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India Gold Tour33 days duration (34 days including travel time back to Australia)
On arrival in Chennai, formally known as Madras, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a relaxing three night stay.
After a leisurely breakfast we will hold a very informative Tour Orientation Meeting in which we get to know each other better and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Gold Tour. Following the meeting we have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and rest from the flights of the previous day. Our deluxe hotel is located near the peaceful fishing village of Covelong. Replete with an assortment of places of interest such as forts, churches, mosques, and a lovely beach, it gives those wishing to explore an overview of the history of Tamil Nadu Province.
In the evening we again gather for a special Welcome Tour dinner before settling down for the night. (BD)
Later this morning we undertake a tour to the unique heritage centre of Dakshinachitra where we have lunch, served in the traditional South Indian way. Following lunch we have the opportunity to observe the traditional craftsmen and women at work in the centre before driving to the seaside village of Mahabalipuram. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases several antique sculptural marvels which include the spectacular two-spired shrine, unique in that it houses the Gods Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. After the visit we return to our hotel. (BL)
This morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Bangalore where, on arrival, we are met and taken by road to Mysore. In the evening we undertake a visit to the Brindavan Gardens to view the “Dancing Fountains”, a fountain display incorporating a multitude of lights and music. (BLD)
Today we undertake a tour to the Chamundi Hills where we visit the Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswan. In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace. The palace is the former residence of the ruler of Mysore and is a splendid structure in the Indo-Sarcenic style. Its museum has many interesting items from a bygone era which include a magnificent gold throne and some silver doors. St. Philomena's Church, one of the largest churches in India, is to be found here as well. (BL)
Following breakfast we drive to Srirangapattna on the Kaveri River. This island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Saltan contains a mosque and temple. Following the visit we continue by road to our hotel in Bangalore for a two night stay. (BLD)
Following breakfast we are taken on a city tour of Bangalore. During the tour we visit Bangalore Palace, which is set on eight hundred acres in the middle of the city. It was built in 1887 in the Tudor style and has similarities with Windsor Castle in England. For some floral beauty we visit Lal Bagh and the Cubbon Park Gardens. The name Lal Bagh was given to these gardens because of the wonderful red roses which bloom all year round. We also drive past Vidhan Soudha (Parliament Building) and visit the market. (B)
Today we return to the airport for our flight to Cochin where we are met and taken by road to Kumarakom. On arrival in Kumarakom we transfer to our houseboat for a relaxing two night cruise and stay on board. (BLD)
Today we enjoy a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of our private houseboat. Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Floating through these placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages we will be able to observe the locals going about their daily lives. Our houseboat or “Kettuvalom” as they are locally known, is a beautiful dwelling comprising of fully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge and a full crew. We have our meals aboard the boat as we meander through this fascinating area. (BLD)
Following a breakfast on board we disembark at Alleppey and are taken by road to Cochin or “Kochi” as it is also known where we check into our hotel. Set on a cluster of islands and a narrow peninsula, Cochin is Kerala’s major port boasting one of the finest natural harbours in the world. In the afternoon we board a cruise boat and visit the Fort Cochin area where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets of Kochi and may encounter the afternoon catch being auctioned on the beach.
We then reboard our boat and undertake an evening cruise which includes a lavish buffet spread of local Kerala cuisine accompanied by a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a synthesis of dance, drama and music which will amaze you with its colours and grace. We should have some great photo opportunities as the sunsets and we enjoy our meal and dance performance on board before returning to our hotel for the night. (BD)
This morning we visit an orphanage run by a Christian missionary trust where we meet some of the children. Following the visit we continue on for a tour to the local spice market. After lunch we will take a walk through the old town of Cochin, around Mattancherry Jetty which is located on the edge of Jew Town. From here we tour Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace) and visit the oldest synagogue in India. (BL)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mumbai or “Bombay”, as it was formally known. On arrival we will be met and taken to our luxurious hotel located next to one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, the Gateway of India, for a fabulous two night stay. There is time to rest and freshen up before we embark on a tour to savour the ambience of the Mumbai streets using the traditional mode of transportation, a horse drawn ‘tonga’ or “Victoria”, as it is known. The ride will take us from the Gateway of India between the illuminated buildings and monuments of this city that never sleeps, then along Chowpati Beach and the Marine Drive. After dinner we return to our hotel for the night. (BD)
Today we undertake a comprehensive city tour which includes visits to the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and Mani Bhawan, the house where the ‘Father of the Nation’, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city. This afternoon you will have time to explore the local bazaars and take in some shopping. (BL)
This morning we are taken to the airport where we board our flight to Raipur. On arrival we will be transferred by road to our lodge conveniently located near the Kanha National Park for a fabulous two night stay. One of the largest National Parks in India, Kanha offers us the best chance of seeing tiger in the wild. With its plateaus, hills and grasslands, it is also one of the country’s most scenic parks. (BLD)
Both in the morning and afternoon we undertake safaris to track tiger. While looking for these elusive cats we should see a selection of other animals, birds and plants. During the heat of the day we have the opportunity to relax before heading out on our afternoon safari. (BLD)
Following a final game drive and breakfast we are transferred by road to our lodge conveniently located near the Bandhavgarh National Park for a fabulous two night stay. Bandhavgarh has been a centre of human activity for 2,000 years and used to belong to the Maharaja of Rewa. It is famous for its tigers, but it has a wide range of other game. (BLD)
During our stay we will undertake a number of safaris to track tiger. (BLD)
Following breakfast and our final game drive, we are taken by road to our hotel in Khajuraho for a two night stay. This evening we are taken to the temples for a spectacular Sound & Light Show. (B)
In the realm of architecture, Khajuraho holds a unique position! The temples here were built between 950 and 1,050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty, who claims descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love.
