journeys to INDIA welcome to our journeys sans frontiÈrEs — π —

Welcome to Journeys to India, a collection of voyages that will uncover history from antiquity to the present day. We invite you to discover the lands of the old Raj, explore the mighty Himalayas, uncover the remains of the ancient Maurya and Gupta Kingdoms, see the sights of the legendary Moghul Empire in the North and the Chola Empire in the South, or follow in the footsteps of the Buddha.

Since 1978, Bestway Tours & Safaris has been pioneering tours to the home of so many civilizations and strives to give an understanding of the cultures and peoples who live there. As we travel in small groups, we bridge cultural divides through real people to people contact. The main focus of our tours is the pursuit of knowledge and a better understanding of the world we live in.

Our journeys also feature many World Heritage Sites, which form part of the cultural and natural heritage of the world and are considered to have outstanding universal value.

Our philosophy of Journeys Sans Frontières symbolizes the breaking of political and traditional boundaries. Our goal is to constantly innovate and provide you with a level of service that exceeds your expectations. This epitomizes our whole existence and allows us to go beyond where most travel companies will NOT take you.

The pages that follow should give you an idea of the vast variety of tours we have on offer to this part of the world. For a complete listing, more detailed itineraries, dates and prices please visit www.bestway.com and www.worldheritagetours.com.

We feel very confident and comfortable in tailoring custom tour programs to suit your own areas of interest and dates, be it for a single person or a group. Planning your tour is more than just coordinating the logistics. In each journey we plan, we fulfill our passion to create connections between the traveller and the welcoming hosts at all our destinations.

The Bestway Tours & Safaris team looks forward to being of service to you, both here and at your destination.

Happy Journeys!

dr. mahmood m. poonja Chief Explorer our fascinating journeys

4 india: northern & southern heritage A comprehensive cultural insight of India

6 india: western heritage A journey through Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madyha Pradesh

7 india: eastern heritage A tour of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam & Arunachal Pradesh

8 indian himalayas A journey to Ladakh, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh

9 journey to the ganges A journey to India’s spiritual heart

10 royal rajasthan A journey through the regal heritage of this vibrant desert state

11 india’s forts and palaces Experience absolute luxury on this journey to the heart of India

12 tiger trails An Indian wildlife safari

13 best of south india A tour of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry & Karnataka

14 about our tours Journeys sans Frontierès

journeys sans frontières...since 1978 3 India: Northern & Southern Heritage A comprehensive cultural insight — π —

Taj Mahal, Agra

DAY 2 DELHI The Northern Heritage NOTE: Optional special full moon visit of starts with an exploration of New and Old the Taj Mahal. Delhi including Birla House, India Gate, DAY 9 AGRA • FATEHPUR SKIRI • JAIPUR Humayun’s Tomb*, Qutub Minar*, Red Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri* and the Salim Fort*, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. Chisty mausoleum, followed by a journey DAY 3 DELHI • AMRITSAR Deluxe train through rural Rajasthan to the pink city of ride to Amritsar, followed by a visit of the Jaipur. India-Pakistan Border at Wagah to witness DAY 10 JAIPUR We take an elephant the spectacular flag lowering ceremony at ride uphill to the intriguing Amber sunset. Palace, followed by visits to the Palace of DAY 4 AMRITSAR • DELHI Visit of Winds, the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, Observatory* in the Royal Palace of Jaipur Jallianwala Bagh memorial garden. and the colourful bazaar. Afternoon train to Delhi and transfer to our hotel. DAY 11 JAIPUR • AURANGABAD Flight to Aurangabad. Arrival transfer to our hotel. DAY 5 DELHI • VARANASI Short flight to Balance of the day at leisure. Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir & Banaras DAY 12 AURANGABAD • AJANTA CAVES Hindu University. Evening witness the An interesting day excursion to the ancient spectacular Aarti ceremony on the Ghats by Rock-cut monuments and cave temples of the Ganges. Ajanta*. DAY 6 VARANASI • KHAJURAHO Sunrise DAY 13 AURANGABAD • - ELLORA A unique journey that traverses the cruise on the River Ganges to observe the CAVES • MUMBAI Morning excursion of subcontinent from North to South to morning rituals of the Hindu pilgrims on the remarkable Ellora Caves*, Daulatabad give you a comprehensive overview the riverbanks. Visit the ancient Buddhist Fort and Bibi-Ka-Maqbra Mausoleum. in 29 days. site of Sarnath. Flight to Khajuraho, Flight to Mumbai. The itinerary has been designed in followed by a visit of the 11th century IMPORTANT NOTE: Passengers arriving for such a way that you have a choice of temples of Khajuraho*. Evening free. the Southern Heritage Tour will be received at also doing only the Northern Heritage DAY 7 KHAJURAHO • ORCHHA • AGRA Mumbai Airport and transferred to the hotel Tour (15 days) or the Southern Visit the medieval fortress-city of Orchha, on this day. Heritage Tour (17 days). before heading to Jhansi to board our luxury train to Agra and transfer to our hotel. Part 2: The Southern Heritage Part 1: The Northern Heritage DAY 8 AGRA Marvel at the Taj Mahal* at sunrise, followed by visits of Agra Fort*, DAY 14 MUMBAI Excursion to the DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed Itmad-Ud-Daulah Mausoleum and seeing Elephanta Caves*, followed by visits to the at the airport and transferred to our hotel. artisans doing inlay marble work. Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum,

