Spectacular India

The Real India

India is a culturally rich and exotic destination – from the often arid “Golden Triangle” in Rajasthan with its majestic palaces in the West to the lush backwaters of Kerala in the South; from its monsoon forests, home to the elusive Tiger in the East to the unrivalled temples of the North. Majestic mountains and rich tropical seas, red deserts and sacred rivers, old customs and new ways, busy modern cities and traditional crafts, they all call India home! The vibrant colours always overwhelm visitors to India. Reds, oranges, yellows, blues and greens, they are everywhere. The clothes, the food, the landscape. This colour explosion is enhanced by the vast array of aromas encountered as one passes through streets and markets. For a moment, you will be part of India, sharing its vibrancy, culture and scents.

Inca Gold Tours are the most exclusive tours to India available anywhere in the world. They are luxury tours especially designed for those discerning travellers who wish to visit the most interesting and exotic places on the sub-continent. Fully escorted and with a maximum of only 18 guests, you are guaranteed of the most personalised attention available on any tour. Inca Gold Tours have been meticulously planned and are operated by people who really know and above all, love India.

Departure Dates:

• 8th of November 2008
• 7th of February 2009
• 14th of November 2009

Rates:

Your INCA GOLD TOUR includes:

•   Economy-class group airfares throughout the entire tour.
•   Services of a Senior Tour Conductor throughout the tour.
•   Accommodation in Superior and Deluxe-class hotels with private bathroom
    facilities.
•   All airport transfers with English speaking guides.
•   All private city and sightseeing tours as described with local English
    speaking specialist guides.
•   All admission fees on such tours.
•   Meals throughout the tour as indicated: (B = breakfast L = lunch
     D = dinner).
•   All ground transportation as described in itineraries.
•   All touring vessels.
•   Reconfirmation of all onward flights.
•   Porterage of 1 suitcase per person.
•   Australian Passenger Movement Charge and Noise Abatement Tax.

Not included:

•   Departure and entry taxes in India.
•   Items of a personal nature.
•   Passport and visa costs.
•   Travel insurance.
•   Excess baggage.
•   Tipping.

¤Prior to a deposit being received, all prices are subject to currency fluctuations, additional 
  airline charges and changes in costs from ground suppliers. We reserve the right to vary 
  any part of   the tour at our sole discretion as circumstances may require.

Highlights

• Senior Tour Conductor throughout.
• Expert local tour guides in each location.
• Chennai & UNESCO listed Mahabalipuram.
• Madurai, the “Athens of the East".
• Kerala, the spice capital of the world.
• Luxury house boat two-night cruise.
• Cochin City Tour & Cruise.
• The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.
• Varanasi & the Holy Ganges River.
• Authentic Arti (group prayer) Ceremony.
• Khajhuraho and its 1,000 year old temples.
• The Bandhavgarh National Park.
• Kanha Tiger Reserve, a most scenic place.
• Old & New Delhi, on the Yamuna River.
• Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial.
• Jama Majid, one of Asia’s largest mosques.
• Express Train from Delhi to Amritsar.
• The Border between India and Pakistan.
• The Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib).
• Jodhpur, the “Blue City" & Thar Desert.
• Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City".
• The fabulous, world famous Taj Mahal.

Accommodations

• Chennai:  Taj Fisherman’s Cove
• Mysore:  Hotel Regaalis
• Bangalore:  Raj Westend
• Kerala:  Deluxe Houseboat
• Cochin:  Taj Malabar
• Khajuraho:  Taj Chandela
• Varanasi:  Taj Ganges
• Delhi:  Taj Palace
• Amritsar:  The Grand Legacy
• Udaipur:  Taj Lake Palace
• Ranakpur:  FatehBagh
• Jodhpur:  Taj Umaid Bhawan
• Jaipur:  Taj Rambagh Palace
• Agra:  The Oberoi Amar Vilas

Itinerary:

Day 1 Friday
          Arrive Chennai
On arrival in Chennai, formally known as Madras, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a relaxing three night stay.

