Incredible Indian Tours Heartlands of 24 Days Goa to Kolkata 22nd Nov - 14th Dec 2021

Maximum Group Size 10 Entrance Fees Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary Accommodation 21 nights hotels, 2 nights overnight sleeper train Starts in Panjim, Goa on Monday 22nd November 2021 Transport Airport Transfers, Train, Private vehicle, Cycle Rickshaws, Finishes in Kolkata on Tuesday 14th December 2021 Auto Rickshaws, Taxis as required for sightseeing Cost From USD5190 (USD6180 including Optional Single Meals 1 dinner, 22 breakfasts, 2 lunches Supplement)

A journey traversing the breadth of India, taking roads less travelled through rarely explored towns and cities of the heartlands of India. Beginning our journey in Panjim, the Portuguese influenced capital of Goa, we travel north and east through ancient villages and world heritage sites once major cities or holy towns. We explore rock-cut temples of sculptural extravagance, grand Muslim mausoleums and the commercial capital - dazzling Mumbai. Afghani fortresses and Buddhist stupas, Hindu Palaces and the crumbling British heritage of Kolkata lead to a fascinating and exotic trip through an India which is all at once traditional, exotic, bizarre and totally unexpected.

ITINERARY Day 14 Burhanpur (Ajanta Caves) We head today to Ajanta before stopping the night at Burhanpur. The Day 1 Panjim Ajanta Caves date from around 200BC and comprise of around 30 Arrival Day. No group activities today. In the evening there will be a rock-cut Buddhist caves. With intricate carvings and stunning frescoes, welcome meeting before dinner. the Ajanta caves have also been proclaimed a World Heritage site.

Day 2 Panjim Days 15-16 Maheshwar We travel to Old Goa and the spice gardens of Ponda to explore the side After exploring the Moghul ruins in Burhanpur, we head to Maheshwar less travelled of Goa. where we base ourselves for two nights and enjoy a day trip to visit the stunning ruins of Mandu, a 10km long hilltop fort covered with Days 3-4 Hampi erstwhile Palaces, Temples & Tombs dating from the early 15th We head up over the Western Ghats to the Deccan Plateau and to Hampi century. to explore the myriad sights and temples that make up the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire’s 15th century capital. Time also to relax in this quiet Day 17 Bhopal magical little town. We drive on to Bhopal today with time in the afternoon to do a little sightseeing. Days 5-6 Badami was once capital of the ancient Chalukya empire. The hills Day 18 Sanchi-Orchha surrounding the picturesque lake as well as the the nearby towns of We spend the morning visiting nearby Sanchi, with stunning Buddhist and World Heritage have some of the most ancient examples ruins. Founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, many stupas of Dravidian temples and rock-cut caves. and other religious structures were built here over the following centuries. Days 7-8 /Overnight train An afternoon train takes us to Jhansi and we transfer from there 18km We drive to Bijapur, an old Muslim stronghold with some of the finest to Orchha. Islamic architecture in India. Mausoleums and Citadels, Mosques and Palaces were built by the Adil Shahi kings between the 15th and 17th Day 19 Orchha centuries. We take an overnight train on day 8 to Mumbai. Orchha is a town lost in time with grand deserted palaces, and a countryside strewn with temples. A friendly place with a fascinating Days 9-10 Mumbai history, get a glimpse of rural Indian life and enjoy a home-cooked Arriving early morning into Mumbai, we explore the fascinating, chaotic meal with friends. and frantic commercial capital of India, where we visit some of the sights This evening we take an overnight train to Varanasi. including the Gateway of India, Dhobi (laundry) washers and Chowpatty Beach. Perhaps you’d like to wander the markets and tree-lined avenues Days 20-21 Varanasi of downtown Mumbai, or spend the afternoon -star spotting at We arrive early morning into Varanasi. After transferring to our riverside Juhu beach. hotel, we take a walk along the Ghats on the bank of the Ganges and explore the old city. Whilst in Varanasi, we enjoy an evening Days 11-12 Nasik ceremonial "aarti" on the riverbanks and take a dawn boat ride on the After a relaxing morning in Mumbai we take an afternoon train to Nasik, Ganges. We visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon and still one of the four sites of the Khumb Mela - the largest religious gathering on have plenty of free time to explore the Ghats and alleyways of the face of the planet. Situated on the holy Gadavari river, Nasik is a ancient Varanasi. colourful town with exotic temples and bathing ghats where saddhus and In the evening of day 20 we take an evening flight to Kolkata. pilgrims come to wash away their sins in the holy waters. Nasik is also home to the Sula Vineyards - one of India’s oldest and most reputed Days 22-23 Kolkata wineries. We spend an afternoon touring the vineyard before enjoying a Kolkata, once the capital of British the crowded, decaying meal in one of the fine restaurants at the winery. and fascinating cultural capital of India. With a morbid, yet passionate history, modern day Kolkata is a city with soul. Ancient Day 13 Ellora Caves rituals and colourful traditions blend in a city that is like nowhere else Travelling on to Aurangabad, we spend the afternoon at the spectacular on earth. Ellora Caves - carved monasteries, chapels and temples dating back to 600AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the masterpiece is the breathtaking Day 24 Departure Day Kailasa Temple, carved out of a cliff-face which is larger and higher than There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at any the Parthenon in Athens. time.

Contact: Debbie Kindness www.incredibleindiatours.com E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +91 95490 02876