|
INDIA
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
 |
India
is one land with many cultures and in order to experience
a sampling of the rich diversities of this land we have tailored
this unique 29-day journey. Enjoy the rich and varied history
and cultures of over a billion people as we traverse this
massive sub-continent.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Delhi |
|
02
|
Delhi |
| 03 |
Delhi
|
|
04
|
Delhi
/ Varanasi |
|
05
|
Varanasi / Khajuraho |
|
06
|
Khajuraho
|
|
07
|
Khajuraho
/Jhansi & Jhansi / Agra |
|
08
|
Agra
|
|
09
|
Agra
/ Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambhore |
|
10
|
Ranthambhore |
|
11
|
Ranthambhore
/ Jaipur |
| 12 |
Jaipur |
| 13 |
Jaipur
/ Mumbai (Bombay) |
| 14 |
Mumbai |
| 15 |
Mumbai
/ Hyderabad |
| 16 |
Hyderabad
/ Bangalore (flight) and Bangalore / Mysore |
| 17 |
Mysore |
| 18 |
Mysore
/ Bangalore |
| 19 |
Bangalore
/ Cochin |
| 20 |
Cochin |
| 21 |
Cochin
/ Kovalam |
| 22 |
Kovalam |
| 23 |
Kovalam
/ Varkala / Kumarakom |
| 24 |
Kumarakom |
| 25 |
Kumarakom
/ Periyar |
| 26 |
Periyar
/ Madurai |
| 27 |
Madurai
/ Chennai (Madras) |
| 28 |
Excursion to Mahabalipuram |
| 29 |
Chennai / Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour |
|
Agra Fort (1983) |
Near
the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-
century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra.
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of
the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built
by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas;
and two very beautiful mosques. |
| Taj
Mahal (1983) |
An
immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between
1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the
jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally
admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. |
| Fatehpur
Sikri (1986) |
Built
during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex
of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural
style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the
Jama Masjid. |
|
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) |
Built
in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi,
the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high,
tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32
m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary
buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate,
the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and
two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest
in northern India, built of materials reused from some
20 Brahman temples. |
| Khajuraho
Group of Monuments (1986) |
The
temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty,
which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about
20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups
and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism.
They strike a perfect balance between architecture and
sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a
profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces
of Indian art. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way
with hands together. After immigration and custom formalities,
we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Delhi (3 nights) (D)
Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India, New Delhi, is a blend of Mughal India,
Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent
India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first
the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament,
Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering
102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. Rest of the day free.
(B, D)
Day 03: Delhi
Our morning concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous
Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent
fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty,
the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj
Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour
with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver
and goldsmiths. Evening we can enjoy an optional tour to see
the Sound and Light Show at the Delhi red Fort. (B, D)
Day 04: Delhi / Varanasi (flight)
We take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi - one of
the oldest living cities on the Sub Continent. We start our
experience with a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple which houses
a huge marble relief map of India. Varanasi is famous for its
many temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas
Mandir.Then we proceed to the Banaras Hindu University and
the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The city is famous
also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the
houses where the beautiful silk sarees are woven. Evening is
free to enjoy this 5000-year-old city.
Overnight: Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 05: Varanasi / Khajuraho (flight)
Early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges.
One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in
the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrim
and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and
various other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and
experienced as it is so unique. After breakfast we proceed
to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining
enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers.Then
we visit local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up
some local customs, culture and hospitality. Later we take
flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Khajuraho (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 06: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The temples were built during the apogee
of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only
20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups
and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism.
The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that
are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Afternoon
is free to wander in the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho.
(B, D)
Day 07: Khajuraho / Jhansi (drive about 7 hours) and Jhansi
/ Agra , Train
In the morning we drive to Jhansi and on the way - visit Orchha,
an amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of
the Betwa River. We then proceed to Jhansi to embark on the
luxury first class train to Agra. Arrive Agra and transferred
to our Hotel.
Overnight: Agra (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 08: Agra
Morning we visit Taj Mahal probably the best known World Heritage
Site. Shah Jehan built a white Marble beautifully carved Monument
of love Taj for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit
Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was
imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent
him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the
Taj Mahal. Our afternoon is free for shopping. (B, D)
Day 09: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambhore – (drive
7 hours)
*We start the day visiting the incredible World Heritage Site
of Fatehpur Sikri the former Mughal capital where we also visit
the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi, Salim
Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading
to the birth of Salim Jehangir, Pilgrims of all denominations
visit this sites with their own prayers. From here we continue
our journey to Ranthambhore National Park.
Overnight: Hotel - 2 nights (B, D)
Day 10: Ranthambhore
Early morning we start our photo hunting for the over 300 types
of trees, 272 species of birds, 30 spices of mammals and the
tiger. The park is also home to India's smallest and largest
antelopes, Chinkara and Nilgai. The park has a total of 28
tigers, providing a reasonable opportunity of sighting a few.
