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India, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet Group Tours
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Transcript of India, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet Group Tours
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
indiabhutan, nepal &tibet
over
35 years of travel
experienceH
HH
Escorted GroupsSmall personable groups
4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
www.incatours.net
india, bhuta with inca australia’s small g
includessome of thebest propertiesInca Tours uses some of the finest hotels, trains and cruising vessels in the world.Where possible we utilise properties with local charm,style and character, avoidingthe big foreign chains with their generic decor and international design style.
includesall sightseeingInca Tours includes all sightseeing with expert localguides so you do not have topay extra when you get there. If it is worth doing or seeing, we include it for everyone in our small groups. This way you do not have to choose between various options.
includes all tipping & porterage
all inclusiveJourneys
No hidden extras, alltipping, all porterage,all entrance fees and alltransfers are included.
all inclusiveof flightsIncludes all the flights
described in our itineraries.
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Inca Tours is a member of the Council of Australian
Tour Operators (CATO)and the Australian
Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
includesfine diningYou may be surprised with Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates. Our special event dinners included to enhance your tour,are sure to impress. Just as important are free choice mealsas you may not want to eat national foods all of the time.
includesall activitiesInca Tours has chosen the very best sights and activities soyou can simply sit back, relaxand enjoy the exclusive and pampered India,Bhutan,Nepalexperience. When it comes toincluding sights and activitiesin our tours, it’s our attentionto detail that sets us apart.
100% of ourdepartures areguaranteed
an & nepal tours
group specialists
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contentsexperience the regionwith inca tours, thesmall group specialists
luxury-class INDIA, bhutan, nepal 30
short tours & extensions 54
superior-class india, bhutan, nepal 42
india, bhutan & nepal gold tour 34first part of gold tour 40second part of gold tour 41
india, bhutan, nepal sensations tour 46india part of sensations tour 52bhutan & nepal part of sensations 53
highlights of tibet tour 54the best of tibet tour 55south india cultural tour 56delhi & the north tours 58sri lankan highlights tour 60wildlife & BEACH tour (sri lanka) 61tour enhancers 62combining tours 63
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Page
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over 35years of travel
experience!
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inca tours willshow you the realindia,bhutan & nepal
India, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet are asurprise & mystery. From the Gangesto the Himalayas, from the colourfulGolden Triangle to Tiger inhabitednational parks, from monasteries topalaces, the region offers it all.
INDIAIndia is a culturally rich and exotic place—from the famous “Golden Triangle” and the majestic palacesand forts of Rajasthan in the West, to the lush backwaters of Kerala in the South; from its monsoonforests, home to the elusive Tiger in the East to the temples of the North. Majestic mountains andtropical seas, red deserts and sacred rivers, old customs and new ways, modern cities and traditionalcrafts, they all call India home! This region is the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, with theirmany temples, both old and new, dedicated to the worship of mountains and rivers, especially theSacred Ganges, which has been cleansing the faithful since the religion’s birth.
Visitors to India are always overwhelmed by the vibrant colours. Reds, oranges, yellows, blues andgreens, they are to be seen everywhere in the clothes, the food, the buildings and the landscape. Thisexplosion of colour is further enhanced by the vast array of scents and smells encountered as one passesthrough the street and markets. Candles, lamps, incense sticks, herbs, spices and last but not least, foodbeing prepared. They all contribute to bringing you the complete India experience. For a brief timeyou can be part of this incredible country, sharing in its cultures, colours and scents.
bhutan, nepal & tibetBhutan, Nepal& Tibet have had many influences shape them, including Mother Nature. Onceconnected to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent drifted north and collided with Asia and threw up the mighty Himalayas, which cover the northern part of India. Here, bordering India we find thelandlocked Kingdom of Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Nepal and the autonomous region of Tibet.
The Kingdom of Bhutan offers a most pristine experience, as it only recently opened up to visitors, yet has retained its traditional way of life. Additionally, the Bhutanese have been rated the happiest people in Asia! Nepal is more developed but a must see as it is home to Everest and many other scenicand cultural treasures. Tibet is a plateau, north-east of the Himalayas. It is also the highest region onearth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres! Tibet is definitely a part of the world which conjuresup images of the exotic, from people and scenery to palaces and temples, yet Tibet, like Bhutan, Nepaland indeed India, are all excellent value destinations.
includesunique faunaas well assome of the moststunningscenery inall of india,bhutan, nepal& tibet.
includescontactwith aunique blend of cultures,religions &some of thefriendliestof peoples.
cultures at their most
unique!
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with inca tours, you are in very good hands
Inca Tours, a destination specialist, is very proud to have over 35 yearsexperience organising small groupjourneys to various parts of theworld. Just imagine what we can do for you!
we have done all the planning for youIn planning a visit to a diverse region, one not only has to decide what to see and how much time tospend in each location but just as importantly, what to avoid. Tours must be planned to satisfy specialinterests, whether they be the majestic scenery, dynamic cities, the monuments of past civilisations, thecolourful people who call it home, meeting new friends or just having a good time! We do all this andmore. Our tours are planned and operated by people who know and above all, love the region.
your tour leader is there for youEach component of your Gold Tour or Sensations Tour is hosted by one of our experienced tourleaders. They are in turn, assisted by our expert English-speaking local guides, drivers and groundhandlers to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible and you get to remember it for all the rightreasons. As our group sizes are small, you have regular access to your tour leader and your local guides.This usually occurs on a one-on-one basis, so you get the absolute most from your holiday.
guaranteed departures & group sizes allow you to book with confidenceUnfortunately today, many tour companies have in their fine print that the tour may be cancelled or may not be fully escorted without a minimum number of clients. We know this uncertainty causesmany problems for travellers, so for all Sensations Tours and Gold Tours, we guarantee that the tourswill operate and that they will be fully escorted with two or more guests.
In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteenguests on each of our Sensations Tours and Gold Tours. For financial reasons, most other tourcompanies do not do this. We believe your tour should give you the opportunity to connect with thepeople and places you visit and enable your tour leader to get to know you personally, not just by aname tag. This is only possible if travelling in a small group, not in the large crowds often seen in other tour groups.
Inca Tours’personalisedgroups (a Maximumof only 18)means youare not justanother face in thecrowd.
your tour leader, with assistancefrom our english-speakinglocal guideswill ensure a seamlessjourney.
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whychoose
incatours?• Superior-class& Luxury-classhotels, trains and vessels.• A luxury overnight houseboatstay on the Kerala Backwaters.• Palace Hotel stays.• Dedicated tour leader andexpert specialist local guides.• Most dining is included.• Special dining events.• All cultural& historical activities are included.• All city& sightseeing tours and entrance fees are included.• All flights as outlined in ouritineraries are included.• All private airport transfers.• All porterage is included.• All tipping and gratuities.• If after booking your tour weoffer any discounts, we will reduce your cost accordingly.
australian owned & operated
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with inca tours’small groups, youwon’t miss a thing
We were one of the pioneers in smallgroup travel, boasting more than 35years of continuous service. You arein very good hands when you chooseto travel with us, as our small groupsmean you won’t miss out on a thing.
inca tours has led the way & still doesFor many destinations, we were the first or one of the first to take small group journeys into what wasconsidered “out of the way” places. Our tour leaders and office staff regularly visit these destinations, as well as new ones, which ensures that our destination knowledge is always up-to-date and second tonone. Because of this we are able to plan and execute the very best itineraries, many of which are nowemulated by those who have followed our lead. Regular destination updates also mean we are equippedto make changes if any aspect of the journey has changed or if better options have become available.
no gimmicks!Because of our extensive knowledge, we do not have the “free choice” gimmicks that others offer. If it’s worth doing or seeing, we simply include it for all!
no need for headsetsUp to forty people on a tour is not a small group! With a maximum of only18 guests and normallyless, our groups are intimate and small which means there is no need for clumsy and uncomfortableheadsets to allow you to hear what the local guide or tour leader is saying. With us you hear it directlyfrom “the horse’s mouth” as they say. Our small group sizes also mean that it is much easier for you toask questions and be heard and more importantly, answered.
inca tours’ free choice mealsWherever possible, we arrange for included lunches and dinners to be enjoyed at local restaurants. Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese Cuisine lends itself to shared plate menus. However, where possible you will have free choice of international cuisine. Many of our restaurants are chosen because of theirlocation and/or because of their quality and style, which turns the dining experience into a highlight in itself. Only touring with small groups provides the flexibility in this area and subsequently, greatlyenhances your India, Bhutan and Nepal experience.
witha maximum of only 18guests, youare assuredof the most personalisedservice onyour indiaregion tour.
withdailyone on one interactionwith yourtour leaderand guides,you will havethe greatest experiencepossible.
with inca,you won’t miss
a thing!
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inca tours’extraordinary experiences
There is a big difference between visiting a destination and truly experiencing it. There are numerousevents built into our journeys so thatyou experience the region in all itsmany colours and contrasts.
Stroll Fort Cochin’s streets, reflecting an unusual blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and English country life.
relax aboard a luxury houseboat on Kerala’s Backwaters.
immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Aarti Ceremony.
enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful, chaotic, vibrant market areas of India’s old cities.
observe a spectacular sunrise over the majestic Himalayas.
explore some of Nepal’s World Heritage Listed Sites, including Bhaktapur, Patan and the Kathmandu Valley.
marvel at the beauty and magnificence of Mount Everest.
wonder at the noise, sights, sounds and smells of India.
feel the overwhelming peace and happiness of Bhutan.
stare in awe at the perfection of the famous Taj Mahal.
one day Experience a Kathakaliperformance(music, dance,& drama), thenext delightin mumbai’sgateway ofindia.
whether exploringudaipur orwatchingthe sun riseover everest,experiencethe very bestwith incatours.
once in alifetime
experiences
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spectacular hotelsin really stunninglocations
Most hotels used by us have been inspected and stayed in by membersof the Inca Tours’ team. They arechosen for their location, history,character or ambiance, so you’ll experience only the very best.
River escape luxury houseboat, Kerala, India.
the taj mahal palace & tower,Mumbai, India.
dwarika’s hotel,Kathmandu, Nepal.
taj tashi hotel,Thimphu, Bhutan.
oberoi hotel,Delhi, India.
oberoi amervilas, Agra, India.
Nahargarh Fort Hotel, Ranthambore NP, India.
taj rambagh palace hotel, Jaipur, India.
Deogarh Mahal Hotel, Deogarh, India.
taj lake palace hotel, Udaipur, India.
trulyspectacularhotels,in the moststunning locations to be foundin india,bhutan& nepal.
follow in the footsteps ofindia’s royalfamilies, asyou stay insome very famouspalace hotels.
the region’sfinest
properties
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THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE & RAJASTHAN
The Golden Triangle is a famous circuit encompassing Agra, Jaipurand Delhi. It houses many of India’sgreat cultural gems. Combined withRajasthan it offers a wide spectrum ofIndia’s varied and diverse landscape.
the golden triangleIndia’s most renowned and most visited destination, this triangle has been dubbed “golden” for theextraordinary wealth of cultural and historical highlights on offer. The Golden Triangle contains one of the “New seven Wonders of the World”, the Taj Mahal in Agra. Commissioned in 1632 by theMughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his third wife, the Taj Mahal stands proudly on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra is also home to the much visited and impressive Agra Fort.
There is also the magnificent Amber Fort, stunningly situated on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake on Jaipur’s outskirts. Also known as the “Pink City” Jaipur is home to the unusual Hawa Mahal or“Palace of the Winds” located within the old city walls. Nearby Jantar Mantar, meaning “instrument of calculation”, is an observatory built in1728 and added to India’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2010.
Delhi forms the third part of the Golden Triangle and is a contrast of old and new. Its chief sights are itsstreet life and teeming bazaars. Home to the British built New Delhi with its government buildings andembassies, it is also home to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A Bahai Temple, Gandhi’s Memorialand several Christian churches and Hindu temples provide a cross section of Indian religions and society.
