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Day
01:
ARRIVAL / DELHI 
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival
as our representatives welcome you and escort you to
your van.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our
representative would introduce the tour to you and hand
over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the
guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us
the opportunity to serve you!
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - FOUR STAR HOTEL
Day 02:
DELHI
Day is at leisure To Recover from Your Long Flight.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - FOUR STAR HOTEL
Day 03:
DELHI
This morning you head out to the Old Delhi. Old Delhi
came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital
from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort that dominates this
area is the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by
Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of
Nadir Shah and later by British soliders. After visiting
the fort, we arrive at the 300 year old chandni chowk
market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an
extra ordinary variety of items and food, the noise and
crowds are a quite essential part of any Indian market.
We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path
leading us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular
item, rather like a departmental stores. Leather wear,
clothes, bridal wear, jewelry, and of course the
aromatic popular street where food ranging from deep
fried sweet meats to Paranthas - a bread stuffed with a
variety of vegetables. From here we continue to the Jama
Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest mosque
designed by Shah Jahan and was his last architectural
legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum, which
means "mosque commanding a view of the world". It is
well worth climbing to the top of the southern minaret
for an unrivalled view of Old and New Delhi.
In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old
Delhi is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's
independence.
Afternoon we visit - New Delhi is a blend of ancient and
pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the tapering
monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the
supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the
proto type of all minars or towers in India.
A pivot of faith, justice and righteousness, its name
carried the message of its founder Qutub -ud-din's own
achievements and the inscriptions say that the tower was
erected to cast the shadow of God over the East and
West, Humayun's Tomb was built by his senior wife and
the mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest
example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed
that it was this mausoleum which inspired Shah Jahan to
build the Taj Mahal, we will return to our hotel via
elegant government buildings designed by lutyen and
Baker. The architecture is a blend of Indian and
European styles and the celebration of the British rule
in India. The most outstanding of this collection is the
Rashtrapati Bhawan, the presidential palace.
Home Visit & a Welcome Dinner with an Indian Family:
This evening, we would visit an Indian family for an
Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give
you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well
as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made
Indian food.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - FOUR STAR HOTEL
Day 04:
DELHI / JAIPUR
Following breakfast drive to Jaipur
When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II
built the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did
it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and
architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, that is timely even
today.
With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange
buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis,
the state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded
by barren hills and ruined fortresses. A young Bengali,
Vidhadhar Bhattacharaya was its chief architect.
Upon arrival check into Narian Niwas Palace - built in
the 19th century by General Amar Singh Ji, the then
Thakur of Kanota. Designed in a fanciful version of The
Anglo-Indian style popular in the Victorian Era, the
palace now serves as a hotel. The Palace has all the
modern amenities and a place where one can enjoy
traditional Rajput Hospitality.
Decorated with Rajput Flourishing, Rajasthani Furnishing
and Traditional Jaipur painted wall décor in a typically
bold colour pallette, Hotel Narain Niwas Palace provides
an exclusive retreat to its guests.
OVERNIGHT: NARAIN NIWAS PALACE - HERITAGE PROPERTY
Day 05:
JAIPUR
Today we have full day to explore the city of Jaipur.
Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers.
Belonging to the Hindu "Kshatriya" or warrior class,
they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the
Purana, that "a fort is the strength of a king". They
built a number of such forts all over the state of
Rajasthan, some made for purely defensive purposes, but
most built at fort palaces.
Amber, is one of the finest examples of a fort palace,
built similar in style to the surrounding richly
decorated Mughal courts. We would ride to the fort atop
an elephant. The inside walkway provides stunning views
of the surrounding countryside.
From here we proceed for city palace, a series of open
courtyards, simple stables and buildings leading to the
richly decorated royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The
museum within the palace house a fabulous collection of
textiles, carpets, manuscripts and costumes from the
personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar
Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation of the
scholar king Sawai Jai Singh.
The name literally means "Instruments for measuring the
harmony of the heavens". An attractive and fascinating
place, there are extraordinary shaped stone monoliths
faced with marble, which are accurate even today.
Adjoining are structures, which depict the 12 zodiac
signs that enable instant readings to be made. We end
our day at the colorful market dominated by the elegant
tapering Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Nine storey
high, decorated with delicately carved niches and
balconies, this pink sandstone façade served as a
concrete "purdah" or screen for ladies of the royal
harem, who would watch the activities of the city from a
position of privacy.
OVERNIGHT: NARAIN NIWAS PALACE - HERITAGE PROPERTY
Day 06:
JAIPUR
Morning we explore the market with our guide in Jaipur's
shady animated streets - or for independent discovery.
