One holiday - many experiences

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "One holiday - many experiences"

Ashley Turner
5 years ago
Views:

1 INDIA & NEPAL TRAVEL WITH PETER AND SHANTIJI 22 nights / 23 days: 17 November - 9 December 2014 Kolkata Kathamandu Delhi Haridwar Delhi - Agra Jaipur Mumbai Kovalam Trivandrum One holiday - many experiences Travelling to India can be a lifetime experience for anyone. You stay in Royal palaces, visit grand forts and exotic monuments, taste mouth-watering cuisine, enjoy the snow capped mountains over Nepal, and head for the heavenly alpine feel of the Himalayan foothills. Our colourful tour of India and Nepal presents a variety of leisure, wildlife, mountains, rivers, spirituality, yoga, chanting, ayurveda, monuments, markets, food, entertainment, culture, temples, more food, more shopping, forts, palaces, museums, historic sites, rich culture, festivities. air-rail-road-elephant-boat travel. India and Nepal with Shantiji and Peter in November 2014 presents an all in one package of life changing experiences. We start our travel in Kolkata, one of Asia s great colonial cities, and the hub of a rich Bengali culture, with striking colonial architecture, such as the soaring white marble domes of the vast Victoria Memorial, the Kali Mandir temple, and the Ramakrishna headquarters. It is home to tantalising local cuisine and unique colours, yet is still largely unknown as a tourist destination. It has recently become well known because it is home of the Mother Theresa Centre. While Nepal is a mountainous country, straddling the bulk of the Himalayan ranges, it offers much more than just mountains. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, are to be found seven of the ten UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites. These sites afford you the opportunity of witnessing, first hand, the intricate geometry, grandeur and majesty of Nepalese art and architecture and the reverent simplicity of the two dominant religions of Nepal - namely Hinduism and Buddhism. This is a happening tour in Kathmandu which provides a glimpse of Kathmandu through the windows of its three main city squares, from the visit to the holiest of the Hindu temples, the Pashupatinath, which stretches its premises over a massive area and shelters numerous temples and faunas. The Pashupatinath Temple itself is a two storied construction with four silver doors facing each direction. Next stop will be the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest of its kind and an important pilgrimage for all the Buddhist devotees of the world. Likewise, is the home for higher learning, the Swayambhunath, dates back to the time when a lake was drained to become Kathmandu. Situated on higher ground, this mystical Stupa oversees the Kathmandu city with Lord Buddha s eyes. Next day will take you through the finest specimen of Temples in Kathmandu Square, which was enlisted as a UNESCO heritage site in the 70 s and was at one time, home to the former monarchs of Nepal. Historical temples and monuments, including the Taleju, Bhairav, Kasthamandap and Kumari Temple (home of the Living Goddess) are located around the square. There is also a museum which is a huge archive of the country s history. Evenings can be fun in Kathmandu, with aromas of rich tradition and culture and the lights of progressive modernization blended in a unique manner. Acquiring souvenirs to take back home can add a whole new perspective to your shopping senses. Flying back into the subcontinent, we go for some spirituality to the foothills of the Himalayas and visit sacred arthis on the River Ganges. Rested up, we return to combine India s most iconic attractions, in the most captivating tourist circuits of India. It covers Delhi, the capital of India, with its majestic history, Agra, the seat of the acclaimed Taj Mahal, the seventh Wonder of the World, and Jaipur, the rose pink city of the land of the Rajputs, in colourful Rajasthan. Collectively, these three cities are known as the Golden Triangle. Every tourist of the world must visit the Taj Mahal at least once. But there s more: Agra Fort, Amber Fort Palace, a cycle rickshaw ride through the Bazaars (market) of Old Delhi. We travel to Mumbai and go on a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, a giant monolith which is unbelievably majestic. Then we leave for Kerala, the perfect destination for adventure, culture and relaxation. With its laid back beach scenes, swaying palm trees, gentle crusies along tropical backwaters, and holistic Ayurvedic treatments