An afternoon safari will be followed by time to enjoy the green
cool environment of Ranthombhore. (B, L. D)
Day 11: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (Drive 4.5 hrs)
We depart Ranthambhore for the colourful capital-city of Jaipur.
En route we stop at villages to view the rural contented Rajasthani
villages and meet their folks. Evening is an exciting time
witnessing a colourful show of the Rajasthani Folk dances at
the Hotel.
Overnight: Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant
ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example
of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Next we visit the old
astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection
of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the buildings
in the pink city. We end the day at the colourful bazaar. (B,
D)
Day 13: Jaipur / Mumbai (flight)
Morning a short drive to airport in Jaipur to connect with
our flight to the famous commercial capital of India, Bombay
or Mumbai. A Mumbai wala guide welcomes and transfers us to
our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mumbai (2 nights) (B, D)
Day14: Mumbai
This fascinating city full of life and history is home to the
largest film industry in the world. We start our the city tour
with the Gateway of India, Dhobi gat, the world's largest open-air
laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and the
Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon is free to immerse ourselves
in the local culture. Bombay offers a lot of attractions in
the areas of art and theatre and this evening is a good time
to experience them. (B, D)
Day 15: Mumbai / Hyderabad (flight)
A short flight will take us to Hyderabad. The inherent charms
of the city's rich past, its exotic cuisine and imposing monuments,
old bazaars and lilting accents, its central location and its
emerging information technology makes it the most talked about
city in India today.
Overnight: Hotel Hyderabad (1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Hyderabad / Bangalore (flight) and Bangalore / Mysore
(drive 139km / 84 mi)
Today we take a short flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival,
we are met and taken on a scenic drive to Mysore. The evening
is free to enjoy the many attractions this cultural center
of Southern India offers
Overnight: Hotel , Mysore (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 17: Mysore
Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed
to mesmerize with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent
palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,
broad shady avenues and sacred temples._Our morning tour includes
the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the
Nadi Shiva's Mount. The evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan
Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully lit on certain
days. (B, D)
Day 18: Mysore / Bangalore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
A short drive gets us to Bangalore, also now known as the high-tech
centre of India. Our tour of this beautifully clean city covers
the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum, and the famous
Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka.
It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and
greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The
weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and
mild winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where a variety
of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city
in 1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient
arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore (1 night) (B, D)
Day 19: Bangalore / Cochin (flight)
Today we experience a different part of India in the southern
city of Cochin. Upon arrival at the airport we are met and
transferred to our beach hotel. Afternoon is free to enjoy
the silver sanded beaches of Kerala and an inspiring sunset
view over the Bay of Bengal.
Overnight: Hotel Cochin (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 20: Cochin
Today we explore Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala,
with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient
mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal
have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often
referred to as the Venice of the East. Here we tour the Dutch
Palace, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Quarter with its old
synagogue and take a boat tour to visit the Bolghatty Palace
and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action.
(B, D)
Day 21: Cochin / Kovalam (drive 250km / 152 mi)
A scenic drive takes us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the
Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded
coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue
waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away
by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky
promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: Hotel Kovalam (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 22: Kovalam
Today we enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India:
Kanniya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India
where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and
the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular
sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one
can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another
part of the sky! (B, D)
Day 23: Kovalam / Varkala / Kumarakom (backwater boat ride)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Varkala: one of the unspoiled
beach resorts of India. We then enjoy a backwater cruise to
Kumarakom - backwater country - by speedboat or a luxury cruise
ship. This will be an interesting experience with spectacular
views and photo opportunities.
Overnight: Hotel , Kumarakom (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 24:Kumarakom
Get set for an incredible day. We start with a boat ride to
visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough
may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing.
For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters.
(B, D)
Day 25: Kumarakom / Periyar (drive 120km / 73 mi)
A day at Periyar sanctuary game viewing. One of the most well-known
wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts
a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching
the animals in their natural habitat. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Periyar (1 night) (B, D)
Day 26: Periyar / Madurai (drive 180km / 110 mi)
Today we drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the
South. En route we stop to enjoy a traditional Puppet show.
The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar
Temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction
of Madurai and its huge Gopurams tower over the city. The Meenakshi
Temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. There are precisely
985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely
carved. Among these are the musical pillars that produce music
when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved
of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil
culture and has sponsored the creation of great literature,
art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The city,
apart from temple, is crammed with shops, street markets, pilgrims,
hotels and restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel, Madurai (1 night) (B, D)
Day 27: Madurai / Chennai (Madras) (Flight)
A short flight to Madras or Chennai, The capital of the state
of Tamil Nadu and is the cultural Gateway to Southern India.
