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Itinerary
for India Tour
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 29.03.12 |
Australia - Singapore
Depart Sydney at 9.05am on SQ 212, arriving in Singapore
at 2.25pm.
Depart Melbourne at 11.00am on SQ 238, arriving in Singapore at 4.00pm.
Depart Brisbane at 2.40pm on SQ 236, arriving in Singapore at 8.35pm.
You
will be transferred to your hotel in Singapore for a
two night stay. While in Singapore
the following will be included.
* Airport-hotel return transfers on a seat-in coach.
* 50% discount on the a la carte food menu (food item only) at
designated food
outlets in passenger's hotel.
* Free SIA Hop-on tourist bus service going through the main tourist
belt.
*Free admission to Singapore Zoo, Singapore River Bumboat Tour,
Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Battlebox
Museum.
*Discounts on shopping, dinning, sightseeing tours, tourist attractions
and car
rentals.
Accommodation: Peninsula Excelsior Hotel or similar
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| 30.03.12 |
Singapore
Today is at leisure to enjoy Singapore.
Accommodation: Peninsula Excelsior Hotel or similar |
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| 31.03.12 |
Singapore - India
Free morning in Singapore. In the afternoon you are transferred to
Singapore airport for your flight to India. Depart Singapore at 6.40pm
on SQ 408, arriving in Delhi at 10.00pm. You are met at the airport and
transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Ramada Royal Plaza Hotel or similar |
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01.04.12
(B/D) |
Delhi
Breakfast at
the hotel. Morning at leisure.
In the afternoon proceed with the half day sightseeing of Old Delhi
visiting the
Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Also visit the Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma
Gandhi. Spend some time in Chadni Chowk to savour the ambience of a
crowded
oriental bazaar. Drive through the old city subject to traffic
restrictions.
Accommodation: Ramada Royal Plaza Hotel or similar |
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02.04.12
(B/D) |
Delhi - Varanasi
After
breakfast at the hotel, transfer
to the airport for your flight for Varanasi.
Arrive in Varanasi
at 11.50am and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon there is a sightseeing tour of Sarnath,
located 10kms from Varanasi
City. Buddha
preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the
principals of
his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once
resplendent monastery. A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the
area
north of the stupas. The major events of Buddha's life are depicted
here in
wall paintings by a Japanese artist.
Accommodation: Hindusthan International or similar |
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03.04.12
(B/D) |
Varanasi - Delhi
Today there
is an early morning departure before sunrise for a boat
ride on the River Ganges, to witness the fascinating view of devotees
thronging
onto the ghats and offering their prayer. The boat ride on the holy
River Ganges lasts for 2 hours and is over three miles
in length. The
western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats
- the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and
terraces, most
of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during
their
visit to the holy city. At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of
the devotees
performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the
rising sun
and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats
gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges
is a soul-lifting experience.
After the boat ride walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi. These
narrow cobbled lanes have
stories to tell with large numbers of humanity passing through them
daily, all
looking for 'Nirvana' - a release from the cycle of rebirth.
After a late breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport to
board flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi you are met and transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation: Ramada Royal Plaza Hotel or similar |
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04.04.12
(B/D) |
Delhi - Agra
After
breakfast at the hotel there is a
sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Drive past the 12th century 230-feet
high Qutab
Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, the
mausoleum of
emperor Hymayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, the
imposing Lakshim Narayan temple, India Gate (memorial to Indian army
soldiers
who died in the World War I), the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the
viceroy's
residence) and the Parliament House. Visit the Birla (Laxi Narayan) Temple,
with its many idols. In the afternoon depart for Agra,
204kms/5hour drive.
Accommodation: Mansingh Place or similar |
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05.04.12
(B/D) |
Agra
Breakfast at
the hotel. This morning there is a half
day sightseeing tour of Agra
visiting the Taj Mahal and Fort. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal built
by Shah
Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her
mortal
remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned
masterpiece
fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of
20,000
craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and
who took
17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. Later visit the Agra
fort
containing the halls private and public audiences and other palaces.
Shah Jahan
spent years of confinement at the hands of his sons Aurangzeb, looking
wistfully at the Taj Mahal from the Fort.
A brief visit is also made to the marble inlay workshop, where one can
see the
art that went into the inlay work at the Taj Mahal. This workshop has
brought
back into this forgotten art style. Also enjoy a Tonga ride from Taj
bus park to Taj and vice a versa. The afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Mansingh Place or similar |
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06.04.12
(B/D) |
Agra - Samode
After
breakfast at hotel, depart for
Samode, 274kms over 6 hrs drive. There is a stop en route at Fatehpur
Sikri. Located 40kms from Agra,
the
deserted city of Fatehpur
Sikri
was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh
Salim
Chrsti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the
heirless Emperor. Akbar slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar
left the
city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of
this
beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings
within
the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Christi,
Panch Mahal
Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of
the Mughal
empire at the height of its power.
Later drive to Samode and upon arrival check in at hotel.
Evening take
leisurely walk across the Samode village.
Accommodation: Samode Palace or similar |
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07.04.12
(B/D) |
Samode - Jaipur
After
breakfast at the hotel, depart for Jaipur, en route visiting Amer fort Palace.
