INDIA S PALACE ON WHEELS

Transcription

1 INDIA S PALACE ON WHEELS Enjoy a quintessential Indian travel experience that incorporates a seven-night train journey carrying you into the heart of India. Disembark to explore some of its most riveting sights and cities as you follow the train tracks to the indigo-coloured houses of Jodhpur, the sprawling palace complex of Chittorgarh and the wildlife havens of Ranthambore and Bharatpur. Visit the Agra, Amber, Red, Jaisalmer and Mehrangarh forts and soak in the colourful landscapes of rural India on this captivating, world-renowned train adventure. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to India. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DAY : UK to Delhi Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Delhi. DAY 2: Delhi L/D On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch you will visit the ISKCON temple of Krishna consciousness and then the rest of the day will be at leisure. Return to your hotel for tonight s welcome dinner. DAY 3: Delhi B/L/D A city built over centuries by different rulers and dynasties, each leaving a distinctive stamp, Delhi offers a captivating combination of historic monuments and modern landmarks. Explore both Old and New Delhi on a full-day tour of the city, setting off this morning through the narrow, bustling streets of Old Delhi on a rickshaw. Make your way to the towering, red walls of the Red Fort and explore the intricately etched hallways of this former home of the ruler Shah Jahan, better known as the mastermind behind the Taj Mahal. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, then enjoy lunch before crossing over into New Delhi and visiting the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and the 2th century minaret of Qutab Minar. You will also drive past India Gate, the President s house and Parliament Building before exploring the shrines of the vast Birla Temple. DAY 4: Palace on Wheels B/L/D Check out of your hotel in the late morning with time for some souvenir shopping. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Safdarjung Railway Station where you ll board the Palace on Wheels, your home on the tracks for the next 7 days. Enjoy a traditional welcome and check-in, with time for photos with the traditionally uniformed staff, then refresh yourself with a complimentary welcome drink in the lounge before your early evening departure. Dinner will be on board as the train journeys past the night lights of rural India. DAY 5: Jaipur (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D Step off the train to a royal welcome in Jaipur as you are welcomed by Shehnai music and garlands and whisked away to Hawa Mahal. Known as The Palace of the Winds, the 953 windows of this pink palace once shielded the faces of the royal ladies of the household so they could observe street processions unseen. Continue onward to ancient Jantar Mantar and the world s largest sun dial, located in its courtyard. After a short break for some shopping, ride festively adorned elephants up the steep ramparts which lead to the Amber Fort, where you ll have lunch on the fort premises. After lunch, discover the charms of this well-preserved landmark as you explore its courtyards, concubines chambers, detailed inlays and mirrored ceilings. Drive back into the city, taking in the rich collection of artefacts in the Albert House Museum and the fine white marble of Birla Mandir temple before returning to your train and travelling through the night DAY 6: Ranthambore (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D Disembark in Ranthambore early this morning for your drive to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Journey through the reserve, overlooked by the 0th century hilltop Ranthambore Fort at its centre, as you look out for leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and the majestic tigers which roam its lands. Enjoy lunch on board your train as you travel to Chittorgarh, where you ll take a late afternoon excursion to India s largest fort. Delve into this enormous complex of palaces and towers, dotted with 22 bodies of water, before taking in a night-time light show at the fort. Return to your train for dinner, staying parked at the Chittorgarh station for the night. DAY 7: Udaipur (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D Depart Chittorgarh in the early morning for the journey to Udaipur, where today s excursion takes you to the verdant gardens and lotus pool of Saheliyon Ki-Bari, panoramic lake views from the balconies and towers of Udaipur City Palace, and the rare crystal collection of a former Maharana at the Crystal Gallery. After lunch, a spectacular boat ride around the Lake Palace Hotel, sitting atop a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola, allows you to view this former royal summer escape from the water. Return to your train as it departs for your next destination in Rajasthan. DAY 8: Jaisalmer (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D After breakfast, make your way to Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, a water conservation tank built in 400AD, and wander the temples and shrines that dot its shores. Next, explore the immense Jaisalmer Fort, its walls adorned with delicately carved figures, and look out for its lively bazaar and inhabitants (local people still live inside the fort) as you stroll through its interior. Continue on to the city s havelis for a chance to see these lavish, historic houses of wealthy, former merchants. After lunch, travel to the rolling expanse of the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert for a camel ride into the sunset. Return to the train for a chance to refresh yourself before a night of traditional music, dancing and performances over dinner at the Gorbandh Palace Hotel. Depart Jaisalmer later this evening on an overnight journey to Jodhpur. DAY 9: Jodhpur (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D Admire the sweeping views from Jaswant Thada as today s tour starts at this splendid marble memorial set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. A short walk takes you to the nearby Mehrangarh Fort, sitting on a hill that soars above Old Jodhpur. Gaze out over the indigo houses that surround the fort and gave rise to the city s nickname, The Blue City, before entering the fort through a series of de fensive gateways. Explore palatial apartments, wide courtyards and a museum collection then continue on to the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, which houses the personal artefacts of Jodhpur s former Maharaja. Depart Jodhpur in the late afternoon as you travel towards Bharatpur. DAY 0: Bharatpur (Palace on Wheels) B/L/D Take an early morning bus ride from Bharatpur Railway station to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and embark on a rickshaw ride through one of the world s best birdwatching sites, as over 375 bird species swoop, glide and nest around you. Return to the train for breakfast as you depart for Agra, where you ll disembark at midday. Explore the maze of courtyards and buildings within the expansive Agra Fort before visiting one of the world s most amazing architectural wonders the Taj Mahal. Soak in the beauty of the marbled domes and minarets of this testament to Emperor Shah Jahan s love for his late wife. Return to the railway station for dinner and your last night on board the Palace on Wheels. DAY : Delhi B/L/D Your rail journey comes to an end as your early check-out takes place after breakfast. Check into your hotel in Delhi and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Why not do some last-minute shopping in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, or retreat to the peaceful greenery of Lodhi Gardens, making the most of this chance to explore the city at your own pace. DAY 2: Delhi to the UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.