Day 2 Saturday
          Chennai
After a leisurely breakfast we will hold a very informative Tour Orientation Meeting in which we get to know each other better and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Gold Tour. Following the meeting we have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and rest from the flights of the previous day. Our deluxe hotel is located near the peaceful fishing village of Covelong. Replete with an assortment of places of interest such as forts, churches, mosques, and a lovely beach, it gives those wishing to explore an overview of the history of Tamil Nadu Province. In the evening we again gather for a special “Tour Welcome” dinner before settling down for the night. (BD)

Day 3 Sunday
          Chennai
Later this morning we undertake a tour to the unique heritage centre of Dakshinachitra where we have lunch, served in the traditional South Indian way. Following lunch we have the opportunity to observe the traditional craftsmen and women at work in the centre before driving to the seaside village of Mahabalipuram. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases several antique sculptural marvels which include the spectacular two-spired shrine, unique in that it houses the Gods Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. After the visit we return to our hotel. (BL)

Day 4  Monday
           Chennai / Mysore
This morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Bangalore where, on arrival, we are met and taken by road to Mysore. In the evening we undertake a visit to the Brindavan Gardens to view the “Dancing Fountains”, a fountain display incorporating a multitude of lights and music. (BLD)

Day 5  Tuesday
           Mysore
Today we undertake a tour to the Chamundi Hills where we visit the Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswan. In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace. The palace is the former residence of the ruler of Mysore and is a splendid structure in the Indo-Sarcenic style. Its museum has many interesting items from a bygone era which include a magnificent gold throne and some silver doors. St. Philomena’s Church, one of the largest churches in India, is to be found here as well. (BL)

Day 6  Wednesday 
           Mysore / Bangalore
Following breakfast we drive to Srirangapattna on the Kaveri River. This island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Saltan contains a mosque and temple. Following the visit we continue by road to our hotel in Bangalore for a two night stay. (BLD)

Day 7  Thursday
           Bangalore
Following breakfast we are taken on a city tour of Bangalore. During the tour we visit Bangalore Palace, which is set on eight hundred acres in the middle of the city. It was built in 1887 in the Tudor style and has similarities with Windsor Castle in England. For some floral beauty we visit Lal Bagh and the Cubbon Park Gardens. The name Lal Bagh was given to these gardens because of the wonderful red roses which bloom all year round. We also drive past Vidhan Soudha ( Parliament Building) and visit the market. (B)

Day 8  Friday
           Bangalore / Houseboat
Today we return to the airport for our flight to Cochin where we are met and taken by road to Kumarakom. On arrival in Kumarakom we transfer to our houseboats for a relaxing two night cruise and stay on board. (BLD)

Day 9  Saturday
           Houseboat
Today we enjoy a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of our private houseboat. Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Floating through these placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages we will be able to observe the locals going about their daily lives. Our houseboat or “Kettuvalom” as they are locally known, is a beautiful dwelling comprising of fully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge and a full crew. We have our meals aboard the boat as we meander through this fascinating area. (BLD)

Day 10 Sunday
            Houseboat – Kumarakom / Cochin
Following a breakfast on board we disembark at Alleppey and are taken by road to Cochin or “Kochi” as it is also known where we check into our hotel. Set on a cluster of islands and a narrow peninsula, Cochin is Kerala’s major port boasting one of the finest natural harbours in the world. In the afternoon we board a cruise boat and visit the Fort Cochin area where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets of Kochi and may encounter the afternoon catch being auctioned on the beach. We then reboard our boat and undertake an evening cruise which includes a lavish buffet spread of local Kerala cuisine accompanied by a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a synthesis of dance, drama and music which will amaze you with its colours and grace. We should have some great photo opportunities as the sunsets and we enjoy our meal and dance performance on board before returning to our hotel for the night.  (BD)
 
