TRAVEL & LEARN CLASSIC INDIA Saturday 10 November - Sunday 2 December 2018 22 nights TOUR OVERVIEW This tour gives an in-depth and intimate experience of India s Golden Triangle. This is the route between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and is named for the almost equilateral triangle that the three cities make when plotted on a map and the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendour in these cities. As well as the best of the Golden Triangle, the tour includes some other very special places and experiences along the way including the Pushkar Camel Festival, the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Varanassi and an in-depth exploration of Rajasthan. Begin in Delhi, where you will see the amazing street life of Old Delhi, built for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century contrasting with the broad boulevards and British-built New Delhi. Before visiting Agra and the Taj Mahal which astounds with its mesmerising beauty, you will spend a couple of nights in Varanasi. This is one of the most colourful and fascinating cities where you will encounter the intimate rituals of life and death. Complete the triangle with Agra and the Taj Mahal. Visit Jaiapur, known as the Pink City after its red-washed buildings and become acquainted with the designs of Rajasthani architecture: grand havelis, astonishing forts and elaborately carved temples. You will get to know Rajasthan in much more depth over the days ahead visiting Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. A highlight is sure to be the colourful Pushkar Fair which takes place each November and brings livestock, farmers, traders and villagers from all over Rajasthan. Your last stop is high energy Mumbai, home of the Bollywood industry but also grand architecture courtesy of the Raj. While there, you will take two intriguing tours which are sure to be memorable. We have found that one of the best ways of dealing with the intense sights, sounds and smells of India during the day is to return to comfortable and peaceful accommodation in the evening. You will enjoy the 4 and 5 star accommodation that we have selected to provide you with a haven at the end of each day. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Taj Mahal YOUR TOUR MANAGER Leen and Di van Duin are the ideal tour managers for this tour. After 13 years with Air New Zealand, Leen joined Calder & Lawson House of Travel as an Owner/Director where he spent 25 years growing the corporate travel business. Leen is now a Director of Calder & Lawson Tours. Relaxed, caring, and friendly with a quick sense of humour, Leen aims to make his travel companions comfortable and at ease. From the time Leen and Di meet the group at the airport, it is clear that every aspect of the trip has been taken care of. Leen and Di have visited India several times. They took this tour in 2014 and 2015 and in 2016 took a tour to Southern India. Explore the cultural contrasts of Old and New Delhi Witness the grand prayer ceremony in Varanasi by boat Be astounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal Explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur Visit the largest textile and spice market in Jodhpur Experience the vibrant Pushkar camel fair Take part in a unique rural village experience Tour the Dharavi slum and learn about the famous dabbawalas in Mumbai
TOUR PRICE Ex Auckland Share twin per person NZD$11,950 Single supplement NZD$ 2,999 Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours if you are interested in a single occupancy place. GROUP SIZE: Minimum 10, maximum 18 VARIATIONS IN TRAVEL: You may wish to add pre- or post-travel arrangements, or perhaps upgrade to Business Class. Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours. TOUR INCLUSIONS: The services of a Calder & Lawson tour manager Economy class airfares 1 nights accommodation northbound 19 nights accommodation in India Most meals as specified in the itinerary National and local guides Air conditioned coach travel throughout All group transfers Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary All tips for local guides Pre-tour material TOUR EXCLUSIONS: Airline taxes Personal expenses Travel insurance Meals not specified in the itinerary Beverages during included meals, unless specified Hotel porterage IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? Taking an escorted tour is a great way to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and colourful chaos of India. We select accommodation that gives you a chance to relax at the end of the day as every day is full of activities and new experiences.
