Travel options for India: February 2016
India is a cultural cocktail. With its diverse mixture of people, climates, scenery, architecture, religions and cultural influences. It is inspiring, moving and incomparable to any other destination or civilisation.
Timeless India Journeys has exciting options for your travel in India during February 2016.
The options are stackable and have set departure dates. If you are interested in alternative destinations or dates, we can arrange a bespoke itinerary for you.
Pre travel: Spend 3 nights in Mumbai before driving to the Vedanta Academy.
Post travel: Option 1: Depart the Vedanta Academy, fly to Jaipur (3 nights), drive to Agra (1 night). Drive from Agra to Delhi (2 nights). Depart Delhi
Post travel: Option 2: Depart the Vedanta Academy, drive to Mumbai (1 night), Fly to Jodhpur (3 nights), drive to Udaipur (2 nights). Depart from Udaipur.
Post travel: Option 3: Depart the Vedanta Academy, fly to Hyderabad for 3 nights. Depart from Hyderabad.
Please note that the costs are based on 2 people sharing and a single traveller with a minimum of 3 people. The shared group shared costs will decrease if the quantity of people increases.
We look forward to welcoming you in India.
With kind regards, Casey van Embden and the Timeless India Journeys team. TRAVEL CALENDAR:
Feb-‐16 PRE & POST TOURS -‐ YPO-‐WPO LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 POST POST POST TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL PRE TRAVEL LIFE IN OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 DAY DATE (3 nights) FOCUS 2016 (6 nights) (6 nights) (3 nights) ARRIVE THURSDAY 04-‐Feb MUMBAI FRIDAY 05-‐Feb MUMBAI SATURDAY 06-‐Feb MUMBAI MUMBAI -‐ DEPART LIFE IN SUNDAY 07-‐Feb MUMBAI FOCUS 2016 LIFE IN MONDAY 08-‐Feb FOCUS 2016 LIFE IN TUESDAY 09-‐Feb FOCUS 2016 LIFE IN WEDNESDAY 10-‐Feb FOCUS 2016 LIFE IN THURSDAY 11-‐Feb FOCUS 2016
DEPART LIFE LIFE IN LIFE IN LIFE IN IN FOCUS FOCUS 2016 -‐ FOCUS 2016 FOCUS -‐ 2016 -‐ FRIDAY 12-‐Feb 2016 JAIPUR MUMBAI HYDERABAD MUMBAI -‐ SATURDAY 13-‐Feb JAIPUR JODHPUR HYDERABAD SUNDAY 14-‐Feb JAIPUR JODHPUR HYDERABAD JAIPUR -‐ DEPART MONDAY 15-‐Feb AGRA JODHPUR HYDERABAD AGRA -‐ JODHPUR -‐ TUESDAY 16-‐Feb DELHI UDAIPUR WEDNESDAY 17-‐Feb DELHI UDAIPUR DEPART DEPART THURSDAY 18-‐Feb DELHI UDAIPUR Manali Kullu Dharamshala
Rishikesh UTTARANCHAL Haridwar
Kaziranga Darjeeling
Ranthambore Varanasi
Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh
Kanha
Hampi
Kanchupiram Mamallapuram Mysore
anjavur
Munnar Kumarakom Alappuzha
Kovalam QUOTE
QUOTE CK No 2002/093/22023 CLIENT NAME/S: TBC BOOKING NUMBER: TBC
ADDRESS: DATE OF ISSUE: 23-Nov-15 TBC CURRENCY: INR EMAIL: TBC ARRIVAL DATE: 04-Feb-16 CONTACT NUMBER: TBC DEPARTURE DATE: 18-Feb-16 DESTINATIONS/S: INDIA NUMBER OF NIGHTS: TBC
