SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 15 days
Trip Dates:
Jan 12-26, 2012
13 nights in Deluxe & Luxury hotels | 18 meals
2012 Rates: $7295 double | $11295 single
Intra-tour flights:
$900 (4 flights)
International Airfare is additional.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Extend your trip with a Tiger Safari
or a trip to South India
| Fly USA to New Delhi, India | |
| Arrive New Dehli | |
| Delhi - City Sightseeing. Welcome dinner. | |
| Delhi - Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market | |
| Delhi - Udaipur - tour Crystal Gallery & cruise on Lake Pichola | |
| Udaipur - Visit Eklinji & Nagda temples | |
| Udaipur - Jaipur - City Palace & The Jantar Mantar | |
| Jaipur - tour the Amber Fort & Elephant Safari at Dera Amer | |
| Jaipur drive to Agra - visit Fatehpur Sikri en route | |
| Agra - visit the Taj Mahal | |
| Agra -train to Jhansi; drive to Khajuraho via Orcha. Sound & Light at Khajuraho Temples | |
| Khajuraho - Varanasi - Tour Khajuraho Temples | |
| Varanasi - Tour Sarnath & Banaras | |
| Varanasi - Delhi - Morning on the Ganges. Farewell dinner. | |
| Depart Delhi - USA |
On this tour you will journey through 5,000 years of spectacular history and a brilliant kaleidoscope of cultures, religions and landscapes. From the spectacle of mughal monuments in Delhi, move on for a taste of the princely splendors of Rajasthan in Udaipur & Jaipur. Next make a stop at the imperial city of Agra to see the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal before continuing to the fascinating erotic temples of Khajuraho. Finally reach the heart and soul of India, the sacred city of Varanasi and the River Ganges. India enlightens the heart and inspires the soul.
Day 1 Thu, Jan 12 – Depart USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to New Delhi, India.
Day 2 Fri, Jan 13 -- Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi late in the evening. After clearing immigration and customs you will be met by a Coda representative at the arrival lounge and transferred to hotel Taj Mahal.
The city is a sprawling metropolis that is home to 8.4 million people. Delhi is divided in two parts, Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi is settled within the remnants of a sturdy defensive wall and spreads west from famous Red Fort built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1638 - 1648 A.D.) The planning of New Delhi started in 1911 under the guidance of Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Delhi is steeped in history, dating back 3000 years.
Hotel Taj Mahal
Room Deluxe room
Meals None
Day 3 Sat, Jan 14 -- Delhi
You will have a slow start to the day to rest after the long flight. After an early lunch you will tour some of the sights of the capital city. Start at the Qutb Minar complex which has many historic monuments, including the Quwwat-Ul- Islam, built from the dressed and carved stones of
demolished temples, and establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutb Minar begun in 1199 has a elegant fluted tower decorated with carved balconies. From here you visit one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire – Humayun's Tomb. Humayun's tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.
Return to your hotel via the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home of the President of India. Drive up Rajpath, stopping at the India Gate. This was designed by Lutyen in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the WWI. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Hotel Taj Mahal
Room Deluxe room
Meals Breakfast & Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
Day 4 Sun, Jan 15 -- Delhi
After breakfast tour some of the sights of the capital city. Today you will explore the area referred to as Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan's city. You will drive past the Red Fort built in the mid 17th century when the Emperor moved his capital from Agra to Delhi.
From here drive to the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, whose narrow lanes are best explored by rickshaw. As you wind your way through the narrow alleys you will see remnants of the grand houses that were once the homes of wealthy nobles. Today it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruits and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists practice their trade on the sidewalks. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian. Disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan's last architectural legacy. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, Raj Ghat is an oasis of manicured lawns and peace and quiet. This is the simple yet stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence.
Rest of the day will be free for independent activities.
Hotel Taj Mahal
Room Deluxe room
Meals Breakfast
Day 5 Mon, Jan 16 -- Delhi – Udaipur
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the airport for flight IT 4305 (09:30 AM / 11:10 AM) to Udaipur. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel -- the Lake Palace. Since the check in time is 2:00 PM you will leave your baggage at the hotel and proceed for a city tour of Udaipur.