DEOGARHOne of16 feudal estates privileged to serve the Maharana of Udaipur, Deogarh is a village surrounded bybeautiful countryside. Perched on top of the Aravalli Hills,120 kms from Udaipur, Deogarh Mahal is a17th Century Palace with glittering mirror work and murals. It impresses with its marvellous courtyardand its array of battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and gateways. It was restored by the ChundawatFamily, who still inhabit areas of the building and are justly proud of their authentic heritage hotel.
udaipurUdaipur is often referred to as the “Lake City” or “City of Lakes” and for good reason! Apart from itshistory, culture and scenery, Udaipur is also well regarded for its Rajput-era Palaces. The Lake Palace,for instance, covers an entire island in Pichola Lake and is now a luxury Taj Hotel. Udaipur’s LakePichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar are considered the most beautiful lakes in India.
one day sit and gaze atthe taj mahalfrom thelounge ofyour agrahotel, thenext explore deogarh’sforts & desert.
udaipur,home tosome of india’s most beautifullakesisknown asthe “lake city”& “the veniceof the east”.
a “new sevenwonders ofthe world”
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the kingdom of bhutan, nepal & tibet
The independent Kingdom of Bhutan,as well as Nepal and Tibet all lie to the north of India and share the Himalaya Mountain Range. MountEverest, the highest point on earthcan be found along its vast length.
The kingdom of bhutanThe Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country. It is located at the eastern end of theHimalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by China. Bhutan isseparated from Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim. Its landscape ranges from subtropicalplains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayas in the north. The Kingdom of Bhutan offers a mostpristine experience, as it only recently opened up to visitors, yet has retained its traditional way of life.Additionally, the Bhutanese have been rated as the happiest people in Asia and the eighth-happiestpeople in the world!
nepalOnce connected to Africa, India drifted north and collided with Asia and threw up the mightyHimalayas. Here we find Nepal, another landlocked country bordering China to the north and Indiato the south, east and west. Nepal has a rich geography, with its north home to eight of the world’s tentallest mountains, including the majestic Mount Everest. Nepal is a must see being home to Everestand many other scenic and cultural treasures including thirteen World Heritage Sites.
tibetTibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas and it is also the highest region on earth,with an average elevation of 4,900 metres! Lhasa, its capital city is situated at 3,650 metres above sealevel. Tibet is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan People, as well as other ethnic groups such asMonpas, Qiang and Lhobas. It is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui People.There are over 800 small settlements in Tibet. Lhasa is Tibet’s traditional capital and a city well worthvisiting. It contains two World Heritage Sites—the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, which were theresidences of the Dalai Lama. Lhasa also boasts a number of beautiful and significant temples andmonasteries including Jokhang and Ramoche Temple.
PATAN DURBARSQUARE ISONLY ONE OF thirteenunescoWORLDHERITAGE listed SITES IN NEPAL.
paro sits in a beautiful valley, whichencapsulatesscenic beauty,the richestof cultures & hundredsof myths & legends.
exotic & culturally
diverse
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southern & western india and Mumbai
From Chennai in the south to Mumbai in the West, these citiesand the many destinations in between are famous for their natural beauty, history, culture, cuisine and unique ways of life.
southern & western indiaFrom Mumbai in the Northwest to Chennai in the Southeast and taking in the main cities ofBengaluru (formerly “Bangalore”), Kochi and Madurai, this is the tropical heartland of India. Thisregion boasts numerous cultural experiences, the comfort of a Kerala Backwaters cruise on a luxuryhouseboat, the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and the exotic and pristine beaches of Goa. If you arelooking for a relaxed beach holiday or a diverse and fulfilling journey through an area renowned for itswealth, culture and food, you will not be disappointed with the Southern or Western parts of India.
mumbaiMumbai is the wealthiest city in India and the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of thecountry. Mumbai is home to a major port on the Arabian Sea. The city also houses India’s “Bollywood”film and television industry. Mumbai is a truly cosmopolitan melting pot of many communities, faiths and cultures. It is one of the great cities of the world that never sleep.
Some of the many highlights of Mumbai include the historic landmark, the Gateway of India; theHanging Gardens and Mani Bhawan, the house where the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi, stayed onhis early visits to the city. Mumbai boasts approximately 5,000 “dabba” or “tiffin wallahs”, hand delivering some 200,000 hot meals to doorsteps across the city each and every day. Mumbai is alsohome to India’s largest outdoor laundry, certainly a sight to behold!
Kerala stateproducessome of thefinest tea inindia & alsoboasts one of the verybest natural harbours inthe world.
from ornatejain temple devotees to youngschool children inthe streets,you will beimpressed bypeoples’ dress.
history at its most
grand
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khajuraho& the tiger reserves
After spending time at Khajuraho,home to largest group of medievalHindu and Jain Temples in India,you travel to Ranthambore NationalPark, where you undertake a number of Tiger viewing safaris.
khajuraho group of templesThe group of monuments in Khajuraho, a town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the mostincredible yet least visited tourist attractions in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medievalHindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures.
Between 950 and1100 AD, the Chandela Monarchs built these temples when the Tantric traditionmay have been accepted. In the days before the Mughal conquests, when boys lived in hermitages, following brahmacharya until they became men, they could learn about the world and prepare themselves to become householders through examining these sculptures and the worldly desires theydepicted.
The Khajuraho Group of Temples were built together but were dedicated to two schools of Hinduismand to Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jainshe. The Khajuraho Monuments have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the “Seven Wonders of India”.
the tiger reservesRanthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in Northern India. It is known for itsTiger population and is a good place in India to see these majestic predators. Tiger and other wildlifecan be seen during the day time and a good time to visit is from November to May when the drydeciduous forests make sightings more common. Please note tiger reserves are closed during themonsoon months. While staying at Ranthambore National Park you undertake both morning and afternoon safari drives with time at leisure during the heat of the day.
author JamesMcConnachiedescribed the sexual-themed Khajurahosculptures as “theapogee oferotic art”.
The Bengaltiger’s coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes rangingfrom darkbrown todeep black.
one of theseven wonders
of india
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sri lanka& the maldiveislands
A trip to Sri Lanka or the Maldives,both tropical islands, will leave yourefreshed and relaxed. These trulydelightful destinations have much to offer and their local inhabitantsare warm and welcoming.
sri lankaSri Lanka lies off the southern coast of the Indian Subcontinent.This South Asian island nation wasknown as“Ceylon” during the period of British rule until1972. Sri Lanka is surrounded by the IndianOcean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies to the north-east of the Maldives. Sri Lanka iswell known for its beach holidays. Bentota is one of the best beach locations in Sri Lanka and is locatedclose to Colombo. Sri Lanka’s most widely known export, ‘Ceylon Tea’, is considered the cleanest tea in the world in terms of pesticide residues. Sri Lanka is the world's second largest exporter of tea.
Legend as well as history record that Sri Lanka has always delighted visitors to its shores. For countlesscenturies Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices, beauty, sublime culture and friendly people captivated the attention of visitors. As a result, Middle Eastern, Portuguese and Dutch influences and practices arefound in Sri Lankan cuisine. Today too, this small island nation with its elevated central highlands and World Heritage listed sites, has so much to offer. All this natural beauty and history makes it easy to combine prime resort beaches with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences to create amemorable holiday which is both relaxing and adventurous at the same time!
the maldivesThe Maldives Islands are situated in-between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.
Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spenddays out at sea, but tourism now is important to the local economy. Most Maldivians still believe inupholding unity and oneness in faith but recent waves of reform in the country have created a wholenew culture of ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the peoples’ identity, traditions and beliefs.
elephants &tea are whatmost peopleassociatewith srilanka but infact it offersmore: ruins,temples and exotic food.
The Maldivesis an islandnation in the ArabianSea & IndianOcean area,consistingof a doublechain of 26small atolls!
observe the sri lankan
elephant
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the mighty himalayamountain range & northernindia
The Himalayas and India’s Northoffer much in terms of magnificentlandscapes and a diversity of culture,religion and lifestyle. Less exploredthan other parts of the region, it certainly won’t disappoint.
the himalaya mountainsThe mighty Himalaya (meaning “abode of the snow”) Mountain Range was formed millions of yearsago when India broke away from the African Continent and collided with what we now know as Asia.The Himalaya Mountains are home to nine of the ten highest peaks on earth, including the highest,Mount Everest. They have profoundly shaped the cultures of South Asia and many Himalayan Peaksare sacred in both the Buddhist and Hindu Religions.
The Himalayas span five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan, with India, Nepal andBhutan having sovereignty over most of this vast mountain range. Three of the world's major rivers,the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, arise in the Himalayas. Their combined drainage basin is home to a staggering 600 million people!
northern indiaThe north, northeast and northwest of India are by far the least visited and unknown parts of thecountry, yet they have much to offer the visitor. If you are happy to be accommodated in more basichotels at times, these areas will reward you with some very unique experiences.
In the north you will be delighted with Shimla, the former Summer Capital of India and a greatspringboard for exploring the surrounding mountains. Shimla offers a full range of accommodationoptions. There are also a number of health spas scattered throughout the ranges near Shimla, alloffering very different experiences.
In the northeast you can attend the Hornbill Festival, when all of the local hill tribes congregate for a week long event involving much festivity and dance.
The northwest offers Jammu and Kashmir; the magnificent Golden Temple at Amritsar; and the pomp and pageantry of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at the Wagah Border between India andneighbouring Pakistan. This border closing ritual is a daily military practice which the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since1959. The travel writer Michael Palin described it as a daily display of “carefully choreographed contempt”.
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the himalayashave shapedthe localcultures &many Peaksare sacred in both theBuddhistand HinduReligions.
sunrise overthe mightyhimalayas is a truly spectacularexperience, as is the scenic flightaround themountains.
india’scolourful
north
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useful check list when comparing alternative tours
It is difficult to compare tours whendescriptions in brochures look thesame but differ when experienceddue to subtle differences. This checklist should help you cut through some of the hype!
over
35 years of travel
experience�
��
Escorted GroupsSmall personable groups
4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
www.incatours.net
issues to consider Inca other otherwhen comparing tours tour? tour?• Is the tour guaranteed to depart with only two guests? (As unlikely as this scenario is.) YES _________ _________
• Is the tour guaranteed to have a tour leaderregardless of minimum guest numbers? YES _________ _________
• Does the tour price include all airfares, surcharges and taxes or are they extra? (This can be a substantial additional cost.) ALL included _________ _________
• Are all activities / excursions included or doyou have to choose between alternatives? ALL included _________ _________
• Is everything described included or are there optional extras at additional cost ifyou choose to undertake them? ALL included _________ _________
• Does the tour operator have over 35 years of experience organising small group tours? YES _________ _________
• Do you need to use headsets to hear what is being said by the guide as the groups are so large? (Normally more than 20 guests.) NO _________ _________
• Are there excessive claims of EXCLUSIVEwhen in reality most are not exclusive but widely available and used on different tours? NO _________ _________
memories arenot based on what youdid not do!you haveworkedhard and deserve agreat experience.
book your future memoriesnow withinca tours, so you do not regret missing out later.
life longfriendshipsare formed
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the pinnacle of opulence & serviceInca Tours has forged a reputation for opulence and outstanding service based on over 35 continuousyears of travel experience. The Gold Tour is our ultimate luxury tour including most of the highlightsof India, Bhutan and Nepal and staying in some of the best hotels in the regions. It is led by anexperienced tour leader and includes expert English-speaking guides during all excursions and tours.
guaranteed departures with 2 or moreYou have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Gold Tour of India, Bhutan andNepal is guaranteed to operate and won’t be cancelled due to insufficient numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other tour operators. On all Gold Tours, we guarantee that your tour willoperate with only two or more guests.
ultimate small groups with a max of 18In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteenguests on each of our Gold Tours of India, Bhutan and Nepal. This way you receive personalisedattention all the way. For financial reasons, most other tour companies operate much larger groups.
stay in some of the very best propertiesWe select hotels, trains and vessels which retain the charm and character of region. We avoid wherepossible, the chrome and glass hotels of major international chains, preferring to experience the cultureand lifestyle first hand in properties with local flavour. Often our hotels in India, Bhutan, Nepal andTibet are destinations in themselves! You have worked hard all your life, so you deserve it.
the inca gold tourthe ultimate luxury-class tour of india, bhutan & nepal
reside insome of thebest hotelsand vessels,combinedwith the ultimate inclusions,as well asfine dining.
guaranteed max of18guests eachtour, with a dedicatedtour leader& expert english-speakinglocal guides.
the finest hotels & vessels
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luxury-classhotels& vessels
gold tour
It is envisaged that you will be our guest in the following exquisite establishments during your Gold Tour of a lifetime.
indiaTaj malabarhotel,kochi
River EscapeHouseboat,kerala
The Taj MahalPalace & tower,Mumbai
gateway ganges hotel,Varanasi
Dwarika’sHotel,Kathmandu
hotel club himalaya,nagarkot
nepal
bhutan
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Taj Tashi Hotel,Thimphu
uma punakhahotel,punakha
naksel boutique resort & spa,Paro
oberoi hotel,delhi
Oberoi Amervilashotel,Agra
Nahargarhfort hotel,Ranthamborenational park
Taj Rambagh Palace hotel,Jaipur
deogarh mahal hotel,deogarh
Taj Lake Palace hotel,Udaipur
world classhotels & facilities
Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only. The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ in terms of room type, standard and configuration.
india
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includedhighlights• Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.
• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all tours and excursions.
• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.
• A relaxing luxury houseboat stay as it cruises the placid and tranquil Kerala Backwaters.
• Two nights in the historic Fort Cochin area of Kochi, with its superb natural harbour.
• A traditional South Indian cooking class in Kochi.
• A comprehensive sightseeing tour of Kochi, followed by a Kathakali Dance Performance.
• Two nights in bustling Mumbai, known as “Bombay” during the British period.
• A fabulous Mumbai City Tour, including a visit to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.
• A bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful and vibrant market area of Varanasi.
• The deeply spiritual Aarti Collective Prayer Ceremony, on the Ganges River in Varanasi.
• A picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, a small hill station east of the capital.
• Two nights in exotic Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal.
• A scenic flight around the Himalayas, with views of Mount Everest and other peaks.
• An authentic and traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner in the medieval feeling Kathmandu.
• A luxury stay in the heart of Thimphu, in Bhutan’s beautiful Paro Valley.
• A relaxing two-night stay in Punakha, located in the lovely Punakha Valley of Bhutan.
• Two nights in Paro and a hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”, one of Bhutan’s most venerated sites.
• A two-night stay in vibrant Delhi, including a complete Old & New Delhi City Tour.
• Two leisurely nights in Agra, including visits to the beautiful Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.
• A relaxed two nights at Ranthambore National Park, home to the majestic Indian Tiger.
• Two opulent nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, as it is fondly known.
• Time at Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort and a visit to the “Palace of Winds”.
• An exotic two-nights in Udaipur, known as the “Lake City”or “The Venice of the East”.
• A romantic sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola and a visit to the famous City Palace.
• A fabulous celebratory End of Tour Dinner in Udaipur.
includedfine dining• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.Our experienced tour leader will makerecommendations about where to dine.
• Where possible, lunches& dinners areat local restaurants. You may be a littlesurprised at the extensive nature of Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates. Just as important however, is free choicemeals, as we know you may not wantto eat national foods all of the time.
• 57 meals are included: 26 breakfasts,15 lunches &16 dinners, some ofwhich are tour highlights. In addition,a number of meals are served on flights.
exclusive india,bhutan & nepalgold tour
28 daysNEPAL
INDIA
BHUTAN
Alleppy
Agra
UdaipurDeogarh
RanthamboreNP
Varanasi
Thimphu
Paro
Punakha
Mumbai
JaipurNew Delhi
Kochi
Kathmandu
incatours.net 35
golden Buddha
taj mahal palace hotel, mumbai
DAY 1 Sunday depart australia / Kochi
This morning you make your own way to
your nearest capital city airport for your flight
to India. We arrive in India late this evening
after a plane change enroute. After clearing
Customs and Immigration in Kochi we are
met and taken to our hotel for the night.
(Meals in flight)
DAY2 Monday Kochi / House Boat
We start our day with a very informative Tour
Orientation Meeting in which we get to know
each other better and outline the important
aspects of the day-to-day operation of the
Gold Tour of India, Bhutan & Nepal.
After the meeting we are driven to Alleppy
where we board our luxury houseboat
comprising fully furnished bedrooms with
ensuite bathrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge
and a full crew. Fringing the coast of Kerala
and winding far inland is a vast network of
lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. We enjoy
a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala
Backwaters, floating through these placid waters
passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages
as we observe the locals going about their daily
lives. We have our meals aboard the boat as we
meander through this fascinating area. It’s a
very nice way to recover from jetlag! (BLD)
DAY3 Tuesday Houseboat / Kochi
This morning we enjoy breakfast on board
as we continue our cruise and exploration of
the Kerala Backwaters. We then disembark
our houseboat and travel back to Kochi.
Lunch today is a special event: a cooking
class at the conclusion of which we get to
sample the local delicacies we have prepared.
We then check in to our hotel
located in the Fort Cochin Area
where we have two relaxing nights.
Set on a cluster of islands and a
narrow peninsula, Kochi is Kerala’s
major port city boasting one of
the finest natural harbours in the
world. (BL)
DAY4 Wednesday Kochi
We begin the day with a visit to the Fort Cochin
area where we see the famous Chinese fishing
nets and may encounter the morning catch
being auctioned on the beach. We take a walk
through the Old Town around Mattancherry
Jetty, visit St Francis Church of Kochi and
tour Mattancherry Palace, also known as the
“Dutch Palace”. We then stroll through Jew
Town where the oldest synagogue in India is
located. You have the afternoon at leisure for
some shopping or to enjoy our hotel.
This evening we experience a Kathakali Dance
Performance. Kathakali is a synthesis of dance,
drama and music which will amaze you with
its colour and grace. We then enjoy a dinner
of Kochi’s famous fresh seafood. (BD)
DAY 5 Thursday Kochi / MumbaiToday we fly to Mumbai or “Bombay”, as it
was previously known, for a fabulous two-night
stay. On arrival we are taken
to our luxurious hotel located
next the Gateway of India,
one of Mumbai’s most famous
landmarks. The structure was
erected to commemorate the
landing of King George V when
he visited in1911. The Gateway
was later the ceremonial entrance
to India. You have some time this
afternoon to tour the Palace Hotel
surrounds or explore nearby Chor Bazaar, one
of the largest flea markets in India!
Tonight we enjoy dinner at the Khyber
Restaurant. Khyber welcomes us with its
rugged frontier charm, old oil lanterns and
frost weathered woodwork. Entering through
a wooden door decorated with Urdu couplets,
we sit surrounded by huge urns and ancient
Mughal Royalties adorning the walls. We enjoy
dinner while thumris and ghazals play softly
in the background. (BD)
india, bhutan & nepal goldtour itinerary
I thoroughly enjoyedeverything on tour.Veewas wonderful andinitiated some specialsurprises. Although wehave travelled in Indiaseveral times before,this trip was superb!
Mrs Helen Irani NSW
never morethan 18 in aninca group!
36 inca tours - excellence in travel
DAY6 Friday Mumbai
Our city tour includes the Gateway of India,
the grand Victorian Gothic buildings from the
British Raj Era and Mani Bhawan, the house
where the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi,
stayed on his early visits to the city. We may
encounter one of Mumbai’s 5,000 “dabba” or
“tiffin wallahs” hand delivering 200,000 hot
meals to doorsteps across the city. We also visit
India’s largest outdoor laundry which is a sight
to behold! We drive up Malabar Hill to the
Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park,
from where you will have a wonderful view of
Mumbai and the Arabian Sea. The Towers of
Silence from the Parsi Culture are also located
nearby. (B)
DAY 7 Saturday Mumbai / VaranasiToday we fly to Varanasi for a deeply spiritual
experience. Located on the west side of the
Holy Ganges, Varanasi has been the centre of
the Hindu Religion, learning and civilisation
for over 3,000 years, thus making it one of the
oldest living cities in India. In the evening we
take bicycle rickshaws through the colourful,
chaotic, vibrant market area to reach the banks
of the Ganges where the temples will be lit with
oil-lamps and candles. This light, combined
with the aromas of incense sticks, oil lamps
and flowers filling the air, makes the experience
magical as we watch hundreds of little lamps
float out onto the Ganges River as offerings
during the Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer).
We return to our hotel for the night. (BD)
DAY8 Sunday Varanasi / NagarkotEarly this morning we return to the Ganges
to witness the incredible scene as thousands of
pilgrims immerse themselves in its holy waters.
We return to our hotel for breakfast before
flying to Kathmandu, the capital of ancient
and mountainous Nepal. On arrival we are
driven to Nagarkot, a small hill station east of
Kathmandu. Here we check into our hotel with
its spectacular views of the Himalayas. (BD)
DAY9 Monday Nagarkot / KathmanduWe rise early to watch the sunrise before
departing for Kathmandu, enroute visiting
Bhaktapur City or the “City of Devotees”,
as it is sometimes called. It is shaped like a
conch shell and was the setting for the major
Hollywood production The Little Buddha.
Kathmandu has the air of a medieval city;
narrow streets, wooden temples and beautiful
palaces. Its markets are a rich blend of colours
and aromas and you often hear the gentle sound
of jangling cymbals. Only in the1950s was
Nepal opened to visitors and today the contrast
between 21st Century technology and tradition
help make Kathmandu one of the world’s most
fascinating cities. Later we visit Boudhanath,
possibly the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa.
Around the stupa a number of monasteries
of different Tibetan Buddhism sects have been
established including one housing an enormous,
seated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tonight we
enjoy a cultural dance and dinner. (BLD)taj mahal palace hotel (left) & the gateway of india (right), mumbai
varanasi & the ganges river
incatours.net 37
DAY 10 Tuesday Kathmandu
An early rise sees us on a scenic flight around
the Himalayan Mountains. During the flight we
should see, among others Mt Everest reaching
up 8,848 metres into the sky. Returning to our
hotel for breakfast, we later visit the fabulous
Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath, said to be
over 2,000 years old and popularly known as
“Monkey Temple”.
In the afternoon we visit Patan City, known
as the “City of Fine Arts” where we visit Patan
Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the
city. Tonight we experience a traditional
Royal Nepalese Dinner. (BLD)
DAY 11 Wednesday Kathmandu / Thimphu
We fly to Paro in Bhutan. Located in the
beautiful Paro Valley, the clear mountain air,
forested ridges, imposing monasteries and
welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking
national dress, provide a breath-taking first
impression. On arrival we are driven to our
luxury hotel located in the heart of Thimphu.
Later we visit Tashichhodzong, the “Fortress of
the Glorious Religion”. It is a majestic fortress in
all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s
government. The Dzong houses the secretariat,
the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the
King and the Ministries of Home Affairs and
Finance. The fortress was initially erected in
1641 and later rebuilt in the1960s by the
Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. (BLD)
DAY 12 Thursday Thimphu / Punakha.Our day starts at the National Memorial
Chorten. Built in1974 in memory of the Third
King of Bhutan, it showcases an extraordinary
depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of
works of art. Also visited is the Folk Heritage
Museum, built in 2001 it provides a glimpse of
Bhutanese life a century ago. This afternoon we
travel to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan,
via the Dochu La Pass. As we reach the highest
point we encounter thousands of fluttering
prayer flags and108 miniature chortens! On a
clear day one has awe-inspiring glimpses of the
Himalayan Peaks. We then descend gradually
into the Punakha Valley. On arrival in Punakha
we check into our luxury hotel, with spectacular
views of the valley, for two fabulous nights. (BL)
DAY 13 Friday PunakhaToday we visit the Punakha Dzong. Placed
strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and
Mo Chu Rivers, the dzong was built in1637
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve
as a religious and administrative seat. It was
here that the dual system of government was
introduced in the17th Century and in1907,
the 1st King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was
enthroned here. Damaged over the centuries
by catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the
dzong has been fully restored in recent years
by the 4th King. Highlights include the massive
Kuenray, the Coronation Hall for all Bhutanese
Kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance to the
dzong and the cantilever bridge over the Mo
Chu River, also recently renovated.
patan durbar square interior, nepal
a young monk, bhutan
38 inca tours - excellence in travel
Later we take a walk through the local farming
area to Lobesa Village, where we visit Chimi
Lhakhang. This fertility temple is dedicated
to the famous teacher, Drukpa Kinley, also
known as the “Divine Madman”. The Divine
Madman sits there (albeit in statue form) with
the master’s deeds painted on the walls. (BL)
DAY 14 Saturday Punakha / Paro.