DAILY ITINERARY Saturday 10 November. Auckland - Singapore. A morning check before your midday departure to Singapore. Evening transfer from the airport to your downtown hotel. (Meals in flight) Sunday 11 Singapore Delhi. Transfer back to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India s capital and a major gateway to the country. After formalities, your guide will meet you and you will be accorded a Mouli Ritual before transferring to your hotel. Mouli is a red cotton thread, considered to be very sacred and used in religious ceremonies in India. (B/Meals in flight) Monday 12 Delhi. A day to explore both Old and New Delhi. First Old Delhi Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort - the palace for Shahjahan s new capital; Jama Masjid - the mosque of Friday which was built from 1644 to 1658 during the reign of Shahjahan. Walk through the narrow busy lanes of Chandni Chowk, popularly called The Silver Street. If you are not a keen walker, you may be able to travel through the lanes enjoying a rickshaw ride. Visit Khari Baoli, a spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. Your discovery of New Delhi starts with a visit to Humayun s tomb ~ the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble, one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Visit Qutab Minar which is Delhi's equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Nelson's Column. Drive on to Raisina Hill, one of the most colonial parts of New Delhi, where you will see the Viceroy's House, now the residence of the President of India and the India Gate, a war memorial arch. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening. (B/D) Tuesday 13. Delhi Varanasi. Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. The city gets its inherent charm from its location, as it s situated on the west side of the Holy Ganges. The principal attractions are its bathing Ghats which are always bustling with life at any time of the day. This evening, on a boat, visit the Ghats to see the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony an experience of a life time. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. Dinner will be at your hotel. (B/D) Wednesday14. Varanasi. An early morning sunrise boat tour enables you to witness the life of people that has been carried on for thousands of years. Watch Hindu people from all over India come and take a holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then depart to Varanassi airport for your flight to Agra. Transfer to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. It came into prominence when a lavish patronage of Mughal rulers created forts, tombs, and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. (B/D) Thursday 15. Agra. Before breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. You will visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Then visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah popularly known as Baby Taj. Visit a marble inlay workshop to watch the craftsmen doing inlay work before returning to your hotel. (B/D) Friday 16. Agra Jaipur. Spend the day driving to Jaipur, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This city was built of red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century and deserted soon after because its water supply failed. It is a perfectly preserved ghost city characterized by a harmonious synthesis of Hindu, Mughal and Persian architectural style. Continue onwards to Jaipur. Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city. Check in to your hotel, where you ll stay for two nights. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B/D)
Saturday 17. Jaipur. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. With its honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted on elephant back, Amber has been described as the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan. An elephant ride (subject to availability), or jeep will take you to the fortress. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Visit Jai Singh s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also a soldier, astronomer and builder. You will visit City Palace, a part of which is now a museum that contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armoury, old carpets, and embroidered clothes of the Maharajas and the Maharanis. This evening you will take part in a cooking demonstration, followed by dinner at Dera Mandawa. The Dera Mandawa property was built by Thakur Jait Singhji of Mandawa in the 19th century. In this unique place, the silence is broken only by the twittering of the birds. Get to know the owner, by sharing a homemade dinner, made in a friendly atmosphere. (B/D) Sunday 18. Jaipur Pushkar. After breakfast, travel to Pushkar. On arrival, check in to your hotel for two nights. Pushkar is a city situated in the state of Rajasthan and is famous for its temples and the most notable amongst these is the Brahma Temple. Pushkar also attracts devotees from all over the world who come here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. But by far the greatest tourist attraction is its annual cattle fair, which is a spectacle to behold. In the afternoon visit the Camel Fair Ground. Return to your hotel before dark where you will have dinner this evening. (B/D) Monday 19. Pushkar. After breakfast, revisit the Camel Fair Ground for the morning. In the afternoon you will explore the city, visiting the Pushkar Lake Ghats and the Brahma Temple, which is one of its kind left In India today. Later on, return to your hotel. (B/D) Tuesday 20. Pushkar Bikaner. After a buffet breakfast, you will be travel to Bikaner, a major desert town in northern Rajasthan founded in 1488. After checking in to your hotel, you will have a sightseeing tour of the town. Visit Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains where its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky. Later on visit Shri Sadul museum which covers the entire first floor of Lalgarh Palace. The museum was established in 1076 and there's a collection of artefacts and personal possessions of the Bikaner Maharajas. Return to your hotel. (B/D) Wednesday 21. Bikaner Jaisalmer. Today you will drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city, rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in splendour, dominating the amber - hued city. On the edge of the desert, the city is a bustling centre from where you can trek across the stretches of sand on camels or enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs. The rich and beautiful palaces and havelis shimmer against the desert. Have the rest of the day at leisure. (B/D) Thursday 22. Jaisalmer. