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This small group tour is being escorted from Auckland by Tracey Lynch from helloworld Nelson (a friend of Travel for Solos) or you can meet the group in Delhi if you are coming from another part of the world.
$9214 per person twin share (same-gender twin share option may be possible depending on availability)
$12,400 single
Day 01: 09 Sep 2017: Arrive Delhi (Flight SQ 406 ETA 2010hrs)
Upon your arrival at the Delhi airport, our Tour Executive will meet you at the arrival lounge holding up a placard. He will assist with transfers and check in at the pre-booked hotel. Overnight in Delhi. (No Meals)
Day 02: 10 Sep 2017: Delhi
Morning visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara as the freshness to go to a Holy Place in morning is really good. Dedicated to 8th Sikh guru Sri Harkishen Sahib, the hall of the gurudwara is kept simple, except for the open central shrine, covered by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted bronze cupola. Devotional Kirtan is relayed throughout the complex continuously. On entering the premises you can hear the chants and bhajan going on gurudwara. One can visit the main complex bare-footed only, covering one’s head. Make visit to the pond (sarovar), main central hall and the community kitchen which is located in the east side of the complex.
After breakfast start you sightseeing tour of Old Delhi with a drive pass the renowned 17th-century landmark Lal Qila; the Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid .Visit Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone with extensive use of marble, with relics of the Prophet and Holy Quran enshrined here. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Chandni Chowk was Shahjahanabad’s Main Street in 1650, facing the majestic Red Fort, which originally had a central canal running down its full length, and when moonlight reflected off the water it got the name Chandni Chowk or ‘Avenue of Moonlight’. The canals have long since gone and it is now a chaotically bustling area, typical of real India, containing a mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. Enjoy walking through the colorful street of Chandini Chowk.
Evening pick-up from the hotel & reach Kingdom of Dreams to enjoy a live show performance. This fabulous Kingdom brings to life a blend of India's art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine and performing art...all with the technological wizardry of today. Nautanki Mahal: showcasing an extravagant cinematic and theatrical musical. Culture Gully: an elaborate culture, arts, crafts and food boulevard. Showshaa Theatre: a fabulous, colourful drama marquee spotlighting Indian mythology productions, a mock wedding show and the great Indian talent circus. IIFA Buzz: a glamorous Bollywood themed cafe. This is a destination which is capturing the imagination of the world. Get ready for this century's most novel tourist destination: Kingdom of Dreams. After dinner return to the hotel for overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 03: 11 Sep 2017: Delhi – Varanasi (Flight) 9W2423 11SEP DELVNS ETD 1110 ETA 1230
After an early breakfast transfer to the domestic airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi, meet THO executive for assistance and transfer to hotel. Later in the Evening witness the Grand prayer (Aarti) ceremony conducted on the Ghats of River Ganges. You will be transferred to a surreal world, as dozens of big lamps are lighted and swayed in semi-circle, in tandem by the priests to offer prayers, while singing of Vedic hymns and playing of the traditional instruments, while the visitors release 100 of small earthen lamps with flickering lights. Stay overnight in Varanasi (B, D)
Day 04: 12 Sep 2017: Varanasi
Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the heritage walk and sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. Boating in the Ganges at the sunrise in Varanasi is one of the main attractions. We can observe Hindu’s way of life on the bank of the river Ganges (Ganga). There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we can see life and death together. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat & various other ghats.
Post morning tour return to the hotel for breakfast. Late afternoon visit, Varanasi some of the winding alleys with bustling markets, each specializing in something. Chowk and Vishwanath Gali are two of the most famous street markets in Varanasi. Chowk market is famous for items such as Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades. Small shops sell colourful sarees... there is an unhurried pace to life here that will give you ample opportunities to photograph a true exotic marketplace in the heart of India. Walk ahead to Vishwanath Gali and you'll find customers bargaining with the flower seller over the price of garlands for the temple deity. The bazaars are colourful and best explored on foot and by cycle-rickshaw. Continue walking through the old town of Benaras. You will visit traditional food stalls and at each stop you will unravel the history, traditions, and culture behind the "house specialties". Visit a tea shop, where you can enjoy the local delicacies and famous Indian snacks. Stay overnight at Varanasi. (B, D)
Day 05: 13 Sep 2017: Varanasi
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by Lord Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and nearby a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. After Sarnath excursion, drive back to Varanasi. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own pace. Stay overnight at Varanasi. (B, D)
Day 06: 14 Sep 2017: Varanasi – Lucknow (Train: BSB–LKO Express 14219 – ETD 0510 hrs / ETA 1125 hrs)
An early morning in time transfer to the railway station to board train to Lucknow. Lucknow is also known as ’The City of Nawabs’ and is an intriguing blend of old world charm, beautiful architecture, courteous people, warm hospitality, and rich heritage. On arrival you will be received by our Tour Executive at the railway station, transfer to hotel for check-in. The day is left at leisure for you to relax or get involved into your recreational activities.