5 STAR & 5 STAR & BOUTIQUE HOTELS BOUTIQUE HOTELS LUXURY HOTELS NUMBER - PER PERSON - PER PERSON LUXURY HOTELS - PER PERSON DATE & OF (2 PEOPLE (SINGLE TRAVELLER - - PER PERSON (SINGLE TRAVELLER - DESTINATION NIGHTS SHARING) MINIMUM 3 PEOPLE) (2 PEOPLE SHARING) MINIMUM 3 PEOPLE) PRE TRAVEL 04-07 Feb: Mumbai 3 INR 70 725,00 INR 108 725,00 INR 88 838,00 INR 143 338,00 LIFE IN FOCUS 2016
07-12 Feb: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 5 / / / / POST TRAVEL OPTION 1: 12-18 Feb: Jaipur, Agra, Delhi 6 INR 120 140,00 INR 169 640,00 INR 230 200,00 INR 378 200,00 POST TRAVEL OPTION 2: 12-18 Feb: Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur 6 INR 150 500,00 INR 220 850,00 INR 266 000,00 INR 424 550,00 POST TRAVEL OPTION 3: 12-15 Feb: Hyderabad 3 / / INR 143 180,00 INR 217 180,00
Please note that the costs are based on 2 people travelling together (minimum 2 people) and a single non-sharing traveller (minimum 3 people). The shared group costs will decrease if the quantity of people increases. Costs will be quoted in relevant exchange rates at time of booking. This quote is based on current hotel, tax and service rates which are subject to fluctuation. Domestic flights are not included due to fluctuating rates. Final flight costs will only be confirmed at the time of purchasing of tickets. CURRENT APPROX. EXCHANGE RATES: AS PER 12 NOVEMBER 2015. SUBJECT TO FLUCTUATION EURO 1 = INR 70 USD 1 = INR 65 ZAR 1 = INR 4,6 HOTEL OPTIONS HOTELS OPTIONS:
DATE & CITY NIGHTS 5 STAR & BOUTIQUE HOTELS LUXURY HOTELS
PRE TRAVEL
TAJ MAHAL (TOWER) TAJ PALACE WING DELUXE SEA VIEW ROOM LUXURY GRAND SEA VIEW ROOM 04 - 07 FEB 3 MUMBAI GREAT LOCATION, BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE GREAT LOCATION, BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE HARBOUR. HARBOUR.
LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 07 - 12 FEB NO SERVICE NO SERVICE 5 PUNE / / POST TRAVEL OPTION 1 SAMODE HAVELI OBEORI RAJVILAS 12 - 15 FEB DELUXE ROOM PREMIER ROOM 3 OLD MANSION TURNED INTO A BOUTIQUE SPACIOUS LUXURY ON EDGE OF CITY, JAIPUR HOTEL. QUIRKY, LOCAL AND BEAUTIFUL. SURROUNDED BY TREES AND BIRDS
ITC MUGHAL OBEROI AMARVILAS 15 - 16 FEB MUGHAL CHAMBER PREMIER ROOM WITH BALCONY 1 GOOD ROOMS. EXCELLENT SPA, GREAT STUNNING VIEW OF THE TAJ MAHAL FROM THE AGRA RESTAURANT. ROOM BALCONIES. BEAUTIFUL POOL. MAGICAL.
THE CLARIDGES THE OBEROI 16 - 18 FEB CLARIDGES ROOM PREMIER ROOM 2 COMFORTABLE, BUSINESS STYLE HOTEL, GREAT LOCATION - CENTRAL - AND VIEW OF THE DELHI RECENTLY REFURBISHED CITY. EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS.
POST TRAVEL OPTION 2
ITC MARATHA / EXECUTIVE CLUB 12-13 FEB 1 MUMBAI NEAR THE AIRPORT. EXCELLENT RESTAURANT /
THE RAAS, TAJ UMAID BHAWAN PALACE, 13 - 16 FEB DUPLEX SUITE PALACE ROOM 3 UNIQUE, UNUSUAL LOCATION IN THE MIDDLE A PALACE STILL OCCUPIED BY THE ROYAL JODHPUR OF THE CITY LOOKING UP AT THE FORT. FAMILY. LUXURIOUS AND DECADENT.
FATEHPRAKASH PALACE, THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, 16 - 18 FEB DOVECOTE ROOM PREMIER ROOM WITH LAKE VIEW 2 THE BEST VIEW, GREAT LOCATION AND UDAIPUR BEAUTIFUL VIEW, IN THE CITY PALACE. COMPLETELY ROMANTIC.