On our drive back to Paro, we stop at Tachog
Lhakhang Viewpoint. Built by the architect
Thangtong Gyalpoin in the14th Century, the
Lhakang is located across the Paro River but
can only be reached by an iron chain bridge
spanning the river. We enjoy lunch in Paro and
take a walk through the town before checking
in to our hotel for two nights. (BL)
DAY 15 Sunday Paro – Tiger’s NestA drive to Satsam Chorten sees us commence
our hike to Taktshang Goemba. Taktshang
meaning the “Tiger’s Nest”, is one of Bhutan’s
most venerated sites. According to legend,
Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew there on the
back of a tigress, meditated in a cave for three
months and converted the whole of the Paro
Valley to Buddhism. Resting at an altitude of
900 metres above the valley, Taktshang is an
architectural wonder and the spectacular four
hour walk may be your most overwhelming
experience ever. Though the climb is steep, the
journey is worthwhile on account of the superb
views experienced enroute. On our return we
make a short visit to Kichu Temple, the oldest
in Bhutan, built during the 7th Century. (BLD)
DAY 16 Monday Paro / DelhiToday we fly to Delhi, India for two nights. (B)
DAY 17 Tuesday DelhiOur day includes a half day tour of Old and
New Delhi including India Gate; the Houses
of Parliament; Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s
largest mosques and Humayun’s Tomb. This
tomb, built in1570, is of particular cultural
significance as it was the first garden-tomb on
the Indian Subcontinent. It inspired several
major architectural innovations, culminating in
the construction of the Taj Mahal. We then take
a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and
colourful alleys of the Old Delhi Markets. (BL)
DAY 18 Wednesday Delhi / Agra We travel by road to Agra where we visit the
spectacular Agra Fort. Later we visit a marble
factory to see the craftsmen using traditional
methods to form tiny mosaic tiles. (BL)
DAY 19 Thursday Agra Early today we visit one of the absolute tour
highlights: the Taj Mahal, built in memory
of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal, by
Emperor Shah Jahan. This marble mausoleum
is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind.
Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have
ample time to explore the memorial before
returning to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast.
The remainder of your day is at leisure. (BD)the taj mahal, agra
taktsang monastery (“Tigers nest”), bhutan
incatours.net 39
DAY20 Friday Agra / Ranthambore NP
We drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of
the largest in northern India. It is known for its
tigers and is a good place to see these majestic
predators. We enjoy an afternoon safari. (BLD)
DAY21 Saturday Ranthambore NP
Both morning and afternoon safaris take us
in search of Tiger and the other interesting
wildlife found in the national park. (BLD)
DAY22 Sunday Ranthambore NP / Jaipur
Our final safari is enjoyed before being taken
to Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan and often
referred to as the “Pink City”. Here we spend
two nights staying in royal opulence! (BL)
DAY23 Monday Jaipur
This morning we visit the ornately decorated
Amber Fort, located just outside the city. This
is followed by a brief city tour visiting the
highlights of Jaipur which include the Hawa
Mahal or “Palace of Winds” and the Jantar
Mantar, an astronomical observatory. The
remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy our
Palace Hotel and its plush surroundings. (BD)
DAY24 Tuesday Jaipur / Deogarh
Today we depart by road for Deogarh. Deogarh
Mahal is a17th Century Palace perched on a hill
and offering panoramic views of the Aravalli
the lake palace hotel, udaipur
Mountain Range and the numerous lakes spread
throughout the countryside. With its majestic
domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways,
it is a spellbinding sight from below. (BL)
DAY25 Wednesday Deogarh / UdaipurWe continue to Udaipur, known as the “Lake
City”, where we check in to our luxury hotel
for an exotic two-night stay. This evening we
undertake a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (BD)
DAY26 Thursday UdaipurOur day starts with a visit to the famous City
Palace. It is actually a collection of palaces
surrounded by the royal palace walls which
stretch for over a mile on the eastern side of the
lake. We also visit Jagdish Temple, built in1651
and the largest in Udaipur.The spire of the main
temple is 26 metres high and festooned with
sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and
musicians, making it a sight to behold.The rest
of the day is at leisure to enjoy our magnificent
hotel, to shop or to explore the market place.
Tonight we host an End of Tour Dinner. (BD)
DAY27 Friday Udaipur / DelhiThe morning is at leisure before flying to
Delhi where we enjoy dinner. We depart on
our flight home later tonight. (BD)
DAY28 Saturday arrive AustraliaAfter changing planes enroute, you arrive into
Australia this evening. (Meals inflight)
Welcome home!
tour Dates for india, bhutan & nepal Gold Tour
Departing 6th November 2016 Returning 3rd December 2016
Departing 5th November 2017 Returning 2nd December 2017
costs for india, bhutan & nepal Gold Tour
$28,990 Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melb, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth
$27,790 Per person twin-share starting in Kochi & ending in Delhi
$8,907 Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms
$5,10 0 Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors
Tour extensionsPlease consider our Highlights of Tibet Tour or The Best of Tibet Tour on pages54 and 55. They work very well after the India, Bhutan & Nepal Gold Tour.
Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
40 inca tours - excellence in travel
young lions
includedhighlights• Experienced senior tour leader.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All tipping, porterage& departure taxes.
• A Kerala Backwaters houseboat stay.
• Two nights in historic Fort Cochin.
• Traditional South India cooking lesson.
• A sightseeing tour of Kochi, followedby a Kathakali Dance Performance.
• Two nights in bustling Mumbai.
• A bicycle rickshaw ride in Varanasi.
• The deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony.
• A drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot.
• Two nights in Nepal’s Kathmandu.
• A scenic flight around the Himalayas.
• A traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner.
• A two-night stay in Thimphu, Bhutan.
• Two nights in Paro and “Tiger’s Nest”.
includedfine dining• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.
• 33 meals are included:15 breakfasts,9 lunches& 9 dinners.
first part ofindia, bhutan & nepal gold tour
DAY 1 TODAY 15 australia / paroThe itinerary of the Gold Tour First Part is thesame as that from Day1 to Day15. Please seepages 35 to 38 for the detailed itinerary.
DAY 16 monday paro / kathmandu Today you are taken to Paro Airport for yourflight to Kathmandu, where on arrival youconnect with your flight home. (B)
DAY 17 tuesday arrive australiaAfter changing planes enroute, you arrive intoAustralia this evening. (Meals inflight)Welcome home!
17 days of history, culture, food, sights and scenery comprise the First Part of theGold Tour. Travel from Kerala State to cosmopolitan Mumbai, then to the Hinducity of Varanasi in India. Nepal then captivates with its Himalayas and people. Wecontinue and explore the heritage of Bhutan’s monasteries, monks and mountains.
We fly to Kochi in Kerala and explore the Dutch Palace, India’s first European Church andIndia’s oldest synagogue. We relax overnight on houseboats cruising Alappuzha’s backwatersbefore flying to Mumbai: India’s commercial and excitement capital. A city tour opens oureyes to the British influence, evident in the architecture and cricket pitches. It’s then toVaranasi, with a Ganges River boat ride and an exploration of the famous ghats.
A flight to Kathmandu settles us in Nepal. First stop is Nagarkot, at sunrise it mesmeriseswith views of mountains from Everest to Annapurna. Patan and Bhaktapur, both heritagecities with wooden temples and beautiful decorated palaces are visited.View Everest on a scenic flight.Then explore Thimphu, the Bhutanese Capital and trek to Tigers NestMonastery, outside of Paro.
NEPAL
INDIA
BHUTAN
Alleppy
Varanasi
Thimphu
Paro
Punakha
Mumbai
Kochi
Kathmandu
kerala backwaters
17 daysfirst part ofgold tour
first part of tour Dates
Departing 6th November 2016 Returning 22nd November 2016
Departing 5th November 2017 Returning 21st November 2017
First part of tour costs
$17,990 Per person twin-share
$16,790 Per person twin-sharestarting in Kochi & ending in Paro
$3,278 Single supplement
$5,10 0 Business-class upgrade
incatours.net 41
agra fort, agra
includedfine dining• Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.
• 44 meals are included: 20 breakfasts,13 lunches& 11dinners.
DAY 1 saturday Australia / kathmanduYou depart Australia with an enroute planechange to Kathmandu. On arrival you aretaken to your hotel for tonight. (Meals Inflight)
DAY2 Sunday kathmandu/ NagarkotYour morning is at leisure. Later today youmeet the other members of the Gold Tour andare driven to Nagarkot, east of Kathmandu. (B)
DAY3 TODAY22 Nagarkot/ australiaThe itinerary of the Gold Tour Second Part isthe same as that from Day 9 to Day 28. Pleasesee pages 36 to 39 for the detailed itinerary.
NEPAL
INDIA
BHUTANAgra
UdaipurDeogarh
RanthamboreNP
Thimphu
Paro
PunakhaJaipurNew Delhi Kathmandu
22 dayssecond part
• Experienced senior tour leader.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All tipping, porterage& departure taxes.
• Two nights in Nepal’s Kathmandu.
• A scenic flight around the Himalayas.
• A traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner.
• Bhutan’s beautiful Paro Valley.
• A relaxing two-night stay in Punakha.
• Two nights in Paro and “Tiger’s Nest”.
• An Old&New Delhi City Tour.
• The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
• Safaris in a Tiger Reserve.
• Two nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”.
• Jaipur’s Amber Fort& Palace of Winds.
• Two nights in Udaipur, the “Lake City”.
• Lake Pichola Cruise& the City Palace.
• Tour’s End Dinner in romantic Udaipur.
includedhighlights
second part ofindia, bhutan & nepal gold tourNepal, Bhutan and India manage to take 5-star to a whole new level of exoticism andyou experience this on the Second Part of our Gold Tour. In 22 days luxury is combinedwith diversity as we travel from the Himalayan foothills to the Kathmandu Valley.
We explore the culture and heritage of Bhutan with its monks, monasteries and mountains.Marvel at majestic tigers in India’s Ranthambore National Park. Sleep like royalty inMaharajas Palaces in Rajasthan. A highlight for many is the Taj Mahal visit at dawn!
Our first stop is Nagarkot, at sunrise it mesmerises with views of the mountains from Everestto Annapurna. Patan and Bhaktapur, both heritage cities, with their mazes of narrow streets,wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces are visited from Kathmandu. View MountEverest on a scenic flight. We then explore Thimphu, the tiny Bhutanese capital and trek toTigers Nest Monastery outside Paro. We continue to Agra where its fort fascinates many asmuch as the Taj Mahal. Two nights of royal indulgence and the Amber Fort make Jaipuranother highlight. Then overnight in the17th Century Deogarh Mahal before finishing up atUdaipur’s mystical Lake Pichola, a fitting end to our Gold Tour.
second part tour Dates
Departing 12th November 2016 Returning 3rd December 2016
Departing 11th November 2017 Returning 2nd December 2017
second part tour costs
$24,990 Per person twin-share
$23,790 Per person twin-sharestarting Kathmandu & ending Delhi
$7,18 3 Single supplement
$5,10 0 Business-class upgrade
42 inca tours - excellence in travel
india, nepal& bhutansensationsthe ultimate superior-class tourthe highlights in a shorter period
The Sensations Tour of India, Bhutan and Nepal includes most of the highlights of the countries but over a shorter duration and at a more moderate level than the luxury Gold Tour. This is our moremodestly priced Superior-class tour, designed for the more budget conscious guest. It too visits most of the highlights and is escorted by an experienced tour leader with assistance from our expert English-speaking local guides. It utilises less extravagant hotels than the Gold Tour but the properties are very welllocated, of a very high standard and exhibit all the charm and character of these three exotic countries.
guaranteed departures with 2 or moreYou have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Sensations Tour is guaranteed tooperate and won’t be cancelled due to low numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other touroperators. On all Sensations Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more.
ultimate small groups with a max of 18In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteenguests on each Sensations Tour. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financialreasons, most other tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can on each tour.
stay in the very best locationsWhy go all that way only to stay near the places you want to see? We select hotels which retain thecharm and character of the countries and are located at the places of interest. We avoid the internationalchains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with local flavour andstyle. You have worked hard during your life, you deserve it!
great hotels& lodges inthe very best locations,combinedwith must see & do inclusions, as well as fine dining.
guaranteed max 18 guestseach tour,with tour leader & expert localguides meansan extremelypersonalisedexperience.
incatours.net 43
superiorclass hotels
& vessels
44 inca tours - excellence in travel
superior-class hotels, trains& vessels
sensations
It is envisaged that you will be our guest in the followingsuperb properties during your sensational Sensation Tour.
indiacasino hotel,kochi*
River EscapeHouseboat,kerala*
Fariyas Hotel, Mumbai
Udai Kothihotel,Udaipur
ShahpuraHouse,Jaipur
DeogarhMahal hotel,Deogarh
*Optional *3-night Kerala Stopover
*Optional *3-night Kerala Stopover
incatours.net 45
the finest properties to be a guest in
Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only. The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ in terms of room type, standard and configuration.