2 with heaing extracts, essential oils and delicious food, you ll soon see why Kerala is Paradise found. IMPORTANT: You need to apply for a multiple entry Indian Visa for this tour Itinerary: Monday, 17 November 2014 Day 1: Kolkata Arrive from Australia to Kolkata. Met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel. Check in at 1400 hours Overnight: In Kolkata Tuesday, 18 November 2014 Day 2: Kolkata Day tour of Kolkata visiting Marble Palace, Jain & Kali Temple; Mother Theresa s Ashram. Should time permit, we can stop for a photo opportunity at St Paul s Cathedral (from the outside) and experience a local tram ride (you can experience how the local public travels and purchase the tram tickets from the tram conductor) Overnight: Kolkata Wednesday, 19 November 2014 Day 3: Kolkata Day return excursion to Belu Math Across the river Hooghly, in the district of Howrah, is the Head Quarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda. The shrine in the memory of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, reflects the views of different religious places. It is sourounded by beautiful gardens, however, photography is strictly prohibited, so we ll have to feast our eyes. Visiting hours are & Overnight: In Kolkata Thursday, 20 November 2014 Day 4: Kolkata Kathmadu Transfer to the airport to connect with flight AI 247 (1350/1515 hours operates only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays). It is a direct flight to Kathmandu Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel Overnight: In Kathmandu Friday, 21 November 2014 Day 5: Kathmandu After breakfast, we drive to Pharping with packed lunch and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Dakshinkali, Pharping and Kritipur. Dakshinkali, located 22 km south of Kathmandu, near the village of Pharping, is one of the main temples in Nepal, dedicated to the goddess Kali, the fearful form of Shiva s consort, Parvati. The main deity in the temple is a black stone, six-armed form of Kali, standing on a prostrated figure of Shiva. Animal sacrifice, particularly of cocks and male goats, is the main way that this goddess is worshipped, and this is seen especially on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and also during the yearly Dashain festival held in September/October. Pharping is a thriving, traditional town, 9 miles south of Kathmandu. The town is famous for its pilgrimage

3 sites, the Hindu origins of which have been largely absorbed by the now predominant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. We drive back to Kathmandu and en route, visit Kirtipur city, situated southwest of Kathmandu city at an elevation of 1,432 metres above sea-level. Kirtipur is a very famous place in the political history of present Nepal. We visit the major tourist attractions of Kirtipur City which are Uma Maheshwar Temple and Bagh Vairab Temple. Swayambhunath, one of world s most glorious, ancient, enigmatic and holiest of Buddhist Chaityas, dates back more than 2000 years. Situated on a hillock, Swayambhunath, literally means the Self-Created or Existent, is a mosaic of small stupas and a pagoda temple contributed by a succession of kings and noblemen. The main structure is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a lofty conical spire, capped by a pinnacle of gilt copper. Painted on the four sides on the base of the spire are the All Seeing Eyes of Buddha. The main features of Swayyambunath in brief are The Five Buddhas, Vasupur and Amithabha, Gilded Vajra, Harati and Sitala Mandir, Shantipur and Nagapur. Then we round off the tour through Kathmandu Durbar Square, which will take us through the finest example of temples in Kathmandu Square, which was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in the 70 s and was one time home of the former monarchs of Nepal. Historical Temples and monuments including the Taleju, Bhairav, Kasthamandap and Kumari Temple (home of the Living Goddess) are located around the square. There is also a museum which is a huge archive of the country s history. Overnight: In Kathmandu Saturday, 22 November 2014 Day 6: Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Patan, Bhaktapur and Sun Set View from Dhulikhel After Breakfast we drive to Patan City. The Patan Durbar Square is believed to be founded by its medieval rulers as early as 299 AD. It has many shrines and temples, noted for their fine carvings including the famous Krishna Temple with its 21 pinnacles. Meeting with the living Goddess Kumari of Patan (subject to prior appointment). Kumari, literally meaning virgin in Sanskrit, Nepali and other local languages, is regarded as a living goddess. Kumari is a prepubescent girl, selected from a Shakyaclan (Buddhist) family from the Newari community and is worshiped during all religious occasions. It is believed that she is an incarnation of goddess Taleju (Durga).The custom of worshipping an ordinary pre-pubescent girl, as a source of supreme power, has been an integral part of both Hinduism and Buddhism, and his tradition still continues in Nepal. After this visit, we drive to Bhaktapur city, known as the city of devotees, situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles and is shaped like a conch shell. It is now included in the list of world heritage sites. Traditional industries are pottery and weaving. After visiting Bhaktapur, we drive 18 km to Dhulikhel, once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, and walk to a nearby tower for a magnificent sunset view over the Himalayan ranges. Dhulikhel has a glorious past that can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate woodcarvings found amongst the shoplined streets and in the temples. Here you can view the snowy ranges of Makalu to the east of Manaslu, and in the west from the Dhulikhel. After viewing the sun set over the panoramic mountain range, we drive back to