4 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com Discover 5000 years of India’s rich history in two combined journeys. — π —

Young boy at a juice stand in Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria DAY 21 MYSORE • OOTY Travel through of Kanchipuram, followed by a short drive Terminus)*, Mani Bhawan Museum, the eucalyptus forests to the hill resort of Ooty. to Chennai where our visits include the Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Tower Of Enjoy free time at Ooty. National Art Gallery & Museum, St. Mary’s Silence, Crawford Market and the Dhobi Church, Peoples Park and beautiful Marina DAY 22 OOTY • NILGIRI MOUNTAIN Ghat laundry. Evening free. Beach. RAILWAY Visit the Botanical Gardens, DAY 15 MUMBAI • GOA Flight to Goa Lamb’s rock and Dodabetta Peak, followed DAY 29 MAHABALIPURAM After a where we are welcomed and transferred to by an exciting steam train ride on the comprehensive exploration right from the our hotel. historical Nilgiri Mountain Railway*. North to the South, we bid farewell to India. Transfer for departure flight. IMPORTANT NOTE: Passengers doing only DAY 23 OOTY • KODAIKANAL Travel the Northern Heritage Tour will be transferred through scenic hills to the peaceful hill * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site to Mumbai Airport for their departure on this station of Kodaikanal, followed by a boat day. ride on Kodaikanal Lake. DAY 16 GOA Visit of the Baroque DAY 24 KODAIKANAL • MADURAI Churches of Goa*. Rest of the day is free to Explore the diverse countryside of relax on the beach. Tamil Nadu. Later at Madurai we visit the Dravidian Sri Meenakshi Temple, DAY 17 GOA • HYDERABAD Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and the rich Morning free to continue enjoying Goa’s Temple Art Museum. beaches. Short flight to Hyderabad and transfer to our hotel. DAY 25 MADURAI • THANJAVUR Continue exploring rural Tamil Nadu. On DAY 18 HYDERABAD Visit the our way to Thanjavur we visit the historical Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Husain Sagar Brihadishwara Temple*, Tanjore Palace and Lake with its Buddha statue on an island, the Museum. Evening free. Salar Jung Museum and magnificent Golconda Fort. Evening free. DAY 26 THANJAVUR • PONDICHERRY A different India awaits us, as we drive to DAY 19 HYDERABAD • BANGALORE the former French colony of Pondicherry Flight to Bangalore. Bangalore exploration and visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. includes visits of the Vidhana Soudha, TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan’s Palace museum DAY 27 PONDICHERRY • — π — and the majestic Lal Bagh Gardens. MAHABALIPURAM Our journey takes us Artistically designed tour of India from to Mahabalipuram* to visit the group of DAY 20 BANGALORE • MYSORE North to South. sanctuaries founded by the Pallava kings We discover rural Karnataka including on the Coromandel Coast. Visit 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. the island fortress of Srirangapatam. At Mysore we visit the Maharajah’s Palace, DAY 28 MAHABALIPURAM • 4 deluxe daytime train rides Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi KANCHIPURAM • CHENNAI Day to enjoy the scenery. Shiva’s Mount. Overnight at Mysore. excursion to visit the incredible temples journeys sans frontières...since 1978 5 India: Western Heritage A jouney through Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madyha Pradesh — π —