Udaipur is a very romantic city, with the palaces built around Lake Pichola and the Aravali Hills forming the backdrop. Enter City Palace, home of the Maharanas of Udaipur who according to legend are descendents of the Sun. Walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal object d'art and furniture including a complete bedroom set, discovered recently in a store room in the palace. Finally visit the Bagore Ki Haveli which is a splendid Museum exhibiting Udaipur's traditional arts and crafts, costumes, musical instruments and marble work.
Check in to your room in the afternoon and have the reminder of the day at your leisure.
Later in the afternoon enjoy an exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola (subject to water level), sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces.
Hotel Taj Lake Palace
Room Palace room
Meals Breakfast
Day 6 Tue, Jan 17 -- Udaipur
Enjoy breakfast before departing for the Eklinji & Nagda temples.
Visit the small but beautiful complex at Nagda. Known as the "Sas" and "Bahu" temples (literally Temples of the Mother in law and Daughter in law), these elaborately carved 10th-century temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the larger Sas temple, there are beautiful friezes with scenes from the Ramayana, meeting of lovers, and images of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Bahu temple has a richly carved archway and columns profusely carved with female figurines.
Continue to Devigarh Fort Palace for lunch.
On your way back to the city you will visit the 8th-century Eklinji Temple. Eklinji was a reincarnation of the Indian deity Shiva, and the patron god of the Maharanas of Udaipur. The afternoon is at leisure for independent actives or you may choose to indulge in various spa treatments at the hotel.
Hotel Taj Lake Palace
Room Palace room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 Wed, Jan 18 -- Udaipur – Jaipur
Early this morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for flight 9W 2013 (07:40 AM / 08:25AM) to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel, the Rambagh Palace. Since the check in time is 2:00 PM you will leave your baggage at the hotel and after a leisurely breakfast proceed on the city tour of Jaipur.
Jaipur, "The City of Victory", was first intended to be "Sawai Jaipur", named after the boy Prince who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743. Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".
You will tour part of the City Palace which is open to the public. The most striking building on entering through the Atish Pol or stable gate is the beautiful marble and sandstone Mubarak Palace, initially used to welcome foreign dignitaries and later used as the Cabinet Office. Today the palace houses the textile gallery exhibiting an excellent collection of costumes and rich textiles from the private collection of the Jaipur royal family. The armory is entered through the magnificent marble inlaid Singh Pol or Lion Gate.
The most impressive part of the place is the Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of Private audience. Entered through a gateway richly decorated in pietra dura and flanked by a pair of elephants carved out of a single block of marble, the star exhibits of this area are a pair of enormous sterling silver vessels used to store holy water from the Ganges. The water was used by the Maharaja for his daily bath when traveling overseas, to protect him from ritual pollution. Also of interest is the Art Gallery which has a collection or royal memorabilia.
The Jantar Mantar which you visit next is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. This was a result of this intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today. Finally you may like to explore the colorful markets of Jaipur, in the heart of what is known as the Pink City. One of the fun ways to travel is by cycle rickshaw.
Afternoon you will check in to your room and reminder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel Taj Rambagh Palace
Room Palace room
Meals Breakfast
Day 8 Thu, Jan 19 -- Jaipur
Early this morning participate in the in-house Yoga session. After your breakfast you will proceed for a visit to Amber Fort.
Amber Fort is the old capital of the Kingdom of Kachhawa. As a result of the cordial relations between the rulers of Jaipur and the Imperial power, Amber's wealth grew enormously. Raja Man Singh was mainly responsible for the exquisite artwork, palaces and temples within the fort of Amber, which drew much of its inspiration from sumptuous décor of the surrounding Mughal courts. The temple has a black basalt image of the Mother Goddess which the Man Singh brought from the eastern state of Bengal, and even today only a priest descended from the original priests, Man Singh brought from Bengal, can conduct the worship of the deity.
From here you will drive to Dera Amer on the outskirts of Jaipur to
experience a short elephant safari through the countryside. Later enjoy a hot lunch in a spectacular setting of the Aravali hills.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon and the rest of the day at leisure for shopping and other independent activities.
