Your Tour Dossier Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders
5
Journeying to some of the most sacred and mysterious sites in the world, this experience links the bustling city of Mumbai and the astounding Ajanta Caves, to the technological centre of Bangalore and the ancient complex of Hampi. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to India. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: London to Mumbai Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Mumbai via Muscat. DAY 2: Mumbai D Upon arrival into Mumbai, meet your local guide and transfer to tonight’s hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Meet your group later at a welcome dinner. DAY 3: Mumbai B/L/D Following breakfast, embark upon a tour that features some sublime examples of Gothic Revival architecture, including a visit to the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From here, a stroll leads to Crawford Market where vendors sell an assortment of cheeses, homemade chocolate and mouth-watering fruit and vegetables. Next, visit the colossal stone arch landmark known as the Gateway of India and board a ferry to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island, where an intriguing labyrinth of ancient caves epitomise some of India’s most striking temple carvings, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Later, admire the intricately designed Jain Temple before exploring the Hanging Gardens. Next, journey to the beach of Chowpatty, delightfully positioned along the famed “Queen’s Necklace” promenade before continuing to the Museum of Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. DAY 4: Mumbai to Aurangabad B/L/D Following breakfast take some time in the morning to explore at leisure before heading to the station to board your train to Aurangabad. DAY 5: Aurangabad B/L/D Today, delve into the history and religious splendour of the Ajanta Caves. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, the magnificence of this site cannot be understood until seen in person. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C, there are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments displaying spectacular paintings that are considered the world’s preeminent masterpieces in Buddhist religious art. The artwork is a truly incredible sight to behold and the attention to detail is remarkable – so realistic are the faces of the people depicted that you feel these have to be portraits of real individuals, their soundless stares frozen in time. Along with the mesmerising paintings, the selection of temples to explore are a wonderful example of the painstaking work carried out by the Buddhist Monks who carved them by hand. DAY 6: Aurangabad to Bangalore B/L/D After breakfast, explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site; the monastery-temple-cave complexes of Ellora, the crowning jewel of which is the wonderful Kailasa temple. Surpassing the size of the Parthenon in Athens, it is the world’s largest monolithic structure with its construction generally attributed to the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in 760 A.D. Representing Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan abode, this extraordinarily intricate temple has been carved ‘topdown’ from solid rock, demanding perfect precision and allowing no margin for error. How exactly India’s master craftsman achieved this incredible feat is still unknown – making Kailasa one of the ancient world’s enduring mysteries. Later, continue to the airport and board your afternoon flight to Bangalore and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. DAY 7: Bangalore B/L/D Discover the cosmopolitan centre of India’s booming technological industry peppered with Victorian-era architecture on a morning city tour. Visit the distinctive Bull Temple, home to an enormous monolith of Nandi, the celestial bull, before wandering through a vibrant showcase of the world’s most diverse plant species at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, where a variety of melodic birds blissfully dive in and out of the treetops overhead. Later, marvel at a majestic example of Neo-Dravidian architecture with a drive through to the regal Vidhana Soudha which took a remarkable 5,000 workers and 4 years to complete! DAY 8: Bangalore to Hampi via Hubli B/L/D Following breakfast, transfer to Bangalore airport and board your flight to Hubli, before journeying to the ancient village of Hampi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 9: Hampi B/L/D Comprising of ruined temple complexes and ancient monuments, Hampi is a site of archaeological excellence. Immerse yourself in breath- taking vistas and grandeur on today’s exploration of some of the most impressive landmarks this ancient settlement has to offer. Beginning at the statue of Lord Genesha, head towards Hemakuta Hill for majestic panoramas of the complex, before admiring Virupaksha Temple - the oldest and most sacred shrine in Hampi, which remains a revered site of worship. From here, continue along the winding paths towards the Achutaraya Temple before taking a break for lunch. This afternoon, discover the intricate Yalis engravings which cover the pillars of the Krishna Temple, before marvelling at the Badavi Linga Temple, which sits adjacent to an imposing statue of Lakshmi Narasimha - a unique mythological incarnation of Lord Vishnu, portrayed as half-human (Nara), half-lion (Simha). DAY 10: Hampi B/L/D A captivating discovery of ancient ruins continues at the imperial Vittala Temple, originally constructed as a regal abode dedicated to Lord Vitthala (a Hindu deity and considered a manifestation of God), who astonishingly considered the site too grand to reside in. Nearby, on the banks of the river, uncover the open pillared pavilion of Purandaradasa Mantap, where religious rituals are faithfully performed, before marvelling at an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture at the Queen’s Bath, built for the use of the Royal Family of Vijayanagara. After lunch, meander through a variety of landmarks which exemplify the existence of a bygone era, with visits to the Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Maha, Hazara Rama Temple and the King’s Audience Hall. Return to your hotel for lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. DAY 11: Hampi to Goa B/L/D Journey to Hospet this morning and board a train towards the enchanting coastal state of Goa. DAY 12: Goa to UK B Take the morning to relax on the golden sands of Goa’s beaches and enjoy the tropical sunshine. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or chosen extension. ITINERARY & DETAILS TRIP OVERVIEW 1 For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders Your Tour Dossier Altogether Better
Transcript of Your Tour Dossier Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders
Journeying to some of the most sacred and mysterious sites in the world, this experience links the bustling city of Mumbai and the astounding Ajanta Caves, to the technological centre of Bangalore and the ancient complex of Hampi.
