Gourmet Tour of India
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Periyar, Kochi/Hyderabad, Kolkata (brochure)
Day 1: Delhi (D)
Arrval in 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. Then head towards ‘paranthey wali gali’ to see century old street stalls selling a variety of Indian breads. Savour typical Indian specialties at the famous ‘Haldiram’, the hygienic and well maintained food chain for Indian fast food. 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. Enjoy dinner at a specialty north Indian restaurant.
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. In the evening, wander around the streets of Agra and try ‘Agra petha’, a famous Indian sweet that originates from Agra.
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. Tonight, savour typical Rajasthani cuisine with local folk entertainment at the landmark restaurant of Jaipur ‘Chowki Dhani’.
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.
Tonight enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner, in the company of local Jaipuri’s at a home dinner with a local family.
Day 6: Jaipur to Mumbai (B / L / D)
After a leisurely breakfast, 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’.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Mumbai. Tonight, feast on a typical Gujarati meal at a specialty local restaurant.
Day 7: 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.
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 8: Mumbai to Goa (B / L / D)
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Goa, one of the most popular beach destinations of India. Today, enjoy a day at leisure relaxing and unwinding by the tranquil beaches of Goa or pamper yourself with the various Ayurveda and Spa treatments offered by your resort. Tonight, feast on typical Goan food at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Day in Goa (B / L / D)
Goan food has a strong Portuguese influence and due to the coastal location, coconut and seafood are key ingredients. Learn the secrets to typical Goan food in a cooking demonstration, followed by lunch. This afternoon, take a half day city tour of Goa, which includes a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the central Panaji area, where you can take a walk through the local market.
Day 10: Goa to Kochi (B / L / D)
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight 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.
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Kochi. This evening enjoy a cooking demonstration of typical Kerala style food followed by dinner at your hotel.
Day 11: 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.
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 12: Kochi to Periyar (B / L / D)
Early this morning, 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. This evening, take a boat ride at Lake Periyar in the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, spotting migratory birds and local wildlife around the lake.
Day 13: Drive Periyar to Kochi; Fly Kochi to Hyderabad (B /L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Kochi airport to board your afternoon flight o Hyderabad. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Hyderabad. This evening, visit a local restaurant and feast on a typical Hyderabadi platter.
Day 14: Day in Hyderabad (B / L / D)
This morning, walk through the local spice and vegetable markets to arrive at Charminar, a majestic architectural marvel in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad. Also see Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.
In the afternoon, visit Golconda fort, a majestic monument on the outskirts of the city, representing the great cultural heritage of Hyderabad.
Day 15: Hyderabad to Kolkata (B / L / D)
After breakfast, catch your flight to Kolkata. This afternoon, take a city tour of Kolkata visiting Jain temple, the white marble Victoria Memorial and Kali temple. Visit local spice and vegetable markets and relish the flavour of regional sweets at conventional Bangali sweet shops. Drive past Fort William and Secretariat buildings. Also visit local markets where you get the opportunity to meet local artisans making idols of Hindu gods.
Day 16: Kolkata to Australia (B / L / D)
Enjoy a day at leisure in Kolkata for some last minute shopping and enriching experiences in this culture and tradition rich city. This evening, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
| Traveling period | Twin share price | Single room supplement |
| 01 Oct 2009 - 15 Apr 2010 | AU$ 4,850 | AU$ 1,680 |
| 16 Apr 2010 - 15 Sep 2010 | AU$ 4,430 | AU$ 1,180 |
| 01 Nov 2010 - 30 Apr 2011 | AU$ 5,330 | AU$ 1,840 |
| Monuments closed | Days Closed |
| Red Fort, Delhi | Monday |
| Taj Mahal Agra | Friday |
| Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai | Monday |
| Gandhi Museum, Mumbai | Monday |
| Dutch Palace, Kochi | Friday |
| Jewish Synagogue, Kochi | Saturday |
| Victoria Memorial, Kolkata | Monday |
| * The first arrival day to Bangalore should avoid Saturday and Sunday due to some closure days. |
|
Price includes:
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.
Cooking demonstrations as per itinerary.
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.
Ferry ride to Elephanta caves in Mumbai.
Kathakali Cultural dance performance in Kochi;
Boat cruise at Lake Periyar.
Indian domestic airfares.
Price excludes:
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
International airfares and airport tax.
Indian Visa Fees and departure tax.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above.
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