Hotel Taj Rambagh Palace
Room Palace room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9 Fri, Jan 20 -- Jaipur – Agra
After breakfast drive a little over six hours to Agra stopping en-route to visit Fatehpur Sikri and for lunch at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur.
Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect ghost city and a marvel of design and
construction. It was conceived and built by Emperor Akbar, one of the most enlightened rulers of his time. Built in 1571, it is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu Islamic trends. Today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first constructed. After lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace you will continue your drive to Agra and, upon arrival, check in at hotel Oberoi Amarvilas.
Agra - Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat (seat of the Emperor).
Hotel Oberoi Amarvilas
Room Premier Room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10 Sat, Jan 21 -- Agra
Rise early to visit the 'Monument for Love' – the incomparable Taj Mahal -- at sunrise.
The Taj Mahal is perhaps the world's most perfectly proportioned monument. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan's last wife Mumtaz Mahal, "light of the palace". Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as "A tear on the face of eternity". Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an "Urs", an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr. Prayers are said and passages from Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber.
Return to your hotel for breakfast and later proceed for a tour of Agra Fort.
Agra Fort’s present structure stands on the site of 14th-century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal's ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna. The afternoon will be at your leisure for independent activities.
Evening you will have another opportunity to visit Taj Mahal at sunset.
Hotel Oberoi Amarvilas
Room Premier Room
Meals Breakfast
Day 11 Sun, Jan 22 -- Agra – Jhansi – Orcha – Khajuraho
Breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the railway station for Shatabdi Express to Jhansi (08:15 AM to 10:20 AM).
You are met on arrival driven to Khajuraho, a ride of a little over five hours. En-route visit Orchha, a medieval town built in the 16th century by King Rudra Pratap. Now a small hamlet, Orchha was once the capital of the formidable Bundela kings, rulers who managed to stay on friendly terms with the Mughals and produce marvelous palaces and temples. The architecture is a combination of Hindu, Saracen and ornate Mughal. One of the finest sights is a view of the chatries or cenotaphs from across the river.
Before you continue on to Khajuraho, enjoy lunch at the Orcha Resort and upon arrival at Khajuraho check in at hotel Chandela.
Khajuraho, once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs, is the site of the largest group of medieval temples in India. Built in a burst of creative genius from 950 to 1050 AD, the size and sheer beauty of their carvings are as intriguing as the question of why and how they were built. Forgotten and unvisited until the mid-1960s, the Khajuraho temples are now one of the most popular places to see in India.
This evening enjoy a Son & Lumiere (Sound & Light show) at the western group of temples.
Hotel Taj Chandela
Room Superior Garden View room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 Mon, Jan 23 -- Khajuraho- Varanasi
After breakfast enjoy the temple tour of Khajuraho. One of the most amazing sights in India, the Khajuraho temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD during the reign of the Chandela kings, are considered the high point of medieval Indo-Aryan architecture, but it is the erotic carvings on the temples that have made Khajuraho so famous. Around the temples are bands of sculpture depicting many aspects of Indian life a thousand years ago. The time of the Chandela Rajputs, in every conceivable form, has been captured and immortalized in stone. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected until they were rediscovered in the 20th century and restored.
This fternoon transfer to the airport for your flight 9W 724 (01:30 PM – 02:10 PM) to Varanasi and upon arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel Taj Gateway.
Varanasi, formerly Benares, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The Ganges, where it flows through the 'eternal city', is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Mark Twain said: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." For the pious Hindu, the city has always been a special place, and it is considered a particularly auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven.
This evening, go down to the banks of the River Ganges and board your private boat to witness the 'Aarti', a prayer to the mother river, conducted every evening by five priests on the banks of the river.
Hotel Taj Gateway to Ganges
Room Executive room
Meals Breakfast
Day 13 Tue, Jan 24 -- Varanasi
Visit Sarnath this morning breakfast. Sarnath is the place chosen by Buddha to deliver his first sermon. It is as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Explore the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and look around a museum with an interesting collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India.
This afternoon enjoy acity tour of Varanasi. Stops on the tour include Bharat Mata Temple, Banaras Hindu University, founded by pundit Madan Mohan Malviya and, Vishwanath Temple and Museum. Lastly see Durga Temple from the 18th century and one of the most important temples in Varanasi.