POST TRAVEL OPTION 3
TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE 12 - 15 FEB / LUXURY ROOM 2 INCREDIBLE HOTEL ON A HILL, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS HYDERABAD / OF THE CITY INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS: The above rates include: • Accommodation at hotels listed above on bed & breakfast basis. • Private transportation using TOYOTA INNOVA as per program, for a minumim and maximum of 03 people. • Entrance fee to monuments. • Still camera entrance fee. • Presently applicable government taxes. • Services of English speaking local guides during sightseeing as per the program. Special Experiences: PRE TRAVEL (MUMBAI): • Ferry/ boat charges while visiting Elephanta caves in Mumbai • Mumbai by Dawn POST TRAVEL OPTION1 (JAIPUR, AGRA, DELHI) • Elephant Safari with Lunch at Dera Amer in Jaipur POST TRAVEL OPTION 2: MUMBAI, JODHPUR, UDAIPUR • Camel safari with Dinner at Osian (The Camel Camp, Reggis) • Safari with Ajit Rana with Lunch • Lunch at Mountbatten Lodge, Ranakpur • Exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola POST TRAVEL OPTION 3: HYDERABAD: • Cooking demo & Biryani Lunch with the local family • Specialist guide
Special inclusions: • Porterage at airports and hotels. • Meeting & assistance on arrivals and departures with services of our Concierge / Representatives.
The above rates exclude: • Activities marked as optional and not specified under inclusions • Meals (excluding breakfast) • International air fares, airport taxes, visa charges or any kind of insurance cover • Domestic airfare Airfare is approx. INR3 000 - INR10 000 per person, per leg. Flights fluctuate and will be quoted and included upon final booking. • Items of personal nature i.e.: telephone calls, drinks, laundry, tips etc • Any liability arising owing to last minute changes in the program due to reasons beyond our control for instance; political disturbances, natural phenomenon, change in schedule of flight or train, any VIP movement etc • Video camera fees at monuments. • Bank service charges in case of credit card payments • Cost arising out of any last minute request by the guest for additional arrangements • Any other items other than mentioned as ‘included’ • Tips to guides, drivers or any other personals not mentioned in the inclusions.
EXCLUDED OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: • Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur • Cooking demo in Jaipur • Candle light Valentines day • Arrival by vintage car in Jodhpur • Candle lit dinner at Mehrangarh Terrace in Jodhpur • Champagne dinner on dunes in Jodhpur
The tour in general: • The prices are subject to change in case of any variation of tax, currency and tariff structure. • The prices advised are net and non-commissionable. Please read the Timeless India Journeys Terms and Conditions. No reservations can be confirmed without the guest information form and passport copies. • Check in time 1400 hours and check out time 1200 hours unless advised otherwise • Room allocation in a hotel is at the discretion of the hotel management on run of the house basis. 04-18 TIMELESS INDIA JOURNEYS FEB PRE & POST TRAVEL: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 2016 TBC NIGHTS, TBC PEOPLE TRAVELLING QUICK LOOK ITINERARY:
MUMBAI, LIFE IN FOCUS 2016, JAIPUR, AGRA, DELHI, JODHPUR, UDAIPUR, HYDERABAD
PRE TRAVEL:
04 FEB: ARRIVE MUMBAI, OVERNIGHT MUMBAI
05 FEB: OVERNIGHT MUMBAI
06 FEB: OVERNIGHT MUMBAI
LIFE IN FOCUS 2016:
07-12 FEB: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016,
POST TRAVEL OPTION 1:
12 FEB: DRIVE TO MUMBAI, FLY TO JAIPUR, OVERNIGHT JAIPUR
13 FEB: OVERNIGHT JAIPUR
14 FEB: OVERNIGHT JAIPUR
15 FEB: DRIVE TO AGRA, OVERNIGHT AGRA
16 FEB: DRIVE TO DELHI, OVERNIGHT DELHI
17 FEB: OVERNIGHT DELHI
18 FEB: FINAL DEPARTURE DELHI
POST TRAVEL OPTION 2:
12 FEB: DRIVE TO MUMBAI, OVERNIGHT MUMBAI
13 FEB: FLY TO JODHPUR, OVERNIGHT JODHPUR
14 FEB: OVERNIGHT JODHPUR
15 FEB: OVERNIGHT JODHPUR
16 FEB: DRIVE TO UDAIPUR, OVERNIGHT UDAIPUR
17 FEB: OVERNIGHT UDAIPUR
18 FEB: FINAL DEPARTURE FROM UDAIPUR
POST TRAVEL OPTION 3:
12 FEB: FLY MUMBAI - HYDERABAD, OVERNIGHT HYDERABAD
13 FEB: OVERNIGHT HYDERABAD
14 FEB: OVERNIGHT HYDERABAD
15 FEB: FINAL DEPARTURE FROM HYDERABAD