In the evening enjoy a walking food tour of Lucknow which allows you to hop-in, hopout of the world famous traditional roadside eateries. Some of the eateries we visit are Mobeen’s Pasanda, Raheem’s Nihari Gosht, Bismillha’s or Idris’ Biryani, Tundey Kebab and finish with Indian ice cream at Chanakya’s Kulfi, this is your dinner tonight. Stay overnight at Lucknow. (B, D)
Day 07: 15 Sep 2017: Lucknow
After breakfast at the hotel, see some of the highlights of the city, Bada Imambara a famous monument of Lucknow that has historical, cultural and heritage importance. The complex also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah (the labyrinth) and a summer palace with running water. Government Museum, a must visit for all the tourists is situated in a modern three-storied building at Banarasi Bagh area of Lucknow. Lucknow is the centre for Chikan embroidery, renowned for its timeless grace and gossamer delicacy, a skill more than 2000 years old. In the afternoon visit a chicken workshop that will mesmerise you when you watch skilled workers delicately working on unique styles and stitches on very light cotton cloths. Also take a leisure walk in Hazrat Ganj and Aminabad local bazaar. Stay overnight at Lucknow. (B, D)
Day 08: 16 Sep 2017: Lucknow – Tundla Railway Station (Train: 12003-SHATABDI EXPRESS ETD 1535 hrs / 1920 hrs) – Agra (Approx. 1½ hrs drive)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore the local bazaar on your own until midday. Check out by 1200hrs and in time, transfer to Lucknow railway station to board train to Tundla Railway Station. Meet THO Executive, who will assist you in transfer to hotel in Agra. Stay overnight at Agra. (B, D)
Day 09: 17 Sep 2017: Agra
Early morning visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - the epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is built around a Charbagh or ’four garden’ plan, split by watercourses— reflects the influence of Persian architectural style. After the sightseeing return to the hotel for breakfast.
After brief rest proceed for half day guided sightseeing of Agra. Begin with Agra Fort; built by Emperor Akbar, its construction commenced in 1565 and was completed in 1571. It is built with red sandstone and is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Visit to Itimad-Ud-Daulah, the first tomb to be built in white marble instead of red sandstone which marks the departure from the red sandstone buildings of Mughal architecture.
Later explore the colorful markets of Agra which is known for its fabulous marble made handicrafts and soft stone inlay work. Come across the 3 Dimensional thread work of Zardozi which is famed ancient art. Learn about local perfumes “Itar” with different aroma. While exploring these markets of Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja-ki-Mandi, etc. you also come across the famous sweet of Agra – “PETHA.
Afternoon around 4.00pm you visit local family to learn Authentic Home Cooking. Have you wondered why cooking from recipes book does not taste the same?
Chefs do not pass on their secrets. But, here in these cookery classes you get to learn how to mix Indian Spices and the 5 C’s that are essential to Indian cuisine: Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Coriander and Cumin. Lady of the house will be your guru and together you will create approx. 6 dishes (01 non-veg, 02 seasonal veg, 01 lentils, 01 rice and Indian bread). The dishes you learn will be a mix of quick and easy that can be enjoyed as a mid-week supper and slow cooked dishes that you can impress friends and family with. you can relax once cooking is done while dinner will be served with the with Indian accompaniments. Return to hotel after an unforgettable evening. Stay overnight at Agra (B, D)
Day 10: 18 Sep 2017: Agra – Abhaneri – Jaipur (Approx. 05 hrs drive)
Morning after leisurely breakfast check out from the hotel and travel towards Jaipur stopping at the ancient village of Abhaneri which is a treasure trove of culture, art & history and is famous for its Rajasthan cuisine and the early medieval monuments including one the largest stepwells in India, Chand Baori. Chand Baori is an architectural wonder as is one the deepest and largest stepwells in India. The stairs at the three sides of the Baori take you down to the water level which makes an eye catching geometrical pattern, while the fourth side is covered with three storied pavilion which showcases beautiful sculpture work. Continue your journey towards Jaipur.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel, evening is to relax at the hotel or enjoy shopping with overnight stay at Jaipur. (B, D)
Day 11: 19 Sep 2017: Jaipur
Morning after an early breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. Admire the façade of the Hawa Mahal, poetically known as the “Palace of Winds”. Continue to Amber Fort, the former ancient capital of Jaipur state built by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army, which is a superb example of Rajput architecture. The most enthralling experience of Amber Fort is the gaily decorated elephant ride to the Amber Fort.