The city is best explored on foot and only the
inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas
(streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the
city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with
enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry,
engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics
and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with
traditional crafts and miniature painting.
Afternoon is at leisure for your independent activities.
OVERNIGHT: NARAIN NIWAS PALACE - HERITAGE PROPERTY
Day 07:
JAIPUR / RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India's
most beautiful national parks. Encircled by a series of
high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that
make up the park are dotted with old forts and temples,
creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal
viewing amongst a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput
history and Rajasthani culture. Ranthambore is perhaps
most famous for being one of the original 'Project
Tiger' reserves and it still affords one of the best
opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger. With
the recent escalation in poaching right across the
sub-continent, there has been a worrying decline in both
numbers and sightings of this magnificent animal.
Today Tiger sightings in the park are on the increase
and even though the animal itself is still under serious
threat, we have a good chance of finding one.
Upon arrival we check into the resort.
Afternoon we proceed for the Jungle Excursion in Open
Top Vehicle.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER MOON - STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)
Day 08:
RANTHAMBORE
Morning and Afternoon we proceed for the Jungle
Excursion in Open Top Vehicle.
Whether or not you see Tiger on this excursion, you
cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety and
number of other mammals and birds that make the park
their home. Common Langurs are abundant, as are both
Spotted (Chital) and Sambar Deer; the latter often feed
so far out into the lakes that only their heads show
above the water.
Nilgai (the largest of India's antelopes) are also
fairly common and Barking Deer do occur, although are
somewhat harder to find. For the very fortunate there is
also a chance of tracking down a Sloth Bear or perhaps a
Chinkara Antelope. Mugger Crocodiles are common in the
lakes and Monitor Lizards are frequently seen around
their shores. In addition to the mammals and reptiles,
we will also see a wonderful diversity of birds. Flocks
of Peafowl are on almost constant show, whilst on the
lakes Cotton Pygmy Geese, Bronze-winged and
Pheasant-tailed Jacanas are common. The surrounding
woodland and grasslands hold such species as Black-rumped
Flameback Woodpeckers, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed
Finch Lark (an Indian endemic), Painted Spurfowl, Jungle
Bush Quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed Kingfisher.
In addition there is also the opportunity to find up to
five species of Owl including Brown Fish Owl, Dusky
Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER MOON - STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)
Day 09:
RANTHAMBORE
Morning and Afternoon we proceed for the Jungle
Excursion in Open Top Vehicle.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER MOON - STANDARD ROOM (B, L, D)
Day 10:
RANTHAMBORE / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast we drive Agra en-route visit Fatehpur
Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After
just fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great
city of victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still
seen to wait for the king to return. The hill top city
lies 37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two
distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal
enclosure of the palace, the harem and official
buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with
a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back
in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the
gateway after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his
delighted subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects
the many faceted character of the man who inspired it.
The ruthless empire builder who enjoyed all the trapping
of power and as liberal enlightened man who took a
passionate instant in every aspect of life, be it
religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Howard Park Plaza
OVERNIGHT: HOWARD PARK PLAZA -FIRST CLASS HOTEL
Day 11:
AGRA / UMARIA (KALINGA UTKAL EXPRESS - 1615 / 0615*)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of
one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before
departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee
and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold
this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj
Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the
reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on
this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon we visit the Massive Agra Fort.
Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is
surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the
beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including
the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti
Masjid. The Mahal is reached through an impressive
gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful
halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved
heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the
panels in the eastern hall are decorated with the
Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. It is
believed that a century later, most of the structure
were dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with
white marble pavilions covered with intricate inlay
work. Of which the most prominent ones are - the
Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away
from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and the
Diwan-i-Am.
Evening you will be transferred to the train station to
board your overnight train to Umaria.
Overnight: 2nd Air - Conditioned Sleeper
Accommodation.
Day 12:
Arrival / Umaria Umaria / Bhandhavgarh
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to
Bhandhavgarh National Park. It is justly described by
the guidebook as a new with an old history. In fact, the
park history goes back to the Ramayana, and a legend
that Rama stopped in the park on his way home from Sri
Lanka and his battle with demon Ravana. The Park Forest
was said to have been built by two monkey architects
related to Rama's famous monkey general Hanuman. There
are also caves in the park with inscriptions dating back
to 1BC. At the other end of the spectrum the park itself
was created in 1968 and was extended in 1986. Today
Bandavgarh has a wide variety of habitats- sal forests,
bamboo grazing land, ridges and streams. Temperatures
can vary more than thirty degrees between day and night.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Tiger Trails.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER TRAILS - STANDARD ROOM
Day 13:
BANDHAVGARH
The pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions
will be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at
our accommodation during the heat of midday. Although
Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the
supporting cast of mammals and birds is very impressive,
the latter including such species as Grey-headed Fishing
Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill,
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise
Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in
the district. Tour members with an interest in
ornithology will value the time between game drives as
an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to
our base.
Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no
shortage of prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or
Chital is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several
thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the park.
Other species found here in varying abundance include;
Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and
Nilgai. Herds of the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly
Inhabited the Reserve but impressive beast has not been
seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998 although a closely
monitored programme for the reintroduction of the Gaur
is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of
wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal
sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly
when the species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive
but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a
chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as
Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped
Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable
are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the
vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm
Squirrels which seem to be constantly in a state of
agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe.
Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful,
the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as
they devour their favourite leaves and often the first
creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a
Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a
reserve and seven full days will doubtless provide many
unforgettable encounters with the wild creatures that
flourish within the protection of the National Park.
Overnight: TIGER TRAILS (B, L, D)
Day 14:
BANDHAVGARH / KHAJURAHO
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Khajuraho.
Upon arrival, check into your Hotel Usha Bundela.
Evening witness Sound and Light show -
This fascinating Son-et-Lumière spectacle evokes the
life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces
the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to
the present day. Mounted in the complex of the Western
Group of temples, the 50-minute show runs in Hindi and
in English every evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian
super star, narrates the story of Khajuraho in his
mesmerising voice.
OVERNIGHT: USHA BUNDELA - STANDARD ROOM
Day 15:
KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (9W 724 - 1330 / 1410)
This tiny village is famous for its remarkable complex
of temples built in an inspired burst of creativity
between 950 and 1050 AD under the Chandela kings. Of the
original 85, only 25 survive and each is a masterpiece
dedicated to different deities. The temples were lost
among the forest for centuries and were accidentally
discovered by a British army engineer in 1858. The
presence of erotic temple sculpture, which accounts for
less than 10% of the total carvings, has resulted in
many theories. The most popular being that the Chandelas
were followers of the Tantric cult which believes that
gratification of earthly desires in a step towards
attaining moksha or release from the cycle of rebirth
Legend has it that one sultry summer night, Hemavati,
the widowed daughter of king of Varanasi was bathing in
the lake when the Moon God saw her beauty. The son born
out of their unity was Chandravarman, who grew up to the
founder of the Chandela dynasty. In order to atone her
mother's lapse , he raised temples that celebrated the
union of the Purush and Prakati, man and nature as the
source of all life
Morning we will explore these temples at leisure, their
remarkable sculptures are unique in that they show great
sensitivity and warmth displaying one aspect of Hinduism
- a genuine love of life.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to
Varanasi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel Clarks Kashika
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living
city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century
BC Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic
affiliation goes back to the beginning of time. It is
also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi
(derived from the names of two nearby rivers) is
mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient name is Kashi,
the City of Light. To the devout it is also called
Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of
Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares.
Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is
considered the holiest city in all of India. It is
presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as
Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a
sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians
will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their lifetime
than any other place.
Afternoon we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of
Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preached his first
sermons after attaining enlightenment. The highlight of
this tour would be a participation in the evening prayer
service (aarti) of the main Buddhist temple here - the
synchronized chanting of hymns to the accompaniment of
traditional temple music is a sole stirring experience.
Every evening at five, a magical aarti is performed at
Dasahwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for
the best view. The presiding priests stand on a wooden
Chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras,
and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is
worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and
vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the
many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched
back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden
flames as Ganges accepts the worship. At Varanasi, the
Ganga is a woman to be loved and spoilt, wooed and
worshipped. It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its
spiritual resonance.
OVERNIGHT: CLARKS KASHIKA - STANDARD ROOM
Day 16:
VARANASI / KATHMANDU (9W 724 - 1220/1300 hrs)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride.
Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be
seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks
are lined with an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that
stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats
form an impressive part of the religious landscape of
the city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you
would be pointed out the significant temples and
buildings as well as the changing architectural style.
Life and death go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young
people seek prosperity and protection from harmful
influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to
cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in
preparation for their ultimate dissolution. Believing
that anyone who dies in the river of life in Varanasi
gains freedom from the cycle of birth and death, the
City of Light has become a haven for the sick and aged
waiting out their final days. The smoke that billows
from the crematoriums on the edge of the river gives
testimony to their final release from life's earthly
confines. We would docked our boat at Manikarnika
(Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few
dozen to a few hundred corpses are cremated here; the
ghat is assiduous with activity as the cremated bodies
threw up smoke and fire.