The Ellora Caves World Heritage Site

DAY 7 INDORE • MANDU Excursion DAY 16 MUMBAI Excursion to the to Mandu to visit the Jahaz Mahal, Taveli Elephanta Caves*, followed by visits to the Mahal, Asharafi Mahal, Tomb of Hoshang Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Shah, the Jain Temple, Jama Masjid, Baz Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Bahadur’s Palace, Rupmati’s Pavalion, Terminus)*, Mani Bhawan Museum, the Darya Khan ‘s Tomb and Nil Kanth Palace. Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Tower Of Silence, Crawford Market and the Dhobi DAY 8 MANDU • AHMEDABAD Ghat laundry. Afternoon free. A fascinating drive through the countryside brings us to Ahmedabad. Rest of the day is free. DAY 17 MUMBAI After our incredible journey of marvelling at Western India’s DAY 9 AHMEDABAD Explore the heritage, we are transferred to the airport. city with visits to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, the Siddhi Sayad * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed at Masjid, Swaminarayan Temple and other the airport and transferred to our hotel. monuments. DAY 10 DAY 2 DELHI The Western Heritage Tour AHMEDABAD • RAJKOT Drive to starts with an exploration of New and Old the capital of the former princely state of Delhi including India Gate, Connaught Saurashtra, followed by an exploration of Place, Humayun’s Tomb*, Qutub Minar*, Rajkot. Red Fort*, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. DAY 11 RAJKOT • BHUJ An interesting DAY 3 DELHI • AGRA Deluxe train ride to drive through rural Gujarat brings us to Agra, followed by a visit of the Taj Mahal*, Bhuj. Rest of the day is free. Agra Fort*, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Mausoleum DAY 12 BHUJ Visit the Aina Mahal with and seeing artisans doing inlay marble the Maharao Sinh Madansinhji Museum, work. NOTE: Optional special full moon Prag Mahal, the new palace and the Kutch visit of the Taj Mahal. Museum, the oldest in Gujarat. DAY 4 AGRA • BHOPAL Deluxe train ride DAY 13 BHUJ • Aurangabad to Bhopal, followed by a tour including Jama Flight to Aurangabad Arrival transfer to our Masjid, Moti Masjid and Ta-ul-Masajidi. hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS DAY 5 SANCHI Explore Sanchi*, a group of DAY 14 AURANGABAD An interesting — π — Buddhist monuments with perfect and well- day excursion to the ancient Rock-cut preserved stupas and the Bhimbetka Caves* monuments and cave temples of Ajanta*. Visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. DAY 6 BHOPAL • UJJAIN • INDORE DAY 15 AURANGABAD • ELLORA CAVES Step into the Buddhist, Afghan Visits to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in • MUMBAI Morning excursion of the and Moghul legacy of India. Ujjain, as well as Kanch Mandir and The remarkable Ellora Caves*. Flight to Mumbai Explore rarely visited parts of India. Lal Bagh Palace in Indore. Evening free. and transfer to the hotel.

6 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com India: Eastern Heritage A tour of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam & Arunachal Pradesh — π —

Victoria Memorial at sunset, Kolkata

DAY 7 KOLKATA • BHALUKPONG Flight DAY 15 DARJEELING • KOLKATA After an to Guwahati and transfer to Bhalukpong, incredible Eastern Heritage Tour of India, next to the Pakhui Game Sanctuary. Visit we are transferred to Bagdogra Airport for the Kamakhya Temple and a World War II our departure flight. cemetery. * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 8 BHALUKPONG • DIRANG Visit Dirang. Continue to Tipi Orchid House. DAY 9 DIRANG • TAWANG Visit Dirang Dzong and the village followed by a journey through the Eastern Himalayas to Tawang, a major center of Mahayana Buddhism, via the Sela Pass. DAY 10 TAWANG Visit Tawang DAY 1 HYDERABAD Arrival. We are Monastery, largest Tibetan monastery in welcomed at the airport and transferred to India, interact with the lamas and visit a our hotel. Monpa tribal village. Evening free. DAY 2 HYDERABAD Visit the Charminar DAY 11 TAWANG • BOMDILA Drive mosque, Mecca Masjid, Falaknuma Palace, from Tawang to the Buddhist monastery Husain Sagar Lake with its statue of the of Bomdila with spectacular views of the Buddha and Salar Jung museum. Himalayan Range. DAY 3 HYDERABAD • BHUBANESWAR DAY 12 BOMDILA • TEZPUR Today we Short flight to Bhubaneswar, followed reach the plains of Assam as we head to by a visit to the Rajarani, Mukteshwar, Tezpur, to visit Cole Park, with sculptures Parasurameswar and Lingaraja temples. depicting local Assamese folklore and the market. DAY 4 PURI AND KONARK. Full day excursion to the Jagannath temple in Puri DAY 13 TEZPUR • DARJEELING Transfer TOUR HIGHLIGHTS and the Sun Temple in Konark*. to Guwahati for our flight to Bagdogra, followed by an interesting journey along — π — DAY 5 BHUBANESWAR • KOLKATA beautiful tea gardens to Darjeeling. Visit remote Tibetan monasteries Free morning followed by a flight to Kolkata in the Himalayas. and transfer to hotel. DAY 14 DARJEELING Proceed to Tiger Hill to view the sunrise over the lofty Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan DAY 6 KOLKATA Visit the flower market, Himalayas, followed by a ride on the Railway World Heritage Site. Belur Math, the Kali Temple, Victoria Darjeeling Himalayan Railway* and visits Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Fort Explore the magnificent temples of the Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan William, Raj Bhawan and the High Court. of Orissa. Zoo and the Natural History Museum. journeys sans frontières...since 1978 7 Indian Himalayas A journey to Ladakh, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh — π —