Day 11 Monday
            Cochin
This morning we visit an orphanage run by a Christian missionary trust where we meet some of the children. Following the visit we continue on for a tour to the local spice market. After lunch we will take a walk through the old town of Cochin, around Mattancherry Jetty which is located on the edge of Jew Town. From here we tour Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace) and visit the oldest synagogue in India. (BL) 

Day 12 Tuesday 
            Cochin / Mumbai
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mumbai or “Bombay”, as it was formally known. On arrival we will be met and taken to our luxurious hotel located next to one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, the Gateway of India, for a fabulous two night stay. There is time to rest and freshen up before we embark on a tour to savour the ambience of the Mumbai streets using the traditional mode of transportation, a horse drawn ‘tonga’ or “Victoria”, as it is known. The ride will take us from the Gateway of India between the illuminated buildings and monuments of this city that never sleeps, then along Chowpati Beach and the Marine Drive. After dinner we return to our hotel for the night. (BD) 

Day 13 Wednesday
             Mumbai
Today we undertake a comprehensive city tour which includes visits to the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and Mani Bhawan, the house where the ‘Father of the Nation’, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city. This afternoon you will have time to explore the local bazaars and take in some shopping. (BL) 

Day 14 Thursday
             Mumbai / Kanha NP
This morning we are taken to the airport where we board our flight to Raipur. On arrival we will be transferred by road to our lodge conveniently located near the Kanha National Park for a fabulous two night stay. One of the largest National Parks in India, Kanha offers us the best chance of seeing tiger in the wild. With its plateaus, hills and grasslands, it is also one of the country’s most scenic parks. (BLD) 

Day 15  Friday
             Kanha National Park
Both in the morning and afternoon we undertake safaris to track tiger. While looking for these elusive cats we should see a selection of other animals, birds and plants. During the heat of the day we have the opportunity to relax before heading out on our afternoon safari. (BLD)
 
Day 16  Saturday 
             Kanha NP / Bandhavgarh NP
Following a final game drive and breakfast we are transferred by road to our lodge conveniently located near the Bandhavgarh National Park for a fabulous two night stay. Bandhavgarh has been a centre of human activity for 2,000 years and used to belong to the Maharaja of Rewa. It is famous for its tigers, but it has a wide range of other game. (BLD)

Day 17  Sunday 
             Bandhavgarh NP
During our stay we will undertake a number of safaris to track tiger. (BLD)
 
Day 18  Monday 
             Bandhavgarh / Khajuraho
Following breakfast and our final game drive, we are taken by road to our hotel in Khajuraho for a two night stay. This evening we are taken to the temples for a spectacular Sound & Light Show. (B)

Day 19  Tuesday
             Khajuraho
In the realm of architecture, Khajuraho holds a unique position! The temples here were built between 950 and 1,050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty, who claims descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love.
We undertake a comprehensive tour of the Western Group of temples containing some of the finest examples of Chandela Art to be found. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our surroundings. (BL)
 
Day 20  Wednesday 
             Khajuraho / Varanasi
Late this morning we will be taken to the airport for our flight to Varanasi. Located on the west side of the Holy Ganges, it has been the centre of the Hindu Religion, learning and civilisation for over 3,000 years, thus making it one of the oldest living cities in India.
This afternoon we have time to visit a silk emporium and see fine hand weaving taking place. In the evening we take bicycle rickshaws through the colourful, chaotic, vibrant market area to reach the banks of the Ganges where the temples will be lit with oil-lamps and candles. This light, combined with the aromas of incense sticks, oil lamps and flowers filling the air, makes the experience magical as we watch hundreds of little lamps float out onto the Ganges River as offerings during the Arti Ceremony (collective prayer). After this spiritual experience we return to our hotel for the night. (BD)

Day 21  Thursday
             Varanasi / Delhi
Today we will undertake an early morning boat ride, during which we have the privilege of witnessing the incredible scene as thousands of pilgrims and other devotees immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River to pay their homage to the revered sun god. This is followed by a late breakfast at our hotel before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we are taken to our hotel for the night. (BL)(Lunch Inflight) 