We undertake a comprehensive tour of the Western Group of temples containing some of the finest examples of Chandela Art to be found. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our surroundings. (BL)
Late this morning we will be taken to the airport for our flight to Varanasi. Located on the west side of the Holy Ganges, it has been the centre of the Hindu Religion, learning and civilisation for over 3,000 years, thus making it one of the oldest living cities in India.
This afternoon we have time to visit a silk emporium and see fine hand weaving taking place. In the evening we take bicycle rickshaws through the colourful, chaotic, vibrant market area to reach the banks of the Ganges where the temples will be lit with oil-lamps and candles. This light, combined with the aromas of incense sticks, oil lamps and flowers filling the air, makes the experience magical as we watch hundreds of little lamps float out onto the Ganges River as offerings during the Arti Ceremony (collective prayer). After this spiritual experience we return to our hotel for the night. (BD)
Today we will undertake an early morning boat ride, during which we have the privilege of witnessing the incredible scene as thousands of pilgrims and other devotees immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River to pay their homage to the revered sun god.
This is followed by a late breakfast at our hotel before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we are taken to our hotel for the night. (BL)(Lunch Inflight)
Today we undertake a comprehensive tour of Old and New Delhi in which we get to see India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. We undertake an interesting rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and colourful alleys of Old Delhi's market places before returning to our hotel for the night. (BL)
This morning we return to the airport for our flight to Amritsar. Located in the state of Punjab, Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Sikhs in the country. The city is characterized by religious, historical as well as contemporary sites of importance.
This afternoon we visit the Wagah Border: the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the “Beating Retreat” and the Changing of the Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most unique spectacle. Later in the evening we visit the Golden temple to witness the glittering ceremony as the holy book “Guru Granth Sahib” is returned according to time honoured rituals to the Akal Takhta (Sikh Parliament) for the night. (BL)
This morning we undertake a tour of this holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The highlight of our tour is a return to the Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib) for a daytime viewing. Famous for its full golden dome, built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. We have the afternoon at leisure to further explore the Sikh heartland before being transferred to the airport for our return flight to Delhi. (B)
This morning we return to the airport for our flight to Udaipur also known as the “Lake City”. On arrival we have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy our fabulous surroundings. (BL)(Lunch Inflight)
Following breakfast we visit the famous City Palace. It is actually a collection of palaces all surrounded by the royal palace walls which stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Following our tour of the palace we undertake a tour of Udaipur before the remainder of the day is at leisure. (BD)
After breakfast we are driven through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Noted for the grandiose scale of their architecture, the resident priests are still continuing the construction to this day. Following lunch we visit the temples. (BL)
This morning we continue the drive to historic Jodhpur, also called the “Blue City” and located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Our afternoon tour takes us to the Mehrangarh Fort. Towering over the city, it contains a number of grand palaces, each of which is an impressive example of architectural excellence. Following our visit to the fort with its magnificent views, we are taken to the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It is the largest art-deco residence in the world and now home to the head of the royal family, a museum and a hotel. (BL)
After a leisurely start to the day we fly to Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan and often referred to as the “Pink City”. On arrival we undertake a city tour taking in the highlights which include the Hawa Mahal, or the “Palace of Winds” and the Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory). (BD)
This morning we visit the ornately decorated Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Our afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our fabulous hotel and its surroundings. (BL)
Today we travel by road to Agra where we check into our hotel, located near the Taj Mahal, for the night. Much of the Taj Mahal’s decorations are precious and semi-precious stones inlaid on white marble. (BL)
Early today we visit what is one of the absolute highlights of the tour: the Taj Mahal, built in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal, by Emperor Shah Jahan. This marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind. It is breathtakingly beautiful with many precious stones used in its inlays. Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have ample time to explore this memorial.
Following lunch we visit the Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah, a beautiful tomb with marble and intricate etchings in its walls. We also visit a marble factory to see the craftsmen at work using traditional methods to form the tiny mosaic tiles from semi precious and precious stones and learn how the delicate marble inlaying is done. This evening we host a final “Farewell Dinner”. (BLD)
We have the morning at leisure before being taken by road to the airport in Delhi for our onward flights. (B)
Those returning to Australia will arrive home in the late afternoon. (Meals Inflight)
All prices are subject to currency fluctuations, additional airline charges and changes in costs from ground suppliers. We reserve the right to vary any part of the tour at our sole discretion as circumstances may require.
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