Klu-kkhyil Gompa at Likir, Ladakh

DAY 7 KARGIL • SRINAGAR We descend DAY 14 SHIMLA Explore the British from the Zojila pass toward the verdant Vale heritage of this hill station visiting the of Kashmir. Upon arrival in Srinagar we are Mall, Christ Church and the Shimla State transferred to a lovely house boat on Lake Museum. Rest of the day is free to relax. Dal for our stay. DAY 15 SHIMLA • CHANDIGARH Drive DAY 8 SRINAGAR Today we explore the to city designed by Le Corbusier to visit Mughal Gardens of Chashme Shahi, Nishat the Capital Complex, Sukhna Lake, Rose Bagh and Shalimar Gardens, followed by a Garden and the unique Rock Garden, visit of the old city of Srinagar, including created by Nek Chand. Jama Masjid, Shar Hamdan Mosque and DAY 16 CHANDIGARH • DELHI Drive Hari Parbat. Evening is free to take an to Delhi. Rest of the day is free for last optional boat ride in a shikara on Dal Lake. minute shopping. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner. DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed at DAY 9 SRINAGAR Excursion to enchanting the airport and transferred to our hotel. Gulmarg, a forested valley surrounded DAY 17 DELHI After an enlightening DAY 2 DELHI Exploration of Delhi by snow clad peaks, followed by a visit to experience in the Indian Himalayas, we are including Birla House, India Gate, Khilanmarg and beautiful Wular Lake. transferred to the airport. Humayun’s Tomb*, Qutub Minar*, Red * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 10 SRINAGAR • JAMMU A drive Fort*, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. through Qazi Gund, Ramban, Patnitom, DAY 3 DELHI • LEH Flight to Leh in Batote, Kud and Udhampur and the Banihal Ladakh and transfer to our hotel. Balance Tunnel brings us to Jammu, the winter of the day free. capital of Jammu and Kashmir. DAY 4 Excursion to Shey, once the LEH DAY 11 JAMMU • DHARAMSALA residence of the royal family, followed A refreshing drive through dense by visits of the Buddhist monasteries of coniferous forests takes us to the village of Thiksey and Hemis. McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, home of the DAY 5 LEH Morning excursion to the Dalai Lama in exile. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Spituk and Phyang monasteries, followed by — π — an afternoon walk to the King’s Palace, Leh DAY 12 DHARAMSALA Visit the Explore a vast diversity of mountain Mosque, Leh Gompa, Shankar Gompa, and Bhagsunath temple, the SOS Tibetan cultures and enjoy rarely visited Ladakh, Leh Bazaar. Refugee Camp & School and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Monastery. Kashmir & Himachal Pradesh. DAY 6 LEH • KARGIL A fascinating drive Stay in a lovely houseboat in Kashmir along the Indus River in a barren part of the DAY 13 DHARAMSALA • SHIMLA Himalayas in Ladakh brings us to Kargil. A beautiful scenic drive through fertile Encounter the living Buddhist and En route we visit the Buddhist monasteries valleys and forests brings us to our hotel in Muslim Heritage of the region. of Likir, Basgo and Alchi. Shimla. Rest of the day is free to relax.

8 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com Journey to the Ganges A journey to India’s spiritual heart — π —

Boats on the Ganges River, Varanasi

DAY 7 DELHI • MATHURA • AGRA DAY 14 LUCKNOW • KOLKATA Short Visit Mathura, birthplace of Lord Krishna, flight to Kolkata. Rest of the day is free. before heading to Agra. Balance of the day DAY 15 KOLKATA Visit the Victoria at leisure. Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Fort DAY 8 AGRA Experience sunrise at the William, Raj Bhawan and the High Court. Taj Mahal* followed by visits to Agra Fort*, Afternoon free to visit the famous coffee Fatehpur Sikri* and the Salim Chisty houses of Calcutta. mausoleum. NOTE: Optional special full DAY 16 KOLKATA After our incredible moon visit of the Taj Mahal. journey of India from West to East, we are DAY 9 AGRA • ORCHHA • KHAJURAHO transferred to the airport for our departure Deluxe train ride to Jhansi then visit flight. Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed at followed by a journey to Khajuraho. the airport and transferred to our hotel. DAY 10 KHAJURAHO • VARANASI Visit DAY 2 DELHI Our exploration of New of the 11th century temples of Khajuraho*, Delhi includes India Gate, Humayun’s followed by a short flight to Varanasi. We Tomb*, Qutub Minar*, Lotus Temple and witness the spectacular Aarti Ceremony on Iskcon Temple. Afternoon free the Ghat by the Ganges in the evening. DAY 3 DELHI Today we explore Old Delhi, DAY 11 VARANASI Sunrise cruise on including the famous Red Fort*, the Jama the River Ganges to observe the morning Masjid - India’s largest mosque, Raj Ghat rituals of the Hindu pilgrims, followed by and Chandni Chowk bazaar. Evening visits to the Durga temple, Tulsi Manas a spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Mandir, Banaras Hindu University, Red Fort. Aurangazeb’s Mosque and the ancient DAY 4 DELHI • HARIDWAR • RISHIKESH Buddhist site of Sarnath. Travel by deluxe train to Haridwar, from DAY 12 VARANASI • ALLAHABAD We where we continue to Rishikesh, an visit Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Museum, TOUR HIGHLIGHTS important Hindu pilgrimage site. Anand Bhawan, Swaraj Bhawan and the — π — DAY 5 RISHIKESH Free day to enjoy holy place of Sangam at the confluence of Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga or watch the the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Follow the path of believers at the temples. DAY 13 ALLAHABAD • LUCKNOW the holy Ganges River. DAY 6 RISHIKESH • HARIDWAR • DELHI Our journey through Uttar Pradesh takes At Haridwar witness the Aarti Ceremony us to the Moghul city of Lucknow. Visit the Experience a unique journey to India’s on the shores of the Ganges, before taking Bara Imambara, the beautiful clock tower most sacred and venerable places. the overnight train to Delhi. and the Jama Masjid. journeys sans frontières...since 1978 9 Royal Rajasthan A journey through the regal heritage of this vibrant desert state — π —