Day 22 Friday
            Delhi
Today we undertake a comprehensive tour of Old and New Delhi in which we get to see India Gate, the Houses of Parliament, Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. We undertake an interesting rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and colourful alleys of Old Delhi’s market places before returning to our hotel for the night. (BL)

Day 23  Saturday 
             Delhi / Amritsar
This morning we return to the airport for our flight to Amritzar. Located in the state of Punjab, Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Sikhs in the country. The city is characterized by religious, historical as well as contemporary sites of importance. This afternoon we visit the Wagah Border: the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the “Beating Retreat” and the Changing of the Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most unique spectacle. Later in the evening we visit the Golden temple to witness the glittering ceremony as the holy book “Guru Granth Sahib” is returned according to time honoured rituals to the Akal Takhta (Sikh Parliament) for the night. (BL)   

Day 24  Sunday
             Amritsar / Delhi
This morning we undertake a tour of this holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The highlight of our tour is a return to the Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib) for a daytime viewing. Famous for its full golden dome, built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. We have the afternoon at leisure to further explore the Sikh heartland before being transferred to the airport for our return flight to Delhi. (B)  
 
Day 25  Monday 
             Delhi / Udaipur
This morning we return to the airport for our flight to Udaipur also known as the “Lake City”. On arrival we have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy our fabulous surroundings.  (BL)(Lunch Inflight) 

Day 26  Tuesday 
             Udaipur
Following breakfast we visit the famous City Palace. It is actually a collection of palaces all surrounded by the royal palace walls which stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Following our tour of the palace we undertake a tour of Udaipur before the remainder of the day is at leisure. (BD)
 
Day 27 Wednesday
            Udaipur / Ranakpur
After breakfast we are driven through the rugged, wooded hills of Rajasthan to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Noted for the grandiose scale of their architecture, the resident priests are still continuing the construction to this day. Following lunch we visit the temples. (BL) 

Day 28 Thursday
            Ranakpur / Jodhpur
This morning we continue the drive to historic Jodhpur, also called the “Blue City” and located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Our afternoon tour takes us to the Mehrangarh Fort. Towering over the city, it contains a number of grand palaces, each of which is an impressive example of architectural excellence. Following our visit to the fort with its magnificent views, we are taken to the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It is the largest art-deco residence in the world and now home to the head of the royal family, a museum and a hotel. (BL)  
 
Day 29 Friday
            Jodhpur / Jaipur
After a leisurely start to the day we fly to Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan and often referred to as the “Pink City”. On arrival we undertake a city tour taking in the highlights which include the Hawa Mahal, or the “Palace of Winds” and the Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory). (BD)

Day 30 Saturday 
            Jaipur
This morning we visit the ornately decorated Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Our afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our fabulous hotel and its surroundings. (BL)
 
Day 31  Sunday
             Jaipur / Agra
Today we travel by road to Agra where we check into our hotel, located near the Taj Mahal, for the night. Much of the Taj Mahal’s decorations are precious and semi-precious stones inlaid on white marble. (BL)
 
Day 32  Monday
             Agra
Early today we visit what is one of the absolute highlights of the tour: the Taj Mahal, built in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal, by Emperor Shah Jahan. This marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind. It is breathtakingly beautiful with many precious stones used in its inlays. Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have ample time to explore this memorial. Following lunch we visit the Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah, a beautiful tomb with marble and intricate etchings in its walls. We also visit a marble factory to see the craftsmen at work using traditional methods to form the tiny mosaic tiles from semi precious and precious stones and learn how the delicate marble inlaying is done.  This evening we host a final “Farewell Dinner”. (BLD) 

Day 33  Tuesday
             Agra / Depart Delhi
We have the morning at leisure before being taken by road to the airport in Delhi for our onward flights. (B)