MansinghPalace,Agra
clarks hotel,Khajuraho
HindusthanInternational,Varanasi
Hotel Yak &Yeti,Kathmandu
Fishtail Lodge,Pokhara
Heritage hotel,Bhaktapur
nepal bhutannamgey heritage hotel,thimphu
Drubchu Resort,Punakha
tenzinlingresort,Paro
46 inca tours - excellence in travel
includedhighlights• Experienced tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.
• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all tours and excursions.
• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.
• Two nights in bustling Mumbai, known as “Bombay”during the British period.
• A fabulous Mumbai City Tour, including a visit to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.
• An exotic two-night stay in picturesque Udaipur, also known as the “Lake City”.
• A visit to the famous City Palace and a romantic sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola.
• A night in Deogarh, staying in a17th Century Palace, sensitively converted into a hotel.
• Two fantastic nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, where we enjoy dinner with a local family.
• Time at Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort and a visit to the “Palace of Winds”.
• Two leisurely nights in Agra, including visits to the beautiful Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.
• The Shatabdi Express Train from Agra to Jhansi, a service frequented by locals as well.
• An overnight in Khajuraho and a comprehensive tour of the Western Group of Temples.
• A night in Varanasi, the centre of the Hindu Religion and located on the Holy Ganges.
• A bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful and vibrant market area of Varanasi.
• The deeply spiritual Aarti Collective Prayer Ceremony, on the Ganges River in Varanasi.
• Three amazing nights in Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal.
• A traditional Nepalese cultural dance& dinner in the medieval feeling Kathmandu.
• Visits to Boudhanath and Patan City, also known as the “City of Fine Arts”.
• Overnight in Pokhara, from where three of the world’s ten highest mountains can be seen.
• Two nights in the heritage town of Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees” as it is also known.
• An overnight stay and typical Bhutanese dinner in Thimphu, in the beautiful Paro Valley.
• An exhilarating drive over the Dochu La Pass and a brief stop at the108 chorten stupas.
• A relaxing two nights in Punakha, located in Bhutan’s lovely Punakha Valley.
• Two nights in Paro and a hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”, one of Bhutan’s most venerated sites.
• A fantastic celebratory End of Tour Dinner in fabulous Kathmandu.
includedfine dining• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.Our experienced tour leader will makerecommendations about where to dine.
• Where possible, lunches& dinners areat local restaurants. You may be a littlesurprised at the extensive nature of Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates. Just as important however, is free choicemeals, as we know you may not wantto eat national foods all of the time.
• 42 meals are included: 22breakfasts,9 lunches& 11dinners, some of whichare tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.
NEPAL
INDIA
BHUTAN
Khajuraho
Agra
Udaipur
DeogarhVaranasi
Thimphu
Paro
PunakhaPokhara
Mumbai
Jaipur Kathmanduindia, bhutan &nepal’s best on asensations tour
24 days
incatours.net 47
monks in prayer
DAY 1 monday Australia / Mumbai
Today you depart your capital city bound for
India. After a plane change enroute you arrive
in Mumbai, where you are met and taken to
our hotel for two nights. (Meals inflight)
DAY2 tuesday Mumbai
We have time at leisure to recover from our
flights of the previous day before holding a
very informative Tour Orientation Meeting.
Here we get to know each other better and
outline the important aspects of the day-to-
day operation of the Sensations Tour.
After the meeting we proceed on our city tour
of Mumbai, or Bombay as it was previously
known. Mumbai is one of the great port cities
with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the
British Raj Era mingling with the modern.
The tour includes the Gateway of India
overlooking the Harbour; Mani Bhawan,
the house where the “Father of the Nation”,
Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city;
Marine Drive; the Colaba Causeway, the
commercial heart of Bombay; and the Dhobi
Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor
‘laundry’. We drive up Malabar Hill to the
Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park,
from where you have a wonderful view of
Mumbai and the Arabian Sea.
This evening we host our Welcome Dinner atKhyber, one of Mumbai’s best dining spots anda favourite with locals and visitors alike. PaulMcCartney, Goldie Hawn and Richard Gerehave all dined here! It’s Afghan-inspired interiorsets off mouth-watering dishes of authenticIndian Cuisine which can only be described as “Ambrosia” or food of the Gods. Tonight’sfeast serves as a gateway to India’s rich heritageinfused with modern day comforts. (BD)
DAY3 wednesday Mumbai / Udaipur Following time at leisure we fly toUdaipur, set amidst the AravalliRanges of Rajasthan. We have twonights in Udaipur, also called the“City of Lakes”. The elevated hillsand beautiful lakes make a pictureperfect backdrop to the city. (B)
DAY4 thursday Udaipur Our day starts with a visit to thefamous City Palace, a majestic architecturalmarvel towering over the lake. A conglomerationof courtyards, pavilions, terraces, hanginggardens, corridors and rooms, it is actually acollection of palaces surrounded by the royalpalace walls which stretch over a mile on thelake’s eastern side. Later we visit the crystalgallery, a most lustrous attraction showcasingrare and precious crystal from the royal treasure.
We also visit the Jagdish Temple, built in1651
by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan
temple is the largest and the most beautiful
temple of Udaipur.
Later we enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the
beautiful and placid Lake Pichola. The lake
is surrounded by hills, palaces including the
amazing city palace, temples, bathing ghats
and embankments. There are two island
palaces, the Jagmandir and the Jagniwas, as
well as the most beautiful Lake Palace, which
sits on an island in the lake. (B)
DAY5 fridayUdaipur/Deogarh
Today we drive to Deogarh for
the night, visiting Nagda Temple
enroute. The Deogarh Mahal is
a17th Century Palace atop a hill
offering panoramic views of the
Aravalli Mountain Range and the
numerous lakes, spread throughout
the surrounding countryside.
With its majestic domes, turrets, jharokhas and
huge gateways, it is a spellbinding sight from
the town below. The palace has been sensitively
converted into a hotel, by the present owner
Rawal-Nahar Singh.
Just walking through this small town is a step
back in time and a most authentic local
experience. (BL)
india, bhutan & nepal sensationstour itinerary
We have just returned
from India, Bhutan &
Nepal and we write to
say how wonderful it
was, due in part to the
very professional service
from Vee Waterston.J Overton & S Kennedy NSW
never morethan 18 in aninca group!“bollywood” billboard, agra
48 inca tours - excellence in travel
DAY6 saturday Deogarh / Jaipur
Our morning is at leisure to enjoy our hotel and
surroundings. Later we depart for Jaipur where
we stay for two nights. This evening we watch
(or participate in if you choose), the age old art
of Mehendi application. Traditionally only for
women, Mehendi is the art of using henna to
apply tattoos and intricate designs on the body.
It has always been an integral part of functions,
wedding ceremonies and religious events. (BD)
DAY 7 sunday Jaipur
Today we visit Amber Fort, located on a hill
just outside the city. It was the seat of power
of the former state of Jaipur until1728. It has
halls for public and private audiences, a Sheesh
Mahal (hall of mirrors), as well as various
marble palaces which are marvellous examples
of ancient Rajput Architecture.
Later we visit Jantar Mantar, an astrological and
astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai
Singh in the18th Century and renowned for
the accuracy of its instruments, even in present
times. We also view the Hawa Mahal, known
popularly as the “Palace of Winds”, which is
actually a facade built for the ladies of the royal
household in the19th Century. Tonight we
enjoy dinner with a local family. (BD)
DAY8 monday Jaipur / Agra
We travel to Agra, visiting Abhaneri Step Wells
and Harshat Mata Temple enroute. On arrival
we check in to our hotel for two nights. (BL)
DAY9 tuesday AgraEarly this morning we visit what is one of the
absolute highlights of the tour: the Taj Mahal.
Built in memory of his beloved empress,
Mumtaz Mahal, by Emperor Shah Jahan, this
marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of
love known to mankind. It is breathtakingly
beautiful with many precious stones to be
found in its inlays.
Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have
ample time to explore this superb memorial
before returning to our hotel for a late and
leisurely breakfast.
Later we continue with sightseeing in Agra,
firstly visiting Agra Fort. We also visit a marble
factory where we see craftsmen at work using
traditional methods to form the tiny mosaic
tiles from semi-precious and precious stones.
Here we learn how the traditional delicate
marble inlaying is crafted. (B)
DAY 10 wednesday Agra /KhajurahoToday we board the Shatabdi Express Train to
Jhansi, where on arrival we are met and taken
by road to Khajuraho for the night. (BL)
DAY 11 thursday Khajuraho / VaranasiWe undertake a sightseeing tour of the
Western Group of Temples with the largest
temple being Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly
symmetrical, it soars 31metres high and its
main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrancethe “palace of winds”, jaipur
the taj mahal at sunrise, agra
incatours.net 49
arch with a multitude of themes: celestial
beings, lovers, serenading musicians with their
movement captured in stone and frozen in
time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life.
Later we fly to Varanasi which is located on
the west side of the Ganges River. It has been
the centre of the Hindu Religion, learning and
civilisation for over 3,000 years, thus making
it one of the oldest living cities in India.
Late this afternoon we take local rickshaw
taxis through the busy streets of Mumbai’s
markets until we reach the Holy Ganges. Here
we witness the deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony,
a collective prayer gathering where hundreds
of worshippers place offerings, in the form
of small lanterns, onto the waters of the
river. The surrounding Hindu Temples are
illuminated with candles and lamps and as the
light fuses with the surrounding scent of flowers
and incense, we feel the magic of the night. (B)
DAY 12 friday Varanasi / Kathmandu
Early this morning we return to the Ganges
River for a boat ride. During this we have the
privilege of witnessing the incredible scene
as thousands of pilgrims and other devotees
immerse themselves in the holy water of the
Ganges to pay homage to the revered sun god.
We return to our hotel for breakfast before
flying to the fabled Kathmandu for two nights.
Kathmandu is the capital of the ancient and
mountainous Nepal and has the air of a
medieval city with its maze of narrow streets,
wooden temples and beautifully decorated
palaces. In the background there is often
the gentle sound of jangling cymbals and
the markets are a rich blend of colours and
aromas. Only in the1950s was Nepal opened
up to visitors and today the contrast between
21st Century technology and traditional
lifestyles help to make Kathmandu one of the
world’s most fascinating cities. This evening
we enjoy a cultural dance and dinner. (BD)
DAY 13 saturday Kathmandu
Our day starts with a visit to Boudhanath
which is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist
stupa and a site of great veneration for
Buddhists. Around the stupa, a number of
monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan
Buddhism have been established which include
one that houses an enormous, splendidly
adorned, seated statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Later we visit Patan City, also known as the
“City of Fine Arts” with Durbar Square situated
at its heart. It consists of three main chowks or
courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari
Chowk and Keshav Chowk. We then visit the
fabulous Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath,
also known as “Monkey Temple” and said to
be over 2,000 years old. (BL)
DAY 14 sunday Kathmandu / Pokhara
Today we fly to Pokhara. Located on the shores
of tranquil Lake Phewa and only 827 metres
above sea level, Pokhara’s skyline is dominated
by three of the ten highest mountains in the
patan durbar square, nepal
the ganges river, varanasi
50 inca tours - excellence in travel
world. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu
mountains are all over 8,000 metres high and
on a clear day can be seen from the city and
our hotel. Machhapuchare Mountain (known
as “Fishtail”) with an elevation of 6,993 metres
is the closest to the city and casts a beautiful
reflection onto the lake.
On arrival in Pokhara we are taken to Sarangkot
for a sensational view of the Himalayas.
From here we experience the best views of
the Annapurna Range and its surrounding
countryside. There is no other place on earth
with a 7,000 metre vertical view. You sit in
the tropics and gaze upwards at towering
mountains—a simply superb experience!
Later today we enjoy a relaxing boat ride
on Lake Phewa. (BL)
DAY 15 monday Pokhara / Bhaktapur
We return to Sarangkot for a spectacular
sunrise over the Himalayas before having
breakfast at our hotel.
