DELHI, AGRA & THE MIGHTY GANGES YOUR TOUR DOSSIER TRIP OVERVIEW Cruise India s sacred river, the Ganges, its shores dotted with colonial towns, sleepy villages, mango orchards and bathers on pilgrimage seeking its cleansing waters. Explore the 114-room expanse of Hazarduari Palace, wander the ruins of the ancient city of Gaur, experience the former grandeur of Kolkata, the capital of British India, and witness the fascinating riverside prayer ritual of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi on this exploration of India s cities and waterways. ITINERARY & DETAILS 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 1: UK to Kolkata Depart London Heathrow on your scheduled overnight flight to Kolkata, via Mumbai. DAY : Kolkata D On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An afternoon tour of Kolkata, once considered the greatest colonial city of the Orient, takes you around the grand marble Victoria Memorial and St. Paul s Cathedral, often called the Taj of the British Raj. Drive past some of Kolkata s most beautiful buildings, including St. John s Church, the High Court, Eden Gardens and BBD Bagh, a square in the commercial centre, before visiting Park Street Cemetery, a sprawling cemetery used from the mid 18th to 19th century. DAY 3: River cruise B/L/D Embark on your seven-night Ganges river cruise and experience the tranquil beauty of India s sacred river. Sail past the picturesque, old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore, the military centre of British India. Disembark for a stroll through the cantonment past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and the gardens of Flagstaff House, where many of the British statues removed from central Kolkata are housed. Enjoy the night-time sights and lights on the water s edge as you sail through the night. DAY 4: River cruise B/L/D Sail up to charming Chandernagore to explore the remnants of French colonial rule, seen in the splendid collection of French artefacts housed in Dupleix s House and the white-stone, French-inspired façade of The Sacred Heart Church. Visit the imposing Imambara mosque at Hooghly then board your ship and cruise upstream to moor for the night. DAY 5: River cruise B/L/D A rickshaw ride through today s port of call, Kalna, takes you through this verdant, countryside town to terracotta temples and the town s unique Shiva temple 108 shrines arranged in concentric rings. Travel onward through the countryside to Mayapur, its skyline dominated by the towering domes of the impressive, new ISKCON temple. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari. DAY 6: River cruise B/L/D In the brassworking village of Matiari, locals smelt, shape, polish and engrave brass water pots and vessels using primitive brassworking practices. Watch these skilled artisans at work before visiting the battlefield of Plassey, where the battle of 1757 changed the course of Indian history. The boat will moor on the banks of Murshidabad for the night. DAY 7: River cruise B/L/D Back on land, visit the Khushbagh, a peaceful Moghul-style garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj ud-daulah, the last ruler of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to the grand Hazarduari Palace to explore its 1,000 doors, 114 rooms, and extensive collection of pictures, china and weapons. Journey to the crumbling ruins of the Katra Mosque and walk the hallways of the Nashipara and For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073 Katgola Palaces with their intriguing fusion of Indian and European architecture, characteristic of the White Moghul period when English and Indian cultures began to intermingle. DAY 8: River cruise B/L/D Drop anchor at the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar and walk through fields and farms to a terracotta temple complex, experiencing rural India at its most idyllic. Enjoy the journey up the Hooghly River, at this point a waterway meandering between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. A long, scenic canal takes you to a mooring close to the Farakka Barrage. DAY 9: River cruise B/L/D Disembark at Farakka for a full-day excursion to Gaur, an ancient ruined city on the India-Bangladesh border. Wander the remains of the mosques, palaces and gateways that once made up this great city before returning to the ship for the evening. DAY 10: Farakka to Kolkata B/L/D Find your land legs as your cruise comes to an end. A train ride to Kolkata allows you to experience the fourth largest railway network in the world and gives you the chance to take in some of the beautiful landscapes racing by. