India a country which will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colorful pageantry, enrich you with her culture, stun you with her modernity, embrace you with her warmth, and overwhelm you with her hospitality a land where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side, where thousands of brilliant images fill the soul with wonder and where quaint and startling contradictions juxtapose to lend an extraordinary vitality, texture and poetry to life. India ~ the ancient land of mystery, palaces and kings, romance and intrigue, nobility and grandeur a land steeped in a tradition of services and privileges to royalty. A land which has the largest Tiger population in the world Imagine yourself transported back a couple of centuries. Imagine waking up to find yourself in a royal, canopied bed with the soft gauze of sunshine filtering in through exquisitely filigreed windows. Imagine padding across to the windows to find peacocks mincing across the lawns. Imagine being waited upon and served a banquet with fluid grace by an army of turbaned bearers. Imagine being a king for a day. Imagine living in a palace! This is one fantasy that can be fulfilled.
SKETCH ITINERARY DAY : SECTOR 13 Aug 18 : Arrive Delhi [By an international flight] 14 Aug 18 : Delhi Agra [By Road 240kms / 05hrs] 15 Aug 18 : Agra Jaipur [By Road 240kms / 05hrs] 16 Aug 18 : In Jaipur 17 Aug 18 : Jaipur Bangalore [By Air: 6E 642 @ 0905/1130hrs] Bangalore Mysore [By Road 150kms / 04hrs] 18 Aug 18 : Mysore Ooty [By Road 130kms / 03hrs] 19 Aug 18 : In Ooty 20 Aug 18 : Ooty Coimbatore [By Road 90kms / 02hrs] Coimbatore Vellore [By Train 12676: 1455/2003hrs] 21 Aug 18 : In Vellore 22 Aug 18 : Vellore Mahabalipuram [By Road 140kms / 03hrs] 23 Aug 18 : Mahabalipuram Chennai [By Road 60kms / 1½hrs] Chennai Hyderabad [By flight] 24-26 Aug 18 : Hyderabad 27 Aug 18 : Leave Hyderabad [By flight] ROUTE MAP:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR DELHI Qutub Minar: Tallest Minar (tower) in India with a height of 73 meters from the ground level. It is made of red sandstone and marble & construction was started in 1192 AD by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was carried on by his successor, Iltutmish. Cycle Rickshaw Ride & walking tour of Old Delhi: Through the narrow streets of Chandani Chowk. Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara: The site in the Chandani Chowk area of Old Delhi, is where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor in 1675 AD, Aurangzeb, for refusing to convert to Islam. India Gate: Reveals the names of around 90,000 soldiers who died during these wars. The structure was completed in 1931 & this is 42 meter tall gate has beautiful gardens and fountains around it. AGRA Taj Mahal: built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17 th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Agra Fort: This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Fatehpur Sikri: the deserted red sandstone city was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16 th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago.
JAIPUR Amber Fort: Jaipur s Maharaja Man Singh, built Amber Fort in the 17 th century. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds): It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. (Only photo stop from outside) City Palace: Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II & occupying the 1/7 th area of the city, the city palace poses as an impressive citadel, which displays an elegant mixture of Mughal and Rajasthan style architecture. This complex building has witnessed many additions and alterations to it. Jantar Mantar (the Royal Astronomical Observatory): Made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Henna (Mehndi): It is a paste that is bought in a cone-shaped tube & is made into designs for men & women. The use of henna and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. It was originally used for only women's palms and sometimes for men. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of "awakening the inner light". MYSORE Srirangapatna its origins in the 10 th century, being the focal point in South India s political development, the fort was built under the Vijaynagar kings in 145 4 CE, 150 years. Mysore Palace built in 1911-12. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture which are truly magnificent. Chamundi Hills located close to the palace city of Mysore. The hills' average elevation is 1,000 meters. Bull Temple 5m high Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659, which is also one of the main attractions.
OOTY Toy Train Ride Ooty to Coonoor on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) which is charm of Nilgiri since 1899. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO during 2005. Tea Plantations in Nilgiri hills, most of these plantations were developed by British which were later bought over by Indian traders. Government Botanical Garden Ooty This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale, the then Governor of Madras and is spread over 22 hectares. VELLORE Christian Medical College one of India's finest hospitals, which attracts both medical students and patients from across the country. CHENNAI Fort St. George (closed on Fridays & Public Holidays). Within the compound is a museum holding many remembrances of the East India Company and the British period. San Thome Church, named for the Christian disciple ( Doubting Thomas ) who lived and taught here in the first century.
TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE: AC Large Coach (30-32 Seats)
GLIMPSE OF INDIA 16 Days (Oslo Oslo) 13 Aug 18: ARRIVE DELHI [By an international flight] Arrive in Delhi. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our airport representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest for few hours at the hotel. (Rooms will available after 1200 HRS) Delhi capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi including Qutub Minar the tallest stone tower in India and it is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate a war memorial, the Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan the President s residence. Later, a guided tour of Old Delhi where you will enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk before walking up to Jama Masjid constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is one of the largest mosque of India. Also drive past by Red Fort (from outside) which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and representative of the true splendor of the Mughal court. Continue to Raj Ghat cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of Nation). 14 Aug 18: DELHI AGRA [By Road 240kms / 05hrs approx] After breakfast, drive to Agra - the home of the world renowned Taj Mahal. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing of The Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in the 17 th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Evening is free for independent activities.
15 Aug 18: AGRA JAIPUR [By Road 240kms / 05hrs approx] After breakfast, a guided visit to Agra Fort an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. The seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Later, drive to Jaipur (known as Pink City) the city of victory famous for its culture and its people. Visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur transfer to hotel for check-in and rest for some time. Towards evening, enjoy Henna (Mehndi) session. It is a paste that is bought in a coneshaped tube and is made into designs for men and women. The use of henna and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. It was originally used for only women's palms and sometimes for men. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of "awakening the inner light". 16 Aug 18: JAIPUR After breakfast, visit to Amber Fort which was built by Jaipur s Maharaja Man Singh in the 17 th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. (Ascending by elephant and descending using local jeeps) While returning to the city, we will have a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. In the afternoon, continue visit to the City Palace Museum an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens, courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Later walk up to Jantar Mantar the Royal Astronomical Observatory. 17 Aug 18: JAIPUR BANGALORE [By Flight 6E 642 @ 0905/1130hrs] BANGALORE MYSORE [By Road 150kms / 04hrs approx] After breakfast, our representative shall transfer you to the airport in Jaipur to board the flight for Bangalore.
Upon arrival at Bangalore airport you will be met and assisted to the vehicle which will take you to the Mysore by road. Enroute visit to Srirangapatna. Here you will visit the remains of the fort and the Hindu temples and the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan. This little town of Srirangapatna played an important role in the region since its origins in the 10 th century. Being the focal point in South India s political development, the fort was built under the Vijaynagar kings in 1454 CE. 150 years later the last Vijaynagar king handed over authority to the Hindu Wodeyars of Mysore, who made it their capital. In the second half of the 18th century, it became the capital of Haidar Ali, who defended it against the Marathas. Continue to Mysore and check-in at the hotel. Mysore once the capital of a princely state. Mysore still carries on its placid shoulders the aura and glamour of palaces, the grandeur of festivals of times gone by but all of it with a quiet and unhurried dignity. Mysore is often called the Jewel of Karnataka. Its arts, culture, buildings, festivals, gardens and parks being the quintessence of the state s heritage. 18 Aug 18: MYSORE OOTY [By Road 150kms / 04hrs approx] After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Mysore city including famous Mysore Palace built in 1911-12. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are truly magnificent. Later, a guided visit to The Art Gallery and continue to Chamundi Hills. Here we can see the temple of Goddess Chamundeswari. The Chamundi Hills are located close to the palace city of Mysore. The hills' average elevation is 1,000 meters down to the hill station we can also see a largest Bull Temple 5m high Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659 which is also one of the main attractions. In the afternoon, drive to Ooty and check-in at the hotel upon arrival. Overnight at hotel. 19 Aug 18: OOTY Today morning, take a Joy Ride from Ooty to Coonoor on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) which is charm of Nilgiri since 1899. This Nilgiri rail system is unique as it is the steepest one in Asia. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. Another interesting thing associated with the Nilgiri Railway is that the youngest X class locomotive is over 50 years old and the oldest is 80 years old.
