(GT6) 11D/10N CULINARY INDIA:

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1 (GT6) 11D/10N CULINARY INDIA: FROM THE KITCHENS OF THE MAHARAJAS Delhi.Udaipur.Deogarh.Jodhpur.Jaipur.Agra Trip Dates: 9 Mar 2013 (Sat) 19 Mar 2013 (Tue) Specifications: This 11-day trip gives you an authentic taste of exotic India as you journey through this specially-designed programme that gives you not only a sense of place, but also captures the flavours of the country. Page 1 of 13

2 Trip Program DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received and taken to the Leela Palace New Delhi for check-in. Delhi remains one of the oldest surviving cities in the world today. It is in fact, an amalgam of eight cities, each site being built in a different era by a new dynasty/ruler. Today the remains of forts, palaces and buildings are spread across the city, hence adding to its character. Delhi through its 1,000-year-old history has evolved into a culturally secular city absorbing different religions, diverse cultures, both foreign and indigenous, and yet functioning as one organic entity. Known for its riches both material and cultural foreign travellers were hypnotized by it books have been written on it since time immemorial, poets have loved it and Kings and Emperors have fought over it. Leela Palace The Leela Palace New Delhi is situated in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave. Recently opened, The Leela Palace New Delhi is considered to be among the finest in India. The hotel is in close proximity to some of Delhi's many tourist attractions: the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister's office and the Central Business District are a few of the sights in the vicinity. Each room is furnished in an opulent yet contemporary style. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the city on your own. The actual programme starts proper on Day 2. DAY 2: DELHI Old Delhi After breakfast at the hotel, meet with your escort for a small briefing of the trip and commence your tour of the Walled City Old Delhi. Old Delhi is a sharp contrast to the Imperial city with its mix of Indo-Islamic architecture. You will visit the Jama Masjid, as well as take a rickshaw ride through the by-lanes of the old walled city while enjoying an authentic gastronomic experience of India's street food. Continue with a drive past the imposing red sandstone structure of Red Fort, on the western bank of the river Yamuna. Built in red stone, The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, after which he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. Leela Palace New Delhi Lunch at Olive Beach After giving the landlocked capital a beach to laze in, Olive introduced Delhi to the Mediterranean's most exotic recipes. Rather like its counterpart in Banglore, Delhi's Olive Beach quickly became one of the city's best loved Mediterranean restaurants. Page 2 of 13

3 Executive Chef Saby is widely acclaimed for his artistic and experimental take on regular cuisine and is ranked among the top ten in the country. At Olive, he brings his love for all things culinary to life as he cooks right in front of the guests at a rustic kitchen called the Greenhouse on the Ridge. Dinner with the Maharaja of Sailana at the Park Hotel This evening we meet with Maharaja Vikram Singh, son of Late Sh. Digvijay Singh, Maharaja of Sailana, at The Park with whom he has tied-up to promote the cuisines of Sailana. Maharaja Vikram Singh will conduct a food demonstration on the Royal cuisine of yesteryears. Savour the treasure trove of secret recipes that are over 100 years old, laced with exotic spices, Rose petals and sandalwood powder. After dinner with the erstwhile royal family, transfer back to your hotel. Olive Beach Restaurant Maharaja Vikram Singh The Park Hotel New Delhi After lunch, you will drive past the stately multitude of colonial buildings, planned and built largely by the architect Edwin Lutyen for the capital of the British Indian Empire. This imperial city was inaugurated on February 13, 1931, by British India's Governor-General Lord Irwin. After a brief drive past of New Delhi you will arrive at Humayun s Tomb, the first garden-tomb concept built by the Mughal dynasty that later on went on to become the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal. Take a walk in the gardens of this grand monument, where ancient trees and broken ruins pose as lush adornments to the sandstone glow of the mausoleum. DAY 3: DELHI UDAIPUR Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. There is no lunch included on this day as timing conflicts with flight timing. Udaipur is the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Its beauty lies in its rolling hills, serene lakes and palatial splendour. The city was built on the shores of Lake Pichola by Udai Singh II in 1559, after having lost his stronghold Chittaurgarh to the Muslim invaders. Udaipur was also the capital of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar, believed to be direct descendants of the Sun. Today it is surprisingly quiet and relatively traffic-free resulting in a peaceful small town vibe. Udaipur is also one of Rajasthan s great centres of contemporary art as well as of miniature paintings Page 3 of 13

