Tour includes
Chennai, Mahabalipuram Kanchi Madurai,
Trivandrum, Kovalam, Allepey, Kumarakom,
Cochin, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur, F.Sikri,
Agra, Delhi, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Rishikesh,
Haridwar, Corbett, Nainital, Bhimtal
to download information brochure
Call Michelle 0425310949
on or email:
michelle@culturalsafaris.com.au
Itinerary
- TROPICS
TO HIMALAYAS - CELEBRATE DEEPAWALI 2008
(Day 01) Thu 16
Oct. DEPARTURE
Check-in at airport for
our flight to Chennai arriving same day. Transfer to
hotel for overnight.
(Day 02) Fri 17
Oct. CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast drive to
Mahabalipuram enroute visiting Kanchipuram, which
sustains an unbroken continuity with the ancient
scholarly and religious heritage that once ranked it
among India's seven most sacred cities, the only one
south of the Vindhyas. Ekambaranathar temple, dedicated
to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest, covering 12
hectares, constructed in 1509. Kailasanatha temple,is
the oldest, built by the Pallavas in late 7th century &
an excellent example of early Dravidian architecture.
Kanchi is home to the South Indian silk, largely a
cottage industry & dating back to 12th century.
On arrival to
Mahabalipuram we visit the glorious Shore temple, one of
the oldest in South India & caressed by the waves.
Wander around the beaches, catch a “light & sound”, a
traditional dance show, enjoy a fish curry or just swing
on a hammock…B
(Day 03) Sat 18
Oct. MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY
(132Kms 3.5hrs)
Drive through lush
agricultural fields, village warlords, protector Gods,
to the most unique experimental city in the world..
Auroville! Visit the French quarter, walk along the
promenade, enjoy a café au lait …..B
(Day 04) Sun 19
Oct. PONDICHERRY - MADURAI (260 kms. 6
hrs)
Situated on the banks of
the Vaigai river, the ancient capital of the Pandyan
Kings, is a sacred place. Legend has it, that the divine
nectar falling from Lord Shiva’s locks gave the town its
name. Time free to wander around the city….B
(Day 05) Mon 20
Oct. MADURAI
Meenakshi temple – A
superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture,
the focal point around which the city has developed. The
splendidly carved temple complex, with its immense
gopurams towering over the city has colourful stucco
images of gods, goddesses, animals and tales from Hindu
mythology. See the beautifully carved “Hall of thousand
Pillars” which houses the Madurai museum; undoubtedly
the highlight of a southern visit...B
(Day 06) Tue 21
Oct. MADURAI – THEKKADY - MANAAS VEEDU
(160+100 kms. 4+3hrs)
On route to our remote
rainforest abode, we cruise the Peryiar lake to view
wildlife grazing on its banks. Through spice plantations
we arrive to a most unique property, part of the jungle
around us with all the comforts of Kerala. Why not
unwind with a genuine ayurvedic massage before enjoying
a culinary local delight….BD
(Day 07) Wed 22
Oct. MANAAS VEEDU – KOVALAM (110 kms.
4hrs)
More beautiful spices
trailing up jackfruit trees as we come to rest by the
Arabian sea. Take a dip in its balmy waters, before
enjoying an unforgettable evening on the hotel’s
terrace, listening to the sounds of the sea….B
(Day 08) Thu 23
Oct. KOVALAM
Ohhh for all the choices!
You can either allow yourself to be mesmerised by the
Arabian sea, fall under the spell of Kerala’s masseurs
or take an optional tour to the southern most tip of
this sub-continent where the Arabian meets Bay of
Bengal, meets Indian ocean. Watch the sun rise over the
bay & set in the sea, sample the best paranthas, a full
day of sooo much to do or nothing at all… your call!!…B
(Day 09) Fri 24
Oct. KOVALAM – KUMARAKOM – HOUSEBOAT
(120 kms. 3hrs.)
 Drive
to Kumarakom to take a Houseboat Cruise through Vembanad
lake towards Alleppey. The word “relaxation” will take
on another meaning after today’s accommodation. A cruise
along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a
houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in
India today. In this world of simple pleasures, we’ll
skim past water lilies, lush paddy fields, villages,
rustic homes, coconut groves, innumerable lagoons,
lakes, canals & estuaries…BLD
(Day 10) Sat 25
Oct. ALLEPPEY – COCHIN – CALICUT (270kms.
7 hrs)
How many wakenings will
be as memorable as this one? Enjoy a most special
breakfast with an ever-changing view before we disembark
for the drive to Cochin (1˝ hrs) established as the
Crossroads of the Battling Empires of Portuguese, Dutch
and British.Tour of the City enroute to Calicut....B
(Day 11) Sun 26
Oct. CALICUT - MYSORE (216 kms. 6 hrs)
Morning drive through
Calicut before visiting Mysore & its famed palace.
