Taj, Tigers and Elephants {India Family Tour}

Transcription

1 Taj, Tigers and Elephants {India Family Tour} Tour description India is a great destination for a family vacation. Enjoy this tour of northern India, which has been designed to reveal the highlights of this fascinating and enigmatic country. Start by exploring the capital city, Delhi, followed by the Taj Mahal at Agra and Tiger safari at Ranthambore, before arriving in Jaipur for 3 fun- filled days. We have included a number of children- oriented activities in this tour, like rides on cycle rickshaw and horse- driven carriage, a day spent bathing, feeding and painting an elephant, and also a short cycling tour. This holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as- is or, alternatively, can be used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor- made tour to India. Highlights Rickshaw ride in Delhi Horse- carriage ride in Agra Visit to Mother Teresa s Orphanage in Agra Tiger safari in Ranthambore Painting, feeding and bathing an Elephant in Jaipur Cycling in Jaipur Visits to major cultural attractions in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur Itinerary (*can be customized for your family!) Day 1: Arrive Delhi Arrive in Delhi today. You will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel (hotel check- in time is 12 noon). Accommodation: Delhi Meals Included: None Day 2: Delhi This morning you will be taken to visit the medieval Jama Mosque followed by a walking/cycle rickshaw tour of traditional businesses of Old Delhi with businessmen belonging to the 6th or 7th generation of the men who first started them. You will visit a marvelous old- fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut- glass bottles. You will saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colorful turbans for the bridegroom. The Khari Baoli is all about spices here, rice and dal, dry fruits, nuts and saffron dealers have traded for

2 more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. Later in the afternoon you will be taken to visit Indian Rail Museum. National Rail Museum (closed on Mondays) is the focus of Rail Heritage of India a source of fascination and interest in Railways for all. Sprawling over 11 acres, the Museum promises to take the visitors on an exciting journey into the Railway history and heritage and depict their contribution to the industrial and economic progress of the country. At the museum children may also have opportunity of joy ride in a toy train. Continue to explore Qutab Minar. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city s famous landmark the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73m) has five stories, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the center of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th- 5th century A.D.), which has not rusted through the centuries. Accommodation: Delhi Meals Included: Breakfast Day 3: Delhi Agra Today you will be driven to Agra (3.5 hours). Visit the Taj Mahal where you arrive in tongas (horse- drawn carriage). The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a tear on the face of eternity and as an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is blended with grandeur and its massive over- all design is matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. After visiting the Taj Mahal, you will visit Mother Teresa s Orphanage. This orphanage is cared for by the Sisters of the order of nuns that Mother Teresa created. Accommodation: Agra Meals Included: Breakfast Day 4: Agra Ranthambore National Park Leave early today for Ranthambore National Park en route visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. At Sikri the children would find it fascinating to try the game of Parcheesi which the royal family played using members of their harem as color- costumed pieces. Arrive Ranthambore in time for lunch and check into your hotel.

3 Accommodation: Ranthambore Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Ranthambore Early this morning and again in the afternoon you will go for jeep safaris inside the National Park to attempt catching a glimpse of the elusive tiger and other wildlife of the park. Riding in open jeeps with a Naturalist, each safari lasts 3 hours. Besides tiger, Ranthambore is home to mammals such as leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear, reptiles such as marsh crocodile and a large variety of bird- life that includes Jacanas, painted stork, black stork and white necked stork which are seen along the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include Bonelli s eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail, partridge and paradise flycatcher. Accommodation: Ranthambore Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Ranthambore Jaipur Today you will be driven 3.5 hours to Jaipur. On arrival check into your hotel and be at leisure for the rest of the day. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the pink city because of the pink paint applied to the buildings in its old walled city. Jaipur is steeped in history and culture and the past comes alive here in magnificent forts and palaces, where once lived the maharajas. Accommodation: Jaipur Meals Included: Breakfast Day 7: Jaipur Today you will be taken for a guided tour of Jaipur city. Start the day with a visit to the milk market where large quantities of milk is procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices. Continue to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (medieval observatory) and drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The observatory at Jaipur, built in 1728, has curious collection of sculptures which enable the calculation of many astronomical and astrological events like eclipses etc. Built in

4 1799 Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds is one of the landmarks of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. Accommodation: Jaipur Meals Included: Breakfast Day 8: Jaipur This morning you will be taken to visit Amber Fort, one of the more fascinating of Indian forts. It was the ancient capital of the erstwhile Jaipur state. Its construction began in 16th century and was subsequently added on to by successive rulers. Inside the fort, the places worth visiting are the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens. After visiting the fort we cycle down to Dera Amer passing through villages and wilderness and may be visit a local school. After an hour of cycling you will reach the little oasis like camp of Dera Amer. The Camp is surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers. At Dera Amer we have arranged for some interaction with the resident elephant spend some time bathing, feeding and painting the elephant. After lunch at the camp, you venture into the wilderness for a sunset safari on elephant back. After a fun- filled day, you will return to your hotel. Accommodation: Jaipur Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 9: Jaipur Delhi Today you will be driven back to Delhi airport (5 hours) for your flight back home. Depending on your flight timings, a day use room can be arranged in Delhi at additional cost. Extension tours are available to all parts of India you may continue travelling in Rajasthan and from Jaipur travel on to Jodhpur and Udaipur. Alternatively, you may extend your trip. (Check out our family itinerary in Kerala!) Meals: Breakfast Dates and prices Daily: January to mid- April and October to December for 2 people or more. STANDARD HOTELS PACKAGE Per Person on Twin- share: US$ 1847 Child up to 5 years: Free (in parents bed) Child between 5 and 12 years: USD 883 (only one child in the room)