2 INDIA S PALACE ON WHEELS DOSSIER ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Delhi (2 nights): 5 Vivanta By Taj Dwarka Sector 2 Metro Station, Sector 2, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi Contact number: The Palace on Wheels Train (7 nights) The exquisite and exclusive Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalised service India Jaisalmer Number of nights 4 Delhi Bharatpur Delhi ( night): 5 Hyatt Regency Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road, Near Fire Station, New Delhi, Delhi 0066, India. Contact number: Jodhpur Ranthambore Air Rail Udaipur Asia Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 0 days before you travel. Accommodation All accommodation is 5 and features an en suite bathroom, heating/ air-conditioning, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Please note: the Palace on Wheels does not offer a tea/coffee maker or satellite TV channels in the cabin. Tea/coffee can be served in the cabin on a request basis and satellite TV channels are available in the sitting lounge area. Mercury Holidays have visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. Meals Breakfast is a buffet style during your hotel stay with lunch and dinner where stated to be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes. During your stay on the Palace on Wheels your meals will be table service. Your initial flight is to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport with Jet Airways (9W), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 0 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage, however the restriction on your domestic flights is only 5kg, so you may want to pack less or make heavy items such as cameras easily transferable to your hand luggage to avoid any issues. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Checked baggage allowance may vary. Please refer to the bottom right of your E-ticket receipt for the correct baggage allowance. For example, if it shows 20k this means your allowance is 20kg; or PC means One Piece not exceeding 23Kg. For handling purposes the maximum weight of any single piece of baggage must not exceed 32 Kgs. Hand Luggage: One piece of hand luggage with maximum total dimensions not exceeding a total of 5cm in size and 7kg in weight. Please refer to the Airline s website for further details and the most up-to-date information. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras Tel , quoting HX33. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Delhi you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Earthen Experiences, holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. The Mercury Holidays/Earthen Experiences representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you need to contact Earthen Experiences during your stay the details are: Earthen Experiences A Earthen Experiences, 2 DDA Commercial Complex, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 007 Telephone Number: (09:30 8:00) info@earthenexperiences.com Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Earthen Experiences: Mr. Mohamed Kaushar General Manager: 24 hour number: Address: mohammad.kaushar@earthenexperiences.com Mr. Anuj Negi Director: 24 hour number: Address: anuj.negi@earthenexperiences.com 2

3 INDIA S PALACE ON WHEELS DOSSIER WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain an e-tourist Visa (etv) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on and quote Mercury Holidays. The cost of the visa is approximately 4 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 20 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 0 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 60 day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: Goswell Road, London, ECB 7DU. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. Accommodation/Hotel Voucher We do not produce a separate Accommodation/Hotel voucher; simply ensure that you take your Confirmation Invoice with you because it doubles as your voucher. If you have not yet received an Invoice please call our Administration Department on or us using the Contact us option on our website: Please note that it is not necessary for you to have an Invoice showing your balance paid; your original invoice will suffice for the hotel. This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have a local English speaking guide during your excursions in Delhi. During your stay on the iconic Palace on Wheels you will have a Tour Manager and Staff on board and during each sightseeing trip and excursion, an English-Speaking Guide. Tipping Tipping is at your discretion; however, we would recommend approximately 2 per person for the duration of your tour. Any accompanying guides we suggest approx. 3 per person per day and for the driver we suggest approx. per person per day. All tips will be collected by your guide at the beginning of your tour for your convenience. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately 500 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 2. In the unlikely event there are fewer than 2 passengers booked on your tour date, you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Maximum group size is 20. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches, trains and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Credit Card Information As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. WHAT TO PACK Insect repellent and sun cream Comfortable walking shoes Waterproof lightweight jacket Sunglasses and Hat Ruck sack Binoculars Camera and charger Loo paper for public WCs Long sleeve shirt and long trousers Swimwear Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser Personal toiletries and first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc An electric plug converter - The voltage in India is 220 Volts with plugs and sockets having either grounded 3 pin connections or ungrounded 2 pin connections. Should you plan to use your own hairdryer, travel iron, video camera, battery charger, electric shaver etc, it is advisable to bring a multi-adaptor. 3

