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Day 01:
Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival
as our representatives welcome you and escort you to
your car. Whilst the room keys and check-in is
organized, our representative would introduce the tour
to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the
guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us
the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 02:
Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New
Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's
Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of
the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron
Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for
over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy
area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught
Place, the heart and main shopping district of the
capital. Afternoon we cross the city and into the walled
gates of the Old city with visits to the Jama Mosque
(1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandini
Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the
throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area
of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah
Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the
inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and
nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi
were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle
rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat
at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on
a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the
sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore
and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color
of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and
pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be
accompanied by peals of laughter both from the
passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 03:
Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Agra. We would have
opportunities to stop en route at well-appointed
restaurants for refreshments as well as washroom
facilities.
Upon arrival check into hotel Taj-View Hotel - 5* hotel,
which allows you to live in the lap of luxury and gaze
at the Taj Mahal for as long as you wish - whenever you
feel like.
After rest & relaxation, we ride to the massive Agra
Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an
interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian
architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze
of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the
fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti
Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill
of the ancient Indian architects.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most
photographed monument in the world. However, there is a
degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a
building so much and once you see so many pictures of a
building your expectations are real high; and this is
the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many
pictures you have seen or no matter how high your
expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the
unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses
beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the
Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for
love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its
construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones
into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely
remarkable.
Overnight at Taj View - a 5* Hotel (Superior Taj Facing
Room)
Day 04:
Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
This morning, drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur
Sikri (ghost capital) for a tour of these magnificent
and world heritage buildings, which are still in a state
of perfect reservation. The city is divided into
religious and secular sections. The profusion of
sculpture is breathtaking. Also, the white marble mosque
in the secular section is incredible. It is a very
sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near arrives
here to pay their respects. Continue the drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival check into hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is
the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The
Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City,
Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old
days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for
the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates
the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a
site to behold. The large elevated platform that
dominates the central area of the ground floor and once
used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now
open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk
dances while enjoying their snacks or .drinks. The
spacious lobby, which opens into the chowk (inner
courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the
house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this
experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
Afternoon, we explore the unending shopping options of
Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point
for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block
printing and we will be exploring the process from start
to finish in some of the popular stores here. The
opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to
your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from
chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond
jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel
jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly
that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative
shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel
ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique.
Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling.
Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious
stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great
pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The
skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little
animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel (Standard
Room)
Day 05:
Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the
Amber Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the
Fort is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu)
style of architecture. A slow elephant taxi takes us to
the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful
buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate
where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred
years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this
architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded
alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that
delight today's visitors as they did their former royal
residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a
five-storied structure of pink sandstone with
semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows
overlooking the main street of the old city. It was
built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down
unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, we proceed for a guided tour of the City
Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of
the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture. The center of the palace is a
seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
views over the gardens and the city. Next top the City
Palace is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical
treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate
predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five
storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal
and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main
street of the old city.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel (Standard
Room)
Day 06-Jaipur
/Delhi
Morning drive to Delhi along one of India's finest
freeways, where you would have an opportunity to stop on
the way for refreshment as well as washroom facilities.
Upon arrival check in the hotel. Rest of the day free at
leisure.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 07 :
Delhi / Bagdogra (DN 6191 - 10:30/13:00) Bagdogra /
Darjeeling (Drive)
This morning assisted in the departure to the domestic
airport to board the flight for the Gateway to North
East – Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and
drive to Darjeeling. Enroute we stop at the Kurseong
Tourist Centre for a refreshing cup of the famous
Darjeeling tea. This evening is at leisure. Darjeeling
offers plenty of options for walking. Of special mention
is the circular walk around the Observatory Hill for
breathtaking scenes of natural beauty of the Himalayas
and the city below. The shopping options of Darjeeling
are revealed once you visit some of the curio shops
along Nehru Road. All things Himalayan are sold here-'thankas'
(paintings), brass statues, religious objects, jewellery,
woodcarvings, woven fabrics, carpets etc. However,
bargaining is the order of the day, so be prepare to
jostle with the shopkeepers.
Overnight: Hotel Windamere.
Day 08:
Darjeeling.
An early morning drive to Tiger Hill for a breathtaking
dawn view over Kanchanjunga and other eastern Himalayan
peaks is a fantastic experience. On your way back you
may visit the Ghoom monastery, which is the oldest and
the most famous monastery in Darjeeling. It enshrines an
image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha).
We would have an opportunity to ride on the exquisite
Toy train from Ghoom to Darjeeling - a truly fascinating
experience as the train clings on to the hills
We return to our hotel; for breakfast following which we
tour the city. Darjeeling has some very fascinating
places of interest. The Botanical Gardens contains
representative collection of Himalayan plants, flower
and orchids. The hot houses are very interesting. The
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre established in 1959 to
help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees who fled from Tibet
produces superb carpets, woolens, wood carvings and
leather work. You could walk through the workshops and
observe the work in progress. The weaving and dyeing
shops and the woodcarving shop are particularly
interesting and the workers, very friendly - the women
have very beautiful and expressive features. The
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute set up to train
mountaineers, also has a museum containing an
interesting collection of historic mountaineering
equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and
relief model of the Himalayas. Another must in
Darjeeling is a visit to the Happy Valley Tea garden.