Camels at sunset near Pushkar

DAY 7 JAIPUR Ride up the hill on an DAY 15 JAISALMER • BIKANER Drive to elephant to Amber Palace, followed by visits Bikaner, followed by visits of Junagadh Fort, to the Palace of Winds, the Jantar Mantar Lalgarh Palace with a visit to an interesting Astronomical Observatory* in the Royal camel breeding farm set in the sand dunes. Palace of Jaipur and the colourful bazaar. DAY 16 BIKANER • DESHNOKE DAY 8 JAIPUR • PUSHKAR Explore •MANDAWA A fascinating visit of the another facet of Rajasthan in Pushkar. famous Rat Temple dedicated to the Here we visit the historical Lord Brahma Goddess Karni Mata, followed by visits to Temple and the bathing Ghats around its the painted havelis around Mandawa. holy lake. Afternoon free. DAY 17 MANDAWA • DELHI We drive to Delhi for our farewell dinner and transfer DAY 9 PUSHKAR • UDAIPUR Journey to the airport for our departure flight. through the villages of rural Rajasthan to DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed at Udaipur. Evening free. * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site the airport and transferred to our hotel. DAY 10 UDAIPUR Visit the City Palace, DAY 2 DELHI Our exploration of Old Delhi Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar includes the famous Red Fort*, Jama Masjid, Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, followed by a Raj Ghat and Chandni Chowk bazaar. boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the Jag DAY 3 DELHI • AGRA Explore New Mandir Gardens. Delhi visiting Birla House, India Gate, DAY 11 UDAIPUR • RANAKPUR Explore Humayun’s Tomb* and the Qutub Minar* other aspects of Rajasthan as we make our before continuing to Agra. way to Ranakpur and visit the incredible DAY 4 AGRA • FATEHPUR SIKRI Jain Temples. Balance of the day free. At sunrise visit the Taj Mahal*, followed by DAY 12 visits to the Agra Fort*, Fatehpur Sikri* and RANAKPUR • JODHPUR Drive to TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Jodhpur, followed by visits to Mehrangarh the Salim Chisty mausoleum. — π — NOTE: Optional special full moon visit of Fort, Jaswant Thada and the museum at the Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Taj Mahal. Umaid Bhawan Palace. Explore amazing deserts DAY 5 AGRA • RANTHAMBORE Explore DAY 13 JODHPUR • JAISALMER Explore Rajasthan on our way to Ranthambore the scenic Thar Desert on our way to and natural parks. National Park. Afternoon we board our Jaisalmer. Rest of the day is free. Marvel at the architectural jewels safari vehicles for our first jungle safari DAY 14 JAISALMER Morning tour of of the Mughal Empire. to trace the Royal Bengal Tiger. the fort, the 11th century Jain temples, Elephant ride at Amber Fort DAY 6 RANTHAMBORE • JAIPUR Another Gadisar Tank, the Folk Museum and Desert safari on a camel at sunset with morning game safari before embarking on Patwan ki Haveli. Enjoy a Camel Safari in Rajasthani folk dances a scenic drive to Jaipur. Enjoy a Rajasthan the spectacular desert sunset. Rajasthani Cultural Dance performance with dinner. cultural show and dinner in the evening.

