Day 2: Eurotunnel to Calais Orientation Tour of Brussels:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to Folkestone to board the Eurotunnel train to Calais. Upon arrival into Calais we continue our journey to Brussels. We proceed for an orientation tour of Brussels. See the adorable Manneken Pis Statue, a charming fountain of a little boy, today the symbol of Brussels, the beautiful Grand Place, the Town Hall, Municipal Museum, the Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Mammoth Palace of Justice. Next we stop at the Atomium, a structure representing the concept of an iron molecule enlarged 165 billion times. Overnight at hotel Novotel Brussels Airport or similar in Belgium.(B, D)

Day 3: Cologne Cathedral Rhine Cruise:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive to Cologne, famous for Eau de Cologne. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This 515 ft tall Gothic Cathedral, which took almost six centuries to build, can hold up to 40,000 people and is Germany’s most visited monument. We then proceed for a cruise on the river Rhine. The Rhine passes through 6 countries and our cruise takes us through its most romantic part. We go past medieval castles atop riverside cliffs, vineyards and quaint towns with halftimbered houses. Overnight at hotel Achat or similar in Germany.(B, D)

Day 4: Visit Drubba in the Black Forest Majestic Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen Onto Switzerland:
After a continental breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to the Black forest of Germany, where at Drubba you can see a demonstration of how Cuckoo clocks are made. Buy one of the original Cuckoo clocks as a souvenir. You also have an opportunity to eat the famous Black Forest Cake. Later, drive to Schaffhausen to see the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Admire the thundering beauty of the falls. Thereafter, drive to the hotel and check in. Overnight at hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland.(B, D)

Day 5: Mt. Titlis with Ice Flyer Ride and Lucerne
After a continental breakfast, we proceed on an exciting full day excursion to Mt. Titlis and Lucerne. We begin the tour with a visit to Mount Titlis, which at 10,000 ft is the highest peak in central Switzerland. As you journey to Mt. Titlis through a series of three different cable car rides, you will be amazed as the scenery changes from green meadows and scenic lakes to snow clad mountains. See over 200 cable cars sporting different flags. Lookout for cable car number 73 that carries the Indian flag! The last leg of the ascent will be in the world’s first rotating cable car called the ‘Titlis Rotair’. At Mt. Titlis you have free time to play and enjoy in the snow, visit the Ice Cave or just relax at the restaurant. At the Terrace on top of the Mt. Titlis summit station, weather permitting, you could take an unforgettable ride on the “Ice Flyer” an enclosed ski lift that travels only a few meters over the Titlis Glacier. You have an opportunity to click a picture dressed in a Swiss Costume at the Nostalgie Photo studio, a perfect family memento. Enjoy a Indian vegetarian Lunch at Mt.Titlis. We later proceed for an orientation tour of Lucerne, one of the six most frequently visited cities in the World. See the Lion Monument, ‘Lowendenkmal’ hewn from a limestone cliff to commemorate the bravery and loyalty of Swiss Guards. You may take a stroll across the Kappelbrucke – the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge, originally built in 1333 over the Reuss river, which leads you to the 17th Century Jesuit Church. You also have free time at Schwanenplatz to shop for Swiss army knives, chocolates, watches, souvenirs, etc. Overnight at hotel Terrace or similar in Switzerland. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Onto Venice – City of canals Orientation Tour of Venice:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to Venice, an archipelago of 118 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. On arrival, we drive over Mussolini’s Bridge of Liberty and then take a boat ride over the Giudecca canal to St. Mark’s Square, the very heart of Venice. Here see the historic Ducal Palace, the infamous prison, the Bridge of Sighs, the exquisite Clock Tower and the baroque splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica. We then visit the Murano Glass factory where a master craftsman will demonstrate the art of creating the famous Venetian blown glass. Do not miss this opportunity to buy souvenirs at specially discounted prices. We return to St. Mark’s Square, the most photographed Square in the world and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming city. Overnight at hotel Poppi or similar in Venice.(B, D)

