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REAL EXPERTS
Offices in India:
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Cochin & Ranthambore
USA offices: Austin, Texas;
Cheyenne, Wyoming
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World Heritage
Sites on this Visit:
Agra Fort
Fatehpur Sikri
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Red Fort Complex
Taj
Mahal
Khajuraho Temples
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This 'Visit' gives you
some of the best highlights of both North & South India.
It is available either as
one of our monthly small group departures or as a customizable visit.
Dates,
hotel and travel information, as well as inclusions are given below the detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Depart from origin
(you can ask us to include international flights if you choose).
Day 2: Arrive at Delhi (most flights arrive either in the evening
or at night). Our services begin here. You are greeted at the
airport by our Travel Facilitator or Tour Director, and then ushered to
a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you
are assisted with your check in. The next day’s plans are briefly
reviewed and the travel facilitator or Tour Director hands over travel
documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers to you.
Day 3: Delhi. Start your exploration of India with a city tour of
Old Delhi that includes visits to the Jama Masjid (1650 AD) which is the
largest mosque in India, and the amazing Red Fort (1639-48) which was
the seat of the Moghul Empire for more than 250 years. Enjoy a rickshaw
ride along the alleys of the ancient bazaar at Chandni Chowk. You also
visit the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat).
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon – enjoy a city tour of New Delhi that begins with a
drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while driving to the Qutab Minar
(1193 A.D.) which is a striking medieval tower of victory of Persian
architectural style and is 239 ft high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst
the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has
stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years. Later,
visit the tomb of the Moghul Emperor Humayun and then drive through
Lutyens New Delhi which includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave),
Government buildings, India Gate, a golden domed Sikh Temple (Bangla
Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s
main shopping area.
Day 4: Delhi – Varanasi. Board the mid-morning flight to
Varanasi. Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Afternoon – A city tour of Varanasi that includes visits to the
numerous temples that dot the banks of the holy river. You will be able
to walk through the narrow lanes and stop by the bazaars to have a look
at, among other things, the world famous Banaras silks.
Sunset cruise on the Ganga – cruise on the Ganga at sunset and
have a grandstand view to witness to the ancient prayer and oil lamp
ceremony, as hundreds of lamps are sent floating on the holy river as
the sun sets.
Day 5: Varanasi – Khajuraho. Early morning boat cruise on the
river Ganges - duration about two hours – The best time to visit the
Ghats is dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most famous Ghat
is the Dasadwamedh Ghat from where we begin this tour. Enjoy the boat
ride while looking out for the people on the Ghats – the women bathing
discreetly in their sarees, the young men displaying prowess in yogic
postures & the Brahmin priests offering prayers. Return to the hotel to
check out.
Afternoon - fly to Khajuraho. Arrive at Khajuraho and transfer to
your hotel. Start your tour of the temples. These magnificent examples
of Hindu religious art were constructed over 1000 years ago. The
detailed artistry of the sculptures and their incredible volume are both
beyond explanation.
Day 6: Khajuraho - Agra. Return to the temples in the
morning and finish your tour if you were unable to do that on the
previous afternoon.
Mid morning – Check out of your hotel and drive to Orcha. Have a
late lunch here and explore the ruins at Orcha on your own (local guides
may be available for you to hire). Drive to nearby Jhansi and board the
express train to Agra (5:56 pm - 8:25 pm). Arrive at Agra and check in
at your hotel.
Agra is famous for its marble art & manufacturing of the same.
Day 7: Agra. Start your exploration of Agra with a half day city
tour. The tour includes a visit to Itmad -Ud –Daulah’s tomb, built by
the Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s queen as a memorial to her father. It has
beautiful ornamentation with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble
screens. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river
Yamuna. Constructed in the year 1628, most historians believe that its
design provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You then visit the
original red sandstone fort in North India, the Agra Fort. It was built
in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the greatest Mughal ruler of India. Its maze
of courtyards, marble mosque, and private chambers all serve as
reminders of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the
incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love,
the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 AD as a memorial
to his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This pure white marble mausoleum
took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build.
Tour the amazing monument and its surroundings till it is time to admire
the sun’s rays setting on the Taj Mahal’s façade.
Day 8: Agra – Ranthambore. You have the option (no charge) of a
sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, which is a 500 year old Mughal garden
located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River.
If you do that, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the
visit.
Check out of your hotel and proceed for the drive to Bharatpur.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted, red sandstone
city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585. Visit the towering
Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is set in the south wall. In
the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of
Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570.
Lunch is included this afternoon at Bharatpur.
After lunch - board the Express train for Ranthambore – a two and
a half hour journey to Ranthambore.
Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.
Day 9: Ranthambore. Covering an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore
runs along the eastern spur of the Aravali mountain range until it meets
with the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore used to be the private hunting
ground for the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1972 it was declared a
Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform.
Dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around the
lakes in this park, and there are open grasslands on the higher slopes.
This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety
of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the
tiger.
Enjoy wildlife safaris’ in to the park in the morning and
evening.
In between safaris, you can visit the jungle fort at Ranthambore. This
is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of
“vana-durg”, or a fort protected by a jungle. The history of this
Fort (first built in AD 944) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and
valor. Occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the
fort today lie in ruins, but there are superb views of the park to be
had from the ramparts.
Day 10: Ranthambore – Jaipur. Enjoy your last safari into
Ranthambore in the morning.
Check out of your hotel and proceed on a drive to
Jaipur. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - Proceed for a half day city tour of the walled city
of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit the unique
Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in
1728. View the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind), the intriguing facade
built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city and bazaar from the
windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, the former royal
residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not
accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of
museums that offer a large and impressive collection of miniature
paintings, costumes, and armory.
Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry, & handicrafts.
Day 11: Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to Amber Fort &
Palace, located 12 kilometers from the center of the City. Arrive at the
complex well before 9 a.m. so as to be able to partake in the elephant
back ascent. The Fort was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one
of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the ascent to the
palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the
chambers and hallways of the Palace which are famous for their design
and decorations.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon – you are at leisure with your guide and driver, who
are available to you till 5 pm. This is a good time to shop for
Rajasthani specialties if you are so inclined. There are enough other
options that your guide/driver can offer you.
Evening – Watch the show at your hotel and then drive to have
dinner with a Traditional Rajasthani family at their home. Or drive to a
cultural show and dinner.
Day 12: Jaipur – Udaipur. Fly to Udaipur in the morning. Arrive
at Udaipur and proceed for a city tour, including a tour of the City
Palace. At this Palace complex, explore the gorgeous rooms with mirrored
walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble
balconies and the peacock courtyard. You walk through the Crystal
Gallery which has an amazing collection of exquisite Crystal (including
complete bedroom furniture set in crystal, discovered recently in a
store room in the palace). Visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens and
the local Museum after the Palace tour.
Check in to your hotel after the tour.
There is a break for lunch.
Late afternoon - cruise on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir (if
available).
Udaipur is famous for its artists and paintings, including
exquisite miniatures.
Day 13: Udaipur. Start the day with a drive to Ranakpur.
Tour the famous 15th Century Jain Temples, located 90 km's north of
Udaipur. The temples 29 halls are supported by 1444 intricately carved
pillars, and no two are of the same design. There is an abundance of
exquisite sculptures and friezes.
Lunch is included this afternoon.
Return to Udaipur in the afternoon.
Late Afternoon – You are at leisure to explore the beautiful city
of Udaipur on your own.
Day 14: Udaipur – Cochin (Kochi). Board the morning flight to
Mumbai. Connect with the flight to Cochin. Arrive at Cochin and check in
to your hotel.
Afternoon - The tour begins from the St. Francis Church,
established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama
was buried in the courtyard of this European church, one of the first
built in India. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. More than a century old
and still in use, they form one of the highlights of this tour.
Evening - Drive to watch a Kathakali dance (the art of
storytelling through dance) performance. After the show, you are driven
to dinner with a famous Keralan chef and her family at their home.
Cooking tips and recipes are included.
Day 15: Cochin – Backwaters cruise. Check out from hotel and
visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built in
1568.
After the tour, drive to Alleppey in the morning & board your houseboat.
Relax and have a great time till the next morning as you cruise the
amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your
needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala
cuisine.
Day 16: Kumarakom – Cochin. Disembark from your boat at
Kumarakom. You are at leisure at Kumarakom till after lunch. Enjoy the
beautiful, lush lakeside environment and have a nice lunch at one of the
resorts if you are so inclined.
Afternoon – Drive back to Cochin and check in to your
hotel.
Day 17: Cochin – Delhi/Mumbai – International Flight. Drive to
the airport and board the morning flight to Delhi/Mumbai. Arrive at
Delhi/Mumbai and you are greeted at the airport by your personal driver.
If you are doing this visit as part of a small group, you are provided
with personal vehicles for each single traveler / couple / family
traveling together. Do any last minute shopping and sightseeing that you
feel you may have left for the end.
Your vehicle and driver stay with you till your late evening
assisted check in at the airport.
Our services end at Delhi/Mumbai airport.
Day 18: Arrive at your next destination.