Afternoon transfer to the airport in time to board
flight to Kathmandu
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel Royal Singi
OVERNIGHT: ROYAL SINGI- (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 17:
KATMANDU
Morning we proceed for the full day tour the capital of
Nepal visiting Durbar Square and pagoda shaped temples,
the Royal Palace and bazaars. Continue to the temple of
the Living Goddess, Bhodnath to view one of the largest
stupa's in the world. Continue to Pashupatinath to visit
one of the holiest temples of the entire Hindu world.
OVERNIGHT: ROYAL SINGI - (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 18:
KATMANDU / KODARI / ZHANGMU
This morning we depart Kathmandu by surface on a scenic
drive to Kodari (Nepal-Tibet border), through the
beautiful Nepalese countryside. We leave our vehicals
here and start a short walk of about one hour 30 minutes
uphill with porters to Shangmu Immigrations - known to
Nepalese as Khasa, hangs on a cliff face, its boom town
architecture having a temporary look; even the monastery
roofs are sheathed in corrugated iron sheets and are
situated at a height of 2,500 m.
OVERNIGHT: ZHANGMU HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 19:
ZHANGMU / NEW TINGRI (XIGAR)
Today we drive to highest plateau of the world with the
typical view of Tibetan landscape, crossing over Nyalam
Pass (3,800 m) and Lalung-La (Pass) at 5,050m, with
views of beautiful Himalayan Ranges panorama including
the Mt. Everest (8,848 m) to Zhangmu (244 Kms). Also
called "new tingri", is surrounded by mountains, Zhangmu
is another town that lies in the shadow of a great
fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow
out of the craggy brown rock, its sinous wall bristles
with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines.
Isolated in 1855 by marvading Nepalese in search of
booty, the Gurkhas cut off the Dzong's water supply and
settled in for a long seige.
OVERNIGHT: EVEREST HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 20:
NEW
TINGRI / XIGATSE
Today we drive to Lhatse (T-cross to Mt. Everest), and
crossing over the Gyatsola Pass at 5,220 m, which is the
highest enroute to Xigatse (240 Kms). Xigatse is the
second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang,
lying 354 Kms. west of Lhasa at an altitude of 3,810 m.
OVERNIGHT: XIGATSE HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 21:
XIGATSE / GYANSTSE
This morning we will visit the Panchen Lama's
Tashilhumpu Moanastery, and continue on our drive to
gyantse (90 Kms) - is a pastoral town between Lhasa and
xigatse. It is 264 Kms. southwest of Lhasa, and still
retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town
untouched by modern expansion. As a crossroad on the
principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned
for the excellence of its carpets. The compound,
encircled by on impressive wall, once contained 19
monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress
perched atop a nearby mountain. Later in the day visit
the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery.
OVERNIGHT: GYANSTSE HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM) (B)
Day 22:
GYANSTSE / LHASA
After breakfast we drive through a picturesque roue over
Karola Pass at 5,010m, Kambala Pass at 4,794 m. and a
colourful Yamdrok Lake, sometimes along the Tibetan
lifeline river Brahmaputra also known as yarlung Tsangpo,
to the capital town Lhasa.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent
activities.
OVERNIGHT: LHASA HOTEL - (MIDDLE WING ROOM)
Day 23:
LHASA
Today we will visit the Jokhang Temple, situated in the
heart of Old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious
religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was
brought as a gift bythe Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on
the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King,
Songtsen Gompo. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the
bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and
social focus of Lhasa.
Later in the day visit the Potala Palace, this legendary
palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet
by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. It was
expanded to its present structure during the 17th
century by the 5th Dalai Lama. This 13 story 1000 room
citadel served as the headquarters of the former
"church-state" of Tibet and was home to successive Dalai
Lamas, who from the latter half of the 18th century used
it as their Winter palace.
OVERNIGHT: LHASA HOTEL - (MIDDLE WING ROOM) (B)
Day 24:
LHASA / KATHMANDU (CA 0950/1000 hrs) KATHMANDU /
MUMBAI (RA 201 - 1600 / 1835)
Morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to
Mumbai via Kathmandu.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Mumbai and
transfer to Hotel Sahil
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL SAHIL (STANDARD ROOM) (B)
Day 25:
MUMBAI
This morning, we proceed on a guided tour of a
cosmopolitan & tropical Bombay, with pockets of palm
trees and a warm salty breeze wafting in off the Arabian
Sea. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still
privately owned, and many grand public buildings
beautifully lit at night, stand as a lingering reminder
of the days of the British Raj. Bombay's culture is
vibrant, often aggressive, reflecting the affluence and
energy of a bustling city of 15 million people.
