INDIA March Nights/14 Days

Transcription

1 INDIA 3-16 March Nights/14 Days

2 Following our successful inaugural Expertise tour to Mexico earlier this year, we are pleased to announce our 2019 tour of India. We will spend 14 days (13 nights) seeing some of the amazing and historical sights in India s famous Golden Triangle. Our tour will take us to New Dehli, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Pushkar and Varanasi. We will visit, and in some cases participate, in local workshops specialising in techniques such as bandhani tie and dye, indigo dyeing, block printing and embroidery. On behalf of the Australasian Quilt Convention and Expertise, we invite you to join our 2019 tour of India. Judy and Gary Fitz-Roy an introduction India is not a country but a continent and travelling through it is an experience like none other. Overwhelming in its chaos at first, it gradually unfolds unique delights. You may find it in its majestic forts, monuments and temples; in exquisite crafts; in traditional and contemporary arts; in the bustle of its colourful bazaars; landscapes and nature reserves; in diverse cuisines; or in the unexpected beauty that filters through the chaos. Legendary cities, opulent palaces, majestic forts, teeming jungles, barren deserts, bustling temples and a myriad of ruins form the state of Rajasthan. Never more than two minutes away are the flashes of brilliant colour of the ladies saris and men s carefully twisted turbans which punctuate the landscape. Witness life in the countryside which has changed little through the centuries, stubbornly refusing to give in to modernisation, where village markets surround the crumbling cupolas of long forgotten monuments, selling local produce in spectacular displays. Our tour has been designed to showcase some popular iconic destinations along with some smaller destinations where the experience is more authentic. Delhi city of djinns Over 1000 years old, Delhi has been an important urban centre from at least the 11th century ruled by 7 dynasties and the British. It contains ancient pilgrimage centres, abandoned cities, a thriving medieval city, a colonial capital and villages all within an expanding modern city. New Delhi and Old Delhi offers the visitor a myriad of attractions as your introduction to magical India. Attractions include: The Red Fort and India Gate.

3 Agra formally known as agrabana paradise The Taj Mahal - One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra the home of the Taj Mahal commemorates the love of Mugal Emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Around 20,000 workers laboured for almost 22 years to complete this vision in Agra was the imperial capital of the Mughal Court in the 16th century and offers other architectural marvels including the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Ranthambore national park Ranthambore is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in northern India, having an area of 392 sq km. The park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in their natural habitat. Pictorial ruins also dot the wildlife park and a visit to this unique place is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover. The best way to enjoy Ranthambore is on an early morning game safari by jeep. Jaipur extravagant palaces and forts T The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the King of Amer who ruled from 1688 to The city took 4 years to complete; huge ramparts were built pierced by 7 fortified gates. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in Many of the avenues remained painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink City. Attractions include: The City Palace, Amer Fort, Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar.

4 Pushkar Sacred Hindu Site Pushkar is a town bordering the Thar Desert, in the northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. It s set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation, which has a distinctive red spire and walls inlaid with pilgrims silver coins. Varanasi Spiritual Capital of India Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating back to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

5 itinerary day 1 Arrive in Delhi. No activities are planned for this day. Overnight in New Delhi. day 2 This morning after breakfast we start exploring the city. We will be met by our tour expert who will be accompanying us through this entire trip. We begin with exploring Shajahanabad, which includes a rickshaw ride through the old city, a visit to Jama Masjid and hear about the Red Fort whilst driving past this grand monument. A stop at café Lota in the Crafts Museum for lunch before a tour of the Museum. Overnight in New Delhi. day 3 An early check-out this morning as we board the Gatiman Express train to Agra where we will be met at the railway station and transferred to our hotel. After lunch we will explore Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Tonight dinner is included at our hotel. Overnight in Agra. day 4 This morning after an early breakfast we explore Fatehpur Sikri - a city built by Mughal Emperor Akhbar. From here we travel to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (5.5hrs) stopping enroute for lunch. Balance of day is at leisure. Overnight in Ranthambore. day 5 Indian parks allow two safaris in a day one in the morning (6am-10am) and one in the afternoon (3pm 6pm). The timing of the same may vary depending on sunrise and sunset time. Today there are two safaris organised for us to explore the park and search for the elusive Bengal Tiger. Please note safari will take place in a canter. Overnight in Ranthambore. day 6 This morning we take our final safari into Ranthambore. Returning to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast travel to Jaipur City. Remainder of the day is at leisure in Jaipur. Dinner is included tonight. Overnight in Jaipur. day 7 An early start for those who would like to take a walking tour of the flower market before breakfast. After breakfast we visit Amer Fort. Please note we will use jeeps to transfer up to the fort as the elephant rides are considered unethical. Lunch today has been organised at Samode Haveli. In the afternoon explore the city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.