4 Udaipur The City of Lakes Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola Alfresco Dinner at the In-House Dining Room This evening, enjoy an alfresco dinner at the Dining Room. This restaurant serves a wide range of international dishes under the guidance of Executive Chef Kayzad Sadri. Leela Palace Udaipur Leela Palace Udaipur The Leela Palace Udaipur is magnificently situated on Lake Pichola and offers a spectacular view of the Aravalli Mountains. Designed by Jeffrey Wilkes, the intricate craftsmanship is a reflection of its regal surroundings. Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola After checking in to the Leela Palace Udaipur, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. This lake was first made by a local gypsy during the 14 th century, and extended in the 16 th century, establishing Udaipur as the City of Lakes. Alfresco dining at the Dining Room Page 4 of 13

5 DAY 4: UDAIPUR Udiapur City Palace Sightseeing Tour of Udaipur The day begins with a visit to the City Palace, which is the largest in Rajasthan. In size and outline, the City Palace and its subsidiary palaces bear a resemblance to the Windsor Castle in England. You will also visit the Jagdish Temple, which is one of the key attractions of Udaipur. Built in 1651, the temple is raised on a tall terrace. It is an excellent showcase of architecture and art. Lunch at Upré By 1559 AD A setting like no other, Upré by 1559 AD overlooks the magnificent City Palace, Lake Palace, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Enjoy a delightful meal as you gaze across Udaipur's historic skyline. Upré By 1559 AD Restaurant Return to the hotel after lunch, where you can spend the afternoon swimming, sun bathing or in a spa session. Savour the Essence of the Royal Kitchens under a Starlit Sky Tonight, you will dine on the terrace of the Sheesh Mahal's restaurant at The Leela Palace Udaipur amidst torches and candles enjoying a 180-degree view of Lake Pichola and its enchanting surroundings. Enjoy a fine selection of the cuisines from the royal household of Udaipur. Sheesh Mahal mirrors the true essence of the kitchens of India. The evening glow of glittering candles in multi-coloured hues adds a resplendent touch to this already royal restaurant. A mix of authentic styles along with more contemporary nuances takes fine dining to a whole new level. Page 5 of 13

6 Sheesh Mahal DAY 5: UDAIPUR DEOGARH Man making sandalwood paste (left), and intricate pillars (right) at the Jain Temple Upon arrival in Deogarh, check in to the Deogarh Mahal. The Jain Temple at Ranakpur After breakfast, proceed by private vehicle to Deogarh (approx. 3 hours' drive). En-route, stop by the mesmerising 15 th century Jain Temple at Ranakpur. The temple is constructed out of marble and is the most spectacular of all Jain temples. Over 1,444 marble pillars carved in exquisite detail support the temple, with no two pillars alike. Lunch will be taken at Fateh Bagh. Fateh Bagh is the recreation of a dilapidated palace that was once located on the foothills of Aravallis near Jodhpur. In 2002, around 65,000 crumbling pieces of the palace were transported to its current spot in Ranakpur to construct Fateh Bagh. Deogarh Mahal Deogarh Mahal (Abode of the Gods) As soon as you glimpse the Deogarh Mahal, you can see that its former inhabitants were serious players in the Mewar aristocracy. The magnificent fort is a fitting stronghold for the senior feudal barons who attended on the Maharana of Udaipur. Page 6 of 13

7 Rural Ramble Jeep Ride In the afternoon proceed for a tour on a converted World War II truck into the beautiful countryside. You will get a glimpse into village life, meeting with farmers and the Sheppard community. DAY 6: DEOGARH JODHPUR After breakfast, transfer by land to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Raas Jodhpur. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji, and is arguably one of the wealthiest cities in North India. The city's slow paced life is punctuated with the strong presence of Indian Army's frenetic activities, which gives it a contrasting feature. Today, it is the state's second-largest city, where every building is painted the same light blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname "blue city". The medieval city is teeming maze of narrow medieval streets and bazaars, where life appears much as it has for centuries. World War II Isuzu One-Tonner The Deogarh Countryside Dinner with the Royal Family of Deogarh At dinner, you will be met by the members of the royal family. You will get to enjoy a two-hour cooking demonstration of the royal cuisine of Deogarh. Learn the culinary secrets of the family, which encompasses the local produce as well as the age-old methods of food preparations that have been handed down the generations. At the end of the cooking demonstration, you will enjoy an exclusive dinner on the rooftop. Hotel Raas Jodhpur Hotel Raas Jodhpur The Hotel Raas is the only luxury boutique hotel within an Indian Walled-City. By grafting contemporary architecture and ambience onto the 300-year-old mansion, brothers Nikhilendra and Dhananajaya Singh have reclaimed, and indeed enhance the grandeur of this fort hotel. Page 7 of 13

