Highlights of India
Delhi,Agra,Jaipur,Nimaj,Jodhpur,Udaipur,Mumbai,Bangalore,Mysore,Ooty,Kochi,Periyar,Kumarakom,Kovalam (brochure)
Day 1: Australia to Delhi (D)
Fly from Australia to New Delhi, the capital city of India. After clearing airport formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 2: Day in Delhi (B / L / D)
Today take a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Walk through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk (silver street) to arrive at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Drive through the old walled city past the famous Red Fort. Then visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi visiting the famous Qutab Minar, the tallest brick tower in India, built in the 12th century. Drive past President’s House and Parliament House and take a photo stop at the famous India Gate. Also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a white marble and gold sikh shrine still in active worship.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Agra, land of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. En-route stop at Sikandra, the tomb of mughal emperor Akbar.
This afternoon, visit the white marble beauty and symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Later, visit Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces and halls of public and private audience.
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son. This afternoon, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.
Day 5: Day in Jaipur (B / L / D)
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride. This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Day 6: Jaipur to Nimaj (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Nimaj Palace, an erstwhile palace that has now been converted to a beautiful heritage hotel. This afternoon, take a jeep safari to nearby tribal village settlements. Rajasthani villagers are famous for their cultural and colourful lifestyle. You get the opportunity to interact with local villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region and see their way of life. Tonight enjoy a palatial stay at Nimaj Palace.
Day 7: Nimaj to Jodhpur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D.Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day 8: Jodhpur to Udaipur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Udaipur en route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures.
Continue drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 9: Day in Udaipur (B / L / D)
Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, a garden of the maids of honour; Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a folklore museum and Jagdish Temple. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure followed by an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 10: Udaipur to Mumbai (B / L / D)
Early this morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Mumbai, the most cosmopolitan city of India. Known as the country’s commercial and celluloid capital, Mumbai is also famous as the ‘city that never sleeps’. This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mumbai visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Gandhi museum and the bustling Dhobi Ghats.
Day 11: Day in Mumbai (B / L / D)
After breakfast, take a short ferry ride from Mumbai harbour to Elephanta Island, home to 7th century rock-cut temples. Spend the morning visiting the ancient Elephanta caves, which also feature delicately carved panels depicting the life of Lord Shiva. The highlight is the main central cave that houses the ‘Maheshamurti’ - a three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva resplendent in all his 3 forms i.e. creator, preserver and destroyer of life. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Mumbai.
Day 12: Fly Mumbai to Bangalore; Drive Bangalore to Mysore (B / L / D)
After an early breakfast, catch your morning flight to Bangalore. Today, enjoy a city tour of Bangalore visiting the Government museum, one of the oldest museums of India; Vidhan Soudha, the state legislative chambers, and the beautiful botanical gardens called ‘Lal Bagh Gardens’. Later in the afternoon, embark on a short drive to Mysore, en route visiting Srirangapatnam, an island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior-kings.
Day 13: Day in Mysore (B / L / D)
Today, enjoy a city tour of Mysore visiting the Maharaja’s Palace, one of the biggest palaces in India; St Philomena’s Church; and Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in the Jag Mohan Palace, which has a collection of exquisite paintings. In the evening visit the Chamundi hill and Bull temple to see the daily prayers and rituals being performed by priests.
Day 14: Mysore to Ooty (B / L / D)
This morning enjoy a scenic drive to Ooty. Known as the Queen of the Blue Mountains, Ooty is famous for its rolling hills covered in pine and eucalyptus, sparkling waterfalls and its coffee and tea plantations. This afternoon, enjoy a tea plantation and factory tour and learn the secrets to a perfect brew. Evening at leisure in Ooty
Day 15: Ooty to Kochi (B / L /D)
After breakfast, drive to Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and is an important spice trading centre. This evening, watch a spectacular performance of Kathakali, one of the oldest theatre forms in India, displaying a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual.
Day 16: Day in Kochi (B / L / D)
Today, enjoy a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Kochi.
Day 17: Kochi to Periyar (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Periyar (Thekkady), the wildlife and spice plantation hub of Kerala. This afternoon enjoy a spice plantation tour. Various kinds of spices are cultivated in Thekkady region, such as pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves. You also get the opportunity to shop for fragrant spices at a local market.
Day 18: Periyar to Kumarakom (B / L / D)
Enjoy an early morning visit to the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, one of the finest elephant reserves of south India. Take a boat cruise on Lake Periyar, spotting migratory birds and local wildlife around the lake. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. This afternoon, enjoy a sunset motor boat cruise in Kerala backwaters. Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly cruising down the labyrinth of canals, observing local village life on the banks of the backwaters.
Day 19: Kumarakom to Kovalam (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Kovalam, one of the most serene and beautiful beaches of south India. Enjoy a day at leisure relaxing and unwinding in the tranquility of Kovalam.
Day 20: Kovalam / Trivandrum to Australia (B / L / D)
Enjoy a morning at leisure, relaxing by the beach at Kovalam. After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum. Take a brief city tour of Trivandrum and indulge in some last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.
| Departure dates below are guaranteed on minimum of 4 passengers or above | Twin Share Price |
| 02Nov.2009; 22Feb.2010; 22Mar.2010; | AU$ 5,800 |
| 26Apr.2010; 24May.2010; 23Aug.2010; 13Sep.2010; | AU$ 5,930 |
| 30Nov.2009; 25Jan.2010; | AU$ 6,450 |
| 08Nov 2010; 21Feb 2011; 28Mar 2011; 25Apr 2011; | AU$ 6,150 |
| 29Nov 2010; 06Dec 2010; 24Jan 2011; | AU$ 6,840 |
Single Room Supplement: AU$ 2,000,
Land Only: AU$ 4,880
Price includes:
International and India domestic economy airfares.
Australia/ India airport and departure tax;
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 4*/ heritage hotels or best available hotel in the region.
All meals included (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All monument entrance fees included.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours. English speaking escort to accompany the group for minimum group size of 8 passengers.
Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur, subject to availability; else, jeep ride will be provided.
Boat ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Jeep safari to tribal village settlements near Nimaj.
Ferry ride to Elephanta caves in Mumbai.
Kathakali Cultural dance performance in Kochi.
Boat cruise at Lake Periyar.
Sunset motor boat cruise in Kumarakom back waters.
India visa fee for Australian passport holder;
Price excludes:
Air fuel surcharge $380 at brochure printing (subject to airline fluctuation).
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above.
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