Day 7: Orientation Tour of Florence Onto Rome:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and continue our Italian journey towards Florence, the enchanting art capital of Italy. On your orientation tour of Florence – birth place of the Renaissance, see the impressive Duomo, Signoria Square, the imposing 14th century Palazzo Vecchio Tower and Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most distinctive bridge on the Arno River. From Florence, we continue our journey to Rome, the capital of Italy. Overnight at hotel Eur Suite or similar in Rome.(B, D)

Day 8: Guided City Tour of Rome and the Vatican Onto Tuscany:
After a continental breakfast, we proceed on a guided city tour of Rome and see Piazza Venezia, the colossal Victor Emmanuel II Monument, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Italian reunification. Relive the thrills of historic Rome as you view the ancient Roman & Imperial Forums. See the gigantic Colosseum – the symbol of Rome. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall and the world will follow. Also see the famous Trevi Fountain – a roman legend assures your return to Rome if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain. We then say ‘Arrividerci Roma’ and drive towards Tuscany. Overnight at hotel First or similar in Tuscany.(B, D)

Day 9: Leaning Tower of Pisa Onto Geneva:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and drive towards Pisa. On arrival, visit the “Field of Miracles”, wherein stands the grand Romanesque Pisan styled marble Cathedral. See the Baptistery and the bell tower, known throughout the world as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Remember to take a photograph of your family against this wonder of the world. Later proceed to Geneva. Enjoy the journey as the scenery changes from the Italian to the Swiss Alps. Overnight at hotel Chavannes De Bogis or similar in Geneva.(B, D)

Day 10: Orientation Tour of Geneva Onto Paris:
After a continental breakfast, we check out and take you on an orientation tour of Geneva. At the Ariana Park, see the Palais des Nations, the European arm of the UNO and the International Red Cross. See the famous Broken Chair andthe Brunswick Monument. Drive over the famous Mont Blanc Bridge with the River Rhone on one side and Lake Geneva on the other. Remember to take pictures of your family at the Floral Clock, a symbol of Geneva and the Jet D’Eau, the World’s tallest fountain shooting upto 145 meters. Later, journey through towards Paris – the fashion capital of the world. Enjoy the view as the scenery changes to French countryside. Overnight at hotel Forest Hill Meudon or similar in Paris.(B, D)

Day 11:Guided City Tour of Paris Eiffel Tower – Level II Fragonard Perfume Museum Additional Suggested Excursion : ‘Gala Evening in Paris’ – Dinner at an Indian Restaurant, Paradis Latin show and an Illumination Tour:
After a continental breakfast, we take you on a city tour of Paris conducted by a local guide. Enjoy Paris in all her charm, glamour and glory. See the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, the largest and the loveliest of the Parisian squares and the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Also see the Champs Elysees, arguably the most well known avenue in the world, the magnificent Opera, the striking Town Hall and the National Assembly, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. See the dome of the Invalides and the famous Ritz Hotel at Vendome Square. Later, visit the incomparable Eiffel Tower level II from where a bird’s eye view will leave you breathless. We also take you to the famous Fragonard Perfume Museum. Seize this opportunity to buy a wide range of original and classic Fragonard perfumes. The evening is free for you to relax OR we suggest you treat yourself to a ‘Gala Evening in Paris’ – an exciting package that includes dinner at an Indian restaurant and great entertainment at the Paradis Latin show. See the finest combination of beauty, rhythm and gaiety. Experience the charm of striking ballets, shimmering costumes and talented dance troupes. After the show, we take you on an Illumination tour of Paris. See the famous landmarks of Paris – the city of lights, magically lit up. A perfect end to this beautiful evening!!! Overnight at hotel Forest Hill Meudon or similar in Paris.(B, L)

Day 12: Return Home with Wonderful Memories:
After a continental breakfast, we say ‘Au Revoir’ to Paris. Your ‘European Magic’ tour ends as you check out of the hotel in Paris. Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made.

All culture is learned and there is no such thing as genetic imprint of culture. The oft-expression of ‘our culture is in our blood’ is egregiously unscientific. I like all, my predecessors thus, was initiated in the Diwali festival and learned some aspect of her cultural heritage.