Hotel Taj Gateway to Ganges
Room Executive room
Meals Breakfast
Day 14 Wed, Jan 25 -- Varanasi- Delhi
Early this morning, visit the Daswamedh Ghat and watch the wonderful colors of the sunrise as you meander along the sacred Ganges River in a boat. As part of their pilgrimage rites, the faithful walk down steps into the river to perform their religious ablutions. Watching the people worshipping at the ghats is an extraordinary experience. You may also witness a funeral pyre, an essential part of the traditional Hindu funeral ceremony.
Return to your hotel for breakfast and reminder of the morning at leisure.
In the afternoon you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight 9W 724 (02:40 PM – 04:00 PM) to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel Taj Mahal. This evening join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel Taj Mahal
Room Deluxe room
Meals Breakfast & Farewell Cocktail and Dinner
Day 15 Thu, Jan 26 -- Depart Delhi / USA
Transfer to the International Airport according to your flight schedule for your flights back the USA.
Arrive then USA same day.
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One of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the seat of government. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. |
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PALACE, udaipur The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola, is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the most beautiful tourist cliché in the world; the Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. |
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The stately beauty of the Rambagh Palace captures the grandeur and romance of a bygone era. Set amidst elegant historical gardens, this palace built by Maharaj Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur, is now one of the leading hotels of the world. Every room and suite reflects a world of royalty with its exquisite antiques, rich tapestry and paintings from a by-gone era. |
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oberoi Amarvilas, AGRA |
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taj chandela, khajuraho The simple Chandela hotel stands in contrast to the other "palace hotels" on our itinerary but serves as an ideal location for our 1 night in Khajurao to visit the spectacular erotic temples.The hotel does offer an array of modern comforts. |
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Also, a standard hotel quality, the Gateway Hotel in Varanasi has served as a base for visiting Varanasi for decades and countless numbers of tourists. Set amidst 40 verdant acres, The Gateway offers calm and relaxation in the heart of this crowded, ancient temple city. |
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One of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the seat of government. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. |
Double |
Single |
$7295 |
$11295 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
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$900 Econ. Class |
$450 Bus. Class* |
Tour costs are based on current airfares, tariffs and currency values at the time of publishing of the tour (usually 1 year prior to departure.) All rates & fares are subject to change until final payment is made as specified in our Terms and Conditions.
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| *Upgrade for khajuraho–Varanasi–Delhi only | |
- 13 nights' accommodation based on twin sharing at the following hotels/room categories.
- Breakfast on fixed menu basis.
- Welcome & Farewell dinners with cocktails (in house beverages) on 14th & 25th Jan ’12 at hotel Taj Mahal Delhi.
- Fixed menu lunch at Devigarh, Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur and Orcha Resort 17th, 20th & 22rd Jan ‘12.
- Dera Amer decorated Elephant Safari with lunch on 19th Jan ’12 in Jaipur.
- Services of English-speaking local guide during sightseeing.
- All transport services by air conditioned transportation.
- Toyota Innova’s for climb at Amber Fort Jaipur based on 04 persons per vehicle.
- Toyota Innova’s for the Ghat visit during Aarti Ceremony in Varanasi based on 04 per vehicle for group.
- Entrance & Camera fees to monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
- Domestic bottled during sightseeing tours and excursions.
- Air conditioned chair car train fare for Agra- Jhansi by Shatabdi Express.
- International and domestic airfare (quoted separately)
- Airport taxes
- Visa fees (a visa is required for India) and passport expenses.
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended).
- Cost of meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Drinks with meals.
- Gratuities for drivers and guides.
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry and internet & telephone charges
A single entry visa for India is required for American/Canadian passport holders. For current costs and to download forms, we recommend using Zierer Visa Service. To Speak directly to ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly with an Indian Consulate in your area. For information, google the Indian Consulate nearest you (e.g. Indian Consulate New York). You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages. If you plan to visit Nepal or another country before or after India and will return to India to fly home, you will need a multiple entry visa for India.