This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to India. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = DinnerDAY 1: London to Mumbai Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Mumbai via Muscat.DAY 2: Mumbai D Upon arrival into Mumbai, meet your local guide and transfer to tonight’s hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Meet your group later at a welcome dinner.DAY 3: Mumbai B/L/D Following breakfast, embark upon a tour that features some sublime examples of Gothic Revival architecture, including a visit to the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From here, a stroll leads to Crawford Market where vendors sell an assortment of cheeses, homemade chocolate and mouth-watering fruit and vegetables. Next, visit the colossal stone arch landmark known as the Gateway of India and board a ferry to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island, where an intriguing labyrinth of ancient caves epitomise some of India’s most striking temple carvings, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Later, admire the intricately designed Jain Temple before exploring the Hanging Gardens. Next, journey to the beach of Chowpatty, delightfully positioned along the famed “Queen’s Necklace” promenade before continuing to the Museum of Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934.DAY 4: Mumbai to Aurangabad B/L/D Following breakfast take some time in the morning to explore at leisure before heading to the station to board your train to Aurangabad.DAY 5: Aurangabad B/L/D Today, delve into the history and religious splendour of the Ajanta Caves. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, the magnificence of this site cannot be understood until seen in person. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C, there are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments displaying spectacular paintings that are considered the world’s preeminent masterpieces in Buddhist religious art. The artwork is a truly incredible sight to behold and the attention to detail is remarkable – so realistic are the faces of the people depicted that you feel these have to be portraits of real individuals, their soundless stares frozen in time. Along with the mesmerising paintings, the selection of temples to explore are a wonderful example of the painstaking work carried out by the Buddhist Monks who carved them by hand.DAY 6: Aurangabad to Bangalore B/L/D After breakfast, explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site; the monastery-temple-cave complexes of Ellora, the crowning jewel of which is the wonderful Kailasa temple. Surpassing the size of the Parthenon in Athens, it is the world’s largest monolithic structure with its construction generally attributed to the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in 760 A.D. Representing Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan abode, this extraordinarily intricate temple has been carved ‘topdown’ from solid rock, demanding perfect precision and allowing no margin for error. How exactly India’s
master craftsman achieved this incredible feat is still unknown – making Kailasa one of the ancient world’s enduring mysteries. Later, continue to the airport and board your afternoon flight to Bangalore and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.DAY 7: Bangalore B/L/D Discover the cosmopolitan centre of India’s booming technological industry peppered with Victorian-era architecture on a morning city tour. Visit the distinctive Bull Temple, home to an enormous monolith of Nandi, the celestial bull, before wandering through a vibrant showcase of the world’s most diverse plant species at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, where a variety of melodic birds blissfully dive in and out of the treetops overhead. Later, marvel at a majestic example of Neo-Dravidian architecture with a drive through to the regal Vidhana Soudha which took a remarkable 5,000 workers and 4 years to complete! DAY 8: Bangalore to Hampi via Hubli B/L/D Following breakfast, transfer to Bangalore airport and board your flight to Hubli, before journeying to the ancient village of Hampi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.DAY 9: Hampi B/L/D Comprising of ruined temple complexes and ancient monuments, Hampi is a site of archaeological excellence. Immerse yourself in breath-taking vistas and grandeur on today’s exploration of some of the most impressive landmarks this ancient settlement has to offer. Beginning at the statue of Lord Genesha, head towards Hemakuta Hill for majestic panoramas of the complex, before admiring Virupaksha Temple - the oldest and most sacred shrine in Hampi, which remains a revered site of worship. From here, continue along the winding paths towards the Achutaraya Temple before taking a break for lunch. This afternoon, discover the intricate Yalis engravings which cover the pillars of the Krishna Temple, before marvelling at the Badavi Linga Temple, which sits adjacent to an imposing statue of Lakshmi Narasimha - a unique mythological incarnation of Lord Vishnu, portrayed as half-human (Nara), half-lion (Simha).DAY 10: Hampi B/L/D A captivating discovery of ancient ruins continues at the imperial Vittala Temple, originally constructed as a regal abode dedicated to Lord Vitthala (a Hindu deity and considered a manifestation of God), who astonishingly considered the site too grand to reside in. Nearby, on the banks of the river, uncover the open pillared pavilion of Purandaradasa Mantap, where religious rituals are faithfully performed, before marvelling at an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture at the Queen’s Bath, built for the use of the Royal Family of Vijayanagara. After lunch, meander through a variety of landmarks which exemplify the existence of a bygone era, with visits to the Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Maha, Hazara Rama Temple and the King’s Audience Hall. Return to your hotel for lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure.DAY 11: Hampi to Goa B/L/D Journey to Hospet this morning and board a train towards the enchanting coastal state of Goa.DAY 12: Goa to UK B Take the morning to relax on the golden sands of Goa’s beaches and enjoy the tropical sunshine. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or chosen extension.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
TRIP OVERVIEW
1For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522
Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders
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2For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522
FLIGHT INFORMATIONYour initial flight is to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai) via Dubai with Emirates, departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3.
Baggage Allowance (per person)Baggage allowance (per person): Your baggage allowance (per person) for your internal flights includes 25kg of hold luggage and 1 hand luggage weighing 7kgsWeight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check – in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure
Airport ExtrasIf you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
On your arrival in Mumbai you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Jayasree Travels and Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Jayasree Travels and Tours, representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: Jayasree Travels and Tours Address: TC No:TC84/2248(4), 2nd Floor, Building Name: An-Nur, Enchakkal, Vallakadavu-695008Telephone Number: 0091 471 2505067
Emergency contact informationPlease find below the emergency contact details for Jayasree Travels and Tours:Name Contact NumberMs Jayasree Vikraman 0091 974 700 5888Mrs Samitha Azhar 0091 974 471 3380Mr Biju Unnikrishnan 0091 952 618 8860Mr Harish Kumar 0091 952 618 8859Mr Amit Bhardwaj 0091 995 898 8719
ON YOUR ARRIVAL
Visas A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote “Mercury Holidays”. The cost of the visa is approximately £134 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 10 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 60 day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa.Tour Guides This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Should the tour not meet minimum numbers, then it will be operated with local guides only. Private Tour If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of
the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.Tipping It is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately £3 per person per day. This is a total of £36 per person approximately to budget for tips on your trip. It is asked that you tip in pounds and not local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. Tips will be collected at the end of your tour. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are restrictions on taking Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to take any amount of Indian currency into the country. You can take cash or travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR
Accommodation guideYour accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and India. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regu-larly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room. Please note: Final confirmation of your hotels will be sent in a docu-ment approximately 10 days before you travel.
Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP
that you will be visiting Sikkim and
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budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. Personal ExpensesYou will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases. Group SizeThe minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Itinerary ChangesThe order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction &/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please all 0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
Health and VaccinationsIt is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical AccessibilityThis tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace for Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders is challenging. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour.Our guides will always endeavor to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Credit Card InformationAs normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
• Sunscreen and hat in summer• Comfortable walking shoes• Warm clothing and thermals in winter• Camera and charger• An electric plug converter
• Loo paper for public WCs• Binoculars • Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
WHAT TO PACK
WEATHER CHARTS
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Average temperature: Mumbai Average temperature: Bangalore
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TRIP OVERVIEWExtend your trip in with a 4 night stay on the beautiful beaches of Goa, India’s most popular and laid back resort destination.
