A Portrait of India A custom trip planner prepared for janice fitzpatrick By janice fitzpatrick with J Fitzpatrick Travel LLC
Welcome janice fitzpatrick to Tauck's India Trip Planner! Is seeing the Taj Mahal on your list of things you always wanted to do? If so, then make 2016 the year to visit the Taj Mahal and you ll not only visit it, but you ll view it from your room at one of the "World's Best" hotels, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra! Enjoy in-depth cultural experiences as you wind your way through India. With just about every travel expense included, Tauck Value makes your dream adventure a reality. We ve spent years meticulously researching and defining each and every day on A Portrait of India to provide you with memorable cultural connections, locally guided in-depth sightseeing, a taste of regional cuisines, and accommodations at some of the world s finest hotels. And while India s palaces, temples and monuments paint the picture of the past for us, it is Tauck s unique experiences, such as a private visit to a chef s home for a cooking demonstration and dinner, or a private boat ride to witness sacred spiritual traditions, that make all the difference in an exceptional travel experience. Every day brings unexpected cultural experiences, unexpected culinary pleasures, unexpected moments that render your travels memorable for a lifetime... Our Tauck Directors provide warm, caring, thoughtful service throughout A Portrait of India, taking care of every detail so you connect with people and places, centuries-old traditions, and daily life. You'll enjoy locally guided, in-depth sightseeing that provides memorable cultural connections; savor new cuisine; and stay at unique hotels that embody the character of their regions as well as enjoying stays at the finest city-center accommodations. We ve built our business on one principle to provide guests with the very best travel experience possible, with an uncompromising focus on personalized service, quality experience and inclusive value. Just about every travel expense is included in one up-front price; there are no hidden costs, no surprises, and no options sold on tour. Traveling with Tauck is peace-of-mind travel at its best. In your Trip Planner, you'll find just about everything you need to know to make your decision to visit India with Tauck. You'll find a day-to-day itinerary, destination information, hotel details, practical tips, useful advice to prepare for your trip, and more Tauck s expertise is right at your fingertips. I encourage you to make your reservation soon to be sure to get the departure date you want space is filling quickly!. Dhanyavaad that s Hindi for thank you and I look forward to welcoming you on this amazing adventure! Sincerely, Daniel W. Mahar, CEO
YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTE A Portrait of India New for 2016! You'll be amazed by all that's included on A Portrait of India. Our popular India tour gives you a complete look at this complex country from north to south. Live like a maharajah at some of the world's top-rated hotels including a two-night stay at the award-winning The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, featuring views of the Taj Mahal, and three nights in Udaipur at The Oberoi Udaivilas. Cruise by houseboat in southern India through Kerala s beautiful canals. A boat ride witnesses spiritual ceremonies along the River Ganges in Varanasi, and a cooking demonstration features a taste of hospitality on an exclusive insider visit to a chef's private home in Kerala. Enjoy a special Maharajah evening with dinner and entertainment... a traditional dance performance... with special insights from Tauck's local experts and much more. Our India tour is a must for any world traveler! QUOTE: JANICE FITZPATRICK'S TRIP, DEPARTING ON 1/19/2016 Room 1 - Double Tour Cost: On Tour Air: Guest Protection Plan: $8,890 USD per person $1,100 USD per person $615 USD per person Due Dates Deposit Due Date: December 7th, 2015 Balance Due Date: December 7th, 2015 Totals Deposit Total: Booking Total: $3,230 USD $21,210 USD Note: Above quote was compiled based on the information available to us at the time you ordered this Trip Planner. It is not an offer to sell you the tour at the quoted price. Although not expected, prices in this quote may be subject to change due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of quote; availability, tour details and other components may also be subject to change. Your quote does not include airfare to and from the tour start and end locations. Tauck's terms and conditions apply upon booking and depositing.