Our first stop is at Bombay's landmark the Gateway to
India, an elegant 26 mtrs stone archway, hastily erected
as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V
of England on their visit to India in 1911. In the years
following, artisans added decorative carvings and lovely
Jharokha work (window carvings), and completed it in
1923. We continue to the hanging gardens perched above
Malabar Hill. These terraced gardens provide a beautiful
panoramic view of the Arabian Sea were laid out in the
early 1880s covering Bombay's main reservoir. Visit the
Prince of Wales Museum, with its rich collection of
antique miniature paintings, Nepalese and Tibetan art;
and Jehangir Gallery, housing the works of contemporary
Indian artists. Travel up Malabar Hill for magnificent
vistas and a look at the fanciful Hanging Gardens and
topiaries. Stop at Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi's home,
now a museum dedicated to his life; and stroll through
teeming bazaars crammed with antiques, jewelry, produce,
flowers, and an array of handcrafted wares.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL SAHIL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 26:
MUMBAI / BANGALORE (9W 441 - 1740/1915)
Car and driver at disposal for local visits and
shopping. Evening, transfer to the airport for your
flight to Bangalore
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel Monarch
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MONARCH - STANDARD ROOM
Day 27:
BANGALORE / MYSORE
Morning we proceed on a guided tour of the city.
Bangalore city has a number of tourist places. Apart
from the numerous gardens, it also has some historical
sites and other places of interest that are worth
visiting and seeing. The Vidhan Soudha or the State
Secretariat, built in 1954, is the main attraction of
this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is
a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern
styles.
Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the
Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled
government buildings. The Government Museum of Bangalore
(one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya
Technological and Industrial Museum are important
museums within the city. The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens,
which holds a number of flower shows, especially during
the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the
southern fringes of the city. The 18th-century Tipu
Sultan's Fort and Palace are other important places of
interest to the traveler.
Following the tour, drive to Mysore.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Ramnashree
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL RAMNASHREE - STANDARD ROOM
Day
28:
MYSORE /OOTY
Following breakfast proceed on a guided tour of the
city. Mysore, which has been for centuries an important
center for South Indian culture and learning. It is also
the city of lingering aroma of Jasmine, Musk, rose,
sandalwood, etc. This is so because Mysore is one of the
major manufacturers of incense sticks through scores of
family owned factories. The city is also a crafts
center. It is an extremely friendly and easy going city
and at an altitude of 770 meters it has a wonderful
climate. The Maharaja's Palace (1907) is a huge building
in Indo - Saracenic style of architecture; it hosts an
extravaganza of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and gaudy
colors, beautifully carved wooden doors, mosaic floors
and a series of historically important paintings.
Of special mention are the beautifully carved mahogany
ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and
superbly collumned durbar hall (Hall Of Public
Audience).. Next we visit the temple of Shri
Chamundeshwari, set on top of the Chamundi Hills (1602
meters.). Three quarters up the hill is the famous Nandy
(Lord Shiva's Bull - His vehicle) carved out of a single
solid piece of granite and 5 meters in height the temple
itself is a huge building with a 40mtr high
seven-storied Gopuram (tower)
After the tour we drive to Ooty.
Upon arrival in Ooty, Check into Hotel Taj Savoy
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL TAJ SAVOY - STANDARD ROOM
Day 29:
OOTY
Proceed on a guided tour of Ooty.
Nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in
Southern India, Ooty is a relic of the British Raj. The
towns general appearance is an unlikely combination of
Southern England and Australia, with single -storey
stone cottages surrounded by trees, fenced flower
gardens scattered along leafy, winding lanes with tall
eucalypti stands covering the otherwise barren hilltops.
The other main reminders of the British period are the
stone Churches and the huge boy's school with its
landscaped gardens at the bottom of Ooty's famous lake
There is also the terraced and very English Botanical
Gardens, in which the Government House stands on the
lower slopes of Doddabetta (2623m), the highest peak in
Tamil Nadu. From the top of Doddabeta you can see
Connor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and, on a
clear day, as far as Mysore.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL TAJ SAVOY - STANDARD ROOM
Day 30:
OOTY/BANGALORE/DELHI (SPICE JET - 218 1840/2000)
Morning pick up from your address in Ooty and transfer
to Bangalore airport in time to board flight for Delhi.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL CONNAUGHT - STANDARD ROOM
Day 31:
DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back
home. |