Later we fly back to Kathmandu and are taken
to the nearby heritage town of Bhaktapur for
a two-night stay. Bhaktapur, or the “City of
Devotees” as it is sometimes called, is one of
the three old capital cities in the Kathmandu
Valley. It is considered to be one of the best
preserved and impressive heritage cities
recognised by UNESCO. It is shaped like a
conch shell and was the setting for the major
Hollywood production The Little Buddha.
Pottery and weavings are its traditional
industries. (BD)
DAY 16 tuesday Bhaktapur
Today we undertake a guided walk through the
maze of streets in Bhaktapur as we marvel at the
300 year old temples, pagodas and courtyards.
Wandering the streets allows us to see the real
life of Bhaktapur. You then have free time to
enjoy the hotel or explore this typical town. (BD)
DAY 17 wednesday Bhaktapur / Thimphu
We fly to Paro in Bhutan and are then driven
to Thimphu, the capital. Exquisitely beautiful
and brimming with traditional Bhutanese art,
architecture and culture, this tiny capital of
Bhutan is nothing less than Shangri-La.
Later we take a walk through ‘downtown’
Thimphu, a cultural immersion and a step
back in time, before driving past Trashi Chhoe
Dzong erected in1641. It is a majestic fortress
in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of
Bhutan’s Government. Tonight enjoy a
typical Bhutanese dinner. (BLD)
DAY 18 thursday Thimphu / Punakha
We start the day with a visit the National
Memorial Chorten. Built in1974 in memory
of the late Third Druk Gyalpo (King) of
Bhutan, here we find an extraordinary
depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form
of paintings and sculptures. We also visit the
Folk Heritage Museum. Built in 2001, the
Folk Heritage Museum provides a glimpse of
life in a Bhutanese village a hundred years ago. paro valley, bhutan
tranquil lake phewa, nepal
incatours.net 51
Later we drive over the Dochu La Pass, where
we stop briefly to admire the 108 chorten
stupas, a mani wall (prayer slate covered stone
wall) and prayer flags which decorate the
highest point on the road. If the skies are clear
you will be able to see many of the high peaks
which surround the area including Gangkar
Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497
metres. We then continue down through the
valley to Punakha for a two-night stay. (B)
DAY 19 friday Punakha We explore the Punakha Valley, a sub-tropical
area where grains, vegetables and fruits grow in
abundance and which is home to some major
sights. The first is Punakha Dzong which was
built in1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel
and is one of the most spectacular dzongs in
Bhutan. Following lunch at a local restaurant
we take a walk through the village before
visiting Chimi Lhakhang, known as the
“Temple of Fertility”, at Lobesa. (BLD)
DAY20 saturday Punakha / Paro We return to Paro where we visit Kichu Temple,
the oldest temple in Bhutan built during 7th
Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen. If time
permits we also visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
or the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”, built
in1646.Today the Dzong is the seat of the local
district administration, as well as the home for
a monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of
the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one
of the most beautiful in the nation. (BLD)
the himalayas, nepal
DAY21 sunday Paro – Tigers NestToday we drive to Satsam Chorten and from
there commence our hike to Taktsang Goempa
or “Tigers Nest”. The hike is the highlight of
the trip for many, as it is breathtaking. It is
believed that during the early 7th Century,
Guru Padma Sambhavav, known as Guru
Rimpoche in Bhutan, flew here on the back of
a tigress and meditated in a cave for over three
months to subdue the demons and also spread
Buddhism in the region. Later they built the
Taktsang Monastery over this cave. The hike
is quite a steep uphill climb and may take up
to 2½ hours each way. Ponies can be hired for
about $30 but will only take you one way (up).
Even if you only make it to the lunch spot,
you still gain great views of the monastery.
After seeing the monastery we enjoy lunch at the
Taktsang cafeteria before walking back. (BLD)
DAY22 monday Paro / Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu this morning
and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner. (BD)
DAY23 tuesday Kathmandu
We have a leisurely morning before being
taken to the airport for our flight home
to Australia. (B & Meals inflight)
DAY24 wednesday Arrive AUSTRALIA.
You arrive in your capital city today where
your tour comes to an end. Welcome home!
tour Dates for india, bhutan & nepal sensations Tour
Departing 16th November 2015 Returning 9th December 2015
Departing 21st March 2016 Returning 12th April 2016
costs for india, bhutan & nepal sensations Tour
$14,990 Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melb, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth
$13,740 Per person twin-share starting in Mumbai & ending in Kathmandu
$1,948 Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms
$5,10 0 Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors
Tour extensionsPlease consider our Highlights of Tibet Tour or The Best of Tibet Tour on pages 54 and 55. They work very well after the India, Bhutan &Nepal Sensations Tour.
Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.
INDIA
Khajuraho
Agra
Udaipur
DeogarhVaranasi
Mumbai
JaipurNew Delhi
52 inca tours - excellence in travel
varanasi, on the ganges river
13 daysindia part sensations
includedhighlights• Experienced tour leader throughout.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All tipping, porterage& departure taxes.
• Two nights in bustling Mumbai.
• Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.
• Exotic Udaipur, the “Lake City”.
• A visit to Udaipur’s famous City Palace.
• Deogarh, staying in17th Century palace.
• Two nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”.
• Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort.
• Two nights in Agra and the Taj Mahal.
• Shatabdi Express Train, Agra to Jhansi.
• The superb Western Group of Temples.
• A night in Varanasi on the Holy Ganges.
• The deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony.
includedfine dining• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.
• 17meals are included:11breakfasts,3 lunches& 3 dinners.
DAY 1 TODAY 11 australia / varanasiThe itinerary for the First Part of Sensations isthe same as the Sensations Tour from Day1 toDay11. Please see pages 47& 48 for the itinerary.
DAY 12 friday varanasi / delhi Today you are transferred to Varanasi Airportfor your flight to Delhi, where on arrival you connect with your onward flight. (B)
DAY 13 saturday arrive australiaAfter a plane change enroute, you fly on toAustralia, arriving later today. (Meals Inflight)Welcome Home!
India’s astounding diversity of religions, languages and cultures is unique andunparalleled. This is highlighted in the broad range of experiences you encounter in only 13 days on this vast and welcoming subcontinent.
From cosmopolitan Mumbai to the forts and palaces steeped in history in the royal state ofRajasthan; the architecturally perfect Taj Mahal, in contrast to beautifully carved and explicitfigures depicting battle and love scenes at Khajuraho; finishing in Varanasi, the most ancientliving city in India, be prepared for what India is always described as, “an assault on the senses”.
Mumbai is India’s commercial capital, a city of entrepreneurs, towers, discos, cricket, and“Bollywood”. A city tour opens our eyes to the British influence and the teachings of Gandhi.We then fly to the City of Lakes, Udaipur. Marble palaces, beautiful gardens and many lakesmake Udaipur feel like a peaceful dream. It’s then to Deogarh, where we spend the night in a17th Century palace before continuing to Jaipur, the Pink City. A unique Inca Tours’ experience isdining with a family in their own home. Agra is our next stop, home to the famous Taj Mahal.We then train to Khajuraho before flying to Varanasi, considered the holiest of Hindu cities.
first part ofindia, bhutan & nepal sensations
first part of tour Dates
Departing 16th November 2015Returning 28th November 2015
Departing 21st March 2016 Returning 2nd April 2016
First part of tour costs
$7,980 Per person twin-share
$6,780 Per person twin-sharestarting Mumbai & ending Varanasi
$861 Single supplement
$5,100 Business-class upgrade
incatours.net 53
includedhighlights• Experienced tour leader throughout.
• Expert local guides in each location.
• All tipping, porterage& departure taxes.
• Three nights in Kathmandu, the capitalof the ancient and mountainous Nepal.
• A traditional Nepalese dance& dinner.
• Visits to Boudhanath and Patan City.
• An overnight in picturesque Pokhara.
• Two nights in the “City of Devotees”.
• Overnight in Thimphu, Paro Valley.
• Exhilarating drive over Dochu La Pass.
• A relaxing two nights in Punakha.
• Two nights in Paro& the “Tiger’s Nest”.
• A fantastic celebratory End of TourDinner in fabulous Kathmandu.
includedfine dining• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.
• 27 meals are included:13 breakfasts, 6 lunches& 8 dinners.
“tigers nest” monastery, bhutan
DAY 1 thursday australia / kathmanduToday you depart Australia for Kathmandu,
with a plane change enroute. On arrival you
are met and taken to your hotel where you
have three relaxing nights. Tomorrow the other
members of your Sensations Tour will arrive in
Kathmandu. (Meals Inflight)
DAY2 TODAY 14 kathmandu/australiaThe itinerary for the Sensations Tour Second
Part is the same as the Sensations Tour from
Day12 (in Kathmandu) to Day 24. Please see
pages 49 to 51 for the detailed itinerary.
Joining the Second Part of the Sensations Tour in Kathmandu, you will be struck bythe majestic mountains and vast valleys of the Himalayas. Experience the hospitalityof the Nepalese; become submerged in Buddhist Culture in Bhutan; and learn aboutthe complex history of these tiny mountainous countries.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site is hometo Patan and Bhaktapur, with their Durbar Squares laid out with palaces, temples and publicspaces. Monkey Temple offers a beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley and Boudhanath is Nepal’slargest stupa. We overnight in the bewitching lakeside town of Pokhara and take in a stunningsunrise view of Annapurna Range. Three of the worlds ten highest mountains can be seen here.
After a relaxing five nights in Nepal we fly across the Himalayan Range, with views of Mount Everest if the day is clear, to Paro in Bhutan. Here we explore the Punakha Valley, the highlight being the spectacular Punakha Dzong. We then travel over the Dochu La Pass to Thimphu, the capital city often described as Shrangri-la! Our last stop is in Paro, where we visit Kichu, the oldest temple in Bhutan and a highlight for many, Tigers Nest Monastery.
NEPAL
BHUTANThimphu
Paro
PunakhaPokharaKathmandu
14 daysbhutan &nepal part
second part ofindia, bhutan & nepal sensations
second part tour Dates
Departing 26th November 2015Returning 9th December 2015
Departing 31st March 2016 Returning 12th April 2016
second part tour costs
$9,190 Per person twin-share
$7,990 Per person twin-sharestarting & ending in Kathmandu
$1,090 Single supplement
$5,100 Business-class upgrade
TIBET
Lhasa
54 inca tours - excellence in travel
potala palace, lhasa
5 dayshighlightsof tibet
Drepung (meaning “Rice Heap”) Monastery
was the biggest and the richest of all the
monasteries in Tibet. Said to be the largest
Monastery in the world, at its peak it housed
over10,000 monks and governed 7,700 subsidiary
monasteries. Built in1416, the second, third and
fourth Dalai Lama lived and were entombed
here. Today only about 400 monks live there.
Bharkhor Bazaar is the largest and oldest market
in Tibet. As you walk through the heart of Old
Lhasa with its narrow streets, white-washed
stone homes, windows framed in black and
brightly painted woodwork, you notice that
almost everyone has something to sell. (BD)
DAY 3 LhasaToday you visit the Sera Monastery, Jolkhang
Temple and Norbulingkha Palace.
Sera Monastery, situated to the north of Central
Lhasa, is Tibet’s second largest monastery. This
famous monastery was named after the wild
roses growing around it when it was founded
in1419. At its peak it housed over 7,000 monks
and was famous for its warrior monks known
as the “Dob-Doa”.
Jokhang Temple sits in the heart of Old Lhasa,
and is the most sacred and oldest temple in
Lhasa. According to tradition, the temple was
built for the two brides of the king, one from
the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the other from
Nepal. Both wives are said to have brought
DAY 1 Arrive LhasaOn arrival at Lhasa Airport you are met
and taken to your hotel where you have
accommodation for four nights. The
remainder of your day is at leisure. (D)
DAY2 LhasaThis morning you are taken on a comprehensive
tour visiting the Potala Palace, the Drepung
Monastery and Bharkhor Bazaar.
Potala Palace is probably the best known of
Tibet’s landmarks, consisting of13 stories and
1,000 rooms! Previously the winter palace of
the Dalai Lama, it is now a museum. It can be
seen and photographed from anywhere in Lhasa.
young Tibetan & his Mum, lhasa
important Buddhist statues and images from
China and Nepal to Tibet as part of their
dowries and they were housed here.