10 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com India’s Forts & Palaces Experience absolute luxury on this journey to the heart of India — π —

Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur

DAY 7 JAIPUR Ride up the hill on an DAY 15 DEVIGARH • UDAIPUR Our elephant to Amber Palace, followed by visits journey today takes us to the majestic Lake to the Palace of Winds, the Jantar Mantar Palace Hotel. Visit the City Palace, Bhim Astronomical Observatory* in the Royal Vilas Palace, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Palace of Jaipur and the colourful bazaar. Lake & Saheliyon Ki Bari. Next is a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir Gardens. DAY 8 JAIPUR • JODHPUR Visit Nimaj Palace, before continuing on for a 2-night DAY 16 UDAIPUR • MUMBAI Short flight Maharaja experience at the Umaid Bhawan to Mumbai and transfer to the historical Taj Palace Hotel in Jodhpur. Mahal Palace & Towers Hotel. Dinner at the famous Indigo Restaurant. DAY 9 JODHPUR Visit of the outstanding Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and DAY 17 MUMBAI Boat excursion to DAY 1 DELHI Arrival. We are welcomed at Mandore Gardens. Balance of the day free. Elephanta Caves*, followed by visits to the the airport and transferred for our 3-night Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, stay at the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel. DAY 10 JODHPUR • JAISALMER Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Lal Niwas Phalodi before checking in at the Terminus)*, Mani Bhawan Museum, Jain DAY 2 DELHI Explore New Delhi visiting incredible Fort Rajwada, a princely home Temple, Hanging Gardens, Tower Of Silence, Birla House, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb* built on 6 acres. Afternoon free. Crawford Market and the Dhobi Ghat. and the Qutub Minar*. Welcome dinner. DAY 3 DELHI Our exploration of Old DAY 11 JAISALMER Morning visit of the DAY 18 MUMBAI After an incredible Delhi includes the famous Red Fort*, Jama fort, Jain temples, Gadisar Tank, the Folk and luxurious journey with your personal Masjid, Raj Ghat and Chandni Chowk Museum & Patwan ki Haveli. Free afternoon. guide-escort, you are transferred to the bazaar with an exciting ride in traditional At sunset enjoy a Camel Safari, followed by a international airport. rickshaws. Evening: Enjoy a spectacular Rajasthani cultural show & dinner. Sound and Light Show at the Red Fort. * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 12 JAISALMER • MIHIRGARH DAY 4 DELHI • AGRA Visit Sikandra and Explore the Thar Desert and Manvar check in at the majestic Oberoi Amarvilas. Resort. We will stay 2 nights at the Fort NOTE: Evening an optional special full Hotel in the Mihirgarh mud fort, where we TOUR HIGHLIGHTS moon visit of the Taj Mahal. g e t t o e n j o y t h e e q u e s t r i a n p r o g r a m . — π — DAY 5 AGRA Visit the Taj Mahal* at DAY 13 MIHIRGARH Participate in a Luxury accommodation throughout at sunrise, Agra Fort* and see artisans doing culinary demonstration and workshop on the renowned Taj and Palace Hotels. inlay marble work. Afternoon free. In the traditional Rajasthani food. evening we are treated to a traditional Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indian dance show at the Kalakriti Theatre. DAY 14 MIHIRGARH • RANAKPUR • Marvel at the architectural jewels of the DAY 6 AGRA • FATEHPUR SIKRI • JAIPUR KUMBHALGARH • DEVIGARH Visit the Mughal Empire. Visit Fatehpur Sikri* and the Salim Chisty incredible Ranakpur Jain temples and Unique Fort & Palace experiences Mausoleum. Drive to Jaipur. 2 nights at the Kumbhalgarh Fort, before arriving at incredible Rambagh Palace Hotel. Devigarh Fort Palace Hotel. journeys sans frontières...since 1978 11 Tiger Trails An Indian wildlife safari — π —

Royal Bengal Tiger

DAY 6 KANHA Morning and evening DAY 15 DELHI Explore Old and New game drives to sight tigers, cheetah, Delhi visiting India Gate, Connaught sambar, nilgai, jackals, gaur, langurs and Place, Qutub Minar*, Raj Ghat, the Red the more than 210 species of birds. Fort*, Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk bazaar. DAY 7 KANHA • BANDHAVGARH Explore the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh on DAY 16 DELHI With memories of India’s our journey to Bandhavgarh National Park, incredible nature and culture, we are followed by an exploration of the park. transferred to the airport. DAY 8 BANDHAVGARH Morning and evening game drives to locate more tigers * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site and other wild life sightings. DAY 9 BANDHAVGARH • PANNA DAY 1 MUMBAI Arrival. We are Explore Panna National Park, one of the welcomed and transferred to our hotel. most famous Tiger Reserves in the world followed by a game safari through the park. DAY 2 MUMBAI Visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves*, Prince of Wales DAY 10 PANNA NATIONAL PARK • Museum, Mani Bhawan, Jain Temple, KHAJURAHO Morning and evening game Hanging Gardens, Crawford Market, the drives for wildlife sighting. Afternoon Dhobi Ghat laundry, Flora Fountain and excursion to the Khajuraho Temples*. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria DAY 11 PANNA • ORCHHA • AGRA Terminus)*. Afternoon free. Visit the medieval fortress-city of Orchha, DAY 3 MUMBAI • NAGPUR • PENCH followed by a transfer to Jhansi to take a Flight to Nagpur, followed by a visit of the deluxe train ride to Agra. Ramtek temples and Diksha Bhoomi. We DAY 12 AGRA At sunrise visit the Taj Mahal*, continue our journey to Pench National followed by Agra Fort. NOTE: Optional special TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Park. Enjoy nature in the park. full moon visit of the Taj Mahal. — π — DAY 4 PENCH NATIONAL PARK A very DAY 13 AGRA • FATEHPUR SIKRI • Follow in the path of exciting day as we have our first game BHARATPUR Visit Fatehpur Sikri* and the the Royal Bengal Tiger safari. Morning and evening game drives Salim Chisty mausoleum. Continue to the Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. tracing tigers and other wildlife sightings. Keoladeo National Park*, home to over 300 Marvel at the architectural jewels DAY 5 PENCH • KANHA A journey species of birds. of the Mughal Empire. through the landscapes described by DAY 14 BHARATPUR • DELHI Short drive Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” to Delhi. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Visit 5 National Parks with brings us to Kanha National Park. Evening an optional Sound and Light Show over 8 game drives Afternoon free for relaxation. at the Red Fort*.