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Kumartuli, home to a community of over 400 potters who masterfully create thousands of clay idols of local gods, goddesses and demons, carrying on an age-old tradition of craftsmanship. Later, visit the lavishly decorated Jain Temple, adorned with mirrors, chandeliers and intricately paved marble floors, before continuing on to your Kolkata hotel for your overnight stay. DAY 11: Kolkata to Varanasi B/L/D This morning s flight takes you to Varanasi, India s spiritual centre and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. This evening s tour leads to the banks of the Ganges River, lined with temples, pavilions and vast stone steps, or ghats, used daily by thousand of pilgrims in their daily cleansing rituals. Witness the spellbinding Ganga Aarti ceremony where fire-lit offerings are floated down the river. DAY 1: Varanasi B/L/D Watch the sun rise over Varanasi with an early morning boat trip on the Ganges, allowing a different perspective of this vibrant and colourful waterfront city. After breakfast and a morning of relaxation, an afternoon trip takes you to the ancient temples of Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Wander these holy ruins before returning to Varanasi for an evening at leisure. DAY 13: Varanasi to Agra B/L/D After breakfast, fly to Delhi then travel onward to Agra. Although known primarily as the site of the Taj Mahal, which draws large crowds of international and local visitors annually, this seat of the Mughal Empire also brims with ancient Mandir temples, mausoleums, forts and jostling marketplaces, many of them UNESCOrecognised landmarks and structures. DAY 14: Agra B/L/D Begin the day with a visit to the jewel of Agra and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Witness the distinctive minarets and gleaming dome of this spectacular ivory-white mausoleum, commissioned by grief-stricken Emperor Shah Jajan to hold the remains of his beloved third wife. After lunch, explore the colossal complex of the Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone city of striking pavilions, palaces and courtyards enclosed behind 0-metre-high walls. 1
DELHI, AGRA & THE MIGHTY GANGES DOSSIER DAY 15: Agra to Delhi B/L/D Travel to the sprawling metropolis of Delhi and enjoy a short tour of the colonial buildings of the planned city of New Delhi. Drive past the India Gate, President s House and Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple, adorned in carvings and fresco paintings and made of,000 tons of white marble. DAY 16: Delhi B/L/D Old Delhi s labyrinth of streets and ancient temples lie alongside the wide avenues and colonial-era buildings of New Delhi, blending tradition and modernity. Take a rickshaw ride through the lively streets of Old Delhi, past the UNESCO-listed Humanyun s Tomb and the imposing Red Fort, with its vast hallways, elaborately designed gardens and marble pavilions, typical of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Take in the bright colours, bustle and activity of the streets before crossing into New Delhi, stopping at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, wreathed in floral tributes, and the ancient mosques and tower of Qutab Minar. DAY 17: Delhi to the UK or extension B After breakfast, you ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to London, or continue on to your chosen extension. ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Kolkata ( nights): 4H Regenta Orko s 318A, Prantik Pally, Rajdanga, Opp. Southern Conclave, Kasba, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107, India. Contact number: 0091 33 660 9999 Ganges River Cruise (7 nights): 7 nights ABN Rajamahal or ABN Sukapha Varanasi ( nights): 4H Hindustan International No.C-1/3, Maldahiya, Station Road, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 1001, India. Contact number: 0091 54 7110711 Agra ( nights): 4H Howard Plaza Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 8001, India. Contact number: 0091 56 404 8600 Delhi ( nights): 5H Radisson Blu Dwarka Plot 4, Dwarka City Centre, Sector 13, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075, India. Contact number: 0091 11 3090 8000 < Delhi Kolkata Coach Air Boat Rail Agra < Varanasi < Asia Farakka Khushbagh 1 Murshidabad 1 Matiari 1 Kalna 1 Barrackpore 1 Kolkata 1 Number of nights 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 10 days before you travel. Accommodation All accommodation is 4 and 5H with en-suite facilities, heating/air-conditioning, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Mercury Holidays have visited and inspected all 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. FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata with Jet Airways (9W), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. Your return flight will be from Delhi airport. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will 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. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 3kg of hold luggage, however the restriction on your domestic flights is only 15kg, 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 0k this means your allowance is 0kg; or 1PC means One Piece not exceeding 3Kg. For handling purposes the maximum weight of any single piece of baggage must not exceed 3 Kgs. Hand Luggage: One piece of hand luggage with maximum total dimensions not exceeding a total of 115cm 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. 0871 360 000, quoting HX313. 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 on hand 4 hours a day during the land part of this tour. Guides and representatives are included on your 7-night Ganges Cruise. If you need to contact Earthen Experiences during your stay the details are: Earthen Experiences E 7, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India, 110016 Telephone Number: 0091 11 491 1000 (09:30 18:00) E-mail: info@earthenexperiences.com Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Earthen Experiences: Mr. Mohamed Kaushar General Manager: 4 hour number: 0091 98 9974 0800 E-mail Address: mohammad.kaushar@earthenexperiences.com Mr. Anuj Negi Director: 4 hour number: 0091 99 1073 855 E-mail Address: anuj.negi@earthenexperiences.com For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073
