|
click to enlarge
Tour Date: 03 Nov 2012 - 26 Nov 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $12,947.00
Our tour of the great subcontinent starts in beautiful Sri Lanka. Although less visited than its famous northern neighbour, Sri Lanka is a delightful country, unspoilt by mass tourism. Moving on to India, we begin in its great capital, Delhi. We travel over to the east of the country to Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, where we witness the fascinating bathing and cremation rituals. We then visit Agra to see one of the world's most famous landmarks, the Taj Mahal, The tour also takes in the great palace cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. India is like nowhere else on earth and this is your chance to experience the best it has to offer. We are sure you will find that 'Indian Essence' follows in the great tradition of our Adventures of a Lifetime.
03/11/2012 Australia - Singapore - Colombo
Singapore Airlines
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Singapore, which then connects to Colombo.
Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines SQ 468, 22.45
Arrive Colombo 23.55
On arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Galle Face Hotel
Galle Road
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Ph: 0011-94-11-2541010
Fx: 2541072
04/11/2012 Colombo - Kandalama (BLD)
This morning we take a leisurely drive to Kandalama and check into our hotel.
Heritance Hotel
Kandalama
Ph: 0011-94-66-5555000
Fx: 2449280
05/11/2012 Kandalama - Minneriya National Park - Kandalama (BLD)
Minneriya National Park
The morning is at leisure and in the afternoon we take a jeep into the Minneriya National Park. These wetlands have great international importance and are home to 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptiles and more than 78 species of butterfly. There are also many rare bamboo trees to be found here.
.
06/11/2012 Kandalama - Kandy (BLD)
The Rock of Sigiriya
Early this morning we leave for the 5th-century rock fortress of Sigiriya, a superb World Heritage Site rising 200m from the jungle scrub. The 'Lion Rock' was the innermost stronghold of the 70- hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. We also visit the fantastic frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock.
After our visit to Sigiriya we travel to Kandy, via the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This orphanage was established in 1975 with just seven orphans. Today, some of the orphans bathe with their grandchildren in the nearby river, watched by tourists and scientists from all over the world.
Earl's Regency Hotel
Thennekumbura
Kandy
Ph: 0011-94-81-2422122
Fx: 2422133
07/11/2012 Kandy (BLD)
The lovely hillside town of Kandy
This beautiful city is nestled between green hills 500m above sea level. We begin to explore at the very centre where an artificial lake and the palace of the last Singhalese king are to be found. The city's fables and folklore are still kept very much alive. Later this morning we visit the world-famous Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. The park dates back to 1371 and King Vikrama Bahu III held court here. During the Second World War the gardens served as headquarters of Earl Mountbatten, the supreme commander of the allied forces in Southeast Asia, who became the last Viceroy of India. The garden itself contains a large variety of orchids, spice trees, palms, tropical plants and flowers of all kinds.
08/11/2012 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (BLD)
Tea pickers at Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we start our drive through superb mountain scenery. En-route we visit a tea plantation before reaching Nuwara Eliya by lunchtime. Situated at 2,040m this lovely town, often referred to as 'Little England', is dominated by British colonial architecture.
The Tea Factory
Kandapola
Nuwara Eliya
Ph: 0011-94-52-2229526
Fx: 2223196
09/11/2012 Nuwara Eliya - Colombo - Delhi (BL)
Birla Mandir, Delhi
We drive to the Sri Lankan capital for our flight to Delhi.
Depart Colombo Air Lanka UL 191, 17.40
Arrive Delhi 21.10
Park Hotel
15 Parliament Street
Connaught Place
New Delhi
Ph: 0011-91-11 23743000
Fax: 11 23744000
10/11/2012 Delhi (BLD)
The Red Fort, Delhi
Delhi is home to approximately 10 million people and has a history dating back thousands of years. It seems every crumbling wall has a story to tell. Rulers have come and gone yet this city has lived through wars and insurrection, withstood time and repeatedly risen from the ashes. Today, the ruined ramparts stand tall among modern buildings and skyscrapers; a breathtaking reminder of past and present.
Today we tour the frenetic and fascinating old city of Delhi, followed by a visit to the Red Fort. So- called because of the red stone in which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. So much of India's history is linked to this fort. From here the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three-centuries-long Mughal rule. It is also from here that the first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, announced
to the nation that India was independent.
11/11/2012 Delhi (BLD)
Qutub Minar tower
Today we visit the mysterious Qutub Minar tower, one of the finest monuments in India. Shrouded in controversy, some people believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of Islamic rule in India; others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. We also visit the 'Small Taj' of Humayun's Tomb.
