steps to the summit of Mt. Girnar, sacred to
Jains and Hindus.

Day 8

Day at leisure in Junagarh. Overnight sleeper train to
Ahmadabad. Stay at Hotel Cama (4*)

Day 9

Visit Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and the Calico Museum of
Textiles. Gandhi's doctrine of ahimsa was formed by the
influence of Jains in his early life.

Day 10

Morning train to Abu Road (1000 – 1418), and short onward drive
to Mt. Abu, most sacred of Jain hills. Stay at Connaught House
Hotel.

Day 11

Explore the hill resort and temples of Mt. Abu

Day 12

Afternoon train to Ajmer (six hours) and short onward drive to
Pushkar, famous for its annual camel fair and its Brahma temple.
Stay at Pushkar Palace.

Day 13

Pushkar. Visit the rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, and explore
the narrow bazaars.

Day 14

Optional morning visit to the shrine of Sufi saint Kwaja Muinuddin
Chisti in Ajmer. Afternoon train to New Delhi, arriving
2215. Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).

Day 15

Delhi, or optional all day visit to Agra for the Taj Mahal
(additional charge for Agra).

Day 16

Day at leisure in Delhi. Late evening transfer to airport for return
flight.

Day 17

Early morning arrival at Heathrow