4 INDIA S PALACE ON WHEELS DOSSIER WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average Temperature for Delhi Average Temperature for Jaipur Average Temperature for Jodhpur Average Temperature for Udaipur Average Temperature for Jaisalmer 4

5 GOA BEACH STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact Complete your trip to India with a 4 night/5 day stay soaking up some sun in vibrant Goa. Famous for stunning beaches, a sprawling coastline and fantastic sunsets, this former Portuguese enclave offers up a special blend of whitewashed European churches, enticing food and colourful markets. A popular getaway since the sixties, Goa today is still the perfect destination for an exotic escape. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Beach Stay extension in Goa. Hotel (4 nights/5 days) Your stay in Goa will take place at the 4 The Pride Sun Village Resort & Spa on All-Inclusive. Located on a hillside overlooking the Arpora Salt Pans, this resort is in a beautiful and relaxing location and is just under a mile from the nearest beach. Elegantly decorated air-conditioned suites come complete with amenities including LCD TVs, FREE Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access, separate bedroom and living area, private balcony, refrigerator, telephone, iron and ironing board on request and a tea and coffee maker. All-Inclusive includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon tea/coffee and light bites/snacks. Unlimited local beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks plus a welcome soft drink on arrival. (Time and measurement stipulations may apply). Hotel Information Arpora, North Goa, Goa Telephone: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 0 days before you travel. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry. Your stay in Goa is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average Temperature for Goa Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 0 days before departure. 6

6 AMRITSAR EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact Visit Amritsar, the cultural and spiritual centre of the Sikh religion, located in the heart of Punjab. Famous for its traditional handicraft and handloom products the city is also home to the magnificent Golden Temple, Sikhism s holiest shrine and one of India s most serene and humbling sights. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Amritsar extension. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 2: Amritsar B/L/D Today is at leisure to unwind within your hotel or explore the city s sights at your own pace. Day 3 : Amritsar B/L/D Spend a leisurely day revisiting Amritsar s humbling sights including the spectacular Golden Temple or enjoy a wander through charming bazaars to peruse traditional handicraft, jewellery and lacquered woodwork. Day 4 : Amritsar to UK B After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly via Delhi back to the UK. Hotel Information Your stay in Amritsar will take place at the following hotel: 4 Best Western Merrion (2 nights): Located in the heart of the central business district of the holy city of Amritsar, this hotel offers 40 well-appointed and modern rooms. Boasting a rooftop swimming pool and multi-cuisine restaurant, the Best Western Merrion is an oasis of peace and serenity. Hotel information: District Shopping Complex, B-Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab 4300, India Telephone: If the hotel listed is unavailable an alternative will be used of a similar standard. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Average Temperature for Amritsar You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 0 days before departure.

7 HIGHLIGHTS OF KERALA EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact Your 4 night/5 day tour highlights some of the wonders of Kerala. This tour gives an exciting insight into the fascinating culture of this beautiful Indian state. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Kerala. Day 2: Delhi to Kochi B Depart Delhi in the morning for your flight to Kochi, in India s beautiful southern state of Kerala, where you will be met by our agent Jayasree Travel and Tours and transferred to your hotel. Day 3: Kochi to Alleppey B Transfer to Alleppey to board an authentic houseboat, journeying through the scenic backwaters. Day 4: Alleppey to Thekkady B Disembarking your houseboat after breakfast, your tour continues with a drive through the spectacular countryside arriving at the Thekkady Hill Station, home to a stunning wildlife sanctuary. Day 5: Thekkady to Kochi B After an early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, proceed to Kochi for a city tour. Day 6: Kochi to the UK B Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK. Hotel Information Kochi (2 nights): 3 Sreeragam Luxury Villa Retreat Kairali Nagar, BTC Road Cochin, Contact: / Alleppey ( night): Traditional houseboat Thekkady ( night): 4 Aranya Nivas Kumily Thekkady Road, Kerala. Contact number: Your chosen hotel and board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please talk to our reservations department should you need any further information. The hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 0 days before you travel. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry and any meals and snacks where these are not included. This add-on to Kerala is fully escorted. Currency Exchange The currency in Kerala is the Rupee or Rs. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Alcoholic drinks Please note that Kerala has strict laws regarding the governance of the sale of alcohol in public places including hotels and restaurants. The sale and consumption of alcohol is therefore often restricted in hotels, varying from one establishment to another. You may however bring your own alcohol with you for private consumption in your room. Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details while you are in Kerala; Jayasree Travel and Tours Contact Telephone number Ms Jayasree Vikraman Ms Samitha Mr Jagdish Nair Mr Anil Kumar Mrs Prashansa Alkesh Average Temperature for Kochi Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 0 days before departure.