Afternoon we cross the city and into
the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650)
and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to
Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the
oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan
the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved
Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the
nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi
were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now
these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla
(Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two
passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore
and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow
winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of
all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would
be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as
the onlookers.
Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner: 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 : At The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (Standard
Room)
|
Vacation Review
"You have this endless chain of white massifs having inherited
beauty from "Himalayas". Sunrise was truly soul stirring
at Martham and Rumtek was a masterly beauty. Nevertheless Golden
Triangle& Hills were awesome."
»
Jhon Elema, Abidjan |
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Agra. We would have opportunities to
stop en route at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments as well as
washroom facilities.
Upon arrival check into hotel Taj-View Hotel - 5* hotel, which allows
you to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long
as you wish - whenever you feel like.
After rest & relaxation, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The
elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and
Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of
the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the
story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent
buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed
monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the
Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many
pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the
enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or
no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down -
the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all
human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this
spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every
aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into
marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
Overnight : At Taj View - a 5* Hotel (Superior Taj Facing Room)
Day 04: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
This
morning, drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri (ghost capital) for
a tour of these magnificent and world heritage buildings, which are
still in a state of perfect reservation. The city is divided into
religious and secular sections. The profusion of sculpture is
breathtaking. Also, the white marble mosque in the secular section is
incredible. It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near
arrives here to pay their respects.
Continue riding to Jaipur.
Upon arrival check into hotel hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the
flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked
away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the
grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience
for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse
of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large
elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor
and once used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open to
guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their
snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby, which opens into the chowk (inner
courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now
open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an
authentic Rajput home.
Afternoon, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along
with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is
block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process
from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity
also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry,
which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to
enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting)
and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that
of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve
(raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver
enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones
make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the
hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve
enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky
topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 05: Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber Fort. Set
on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a superb example of
Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture. A slow elephant taxi
takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful
buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted
elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of
Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on
the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded
alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's
visitors as they did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was
built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the
world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace &
Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a
seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the
gardens and the city. Next top the City Palace is the Solar Observatory
- an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate
predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five storied structure of
pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows
overlooking the main street of the old city.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 6 : Jaipur /
Delhi / Bagdogra (DN 6191 - 10:30/13:00)
Bagdogra
/ Darjeeling (Drive)
Morning drive to Delhi along one of India's finest freeways, where you
would have an opportunity to stop on the way for refreshment as well as
washroom facilities
Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the airport for your flight to
Bagdogra.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Darjeeling. Enroute we
stop at the Kurseong Tourist Centre for a refreshing cup of the famous
Darjeeling tea.
This evening is at leisure. Darjeeling offers plenty of options for
walking. Of special mention is the circular walk around the Observatory
Hill for breathtaking scenes of natural beauty of the Himalayas and the
city below. The shopping options of Darjeeling are revealed once you
visit some of the curio shops along Nehru Road. All things Himalayan are
sold here-'thankas' (paintings), brass statues, religious objects,
jewellery, woodcarvings, woven fabrics, carpets etc. However, bargaining
is the order of the day, so be prepare to jostle with the shopkeepers.
Overnight : Hotel Windamere.
Day 8: Darjeeling.
An early morning drive to Tiger Hill
for a breathtaking dawn view over Kanchanjunga and other eastern
Himalayan peaks is a fantastic experience. On your way back you may
visit the Ghoom monastery, which is the oldest and the most famous
monastery in Darjeeling. It enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha
(the coming Buddha).
We would have an opportunity to ride on the exquisite Toy train from
Ghoom to Darjeeling - a truly fascinating experience as the train
clinges on to the hills
We return to our hotel; for breakfast following which we tour the city.
Darjeeling has some very fascinating places of interest. The Botanical
Gardens contains representative collection of Himalayan plants, flower
and orchids. The hot houses are very interesting. The Tibetan Refugee
Self Help Centre established in 1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan
refugees who fled from Tibet produces superb carpets, woolens, wood
carvings and leather work. You could walk through the workshops and
observe the work in progress. The weaving and dyeing shops and the
woodcarving shop are particularly interesting and the workers, very
friendly - the women have very beautiful and expressive features. The
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute set up to train mountaineers, also
has a museum containing an interesting collection of historic
mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and
relief model of the Himalayas. Another must in Darjeeling is a visit to
the Happy Valley Tea garden. Here tea is still produced by the '
orthodox' method as opposed to the 'curling, tear ing and crushing'
(CTC) method adopted in the plains. The process is a fascinating one to
observe with possibilities of lots of good pictures
Overnight : Hotel Windamere
Day 9: Darjeeling / Pemayangtse.
After
an early breakfast we drive to Pemayangtse with packed lunches. One
reaches Pemayangtse only through one of the most incredibly beautiful
journies in the world. The views afforded by the journey itself are
worth the effort. We would have opportunities to stop a few times, walk
through the countryside, enjoy the enchanting beauty of the place and
interact with the natives through our guide.
Overnight : Hotel Norbu Gang Resort.
Day 10: Pemayangtse / Martham Village Resort..