DELHI, AGRA & THE MIGHTY GANGES 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 0170 50 590 and quote Mercury Holidays. The cost of the visa is approximately 96 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 10 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 10 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: 14-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 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. Tour Guides This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your guide who will remain with you during the land part of this tour. For the Ganges Cruise, guides and representatives are included in the cruise package. Tipping Tipping is at your discretion; however we would recommend approximately 1 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. 1 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 Personal Expenses 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 10. In the unlikely event there are fewer than 10 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. 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 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 0800 781 437 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 4 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; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches 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. 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 0 Volts with plugs and sockets having either grounded 3 pin connections or ungrounded 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. For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073 3
DELHI, AGRA & THE MIGHTY GANGES DOSSIER WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073 4
GOA BEACH STAY EXTENSION YOUR TOUR DOSSIER If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 4 073 TRIP OVERVIEW 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. ITINERARY & DETAILS 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 4H 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 - 403518 Telephone: 0091 83 6 9103 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 10 days before you travel. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry. Tour Guides 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. Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details while you are in Goa; Jayasree Travel and Tours Contact Telephone number Ms Jayasree Vikraman 0091 974 700 5888 Ms Samitha 0091 974 471 3380 Mr Jagdish Nair 0091 956 08 9699 Mr Anil Kumar 0091 984 706 680 Mrs Prashansa Alkesh 0091 997 148 8995 Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average Temperature for Goa FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073
HIGHLIGHTS OF KERALA EXTENSION YOUR TOUR DOSSIER If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 4 073 TRIP OVERVIEW 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. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Kerala. Day 17: 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 18: Kochi to Alleppey B Transfer to Alleppey to board an authentic houseboat, journeying through the scenic backwaters. Day 19: 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 0: Thekkady to Kochi B After an early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, proceed to Kochi for a city tour. Day 1: Kochi to the UK B Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK. Hotel Information Kochi ( nights): 3H Sreeragam Luxury Villa Retreat Kairali Nagar, BTC Road Cochin, 68304. Contact: 0091 484 706365/7073681 Alleppey (1 night): Traditional houseboat Thekkady (1 night): 4H Aranya Nivas Kumily Thekkady Road, Kerala. Contact number: 0091 486 9 03 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 10 days before you travel. Personal Expenses 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. Tour Guides 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. 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 0170 50 590 and quote Mercury Holidays. The cost of the visa is approximately 7 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 10 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 10 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. 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 0091 974 700 5888 Ms Samitha 0091 974 471 3380 Mr Jagdish Nair 0091 956 08 9699 Mr Anil Kumar 0091 984 706 680 Mrs Prashansa Alkesh 0091 997 148 8995 Average Temperature for Kochi FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 4 073