12/11/2012 Delhi - Varanasi (BLD)
Varanasi
Depart Delhi Jet Airways 9W 723, 10.40
Arrive Varanasi 11.50
After lunch we visit a silk-weaving house and later this evening head to the banks of the Ganges. Here we experience a Hindu ceremony known as aarti, which celebrates the holy river through ritual, song and prayer.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges
Nadesar Palace Grounds
Varanasi
Ph: 0011-91-542-2503001
Fx: 2502724
13/11/2012 Varanasi (BLD)
Sunrise on the Ganges
Early this morning, in pre-dawn light, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation sites. Sunrise on the riverfront is an extemely uplifting experience. Here in this melting pot of life and death, the endless rituals and the changing aspect of the river and the landscape are fascinating.
After breakfast we explore the superb Buddhist temple complex of Sarnath, which is where Buddha preached his first sermon.
14/11/2012 Varanasi - Khajuraho (BLD)
The Temples of Khajuraho
This morning is at leisure before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Khajuraho.
Depart Varanasi Indian Airlines IC 452, 14.50
Arrive Khajuraho 15.30
Taj Chandela
Dist. Chhatarpur
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho
Ph: 0011-91-7686 27235564
Fx: 27236566
15/11/2012 Khajuraho (BLD)
Panna Tiger Reserve
Early this morning we visit the Panna Tiger Reserve, a superb sanctuary that is home to dozens of Bengal tigers and leopards, as well as spotted deer and numerous other species.
This afternoon we visit Khajuraho, the temple city of central India, which is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved stone temples. Here, the immortal saga of Hindu art and culture was engraved by shilpies (stone craftsmen). Today Khajuraho is a small village, but a thousand years ago it was a large city of chandelas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over central India.
16/11/2012 Khajuraho - Agra (BLD)
Train to Agra
After breakfast we start our journey to Agra. The trip will begin with a bus journey to the town of Jhansi, from where we board our train to Agra.
Taj View Hotel
Fatehabad Road
Uttar Pradesh
Ph: 0011-91-562-2232400
Fx: 2232420
17/11/2012 Agra (BLD)
Taj Mahal
Today we explore the city of Agra before visiting the extraordinary Taj Mahal. Constructed by Shah Jahan in 1653 in memory of his wife, it is an exquisite structure and rightly listed as one of the seven new Wonders of the World. Mere photographs can never adequately convey the grandeur. Rather, it is best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."
18/11/2012 Agra - Jaipur (BLD)
Fatehpur Sikri
This morning we drive towards the Golden Triangle. En-route we visit the perfectly preserved ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1569 of red sandstone, it was deserted when the water supply failed.
Trident Hilton
Amber Fort Road
Jaipur
Ph: 0011-91-141-2670101
Fx: 2670303
19/11/2012 Jaipur (BLD)
Palace of the Winds
This morning we ride on elephants to Amber Fort Palace, a classic romantic Rajasthani palace. The rather forbidding exterior belies an interior of extreme beauty; the fusion of Hindi and Mughal styles combine to create an inner paradise. In the afternoon we explore the City Palace, famous for its architecture.
20/11/2012 Jaipur (BLD)
Jaighar Fort
On our city tour today we visit the City Palace Museum, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jaisingh's Observatory.
21/11/2012 Jaipur - Jodhpur (BLD)
Local
Today we begin our six-hour drive to Jodhpur, arriving by midday. After lunch at our hotel we visit the fascinating area of Bishnoi. To visit these villages is like stepping back in time.
Hotel Ajit Bhawan
Near Circuit House
Jodhpur
Ph: 0011-91-291-2510410
Fx: 2510674
22/11/2012 Jodhpur (BLD)
The Blue City of Jodhpur
Today we explore the magical old city of Jodhpur.
23/11/2012 Jodhpur - Udaipur (BLD)
Mehrangarh Fort
We continue to explore the city and visit the wonderful Mehrangarh Fort, before driving to the fabled city of Udaipur. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Trident Hilton Hotel
Haridasji Ki Magri
Udaipur
Ph: 0011-294-2432200
Fx: 2432211
24/11/2012 Udaipur (BLD)
Udaipur
Udaipur is surrounded by the lush hills of the Aravails. The city is world famous for its beautiful lakes and lively bazaars. It was once described as 'a vision in white, drenched in romance and beauty' and has long been the inspiration of writers and painters.
25/11/2012 Udaipur - Delhi - Singapore (BLD)
 We transfer to the airport for our flight to Singapore via Delhi.
Depart Udaipur Jet Airways 9W 708, 15.30
Arrive Delhi 16.40
Depart Delhi Singapore Airlines SQ407, 23.15
26/11/2012 Singapore - Australia
Arrive Singapore 07.15
On arrival in Singapore we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
NOVEMBER 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $12,947
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,850
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and Sri Lanka/India and Australia
* All internal flights in India
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers and ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader from Australia
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* Visa (India) and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
|