8 Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Lunch will be served in the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. While India is well-known for its history-laden palaces and forts, the country also boasts beautiful and unique nature parks. Rao Jodha was created in 2006 to restore the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland next to the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Hanwant Mahal Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Dinner in an Old Royal House Hanwant Mahal This old royal house was converted into a European style club house, and still gives you a feel of walking into a royal home, with photographs of the various rulers of Marwar adorning the house. Hanwant Mahal is situated on the Umaid Bhawan Hill, right under the Umaid Bhawan Palace, giving it an unrivalled view of the majestic building. Along with this panoramic view and royal treatment, Hanwant Mahal offers you fine dining with an array of cuisines and impeccable service. DAY 7: JODHPUR The Impressive Architecture of Jodhpur After breakfast, visit the 5-kilometre long Mehrangarh Fort situated atop a 125- metre high hill. This is one of the most impressive structures in all of Rajasthan. Your sightseeing tour also takes you to the cluster of royal cenotaphs Jaswant Thada. The white marble structures were built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. Page 8 of 13

9 DAY 8: JODHPUR JAIPUR From the blue city of Jodhpur, we move on to the pink city of Jaipur. The reason for its nickname lies in the terracotta-coloured lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's walls, buildings, and temples. The true reason behind the pink town is unknown; although there are several conjectures such as Maharaja Jai Singh II's devotion to Lord Shiva, whose favourite colour was pink. Another populist theory is that pink is the traditional color of hospitality, and the old part of the city was freshly painted and paved with pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for his visit in Jaswant Thada (foreground) and Mehrangarh Fort (background) After lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace, you have the afternoon off to do some shopping or simply relax in the hotel. An Evening Walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur Indulge in some shopping as you navigate the streets of Jodhpur by foot. You will also get to experience a fun-ride on an auto-rickshaw (right). Lunch at Nimaj Palace Today's journey is a little longer (approx. 6 hours' drive), but we will take frequent breaks, including the one at Nimaj Palace for lunch. Nimaj Palace is one of the country's oldest heritage properties that operate as a hotel. The property has had several refurbishments throughout the centuries, maintaining its original opulence. The imposing gates will transport you back in time to the days of chivalry. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will be assisted for check in to the Fairmont Hotel Jaipur. Dinner will be served back at Hotel Raas. Fairmont Jaipur Page 9 of 13

10 Fairmont Jaipur Boasting world-class accommodations with meticulously designed guestrooms, a variety of delectable dining experiences and exclusive services including a sparkling outdoor pool and full-service spa, India s first Fairmont hotel is the perfect place to unwind. Lunch at Suvarna Mahal, Taj Rambagh Palace Break for lunch at Suvarna Mahal, where culinary masters have carefully studied the cuisines of the royal houses of India, to offer an exotic array of dishes, accompanied by the lilting melody of classical music, and vintage wines. High ceilings, gilded mirrors and Florentine frescoes provide the perfect ambience. Dinner will be consumed in your hotel. DAY 9: JAIPUR The Amber Fort After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to visit the Amber Fort. This is one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts, comprising the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautiful gardens, all of which give a glimpse into the majesty of days gone by. You will take an elephant ride to reach the fort situated atop a hill. Arrive in style at the Taj Rambagh Palace After lunch, continue your sightseeing of Jaipur with visits to the grandiose City Palace, the largest silver water vessels in the world displayed at the Diwan-e- Khas, and the unique geometrically-shaped buildings that make up the Jantar Mantar Observatory. The buildings of the observatory each possess a specific astronomical function. The Amber Fort Page 10 of 13