12 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com Best of South India A tour of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry & Karnataka — π —

Beach near Kovalam, Kerala

DAY 6 THEKKADY A unique experience DAY 14 PONDICHERRY • as we go for a Jungle Walk at the Periyar MAHABALIPURAM • CHENNAI Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by a leisurely Travel along the Coromandel Coast to boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals Mahabalipuram* to visit the group of in their natural habitat. sanctuaries founded by the Pallava kings, followed by a short drive to Chennai. DAY 7 THEKKADY • KUMARAKOM We cruise down to Kumarakom on the DAY 15 CHENNAI Visit the National Art Malabar Coast to board our traditional Gallery & Museum, St. Mary’s Church, houseboat and begin our journey through People’s Park and Marina Beach. Afternoon the picturesque Backwaters of Kerala. free. DAY 16 CHENNAI • MYSORE Deluxe DAY 8 ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM Disembark train ride to Mysore, followed by a tour, at Alleppey followed by a short drive DAY 1 MUMBAI Arrival. We are welcomed including the Maharajah’s Palace, Sri Kovalam. Free day to enjoy the beach. at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi DAY 2 MUMBAI Visit the Gateway DAY 9 KOVALAM Free day to enjoy the Shiva’s Mount. Evening free. of India, Prince of Wales Museum, beach. Kovalam is also famous for spas DAY 17 MYSORE • SRIRANGAPATAM • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria offering Ayurvedic treatments. BANGALORE Explore Karnataka visiting Terminus)*, Mani Bhawan Museum. From DAY 10 KOVALAM • KANYAKUMARI • Srirangapatam en-route to Bangalore, where here we leave for Jain Temple and Hanging MADURAI Scenic drive to Kanyakumari we visit Vidhan Soudha, Cubbon Park, Tipu gardens, Tower Of Silence, Crawford Market and visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari Sultan’s Palace and Lal Bagh Gardens. and the Dhobi Ghat laundry. Free evening and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on the DAY 18 BANGALORE Free day in to enjoy Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Bangalore followed by a farewell dinner DAY 3 MUMBAI • COCHIN Flight to followed by an interesting drive to Madurai. before we are transferred to the airport for Cochin and transfer to our hotel. Balance our departure flight. DAY 11 MADURAI Visit the Dravidian of the day free. Sri Meenakshi Temple and the Tirumalai * Denotes a UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 4 COCHIN Visit St. Francis Church, Nayaka Temple and the Temple Art Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter Museum. Afternoon free. with its old synagogue, the Dutch Palace TOUR HIGHLIGHTS followed by boat cruise to the Bolghatty DAY 12 MADURAI • THANJAVUR We — π — Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy explore rural Tamil Nadu on our way Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. a Kathakali Dance Performance in the to Thanjavur to visit the Brihadishwara evening. Temple*, Tanjore Palace and the Museum. Enjoy a cruise on a houseboat through the Backwaters of Kerala. DAY 5 COCHIN • THEKKADY We travel DAY 13 THANJAVUR • PONDICHERRY from the Malabar Coast to Thekkady to visit A different India awaits us, as we drive to Discover the beauty of Dravidian a spice plantation and then continue along the former French colony of Pondicherry to architecture of Southern India. the gentle hills of Kerala. visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. journeys sans frontières...since 1978 13 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Bestway Tours & Safaris — π —