I wanted to expand my understanding of the world beyond that of my immediate surroundings. I wanted to meet its people, to see its beauty, and see the monuments of its history. But I wanted, most of all, to see just how different the world really could be. From within my tame and developed country, I caught only glimpses of the external world. A few images on the evening news, a paragraph in a history book or the newspaper, a few words in conversation with a foreigner: these were my only means of knowing the vast world beyond the borders of my native country. Yet it was clear, even from these limited views, that the wider world was one of difference. I was fascinated by the fact that everywhere, people worked, raised children, prayed, ate, slept and generally just lived so differently. I wanted to experience that difference first-hand, to understand the human experience by coming into contact with that variety and thereby coming to understand what are its essentials.

Surrounded by novelty, the world is suddenly alive and fascinating. I remember very clearly my first impressions of India, and how enamored I was with everything that I saw around me. Nothing could bore me, because everything was colored with the culture of my surroundings – and what a different color it was! I was mystified by the cryptic languages I saw on billboards and the towers of Hindu temples along the roadsides. I was entirely bemused by the animals in the streets, as well as all the rickshaws and the old British-style taxis that I saw everywhere. I was pleasantly amused by Indian courtesy and impressed by Indian attitudes towards marriage and the family. Everything, everywhere, jumped out at my senses and engaged my mind like it could never have at home.

It was these small and everyday things that made India such a wildly different place. The extraordinary things, of course, were impressive; but they were impressive because they were extraordinary. It was far more remarkable to find the merely common things that seemed extraordinary. Each one revealed either something truly singular about India, or something in my own conception of the world that had been clouded by my relatively sheltered life.

Looking back on those impressionable days, my mind is full of memories of excitement and friends, long train rides and hotel rooms; of new foods, places and experiences, exhaustion, laughter and wonder; but everything was underwritten by a sense of sheer awe at my immediate surroundings, whatever they were. It was the sense that accompanied my recognition of the fact that I was in a place so far from home, so far separated from everything familiar: it was an acute awareness that I really was in the midst of that very difference I had set out to find. If I had known before leaving for India that such adventures were possible, I am sure that I would have been frozen in fear of not realizing them. But they did happen, those memories are real, and it is no small pleasure to sit here and write this, knowing that they are safe in the realm of the past.

India, the country of mysterious paradoxes; the land where civilizations and times intermix, a mysterious place which attracts people from all over the world.

In present times, yatras are highly organised affairs, with specialised tourism companies catering to the need of yatris. There are those in life that are destined to rise to greatness at a very young age. Then there are those in whom living stokes the burning embers of deep desires for years and years before that fire, at just the right moment, explodes into a blinding, unstoppable force.
With all the hustle bustle and responsibilities of our busy lives, many of us have lost the ability to see the joy and wonder in the world around us and to feel connected with it. For almost three decades Kali Bharat Yatra has been servicing the needs of those who although were born in the West, choose to align themselves with their ancestral lineage in Mother India. Ramesh Kalicharran is a force to contend with when it comes to promoting such pilgrimages for not only is his knowledge of directing tour packages incomparable but his camaraderie with the Indian nationals is second to none.

Often our lives drift aimlessly like a boat in the rough sea and we run a life of frustrations and despair. The inner self craves for reconnecting with our roots but mental boundaries often act barriers in evolving. Little do we realize that life without family reconnection is just like a fish out of water? I still fondly remember how as a child my parents carried me along to marriages and social events, where one meets all relatives. The acceptance and love we give to others comes back to us tenfold.

Today the growing individualism, social comparisons, outperforming each other, and discontentment has made it difficult for us to integrate attitudes, feelings, and thoughts with the value systems and fellow feelings. The nuclear family system is slowly distancing us from our roots. As a mute spectator we witness how relationships are shifting from ‘care and share’ to ‘give and take’. People forget that honest family relationships are an integral part of human system.

When we lovingly and mindfully reconnect with our roots, we simultaneously strengthen our love for ourselves, and our interpersonal relationships become more joyous. Sometimes, painful memories encourage us to disconnect from our personal histories, and sometimes, we just get caught up in the present.