6 itinerary day 8 This morning we visit the Anokhi Museum. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur. day9 Today a full day workshop on block printing is organised at Bagru. Overnight in Jaipur. day 10 After breakfast transfer by road to Pushkar. Lunch will be at our hotel in Pushkar. After lunch we visit the temples and ghats in Pushkar. Enjoy a camel cart ride in the evening before returning to our hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight in Pushkar. day 11 Today we have organised a workshop for the group with The Stitching Project on Tie & Dye. You will have some time at leisure to unwind later in the day Overnight in Pushkar. day 12 This morning after breakfast we transfer from Pushkar to Jaipur Airport and catch a flight to Varanasi via Delhi. We arrive in Varanasi late afternoon. Overnight in Varanasi. day 13 A very early start to your day as we take a boat ride on the river Ganges and watch the city wake up. People of Varanasi offer prayers to the rising sun each morning as they begin their day. Explore the Akharas (open gyms) where traditional wrestlers begin their daily regimes. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we visit Sarnath a place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon and learn about the origin of the Buddhist religion. A visit to various stupas and temples in Sarnath before returning to our hotel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening once again visit the ghats on the river Ganges for the evening Ganga Aarti before our farewell dinner. Overnight in Varanasi. day 14 After breakfast, we are transferred to Varanasi airport to catch our flight back to Delhi from where we catch connecting flights back home.

7 WHAT S INCLUDED Return economy flights from Sydney to New Delhi*. Airline taxes. Transfer to/from Delhi airport to hotel (group flights). 13 nights accommodation including breakfast in star hotels. Sightseeing in Delhi Rickshaw ride in old city, visit to Jama. PER PERSON Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Crafts Museum (entrance fee included). Sightseeing in Agra Agra Fort & Taj Mahal (entrance fee included). Sightseeing in Jaipur City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Old City. Market & Amer Fort (entrance fee included). Experiences in Jaipur Anokhi Museum & Full day workshop at Bagru. (entrance fee included). Sightseeing in Varanasi Morning boat ride and exploration of ghats, Sarnath with a visit to the Dhamek Stupa Aarti (entrance fee included). Three safaris in a Canter in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Meals include: Delhi Breakfast included at the hotel. One lunch at Museum Cafe. Agra Breakfast in Gatimaan Express, all meals at hotel in Agra. Ranthambore All meals included. Jaipur Breakfast each day at hotel, one group dinner, one buffet lunch at Samode Haveli, a vegetarian meal with the block printing workshop. Pushkar All meals included. Varanasi Day one includes lunch & dinner. Next day includes all meals at hotel. 2 bottles of water daily on coach per person. Transport: All road transfers in deluxe coach. Delhi to Agra in AC Chair Car in Gatimaan Express. Flight from Jaipur to Varanasi (Pushkar to Jaipur by coach). REGISTER NOW As spaces will be strictly limited For bookings - please complete the registration form and info@nationwidetravel.com.au or if you need any more information contact us on WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified. Any items of a personal nature such as tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc. Anything featured as optional. The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Visa Australian passport holders qualify for an e-visa. Applications can be made on the official government site Cost is USD50. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the return date to Australia. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer. Please be aware there are many other online services that claim to provide you with a speedy visa and charge for it. These operators are not endorsed by the Indian Government. Travel insurance (highly recommended)