TEL +27 (0)21 461 9001 CELL SA +27 (0)82 414 8422 CELL INDIA +91 (0) 98 10 322605 FAX +27 (0)21 461 9101 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.timelessindiajourneys.com IATA NO. 10796074 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Mumbai was originally a fishing village comprising of seven swampy islands when it was acquired by Portuguese in 1534. It came under British crown in 1661 as part of dowry of Catherine of Braganza, when she married Charles II. Mumbai today is city of striking contrasts and a vibrant, confident metropolis that’s tangibly high in energy. Here skyscrapers stand next to stately Victorian buildings, noisy traditional bazaars and adjoin glittering new shopping malls. Mumbai is also home to Bollywood, the centre of India’s film industry. PRE TRAVEL
04 FEB: ARRIVE MUMBAI 06 FEB: MUMBAI ______
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO BE CONFIRMED. MUMBAI BY DAWN (05.15 am - 08.30am) See the bustling city of Mumbai wake up. Get a You will be met and assisted on arrival at the peek into the underbelly of the city with insights airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in. into what makes this magnificent city tick. From seeing hundreds of newspaper vendors sort out Day plan will be according to arrival time. newspapers of 7 different languages, watching an auction of 20 tonnes of fish, to seeing an ‘only Dinner suggestion: At hotel green’ herb market. Watch the milkmen with their canisters, the melee of colour at the flower Overnight in Mumbai. markets, the clamour and chaos of the arrival of over 100 tonnes of vegetables, fruits and meat. The final stop is the Gymnastic art Malakhamb. 05 FEB: MUMBAI Malakhamb dates back centuries, and is a ______complete exercise for the mind and body. When you walk the same lanes a few hours later, At 11am, visit the ELEPHANTA CAVES. A UNESCO you wouldn’t find any evidence of the morning’s World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are in hustle bustle. Mumbai by Dawn truly defines the the middle of the Mumbai Harbour. The rock-cut mercurial character of Mumbai. temples are a spectacle worth crossing the waters for. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Late morning at leisure. Lunch suggestion: Copper Chimney Lunch Suggestion: TRISHNA Visit Mumbai’s washing Machine, popularly known as DHOBHI GHAAT, sees over 100000 clothes Afternoon CITY TOUR: Visit the GATEWAY washed every single day! 50 00 Dhobhis beat the OF INDIA. Visit the GHANDI MUSEUM and the stains out of the clothes with great fervour. VICTORIA TERMINUS. A walk through the Dhobi Ghat is a view into the lives of Mumbai’s most famous men. Dinner suggestion: Meet up with other Life in Focus 2016 attendees. Dinner Suggestion: Ziya restaurant at the Oberoi. Location tbc.
Overnight in Mumbai. Overnight in Mumbai.
07 - 11 FEB: YPO-WPO LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 ______
Drive to the Vedanta Academy for the YPO-WPO Life in Focus retreat. Depart Mumbai @ 9am. The program begins at 12:15
5 nights at the Life in Focus 2016.
SHOPPING: • Bungalow 8 for homewear, Amrapali for jewellery, Chor Bazaar for an antique market shopping experience (do not take valubles with you to Chor Bazaar). Bombay Electric (eclectic clothing & collectibles) and Good Earth (Indian flavoured interiors) are near the hotel, both are fabulous (opp side entrance to Taj Mahal hotel). Joy shoes is in the Taj Mahal Hotel. See the Mumbai shopping guide for more options. 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ is the much loved capital of India’s largest and most stunning state. It is the main gateway to the splendor and magic of Rajasthan. Majestic forts and Palaces dominate the skyline and yet it is the bazaars within the walls of the old city that create Jaipur’s unique energy. Today, Jaipur is a thriving world class economy that attracts more and more multina- tional enterprises to set up shop here than in any other city of prominence in North India. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 1:
12 FEB: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 - JAIPUR 14 FEB: JAIPUR ______
2PM: Life in Focus 2016 retreat ends. After breakfast at the hotel, witness the MORNING AARTI at the Govindji Temple. Drive to Mumbai 2.5 Hours. Visit the AMBER FORT. One of the most Fly air IndiGo 6E-217 fascinating of the Indian forts giving a glimpse Depart Mumbai @ 19:00 into the majesty of days gone by. Arrive Jaipur @ 20:45 HOT PINK is a shop in the Amber Fort and has On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to the hotel for beautiful stuff, including great things for gifts. check in. On the way to the Amber Fort, stop at INDIGO Overnight in Jaipur. for Silk pyjamas, linen, handicrafts...