Afternoon proceed for guided tour of Jaipur city starting with City Palace Museum; boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures of the ancient past, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas), and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh is a complex of astronomical instruments, chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day.
Later enjoy a traditional dance performance at the Narain Niwas Palace hotel’s garden restaurant which hosts folk artistes and puppet shows every night to keep you entertained followed by dinner. The food is also sumptuous, presenting the best of local culinary traditions. After dinner return to hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 12: 20 Sep 2017: Jaipur
Day free to explore the Jaipur and it’s colorful market. Overnight stay at Jaipur. (B, D)
Day 13: 21 Sep 2017: Jaipur
Day free to explore Jaipur, tour day to be advised. Overnight stay at Jaipur. (B, D)
Day 14: 22 Sep 2017: Jaipur – Pushkar – Deogarh
Moring after breakfast travel to Deogarh, en route visit holi city of Pushkar. Enjoy guided visit of Pushkar Lake and Brahma temple; the only one of its kind in the world. This is a city of pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats, with each Ghat having its own miraculous qualities and healing powers. Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage and radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality. Later continue to Deogarh to experience rural village life which once was a very important area of Mewar aristocracy. Our stay will be none other than Deogarh Mahal, a truly remarkable luxury palace hotel where every room of the palace tells the story of by gone era. Arrive Deogarh and check in to Deogarh Mahal for overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 15: 23 Sep 2017: Deogarh
Morning after breakfast enjoy walk around the villages of Deogarh followed by small train ride. Overnight stay at Deogarh Mahal. (B,D)
Day 16: 24 Sep 2017: Deogarh – Udaipur
Morning after relaxed breakfast travel to Udaipur and check in to your hotel. Late afternoon enjoy visit local market of Udaipur. Evening enjoy specialty dinner at Ambrai, at Amet Haveli. Stay overnight in Udaipur. (B,D)
AMBRAI, at Amet Haveli: Ambrai brings you together both modern comforts and traditional style. Ideally located on the banks of Pichola Lake with panoramic view of Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Sajjangarh Fort. Here you will experience the five basic elements of body - Earth, Water, Air, Sky and Fire to wholly absorb your body and soul. Ambrai serves excellent multi cuisine delicacies to the guests. Pamper your taste buds with the mouth-watering food.
Day 17: 25 Sep 2017: Udaipur
Morning after early breakfast proceed for a local Bhil Village Tour. Indian culture has been point of interest for thousands of years and still doesn’t disappoint people who visit this land of many fascinating culture. Today you will embark on a Tribal Village experience which start after breakfast when you meet and follow your Tribal Tour guide. Your guide was born in this very village and will be excited to share the history and culture of this tribe. Being a local and from the same community you will have more chance to witness there culture closely on your Bhil Dhar and Ubeshwarji village walk. Due to their geographical location and isolated localities, they provide awesome experience. During the tour you visit the village market, farmland, local school where you can spend time with the children and teach few of the worlds and enjoy interacting with villagers. Also visit their homes to see the rural lifestyle and there daily routine which will mesmerize you. This approximate 3 hours tour will concludes when you reach at the temple, witness prayer and enjoy refreshments.
After breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing tour and visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a major garden and a popular tourist space in Udaipur in Indian state of Rajasthan. It lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Later visit Jagdish Temple, dating back to 1651 AD, it is an exquisite example of Indo Aryan architecture. Visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, an Indian folk arts museum which has interesting exhibits that include folk’s dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk’s musical instruments, folk deities.