At a short distance of 11km from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands
amidst
wooded hills. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was
the
ancient capital of Jaipur. The original palace was built by Raja Man
Singh and
additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh. Within the palace are the
Diwan-e-Aam or the 'Hall of Public Audience', the Diwan-e-Khas or the
'Hall of
Private Audience' and the Sukh Niwas, the private chambers of the
queens with
windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the
proceedings
of the royal court in privacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the
'Temple
of Victory', with
its famed Sheesh Mahal,
the scintillating 'Hall of Mirrors'
Afternoon arrival in Jaipur. Check in at your hotel. The rest of the
day is at leisure.
Accommodation: The Ferns or similar |
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08.04.12
(B/D) |
Jaipur
Breakfast at
hotel. This morning there is a half day city tour
which begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace,
the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small
portion
is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a
fortified
campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh the area of the city. One
of the
major attractions in the museum is the portion known as the Armoury Museum
housing an impressive array of weaponry - pistols, blunderbusses,
flintlocks,
swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most
of
these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest
stone and
marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the
city
palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in
working
condition. Afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: The Ferns or similar |
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09.04.12
(B/D) |
Jaipur - Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is at leisure at your
own activities. You might like to visit the spice market or the gem
making shop. Later you are transferred to the
railway station to board the Intercity Express for Jodphur, departing
at 5.30pm (air
conditioned carriage). You are met on arrival and transferred from the
railway station to the hotel.
Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan or similar |
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10.04.12
(B/D) |
Jodhpur
After
breakfast at the hotel, proceed with
sightseeing tour of the city visiting the 5km long Mehrangarh Fort
situated on
a 125 mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable
structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces
with
meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or 'Jarokhas' with
evocative
names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh
Khana
and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour of a
bygone
era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in
the white
marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. Take a
glimpse
of the famous Umaid Bhavan, which has been converted into a hotel but a
part of
the palace is still a Royal Residence. Afternoon at Leisure.
Accommodation: Ajit Bhawan or similar |
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11.04.12
(B/D) |
Jodhpur - Deograh
After
breakfast at the hotel, depart for
Deogarh, 170kms 4hrs drive. Arrive in Deogarh and check-in at the
Deogarh
Mahal. Rest of the day is at leisure to walk around the quaint village.
Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal or similar |
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12.04.12
(B/D) |
Deogarh - Udaipur
After
breakfast at the hotel, depart for Udaipur,
135kms over 3 hrs drive. Arrive Udaipur
and check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hilltop Palace or similar |
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13.04.12
(B/D) |
Udaipur
After
breakfast at the hotel, proceed with boat
ride on Lake Pichola
takes its name from the small village of Pichola
on its west
bank. In the lake are several islands.
Visit
City Palace,
built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded
with
glittering Belgium Mirrors. Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord
Krishna
all of which are ornately decorated. Visit the Jagdish Temple.
This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in
the
Hindu Trinity of Gods. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake
and also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens.
Accommodation: Hilltop Palace or similar |
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14.04.12
(B/D) |
Udaipur - Mumbai
Early morning
transfer to the airport to
board your flight to Mumbai. On arrival you are met and transferred to
the hotel.
In the afternoon proceed with the sightseeing tour of city. Visit the
Gateway of India
- the main attraction of Mumbai city. Built to commemorate the visit to
King
George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durban in the year 1911, this
massive
historical monument the Mani Bhawan or the Gandhi memorial, Prince of
Wales
Museum, Marine Drive
and Juhu that give you the feeling of being in the commercial capital
of India.
The
gardens like hanging gardens and the Kamla Nehru
Garden
will provide you the much needed rest between your sightseeing trips
and the
Chowpatty gives you the view of one of the most happening beaches of
Mumbai.
Visit the Municipal Corporation building (V shaped) that stands across
the
Victorian Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), designed in early
Gothic
style and blended with Indian motifs. The dome, its chief architectural
feature, is 71.5 metres from the ground. The High Court, built in 1878
in the
early English Gothic style. The central structure rises up to 54.2
metres and
is surrounded by statues representing Justice and Mercy. The Rajabai Towers
built in the 19th century in Gothic style on the university campus has
a 79
meter high clock-tower. Also drive past Victoria Terminus, one of the
largest
buildings in the Gothic style, its imposing dome is surmounted by
a
figure symbolising progress. A life size statue of Queen Victoria is
placed in front of the central
facade.
Accommodation: Fariyas Hotel or similar |
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15.04.12
(B/D) |
Mumbai
After
breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a half
day excursion to Elephanta
Caves. An
early morning
excursion across the Mumbai harbour to 1200-year old Elephanta Caves
housing some of the most beautiful rock-cuts of the period. The famous
Trimurti
sculptures of three-faced Shiva depicting his three aspects as Creator,
Preserver and Destroyer is powerfully portrayed in the massive
sculpture. This
afternoon is at leisure perhaps for some shopping.
Accommodation: Fariyas Hotel or similar |
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16.04.12
(B) |
Mumbai - Singapore
Today is at leisure with late 6pm checkout from the hotel. Afterwards
you are transferred to the airport for your flights back to
Australia.
Depart Mumbai at 10.20pm on SQ 425, arriving in Singapore at
6.15am the next morning (17.04.12). Then transfer to your next flight.
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17.04.12
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Singapore - Australia
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 7.05am on SQ 241,
arriving in Sydney at 4.35pm.
Brisbane passengers depart Singapore at 9.50am on SQ 245, arriving in
Brisbane at 7.30pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 9.55am on SQ 217, arriving in
Melbourne at 7.15pm. |