ELEPHANT SAFARI & LUNCH: 13 FEB: JAIPUR Drive to Dera Amer for lunch, followed by an ______elephant safari. The elephant treks are conducted in the original Morning to relax. Aravali forests surrounding the camp and follow a Lunch at a Haveli in the old city route passing by hutments, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments, the bird life in the thick Take a tour of the CITY PALACE, whose several forests is thriving. courtyards and gardens provide wonderful contrast to its many palatial structures including Evening Valentines day dinner. Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal and the Sri Govind Dev temple. Overnight in Jaipur.
Visit the PALACE OF WINDS followed by the JANTAR MANTAR, a remarkably accurate outdoor astronomical observatory, explaining the science of astronomy.
LATE AFTERNOON AT LEISURE to relax or shop or wonder the lanes of the old city. (Jaipur is a fantastic shopping destination, a guide will be provided to ensure the best treasures are found.)
In the evening have a COOKING demo.
Overnight in Jaipur. 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Agra stands as a testimony to the true spirit of a resilient era that made India a force to be reckoned with. With their talent and wealth the Mughals immortalized Agra in stone and marble, leaving behind a legacy of some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Although, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the most famous and synonymous with Agra the Red Fort, Sikandra, tomb of Itmad ud Daula and the nearby ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri should not be overlooked. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 1:
15 FEB: JAIPUR to AGRA ______
JAIPUR: Optional extra early morning HOTAIR BALLOON RIDE over Jaipur (starts at 5am). The exact flight plan will only be decided on the day as it is wind dependant. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to Agra. (Approx. 4-5 hours.)
On arrival in Agra, check into the hotel.
Then visit the AGRA FORT where Shah Jahan spent years of confinement at the hands of his son Aurangzeb, looking wistfully at the Taj Mahal which he built in 1560.
Overnight in Agra.
*Visit Taj Mahal next morninig. 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
DELHI is the world’s largest democracy, and in many ways is the essence of modern India, with its startling paradox of old and new, foreign and familiar. Its fascination lies in its amalgamation of ancient monuments and the bustle and clamor of Old Delhi with Lutyens imposing and magnificent New Delhi. Now rushing headlong into the 21st century Delhi is also a contemporary show case of designer shopping, trendy bars and restaurants. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 1:
16 FEB: AGRA - DELHI 17 FEB: DELHI ______
(OPTIONAL DAY FOR DEPARTURE) After breakfast, take a guided tour through OLD DELHI, a living museum! Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Drive along the river Yamuna past the Red Fort emperor Shah Jahan, in loving memory of his to one of the largest mosques in the world, the queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal JAMA MASJID, this congregational mosque was remains. built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423.
Drive from Agra to Delhi. (Approx. 3 Hrs) WALK THROUGH THE STREETS OF OLD DELHI: Walk through the silver market, stop at After checking into the hotel, take a historical the perfume shop before exploring the wedding drive of NEW DELHI. Drive past INDIA alley where you will view the oldest houses in GATE, the Lutyen’s building, Herbert Baker’s Old Delhi. Peek into the stores along the way to Secretariat Building and the President’s Palace. find multiple treasures; semi-precious stones, sarees, wooden beads, scarves and Indian Watch the SUNSET AT HUMAYUN’S TOMB the wedding decorations. first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. If you are feeling adventurous, taste the famous STREET FOOD of Old Delhi along the way. Overnight in Delhi. Have lunch at a famous local restaurant - Karims, in the heart of Old Delhi, is the place to go for authentic Muglai food.
Enjoy a CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE through the bustling narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk up to the spice market.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
18 FEB: DELHI ______
FINAL DEPARTURE DAY. THIS DAY’s ACTIVITIES WILL DEPEND ON INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE. 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Jodhpur A magnificent slice of blue on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort, an imposing fortress that looks down upon the hemmed-in chaos below. Founded in 1459, the city grew out of the profits of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. Accessed through eight beautiful gates, Jodhpur is also the site of an enormous palace, part of which still houses royal family. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 2
12 FEB: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 - MUMBAI Lunch Suggestion: Raas Haveli looking up at ______the majestic fort.