4 Kathmandu. Overnight: In Kathamnadu Sunday, 23 November 2014 Day 7: Kathmandu Delhi Transfer to the airport for flight 9W 261 for Delhi. (Depart Arrive 1735 hours). Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight: In Delhi Monday, 24 November 2014 Day 8: Delhi Haridwar Early morning transfer to Delhi railway station to catch the New Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi Express Train (Depart 0650 / Arrive 1125 hours) for Haridwar Enjoy a packed hotel breakfast on the train. Arrive Haridwar and transfer to hotel Overnight: In Haridwar Tuesday, 25 November 2014 Day 9: Haridwar Day at leisure for independent activities. Afternoon visit to Haridwar and witness evening aarti at Haridwar Ghat. Overnight: In Haridwar Wednesday, 26 November 2014 Day 10: Haridwar Day at leisure for independent activities - optional visit to Rishikesh may be scheduled. Overnight: In Haridwar Thursday, 27 November 2014 Day 11: Haridwar Day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight: In Haridwar Friday, 28 November 2014 Day 12: Haridwar Delhi Check out at 1200 noon Transfer to Haridwar Railway station to catch Dehradun New Delhi Shatabdi Express (Depart 1813 / Arrive 2245 hours) to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel Overnight: In Delhi

5 Saturday, 29 November 2014 Day 13: Delhi City tour of Old and New Delhi, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial), India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humyun s Tomb, Birla Temple, and the Government Secretariat building. Overnight: In Delhi Sunday, 30 November 2014 Day 14: Delhi Agra Morning drive to Agra (205 km) approximately three and a half hours, along the Yamuna Express Highway. Arrive Agra and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon we visit the tomb of Itmud-ud-daulla, often described as a jewel box in marble, the amazing Agra Fort and the wondrous Taj Mahal, rightly said to be poetry in marble, where we can remain until sunset. Overnight: In Agra Monday, 01 December 2014 Day 15: Agra Fatehpur Sikri Jaipur In the morning, we drive to Jaipur (238 km hour approximately) en route visit the ancient, imperial city Fatehpur Sikri and lunch at Bharatpur, known for its bird sanctuary. Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel Overnight: In Jaipur. Lunch Tuesday, 02 December 2014 Day 16: Jaipur This morning s excursion is to Amber Fort by elephant (subject to availability) or Jeep. In the afternoon we tour the highlights of Jaipur, visiting the City Palace and Observatory Overnight: In Jaipur. Wednesday, 03 December 2014 Day 17: Jaipur Day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight: In Jaipur Thursday, 04 December 2014 Day 18: Jaipur - Mumbai Early morning flight 9W 7178 (0755/0945 hours) to Mumbai. We arrive in Mumbai and proceed to the Gateway of India to board the boat to Elephanta Caves. After the tour, we check in at the hotel. Overnight: In Mumbai