ITINERARY A Portrait of India TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 World s Best hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas (where you ll have Taj Mahal views from your room) Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment A boat ride on the River Ganges, providing an opportunity to experience revered cultural traditions centuries old in Varanasi Exclusive insider visit to a chef s private home in Kerala and a cooking demonstration for an authentic taste of daily life Houseboat and river cruises, and a martial arts demo Kathakali dance performance in tropical southern India A cruise to Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor to see the City of Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site treasured for its art, thousands of years old Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 45 meals (16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, admissions, taxes and porterage Day 1 - Welcome to India! Tauck's ultimate India tour begins at The Oberoi, New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck s India tour begins just mention this at the time of booking; Tauck can arrange an extra night at The Oberoi, New Delhi. Meals: Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi Day 2 - Explore New Delhi, where old & new converge Explore India s capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built over 8 centuries ago, and Humayun s Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. After lunch, stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader Mahatma Gandhi who forced change through nonviolent protest. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi Day 3 - Delving into the past in Old Delhi Check out the colorful bazaars, sacred temples, 17thcentury havelis (mansions) and colonial monuments in the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood, and Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi s memorial and cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish and for your dining pleasure this evening, it's your choice. Dine à la carte at a selection of fine restaurants in the hotel. Meals: B, D Lodging: The Oberoi, New Delhi Day 4 - Rituals on the River Ganges in Varanasi Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river s holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, take a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep." Amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings, tonight will be a special highlight of Tauck's India tour. Lodging: The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi
ITINERARY Day 5 - Sunrise Ganges cruise and off to Agra and the Taj Mahal Tauck's India tour continues as you rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies, then fly to Agra for a two-night stay and tomorrow's visit to one of the world's most famous and recognizable buildings, the Taj Mahal. An incredible domed mausoleum complex of white marble, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to memorialize and house the tomb of his beloved third wife and completed in 1653, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture and yes, you'll have a view of it from your room in your award-winning luxury hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Day 6 - Wonders in Agra the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, which reveals the love story behind the white marble wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique design and relief work in marble and inlay with precious and semi precious stones; your visit also includes time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Following an afternoon spent at leisure, dine as you please this evening from among a selection of your hotel's fine restaurants. Lodging: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Day 8 - Jaipur's glittering palaces and pavilions of Amber Fort A highlight of your India tour, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions inside Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Jaipur, pursuing what interests you most. Lodging: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Day 9 - On to romantic Udaipur Drive today from Jaipur to Udaipur, arriving at your hotel late this afternoon. Udaipur is a Rajasthan city of palaces and lakes, often called the "Venice of the East" and the Most Romantic City in India. Dinner is at your leisure in your hotel, named India s best hotel by Condé Nast Traveler and 4th in the world s top 100 hotels. Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Day 10 - Lake Pichola cruise plus Udaipur's temples and palaces A leisurely cruise on Lake Pichola sets the stage for an Udaipur sightseeing tour with our local guide. Visit the 18thcentury fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples that was once home to the Maharajah of Udaipur. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, then join us for a demonstration in the art of donning a sari and a turban before dinner à la carte at the hotel. Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Day 7 - Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions, music, dance and cuisine. Lodging: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
ITINERARY Day 11 - Optional balloon ride, Udaipur's markets and as you please As Tauck's India tour continues, early risers may choose to soar over amazing Udaipur on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional $240 per person). Then, today's sightseeing begins in Udaipur with an autorickshaw ride around the city's bustling spice and vegetable markets, for an insightful glimpse into everyday life in Udaipur. In the vegetable markets, women in brightly colored saris sit amongst the stalls, surrounded by baskets brimming with their fresh and equally colorful produce, while burlap bags or metal pans entice with a kaleidoscopic array of curries and spices. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore more of this "City of Lakes" as you wish. Due to its many picturesque locations, Udaipur has supplied scenic backdrops to many a film or television show over the years; portions of movies including Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Octopussy and Gandhi, plus the TV miniseries The Jewel in the Crown, were filmed here. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. Meals: B, D Lodging: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Day 12 - Fly to Kochi via Mumbai, and take a sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea Fly via Mumbai to Kochi (known as Cochin during colonial times) in the state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India, home to coconut groves, paddy fields and wide beaches. Cruise its tropical inland waterways before setting off on a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a performance of the renowned Kathakali Dancers prior to dinner tonight at your hotel. Lodging: Vivanta by Taj Malabar Day 13 - Traditional cuisine and more in historic Kochi (Cochin) Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites reflecting its founding by the Portugese, as well as the influence of Dutch and British settlers. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, Kochi sightseeing includes Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India, the Dutch Palace and the 16th-century St. Francis Church. Later, visit the private home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening. Lively conversation, lively spices and delectable dishes await! Lodging: Vivanta by Taj Malabar Day 14 - Mohiniattam dancers and more at Kumarakom Lake Resort Explore the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to the picturesque island of Kumarakom in Lake Vembanad to continue your Tauck India tour with a twonight lakeside stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Tonight you'll be treated to a program featuring dancers performing the classical Indian dance form known as Mohiniattam, dating to the 16th century. Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort Day 15 - Cruising Kerala's canals by houseboat Board a thatched-roof rice boat for a cruise through Kerala's palm-fringed canals; this region is often referred to as another "Venice of the East." Spend the afternoon enjoying the activities and amenities offered by your lakefront resort. An unforgettable martial arts demonstration this evening is both educational and entertaining; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques. Have dinner at your leisure at the resort. Lodging: Kumarakom Lake Resort Day 16 - Welcome to Mumbai (Bombay) Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (known in earlier times as Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, an introductory sightseeing tour maps out the city and its landmark sites for you. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at The Oberoi, Mumbai; dine à la carte tonight at your hotel. Lodging: The Oberoi, Mumbai Day 17 - Elephanta Island temples and other treasures of Mumbai Explore Mumbai today, including the Gateway of India erected by the British to commemorate the landing of the King and Queen in 1911 and a cruise to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rockcut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century; a highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. Following lunch in Mumbai and an afternoon spent as you please at the hotel, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception as your Tauck India tour comes to an end. Meals: B, L Lodging: The Oberoi, Mumbai
ITINERARY Day 18 - Journey home Tauck's comprehensive India tour ends: Mumbai. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel in Bombay to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Meals:
ACCOMMODATIONS A Portrait of India The Oberoi, New Delhi Night 1, 2, 3 - New Delhi, India Located close to the city center, The Oberoi, New Delhi overlooks the prestigious Golf Club on one side and Humayun s Tomb on the other. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this elegant hotel is a favorite of sophisticated travelers. The readers of Travel + Leisure rank The Oberoi, New Delhi among the top 50 hotels in Asia, and Forbes Traveler 400 places it among the The World s Best Hotels and Resorts. Guest rooms are artfully decorated in contemporary Indian style and provide such welcome amenities as plasma TV with satellite channels and CD player, and minibar. Pamper yourself at The Oberoi Spa, take advantage of the well-equipped gymnasium or enjoy a dip in the new heated outdoor swimming pool. Three restaurants, Threesixty, Travertino and Taipan, offer a variety of cuisines while The Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen invites browsing amidst gourmet treats and international luxury brands. The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi Night 4 - Varanasi, India Recently renovated and refurbished and set within 40 acres of lush gardens, The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi is a haven of tranquility in this bustling city. Guest room amenities include TV with satellite channels, in-room safe, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. During leisure time, have a swim in the pool, keep up with your workout in the Fitness Centre or just take a walk in the gardens. International cuisine is featured at GAD, with a choice of an elaborate buffet or an a la carte menu, while Varuna specializes in authentic Indian cuisine. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks are available at the Prinsep Bar along with a good selection of wines and spirits. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Night 5, 6 - Agra, India The luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the world s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Moorish and Mughal in architecture, it is surrounded by terraced lawns, fountains, reflecting pools and pavilions with rich interiors that are reminiscent of the days of princes and emperors. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler named The Oberoi Amarvilas to the prestigious Gold List and the readers of Travel + Leisure rank it as one of the world s best hotels. Your guest room, with a view of the Taj Mahal, features Burma Teak flooring, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower and tub, minibar, walk-in closet with electronic safe, LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player and more. Set in a torch-lit terraced garden, the white marble swimming pool seems straight from The Arabian Nights. If you re craving some exercise, you ll find a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gymnasium within the Oberoi Spa. Both the Bellevue, featuring fine international and authentic Indian cuisine, and Esphahan, the specialty Indian restaurant serving traditional Indian dishes, are excellent dining choices. Cap off your evening at the Bar while enjoying your favorite beverage on its terrace with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal.