Stroll around it tonight also to see it in lit up
splendour …B
(Day 12) Mon 27
Oct. MYSORE – BANGALORE – MUMBAI
Early departure from
Mysore for Bangalore, enroute visiting Belure & Halebid.
On arrival in Bangalore, transfer to airport for flight
to Goddess Mumba Devi’s city. We check-in, among the
city’s top boutiques surrounding our hotel in Mumbai’s
most chic neighbourhood…BD
(Day 13) Tue 28
Oct. MUMBAI
Morning tour of city Jain
Temples, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills
offering nice view of Marine Lines and Chowpatty Beach,
Kamla Nehru Park and Marine drive. Tonight experience
India’s largest festival Deepawali, all & everyone is
lit up so let yourself go!!!…..B
(Day 14) Wed 29
Oct. MUMBAI
Board your boat for the
small island of Elephanta today to visit the caves.
Jetty is in front of the famed Taj Mahal hotel where you
may like to enjoy a drink before trying this part of the
city for shoes, handbags, chinese restaurants & so many
other interesting curios…B
(Day 15) Thu 30
Oct. MUMBAI - UDAIPUR
Early morning flight to
the “Venice of the East”. “PADHARO”...Welcome to the
land of chivalry & hospitality...Of the longest reigning
dynasty in the world, gardens built for Maharanis,
marble palaces girdled by lakes & intricately carved
temples dedicated to the warriors’ savior Lords.
Transfer to where our true Rajasthani experience begins
as we are greeted with fresh garlands & a welcome drink
to the jewel of Mewar. Freshen up before we visit
Maharana Singh’s Palace by the shores of lake Pichola,
the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, which houses an
interesting collection of folk dresses, ornaments,
puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments & the Jagdish
temple. …B
(Day 16) Fri 31
Oct. UDAIPUR
An excursion out of
Udaipur takes you to the Nagda & Eklingi temples of the
Beatles fame. Afternoon free to wander though city’s
quaint cobblestone streets, a cruise on Pichola lake or
dine in grand style…B
(Day 17) Sat 01
Nov. UDAIPUR - JAIPUR
A morning flight is what
is needed here if one is to sample the best of
Jaipur.There is sooo much to do around this busy
colourful city, so when touring is finished, what awaits
is the kind of shopping to tempt even the most stoic of
us. Jewels, textiles, precious stones, silver & in so
many unique designs, no wonder it is the gem capital…B
(Day 18) Sun 02
Nov. JAIPUR
You’d be forgiven if you
thought you were back in time, as you enjoy breakfast in
our beautiful “palace” this morning with attention to
every detail. Arriving at Amber fort, we ascend on
elephant’s back to a wonderful view of Jaipur from this
imposing building carved with thousands of tiny mirrors.
Ample time to re-visit favourite haunts or many new ones
in search of that something special to show off back
home. ..B
(Day 19) Mon 03
Nov. JAIPUR – AGRA
Enjoy our palatial
surrounds one last time before the drive to Agra via
Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India.
Among its principal attractions are the large audience
halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti,
Panchmahal, and the large gates of Buland Darwaza. We
arrive mid afternoon in Agra, home to one of the Seven
Wonders of the World. The architectural splendor of the
mausoleums, the fort and the palace here are a vivid
reminder of the opulence of the legendary capital of the
Mughal Empire. An inimitable poem in white marble, built
over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan in 1630, for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine
her mortal remains - TAJ MAHAL, the most symmetrical
building in the world, the epitome of love, renders
itself to our cameras as sunset exhibits it in various
hues…B
(Day 20) Tue 04
Nov. AGRA - DELHI
Early morning visit to Taj
Mahal to enjoy it during sun rise. Return to hotel for
breakfast. Thereafter leave Agra by 10 AM for
Delhi, en route visiting Tomb of Akbar at Sikandra &
Mathura- Birth Palace of Lord Sri Krishna. Arrive in
Delhi with plenty of time for a leisurely afternoon….B
(Day 21) Wed 05
Nov. DELHI – RISHIKESH (235 kms. 6
hrs)
We drive north of Delhi
today to an early afternoon arrival in Rishikesh. Our
hotel is on the banks of the holiest of holy rivers, the
GANGES close to its origins & thus a clear blue.
