GOLDEN TRIANGLE. 8 days/7 nights DELHI AGRA JAIPUR MANDAWA DELHI

Transcription

1 GOLDEN TRIANGLE 8 days/7 nights DELHI AGRA JAIPUR MANDAWA DELHI ITINERARY Day 01 Arrive in Delhi. You will be met by our representative outside the custom lounge and escorted until you check in at hotel. Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities, has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties, the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered around are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which, in an impressive sense of magnificence, are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations. Day 02 After breakfast in the morning, proceed for a full-day city tour of Old & New Delhi. Morning: Visit the Red Fort, the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. The magnificent Red Fort built of red sandstone dates from the very peak of the Mughal power. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort of the 14 th century with the 13-metre-high Ashoka Pillar of the 3 rd century BC. Visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in Afternoon: Tour of New Delhi, the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings - the centre of all government activity - and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I Memorial Arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow, Haji Begum, the Qutub Minar - 72 metres high - and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4 th century AD. Day 03 After breakfast in the morning, drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping and independent activities. Day 04 In the morning, sightseeing tour of Taj Mahal. (Closed on Fridays.) With its incredible lacy white grandeur, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a tear on the face of eternity. In memory of his wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close-up detail, which is really astounding. AGRA FORT: This visit will be optional at a cost of US$7, payable at the monument. Agra Fort is situated on the banks for the river Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and

2 grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions. Day 05 In the morning after breakfast, leave Agra for Jaipur, en route visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. The abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16 th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures. After the visit continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at hotel. Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today; where a colourful cast of characters from printers and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, and a formidable general who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty, for in the sprawling, barren plains beneath Amber, the former capital, he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique for two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made Jaipur a haven and it became a centre of commerce and religion. Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenulated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition. Rest of the time free for shopping and independent activities. Day 06 FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF JAIPUR The day begins with a visit to the Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Wander round the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi Temple (which continues to be the private temple for the royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door. A Jeep ride will be provided to reach Amber Fort from the parking lot. In the afternoon, visit the openair royal observatory, Jantar Mantar, with gigantic astronomical instruments and visit the City Palace and Museum, stopping by the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Day 07 In the morning after breakfast, leave Jaipur for Mandawa. The town of Mandawa emerges like a mirage. The fort, dated around 1750, gradually rises on the horizon. The Mandawa bazaar has many painted houses, parts of which have now been turned into curio shops. The havelis of the Chokanis, the Goenkas and the Sarafs have extravagantly painted frescos. On arrival, transfer and check in at hotel. Afternoon: a walking tour of Mandawa Village. Day 08 In the morning after breakfast, leave Mandawa for Delhi. Later, transfer to the airport for a connecting flight for onward destination.

3 Hotels during the tour or similar/ Superior Delhi Delhi Residence 2 Agra Clarks Shiraz 2 Jaipur Clarks Amer 2 Mandawa Castle (Heritage) 1 Delhi Dolphin Inn 2 Agra Pushp Villa 2 Jaipur Mandawa Haveli (Heritage) 2 Mandawa Sara Villas 1 Assistance on arrival/departure, transfers, sightseeing and excursions using air-conditioned transport Half board except no dinner 1 st night Entrance fees as per program English speaking guide Rickshaw ride in Jaipur Elephant ride in Amber Fort (subject to availability; otherwise Jeep ride will be provided) Items of personal nature such as tips, laundry, beverages, mini bar, room service etc DEPARTURE DATES Tour departs every two weeks on a Sunday * High Season Supplement applies during Christmas and New Year. Gala Dinner Rates may apply to certain room categories. Goa Extension 5 days/4 nights Day 8 Arrive Delhi from the Golden Triangle Tour and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi. Day 9-11 AM: transfer to Delhi Airport to board flight for Goa. On arrival, meeting and transfer assistance to hotel. Overnight in Goa.

4 Day 12 AM: transfer to Goa Airport for flight to Mumbai for onward travel connections. Hotels during the tour or similar/ Superior Delhi Delhi Residence 1 Goa The Retreat by Zuri 3 Delhi Dolphin Inn 1 Goa Varca Le Palms 3 Assistance on arrival/departure, transfers using air conditioned transport Breakfasts - buffet Entrance fees Guide charge Visa fees Ranthambore Extension 3 days/2 nights Day 8 In the morning our car will pick you up from your hotel in Mandawa and drive to Jaipur railway station. At 2.10pm, the train leaves to Ranthambore. Enjoy the journey on board and arrive at Ranthambore at 4.00pm. Check in at hotel. Overnight in Ranthambore. Day 9 Today is reserved for complete morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park. While accompanied by a naturalist one can learn more about the flora and fauna of this beautiful place and other interesting details. In the evening, retire back to the hotel and overnight in Ranthambore. Day 10 Enjoy the morning free at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station. The train leaves Ranthambore at 12.30pm and arrives in Delhi at 6.30pm. Transfer to the international airport for onward travel connections. Hotels during the tour or similar/ Superior Ranthambore Nahargah Fort 2