The views of snow capped Himalayan range are unbelievable. One has to
just draw the curtains of one's bedroom and lo behold! You could almost
touch the range. Even the shadows of the great peaks are clearly
visible. Sunrise here is soul stirring! The reflections of the rising
Sun on the snow capped peaks is magical and cannot be duplicated in
words. We also visit the Pemayangtse monastery, which is the second
oldest monastery in Sikkim and belongs to the Tantric -Nyingma-Pa sect
established by an Indian teacher. The sect's monasteries are
characterised by a prominent image of the teacher along with two female
consorts, and this monastery is the head of all others in Sikkim. The
sect followers wear red caps. We would also visit the peaceful and
tranquil Khechipalri Lake.
Afternoon, A spectacular journey, mostly down hill on undulating roads
with hair pin bends caressing the mighty Himalayas, through tremendous
landscapes of terraced fields on the slopes of the Himalayas, swiftly
flowing Teesta river down the valley and wild banana plantations as well
as through quaint Sikkimese villages bring us to Martham
Upon Arrival, check into the Martam Village Resort. Described as
'paradise on earth', a holiday in Martam Village Resort is a unique
experience. Situated in the breathtaking and tranquil countryside of
East Sikkim in the foot hills of the mighty Himalayas, the resort
overlooks a beautiful valley of rice terraced fields, bounded by forest
covered hills. The accommodation is ethnic in seven thatched cottages
built in traditional Sikkimese style to blend with the surrounding
villages. The cottages have twin bedded rooms with large picture window
framing the countryside. Each room has attached bath room with all
modern western facilities.. The attractive and excellent restaurant has
a cosy dinning hall and bar serving delicious cuisines, including local
Sikkimese food and drinks. One can also experience the traditional
herbal bath, watch folk dances of Sikkim and visit the witch doctor.
Being next to nowhere, but for nature, Martam Village Resort is the
perfect location for visitors who love nature or adventure and for those
seeking peace and relaxation. It would be a wonderful idea to visit some
ethnic Sikkimese villages untouched by civilisation and enjoy the fabled
Sikkimese hospitality.
Overnight: Martham Village Resort.
Day 11: Martham
Morning at leisure for nature walks or visits to nearby Himalayan
villages untouched by modern times.
Afternoon, we visit the world famous Rumtek The original monastery was
built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery replicating the
former one was built in the 16th century. Thus, though the monastery is
new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional Tibetan monastic
architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent
building with its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly
glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills
Overnight: Martham Village Resort.
Day 12: Martham / Gangtok / Martham
A leisurely breakfast, and then a full day excursion of Gangtok. The 24
km drive is in itself a fantastic drive through paradise. Changing
vistas of mountains unfold at every bend and there are delighted
vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim
The capital of the Sikkim State, Gangtok occupies the West Side of a
long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. The scenery is spectacular and
there are excellent views of the entire Kanchanjunga range from many
points in the vicinity. We first visit the Tsuk- la -Khang chapel. It is
the Buddhist principal place of worship and assembly and the repository
of a large collection of scriptures. It is a beautiful and impressive
building, its interior covered with murals. Lavishly decorated altars
hold images of the Buddha, bodhisattavas, and tantric deities. There are
also several interesting wooden carvings. The Namgyalk Institute of
Tibetology. Established in the 1958 this unique monastery built in a
traditional style promotes research on the language and traditions of
Tibet, as well as on Mahayana Buddhism. Next week we visit the Orchid
Sanctuary close to the Institute. Enclosed by a peaceful forest, the
orchid sanctuary has a majority of 454 species of orchids found in
Sikkim a kilometre away is a huge white chorten with a golden apex. Next
to it is a monastery for young lamas with a shrine containing a huge
images of an Indian teacher of Buddhism in Tibet. The Institute of
Cottage Industries specialises in producing hand-woven carpets,
blankets, shawls, Leapcha weaves, patterned decorative paper and Choktse
tables, exquisitely carved in relief.
Overnight: Hotel Martham Village Resort.
Day 13: Martham / Bagdogra / Delhi (DN 6192 -
1625/1815)
This morning, we visit the world famous Rumtek The original monastery
was built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery replicating the
former one was built in the 16th century. Thus, though the monastery is
new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional Tibetan monastic
architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent
building with its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly
glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills
Afternoon, we bid farewell to the Himalayas and drive to Bagdogra
airport to connect our flight to Delhi.
Meeting an assistance upon arrival in Delhi & transfer to your
hotel The Connaught.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel
Day 14: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
End of Services…
Thank You for Giving Us an Opportunity to Serve You!
Indicative High Season Cost
Based on 02 People Traveling Together: USD 1742 Per Person
Cost Includes
Accommodation on Twin sharing basis; Daily American breakfast; Dinner
with an Indian Family; All meals in the Himalayas; All journeys as per
itinerary in a DELUXE twin air-conditioned Toyota Qualis (SUV) & a
Non AC Car in the Himalayas; Local guides, all applicable taxes;
Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur - Subject to availability;
Entrances in the Himalayas; Accompanying escort From Darjeeling to
Martham; Airfare for Delhi / Bagdogra / Delhi sector - (Discounted
Airfare Subject to Change)
By
Type
Late
night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives
welcome you and escort you to your car. 
