Leh &; Ladakh - 'July 2010'
8 Nights 9 Days. -
Also known as ‘ Little Tibet,’ Ladakh has cultural & religious influences drawn from Tibet, Mainland India & Central Asia. Roughly 80% of the population comprises of Buddhists who are largely tolerant & non interfering. Prayer flags & prayer wheels greet visitors to most villages, while high above hills, huge ‘gomphas’ act as watchtowers. Ladakh has much to offer, be it watching a game of Polo in Leh Town, or the sight of the Moravian church built in 1855, the striking view of both the Zanskar & Indus rivers from the Thikse Monastery, or the strike of Brahmini Ducks on the Tso Morari Lake. The silence inside the incense filled monasteries or the cascading river-raft ride on the river Indus. Ladakh offers natural beauty on one of the highest plateaus in the world.
Your Tour Escourt
Join Hector D’Souza on a fascinating tour of Leh & Ladakh. Hector is the founder and president of L’orient Travels. He has been traveling from a young age and has visited over 200 places in India. His Travels have been documented and featured in various leading news publications such as, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Bombay Times, Dreamscapes Canada etc. He has lived in America and spent considerable amount of time traveling in Europe.
Hector is fluent in English, Hindi; speaks German and Spanish. A fitness freak, he is a qualified Ashtanga Yoga teacher from the Yoga Sanctuary in Toronto. He is presently a guest lecturer with the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.
L’Orient Travels has been featured for its expertise on Indian Tourism in various news publications including, TTG, Singapore; Travel News Asia, Hong Kong, Travel Impact Newswire, Thailand and Travel Biz Monitor, Mumbai.
LADAKH
DAY 1 LEH - Depart Delhi for Leh. Arrive Leh Transfer to Hotel. Visit the Leh Palace- The nine-storeyed building with typical Tibetan architecture has sloping buttresses and projecting wooden balconies. In pitiful shambles today, the building is dark and has gaping holes in the floors. Be sure to carry a torch before venturing in. The palace has a small Museum spread over several rooms connected with narrow passages. A collection of old thangka paintings and royal arms are displayed here, Sankar Gompa- Home to twenty lamas, the monastery is surrounded by a high mud wall and several chortens (memorials). A central courtyard is surrounded by monks’ quarters and at the top of the main building is the house of the Kushak. The residence is marked out by a golden spire and the dharma chakra with two deer flanking it. The main prayer hall or Du-khang is reached by a flight of steps, Shey Monastery - The Palace sits on a ridge below the fort. A victory stupa crowned with a gold spire is a significant feature. The gompa houses a 15-metre high blue-haired Buddha. The shrine is maintained and attended by monks from the Hemis Monastery. The copper and brass status is richly decorated with precious stones. Paintings of bodhisattvas and protector deities surround the statue. Dinner and overnight at hotel.DAY 2 LEH - After breakfast, Visit the Spituk Monastery Towering over a conical, the 3-chapel monastery dates back to the 11th century, when it was founded century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od. He was the one to introduce a monastic community here. When a translator, Rinchen Zangpo, came to this place, he said that an exemplary religious community would develop there. This statement led to the naming of the monastery as Spituk, meaning Exemplary., Stok Palace The Stok Palace is located on a glacial deposit of pebbles and overlooks fields of barley grown on terraces on the mountains. Standing four storeys tall, the Stok Palace was the official residence of the royal family of Ladakh and was constructed in 1814 by Ladakh's last ruler & Matho Monastery. Matho is the only gompa of Ladakh that belongs to the Saskya order of Tibetan Buddhism. The oracle of the monastery is a priest, who resides in the monastery itself. Also situated near the monastery, are a number of sacred shrines, of which one is dedicated to the guardian deities. Matho Monastery of Leh Ladakh hosts the Matho Nagrang Festival, on an annual basis. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
DAY 3 LEH - After breakfast, depart for Phey, to experience a 4hr rafting ride on river Indus. And enjoy the ride at Nimu village. Return back to hotel by jeep. Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 4 TSO MORARI - After breakfast, drive to Tso Morari lake via Chumathang, enroute you will possibly meet Changpa shepherds, of the Tibetan origin. Tso Morari lake is approximately 40km long, with an average width of six to seven km situated at an approximate height of 4500 mts in the district of Rupshu, south-east of leh, it is flanked by the Trans- Himalayan range and the Great Himalyas. One can see bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks breeding in hundreds on the little islands in the Tso- Morari. Dinner and overnight in tented camps.