8 Conditions TOUR PRICE Tour price is based on tariff and exchange rate in effect as at 10 June Prices are subject to change if such rates vary prior to departure. AIR BOOKINGS / ACCOMMODATION Unless otherwise specified, Nationwide Travel reserves the right to nominate and utilise the services of the hotels/carriers it considers most suitable for fulfilling the stated destination and timetable requirements of the delegation. Every effort will be made to satisfy the seating classification specified at the time of booking. All fares are subject to change and group seat availability at time of booking. Additional fare may be applicable for cities other than Sydney for departure. RESERVATION AND PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to start a booking. No reservation will be processed without this deposit. A further part-payment of $2600 will be required 90 days prior to departure. Full balance payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Payments can be made by direct deposit to: Nationwide Travel Trust, BSB: , Account No: Please include your name and tour in the reference (xxxxxindia). We also accept credit card payments, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. A 1.5% fee is applicable to all credit card payments. CANCELLATIONS If it is necessary to cancel your arrangements, then cancellation fees will be incurred. Notice of cancellation must be in writing. Cancellation fees are as follows; Up to 90 days prior to departure Loss of Deposit Between 90 days and 60days.50% of tour cost Between 59 days and 30days.75% of tour cost Less than 30 days.100% of tour cost There will be no refunds for services not utilised on the tour. DOCUMENTS AND VISAS Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the return date to Australia. Passport should also have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer. Australian passport holders are required to have a valid visa issued by the Indian Government. Visas and re-entry permits into Australia are the responsibility of each traveller. Nationwide Travel accepts no responsibility for any arrangements in relation to obtaining re-entry permits for Non Australian passport holders or Visas should individuals be travelling to destinations where a Visa is required. Australian passport holders travelling to India for the purpose of tourism are required to apply for the Indian Visa through an online application link. Please note that e-visas can only be completed online and do not require any intermediary/agents. There are many online agents that offer speedy/express visas and charge for this service. Please use only the Government of India website - indianvisaonline.gov.in for this service. VACCINES It is always recommended that you check with your local doctor regarding any vaccination requirements. NOT INCLUDED Passport and visa fees, travel insurance. Meals and beverages, tips and taxes not specified in itinerary. Personal laundry, telephone and minibar costs at hotels en route. TRAVEL INSURANCE At the time of booking and paying your deposit, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Ensure it is appropriate for all your travel arrangements as well as providing for cancellation charges detailed on this page. We can provide you with a quote and offer the group a 25% discount with Suresave Travel Insurance. For any enquiries please contact us at info@nationwidetravel.com.au Ph: (02) N ATIONWIDE T RAVEL

9 INDIA 3-16 March Nights/14 Days Surname (as in passport) Given Name(s) (as in passport) Preferred Name (for name badge) Date of Birth Yourself Travelling with Passport Nationality No. Expiry No. Expiry (Sample 01 Jan 78) (Sample 01 Jan 78) PLEASE FORWARD A SCANNED COPY OF THE FRONT PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT WHICH INCLUDES THE PHOTO TO info@nationwidetravel.com.au Mailing address Phone (Bus) Phone (Home) Phone (Mobile) Travelling with Please indicate names of any other parties booked you wish to travel with Travel Requirements Special Dietary requirements Do you have a medical illness or allergy to any medication? Accommodation Preferences Single Double - 1 Bed Twin - 2 Beds City of departure Domestic Connection from In case of emergency Name: Mr. Mrs Ms Miss (someone not travelling with you) Relationship Contact telephone numbers Home Business I would like to stopover in Singapore Please charge my Visa/Mastercard Account number: Name on card: Signature: Expiry Date: / Valid from: / Security No: Amount: Direct Deposit to Nationwide Travel Trust Account No BSB No Please include your name and tour in the reference. N ATIONWIDE T RAVEL June 2018 I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on the brochure.