The Sonepur fair is the most famous and the oldest not only in Bihar but probably the whole of Asia.
It was here at Sonepur in 1888, the first meeting of the “Indian Association of Cow Protection” seminar took place. It was here at the Sonepur fair that the freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh took the occasion of the assembly to actively recruit and inspire the people for fighting against the British imperialism both before and during the First Indian war of Independence in 1857.
The cover of Sonepur Fair led to the main launch of the struggle movement against the British in Bihar. That is why Sonepur fair was considered a political hotbed during the colonial rule by the British and kept a watchful eye.
Sonepur fair in Bihar, India has its origins during ancient times. This is where Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges from Patliputra (Patna of ancient times). Now Sonepur fair is one of the biggest cattle fair in the world fair. It takes place annually, 35 kilometres from Patna, the capital of Bihar at Sonepur. Sonepur Fair is held for 21 days in the month of November (from around 5-6th) at the junction of the rivers, Ganga and Gandak. The locals regard that a dip here at this confluence of the 2 rivers is equivalent to giving away of 100 cows. However, it now attracts people from all geographical and religious diversity from the Punjab and Kashmir to Bhutan and Kerala. During the British Raj, merchants from Afghanistan and Britain used to attend this fair.
Nearly all animals brought here for sale including all breeds of dogs to camels to buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, chimps, Persian horses, sheep, rabbits, bears, cats, and guinea pigs. All varieties of birds, poultry and fishes are also available. The Sonepur fair specialises in the sale of every type of bird and animal, big or small.This is only place in the world that sells elephants in large numbers. Handicrafts, paintings and pottery not only from famous Madhubani but all over India can be seen here.
Temporary shops selling household goods, local and branded clothing and commercial merchandise are also up for sale. At the Sonepure Fair, one can buy almost anything. Not to forget the food lovers, it’s absolutely divine. It even runs health camps for the wellbeing of animals specially elephants. Animal farmers, circus entertainers, traders and individuals come for a bargain.
Why Sonepur Fair for the photography?
Simply because its’ unique, off course it’s not a small fair but only a small section of the outer world knows about it. It can be considered as a discovery not merely a visit.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. This program is made considering that you are arriving late night from your country.
Day 02: Drive to domestic airport and fly to Varanasi. On arrival meet our representative and check into your hotel.
Day 03: Full day in Varanasi including an excursion of Sarnath- the place where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC, back to Varanasi for afternoon sight-seeing.
Day 04: Varanasi to Bodhgaya drive/ 252 Kms. Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges and later drive for Bodhgaya - one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the state of Bihar. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the "Bodhi" tree. Overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 05: Full day in Bodhgaya- to visit temples and free time. Mahabodhi temple, Animesh Lochan Chaitya, Bodhi Tree and Ratnagar are the worth visiting places.
Day 06: Bodhgaya to Patna (135 Kms) with visits to Rajgir and Nalanda: Rajgir was capital of 6th century Magadha Empire and was revered site of Buddha's discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Nalanda is the world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Patna is a historic city where we reach and check into hotel for the night.
Day 07: Morning drive to Sonepur (35 Kms) to witness the largest cattle fair of the world. Full day in the festival and overnight in tents.
Day 08: Full day for photography in Sonepur- the theme would be fair and people. Evening drive to Patna hotel.
Day 09: Excursion of Vaishali and back to Patna. (56 Kms from Patna- one way) Ashoka Pillar, Buddha Stupas and Shanti Stupa are the main attractions of Vaishali to see.
Day 10: Fly out from Patna to Delhi. On arrival, you will meet our office representative who will assist you to your hotel and later transfer to international airport.
Getting there: Your nearest international airport is Delhi where you will meet with our safari manage who will escort you towards the initial point of your adventure as per the program details with the first night in Delhi hotel. For Sikkim and Bhutan Holidays, the airport of Kolkata is also used to arrive India.
Air tickets: We have our partners in almost every foreign countries, so if you need any assistance in your air tickets bookings, you are always welcome to speak to us to know about our partner close to you.
Ground transportation: We provide the ground transportation comprising of best available cars/ coaches during the safaris. The high altitude safaris get 4WD cars of Toyota and Mahindra. For the wild life tours, we offer you open jeeps/ covered jeeps and canters.
Insurance: It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. All persons are expected to arrange their own insurance. Polices should cover any potential risks involved in such adventure.
Our hotels and camps: We offer you best economy hotels in cities and towns very comfortable tents with maximum possible facilities in the mountains and deserts during the safaris. We provide the most luxurious camps fitted with dining areas and modern toilet facilities.
Adventure India briefing: We have excellent maps, images and movies of majority of our adventure expeditions/ journeys and sports. A short briefing in our offices is highly recommended for the high altitude and tough journeys, so the team understands logistics, forecast problems and know where the solutions would be. We stress on planning, planning and planning in any adventure expedition and till now we have remained successful in all of our expeditions just because of our planning. So we need you to be an active part of it.
Refreshments & Food: We offer a mixture of Vegetarian and Non vegetarian food during the safaris including several herbs we have individually discovered with the medicinal values. We have cooks who make Korean, Japanese and Continental food along with Indian food. We provide enough refreshments during the safaris including a hot bowl of soup at 5325 meters of worlds’ second highest motorable mountain top.
Our guides & escorts: Our guides and escorts have year’s long experience with them of adventure journeys. We use local guides in even small places of Spiti and Zanskar to boost them, encourage them and train them so they find tourism helpful in supporting economically. Secondly, we wish our clients to have the experience of extreme local life through them, every guide has his own style.
Ground Support system: We are well equipped with ground support system in case of any need, natural calamities and disaster. A wonderful local support team in entire mountains has been developed.
Restricted area/ inner line/ wildlife zone permission: we obtain inner line permits for you to enter in restricted areas and border areas as per the government rules. You need to send your passport, visa and passport size photograph for the same. The permissions to enter in national parks and sanctuaries for wildlife safaris are necessary to confirm well in advance but at few parks, the visitors (you) are required to present and permissions are obtained on arrival.
+91-97361 02222
Quick Links