DAY 5 TSOKAR - After breakfast, depart to Tsokar lake - formed by melting of ice masses left behind by the retreating glaciers, is stunning cobalt blue in colour. During winter, the surface of the lake becomes frozen and it is possible for animals and human beings to walk over it. . Tsokar to the west of Tso Morari lake are much smaller lakes. Dinner and overnight in tents at Tsokar.
DAY 6 TSOKAR LEH - After breakfast, depart Tsokar for Leh via the Tanglang-la pass- regarded as the second highest mountain pass in Ladakh, is located in between the snow clad mountains of the great Himalayas perched at a height of about 5325 mts it lies in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. Arrive Leh late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 7 LAMAYARU - After breakfast, drive to Lamayaru monastery. The dry lake bed has undulating mud structure that looked like lions, the hill took the name Sengge Syang (Lion Hill). Lamayaru is known for these ‘moonscapes’, which have an uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon. Return back to Uley Topko camps for overnight stay in tented accommodation at camping grounds. Dinner and overnight at Uley Tops.DAY 8 LEH - After breakfast, a short trek to Ri-dzong monastery, the only place in Ladakh where monastic discipline is followed in its orthodox form. After lunch, drive back to Leh via Alchi, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Alchi has an Indian style of architecture and décor, and the only remnant of Indian Buddhism in Ladakh. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Leh.
DAY 9 DELHI - After breakfast, depart Leh for Delhi by Kingfisher Red 3342 at 0810 hrs, arrive Delhi at 0925 hrs and transfer to international airport for onward journey.
TOUR ENDS
Tour Includes:
All travel and sightseeing in a/c Toyota Qualis/ Scorpio Jeeps.
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with all meals.
Sightseeing as per program
Entrance fees to monuments
Accommodation in comfortable tents when camping.
All taxes and entry fees
Services of a professional guide
Tour Cost Does not Include:
Expenses of a personal nature
Hotel accommodation in Delhi if staying overnight.
Any item not specifically mentioned as `included’ in program
Hotels:
Leh: Lotus Hotel or Similar.
Tsokar: Tented Accommodation or Similar.
Tsomorari: Tented accommodation or Similar.
Lamayaru: Uley Topko camps
The Plains of India & Pushkar Fair - October 2010
The Plains of India & Pushkar Fair - October 2010
15 Nights – 16 Days.
MUMBAI
Day 1 (29th Oct) Arrive Mumbai. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.
JAIPUR
Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in color in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes, on the other side you can see camel carts. On one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their favorite American restaurants
Day 5 (2nd Nov) Breakfast. Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visit Amer Fort, City Palace, and Palace of the Winds (from outside) Afternoon free for shopping. Evening visit Chokhidhani for dinner. Overnight at hotel.
PUSHKAR
Day 6 (3rd Nov) Transfer by coach to Pushkar, traveling time three hours. Afternoon visit Camel Fair. Overnight in tents.
AGRA
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shah Jahan ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Day 8 (5th Nov) Depart Pushkar for Agra (Driving time- 4 Hrs). Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 9 (6th Nov) Early morning visit to the enchanting monument built to commemorate love, the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to Agra Fort. Afternoon take an excursion to visit the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, former capital of Emperor Akbar. Overnight at hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday)
KHAJURAHO
Khajuraho: Khajuraho boasts of some of the finest temples ever built. Their distinctive feature is carvings of ethereal beauty on sandstone brought from the quarries of Panna on the east bank of the Ken river. The unique temple structure built on a high platform, gives an impression of a vast open promenade round the temple. These temples are interconnected, and built on a single axis running in an east-west direction, and have 3 main compartments namely: the entrance known as ‘ardha mandapa’, the assembly hall – ‘mandapa’ the assembly hall – mandapa’ and the inner sanctum- garbha-griha’ . The central dome is surrounded by balconied windows, which admit light into the interiors, making the interplay of light and darkness a spectacular affair. The compartments have their own roofs, which rise from their lowest over the entrance porch, to their highest over the sanctum. When seen from a distance, these roofs resemble Mount Kailasa with which the Hindu temple is compared.
Day 10 (7th Nov) Depart Agra for Khajuraho by train, Shatabdi Express, good luxury train at 8:30, arrive Jhansi at 11:00, board coach to Khajuraho, arrive 3.5 hours later. Check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 (8th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Khajuraho, including visits to Western, Eastern and Southern Group of temples. Overnight at hotel.