Later visit the Tea Plantations in Nilgiri hills. Most of these plantations were developed by British which were later bought over by Indian traders. Also visit the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty. This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale, the then Governor of Madras and is spread over 22 hectares. End the tour with visit to St. Stephens Church which was built in 19 th century by Stephen Rumbold Lushington who was then Governor of Madras. The massive main beam and other timber in the church, was taken from Tipu Sultan's Palace in Srirangapatna. In the afternoon, visit KMF Hospital in Kotagiri. 20 Aug 18: OOTY COIMBATORE [By Road 90kms / 03hrs approx] COIMBATORE VELLORE [By Train 12676: 1455/2003hrs] After breakfast, drive to Coimbatore by road and transfer to the railway station to board the train to Vellore. Upon arrival in Vellore, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel for check-in. 21 Aug 18: VELLORE After breakfast, visit to the Christian Medical College one of India's finest hospitals, which attracts both medical students and patients from across the country. Afternoon is free at leisure. 22 Aug 18: VELLORE CHENNAI [By Road 140kms / 03hrs approx] After breakfast, you will be driven to Chennai. In the afternoon, visit to Fort St. George. Within the compound of the fort, there is a museum holding many remembrances of the East India Company and the British period. You will also visit San Thome Church, named after the Christian disciple ( Doubting Thomas ) who lived and taught here in the first century. Also drive past the Marina Beach - the second longest beach in the world. 23 Aug 18: CHENNAI HYDERABAD [By Flight] After breakfast, our representative shall transfer you to Chennai airport to board the flight to Hyderabad.
24 & 25 Aug 18: HYDERABAD Breakfast at the hotel and day free for conference. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 26 Aug 18: HYDERABAD Breakfast at the Hotel. Latest check-out is at 1200 HRS. After conference, drive to Hyderabad for city tour. Dinner at local restaurant. After dinner, our representative shall transfer you to Hyderabad airport to board the flight to Oslo via Doha. 27 Aug 18: LEAVE HYDERABAD Arrival in Oslo.
Itinerary: 12 AUG 18 - SUNDAY AIR QATAR AIRWAYS FLT:QR176 ECONOMY MEALS LV OSLO 1635 EQP: 788 06HR 30MIN 13 AUG 18 - MONDAY AR DOHA HAMAD INTL 0005 NON-STOP AIR QATAR AIRWAYS FLT:QR570 ECONOMY MEALS LV DOHA HAMAD INTL 0230 EQP: 788 03HR 40MIN AR DELHI 0840 NON-STOP ARRIVE: TERMINAL 3 16 AUG 18 - THURSDAY AIR INDIGO AIR FLT:6E642 ECONOMY LV JAIPUR 0905 EQP: AIRBUS A320 DEPART: TERMINAL 2 02HR 25MIN AR BENGALURU 1130 NON-STOP 23 AUG 18 - THURSDAY AIR INDIGO AIR FLT:6E269 ECONOMY LV CHENNAI 0930 EQP: AIRBUS A320 DEPART: T1 - DOMESTIC 01HR 10MIN AR HYDERABAD 1040 NON-STOP 27 AUG 18 - MONDAY AIR QATAR AIRWAYS FLT:QR501 ECONOMY MEALS LV HYDERABAD 0315 EQP: AIRBUS A330-200 04HR 35MIN AR DOHA HAMAD INTL 0520 NON-STOP AIR QATAR AIRWAYS FLT:QR175 ECONOMY MEALS LV DOHA HAMAD INTL 0725 EQP: 788 06HR 45MIN AR OSLO 1310 NON-STOP
COST PROPOSAL Hotel Envisaged: Place Hotel Room Category No of Nights Delhi Le Méridien New Delhi Standard 01 Agra Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate Standard 01 Jaipur Shahpura House Standard 02 Mysore Grand Mercure Mysuru Standard 01 Ooty Fortune Resort Sullivan Court Standard 02 Vellore Regency Sameera by GRT Standard 02 Chennai Grand Chennai by GRT Standard 01 Hyderabad OhBiz Premiere Hotel Standard 03 Price & Validity: 15 th April 2018 to 15 th Sep 2018 No of Pax Per Person (INR) Vehicle 30-32 Paying Pax NOK 33,600/- per person on twin sharing AC Large Coach Single Room supplement NOK 8,770/- per room PRICE INCLUDES: Flight tickets as per program. 13 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at above mentioned hotels. Meal Plan: Half Board without drinks (starting with dinner on 13 th August till dinner on 26 th August). Transfers and all surface transportation using AC vehicle as mentioned above. Train tickets for sector Coimbatore Vellore in AC Chair Car. Entrances of monuments/museum for single entry only as per program. Accompanying English speaking guides. Cycle Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi. Battery Bus Ride at Taj Mahal Agra. Henna (Mehndi) session in Jaipur. Toy Train Ride in Ooty. Elephant Ride to visit Amber Fort in Jaipur (ascending only). Jeep Ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur (descending only). All applicable government taxes. Price doesn t include: Visa fee. Any expenses of personal nature like Portage, telephone/fax calls, still camera/video camera fee at the monuments and medical expenses etc. Any other services which are not specified above. IndiaReiser Plus: Assistance by IndiaReiser representative at the airport and garlanding on first arrival. Mineral water throughout the tour (02 bottles (500 ml each) per person per day).