Here tea is still produced by the ' orthodox' method as
opposed to the 'curling, tear ing and crushing' (CTC)
method adopted in the plains. The process is a
fascinating one to observe with possibilities of lots of
good pictures
Overnight: Hotel Windamere.
Day 09:
Darjeeling / Pemayangtse.
After an early breakfast we drive to Pemayangtse with
packed lunches. One reaches Pemayangtse only through one
of the most incredibly beautiful journies in the world.
The views afforded by the journey itself are worth the
effort. We would have opportunities to stop a few times,
walk through the countryside, enjoy the enchanting
beauty of the place and interact with the natives
through our guide.
Overnight: Hotel Norbu Gang Resort.
Day 10:
Pemayangtse / Martham Village Resort.
The views of snow capped Himalayan range are
unbelievable. One has to just draw the curtains of one's
bedroom and lo behold! You could almost touch the range.
Even the shadows of the great peaks are clearly visible.
Sunrise here is soul stirring! The reflections of the
rising Sun on the snow capped peaks is magical and
cannot be duplicated in words. We also visit the
Pemayangtse monastery, which is the second oldest
monastery in Sikkim and belongs to the Tantric -Nyingma-Pa
sect established by an Indian teacher. The sect's
monasteries are characterised by a prominent image of
the teacher along with two female consorts, and this
monastery is the head of all others in Sikkim. The sect
followers wear red caps. We would also visit the
peaceful and tranquil Khechipalri Lake.
Afternoon, A spectacular journey, mostly down hill on
undulating roads with hair pin bends caressing the
mighty Himalayas, through tremendous landscapes of
terraced fields on the slopes of the Himalayas, swiftly
flowing Teesta river down the valley and wild banana
plantations as well as through quaint Sikkimese villages
bring us to Martham
Upon Arrival, check into the Martam Village Resort.
Described as 'paradise on earth', a holiday in Martam
Village Resort is a unique experience. Situated in the
breathtaking and tranquil countryside of East Sikkim in
the foot hills of the mighty Himalayas, the resort
overlooks a beautiful valley of rice terraced fields,
bounded by forest covered hills. The accommodation is
ethnic in seven thatched cottages built in traditional
Sikkimese style to blend with the surrounding villages.
The cottages have twin bedded rooms with large picture
window framing the countryside. Each room has attached
bath room with all modern western facilities.. The
attractive and excellent restaurant has a cosy dinning
hall and bar serving delicious cuisines, including local
Sikkimese food and drinks. One can also experience the
traditional herbal bath, watch folk dances of Sikkim and
visit the witch doctor. Being next to nowhere, but for
nature, Martam Village Resort is the perfect location
for visitors who love nature or adventure and for those
seeking peace and relaxation. It would be a wonderful
idea to visit some ethnic Sikkimese villages untouched
by civilisation and enjoy the fabled Sikkimese
hospitality.
Overnight: Martham Village Resort.
Day 11:
Martham
Morning at leisure for nature walks or visits to nearby
Himalayan villages untouched by modern times. Afternoon,
we visit the world famous Rumtek The original monastery
was built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery
replicating the former one was built in the 16th
century. Thus, though the monastery is new, it enshrines
all that is best in traditional Tibetan monastic
architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim,
this magnificent building with its red pillars,
brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly glowing murals
glitters like a jewel set in the green hills
Overnight: Martham Village Resort.
Day 12:
Martham
/ Gangtok / Martham
A leisurely breakfast, and then a full day excursion of
Gangtok. The 24 km drive is in itself a fantastic drive
through paradise. Changing vistas of mountains unfold at
every bend and there are delighted vignettes of the
hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim. The
capital of the Sikkim State, Gangtok occupies the West
Side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. The
scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of
the entire Kanchanjunga range from many points in the
vicinity. We first visit the Tsuk- la -Khang chapel. It
is the Buddhist principal place of worship and assembly
and the repository of a large collection of scriptures.
It is a beautiful and impressive building, its interior
covered with murals. Lavishly decorated altars hold
images of the Buddha, bodhisattavas, and tantric
deities. There are also several interesting wooden
carvings. The Namgyalk Institute of Tibetology.
Established in the 1958 this unique monastery built in a
traditional style promotes research on the language and
traditions of Tibet, as well as on Mahayana Buddhism.
Next week we visit the Orchid Sanctuary close to the
Institute. Enclosed by a peaceful forest, the orchid
sanctuary has a majority of 454 species of orchids found
in Sikkim a kilometre away is a huge white chorten with
a golden apex. Next to it is a monastery for young lamas
with a shrine containing a huge images of an Indian
teacher of Buddhism in Tibet. The Institute of Cottage
Industries specialises in producing hand-woven carpets,
blankets, shawls, Leapcha weaves, patterned decorative
paper and Choktse tables, exquisitely carved in relief.
Overnight: Hotel Martham Village Resort.
Day 13:
Martham / Bagdogra / Delhi (DN 6192 - 1625/1815)
This morning, we visit the world famous Rumtek The
original monastery was built by a ruler of Sikkim.
However, a new monastery replicating the former one was
built in the 16th century. Thus, though the monastery is
new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional
Tibetan monastic architecture. When seen in the clear
light of Sikkim, this magnificent building with its red
pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly
glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green
hills
Afternoon, we bid farewell to the Himalayas and drive to
Bagdogra airport to connect our flight to Delhi.
Meeting an assistance upon arrival in Delhi & transfer
to your hotel The Connaught.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel.
Day 14:
Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward
flight. |