VARANASI
Varanasi is said to combine all virtues of all other places of Pilgrimage. Varanasi stands as the chief centre of Sanskrit learning in North India and derives its name from 2 streams, Varuna to the North & Assia small trickle on the South. Banaras is a corruption of Varanasi but it is also called Kashi (The City Of Light) by the Hindus. As one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It attracts well over One million Pilgrims while about 50,000 Brahmins are permanent residents.
Day 12 (9th Nov) Depart Khajuraho for Varanasi by IC405 at 1400 hrs and arrive at 1440 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 (10th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Varanasi , including boat ride, visit to temples, the bathing and burning stairways, and Sarnath - the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 (11th Nov) Morning free Depart for airport to board flight to Delhi by IT334 at 1345 hrs and arrive at 1500 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight in the hotel.
DELHI
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here -- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad. But combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
Day 15 (12th Nov) Breakfast, half day sightseeing of Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Bahaai Temple and Humayun Tomb. Evening free to visit the Hauz Khas Shopping Village Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 (13th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Delhi. Visit the largest mosque in India, Jamma Masjid followed by a cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Drive past Red Fort, visit memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Humayun Tomb and India Gate. Drive past the President’s Palace and later in the afternoon visit the Qutub Minar and the Bahaai Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 (14th Nov) Breakfast. Depart for airport for international to board a flight for onward journey.
TOUR ENDS
Your Holiday Includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Domestic Airfare.
Services of a tour escort for the complete tour
English speaking guides at places mentioned in program, entrance fees to monuments.
Air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all land journeys
Elephant ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur
Tour cost does not include:
Air fare to India
Lunches
All expenses of a personal nature, such as tips, laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Any item not specifically mentioned as `included’ in tour program.
HOTELS:
MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or similar.
JAIPUR: Hotel Mansingh or similar
PUSHKAR: Tented accommodation.
AGRA: The Trident or similar
KHAJURAHO: Hotel Ramada or similar
VARANASI: Radisson or similar
DELHI: Hans Plaza or similar
THE BIG FIVE WILDLIFE TOUR - 4 December 2010.
15 Nights 16 Days
An exciting opportunity to spot five rare and exciting species in their natural habitat – The Asiatic Lion, Asiatic Elephant, one horned Rhinoceroses, Tiger and Indian Bison – within a space of sixteen days.
Day 1 MUMBAI Our Indian Tour representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Mumbai. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 2 MUMBAI Morning Breakfast. Visit Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park home to over 250 species of exotic birds, and so much other fauna and flora. Covering 104 sq km, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park enjoys the distinction of being the only National Park of such size and natural grandeur within the municipal limits of any city.
Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visit Gateway of India, Banganga Tank, Victoria Terminus Railway Station, drive past Asiatic Library, Jain Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 GIR NATIONAL PARK Breakfast. Depart for Diu by 9W-3403 at 1330 hrs, arrive at 1435 hrs. Drive to Gir Sanctuary (two hours), transfer to hotel. Overnight at Lodge/Resort.
This 155 sq. kilometer sanctuary lies in the southwest region of Gujarat, founded to protect the Asiatic Lion. The Gir forest is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, acacia and banyan trees. The lion population has increased from 20 in 1913 to 300. The Asiatic lion is smaller than its African cousin, and so is its mane. Other animals in the park are leopard, sambar deer, chital spotted deer, nilgai antelope, four-horned antelope, gazelle, wild boar, langur monkey, jackal, and hyena and a variety of birds like the paradise flycatcher, Bonneli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers and flamingo.
Day 4 GIR NATIONAL PARK Morning safari in national park, followed by lunch and afternoon jeep safari. Overnight at lodge.
Day 5 GIR NATIONAL PARK Morning safari in national park. Depart for Ahmedabad after lunch to board Kingfisher flight to Nagpur at 1720 hrs, arrive at 2020 hrs. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel in Nagpur.
Day 6 KANHA Depart for Kanha Wildlife Reserve after breakfast, arrive after four hours. Transfer to Resort. Afternoon –Evening 3 hours jungle ride. Overnight at resort.
Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population. Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross-section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around Kanha, where blackbuck, chital and barasingha can be seen throughout the day.