The suffering and the disappointments we experienced in the past lead us to disconnect with people and stay in our shell, just to avoid getting hurt again, we lock our emotions and self expression in one of the corners of our heart and become more like a machine. Much of it lies completely unprocessed in our store consciousness. One needs to revisit it and heal it, so that in our present, the life can be complete and more fulfilling. It is like reclaiming a long forgotten part of our own self.

We can choose to ignore or forget our family heritage, but at what price? Not only does it provide each of us with pride and history, but also it helps us to be grounded, living a life which is happy, peaceful, loving, and fulfilled. So take pride and take the time to reconnect to your roots. Like a tree flourishes as long as it keeps contact with its source and origin, the roots and through roots to the soil. Pull it out and it shall wither and die.

Like I did, seize the next opportunity and reconnect with the land of your forefathers and you’ll savor every moment for the rest of your lives. Give Kali Travel & Tours a call at 718-291-9292 or 917-407-9090 and let them arrange the re-discovery of your ancestral spiritism.

I’ve enjoyed India and have dreamt of visiting then possibly fulfilling my childhood dream of residing there. Needless to say, I was ecstatic just landing upon its soil. Every aspect of this visit was phenomenal and appreciative; the people, the food (so sorry others found this too spicy and non-consumable but I’ve enjoyed every vegetarian morsel). The natural beauty – numerous, familiar, identifiable trees and plants, fruits and flowers of every description that even prevailed in the city of Mumbai. The list unfolds with the sacred Himalayan Mountain range and the river Ganges, the lakes, the insightful phases of the sunrises and sunsets, the haze, the revered architecture of palaces and mosques (even on water), temples, structures of towers and gates of homes whether loftily atop the mountains or plains below – both ancient and modern, the unique to the region ghats, the miles of countryside or agriculture and farming, industrial complexes, the signs of wealth and poverty, the animals; the blessed cows, the abundance of agile monkeys, the demonstrative labor of the ordinary and everyday people that hold the economy together and thrives it forward, remnants and evidence of the history of India – both intense and complex and prevalent in the entire Rajasthan state, paying my respects to Gandhi Ji, my sacred bath in the River Ganges knowing the meaning of its mercy, satisfaction of the yearning to visit Mathura and Vrindavan and especially taking Darshan of the deities of Radha Govinda and Krishna Balarama at the ISKCON ( International Society of Krishna Consciousness ) Krishna Balarama Mandir.

Krishna’s beauty was revealed to me with each encounter of a living entity (including the flies and the large, lazy non-biting mosquitoes and the tiny mouse that wreaked havoc in my car of the train from Haridwar to Delhi), with each presentation and availability of fresh food, tree ripened fruits, my consumption of guavas, mangoes and papayas, sapodillas, pineapples, pomegranates, (I’m all bananaed out), my favorite beverage of fresh coconut water (accompanied by the coconut jelly) and always freshly brewed masala chai tea. With good hotels, rickshaw and tuk-tuk rides there was nothing else to ask for but rather to be in gratitude and of service to the Lord through continuous devotional service.

With each step Krishna guided me along the way from my early morning rise to chant jappa in the hotel courtyards to the late nights of reflection on what Krishna provided after each day’s experience of travels and sights of grandeur, regardless of image. It’s no wonder that the land is described as “incredible India”. I was immensely awashed with a sense of utmost gratitude and an overwhelming sense of spiritual presence and I respectfully submerged in the Ganga and accepted Darshan in Krishna consciousness from the deities in Vrindavan (both experiences quite emotional). I’m now looking forward to visits to Calcutta/Kolkata, Kashmir, the South of India, Mayapur then eventually Jaganath Puri. Haribol !

As Krishn devotees, the high point of the visit was my Patni and I standing at the very spot where the Divine Lord also stood in that prison cell. We were overcome with emotion. We never dreamt that we would sit in a temple in India (as Yajmaan) and do Divali Puja, but we did, thanks to Kali Jee. And of course, bathing in the Ganges and doing Ganga Puja and arti was a thrill beyond description.

