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Highlights of North India ~ 11 Days / 8 Nights PDF Print E-mail
Written by Travel Correspondent   
Sunday, 23 August 2009 17:47
 
Highlights of North India ~ 11 Days / 8 Nights
Delhi - Alisisar (Shekhawati) - Pushkar - Jaipur - Sariska - Agra - Delhi

 

sikh-men-delhiIndia has been influenced by its many conquerors as much as by its own people, and nowhere exemplifies this more than the colourful desert state of Rajasthan.

Invaded by the Mughals, the strongholds of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri stand as reminders to their achievements in architecture, art and empire building. The Rajput warrior caste fought their invasion and created vast fortifications to defend their lands, some of which are still occupied whilst others such as Chittorgarh and Kumbalgarh, though long abandoned, still convey the historic wealth and power of the region. To the east you can follow the Ganges, where Hinduism prevails and pilgrims gather at the sacred waters’ edge to pray to ancient gods.

This dramatic region abounds with tales of love, some happy and others tragic such the construction of the Taj Mahal and the sad demise of Shah Jehan, its creator. This journey will take you through some of the stories’ settings and also includes tiger spotting in Sariska National Park.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 01: Depart Johannesburg
Depart from Johannesburg enroute to Mumbai with South African Airways.

Day 02: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi via Mumbai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi
delhi-thmMorning sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat: Cremation Garden of Mahatma Gandhi followed by visit to Mughal monument of Jama Masjid & Photo stop at Red Fort. Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi where you visit the mighty Qutub Minar (Victory Tower) , the unique lotus shaped Bahai Temple, Photo stop at India Gate (War Memory arch) – President Palace & Parliament House. Later visit Sikh Temple at Bangla Sahib. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Delhi  – Mandawa (280 Kms / 6.5 hrs)
Morning after breakfast visit The Bahá'í House (closed on Monday) of Worship in Delhi, India, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape, is a Bahá'í House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. As with all other Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion, or any other distinction, as emphasized in Bahá'í texts. The Bahá'í laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. After visiting Lotus Temple drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Mandawa – Pushkar ( 260 Kms / 06 hrs)
Morning after breakfast walking tour of Mandawa (Shekawati region) – Painted Havelis . Afternoon drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06: Pushkar - Jaipur (140 Kms /03 hrs)
Morning after breakfast walking tour of Pushkar visiting Bazaar and Brahma temple and Special Pooja ceremony on Ghat with Hindu priest. Later drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Evening enjoy Demonstration of Carpet weaving, the block printing to learn more about the Crafts of Rajasthan. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Jaipur
amber-fort-thmMorning visit the Amber Palace of the Kuchchawa rulers on the back of the elephant like the Maharajas and enjoy Elephant ride (Subject to availability). Later visit half day city tour of Pink City which includes Hawa Mahal : the palace of winds (Photo-stop), Jantar Mantar : Science lovers will love Jantar mantar an observatory built by the founder of Jaipur in 1728AD and the City Palace Museums which contains the original collection of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Enjoy Rickshaw ride thru old part of Pink city. Evening enjoy a GEM-CUTTING & POLISHING demonstration as Jaipur is one of the world’s most noted gem producers.

Day 08: Jaipur – Sariska (120 Kms / 03 hrs)
This morning after breakfast drive to Sariska. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Afternoon Jeep safari at Sariska National Park for Game viewing. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Sariska - Agra (260 Kms / 6 hrs)
This morning, after breakfast drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Afternoon visit Agra Fort. The elegant building inside reflects an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural style built by Emperor Akbar. Also enjoy Marble craftsmanship with the demonstration of the inlay work of precious and semi precious stones. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Agra – Delhi / Depart (203 Kms / 4 hrs)
taj-thmarly morning visit Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal Closed on Friday) Taj Mahal perhaps the most photographed monument in the world, may you heard about the Taj Mahal and once you see so many picture of building your expectations are real high and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal glory and beauty of building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. Later come back to Hotel for Breakfast. This afternoon drive to Delhi International Airport to connect with your Jet Airways flight to Mumbai to join South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. 

Day 11:  Johannesburg Arrival
Arrival this morning at 08:05 am.

End of Holiday Arrangements

Holiday Cost Superior Class Hotels :
* Ex Johannesburg R14,760 share twin
* Ex Cape Town R16,148 share twin
* Ex Durban R15,865 share twin
Single Room Supplement : R2,465
Supplement for Half Board in Hotels : R647

Holiday is valid from 1 September 2009 till 30 April 2010 subject to seasonal increased in airfares. 
Price excludes the periods of the Pushkar Fair 25 Oct/2 Nov & New Year  from 22 Dec 2009 till 05 Jan 2010)

08 Nights Hotels
Accommodation will be provided on room with breakfast basis. For Lunch and dinner there would be an additional supplement.

Hotels for your holiday

New Delhi - 02 Nights - Star Grand Villa
Alsisar (Shekhawati) - 01 Night - Indra villas
Pushkar - 01 Night - Pushkar Resort
Jaipur - 02 Nights - Mandawa Haveli
Sariska - 01 Night - Sariska Palace
Agra - 01 Nights - Utkarsh Vilas

Your Holiday Includes:

- Flights with South African Airways & Jet Airways from Johannesburg via Mumbai to Delhi
- Applicable airport taxes & fuel surcharges (24.08.2009)
- Accommodation in the mentioned category of hotels or similar.
- All transfers / tours and excursions by one AC chauffeur driven vehicle.
- All Monument Entrance Fees
- Daily Breakfast.
- Demonstration of Marble craftsmanship in Agra.
- Demonstration of Carpet weaving and block printing in Jaipur.
- Demonstration of Gem-cutting & polishing in Jaipur
- Pooja ceremony on Ghat with Hindu Priest in Pushkar.
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability of Elephant).
- 01Jeep Safari at Sariska National Park. - Sightseeing as per package details.
- Service of English speaking escort throughout tour
- All presently applicable taxes.

Your Holiday Does Not Include:

- Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions.
- Still Camera/Video Camera charges
- Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry etc.

VALIDITY: FROM 01 SEP 2009 TILL 30 APR 2010. (EXCEPT PUSHKAR FAIR 25/02 NOVEMBER & NEW YEAR PERIOD FROM 22 DECEMBER 2009 TILL 05 JAN, 2010)

Passports and Visas: All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition travellers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveller.

For the Extension to Amritsar & Wagah Border Closing Ceremony please proceed to the next page >



Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 September 2009 12:22
 
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