Day 7 KANHA Morning depart for 3-4 hours jungle ride by jeep. Breakfast inside park. Lunch. Afternoon 3 hour jungle ride. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 KANHA Breakfast, followed by departure to Nagpur. Lunch en-route, depart for Bangalore by IT 3453 at 1500 hrs and arrive at 1630 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 NAGARHOLE Depart Bangalore for Nagarhole by car at 8 a.m. Halt en-route at Kokrebellur (incredible breeding site of pelicans, storks over village huts) Ranganathitoo (famed waterbird sanctuary, also renowned for crocodiles and bat colonies). LUNCH HALT at Mysore (Hotel Metro Pole or Sandesh the Prince). Reach Nagarhole at 1600 hrs and relax. Overnight in the hotel.
Nagarhole became a national park in 1955. The deciduous forest, accessible by river and boat, consists of swampland, teak and rosewood trees, as well as bamboo stands. The Kabini river flows through the forest with the upper canopy reaching a height of over 30 meters. The park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Gaur (called Indian bison), Indian wild dog, Elephants and plenty of deer and other animals. It is a bird haven with a wealth of forest species that includes hornbills, drongos, woodpeckers (including the enormous White-bellied Woodpecker), Grackle or Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon and so many more.
Day 10 NAGARHOLE Morning. Depart for 3–4 hrs Jungle Ride by Jeep.
Lunch. Afternoon/Evening – 03 hrs Jungle Ride, Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 NAGARHOLE Morning Jungle ride. Afternoon visit nearby coffee and spice plantations. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 NAGARHOLE Morning Jungle Ride. Afternoon drive to Bangalore. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 KAZIRANGA Depart Bangalore for Guwahati by IC 772 at 0605 hrs, arrive at 1100 hrs. Transfer by coach to Kaziranga National Park (215 kms) Kaziranga is a title of a remarkable success story of conservation of the One Horned India Rhinoceros and other wild lives in the North East India. It is not only the homeland of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, but also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives. Check-in at Resort. Dinner. Overnight at resort.
In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.
Day 14 KAZIRANGA Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 KAZIRANGA Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 MUMBAI Depart Guwahati to board flight to Mumbai at 1445 hrs. Arrive at 1800 hrs. Transfer to international airport to board flight to onward destination.
TOUR ENDS
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast
Transport by air conditioned coach.
All meals
Service of naturalist Sunjoy Monga for complete tour
Entrance fees to monuments and wildlife sanctuaries/national parks
Jeep, Safari rides, elephant rides wherever mentioned
Domestic airfare
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
All expenses of a personal nature
International Airfare to and fro India
Any item not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
(Subject to a minimum group size of 15 persons)
For BOOKINGS and any other details please CONTACT US
Booking closes 60 days before departure
HOTELS:
MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or Similar
GIR NATIONAL PARK: Gir Birding Lodge or Similar
KANHA NATIONAL PARK: Wild Chalet or Similar
NAGARHOLE: Kabini River Lodge or Similar
KAZIRANGA: Wild Grass Resort or Similar
BANGALORE: The Meridian or Similar
NAGPUR: Hotel Pride or Similar
MUMBAI
Day 1 (29th Oct) Arrive Mumbai. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 (30th Oct) City tour of Mumbai commences at about 11.00 hours. Visit Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus Railway Station (Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Mani Bhawan, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Crawford Market, Banganga Tank. Drive past the Marine Drive. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 (31st Oct) Half day visit to Elephanta Islands, commences at 8:45 by motor launch, visit the artistically carved caves. Return to the Gateway, evening free for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in color in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes, on the other side you can see camel carts. On one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their favorite American restaurantsDay 4 (1st Nov) Depart Mumbai for Jaipur at 1130 hrs by IT 104 and arrive at 1325 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening Rajasthani folk dance program. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 (2nd Nov) Breakfast. Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visit Amer Fort, City Palace, and Palace of the Winds (from outside) Afternoon free for shopping. Evening visit Chokhidhani for dinner. Overnight at hotel.
PUSHKAR
The Pushkar fair in Pushkar is celebrated annually with fervour. The festival pays homage to lord Brahma, the creator. Celebrated on the occasion of Karthik Purnima (November), it is believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and others come down to Pushkar to bath in the lake Pushkar. So it is considered very holy to bath in the Pushkar lake on this auspicious occasion. The festival is focal point for the cultural and trading activities during these days. The villagers bring herds of cattle along. The Pushkar fair is an international event which should not be missed.
