INDIA
OFF THE BEATEN PATH

23 Day - Land Tour
Fall 2008 - Travel Dates on request
Minimum 2 adults

TOUR ITINERARY:

DAY 1: DEP. CANADA TO SINGAPORE
Your flight (if booked as package) includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2: ARR. SINGAPORE TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Evening: Late evening arrival in Singapore
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Plaza Park Royal or similar

Day 3: Singapore - Delhi
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: At leisure
Afternoon: At leisure.
Evening: Transfer to Singapore airport. Late evening arrival in Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel Crowne Plaza or similar

Day 4: Seven cities of Delhi, Indo-Islamic Architecture & explore cultural and religious overtones of Delhi.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Explore Old Delhi and then drive by New Delhi.
Afternoon: Explore Qutab Minar area.
Evening: Drive to Neemrana
Dinner: Neemrana Fort
Accommodation: Neemrana Fort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

About Delhi - The capital of India is one of the most happening cities and is expanding fast. Center of power, education, art and architecture, science and medical advancements, Delhi is top in most of the fields known to mankind. Since 13th century. Delhi has always been the focus of the political struggle for power and has many monuments that are of immense interest to the visitors who may get disillusioned y the first sight of the modern lifestyle of the city. Yet, it is one of the few cities where past co-exists with the present as one soon comes to know while visiting the Qutub Minar built in 1199, Humayun's Tomb from the 16th century, the Red Fort built in the 17th century and Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India. Added to these attractions are the relatively modern additions of the Government Buildings, India Gate, and the President's House & Birla Temple.

Day 5: Neemrana – The lost kingdom.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Explore countryside on own or relax at resort.
Afternoon: Drive to Jaipur
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Neemrana - Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India's oldest heritage resorts. Neemrana became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.

Day 6: Jaipur – The Pink City & Rajput architecture
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Excursion to Amber fort. Elephant ride
Lunch: Samode Palace
Afternoon: City sight seeing visiting Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar.
Evening: At leisure.
Dinner: Chokhi Dhani
Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

About Jaipur – City Palace of Jaipur is not its only highlight showcasing the curious blend of Rajput & Mughal architectural styles. Science lovers will love Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur in 1728. It is the best preserved one out of the five that he built. Hawa Mahal with its honeycomb façade looks more like a delicate screen than a palace.

Day 7: Fateh Pur Sikri – Mughal Architecture
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Travel to Fatehpur Sikri.
Afternoon: Explore Fatehpur Sikri, a city designed as a capital for Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city was abandoned due to a lack of water, but its buildings remain one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture. Check in at hotel in Jaipur
Evening: View Taj Mahal in full light and then at dusk.
Accommodation: Jay Pee Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Fatehpur Sikri – The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairy tale. When all else had failed, Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard, and soon a son was born. In honor of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city. And so Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 Kms from Agra. Today Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. Its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to great visionary and builder.

Day 8: Agra – The Taj Mahal Breakfast: Early morning tea and coffee. Full Breakfast upon return from the Taj Mahal.
Morning: See the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, an unforgettable way to first see this remarkable building. Explore the Taj complex, which includes a Mosque on the western side and a matching Rest House on the east, and learn about this remarkable monument to love.
Afternoon: An early afternoon excursion visits Agra Fort, an important Mughal bastion in the medieval period. Cross the river to watch the sun set behind the Taj Mahal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodations: On board train
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Agra - Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 9: Varanasi – The Oldest Living City. Center of Hindu & Buddhist religions.
Breakfast: On Board train
Morning: Arrive at Varanasi and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Excursion to Sarnath.
Evening: Varanasi city sightseeing. Witness evening arti on ghats.
Accommodation: Hindustan International or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Varanasi - As old a city as Babylon, Varanasi is one of the holiest pilgrimage centers of India. Here, mornings begin with prayers at the ghats, a holy dip and the tinkling of temple bells. It bustles with people whose lives are concentrated on being good Hindus. Social events mean religious festivals. This is a city soaked in devotion.

Day 10: Varanasi – Khajuraho – The temple town.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Boat ride on Ganges (Early morning)
Afternoon: Flight to Khajuraho. Check in at hotel and then proceed for temple tour.
Evening: Explore Khajuraho temples
Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Khajuraho - The former capital of Chandelas is known for its temples dating back from 10th to 12th century. The sheer beauty of these temples lost into obscurity about 1000 years ago until they were re-discovered in 1838. Superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture, these temples depict images and sculptures of gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. However, the temples attract more attention for their detailed manifestation of women and sex and the erotic figures that demonstrate the different positions for sex mentioned in the 'Kamasutra' (translated as the art and rules of sex).

Day 11: Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Travel to Bandhavgarh
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Tiger Den or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Bandhavgarh National Park - This National Park is small compared to others, but its importance lies in the fact that it has a high game density. When originally notified as a protected area in 1968, the Park was only 105sq km in size. But in 1986, this area was extended to include large areas of sal (Shorea robusta) forests in the northern and southern ends of the Park. Today, the Park covers an area of about 448sq km and is home to a wide variety of animals, including carnivores, primates, ungulates, reptiles and birds

Day 12: Bandhavgarh – The game Safaris
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Safari’s to the National Park.
Afternoon: Safari’s to the National Park.
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Tiger Den or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Bandhavgarh - Kanaha
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Travel to Kanaha
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Kanha National Park – The National Park is among the most spectacular, protected wildlife reserves of the world. The 1,945 sq. km National Park has been compared to N'Gorongoro National Park of Tanzania. Above all Kanha is far greener and more densely wooded than N'Gorongoro. It is one of the largest and best monitored Parks in the subcontinent and definitely one of the best places in the world to see the critically endangered tiger in the wild. Kanha became famous when the author Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book in 1894, setting his story in Kanha’s forests. While in Kanha, you will see the dramatic beauty of the forest and the immense variety of wildlife that must have fired the author’s imagination