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
Delta, British Air, Air France, Lufthansa, Air India are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 2 participants. Current pricing is based on a minimum of 14 travelers. Fewer than 14 travelers may necessitate a recalculation of rates. A Coda Tour Escort will travel with the group based on a minimum of 10 travelers. Local hosting will supervise groups less than 10 travelers.
JANUARY |
Delhi |
Agra |
Jaipur |
Varanasi |
High |
69 |
73 |
71 |
73 |
Low |
45 |
43 |
49 |
47 |
Rainfall |
0.8 |
na |
0.4 |
0.7 |
Pre-trip Tiger Safari to Bandavgarh National Park
January 09 - 13, 2012
Click to download itinerary
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Delhi, India.
Arrive in Delhi in the evening by international flight and after clearing immigration and custom you will be met by a Coda representative at the arrival lounge and transferred to hotel Trident.
Hotel Trident
Room Superior garden view room
Meals Breakfast
Early this morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight IC 7807 (06:00AM / 08:00 AM) to Jabalpur. Upon arrival you will be met and driven a little over three hours to Bandhavgarh.
Cradled by the Vindya mountains of Madhya Pradesh is Bandavgarh National Park. Bandavgarh has a wide variety of habitats- sal forests, bamboo grazing land, ridges and streams. Temperatures can vary more than thirty degrees between day and night.
Bandavgarh is most famous for its tigers; although, it is not always easy to catch sight of these great beasts. There are plenty of other animals and birds that inhabit the sanctuary – chinkara, boar, deer, a variety of monkeys and chital to name a few. Upon arrival you will check in at the & Beyond Mahua Kothi. Enjoy lunch at the hotel.
This afternoon enjoy a shared game drive in the park. Some careful viewing will reward the watcher with glimpses of the tiger, Indian hare, dhole (Indian wild dog). The more elusive are the Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, jungle cat, panther, mouse deer, chausingha (four-horned antelope), nilgai, ratel and porcupine. Very, very rarely can the avid watcher see the wolf, Indian pangolin, smooth Indian otter and the small Indian civet.
Hotel Mahua Kothi
Room Cottage
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The next two day you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the park by shared jeep.
Hotel & Beyond Mahua Kothi
Room Cottage
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning you will drive a little over three hours to Jabalpur airport with packed breakfast for your flight IT 4376 (08:55 AM / 11:05 AM) to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel Taj Mahal to join rest of your group members.
Double |
Single |
$3195 |
$4345 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
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$574 (no business class available) |
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- 1 night at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel in New Delhi in a Superior garden view room.
- 3 nights’ accommodation based on twin sharing at the & Beyond Mahua Kothi in a Cottage room.
- Breakfast on fixed menu basis.
- Accommodation at Mahua Kothi is on Jungle Plan which includes all meals and game drives along with English speaking naturalist.
- All services by air conditioned Toyota Innova.
- Domestic bottled water during long drives.
- Domestic flights.
- Cost of meals which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for driver, assistant driver and guide.
- Alcoholic drink, laundry and telephone charges.
- International airfare & Indian Visa & Travel Insurance.
FLAVORS OF SOUTH INDIA
A Post-Trip to Forts, Palaces & Temples of India
Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2012
Click to download
South India is a world away from the northern part of the country. It is slower paced, more tropical and residents are darker skinned than in the north. It is like being in a completely different country. We have planned a 10 day program to highlight just the essentials - and most popular stops -- in South India. This itinerary can be taken as a separate trip or combined as an post-trip extension to our Forts, Palaces & Temples of India or as a pre-trip extension to our Treasures of Sri Lanka trip. However you decide to discover the Flavors of South India, you will be awed by them.
POST-TRIP TO FORTS, PALACES & TEMPLES OF INDIA
Day 15 (of NORTH INDIA TOUR) - Thu, Jan 26-- Delhi / Kochi/ Kumarakom
Morning you will be met and transferred from hotel Taj Mahal to the airport for your flight S2 241 (9:25 AM :1:30 PM) for Kochi (Hopping flight with one stop over in Hyderabad). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kumarakom where you will check in at Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa. Remainder of day and accommodations as per above Jan 27 description.
Day 16 - Fri, Jan 27 -- Kumarakom
Breakfast at your resort and enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure to enjoy the amenities at the resort or you may explore on your own.