Day 6 (3rd Nov) Transfer by coach to Pushkar, traveling time three hours. Afternoon visit Camel Fair. Overnight in tents.
Day 7 (4th Nov) Visit Pushkar lake and temple. Overnight at tents in Pushkar.
AGRA
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Agra came to its own when Shah Jahan ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.Day 8 (5th Nov) Depart Pushkar for Agra (Driving time- 4 Hrs). Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 9 (6th Nov) Early morning visit to the enchanting monument built to commemorate love, the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to Agra Fort. Afternoon take an excursion to visit the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, former capital of Emperor Akbar. Overnight at hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday)
KHAJURAHO
Khajuraho: Khajuraho boasts of some of the finest temples ever built. Their distinctive feature is carvings of ethereal beauty on sandstone brought from the quarries of Panna on the east bank of the Ken river. The unique temple structure built on a high platform, gives an impression of a vast open promenade round the temple. These temples are interconnected, and built on a single axis running in an east-west direction, and have 3 main compartments namely: the entrance known as ‘ardha mandapa’, the assembly hall – ‘mandapa’ the assembly hall – mandapa’ and the inner sanctum- garbha-griha’ . The central dome is surrounded by balconied windows, which admit light into the interiors, making the interplay of light and darkness a spectacular affair. The compartments have their own roofs, which rise from their lowest over the entrance porch, to their highest over the sanctum. When seen from a distance, these roofs resemble Mount Kailasa with which the Hindu temple is compared.
Day 10 (7th Nov) Depart Agra for Khajuraho by train, Shatabdi Express, good luxury train at 8:30, arrive Jhansi at 11:00, board coach to Khajuraho, arrive 3.5 hours later. Check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 (8th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Khajuraho, including visits to Western, Eastern and Southern Group of temples. Overnight at hotel.
VARANASI
Varanasi is said to combine all virtues of all other places of Pilgrimage. Varanasi stands as the chief centre of Sanskrit learning in North India and derives its name from 2 streams, Varuna to the North & Assia small trickle on the South. Banaras is a corruption of Varanasi but it is also called Kashi (The City Of Light) by the Hindus. As one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It attracts well over One million Pilgrims while about 50,000 Brahmins are permanent residents.
Day 12 (9th Nov) Depart Khajuraho for Varanasi by IC405 at 1400 hrs and arrive at 1440 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 (10th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Varanasi , including boat ride, visit to temples, the bathing and burning stairways, and Sarnath - the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 (11th Nov) Morning free Depart for airport to board flight to Delhi by IT334 at 1345 hrs and arrive at 1500 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Evening free. Overnight in the hotel.
DELHI
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here -- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad. But combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
Day 15 (12th Nov) Breakfast, half day sightseeing of Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Bahaai Temple and Humayun Tomb. Evening free to visit the Hauz Khas Shopping Village Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 (13th Nov) Full day sightseeing of Delhi. Visit the largest mosque in India, Jamma Masjid followed by a cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Drive past Red Fort, visit memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Humayun Tomb and India Gate. Drive past the President’s Palace and later in the afternoon visit the Qutub Minar and the Bahaai Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 (14th Nov) Breakfast. Depart for airport for international to board a flight for onward journey.
TOUR ENDS
Your Holiday Includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Domestic Airfare.
Services of a tour escort for the complete tour
English speaking guides at places mentioned in program, entrance fees to monuments.
Air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all land journeys
Elephant ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur
Tour cost does not include:
Air fare to India
Lunches
All expenses of a personal nature, such as tips, laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Any item not specifically mentioned as `included’ in tour program.
HOTELS:
MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or similar.
JAIPUR: Hotel Mansingh or similar
PUSHKAR: Tented accommodation.
AGRA: The Trident or similar
KHAJURAHO: Hotel Ramada or similar
VARANASI: Radisson or similar
DELHI: Hans Plaza or similar
THE BIG FIVE WILDLIFE TOUR - 4 December 2010.
15 Nights 16 Days
An exciting opportunity to spot five rare and exciting species in their natural habitat – The Asiatic Lion, Asiatic Elephant, one horned Rhinoceroses, Tiger and Indian Bison – within a space of sixteen days.
Day 1 MUMBAI Our Indian Tour representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Mumbai. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 2 MUMBAI Morning Breakfast. Visit Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park home to over 250 species of exotic birds, and so much other fauna and flora. Covering 104 sq km, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park enjoys the distinction of being the only National Park of such size and natural grandeur within the municipal limits of any city.
Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visit Gateway of India, Banganga Tank, Victoria Terminus Railway Station, drive past Asiatic Library, Jain Temple. Overnight at hotel.
This 155 sq. kilometer sanctuary lies in the southwest region of Gujarat, founded to protect the Asiatic Lion. The Gir forest is a mixed deciduous forest with teak, acacia and banyan trees. The lion population has increased from 20 in 1913 to 300. The Asiatic lion is smaller than its African cousin, and so is its mane. Other animals in the park are leopard, sambar deer, chital spotted deer, nilgai antelope, four-horned antelope, gazelle, wild boar, langur monkey, jackal, and hyena and a variety of birds like the paradise flycatcher, Bonneli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers and flamingo.
Day 4 GIR NATIONAL PARK Morning safari in national park, followed by lunch and afternoon jeep safari. Overnight at lodge.
Day 5 GIR NATIONAL PARK Morning safari in national park. Depart for Ahmedabad after lunch to board Kingfisher flight to Nagpur at 1720 hrs, arrive at 2020 hrs. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel in Nagpur.
Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population. Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped-out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross-section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around Kanha, where blackbuck, chital and barasingha can be seen throughout the day.
Day 7 KANHA Morning depart for 3-4 hours jungle ride by jeep. Breakfast inside park. Lunch. Afternoon 3 hour jungle ride. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 KANHA Breakfast, followed by departure to Nagpur. Lunch en-route, depart for Bangalore by IT 3453 at 1500 hrs and arrive at 1630 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 NAGARHOLE Depart Bangalore for Nagarhole by car at 8 a.m. Halt en-route at Kokrebellur (incredible breeding site of pelicans, storks over village huts) Ranganathitoo (famed waterbird sanctuary, also renowned for crocodiles and bat colonies). LUNCH HALT at Mysore (Hotel Metro Pole or Sandesh the Prince). Reach Nagarhole at 1600 hrs and relax. Overnight in the hotel.
Nagarhole became a national park in 1955. The deciduous forest, accessible by river and boat, consists of swampland, teak and rosewood trees, as well as bamboo stands. The Kabini river flows through the forest with the upper canopy reaching a height of over 30 meters. The park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Gaur (called Indian bison), Indian wild dog, Elephants and plenty of deer and other animals. It is a bird haven with a wealth of forest species that includes hornbills, drongos, woodpeckers (including the enormous White-bellied Woodpecker), Grackle or Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon and so many more.
Lunch. Afternoon/Evening – 03 hrs Jungle Ride, Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 NAGARHOLE Morning Jungle ride. Afternoon visit nearby coffee and spice plantations. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 NAGARHOLE Morning Jungle Ride. Afternoon drive to Bangalore. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 KAZIRANGA Depart Bangalore for Guwahati by IC 772 at 0605 hrs, arrive at 1100 hrs. Transfer by coach to Kaziranga National Park (215 kms) Kaziranga is a title of a remarkable success story of conservation of the One Horned India Rhinoceros and other wild lives in the North East India. It is not only the homeland of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, but also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives. Check-in at Resort. Dinner. Overnight at resort.
In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.
Day 14 KAZIRANGA Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 KAZIRANGA Morning and afternoon jeep safari and elephant ride. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 MUMBAI Depart Guwahati to board flight to Mumbai at 1445 hrs. Arrive at 1800 hrs. Transfer to international airport to board flight to onward destination.
TOUR ENDS
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast
Transport by air conditioned coach.
All meals
Service of naturalist Sunjoy Monga for complete tour
Entrance fees to monuments and wildlife sanctuaries/national parks
Jeep, Safari rides, elephant rides wherever mentioned
Domestic airfare
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
All expenses of a personal nature
International Airfare to and fro India
Any item not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
(Subject to a minimum group size of 15 persons)
For BOOKINGS and any other details please CONTACT US
Booking closes 60 days before departure
HOTELS:
MUMBAI: Hotel Ambassador or Similar
GIR NATIONAL PARK: Gir Birding Lodge or Similar
KANHA NATIONAL PARK: Wild Chalet or Similar
NAGARHOLE: Kabini River Lodge or Similar
KAZIRANGA: Wild Grass Resort or Similar
BANGALORE: The Meridian or Similar
NAGPUR: Hotel Pride or Similar