2PM: Life in Focus 2016 retreat ends. Take a historical walk through the majestic Jodhpur MEHRANGARH FORT. Drive to Mumbai 2.5 Hours. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the Overnight at a hotel near the airport. chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour 13 FEB: PUNE - JODHPUR of a bygone era. ______Dinner suggestion: After breakfast, fly from Mumbai to Jodhpur, Romantic Valentines Day dinner at the hotel.
On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Jodhpur. Lunch Suggestion: On the palace lawns. 15 FEB: JODHPUR The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel ______and make use of the pool and spa. After breakfast, drive into the outskirts of In the late afternoon, drive out to Osian, a Jodhpur to visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES. desert oasis. Located mostly around Jodhpur and Bikaner, live people who sacrifice their lives to save Take a camel sunset safari on the dunes. trees and animals, for whom their vision “Protection of Life” means a holy responsibil- This will be followed by dinner with the ‘larger ity. The Bishnoi Villagers are arguably the first than life’ Reggie (depending availability). A ecologists of the world. They protect the trees member of the royal family and maker of his and animals of their land and worship the own moonshine, he will host you for dinner, magnificent black buck, as an incarnation of drinks and dancing. Lord Krishna.
Overnight in Jodhpur. Lunch: Pal Haveli in the Old City
In the afternoon, relax at the hotel or wonder 14 FEB: JODHPUR the lanes of the OLD BLUE CITY to the Clock ______Tower or go shopping.
After breakfast, visit the JASWANTH THADA Overnight in Jodhpur. and take a rickshaw ride into the OLD BLUE CITY. Walk around the clock tower area and discover some of the fantastic shops in the Old City of Jodhpur; glass bangles, shawls (Richard Gere’s favourite shop in India), and a host of unusual things along the way.
NOTES: • Shri Mishrilal Hotel allegedly serves the best lassie in India (in the main market, just under the clock tower). GRATUITY NOTES (Pls see detailed info under Important Notes): SHOPPING:• Hotel staff. Your Jodhpur guide. Restaurant staff. Bishnoi vilage experience - amount at your own discretion. •Not Maharani the TIJ Artcity Exportersrepresentatives. is a must stop on the walk through the Old Blue City (textiles). • Jodhpur is where the world’s antique looking wood furniture is made. A great place to buy a container load and send home. Please ask TIJ if this is something you are interested in. • You can buy tailor made Jodhpurs in Jodhpur (Indian Tailors: High Court Road, Phone: 0291 254 7075) and buy exquisite glass bangles (Bibaji Churi Wale: Behind the clock tower market, Manak Chowk Phone: 0291 261 2504) HOTEL CONTACT DETAILS: NAME: Raas ADDRESS: Tunwar ji ka Jhalra, Makrana Mohalla TEL: +91 291 263 6455 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Udaipur is a white vision, drenched in romance and beauty. With its marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and lakes, Udaipur seems almost like a mirage in the desert. Built on the shores of Lake Pichola by Udai Singh II in 1559, after having lost his stronghold, Chittaurgarh to the Muslim invaders, Udaipur today is a quiet city with a small town atmosphere. The palaces are straight out of fairy-tale books and the city is hailed as the ‘Venice of the East’. It is also one of Rajasthan’s great centers of contemporary art as well as miniature paintings. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 2:
16 FEB: JODHPUR - UDAIPUR the local colourful markets - Udaipur is ______famous for miniature paintings and silver inlay furniture, OR relax in the romance of Udaipur. After breakfast, drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur. (280 Km Approx. 6 Hrs) Early in the evening, enjoy a cruise on the placid waters of LAKE PICHOLA. From the On the way, stop for lunch at MOUNT BATTON boat you will view the city of Udaipur as it LODGE and visit the JAIN RANAKPUR TEMPLES, rises majestically above the lake in the middle said to be the most spectacular of the Jain of the Rajasthan desert. temples. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars, each of which is unique. Dinner suggestion : Neelkamal Check into the hotel on arrival in Udaipur. OR Sheesh Mahal (Must pre book) Overnight in Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.