6 Friday, 05 December 2014 Day 19: Mumbai-Trivandrum-Kovalum In the morning we transfer to the domestic airport for flight 9W 388 (0945/1200 hours) to Trivandrum Arrive in Trivandrum and transfer to the Kovalam hotel (18 km, approximately 45 minutes) Overnight: In Kovalam Saturday, 06 December 2014 Day 20: Kovalam Trivandrum - Kovalam In the morning we tour the city of Trivandrum, visiting Napier Museum and Art Gallery, Kuthiramalika Palace, Padmanabha swamy temple (As this is a living Hindu temple, foreigners are not permitted inside the main sanctum) and Connemara Market. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities and Ayurvedic treatments Overnight: In Kovalam Sunday, 07 December 2014 Day 21: Kovalam Day at leisure for independent activities, shopping or more treatments. Overnight: In Kovalam. Monday, 08 December 2014 Day 22: Kovalam Day at leisure for independent activities Overnight: In Kovalam Tuesday, 09 December 2014 Day 23: Kovalam - Trivandrum Room will be reserved for late checkout Transfer Trivandrum airport (18 Km, approximately 45 minutes) to connect with your onward flight End of organised tour. Hotels: City Hotel Room Webite No of Nights Kolkata The Oberoi Luxury Room 3 Kathmandu Hotel Radisson Standard room hotel-np 3 Delhi The Oberoi Luxury Room 1 Haridwar Aalia at the Ganges Suites 4 Delhi The Oberoi Luxury Room 2 Agra ITC Mughal Mughal Chambers 1 Jaipur Jai Mahal Palace Luxury room with sit out 3 Mumbai The Trident BKC Deluxe room 1 Kovalam Surya Samudra Heritage Classic 4+Late checkout

7 Total 22 nights + Late Check out Special remarks: - Check-in 1400 hours. Check-out 12 noon unless otherwise specified. - While booking the accommodation, if the same hotels are not available, then we will book the higher category of room or best available alternatives. If any supplements or reductions are involved, we will advise you accordingly. However, we encourage you to book early so that we are able to secure the hotels of our choice. - Travelling distances and times between two cities as mentioned in the itinerary are subject to traffic conditions. - Train and Air schedules and their times are current as at time of printing, and therefore could be subject to change at the time of booking. Please book early so that we can secure the transportation and accommodation of our choice. Quotation Per person, twin share $10,495 Single room supplement $ Single room is by choice or circumstance, so please book early. - All rates are in Australian dollars, nett, per person. - Validity of Quote: 17 November to 09 December 2014 only. - To process the booking, your name and details are a must for room requirements, flights and rail travel. Cancellation Fees per person 61 days and above: No Cancellation fee. Less than 60 days prior to tour: 25% cancellation charges Less than 45 days prior to tour: 50% cancellation charges 35 days prior to tour & No Show: 100% cancellation charges Quotations include: Accommodation in Twin/Double share basis in standard category of rooms unless otherwise specified in hotels mentioned or similar. Meal plan as specified in the itinerary All transport in air-conditioned vehicles Local English speaking guide for Kolkata, Kathmandu, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Trivandrum for the sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary (different guide for each city). Entrance fees at all monuments as mentioned in the itinerary Train fare from Delhi / Haridwar / Delhi by Executive Chair car class failing AC Chair car. (The fares are current & subject to change at the time of booking. The tickets have to be issued on pre-payment basis and are non-refundable. Taxes & fuel surcharges keep changing constantly and if any increase in future will be levied extra. Please keep provision for same). Air fare - Economy class, for - International flights: Kolkata (India) to Kathmandu (Nepal). Kathmandu (Nepal) to Delhi (India); - Domestic flights in India: Jaipur to Mumbai to Trivandram. The fares are current and subject to change at the time of booking. The tickets have to be issued on pre- payment basis and are non-refundable. Taxes and fuel surcharges keep changing constantly and if any increase in future will be levied extra. Please keep provision for same. Services of an English speaking travel representative to assist at airports and hotels Inclusive of all government taxes as at the specified date. Any future levies will be charged extra. Quotations exclude: Air travel: Australia to Kolkatta and Trivandrum to Australia. Items of a personal nature, such as drinks, laundry, tips and gratuities, still/video camera fees at monuments, or