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522
FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
Average temperature: Goa
ITINERARY & DETAILS
Goa Beach StayIf you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0333 003 0522
This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Goa.Hotel (5 nights)Your stay in Goa will take place at the following hotels:
(4 nights) 4★ Bloomsuites on All-Inclusive. Hotel InformationAddress: Naikawaddo, North Goa, Goa 403516, India. Contact number: 0091 832 228 1900
(1 nights) 5★ The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa on Bed and Breakfast. Hotel InformationAddress: 1 Bangla Sahib Rd, Sector 4, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India. Contact number: 0091 11 4250 0200
Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and finalconfirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.
Personal ExpensesYou will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry, drinks, snacks and any meals.
Tour GuidesYour Goa extension is not escorted. You will be transferred to your hotel after the main tour and will receive transfers to the airport at the end of your stay.
Currency The national currency of India is Indian Rupee and the same currency is used in Goa.
Visa InformationAll foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.
On your arrivalOn your arrival in Goa you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Earthen Experiences, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Earthen Experiences representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you need to contact Earthen Experiences during your stay the details are: Earthen Experiences 411, Gera Imperium 1, EDC Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa 403001 Tel (Mon-Fri Office hours: 10am-5:30pm): Jan Fernandes - 0091 9763550906 / 0091 8788278453
Emergency contact informationPlease find below the emergency contact details for Earthen Experiences:Reshma Alves - [email protected]. Tel: 0091 9158151100Warren Pinto - [email protected]. Tel: 0091 9860096105
Baggage allowanceYour baggage allowance (per person) for your internal flights includes 25kg of hold luggage and 1 hand luggage weighing 7kgs
4★ Bloomsuites
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Phone: 0091 141 405 5000
TRIP OVERVIEW Travelling from Delhi to Agra, this 6 night extension takes you on a tour through India’s capital as well as the magnificent Taj Mahal.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522
Taste of India Extension
FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0333 003 0522
This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to India.
Your included meal guide:B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 12: Goa to Delhi B/DThis morning, journey to the Airport and board your scheduled flight to New Delhi. Embark on a orientation tour of New Delhi, witnessing the India Gate, President’s House, Parliament Building.
Day 13 : Delhi B/L/DA full day tour of Delhi begins in Old Delhi this morning. Travel through the narrow and crowded streets on a rickshaw, visiting the Red Fort along the way. Continue to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and the 12th century Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.
Day 14 : Delhi & Agra B/L/DTravel to Agra and visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort, which was built in 1565 and boasts grand palaces, gigantic pavilions and spectacular court-yards.
Day 15 : Agra & Jaipur B/L/DEarly this morning, marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the breath-taking Taj Mahal, later continuing on to Fatehpur Sikri, a magnifi-cent fortified ghost city, en-route to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Day 16 : Jaipur B/L/DToday, wander the courtyards of the spectacular Amber Fort, before em-barking on an afternoon city tour of Jaipur, taking in its major sights in-cluding The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar. Lastly, marvel at the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of Winds.
Day 17 : Jaipur & Delhi B/L/DEnjoy a morning at leisure, perhaps choosing to visit some of the local bazaars, or wander the streets and sample the delicious and unique Ra-jasthani street food that Jaipur has to offer. Return to Delhi and enjoy a farewell dinner and cultural dance show to round off this unforgettable tour.
Day 18: Delhi to the UK BTransfer to the airport for your flight back to London.
Hotel InformationDelhi (2 nights): 5★ The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa - 1 Bangla Sahib Rd, Sector 4, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India. Contact number: 0091 11 4250 0200
Agra (1 night): 5★ Ramada Plaza Agra - 672 Basai, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India. Contact number: 0091 562 712 3500
Jaipur (2 nights): 4★ Lemon Tree - Behind Inox Cinema, Nirwan Marg, Sindhi Colony, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302016, India. Contact number: 0091 141 405 1100
If the hotels listed are unavailable alternatives will be used of a similar standard.
MealsBreakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will generally be taken in local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Currency ExchangeThe currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency, meaning you cannot buy currency before you travel and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.
Tour GuidesThis is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
TippingTipping is not compulsory & is at your discretion. Should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.
Baggage allowanceYour baggage allowance (per person) for your internal flights includes 25kg of hold luggage and 1 hand luggage weighing 7kgs.
Average temperature: Delhi
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Day 15: Delhi to the UK BTransfer to the airport for your fl ight back to London.
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