Day 14: Kanaha – The game Safaris
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Safari’s to the National Park.
Afternooon: Safari’s to the National Park.
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Tuli Tiger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: Kanaha – Nagpur – Mumbai – The modern cosmopolitan city
Breakfast: On own.
Morning: Travel to Nagpur to board flight to Mumbai
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn / Ramada or similar
Meals Included: None

About Mumbai - The city’s long association with the British is reflected in the old world charm of its buildings made in the Indo-Saracen style. Some of the well-known landmarks are the Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder overlooking the harbor. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, in the 16th century architectural style of Gujarat The Prince Of Wales Museum was also built to commemorate the visit of King George V. Built in the Indo- Saracenic style, the Museum stands amidst a well-laid ornamental garden. The museum was opened in 1923 and is divided into three sections art, archaeology and natural history.

Day 16: Mumbai
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Visit Gateway of India, Flora Fountain, Chopati beach, The Prince of Wales Museum and Hanging Gardens.
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Holiday Inn / Ramada or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 17: Mumbai - COCHIN
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Transfer to airport -Travel to Cochin and witness some spectacular views on the way.
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Hotel Abad Atrium or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Cochin - Kochi or Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

DAY 18: COCHIN – GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Explore Cochin – Visit Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Spice market, Chinese fishing nets.
Afternoon: At leisure
Evening: Visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali"
Accommodation: Hotel Abad Atrium or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Cochin - Cochin visiting - ‘The Jewish Synagogue’ at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, ‘The St. Francis Church’, the oldest European Church in India, ‘The Santa Cruz Basilica’ originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets and the ‘Chinese fishing nets’ are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to hotel for lunch and later in the evening at 05.30pm visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the “Kathakali”. This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

DAY 19: COCHIN – KUMARAKOM. THE LUSH GREEN BACK WATERS
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Travel to Kumarakom - The village at the little islands on the Vembanad Lake
Afternoon: At Leisure to enjoy the resort facilities
Evening: Sunset Cruises at the Resort
Accommodation: Hotel Abad Whispering Palm or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

About Kumarakom - The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom.

DAY 20: KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY. HOUSEBOATS, COCONUT GROVES AND BACKWATERS
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Travel to Alleppey – Land of Backwater and Board houseboat.
Lunch: On board houseboat while cruising. Afternoon: Backwater Cruise
Evening: At leisure on board houseboat
Accommodation: Overnight on board Houseboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

About Alleppey - Alleppey or Alappuzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water throughout the year. These fields stand below sea level. R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy served to guests. It is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. A splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The population’s whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies and the public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants that surround the boat like emerald Green Island.

DAY 21: ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM. GOLDEN SANDY BEACHES
Breakfast: On Board Houseboat
Morning: Travel to Kovalam.
Afternoon: At leisure on the beach
Evening: At leisure on the beach

Meals Included: Breakfast

About Kovalam - One of the world's greatest beaches, now a magnificent resort of the sun, surf and sea. A beach paradise: the boundless blue of the Arabian Sea and the unwinding miles of the fine sanded beaches washed by a surf which roars and hisses at the feet of the stalwart palms. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.

DAY 22: KOVALAM - TRIVANDRUM – DEPARTURE
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Transfer to Trinavdrum airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 23: SINGAPORE - CANADA
On arrival in Singapore connect with flight to Canada
(END OF THE SERVICES)

+++Additional days can be added at the beginning and end of tour for an additional cost+++

TOUR PRICE:

* Land Only price includes all domestic flights within India. ** DBL prices are per person based on twin sharing.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Daily Buffet Breakfast.
- Welcome dinner at Neemrana Fort
- Special dinner at Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Morning Ganges boat ride, Varanasi.
- 4 Jungle safaris at Kanha & Bandhavgarh.
- All 3 meals at Bhandavgarh & Kanha
- 2nd class AC Train Fare for Tundla / Mughal Sarai Sector.
- Kathakali dance performance visit while at Cochin
- On nnight House Boat on full board basis / Cruise: ‘Alleppey Round Trip’
- Fare well dinner at residing hotel in Kovalam
- All transfers / tours and excursions by one AC Coach for entire tour.
- Sightseeing as per package details.
- Service of one English speaking local guide during all sightseeing tours.
- Domestic air fare – Varanasi – Khajuraho, Nagpur – Mumbai, Mumbai – Cochin & Trivandrum – Mumbai (Under 4 coupon scheme)
- All applicable taxes.

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
- Entrances at all sight seeing spots.
- Anything not listed above in includes.

PRICE INFO AND VALIDITY:
- The above quote is valid for 02 minimum paying persons.
- The above quote is subject to change with a proviso that in case of hike in price of fuel/tax, the given quote may vary accordingly.

TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY: You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, which must be signed by the person going on the tour . If you cancel on or before 30 days before the first day of the tour, we will retain your deposit to cover our costs. In addition, if the cancellation notification is received less than 30 days prior to the first day of the tour, additional cancellation charges shall be as follows:

Amount of Cancellation Charges:
29-15 Days before the first day of the tour - 50%
14-7 Days before the first day of the tour - 75%
Less than 7 Days before the first day of the tour - 100%

CHANGES BY YOU: If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $50.00 per revision per booking. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by us and our suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Any name changes must be provided to us in writing and are subject to any airline fees or penalties if applicable.

For further information or to book:
Call Nancy Klinkhamer
604.591.5075
1.888.805.3093

"Trip went great, everything worked out without a hitch. Thank you so much for making such great travel arrangements for me."

Wendy