11 DAY 10: JAIPUR AGRA After breakfast, transfer to Agra and check in to the Oberoi Amarvilas. The world's largest silver water vessels (left) and Diwan-e-Khas (right) Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jahangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shah Jahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of geminlaid white marble. The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imagination that represents India to the world. Dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant 1135 AD is a palace restaurant located within the Amber Fort. Your visit here will resonate with what you have read about the golden era of Amber (Amer), from old silver furniture to paintings, chandeliers, finest crockery, glassware and linen. The recipes for tonight's dinner hail from the royal kitchens of Rajasthan and Thikanas of Jaipur. Oberoi Amarvilas 1135 AD Restaurant Oberoi Amarvilas Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, The Oberoi Amarvilas provides you with your very own private view of the greatest monument of love the Taj Mahal. Page 11 of 13

12 Setting the Context to the Taj Mahal After lunch at Laxmi Niwas Palace, a royal palace that invokes the grandeur and splendor of an age gone by, embark on a tour of Agra. You will visit the Agra Fort where Shah Jahan spent years of confinement at the hands of his son Aurangzeb, looking wistfully at the Taj Mahal which he built in 1560 in loving memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Awadhi cuisine (from the Lucknow area). Specialties include Esphahan raan, leg of lamb marinated for 24 hours, roasted for 6 to 8 more, deboned, then cooked in the tandoori until crisp. DAY 11: AGRA DELHI The Magnificent Taj Mahal at Sunrise Coming to the end of the trip, we save the best for last. A visit to the Taj Mahal in the early hours of the morning is the best time to experience the monument before the throngs of people arrive. Return to the hotel for breakfast, after which, you have time to catch up on some sleep or to enjoy the hotel's facilities. After lunch at the hotel, we depart for Delhi (approx. 4 hours' drive). The view from the Agra Fort where Shah Jahan spent years of confinement looking out at the Taj Mahal (distant background) Dinner at Esphahan Restaurant Through the Amarvilas' illuminated Moghul courtyard and grand marble lobby, you'll arrive at this intimate den with decorations celebrating local craftsmanship from square pillars of alternating red sandstone and white marble to carved wooden screens. Through the glass wall of the display kitchen, you can watch the chefs cook breads and meats in the tandoori ovens. The Indian menu emphasizes A Farewell Meal Arriving into Delhi, we bid farewell to our travelling companions at Bukhara restaurant in ITC Maurya. Bukhara is widely touted as the best place for Mughal and North-West Frontier specialties in Delhi. The food is delicious and everything that its reputation suggests. Sitting on benches at elegant low tables, experience service that is impeccable. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Page 12 of 13

13 Price* (Excludes International airfare) $8,000 per person, twin sharing basis (excl. Flights) $10,500 for single traveller (excl. Flights) Min: 10 pax; Max: 15 pax FLIGHT OPTIONS Singapore Airlines $900 - $1,300 (Estimated prices. Please call for actual price) Singapore New Delhi or 1) Depart Changi International Airport at 0230 on 9th March 2013, Saturday, and arrive at 0545 on 9 th March ) Depart Changi International Airport at 1855 on 9th March 2013, Saturday, and arrive at 2210 on 9 th March 2013 New Delhi Singapore 1) Depart New Delhi International Airport at 2325 on 19th March 2013, Tuesday, and arrive at 0735 on 20 th March 2013 *Flight time is 5 hours and 45 mins. Price Inclusions*: All local transportation, including domestic flight from Delhi to Udaipur 10 nights accommodation All excursions and activities as mentioned in itinerary Services of an expert guide All meals, except for lunch on Day 3 Price Exclusions*: Travel insurance (Recommended) Personal expenses and hotel extras Optional excursions (*) Please Note: All prices quoted are nett, based on min 10 pax to travel, inclusive of taxes, surcharges and fees No reservations has been made at time of quote Prices are subject to availability, after booking confirmation Prices are subject to airlines, hotels and vendors terms and conditions Quotient TravelPlanner reserves the right to make substitution to any travel components Booking Procedure: 1. 10% deposit of the land price is required to secure a seat on this program. The balance is payable once the trip is confirmed (min of 10 pax) or at least 60 days prior to departure date. Refund & Cancellation Policy 1. More than 45 days prior to departure 80% refund of total tour price to 45 days prior to departure 50% refund of total tour price to 30 days prior to departure 25% refund of total tour price. 4. Less than 15 days prior to departure no refund. 5. This refund policy is not applicable to international airfare prices, the refund & cancellation value of airfare is subject to airlines prevailing terms and conditions. 6. No refund or exchange can be made for any unused portion of the Package. 7. Trip cancellation & personal travel insurance is highly recommended upon booking confirmation. Page 13 of 13