5 DELUXE HOTELS PACKAGE Per Person on Twin- share: US$ 2483 Child up to 5 years: Free (in parents bed) Child between 5 and 12 years: USD 1282 (only one child in the room) For exact pricing, please let us know the number of children and their ages to work exact package cost. These prices are not valid between Dec 20- Jan 10 as hotels charge festival supplement during this period. What's included? Accommodation on twin- share basis in the mentioned hotels or similar Meals as mentioned in the itinerary All transport in an air- conditioned vehicle as per itinerary Arrival and departure transfers with our representative An English speaking guide for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary Entrance fees to all cultural sights / wildlife park mentioned in itinerary Rickshaw ride in Delhi Horse- carriage ride in Agra 2 game safaris in Ranthambore with a naturalist Cycling in Jaipur (1-2 hours) Elephant safari in Jaipur All currently applicable taxes EXCLUSIONS: Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc Any other meals than those mentioned above International airfare Any insurance coverage Airport or VISA fee Camera charges at monuments Any extra expenses incurred for reasons beyond our control such as emergency evacuation, natural calamity, etc Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED Hotels STANDARD HOTELS Delhi: Four Points by Sheraton Room Category: Comfort Room

6 Located close to the airports, it is set on 11 acres of landscaped gardens, walkways, and courtyards. After sightseeing go for a dip in the pool, work out at the fitness centre, indulge at the spa and enjoy meals in one of the many options available here. Agra: Wyndham Grand Room Category: Superior Room Wyndham Grand has been built on 18 acres of land with a large frontage. Inspired by the intricacy of Mughal architecture with splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains and ancient interiors that take you back to an era of emperors and princes. Ranthambore: Tiger Den Resort Room Category: Cottage Tiger Den Resort is nestled in the lap of nature and provides a sublime setting, the feel and power of the Earth, Water, Fire, Space and the wild. Jaipur: Dera Mandawa Room Category: Suite Dera Mandawa is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the old world charm. Central to most of Jaipur, it is ideally located close to the main attractions of the pink city. DELUXE HOTELS Delhi: The Grand Room Category: Premium Room Nestled in the heart of Delhi, it is one of the city s finest five- star hotels. Well- equipped and luxurious with modern facilities, it has resort like feel having luscious greens, magnificent waterscapes, service par excellence. Agra: The Gateway Room Category: Superior Taj Facing Room Gracious interiors, personalized service and The Gateway Hotel s unique style. Set amidst six acres of landscaped gardens, this tranquil retreat offers magnificent view of The Taj Mahal from most rooms. Ranthambore: Khem Villas Room Category: Luxury Tent This camp is designed to provide peace and tranquility within its luxurious and very personal atmosphere. It is not uncommon to see jackals, jungle cats, hyenas, desert fox, and crocodiles, within the grasslands and around your luxury campstead. It is also a bird watcher s paradise. Jaipur: Samode Haveli Room Category: Deluxe Room

7 A quintessential Indo- Saracenic regal residence, Samode Haveli is seeped in history and tradition, and yet offers its guests contemporary luxuries and the impeccable hospitality and courtesy that are the signature style of the Samode group of hotels. What about the weather? January to mid- April and October to December is the best time to travel in Rajasthan. Average temperatures range from max of 25 C/77 F and minimum of 2 C/36 F. During this period, the desert sun is not so intense and the days are cool and pleasant, perfect for a holiday. There is no humidity and little or no rain can be expected. Mornings and evenings in January and late December can be very cold. Please carry sufficient warm clothes if you are traveling in this period. May, June, July and August are extremely hot and not recommended for travel in Rajasthan. Tour company background Periplus Travel is an India specialist destination management company approved by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, and is a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Periplus Travel is run by people with an intense spirit of travel and passion for India. They pride themselves in providing well- researched travel products, flawless execution on the grounds and competitive pricing. Their team of professionals is experienced, extensively travelled in India, and is equipped to look after all your travel needs. Managed by a team of travel professionals (with a collective experience of decades in organizing travel related services), they have offices in New Delhi and Cochin as well as representative presence in over 35 cities of India. Their itineraries are well- researched they take you to areas of outstanding cultural and natural beauty and offer a comfortable balance of active and leisure time. The hotels they use are the best in their respective categories (standard, deluxe, luxury) and they know them all personally and have worked with them for numerous years. How do we book? Contact us at Asia Family Adventures and we ll get the ball rolling. While we do send you directly to the operator to book, we ll help you every step of the way. We ll answer any questions you have, help you customize a tour, and offer our expert advice on traveling in Asia with your family. This is at no extra cost to you. You simply pay the operator! Contact us today to get started! info@asiafamilytravels.com

8 TERMS & CONDITIONS There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. We reserve the right to make route and accommodation modifications if the situation demands. In case we cancel a trip, all payments received will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for expenses incurred due to due to travel delays, flight cancellation or illness. We are not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, etc PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION TERMS We accept payments by bank wire transfer and credit cards (Mater and Visa Only). A surcharge of 2.5% is applicable on payments by credit cards We will require 25% of the total cost at the time of booking. The balance 75% will payable 60 days before the start of the tour. If the tour is cancelled 61 days or more before the start of the tour then 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within Day of the start of the tour then 40% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within Day of the start of the tour then 60% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 15-6 Day of the start of the tour then 75% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 5 Days of the start of the tour then 90% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges This cancellation policy is applicable with no exceptions including medical and natural emergencies.