Sightseeing tour of Rishikesh visiting temples and
Laxman Jhoola. Walk over the bridges, join the holy men
for prayers, hear the chants echoing in the valley as
night falls & the devotees perform aarti. It is a sight
filled with awe as candles shimmer in the breeze &
travel downstream with the river… B
(Day 22) Thu 06
Nov. RISHIKESH
This is the capital of
yoga & meditation, yet the adventurous ones can enjoy
white water rafting, bird watching & bathing in the
sacred water. Before checking in at most indulgent
Ananda Inn (top 10 spas in the world) we drive to the
Holy city of Haridwar. It is a sight seen nowhere but
Varanassi, ceremonial pomp at its holiest. As old as
Varanasi & just as revered, with ceremonial ghats,
sadhus & pilgrims bathing their sins away.!! Tonight
after the most luxurious spa treatment, why not sip some
champagne overlooking Rishikesh from your Palace in the
hills, unforgettable evening….B
(Day 23) Fri 07
Nov. RISHIKESH – CORBETT PARK (240
kms. 5 hrs)
Morning departure for
Corbett National Park & our jungle lodge. An evening
filled with anticipation for the wildlife lovers as we
gather around the campfire to hear others’ tales of big
cat sightings…BD
(Day 24) Sat 08
Nov. CORBETT PARK (tiger
safari)
Wake up to the sound of
birds, flowing river & the hooves of your elephant
transport. We are in for an adventurous ride this
morning through dense jungle for our appointment with
these majestic cats, which abound here. Sloth bears,
tiger, porcupine, leopards, a whole day devoted to
admiring wildlife or engaging in conversation about it,
with ample time for relaxation. Enjoy a walk by the
river, & get the cameras ready for this afternoon’s
“tiger safari”, followed by long drinks around the fire
with elephants’ silhouettes in the background… BLD
(Day 25) Sun 09
Nov. CORBET PARK – NAUKUCHIATAL (70
kms. 2 hrs)
For the early risers,
there is time for another ride if you wish, before our
drive to Bhimtal via the gem of Uttarakhand, Nainital.
We enjoy a stroll in the promenade surrounded by
dramatic cliffs portrayed in the calm lake. One hour’s
drive & we are in a most serene, romantic idyllic hotel
surrounded by wildlife & water. Resident owls, deer,
leopard & large variety of birds. It is almost
impossible to stay indoors when so much beauty abounds,
so come sing by the fireplace while we enjoy Indian
antipasto!.. B
(Day 26) Mon 10
Nov. NAUKUCHIATAL
Fancy a morning paddle or
would you rather lay back & be serenaded by the sound of
the oarsmen? You are surrounded by raw wilderness
unspoiled, serene, scented by autumn blooms, vegetable
gardens & authentic village life. If it is action you
seek, paragliding, horse riding, fishing, canoeing,
swimming, trekking, cooking classes, are available. Then
again you may like to sip tea under the bougainvillea,
gazing at the lake & taking in the fresh country air,
with possible leopard & resident owl sightings, it is
your choice…B
(Day 27) Tue 11
Nov. NAUKUCHIATAL
Today you may wish to take
an optional trip to the surrounding hill stations at a
much higher altitude or visit the village’s Hanuman
temple & a picnic by the lake? Without a doubt a most
gorgeous image to take back home with you. ….B
(Day 28) Wed 12
Nov. NAUKUCHIATAL – DELHI (320 kms. 8
hrs)
Your car takes you through
sooo much of village everyday life with a stop in
Mooradabad (brass capital of India) for a sumptuous
lunch break. Upon arrival in Delhi we visit the enormous
new Akshardham temple before retiring for the night….B
(Day 29) Thu 13
Nov. DEPARTURE
Today is free for last
minute shopping in nearby Connaught Pl, or some extra
sighseeing, before the transfer to airport to catch
flight home & recollect the myriad of memories of
INCREDIBLE INDIA!!
(Day 30) Fri 14
Nov. ARRIVAL
Can hardly wait
to unpack suitcases!!!!
to download
this
itinerary
to download
booking form
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Superior hotels
All sightseeing as per itinerary
Sumptuous breakfasts
A/C transportation
Hotel & services taxes
Some lunches & diners
Jaipur elephant ride
Wildlife safari
Entrance fees to monuments
Local English speaking guides
Meet & assist on arrivals/departures
All transfers
Domestic airfares
Kerala/Kashmir houseboats with private
valet
Fully escorted by professional tour
director*
See our booking form for
further conditions/requirements.
Do you know anyone who may be thinking of
travelling?
Help them make up their mind by sending them
this program.
We
also arrange rail/air passes & tickets,
houseboats, ayurvedic/medical treatments,
hotels, car+driver, safaris, Kashmir
trekking/golfing/fishing/gardens,
pilgrim/shopping/festival tours.
For
further details please contact your tour
director, Michelle
michelle@culturalsafaris.com.au
or
phone 0425310949
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