AN EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF AN ANCIENT INDIA FORGOTTEN FOR NEARLY TWO MILLENNIA.
For this first trip to Barabar, we propose retracing the journey of the last film shoot: first, these extraordinary creations that are Ajanta and Ellora, completely out of scale, which we will see almost in their original state. The magnificent paintings, remnants of which we'll see in certain places, have unfortunately disappeared—much like in most Egyptian temples—but the immutable basalt hasn't moved. Then it will be Sone Bhandar and Sita Marhi on the same day, unmissable sites: transitioning from a very rough form like Sone Bhandar to that of a chamber in Barabar requires colossal work. Bring your rangefinders and spirit levels; they'll help you appreciate this and take beautiful photos or videos!
And then Barabar and Nagarjuni, which we will all visit together on the first day. The next day, we'll ensure that each person can stay alone in each chamber to experiment directly with their voice or other activities. Bring recording equipment; it's essential because the experience is unique in the world—something we couldn't capture in the film, even with 5.1 surround sound in the cinema. You'll be able to share your singing talents or listen to them again, instantly immersing you back into these magical places.
When we are at Barabar and Nagarjuni, dinners will take place at Maksudpur, in the superb residence of a former maharaja, where the food is divine—which is far from the case everywhere in this region of India. One evening, we'll have a presentation by Gaël Hamon, the manager and supervisor of the 3D scans of the chambers, who will explain his approach in detail and answer your questions... if you have any. Patrice will also speak, but he usually does that all day (lol), and Jérôme will answer your questions about the archaeological context drawn from the major works of our predecessors and also about the acoustics. There will be a visit to Bodhgaya, where you can admire the tree—the fifth in that place—where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
Essential equipment: a camera or camcorder that does both; a good smartphone is okay too. Optional equipment (but interesting to have; some may want to lend theirs—we'll create a WhatsApp group with all travelers so you can connect before departure): musical instruments, tuning fork, recorder, frequency analyzer, and others. Prohibited equipment: hammer, chisel, milling machines, and spray paint!
- DAY 1
Reception at Mumbai Airport (formerly Bombay), the capital of Maharashtra, by Patrice and Jérôme, for the transfer to Aurangabad with a domestic flight.
DAY 2
Full day at Ajanta. 🚘 AURANGABAD → AJANTA CAVES (departure at 6:00 AM) 🕌 Visit - Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00 🛏️ HOTEL ENRISE BY SAYAJI
The site of Ajanta is a collection of Buddhist temples carved into a very long basalt cliff in the shape of a horseshoe, whose construction began around the 2nd century BCE—approximately a century after the date deduced from inscriptions at Barabar and Nagarjuni. The term "cave" is absolutely inappropriate; these are true temples carved into the rock on a scale that inspires humility. This is why the site is considered one of India's greatest architectural treasures. Rangefinders and levels are necessary if you have them and are interested in this aspect, which will then give you a point of comparison with Barabar and Nagarjuni.
DAY 3
🚘 AURANGABAD → ELLORA CAVES 🕌 Visit – Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00 🚘 ELLORA CAVES → AURANGABAD 🛏️ HOTEL ENRISE BY SAYAJI
Ellora is a collection of 34 halls carved into the rock between the 6th and 10th centuries, or 12th according to some sources, over a total distance of nearly 2 kilometers. So, well after Barabar and Nagarjuni. Here, the spirit of religious tolerance in India is more materialized—as in Bodhgaya—where 12 temples are Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain. As in Ajanta, each is an architectural masterpiece, with multiple sculptures and bas-reliefs covering the walls, but the highlight of this site is obviously the Temple of Ellora, where the rock has been entirely sculpted to resemble Mount Kailash, the legendary residence of Shiva. Simply sublime and enormously grand, it will take us some time for the interior visit and the climb to the top of the rocky hill, if you wish to see it from this essential viewpoint.