17 FEB: UDAIPUR ______18 FEB: DEPART INDIA ______Take a guided tour of Udaipur, visiting the CITY PALACE, which is the largest in Rajasthan. FINAL DEPARTURE DAY. ACTIVITIES WILL DEPEND ON INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TIME. In size and outline the City Palace and its subsidiary palaces bear a resemblance to OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Eklingji & Nagda: the Windsor castle in England. Built in 1725, (30 minutes each way.) it houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - Eklingi is a religious complex which houses 108 studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti temples chiselled out of sandstone and marble. Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of Have lunch at Devigarh. which are ornately decorated.
Visit the JAGDISH TEMPLE - a monument and an END OF TIMELESS INDIA JOURNEYS’ SERVICES architectural wonder and the black marble image of Lord Vishnu at the FATEH SAGAR TEMPLE.
Lunch suggestion: Sunset Terrace
AFTERNOON AT LEISURE; Shop and explore
NOTES: • The spa at the Lake Palace is excellent we advise you book treatments on arrival. • Included in your Lake Palace package is a Palace Heritage walk with sparkling wine, 15% discount at the spa, 1 hour free yoga every day and 10% discount on Telecom, Beverage & Laundry. • Udaipur is about relaxing and enjoying the beauty. Take time to enjoy the magnificent hotel. • The Old City is beautiful. Wonder around the lanes in the afternoon. GRATUITY NOTES (Pls see detailed info under Important Notes): SHOPPING:• Your Udaipur Udaipur guide. is Restaurant known for staff.Miniature The paintingevening &boat silver driver. furniture.Not the TIJ city representatives. • There are a few marble and furniture shops outside of the town. Please let TIJ know if you would like to go. HOTEL CONTACT DETAILS: NAME: TAJ LAKE PALACE ADDRESS: LAKE PICHOLA, UDAIPUR TEL: +91 294 242 8800 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
Hyderabad is perhaps the last undiscovered Mughal gem of India. The Nizams of Hyderabad known for their wealth and grandeur have left behind a city rich in architecture, crafts, performing arts and a culture that is a fascinating mix of North and South India. For food lovers, the city has a distinct cuisine most well known for its Biryani, kebabs and the spicy Andhra food. Hyderabad is a must-visit for any Indophile. POST TRAVEL: OPTION 3:
12 FEB: LIFE IN FOCUS 2016 - HYDERBAD dazzling ‘bling’ lac bangles that Hyderabad is ______known for.
2PM: Life in Focus 2016 retreat ends. Walk into the chaos of fluttering pigeons in the MECCA MASJID courtyard and then on to the Drive to Mumbai 2.5 Hours. simplicity of the NIZAM’S TOMBS.
Evening flight Mumbai - Hyderabad Proceed for a sumptuous HOME COOKED MEAL with one of the traditional families in You will be met and assisted on arrival at Hyderabad. The lady of the house, Begum Hyderabad. Transfer to the hotel for check in. Mumtaz is acknowledged as one of the leading experts of Hyderabadi cuisine and is invited to Half hour drive to the hotel. give cooking lessons to the top chefs across the world. You will be received with a traditional welcome as the H.E.H Nizam of Hyderabad was On your way back to the palace, visit the welcomed when he arrived at his palace. beautiful PAIGAH TOMBS - During the Nizam’s rule, the family next in nobility to the rulers Stay at the magnificentTAJ FALAKNUMA was the Paigah Family. Apart from playing an PALACE. 2000 feet above Hyderabad, journey important role in the politics of the region, they into the clouds and into the glided ages, where also left behind their marks in the palaces they grandeur and excess is celebrated. built for themselves.
Overnight at Taj Falaknuma Palace Late afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel.
13 FEB: HYDERABAD Dinner in the hotel at Celeste / Adaab. ______After dinner, enjoy an uber-luxury experience After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour – THE HOOKAH LOUNGE, which is set amidst of Hyderabad: a history of 116 years with windows dressed in heavy gold and red drapes, patterned leather Take a walk around the four palaces of the walls and timbered ceiling, accented in rich CHOWMAHALLA COMPLEX and see the mahogany. opulence with which this dynasty lived and ruled from the period between the early 18th In the evening, take a historical CHAMPAGNE century and 1948. WALK OF THE FALAKNUMA PALACE.