The camaraderie among the group, stimulated by Kali Jee and his chosen tour personnel made everyone felt like family. At one time, the atmosphere was so hectic with singing, dancing and laughter that I had to remark that this was not Kali Bharat Yatr but Kali Baraat Yatr. Yes, the atmosphere resembled a Baraat. Undoubtedly, every one had a wonderful time. I don’t think anyone else could have arranged such a satisfying tour.

To anyone, planning to visit India, I say “Go with Kali; your satisfaction is guaranteed”.

We visit the capital Dehli to Mumbai (or Bombay) and along the way we saw
the Ganges, the Taj Mahal and birth place of Lord Krishan,
Mathura/Brindavan, I experience an Elephant Ride in Jaipur and Boat Ride in
Udaipur. Just to see all these remarkable places I also saw the people and
the cultural, it is eye opener to see all the vast differences in the world.

It has been one of my dreams to travel to Indian and with Kali Tours I am
very satisfied with my trip from the flight and hotels arrangement to our
tour guide in India who knows his country and how to share it with others.

We are a proud couple who without any doubt can say that we have enjoyed every minute of our tour which began on 10/24/10 and ended on 11/11/10. It’s an experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives and is one that we proudly share with others so they too can join you in future tours. Although the wakeup calls were very early at times, yet we all kept on driving. This in itself was a discipline instilled in everyone.

Bhaiji, most importantly I must say that having you personally on the tour was a gift by itself and although at times you were not feeling well health wise, yet you were always there for us. Your choice of air and ground transportation coupled with experienced tour guides and the many luxurious hotels with a verity of food choices were indeed excellent. Moreover, our travel through the various states and their beautiful tour sites were indeed a feast for the eyes. Not to forget the togetherness amongst the group everyone participating in prayers, songs, dances and jokes.

Our sincere thanks go out to Bhai Dilip and family for their warm welcome and the parties hosted in Jaipur and Mumbai. Special thanks also to the musicians, singers, and dancers and our very own Devindra Pooran for entertaining us.

Once again Bhai Kaliji, our sincere thanks and best wishes for future tours. May God continue to bless you in abundance with the best of health and strength so that you can continue the good work of sharing with us and others the magnificent INDIA and its rich cultural heritage.

Thanks again, God Bless!

My two week tour to India was by far the best vacation I’ve ever been on. Before the trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous, anxious, and excited at the same time. Thanks to my parents, who convinced me to go, and the blessing from God, I was able to embark on this amazing journey to India.

When I arrived in India, I became acquainted with the other lovely people on the tour, and we soon became a family. Usually when I travel to new countries, I feel strange and out of place, but when I arrived in India, I felt as though I had been there before. It was like déjà vu, in the most pleasant way. I felt very connected to the people and the place where my ancestors lived. It was a great opportunity to visit the beautiful places on this tour and meet so many kind and beautiful people.

Sightseeing and visiting some of India’s most famous monuments and structures left me in awe. We visited countless temples, which always made me feel complete peace. I was happy to see that religion is a big part of everyday life for Indians. The Akshardham temple in Delhi was one of the most extravagant temples I’ve ever been to. Going to Brindavan, the birth place of Lord Krishna was so special to me. Doing Ganga Aarti and praying so much on a daily basis ensured me that this tour was God’s work. I must say Rishikesh did something to me. I was moved by the power of the pooja done along the Ganga River, while watching the river flow and seeing the beautiful sunset. It was a perfect moment and I have a deep desire to go back to that specific temple in Rishikesh to spend more time.

Another great experience for me was going to the Taj Mahal. Of course it’s a unique and beautiful structure. But the fact that it stands there, and will stand for generations to come as Shah Jahan’s undying love for his wife, Mumtaz, is truly breathtaking. This can give anyone hope to never give up on love. The Elephanta Caves dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mumbai was another highlight for me.

We visited too many wonderful places to mention. We laughed, prayed, danced and partied, met amazing people, and saw unforgettable images together. I think everyone should go and experience the beauty and rich culture of India for themselves. I would recommend anyone going to India on tour to go with Mr. Kali. He truly takes the time to plan every detail, from the places, parties and shows, sightseeing, poojas, entertainment, air fares, tour buses, hotels, the best tour guides, and much more. A combination of all of these things will make you feel like royalty. I know it made me feel like a princess. This trip was truly amazing and I cannot wait to go back to beautiful India.