NOTE:
The
artwork and other contents of this document are copyrighted by Easy
Tours of India Inc., and any use of these materials without ETI’s
written authorization is strictly prohibited.
Flights included in travel supplement: Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho; Jaipur – Udaipur – Mumbai – Cochin – Delhi/Mumbai
Scroll
to the bottom of the page for inclusions & Hotels.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
DETAILS:
Delhi  Varanasi
Khajuraho
Agra
Ranthambore Jaipur
Udaipur
Mumbai
Kochi
Delhi
Domestic Travel
Supplement starts at: $1175 per person
RESERVATION INQUIRY FORM:
Inclusions:
* All three meals on the Houseboat in Kerala
* All three meals at Ranthambore at the Deluxe & Luxury Levels
* Daily breakfast at the hotels
* Lunch at Bharatpur
* Lunch at Ranakpur
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: Dinner & cultural show at Jaipur
* All other meals as specified
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: Dinner with a famous Keralan chef and her
family (incl. cooking lesson) in Cochin
* Hotel check-in is at 2:00 pm & check-out is at noon for almost all the
hotels
* All transfers and sightseeing by your personal Luxury SUV, personal AC
medium car or Mini Coach (depending on Tour level & small group/custom
travel)
* Services of an ETI Tour Director or the best local English speaking
guides at all destinations as per the itinerary.
* Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
* Cycle-rickshaw ride through the ancient bazaar of Chandni Chowk in Old
Delhi
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: Both Sunrise & Sunset boat cruises on
the Ganga at Varanasi.
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: A unique folk music & dance greeting at Agra
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: Horse drawn carriage ride to the Taj Mahal in
Agra
* Applicable monument entrance fees as per the itinerary.
* AN ETI EXCLUSIVE: Personal Elephant ride (per couple) with your
own (jeep option available) up the ramparts of Amber Palace in Jaipur.
* Kathakali Dance performance in Cochin
* Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
* All safari related charges at Ranthambore (including park entry fees,
guide fees, vehicle fees etc.)
* Jhansi – Agra Train travel by Luxury AC Chair Car
* Bharatpur - Ranthambore Train travel by Luxury AC Chair Car
* Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives.
* All currently applicable taxes.
Not included:
*
International Travel
* Any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls,
drinks etc.
* Meals other than those specified above
* Travel insurance, visa etc.
* Camera fees – still & video
Opulent Level Hotels:
Delhi –
The Oberoi Hotel – Luxury Room / Imperial Hotel – Heritage Room /
Comparable
Varanasi
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Taj Gateway Ganges - Executive Room / Radisson - Club Room
Khajuraho –
The Lalit Temple View Hotel
Agra – Oberoi Amar Vilas - Premier room with Balcony
Ranthambore - Oberoi Vanya Vilas
Jaipur –
Oberoi Raj Vilas / Taj Rambagh Palace
Udaipur –
Taj Lake Palace – Lake View Room / Oberoi Udai Vilas
Cochin - Brunton Boatyard - Sea Facing room / Taj Malabar - Sea
Facing Heritage Wing Room / Old Lighthouse Bristow – Deluxe Suite
Backwaters Cruise -
Super Deluxe AC Houseboat
Luxury Level Hotels:
Delhi –
The Oberoi Hotel / Taj Palace / Comparable
Varanasi
–
Taj Gateway Ganges / Radisson
Khajuraho –
Taj Chandela
Agra –
Oberoi Amar Vilas / Taj Gateway - Taj View 2 Room Suite
Ranthambore -
Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge
Jaipur –
Jai Mahal Palace / Raj Palace - Heritage Room
Udaipur
–
Laxmi Vilas Palace - Lake View Room / Fateh Prakash Palace - Dove Cote
Room
Cochin – Taj Malabar Hotel - Sea Facing Tower
Wing Room / Old Lighthouse Bristow – Garden View Room / Malabar House –
Deluxe Room
Backwaters Cruise -
Deluxe AC Houseboat
Deluxe Level Hotels:
Delhi –
Oberoi Maidens / The Metropolitan / The Svelte - All Suite hotel
Varanasi
–
Taj Gateway Ganges / Radisson
Khajuraho –
Taj Chandela
Agra –
Taj Gateway Hotel - Taj View Room / The Trident - Garden View Room
Ranthambore -
The Pug Mark / Tiger Den
Jaipur - The Trident - Lake View Room /
Sheraton Rajputana
Udaipur
– The Trident - Garden View Room / Radisson Plaza
Cochin –
The Trident hotel / Taj Gateway hotel
Backwaters Cruise -
Deluxe AC Houseboat
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