ACCOMMODATIONS The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Night 7, 8 - Jaipur, India The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur evokes the opulent lifestyles of the legendary Rajput princes. Set amid 32 acres of lush, landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflecting pools with Jaipur as a backdrop, guests are surrounded and enveloped with the romance and grandeur that was Rajastan. All guest rooms have regal four-poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private, walled gardens and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, walk-in closet with electronic safe, minibar and more. Relax and reflect in the beautiful heated swimming pool set in a garden, play some tennis, hit the ball around a five-hole pitch and put course, burn off some calories in the fully equipped gymnasium or allow the Oberoi Spa to lull you with personalized treatments drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions. End the day feeling like Rajput royalty as you linger over a nightcap in the Rajwada Library Bar. Both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure give The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur top marks. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Night 9, 10, 11 - Udaipur, India Capturing all of the splendor and romance of a royal era, palatial The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is a city renowned for its palaces, and this splendid hotel evokes the Rajasthan-era grandeur, romance and splendor once enjoyed by royalty. On its grounds with rambling courtyards, rippling fountains, reflecting pools and verdant gardens and within its interiors embellished with hand-painted frescoes, intricate mirrors and meticulously crafted artifacts the ambiance is one of regal splendor. Guest rooms, each with a private walled courtyard, are elegantly appointed with fine Indian textiles and custom-designed, handcrafted furniture and provide LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player, minibar and many more welcome amenities. Two magnificent heated outdoor swimming pools await, as does a state-or-the-art gymnasium and The Oberoi Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. In the evening, relax in the refinement of the Bar with a variety of spirits. wines and cigars. Vivanta by Taj Malabar Night 12, 13 - Cochin, India Enjoying a magnificent view of Cochin Harbour from Willington Island, the Vivanta by Taj Malabar, built in 1913, blends modern convenience with old-world elegance. Guest amenities in all distinctive and elegant rooms include electronic safe, minibar, hairdryer, tea/coffee maker and TV with satellite channels. Take advantage of the swimming pool and steam room, keep up with your workouts in the Fitness Centre, or give yourself over to the many pleasures of the Jiva Spa.
ACCOMMODATIONS Kumarakom Lake Resort Night 14, 15 - Kumarakom, India Known as the land of green magic, Kerala is a lush and beautiful area on the coast of southwest India. It is here that the lovely Kumarakom Lake Resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and winner of the World Travel Award as India s Leading Resort, beckons with the perfect blend of elegance and tradition embodied in its freestanding villas set amidst 25 acres of greenery at the edge of Lake Vembanad. Peace, tranquility and true relaxation abound. Guest accommodations were created with materials from century-old ancestral homes, retaining traditional details as well as New Age amenities welcomed by sophisticated travelers. Swimmers will love the meandering swimming pool! The Oberoi, Mumbai Night 16, 17 - Mumbai (Bombay), India Located on Nariman Point with the best view of Mumbai with the tip of the Queen s Necklace, Marine Drive, on its doorstep, The Oberoi, Mumbai couldn t be in a better location. Away from the hustle and bustle found in other parts of the city, it is still close to shops, restaurants and other pleasant diversions. Like the other famous Oberoi hotels, The Oberoi, Mumbai warmly welcomes guests with top-notch service in a luxurious ambiance. The hotel is in the midst of a multi-million renovation after which more specific information regarding new guest room amenities, recreational facilities and dining options will be available.
EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY A Portrait of India Many Tauck travelers prefer arriving at their destination a day before their Tauck journey begins, or often extend a stay at the end of their trip. As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations before and after your journey. Rooms are reserved on a spaceavailable basis, and the cost is added to your tour cost. to book your hotel with Tauck. Arrive Early: The Oberoi, New Delhi New Delhi, India Located close to the city center, The Oberoi, New Delhi overlooks the prestigious Golf Club on one side and Humayun s Tomb on the other. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this elegant hotel is a favorite of sophisticated travelers. The readers of Travel + Leisure rank The Oberoi, New Delhi among the top 50 hotels in Asia, and Forbes Traveler 400 places it among the The World s Best Hotels and Resorts. Guest rooms are artfully decorated in contemporary Indian style and provide such welcome amenities as plasma TV with satellite channels and CD player, and minibar. Pamper yourself at The Oberoi Spa, take advantage of the well-equipped gymnasium or enjoy a dip in the new heated outdoor swimming pool. Three restaurants, Threesixty, Travertino and Taipan, offer a variety of cuisines while The Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen invites browsing amidst gourmet treats and international luxury brands. 2016 Hotel Room Rates Double Single January 5 - April 15 $330 $330 Stay Later: The Oberoi, Mumbai Mumbai (Bombay), India Located on Nariman Point with the best view of Mumbai with the tip of the Queen s Necklace, Marine Drive, on its doorstep, The Oberoi, Mumbai couldn t be in a better location. Away from the hustle and bustle found in other parts of the city, it is still close to shops, restaurants and other pleasant diversions. Like the other famous Oberoi hotels, The Oberoi, Mumbai warmly welcomes guests with top-notch service in a luxurious ambiance. The hotel is in the midst of a multi-million renovation after which more specific information regarding new guest room amenities, recreational facilities and dining options will be available. 2016 Hotel Room Rates Double Single January 16 - April 15 $300 $300