Norbulinkha Palace or the “Jewel Park”, as it is
known was built in the18th Century by the 7th
Dalai Lama and served as the summer palace
of the13th and14th Dalai Lamas. It is a mixture
of religious and modern elements and features
a garden landscape which was the site of picnics
and gatherings. The palace is richly decorated,
creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose. (BD)
DAY4 LhasaYour tour today takes you out of the city to the
Gandan Monastery. Meaning “Joyful”, Gandan
Monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain
and has commanding views of the Kich Valley
below. (BD)
DAY 5 Depart LhasaFollowing breakfast you are taken to the
airport where your tour comes to an end. (B)
Luxury to basic hotel options are available.
highlights of tibet tourfour intriguing days in lhasa
tour extension costs$2,559 pp sharing Superior-class
$3,249 pp sharing Luxury-class
combine & do it after1 After the Gold Tour on page 34 or the Sensations Tour on page 46.
NEPAL
TIBET
ZangmuXegar
ShigatseGyangtse
Lhasa
Kathmandu
incatours.net 55
typical urban street scene, tibet
8daysthe best of tibet
norbulinkha palace, lhasa
DAY4 Shigatse / GyangtseThis morning you visit TashilhunpoMonastery (“Heap of Glory”) which wasfounded by the first Dalai Lama in1447. This afternoon you are driven to Gyangtse, at 3,950 metres, where you visit PalkhurChoide Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. (BD)
DAY 5 Gyangtse / LhasaYou complete the drive to Lhasa, at 3,650metres. Although not far the drive takes mostof the day. You cross the Karo La Pass and thentravel around Yamdrok Lake, also known asthe “Turquoise Lake”, before crossing KhambaLa Pass at 4,794 metres. On arrival in Lhasayou check in to your hotel for three nights. (BD)
DAY6 LhasaToday you undertake visits to Potala Palace,Drepung Monastery and Bharkhor Bazaar.
Potala Palace is probably the best knownlandmark in Tibet, consisting of13 stories and1,000 rooms! Previously the winter palace ofthe Dalai Lama, it is now a museum. Drepung(“Rice Heap”) Monastery was the biggest and the richest of all the monasteries in Tibet.Founded in1416, it was said to be the world’slargest monastery and once housed10,000monks. Today 400 monks live there. BharkhorBazaar is the largest and oldest of Tibet’smarkets. As you walk through Old Lhasa with its narrow streets, you will notice thatalmost everyone is selling something. (BD)
DAY 1 Kathmandu / ZangmuThis morning you are driven to the “FriendshipBridge” at Kodari. On reaching it you cross overto China and meet your Tibetan guide. You arethen driven to Zangmu, at 2,500 metres. (D)
DAY2 Zangmu / XegarToday you travel to Xegar, at 4,350 metres.You cross Nyalam Tong La Pass and Lalung LaPass offering spectacular views of the Himalayasand if the weather is clear, Mount Everest. (BD)
DAY3 Xegar / ShigatseYou set off for Shigatse, at 3,900 metres. Thefirst part of the drive crosses plains and provides apanoramic view of Everest and other peaks. (BD)
DAY 7 LhasaYou visit Sera Monastery, Jolkhang Temple
and Norbulingkha Palace. Sera Monastery is
situated to the north of Central Lhasa and is
Tibet’s second largest. This famous monastery
was named after the wild roses growing around
it when it was founded in1419. It was famous
for its warrior monks known as the “Dob-Doa”.
Jokhang Temple in the heart of Old Lhasa is
the most sacred and oldest temple in the city.
According to tradition, it was built for the
two brides of the king, one from the Chinese
Tang Dynasty and the other from Nepal.
Norbulinkha Palace or “Jewel Park”was built
in the18th Century by the 7th Dalai Lama and
served as the summer palace of the13th and14th
Dalai Lamas. It is richly decorated, creating
an atmosphere of peaceful repose. (BD)
DAY8 Depart Lhasa This morning you are taken to Lhasa Airport
where your tour comes to an end. (B) With the
exception of Lhasa, hotels are of a budget standard.
the best of tibet tourrenowned for its culture & scenery
tour extension costs$3,567 pp sharing Budget-classSuperior or Luxury-class not available
combine & do it after1 After the Gold Tour on page 34 or the Sensations Tour on page 46.
INDIA
ThekkadyAlleppy MaduraiKochi
ChennaiMahabalipuramPondicherryThanjavur
Trichy
56 inca tours - excellence in travel
meenakshi temples, madurai
13 dayssouthindiacultural
south india cultural tourenjoy before your group tour starts7th and 8th Centuries. It is known especially
for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots),
mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air
reliefs such as the famous “Descent of the
Ganges” and the Temple of Rivage, with
thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.
You are returned to your hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY3 Mahabalipuram/ PuducherryYour day starts with a drive to Puducherry.
With its seafront promenade, wide boul evards,
enduring pockets of French Culture and
architecture and a popular ashram, charming
Puducherry (whose name officially changed
from “Pondicherry” in October 2006) is unlike
anywhere else in South India. The former
French Colony was settled in the early
18th Century as a colonial enclave and it
still retains a mildly Gallic air, superimposed
on to a typical Indian background.
In the afternoon you undertake a tour of
Puducherry, which includes a visit to the
Aurobindo Ashram. Tonight you may like to
enjoy one of the cities alluring restaurants, many
serving a local version of French Cuisine. (B)
DAY4 Puducherry / Thanjavur (Tanjore)Today you are taken to Thanjavur, with stops
to visit Chidambaram and Kumbakonam
along the way. (B)meenakshi sundareswarer temple
DAY 5 Thanjavur Following breakfast you undertake a morning
tour of Thanjavur, an important centre of
South Indian religion, art and architecture.
Most of the “Great Living Chola Temples”,
which are UNESCO World Heritage Listed
monuments, are located in and around
Thanjavur. The foremost among these,
the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the
centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to
Tanjore painting, a style unique to the region.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax or to
explore at your own pace. (B)
DAY6 Thanjavur / TrichyYou start the day with a relatively short drive
to Tiruchirappalli, also called “Tiruchi” or
“Trichy”. In the afternoon you visit the town as
well as the Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Ranganatha.
This beautifully sculpted temple occupies
an area of 63 hectares making it the largest
temple in India and one of the largest
religious complexes in the world. (B)
DAY 7 Trichy / MaduraiAfter breakfast you are taken to Madurai
by road. Known as the “Athens of the East”,
Madurai is more than 2,000 years old and is
believed to have been built by the Pandyan
King Kulasekara in the 6th Century BC.
DAY 1 Arrive Chennai / Mahabalipuram Your tour begins on arrival in Chennai
where you are met and taken to your hotel in
Mahabalipuram for a two-night stay. Situated
on the beach this is a very pleasant way to
start your tour.
DAY2 MahabalipuramYour morning is at leisure to recover from
yesterday’s flights. Later today you are taken
to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries,
founded by the Pallava Kings, was carved out
of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the
incatours.net 57
indian sculpture
waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and
villages as you observe the locals going about
their daily lives. You have your meals onboard
the boat as you meander through this
fascinating area. (BLD)
DAY 11 Houseboat / KochiAfter breakfast you disembark and are taken to
your hotel in Kochi, where your day is at leisure.
This evening you are taken out to experience a
Kathakali Dance performance, having originated
in the state of Kerala during the17th Century.
Kathakali is a stylised classical Indian synthesis
of dance, drama and music which will amaze
you with its colour and grace. (B)
In the afternoon you visit the Meenakshi
Temple. Designed in1560 it covers an area
of six hectares and has four main entrances,
twelve towers and 985 richly carved pillars! (B)
DAY8 Madurai / ThekkadyNote, it is possible to join the Gold Tour today.This morning you are driven to Thekkady,
during which you gain an insight into the
life of the locals as you travel past rice paddies
and pass through several small villages. As
you climb up the escarpment to the village of
Thekkady, famous for its spices, you will notice
a change in climate and a change in vegetation.
Kerala, the “Spice Capital of the World”, was
wholly dependent until recent times on its
spice trade, as traders came from far and wide
to purchase these precious commodities. (B)
DAY9 ThekkadyThis morning you visit the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary before going to a spice plantation
for an interesting afternoon tour. (B)
DAY 10 Thekkady / HouseboatToday you are driven to Alleppy where you
board your houseboat comprising fully
furnished bedrooms, a sundeck, an open
lounge and a full crew. Fringing the coast of
Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network
of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. You enjoy
a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala
Backwaters, floating through these placid
DAY 12 Kochi Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”,
Kochi was an important spice trading centre
on India’s West Coast from the14th Century
and remained the centre of India’s worldwide
spice trade for many centuries to come.
This morning you undertake a tour of the Fort
Cochin area during which you see the famous
Chinese fishing nets and may also encounter
the day’s catch being auctioned on the beach.
You walk through the Old Town around
Mattancherry Jetty, you visit St Francis
Church of Kochi and tour the Mattancherry
Palace (also known as the “Dutch Palace”). You
then stroll through Jew Town where the oldest
synagogue in India is located. Your afternoon is
at leisure to further explore the Old Town. (B)
DAY 13 Depart KochiThis morning you are transferred to Kochi
Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B)
Please note, it is possible to lengthen or shortenthis itinerary to suit your requirements.
houseboat, kerala backwaters
traditional indian drama
tour extension costs$2,675 pp sharing Superior-class
$2,972 pp sharing Luxury-class
ending day 8, in madurai$1,540 pp sharing Superior-class
$1,667 pp sharing Luxury-class
INDIA
AmritsarShimla
Dharamashala
HardiwarRishikeshChandigarh
New Delhi
58 inca tours - excellence in travel
the golden temple & amrit sarovar lake, amritsar
4 to11daysDelhi & the North
from around the world. It has always been a
holy town for its location on the Ganges and is
now famous as a “Yoga Capital” of the world.
This afternoon you undertake a sightseeing
tour of Rishikesh visiting Lakshman Jhula and
Lakshman Temple, Bharat Mandir, Ram Jhula,
Gita Bhawan and Swarg Ashram. This evening
you witness the famous Ganges Aarti Ceremony.
DAY2 Rishikesh –HaridwarToday you visit Haridwar, which literally
means “Gateway to God”. It is one of the
most famous holy cities in India and is widely
visited as Hindus from all around the world
try to visit Haridwar once in their lifetime.
Har Ki Pauri is the major attraction where
in the evening people perform worship to the
Goddess Ganga with earthen lamps, flowers
and incense sticks. Your tour of Haridwar
includes Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple,
Maya Devi Temple and finally the local markets.
This evening you are returned to Rishikesh. (B)
DAY3 Rishikesh / DelhiYour day is at leisure. This afternoon you are
driven to the rail station for the Delhi bound
Shatabdi Express. On arrival you are taken to
your hotel for tonight. (B) Alternatively, you cango directly to Chandigarh on the next tour package.
DAY4 Depart delhi Your tour comes to an end this morning. (B)
part 1Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh
DAY 1 Delhi / RishikeshEarly this morning you are taken from your
hotel to New Delhi Railway Station to board
the Shatabdi Express. On arrival in Haridwar
you are met and taken to your hotel in
Rishikesh for two nights.
Rishikesh has an exquisite setting at the
confluence of the Ganges and Chandrabhaga
Rivers, surrounded by low forested mountains
of the Himalayas. In ancient times and even
more so since the1960s when the Beatles
visited, Rishikesh has attracted spiritual seekers
holy man, haridwar
part 2Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla & Dharamsala
DAY 1 Delhi / ChandigarhThis morning you are driven to Chandigarh. On
arrival you check in to your hotel for tonight.
Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana,
was designed by Le Corbusier, the famous
French architect. It is unlike any city in India,
with modern buildings, broad boulevards, parks
and an overall air of prosperity. This afternoon
you visit Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden. (B)
DAY2 Chandigarh / ShimlaToday you are driven to Shimla for a relaxing
two-night stay.
The British called Shimla the “Queen of Hill
Stations”. Situated in the Northwest Himalayas,
Shimla, at 2,170 metres above sea level was the
summer capital of India before independence
and is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla derives its name from “Shyamala” (the
Goddess Kali), whose temple existed in the
dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early
19th Century. Surrounded by heavily wooded
forest including oak and rhododendron, Shimla
is one of Indian’s most popular hill stations.
Your evening is at leisure to relax at your hotel
or take a walk along The Mall, an Old English-
style village with numerous shops selling all
sorts of wares, old and new. (B)
three delhi & the north tours undertake 1 or combine 2 or all 3 parts
incatours.net 59
DAY 5 Dharamsala You commence a full day tour of Dharamsala.