Evening visit enjoy cultural dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Overnight in Udaipur. (B, D)
Day 18: 26 Sep 2017: Udaipur
Day at leisure to take a tuk tuk and go into Town or visit the markets, or do your own thing. (B, D)
Day 19: 27 Sep 2017: Udaipur – Mumbai (Flight) AI 644 27SEP UDRBOM ETD 1620 ETA 1750
After breakfast day at leisure. In time transfer to Udaipur Airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and transfer to our pre booked hotel. Overnight stay at Mumbai. (B, D)
Day 20: 28 Sep 2017: Mumbai – Goa (Flight) 9W 441 28SEP BOMGOI ETD 1640 ETA 1750
Morning after breakfast, we will proceed on to witness an incredible management system while we see the Tiffin Box Suppliers (Dabbawala) in action. It is the term given to the thousands of men responsible for transporting and delivering around 200,000 lunch boxes of freshly cooked food to the city's office workers every day. This unique concept was started to meet the needs of British rulers. As many of the carriers are illiterate, the dabbas have some sort of distinguishing mark on them, such as a colour or group of symbols. The dabbawala then takes them to a designated sorting place, where he and other collecting dabbawalas sort (and sometimes bundle) the lunch boxes into groups. The grouped boxes are put in the coaches of, with markings to identify the destination of the box (usually there is a designated car for the boxes). The markings include the railway station to unload the boxes and the building address where the box has to be delivered. At each station, boxes are handed over to a local dabbawala, who delivers them. The empty boxes are collected after lunch or the next day and sent back to the respective houses. The guide will explain all about the system, hierarchy, colour coding etc. which is extremely interesting and mind boggling.. (Dabbawalla Tour does not take place on Saturday & Sunday)
Afternoon transfer to Mumbai airport to board the flight to Goa. On arrival you will be met by THO Tour Executive at the arrival lounge holding a placard, he will assist with transfer and check-in. Overnight in Goa. (B, D)
Day 21: 29 Sep 2017: Half day tour of North Goa
After breakfast proceed for the half day tour of North covers inspiring Churches of Old Goa, Se Cathedral the seat of Portuguese Bishop and one of the biggest Churches in Asia and the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the relics of the Spanish Saint, St. Francis Xavier are kept. Further continue your drive to Panjim is also known as Panaji and is one of the India’s smallest and pleasantest state capitals and is located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi River. The town has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well and parts of it still consist of narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous small bars and cafes which is known as Latin Quarters.
Panaji is one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the state. The shopping experience in Panaji is a blend of the exotic and the modern. While the local markets are a treasure trove of indigenous handicrafts, the upscale shopping malls teem with designer boutiques and international brands.
Afternoon return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Goa. (B, D)
Day 22: 30 Sep 2017: Goa (Good morning Goa tour with local guide)
After breakfast we uncover some of the hidden secrets of the local. We start at the Head Post Office in Panjim and visit a local fish market, passing along the way various monuments such as the Old Secretariat, the 15th-century summer palace of sultan Yusuf Adil Shah, and the Abbé Faria statue. From the fish market, bursting with fishnets and a huge array of fish, you will proceed to the vegetable and spice markets, where you will smell the exotic spices and herbs grown in the marshlands of Goa.
You will continue on to the flower market, all the while getting a peek into the chaos and charm of local life. From here, you will board a tuk-tuk on your Goa tour and take off to the Fontainhas area, the city’s old Latin quarter. We will head directly to a quaint little Goan/Portuguese food joint for a mug of chilled beer or cashew feni, a Goan specialty liqueur that is produced exclusively in the state. En route we will take a quick photo break at the beautiful Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, a stunning church that dates back to the mid-1500s. You will take a lazy stroll around Fontainhas, stepping back in time to when the Portuguese were forming their colony. The neighbourhood’s Mediterranean feel, narrow streets, overhanging balconies, and colourful buildings are an absolute delight for the eyes.
You will finish the cultural adventure with a little art at the Gitanjali Art Gallery, which features work by both local and international artists. From there, we will call it a day, leaving you free to spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Goa or relaxing at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 23: 01 Oct 2017: Goa - Rita Gourmet Cooking class
After breakfast proceed for cooking class with general schedule as follows;
0930 hrs- 1000 hrs: Arrival of guests with Welcome drink.
1000 hrs- 1115 hrs: Visit to local farmers for vegetable, fruit, spice & seafood market.
1115 hrs- 1130 hrs: Return. A brief on spices & ingredients that would be used in the day’s cuisine.
1130 hrs- 1330 hrs: Demonstration cum Participation Cookery session in five classic dishes.
1330 hrs- 1400 hrs: Appetizer followed by sumptuous lunch.
1400 hrs- 1430 hrs: Spice Tea & Presentation of a token of appreciation in the form of Rita’s Gourmet Apron & Certificate of participation
1430 hrs: Departure.
Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Goa. (B, L, D)
Day 24: 02 Oct 2017: Goa – Mumbai Departure AI 684 02OCT GOIBOM ETD 0700 ETA 0800
Morning after breakfast transfer to Goa Airport to board your connecting flight to onward destination. (B)
What’s included?
What’s excluded ?
Indian Visa fee, Meals other than specified above, Tips for bag boys, toilets, rick shaw driver, Elephant driver etc… Travel Insurance (this is compulsory and I can Quote/provide if required), Camera and video permits are required at some tourist spots, Expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay, Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc, any optional excursion or tour, any other expense not mentioned above.
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