DAY 4
In the morning, visit of the Bibi-ka-Maqbara and lunch in the city of Aurangabad. "Taj Mahal of the Deccan": Built in 1660 by Azam Shah, son of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother, this mausoleum is often compared to the Taj Mahal of Agra, although it is smaller. The Mughal influence is predominant in this structure, with marble domes, minarets, and classic Mughal gardens. Then we will fly to New Delhi, the capital of India, for the second part of our adventure. ✈ AURANGABAD -> NEW DELHI
🛏️ The Lohias Hotel in NEW DELHI
DAY 5
Visit/bus tour of New Delhi scheduled from 8:00 to 11:00 AM
Before our next flight in the early afternoon, we will visit Qutb Minar, the tallest Indian minaret and the third tallest in the world, standing at 72.5 meters high with 5 stories and 379 steps! Built by the Muslims in 1199 and completed in 1220—during the era of the Delhi Sultanate—as a victory tower (Qutb Minar means "pillar or axis" in Arabic) to celebrate the advent of Islam in India by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi. It was later completed by his successor Iltutmish. Featuring Islamic architecture with Persian and Indo-Islamic influences, this stone tower is decorated with Quranic inscriptions and has five levels with projecting balconies. The first three levels are made of red sandstone, while the top two levels are made of red sandstone and white marble, which will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the work of carving and sculpture.
✈ NEW DELHI → GAYA - Flight: 14:45 – 16:20
🛏️Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya
DAY 6
🚘 GAYA -> SITAMARHI 🕌 Visit - from 9 AM to 12 PM Sita Marhi. We'd prefer to warn you, it's tiny, and we won't all fit inside at once! Try not to shed a tear at the sight of the drill holes used to hang wall fixtures or that curious altar covered with hideous yellow tiles. What can you do, everything gets lost... especially when one has absolutely no awareness of the work it required. The walls are covered with soot—bring some gel to wash your hands afterward if you touch them—they are very smooth, but it's difficult to know if the workmanship is as precise as at Barabar and Nagarjuni. Back in France, you can go and edit the Wikipedia page—if it hasn't already been done by then—to correct that drawing representing it in the shape of an ogive, which is not and could never have been the case, but which has nonetheless been discussed for decades in publications that repeat other publications: these are the risks when writing an article about a site one hasn't visited oneself... you can then say "I've seen it, I know its true shape"! 🚘 SITAMARHI -> SON BHANDAR
DAY 6
🕌 Visit - visit from 2 PM to 5 PM Sone Bhandar. Considered a step between the natural cave and Barabar according to the indologist Gupta, you will visit two chambers: one almost intact and the other half destroyed. They will give you an idea of what a typical carved chamber is like—just like those you would have seen earlier at Ajanta and Ellora—which will truly make you realize the exceptional and unique nature of the chambers at Barabar and Nagarjuni, and especially why we keep repeating it to you! You will also become aware of the difference between looking at photos and videos and seeing them with your own eyes on-site, touching their surfaces... because the bulk of the work at Barabar precisely represents this transition from a very rough form like this chamber to the "sharp" ones at Barabar and Nagarjuni... but it's not accurate to say it that way, because this chamber is too poorly executed to reach the characteristics revealed by the 3D scans at Barabar, as you will see, among other things, with its floor, which is absolutely not level. 🚘 SON BHANDAR -> MAKSUDPUR Evening Dinner at Maksudpur then return to Bodhgaya
🛏️Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya
DAY 7
🚘 GAYA -> BARABAR/NAGARJUNI
Barabar & Nagarjuni DAY 1. On the seventh day, God rested according to the Bible... but for us, it will be the beginning of the core experience of this journey, discovering what cannot be said or conveyed in a film, because it goes beyond words and is unique to each individual. It is on this day that you will finally discover these chambers that have brought you so many miles, into the heart of this forgotten ancient India, following in the footsteps of our distant ancestors, far less foolish than what history tells us by claiming that these chambers, unequaled masterpieces, were merely simple shelters against bad weather. You will finally be able to admire them with your eyes, your hands, your voice! If you have never visited them, it is impossible to imagine the experience of being inside, closing your eyes and vocalizing, out of time.
On the first day, Patrice will serve as your guide and show you the important technical details, according to us... but perhaps you will discover things that we have not yet seen, because on each shoot, that's what happened despite their apparent simplicity: be attentive, you will be as many pairs of available, fresh eyes ready to collect new clues!
🚘 BARABAR/NAGARJUNI -> MAKSUDPUR
In the evening, dinner at Maksudpur with Gaël, the person responsible for the 3D scans of the film BARABAR, who will talk to you about his work done for the film and answer your questions, if you have any.