It all began right here in NY when I visited your office. The love, kindness and respect that you, Judy, and you staff have shown me is beyond measures. It made me realized that whatever a person is born with no one can take away. Judy asked me “what would you like to drink” and I answered “I am OK.” She said “that’s not my question”

I am prouder now to be an East Indian. I now see where the hospitality, love, skills, and contentment came from. Our roots are in India but our ancestors passed these traits down to us. When I came to the USA and met people of other cultures, I wondered why we, as East Indians, are different. My trip to India has answered this question. I want the kids around the world, of East Indian heritage, to be proud of whom they are.

The trip was very organized and because of that I had an unforgettable vacation. I never thought that I would visit India. You make dreams come through. India is so beautiful.
The group was diverse but yet a family. The people whom we met in India are so hospitable and loving. The tour-guide, driver, and his assistant were all very helpful and courteous.

I want to thank you, Judy, and your staff especially Jasmine for making this trip a wonderful, successful, and memorable one, so carefully planned and executed.

Truly yours,
Binta Pooran & Devindra Pooran.

POPULARLYKNOWN AS KALI, personifies
the virtues of diversification. In an age
when travel agents are facing reduced commissions

and one setback after another, Kalicharran

has created a whole new revenue stream that

perfectly complements his New York City travel

agency, Kali Travel (www.kalitravel.com).

Kalicharran was born in Guyana in 1949

into a second-generation Indian family This

gave him a natural empathy for his fellow

Indians in search of their roots. In order to

reconnect people with their pasts, Kalicharran

created a second company that researches

Indian ancestries for his India-bound clients.

“First, for me to conduct a successful search,

my clients need to have an immigrant past, and

to also know what ship they came on,” he says.

“If my clients give me enough information to

get started, I can then reach out to my contacts

in the Caribbean and in India and begin to

reconnect them with their past.”

Kalicharran charges a fee for these services

in addition to the price for his scheduled Kali

Bharat Yatra Tours to India. Presently, Kali Travel

splits its business down the middle, with half

going to India and half to the Caribbean, where

Kalicharran sells more mainstream vacations

such as cruises and resort vacations.

Kalicharran first visited India in 1983, when

he was 34 years old. “I had an instant sense of

belonging when I arrived in India,” he says. “I

wasn’t alone in feeling this way-some people

in my group kissed the ground or hugged a

tree.” Kalicharran has been sending clients to

India ever since, helping them achieve that

same sense of belonging. “India is a window

onto the world,” he says. “The ethnic makeup is

like a bouquet of different flowers.”

Kalicharran is fond of using Taj Hotels and

hotels from The Ashok Group for his clients, as

well as Ramada Inn and Holiday Inn properties

throughout India. He warns against trying to

take in the whole country in one visit. “I suggest

first-time visitors concentrate on touring

northern India,” he says. “Here they’ll see New

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Mumbai, the Bollywood

film capitaL” Kalicharran is well connected, and

often gets noted film stars and musicians such

as Padma Shri Ravi, Nirupa Roy and Mahendra

Kapoor to entertain and mingle with the tour

party during their farewell function.

As a young man, Kalicharran left Guyana

to study at the University o[ London. He then

made his way to New York City, where he

worked in the medical field at Bellevue Hospital.

He worked as a manager in a department

store, and opened Arcel, a driving school for

immigrants. He then created Kali Travel and

Kali Bharat Yatra Tours. As if all these activities

didn’t keep him busy enough, Kalicharran is

well known in his community as a leading philanthropist.

He has received numerous awards

from city agencies and community organizations

for his contributions, including the Ellis

Island Award for outstanding immigrants.

Kalicharran has some advice [or travel

agents who are considering selling India [or

the first time. “See it first before you sell it,”

he says. “You have to experience India [or

yourself.”

Article taken from Travel Agent Magazine September 1st 2008