In the afternoon board a boat to continue seeing the area. Stop at a farmhouse for lunch with a local family and the chance to see their spice plantation. Cruise back to the hotel in the evening.
Hotel Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Room Zuri deluxe room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch at a farmhouse
Day 17 - Sat, Jan 28 – Kumarakom - board the Houseboat
Breakfast and morning at leisure. This afternoon board your houseboat from the hotel jetty for an overnight cruise to Alleppey.
The waterways form a basis for a distinct regional lifestyle, and traveling by houseboat along these backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to the state of Kerala. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets and along narrow, shady canals giving one a chance to see this unique lifestyle.
The houseboats or kettuvalloms are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters. These air conditioned, palm covered boats are designed to navigate the narrow canals. The boat has two comfortable bedrooms with small en-suite facilities and a larger, open-sided sitting area where meals (prepared on board) are served. Each boat has a captain, mate and butler who will accompany your excursions. Enjoy your lunch and dinner on board the houseboat.
Accommodation Houseboat
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18 - Sun, Jan 29 – Alleppey / Kochi
After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and drive a little over two hours to Kochi and upon arrival check in at hotel Vivanta by – Taj Malabar.
Situated on the trade route between Europe and China and on one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures bearing testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala. At the entrance of Cochin harbor, the iconic Chinese fishing nets add a wistful aura to the surroundings. These nets are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese contacts from ancient times.
The rest of the day will be at your leisure for independent activities.
In the evening, watch a performance by the colorful Kathakali theater dancers, with their lavish costumes and exotic masks. These dramatic dancers base their plays on events and episodes from the great epics of India.
Hotel Vivanta by- Taj Malabar
Room Superior charm sea view room (Tower Wing)
Meals Breakfast
Day 19 - Mon, Jan 30 -- Kochi
Morning after breakfast you will take a city tour of Kochi. See the Jewish Synagogue. Originally built in 1568, the building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later.
Look around the Mattancherry Palace or ‘Dutch Palace’ with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, St. Francis Church was the first European Church built in India. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, but his tombstone still remains.
The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Kochi harbor are a fascinating sight, brought by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
In the afternoon you will visit the local markets.
Hotel Vivanta by- Taj Malabar
Room Superior charm sea view room (Tower Wing)
Meals Breakfast
Day 20 - Tues, Jan 31 -- Kochi / Mumbai
The morning starts with breakfast at your hotel and in the afternoon you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight 9W 2106 (1:00 PM / 2:50 PM) for Mumbai and upon arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel Leela Kempinski (close to the airport).
Hotel Leela Kempinski
Room Deluxe premier city view room
Meals Breakfast
Day 21 - Wed, Feb 1 – Mumbai / USA
Early this morning you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.
NOTE: If you wish to extend and visit Mumbai before returning to the USA, we will be happy to make customized arrangements for you.
RATES:
FLAVORS OF SOUTH INDIA |
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POST-TRIP TO FORTS, TEMPLES & PALACES OF INDIA |
|
Double |
Single |
$2,650 |
$3,825 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
|
$535 |
$325 Bus. Upgrade |
Tour costs are based on current airfares, tariffs and currency values at the time of publishing of the tour (usually 1 year prior to departure.) All rates & fares are subject to change until final payment is made as specified in our Terms and Conditions. |
|
PROGRAM INCLUDES for FLAVORS OF SOUTH INDIA (POST-TOUR EXTENSION):
- 6 nights’ accommodation based on twin sharing in Deluxe hotels and room categories as described
- 1 Night aboard a Deluxe houseboat on twin sharing basis
- Breakfast on fixed menu basis
- Accommodation in the houseboat includes all meals starting with lunch and ending with breakfast
- Farm House lunch at Kumarakom on 27 Jan ’12
- Services of English speaking local guide during sightseeing
- All services by air-conditioned Toyota Innova
- Domestic bottled water during long drives
- International & domestic airfares (quoted separately)
- Visa expenses (a visa is required for India) & passport expenses
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Drinks with included meals
- Gratuities for driver, assistant driver and guide.
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry and internet & telephone charges.