🛏️Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya
DAY 8
🚘 GAYA -> BARABAR/NAGARJUNI
Barabar & Nagarjuni DAY 2. On this day, we will arrange for everyone to have a moment alone or as a couple in a chamber. No one knows what you will experience there, which you are free to share afterward, or not, with the group. It's beyond words, indescribable, because these sites are sacred—a forgotten dimension in our hectic modern West. At the end of this day, you can then say that you know the experience of visiting the chambers of Barabar and Nagarjuni: this is the whole point of this trip.
In the evening, the last dinner at Maksudpur, which will probably be a bit special—you'll see... sharing experiences is welcome. Then return to Gaya, whose name means our "Mother Earth."
🛏️Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya
JOUR 9
🚘 BODHGAYA
🕌 Visite de Bodhgaya, la ville et le parc ou se trouve le trone et un pillier d'Asoka. Le trône de diamant, appelé Vajrasana, est un trône du temple de la Mahabodhi à Bodhgaya. Il se situe à l'endroit où le Bouddha aurait atteint l'illumination - peut-être après être allé visiter Barabar et Nagarjuni, allez savoir. Ce trône a probablement été placé à cet endroit par l'empereur Asoka entre 250 et 233 av. J.-C
🚘 BODGAYA
🛏️Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya
DAY 10
🚘 GAYA -> GAYA AIRPORT
✈ GAYA -> -> NEW DELHI 14:15 - 14:05
After our arrival in New Delhi, we will go for a walk and have dinner on the rooftops in Hauz Khas Village.
This will be the closing dinner of this experience, a somewhat special moment, the end of this bubble out of time, of this privileged moment that you will have given yourselves, following in the footsteps of the knowledge of those we have named "the Builders of the Ancient World" and far from the confusion and illusion of our modern world, of their sublime thought! Namaste, as the Indians say.
🛏️ Last night on site at the Lohias Hotel in New Delhi before returning.
DAY 11
✈ GROUP: NEW DELHI AIRPORT
It's time to return with your head full of wonderful images!
VOS HÉBERGEMENTS
AURANGABAD : HÔTEL ENRISE BY SAYAJI - 3 Nights
The Enrise by Sayaji Hotel in Aurangabad offers a modern and comfortable stay, with elegant and well-equipped rooms. Located near major attractions like the Ellora and Ajanta caves, it serves as an excellent starting point to explore the region. The hotel features a pool, a gym, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Attentive service and a friendly atmosphere make it an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers. Its proximity to the airport and shopping centers adds to its convenience.
New Delhi : The Lohias Hotel - 2 Nights
The Lohias Hotel, located close to Delhi Airport, is ideal for travelers with late arrivals or early departures. This simple yet functional hotel offers comfortable, well-maintained rooms, perfect for short stays before or after a flight. Its strategic location ensures quick access to the airport, with shuttle services available. The welcoming staff ensures a hassle-free stay for those in transit.
The Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya - 5 Nights
The Imperial Hotel in Bodhgaya is an elegant establishment offering spacious, well-equipped rooms, perfect for a comfortable stay. Located on a main road, it provides easy access to key religious and tourist sites, such as the Mahabodhi Temple. The hotel features a restaurant with a varied menu and concierge services to assist with travel arrangements. With its strategic location and peaceful atmosphere, it's an ideal choice for pilgrims and travelers alike.
PRICE: 2950€
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
The 4 internal flight tickets. (Bombay/Aurangabad, Aurangabad/New Delhi, New Delhi/Gaya, and Gaya/New Delhi)
10 nights in a double room.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at all hotels, as well as lunches on-site.
All entry fees to the sites and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
7/7 24/7 French assistance.
The rental of 3 air-conditioned and comfortable minibuses (type Tempo Travelers) with a private English-speaking driver for the entire stay, including driver service, accommodation, fuel, tolls, parking, and insurance.
Personalized assistance with your departure logistics.
Visa fees.
Exclusive accompaniment by Patrice and Jérôme.
Taxes (GST 5%).
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International flights to and from your departure location. (Free personalized assistance is available on request with the agency for ticket selection)
Meals not mentioned.
Drinks and personal expenses.
Tips.
Single room supplement of 200 euros.
Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
What is not mentioned in "The price includes".
OVERVIEW OF YOUR ITINERARY
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