Chennai, in many respects, is unlike other Indian cities. It
is the fourth-largest city in India and has a long history
of attracting and nurturing the region's finest thinkers, artists,
and crafts people. It is also the focal point for India's 2000
year of Christian history. Christ's Apostle Thomas is said
to have preached, died and buried in Chennai.In the afternoon
our tour start first with The National Art Gallery & Museum,
which contains some of the best collections of bronzes in the
country, including the famous icon of Natraja. Our Next stop
is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first English
Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British church.
We end our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the beautiful
Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, and the
clock towers.
Overnight: Hotel, Chenai (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 28: Excursion to Mahablipuram
We take an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.
This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was
carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and
8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples
in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant
open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges',
and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the
glory of Shiva. (B, D)
Day 29: Chennai / Departure
After a journey traversing from the north to the south of this
sub continent, we bid a farewell to India as we are transferred
to the airport for our departure flight. From Chennai. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 05,
Feb 02, Mar 01, Apr 05,
May 03, Jun 07, Jul 05, Aug 02,
Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 8 & Dec 6
2009
Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 5, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 5,
Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 8 &
Dec 6
|
| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
Supplement
of Dec US$
/ CA$ |
| First
Class |
6745 |
2045 |
150 |
| Superior |
8475 |
2745 |
250 |
| Deluxe |
9995 |
3925 |
350 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
- Daily
buffet breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing
tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary
- Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee
at the airport and railway station only
- Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing
as per the itinerary at each city
- Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary
- All
currently applicable taxes
|
- International
Airfare & Airport Taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Beverages
/ Gratuities
|
| * Day
09 – Since
Ranthombhore is only open between October and June, the
itinerary for
departures outside this period will be adjusted to instead
include instead Sariska Game Sanctuary. |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject
To Change) |
Train
Fare:Agra/Jhansi in Executive Class on Shatabdi Express
Air Fare: Delhi/Varanasi, Varanasi/Khajuraho, Jaipur/Bombay,
Bombay/Hyderabad, Hyderabad/Bangalore, Bangalore/Cochin
sectors in Economy Class
Hotels
| City |
First
Class |
Superior |
Deluxe |
Delhi
(3 Nights)
|
Maidens
Hotel
(Superior Room) |
Vasant
Continental
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Palace Hotel
(Deluxe Room) |
Varanasi
(1 Night)
|
Ramada
Plaza
(Superior Room) |
Taj
Ganges
(Superior Room) |
Taj
Ganges
(Superior Room) |
Khajuraho
(2 Nights)
|
Ramada
Plaza
(Deluxe Room) |
Taj
Chandela
(Superior Garden View) |
Taj
Chandela
(Superior Garden View) |
Agra
(2 Nights)
|
Holiday
Inn
(Deluxe Room) |
Jaypee
Palace
(Standard Room) |
Taj
View Hotel
(Superior Garden View) |
Ranthambhore
(2 Nights)
|
Pugmark
(Cottage) |
Tiger
Den Resort
(Standard Room) |
Sawai
Madhopur Lodge
(Superior Room) |
Jaipur
(2 Nights)
|
Park
Prime
(Superior Room) |
Trident
Hilton
(Deluxe Garden View) |
Jai
Mahal Palace
(Luxury Room) |
Mumbai
(2 Nights)
|
Fariyas
Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The
Ambassador
(Executive Room) |
Taj
President
(Executive Room) |
Hyderabad
(1 Night)
|
Aditya
Park Inn
(Superior Room) |
Taj
Deccan
(Executive Room) |
Taj
Deccan
(Executive Room) |
Mysore
(2 Nights)
|
Hotel
Sandesh The Prince
(Executive Room) |
Regallis
(Superior Room)
Southern Star |
Regallis
(Superior Room)
Southern Star |
Bangalore
(1 Night)
|
Regallis
(Standard Room) |
The
Park
(Deluxe Room) |
Taj
Residency
(Superior Room) |
Cochin
(2 Nights)
|
Casino
Hotel
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Residency
(Deluxe Room) |
Taj
Malabar
(Superior Room) |
Kovalam
(2 Nights)
|
Uday
Samudra Beach Hotel
(Exotica) |
Somatheeram
Ayurvedic
Beach Resort
(Kerala House) |
Taj
Green Cove
Resort
(Superior Garden View) |
Kumarakom
(2 Nights)
|
Golden
Waters
(Superior Cottage) |
Coconut
Lagoon
(Bungalow) |
Taj
Garden Retreat (Cottage) |
Periyar
(1 Night)
|
Greenwoods
Resort
(Standard Room) |
Spice
Village
(Standard Villa) |
Taj
Garden Retreat (Cottage) |
Madurai
(1 Night)
|
Hotel
Sangam
(Standard Room) |
Taj
Garden Retreat
(Superior Room) |
Taj
Garden Retreat
(Superior Room) |
Chennai
(2 Nights)
|
Ambassador
Pallava
(Executive Room) |
Trident
Hilton
(Superior Room) |
Taj
Connemara
(Superior Room) |
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1250 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1350 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
|
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