Day 3: 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 3 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.
|
Vacation Review
" From deserts to the highest plateau of Tibet and Nepal it
was like hopping culture to culture while getting a coup d' oeil
into three countries at once."
»
Abdul Ghani, Doha |
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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 /
615*)
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 7
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 / 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 25 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 1th Century to the present day. Mounted in the complex
of the Western Group of temples, the 5-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 - 133 / 141)
This tiny village is famous for its remarkable complex of temples built
in an inspired burst of creativity between 95 and 15 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 1% 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 - 122/13 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 3
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 2,5 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 (3,8 m) and Lalung-La
(Pass) at 5,5m, 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 5,22 m, which is the highest enroute to Xigatse (24
Kms). Xigatse is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of
Tsang, lying 354 Kms. west of Lhasa at an altitude of 3,81 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 (9 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
5,1m, 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 1 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 95/1 Hrs)
Kathmandu / Mumbai (Ra 21 - 16
/ 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 188s 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 - 174/1915)
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 12-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 77 meters it has a wonderful
climate. The Maharaja's Palace (197) 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 (162 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 4mtr 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 - 218 184/2)
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
End of Services…
Thank You for Giving Us an Opportunity to Serve You!
Indicative Low Season Cost
Based on 2 People Traveling Together: USD 4641 Per Person
The Above cost Includes
Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis; Daily American Breakfast;
Transport in an air-conditioned car, except Tibet - Non Air conditioned
car; Local guide for city tours at respective destinations; Tibet Travel
permit &Visa Fees; Airfare for Varanasi / Kathmandu & Lhasa /
Kathmandu / Mumbai / Bangalore / Delhi sector in Economy Class
|
Late Night Arrival. Meeting And Assistance Upon Arrival As Our
Representatives Welcome You And Escort You To Your Van. 