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Lovely havelis dot the enchanting network of narrow lanes. Among the sights you'll visit are Nathmalji Ki Haveli and Patwaon Ki Haveli, beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways. This evening take a camel ride and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of Jaisalmer Fort. (B/D) Photos: Spices for sale at a market, Washing in the Ganges, Varanasi
Friday 23. Jaisalmer Jodhpur. Travel to the city of Jodhpur. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall, which was built about a century after the city was founded. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It s one of the more interesting cities in India and the baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this place. The Mehrangarh Fort is sprawled across a 125-metre high hill and is the most impressive and formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. On the wall adjacent to the Lahapol or Iron Gate are 15 handprints, the sati marks of the widows of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort, which is still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there is a series of courtyards and palaces. Check in at your hotel, where you ll stay for three nights, the rest of the day is at leisure. (B/D) Saturday 24. Jodhpur. Today visit the Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. Spend the afternoon shopping in the bazaars or at leisure. (B/D) Sunday 25. Jodhpur. Have a unique desert experience today that shows rural Rajasthan in its full glory. Through the semi-arid terrain you will witness the simple life of different communities that have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. The variety of wildlife and birdlife makes for a photographer's paradise. Lunch is included on your safari today. (B/L/D) Monday 26. Jodhpur Udaipur. Drive to Udaipur, en-route visiting the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples. The Jain religion is particularly noted for the grandiose scale of its architecture and the highly decorated ceilings, walls and pillars. Udaipur is set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills. It grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan. As the capital of the old Mewar State it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th century, peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Check into your hotel for the night. Dinner will be at your hotel. (B/D) Tuesday 27. Udaipur. Visit City Palace; the majestic palace which is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Tour the private collection of precious and rare crystals from the royal treasure which for more than 100 years remained underground. After the walk, take a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai and then to your hotel where you will stay for three nights. (B/D) Wednesday 28. Mumbai. This morning, you will witness the famous dabbawalas. A dabbawala (one who carries the box), is a person in Mumbai whose job is to carry and deliver freshly made food in lunch boxes to office workers. Tiffin is an old-fashioned English word for a light lunch, and sometimes for the box it is carried in. Dabbawalas are sometimes called tiffin-wallas. Though the work sounds simple, it is actually a highly specialized trade that is over a century old and which has become integral to Mumbai's culture. This afternoon you will take a city tour visiting the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. In the afternoon you will visit Crawford Market which caters to a mix of locals and tourists and is great place to pick up souvenirs and local produce. (B/D) Thursday 29. Mumbai. Today tour the Dharavi Slum, a fascinating and eye-opening experience. The slum, the largest in Asia and home to more than a million people, is a place of hardship and poverty, but also one of humour, enterprise and activity with an annual turnover of around US$665 million. The main industries are recycling, pottery, soap making, embroidery and leather tanning. On your tour you are also able to visit the residential area of the slum where people live their lives in truly staggering conditions - narrow dirty lanes, open sewers and cramped huts. In a city where house rents are among the highest in the world, Dharavi provides a cheap and affordable option to those who move to Mumbai to earn their living. Return to your hotel after the tour. Your farewell dinner will be held at a restaurant this evening. (B/D) Friday 30. Mumbai Singapore Auckland. Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Singapore, to connect with the flight to Auckland, arriving on Sunday 2 December. (B/Meals in flight)
ITINERARY HOW TO REGISTER: A deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your place on the tour. When minimum numbers are reached, the tour will become a confirmed departure. At that point we will advise when the full tour price will be due payable. Click here to complete the online registration form, pay the $1000 deposit and your spot in this tour is secured. Or you can complete a paper registration form. You can down load one from the website www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz or give us a call and we will email or post one to you. TERMS & CONDITIONS: Can be found on the website www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz, on the back of the paper registration form or on the summary page when you complete an online registration. VARIATIONS: This itinerary is version 1 dated 14/09/2017 and is subject to change. Exchange rate fluctuations may result in a change to the tour price.