5 Ranthambore Ranthambore Regency 2 Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure, transfers using air conditioned transport Full board - buffet Train fare in 2 nd Class a/c sleeper on sector Jaipur Ranthambore Delhi 2 4WD jungle safaris at Ranthambore National Park Any entrances fees Visa fees National Parks in Bandhavgarh and Kanha Extension 9 days/8 nights Day 8: Delhi Overnight in Delhi after completion of the Golden Triangle Tour. Day 9: Delhi Jhansi Khajuraho Wake up early today to be on time at the railway station and board Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. After arriving in Jhansi, the journey continues on the road to Khajuraho. Once arrived in Khajuraho, start the city tour in the afternoon, visiting the world famous Khajuraho temples built by Chandela kings between 250 AD and 1050 AD. Transfers to the hotel in Khajuraho. Day 10: Khajuraho Bandhavgarh Enjoy breakfast in the morning to get prepared for today s journeys. The road leads to yet another highlight of this tour. Drive around 280 kilometres or 6 hours to the town of Bandhavgarh. Bandhavgarh (pronounced Bandogarh) is not very far south of Rewa, famous as the place from where the white (albino) tiger originated. Now it is only found in zoos. Before becoming a National Park in 1968, it was the game preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. There are also interesting cave shrines scattered around the park, with Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1 st century BC. Visit the archaeological remains of a fort believed to be 2,000 years old where one may spot crag martins and brown rock thrush. Transfer and overnight in Bandhavgarh. Day 11: Bandhavgarh After breakfast in the morning, start to explore the nature of Bandhavgarh Park with its wide variety of game. Its main wild beasts are tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur (Indian Bison), sambar (deer), chital (spotted deer), muntjac (deer), nilgai (Asian antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle), and wild pigs as well as abundant flora and fauna. Learn interesting details and gain insight about this beautiful area on a jungle safari accompanied by a naturalist. Overnight in Bandhavgarh. Day 12: Bandhavgarh Kanha Today the journey continues on a 4 ½ hour-drive to the next exciting meeting with the tiger. Enjoy the breakfast in the morning and start the 210-kilometre drive to Kanha. Kipling wrote so vividly about this Park in his Jungle Books. The same abundance of wildlife and variety of species still exists today and the park which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve (1,945 sq. km) within the game reserve, created in 1974, also protects the rare hard-ground-adapted barasingha (swamp deer). Return back to Kanha with abundant impressions and wildlife experiences to the hotel, and overnight in Kanha. Day 13: Kanha

6 Go on an extensive Jungle Safari with a naturalist in the morning and the afternoon to learn more about the area. Kanha has 22 species and the most easily spotted are the three-striped palm squirrel, common langur monkey, jackal, wild pig, cheetah, rasingha and blackbuck. Less commonly seen are tiger, Indian hare, dhole (Indian wild dog), sambar and gaur. Rarely seen are the Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, panther (leopard), nilgai (blue bull), Indian porcupine, wolf (outside of the park proper) and the Indian pangolin (sometimes called the scaly anteater). Kanha has 230 species recorded, more to be found. Good vantage points are in the hills where the mixed bamboo forests harbours many species. Commonly seen species are leaf warblers, minivets, black ibis, common peafowl, racket-tailed drongo, hawk eagle, red-wattled lapwing and various species of flycatcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler, mynah, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill. Overnight in Kanha. Day 14: Kanha Go on an extensive Jungle Safari with a naturalist in the morning and afternoon to learn more about the area. Overnight in Kanha. Day 15: Kanha Nagpur Delhi In the morning, transfer to the Nagpur airport to catch the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting at the airport and assist until check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Delhi. Day 16: Delhi Transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. Hotels during the tour or similar/superior Agra Clark Shiraz Rid 1 Khajuraho The Ramada 1 Bandahavgarh Tiger Trail 2 Kanha Wild Chalet 3 Delhi The Residence 1 Agra Pushp Villa 1 Khajuraho Usha Bundela 1 Bandahavharh Bundela Jungle Lodge 2 Kanha Bundela Safari Lodge 3 Delhi Dolphin Inn 1 Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure, transfers using air conditioned transport Full board buffet in Kanha and Badhavgarh; half board elsewhere A/C Chair Car Train fare on Agra Jhansi on Shatabdi Express 2 4WD jungle safaris at Ranthambore National Park English-speaking guide in Khajuraho. English-speaking naturalist in National Parks 4WD Jungle safaris as mentioned in the program Air fare (Supplement given separately)

7 Amritsar Extension 3 days/2 nights Day 8: Mandawa New Dehli - Amritsar In the morning, our car will pick up the clients from Mandawa and transfer to New Delhi Railway Station in time to board Shatabadi Express departing at 5.00 pm. After arrival, transfer and check in to the hotel in Amritsar. Day 9: Amritsar After breakfast, start a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Golden Temple and Jalianwala Bagh. The Golden Temple, located in the heart of the city, is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) on all four sides and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements, is breathtakingly beautiful. Jalianwala Bagh: an historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwala Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer. Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr's Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during winters. In the afternoon, go on an excursion to Wagah border. One of the many places to visit that is close to Amritsar is the Wagah border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the Amritsar s centre. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are performed with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss. Overnight. Day 10: Amritsar - Delhi In the morning, transfer to railway station to Board Shatabadi Express for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to the International Airport for onward travel. Hotels during the tour or similar/ Superior Amritsar Hotel Ritz Plaza 2 Amritsar M. K. International 2 Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure, transfers using air conditioned transport Breakfast buffet Train fare on Shatabadi Express on sector Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi in air-conditioned carriage Entrance fees as per program English-speaking local guide Any entrances fee Visa fee