About our company own customized itinerary. With over 30 years of experience in We have been operating small group cultural journeys since 1978. Our planning and operating tours worldwide we are well equipped headquarters are in Vancouver, BC, Canada and we have operated tours to create tailor-made private tour itineraries that recognize to over 100 countries. We provide unparalleled travel experiences that your individuality and do not crowd your point of view. We also traverse political borders hence journeys sans frontières. organise special interest tours and we can help you customize a special tour for you or your group. Below are some of the special Our philosophy interest tours we have operated. Planning your journey is more than just coordinating the logistics. In each tour we plan, we fulfill our passion to create connections World Heritage Tours between the intrepid traveller and the welcoming hosts at all our UNESCO’s World Heritage List includes over 900 properties that destinations. We make travel to remote locations accessible and form part of the cultural and natural heritage of our world. This on our journeys travelers will come to see the world in a whole recognition by UNESCO is based on sites having outstanding new way. We are committed to providing you with superior quality universal value. Our specialized division, World Heritage Tours travel at real value-per-dollar prices. designs special journeys in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe About our Tours and the Americas that focus on these sites. These itineraries do not Majority of our tours operate on small group basis where the only cover World Heritage sites, but also present beautiful scenery minimum tour size is two and the maximum is limited to between and offer genuine interaction with the local people to appreciate 7 and 16 persons. Once the minimum tour size is met, the tour will the cultural diversity of the places we visit. not be cancelled hence you are assured of a guaranteed operation. There are a small number of tours where the minimum and Natural Heritage Tours maximum tour size is different or tours which do not operate on Explore some of the most remote & scenic regions of our planet small group basis. Each tour itinerary clearly identifies the tour with biologists, naturalists or renowned wildlife photographers on size of that particular tour. All our tours include daily breakfast our tours focused on Natural Heritage. Our Bird-watching Tours and many other meals as mentioned in the itinerary. Please always have been designed to satisfy the needs of all types of birders, from consult our website www.bestway.com for specific details of all the the novice bird watcher to the seasoned ornithologist. inclusions and exclusions. Astronomical Tours Customized & Special Interest Tours We have organized astronomy-based tours that follow solar & You might find one of our scheduled itineraries appealing, but lunar eclipses, meteor showers all over the world, even on board the dates don’t work for you, or the tour doesn’t include a site of specially chartered scientific exploration ships. These tours you want to see, or perhaps you simply prefer to create your are led by the renowned authorities on astronomy and the art of photographing eclipses.

14 for dates and prices visit www.bestway.com Musicians walking in the desert, Rajasthan

Faith-based Tours Women Only Groups These journeys follow in the path of the great religions with an These tours have been designed exclusively for women, so they gain emphasis in the vast cultural diversity of our world. Whether more insight by experiencing first hand cultural aspects that are only you are interested in the great Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, for females in many regions and cultures. We have also added special Christianity or Islam or wish to follow in the footsteps of Buddha or touches for a safe and gratifying tour: Tour escorts & managers that discover the myriad beliefs of the Indian Subcontinent, we combine are women; boutique & luxury hotels that are well-located and special the religious aspects of each trip with visits to traditional sites. sightseeing that goes beyond, such as visits to private homes.

Culinary Tours Journeys Sans Frontières to unique destinations Our unique culinary tours take us from local bazaars and markets Our journeys have no borders. We cover destinations that are to carefully chosen restaurants and private homes. As we sample difficult to get to and represent a challenge in terms of accessibility. the local cuisine and interact with our hosts we learn how climate We have pioneered tours to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and geography, traditions and religion have all had an influence in North Korea, Sudan, East Timor, Socotra Island and even Bouvet making a cuisine unique. Although the main emphasis is on food, Island, the most remote island in the world. these itineraries do include comprehensive sightseeing and plenty The Bestway Club of cultural activities. We carefully research destinations that have Many of our friends, who have shared their journey experiences enticed, tantalized and intrigued the travelling gourmet. with us, have asked us to keep them informed about new programs we develop. In order to facilitate this, we started the Bestway Club. Textiles, Arts & Craft Tours Membership is free and open to anyone. With your membership, We have arranged many tours that focus on the creation and use of not only will you receive regular notifications of our new programs, textiles, pottery & other crafts in other cultures, including meeting but you’ll also be given access to special discounts on our many the artisans. Over the years Bestway Tours & Safaris has organized exciting journeys. You may cancel your membership at any time specialized tours for a number of universities, museums and other and your name will not be shared or sold. renowned institutions. — π — Railway Journeys We offer journeys aboard luxurious private trains of the highest visit www.bestway.com quality, including meals, sightseeing, entertainment and many or call us at 1.800.663.0844 special touches in India, China, Mongolia, Russia, Europe and Photography by Peter Langer Africa. Many of our tours include excursions on Heritage Railways www.peterlanger.com all over the world.

journeys sans frontières...since 1978 15 Suite 206–8678 Greenall Avenue Burnaby, British Columbia Canada V5J 3M6

Tel: +1-604-264-7378 Toll Free: 1-800-663-0844

Fax: +1-604-264-7774 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.bestway.com, www.worldheritagetours.com

journeys to bestwAy tours journeys to egypt eAsterN europe & sAfArIs & russIA

journeysjourneys toto journeys to journeys to INDIA ceceNNtrtrAlA lA frAsIIAcA south AmerIcA & mIDDIDDlele eeAstst

journeys to journeys to journeys to india & South aSia southeAst AsIA AfrIcA & the orIeNt

Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Afghanistan & Tibet

Printed on recyled paper Licence #592