You visit McLeodganj, originally home to the
semi-nomadic Gaddi Tribe and now home
to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid
19th Century palace was developed as a British
garrison but is now the headquarters of the
exiled Tibetan Government. The monastery
has larger than life size images of Buddha. (B)
DAY6 Dharamsala / Delhi After breakfast you fly on to Delhi where you
are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. (B)
Alternatively, you can continue on with Day 3 ofthe next tour package.
DAY 7 Depart delhi On check out this morning your tour ends. (B)
part 3Delhi, Dharamsala, Amritsar
DAY 1 Delhi / DharamsalaThis morning you fly to Dharamsala. On
arrival you check in to your hotel for two nights.
DAY2 DharamsalaToday you undertake a full day tour of
Dharamsala. You visit McLeodganj, originally
home to the semi-nomadic Gaddi Tribe and
now the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai
Lama. This mid19th Century palace was
developed as a British garrison and was an
important administrative point for the whole
Kangra Valley. Today it is the headquarters of
the exiled Tibetan Government.
DAY3 Shimla Today you undertake a sightseeing excursion to
Kufri and Chail.
Kufri, at 2,633 metres above sea level is derived
from the word “Kufer”, which literally means
pond. It is a beautiful hill station famous
for its ski slopes and great views of the deep
valleys and forests which rise towards the lofty
Himalayas. Kufri is surrounded by cedar woods
through which you can walk to Mahasu Peak,
the highest in Kufri.
Chail is 2,444 metres in elevation and is
considered a hiker’s paradise. It is also very well
known for The Chail Palace, built as a summer
retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the
British Raj. It is also home to the world’s
highest cricket ground! (B)
DAY4 Shimla / DharamsalaYour leisurely drive to Dharamsala will take
most of the day. On arrival you check in to your
hotel for two nights.
Dharamsala is a hill station lying on the
spur of the Dhauladhar Range. It is wooded
with oak and conifer trees and snow-capped
mountains enfold three sides of the town while
the valley stretches in front. The snowline is
perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamsala
than at any other hill resort, so it is possible to
make a day’s trek to a snow-point. Dharamsala
is the headquarters of the Kangra District. (B)
The impressive monastery has larger than life
size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and
Avaloketeshwara. You also visit the Dalai Lama
Temple, monasteries, Bhagsunath Temple, the
Tibetan Children’s Village and local markets. (B)
DAY3 Dharamsala / Amritsar Today you are driven to Amritsar in the
state of Punjab. Amritsar is one of the most
important pilgrimage centres for India’s Sikhs
and is characterised by religious and historical,
as well as contemporary sites of importance. On
arrival you check in to your hotel for two nights.
This evening you visit the Golden Temple to
witness the glittering ceremony as the Holy
Book “Guru Granth Sahib” is returned,
according to time honoured rituals, to the Akal
Takhta (Sikh Parliament) for the night. (BL)
DAY4 AmritsarThis morning you undertake a tour of Amritsar,
the “Holy City of the Sikhs”. The highlight of
the tour is a return to the Golden Temple
(Harmander Sahib) for a daytime viewing.
Famous for its full golden dome, built with
approximately 400 kg of gold leaf, the temple is
one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs.
This afternoon you visit the Wagah Border: the
international border between India and Pakistan.
The pomp and pageantry of the “Beating
Retreat” and the Changing of the Guard within
handshaking distance of Indian and Pakistani
Forces makes for a most unique spectacle. (B)
DAY 5 Amritsar / DelhiAfter breakfast you are taken to the airport for
your flight for Delhi. (There is also the option of
training to Delhi.) On arrival you are met and
taken to your hotel for tonight. (B)
DAY6 Depart delhi On check out this morning your tour ends. (B)
near shimla
hindu festival
tour part 1 cost$743 pp sharing Superior-class
tour part 2 cost$1,559 pp sharing Superior-class
tour part 3 cost$1,363 pp sharing Superior-class
60 inca tours - excellence in travel
sri lankan highlights tourexperience this indian ocean jewel DAY3 DambullaToday you visit Sigiriya. This 5th Century rock
fortress, known as “Lion Rock”, is a citadel of
unusual beauty rising 200 metres above the
jungle. A World Heritage Site, it boasts a moat, a
rampart and water gardens. Later you visit the
ancient city of Polonnaruwa.Declared the capital
in1070, today it is a World Heritage Site. (B)
DAY4 Dambulla / KandyThis morning you visit the Dambulla Rock
Temple. Built in the1st Century BC, it is the
most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples.
This World Heritage Site is a complex of five
caves with over 2,000 square metres of painted
walls and ceilings, the largest area of paintings
found in the world! It contains over150 images
of the Buddha, the largest spanning14 metres.
You drive on to Kandy, visiting a spice garden
enroute to see various spices for which Sri Lanka
is famous. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri
Lankan Kings and is also a World Heritage Site.
Its highlight is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (B)
DAY 5 Kandy / Nuwara Eliya During the drive to Nuwara Eliya you visit
Peradeniya. This beautiful garden was first
built by a Sinhala King and then expanded by
the British. It now covers close to147 acres.
You continue to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s
premier hill station and the heart of its tea
industry. The best tea in the world is grown here!
DAY 1 Arrive Colombo / negombo On arrival at Colombo Airport you are met
and driven to your beachfront resort.
DAY2 Negombo / DambullaAfter breakfast you are met and taken to
Dambulla, with a visit to Pinnawala enroute.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers the
best chance to see a large number of elephants
at close range. Established in1975 with seven
orphaned elephants, Pinnawala commenced a
successful breeding program and its first calf
was born in1984. Later you are taken to
Dambulla and your hotel for two nights. (B)
sri lankan elephant
You visit one of the local tea farms and learn
how this beverage is grown and produced. (B)
DAY6 Nuwara Eliya / ColomboYou are taken to Nanuoya Railway Station to
train to Colombo. On arrival you are taken to
your hotel for the night. (B) Alternatively, you
can continue with Day 3 of the next tour package.
DAY 7 depart ColomboToday you are taken on a tour of Colombo.
Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost
overnight, skyscrapers rise from where old
buildings stood. Yet in some parts, the old
world charm is retained and still obvious, such
as the100 year old clock tower and several
Colonial buildings. Other places of interest
include Pettah Bazaar, Hindu and Buddhist
Temples and the Bandaranaike Memorial
International Conference Hall, a gift from the
People’s Republic of China. On completion of
the tour you are returned to your hotel. Later
you are taken to the airport. (B)
SRI LANKA
Kandy
DambullaSigiriya
Polonnaruwa
NegomboPinnawala
Nuwara EliyaColombo
7 dayssri lankanhighlights
tea plantation
tour extension costs$1,759 pp sharing Superior-class
$1,935 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE or after1 Before the Gold Tour on page 34
2 After the Sensations Tour on page 46
incatours.net 61
DAY3 Nuwara Eliya / Yala National ParkIt is possible to join the tour here from Day 6 of theprevious tour package. Today you are driven to
Yala where you check in to your accommodation
for two nights. This afternoon you undertake
your first safari in fabulous Yala National Park.
Yala National Park is approximately1,260 square
kilometres and is the largest and most popular
in Sri Lanka. It is located in the south eastern
corner of the island and it has the added bonus
of a scenic ocean frontage. Yala is home to
elephants, wild boars, buffaloes, leopards,
bears, deer and crocodiles. Flocks of migratory
and indigenous birds are also found here. (B)
DAY4 Yala National ParkBoth early morning and afternoon safaris are
undertaken in Yala National Park. (B)
DAY 5 Yala / GalleYour touring takes you along the Coastal
Route, arriving in Galle late this morning.
Here you stay for two relaxing nights.
Galle, a town rich in history, was once Ceylon’s
chief port. It was the centre of the Dutch
Regime in the17th Century and the majestic
Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres) bears testimony
to this. Galle is one of the best preserved
Colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and a World
Heritage Site. The Dutch Museum and the
Dutch Church are two famous attractions. (B)
DAY 1 Arrive ColomboOn arrival in Colombo you are met and taken
to your hotel for tonight.
DAY2 Colombo / Nuwara EliyaAfter breakfast you are taken to Colombo Rail
Station to board the train to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya, due to its invigorating mountain
climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s premier hill
station and the heart of its tea production. The
world’s best tea is produced here! You visit a tea
plantation and learn how this familiar beverage
is produced and graded. Mount Pidurutalagala,
at 2,670 metres, is located here. (B)
DAY6 GalleToday you undertake a Galle Walking Tour and
Culinary Cooking Class. During the tour you
learn about the history of Galle and taste some
traditional Sri Lankan favourites.
You discover the secrets of “Fort Food” while
exploring the fort, sampling the very best of
Sri Lankan street food. Your cooking class
teaches you how to make some traditional
Sri Lankan favourites, including pol (coconut)
sambol and fish curry, which you get to eat at
the end of the tour. During the tour you also
learn about the medicinal uses of spice tea.
Today’s walking tour and cooking class will
allow you to experience the living history that
makes this the most exciting fort in Asia. (BL)
Day 7 Galle / ColomboThis morning you depart for Colombo where
you undertake a comprehensive city and
sightseeing tour. After this you are taken to
Colombo Airport where your tour ends. (B)
wildlife & beach tourwith a hill country train ride
SRI LANKA
Nuwara Eliya
Yala National ParkGalle
Colombo
galle fort
7 dayswildlife & beach
stilt fishermen, galle beach
tour extension costs$2,089 pp sharing Superior-class
$2,249 pp sharing Luxury-class
do it BEFORE or after1 Before the Gold Tour on page 34
2 After the Sensations Tour on page 46
62 inca tours - excellence in travel
Mohabbat The Taj show, Agra Menchu hot stone bath, Bhutan
in deogarh, pokhara, jaipur, agra, bhutan & at mt everest
tour enhancers
You can choose to add the following activities to your tour atour special rates, please enquire for the current cost.
Balloon ride at Amber Fort, JaipurThe “RURAL RAMBLE”, Deogarh Microlight flight, Pokhara
Mount Everest flight, nepal
incatours.net 63
popular gold tour combos
combining tours
popular sensations combos
days Tour & extensions pages33 gold TOUR +highlights of tibet tour 34 & 5436 gold TOUR +the best of tibet tour 34 & 5541 south india cultural tour +gold TOUR 56 & 3432+ gold tour +delhi & the north tour 34 & 5835 sri lankan highlights tour +gold tour 60 & 3435 wildlife & beach tour +gold tour 61 & 34
days tour & extensions pages27 *3-night kerala stopover+ sensations TOUR 35 & 4629 sensations TOUR +highlights of tibet tour 46 & 5432 sensations TOUR +the best of tibet tour 46 & 5537 south india cultural tour + sensations TOUR 56 & 4628+ sensations TOUR +delhi & the north tour 46 & 5831 sensations tour + sri lankan highlights tour 46 & 6031 sensations TOUR +wildlife & beach tour 46 & 61
*For details of the optional 3-night Kerala Stopover, please see Day 2 to Day 4 on page 35.
INCA TOURS 68 Pacific Highway, Wyong NSW 2259
Tel (02) 4351 2133 Fax (02) 4351 2526
Toll free from within Australia1800 024 955
Email [email protected]
Web www.incatours.net
Licenced Travel Agent No 2TA5698 ABN 28 112 971 838
Please contact
Inca Tours or your
travel agent for
any of the above
brochures
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
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4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
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EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL
indianepal,bhutan
& tibet
IncaTailor-madeTravelIndividual Tailor-made Tour
Packages, Safaris,Treks &
Small Group Departures
Over
30 years
Experience
EXCELLENCE INTRAVEL
Inca GroupToursSmall personable groups
4 or 5-star, fully-escorted
All guaranteed to depart
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southamericaTake the holiday you deserve
over
35 years of travel
experience�
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Inca Experience ToursIndividual Tailor-made Tour
Packages, Safaris, Cruises &
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Private non-group travel
Inca Tours also specialises in designing tailor-made, private travel to India, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and SriLanka for couples, individuals, families and groups offriends. If the Gold Tour or the Sensations Tour describedin this brochure does not suit you, just tell us whatplaces you would like to visit, when you want to traveland we’ll design a personalised itinerary to reflect yourinterests and your budget.
Additionally, for brochures on our tours and travel toAfrica, Egypt, South& Central America, Cuba, Mexico,Antarctica, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos, please call tollfree on1800 024 955 or email: [email protected]
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