Visit the CHARMINAR AREA for a glimpse of Overnight at Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabadi life. It is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business and old world charm - a perfect slice of this city’s life. Walk through the LAAD BAZAR and the
NOTES FOR THE DAY: • Book spa treatments on arrival.Spa and treatments are fantastic and worth it. • At breakfast, have a Croissants - whole grain. • Sufi music at 6:30 is really lovely. Take a few hundred rupees to tip. • Palace tour at 5.30 is a must. • Have a room service dinner on your patio one night. 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
POST TRAVEL: OPTION 3:
14 FEB: HYDERABAD 15 FEB: DEPART HYDERABAD ______
After Breakfast, take a half day ARTS & FINAL DEPARTURE DAY. ACTIVITIES WILL CRAFTS TOUR of Hyderabad. DEPEND ON INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TIME.
- Andhra, like so much of India has had multiple OPTIONAL EXTRA: influences in the area of arts and crafts, be it Spend the day relaxing in the beautiful hotel. handloom weaving techniques or metal crafts, Have Tea, visit the personal Ittar (parfume), paintings or toy making. The crafts have been nature walks, yoga or the Jiva Spa. influenced by the material available locally or the skills learnt from traders or visitors to OR the area. Most of them flourished due to the encouragement received from the kings and OPTIONAL EXTRA: noblemen of the time. Do as the Hyderabadis do, which means getting an equal dose of SHOPPING AND GLAMOUR - Traditional weaves: Andhra has been home interspersed with the culture and art. to the most famous weaving techniques in silk and cotton; Pochampally, Mangalgiri, Upadda, In time transfer to the airport for your onward Gadwal and so many more. These colourful journey. weaves are used on saris, fabric and home linen.
- The Kalamkari technique, unique to this region came to Andhra in the 13th century through the trading route. It uses natural dyes on cloth either by using patterned blocks or by painting the pattern with a bamboo brush.
- Cherial paintings are based on the themes from the great Indian epics, employing traditional techniques with the use of vibrant colours. These paintings are created on cloth that might run to meters in length. Traditionally used as a backdrop for storytelling, today, they make brilliant, colourful pieces sure to add a splash of colour to a plain wall.
Return to palace for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure at the Palace.
OPTIONAL EXTRA: Final DINNER in the Taj Falaknuma. A 6 COURSE PRIVATE DINNER with flute player.
Overnight at Taj Falaknuma Palace 04-23 INCREDIBLE INDIA JOURNEY FEB DETAILED ITINERARY
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For me India is like a diamond, you can’t love just one thing, it has many facades and each one is so connected to the other. The architecture, the colour and smells, the people, the cul- ture, their traditions, the arts… Being a tourist in India, I always felt welcomed, there was a wonderful human contact with all your guides, escorts, your colleagues from Delhi. They were all caring and very professional. There is so much more that I want to say … words sometime are not enough to describe such an experience. Marcel and I travel a lot but this trip made us “hungry” for more. Wanting to experience different cultures, we came back invigorated! Mathy & Marcel Danon
The trip was absolutely incredible – exceeded our expectations on all fronts. Everything was seamless and the mix of activities kept even the most ADD amongst us fully engaged! Our friends fell in love with India (and with Timeless India Journeys) and you and your team have given us memories that will truly last a lifetime. The motorbike ride, the boats in the backwaters and the shul service were real highlights. Teesta, Raj and the rest of your team could not have been more accommodating, professional and warm and truly, this is the ONLY way to see India. Joanne Smollan
As you know, it was my dream to visit Varanasi. How often does one’s dream come true? Yes, it was an assault on the senses, and yes, it was disconcerting at times but what an insightful experience of the true India, as you so aptly put it. We have won- derful memories of sitting on the rooftop of our hotel with the slowly waning moon reflecting on the Ganges. Memories of our fire ritual (we did not take off our cotton bracelets until our arrival back home) and the colourful Aarti ceremony where we floated our candles & made a wish. Truly a spiritual journey. Suffice it to say that we enjoyed every minute of our time in India, thanks to your detailed planning, Casey, executed so well by you & your outstanding guides. Jeanette Fourie
“What I’ve learned about India – a country that for no explicable reason I fell in love with the first breath of hot, humid, smoky air – is the more I know, the more I know I don’t know. The multi-layered society, influenced at every level by caste, class and region, colourful, noisy, crazy and incredible, and under my skin; and I get the impression its under yours too! Thank you for organising it all so impeccably and with such care.” Sheryl Ginsburg