8 any items not specified above. Any other supplements or meals which are not mentioned in Include. Visa charges for India and neighbouring countries. Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary THI GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS & INFORMATION Validity The tour is based on respective travelling dates mentioned in the programme/itinerary Quotes are based on a minimum number of persons advised for each programme/itinerary Air Schedules, Tariffs and Reservations Flight schedules/fares are subject to revision for economy class. - The fares are current and subject to change at the time of booking. - The tickets have to be issued on a pre-payment basis and are non-refundable. - Taxes & fuel surcharges keep changing constantly and if any increase in future will be levied extra. Please book and pay early to avoid this, or alternatively, keep provision for the same. - We require the passengers passport details i.e. nationality, passport no., Full name, place of issue, date of issue/ expiry, date of birth and gender. Without these details, reservations cannot be processed. - To process the booking, we will need your full name, and room requirements. If you re booking on frequent flyer points, we will need your international flight details and travelling dates. Train Schedules and Tariffs Train Schedules/fares are subject to revision. For train bookings we require the passenger s passport details i.e. Full name, Nationality, Passport no., Place of issue, Date of issue/expiry, Date of birth & Gender. Without these details reservations cannot be processed. Hotels: All hotels maintain check in at 1400 hours and check out at 12 noon, unless specified otherwise. In the event hotels required are sold out, the best alternative will be provided. If any supplements / reductions are involved for this, we will advise you accordingly. Photo Identity and Indian Visa details are must at the time of check in at the hotel. KOLKATA The Oberoi KATHMANDU Hotel Radisson hotel-np DELHI: The Oberoi AGRA ITC Mughal JAIPUR Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur

9 Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur Telephone: (+91) (141) , MUMBAI The Trident BKC KOVALAM Surya Samudra Passports and Visas - Passports: Please ensure that your passport is current according to current travel regulations. - Visas are required to travel to India and Nepal and must be obtained prior to arrival into India. This is the sole responsibility of the traveller. - Because of our visit to Nepal, please apply for a multi-entry visa for India. - Please allow ample time to apply for your visas to be processed. - If you need help with your visa submission, please feel welcome to come to the centre and sit with Tanya at her computer, as she processes your visa for this trip on line. Travel Insurance It is your responsibility to organise travel insurance prior to travel, if you choose to take it out. International Flights If you are not travelling on points, Peter will be happy to organise your international flights. Please contact us. Brisbane to Kolkatta on the 17th November. SQ 256 Bne-Sin layover + SQ5398 Sin-Kol Trivandrum to Brisbane on the 9th of December SQ 5397 Trn-Sin layover + Sin-Bne SQ Deposits $2500 net per person, as a non-refundable deposit to enable us to process the reservation. The same will be adjusted against your final invoice. We are required to pay deposits well in advance to secure hotel rooms as well as for internal flights. Taking bookings now. Deposit of $2500. Small group. Please do not delay. Final payment due by Friday 13 September Cancellation Fees per person 61 days and above: No Cancellation fee. Less than 60 days prior to tour: 25% cancellation charges Less than 45 days prior to tour: 50% cancellation charges 35 days prior to tour & No Show: 100% cancellation charges Payment Option A - By Eftpos, cheque or cash Name of the Bank: Suncorp Please contact us for details to process on-line. Option B - By Credit Card - Credit card payments will attract 2.50% bank s service charges on each transaction - We only accept VISA or Master Card

: Delhi Kathmandu. Day 2: In Kathmandu

: Delhi Kathmandu. Day 2: In Kathmandu Itinerary Delhi Kathmandu - Delhi 03 Nights / 04 Days Day 1 : Delhi Kathmandu Pick up from your place of stay in Delhi Transfer to Delhi Airport Meet upon arrival in Kathmandu Check-in to the Hotel. Rest