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Tour Itinerary: |
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DAY 1: ARRIVE MUMBAI .
After immigration and customs formalities, look for your guide who will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. Meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel |
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DAY 2: IN MUMBAI.
Relax after your long flight. In the afternoon visit the famous Gateway to India, the unusual Hanging Gardens and see the open-air hand laundering operation where hundreds of dhobi-wallas wash, fold and iron clothes from all over the city. Also visit the Victoria Terminus. Consisting of carved stone friezes, stained glass windows and flying buttresses, it is Gothic architecture at its best! Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 3: MUMBAI / BHAVNAGAR (FLIGHT 9W 2507 AT 0705 / 0820 HRS).
Fly to Bhavnagar, situated on the southern coast of Gujarat in India. Visit the Jain temples at Palitana, a fascinating pilgrim center located at the foot of the 2,000-foot high Shetrunjaya hills. The hills have 863 Jain temples, which were built over a period 900 years, many out of white marble. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 4: BHAVNAGAR / GONDAL.
After breakfast, drive to Gondal. In the afternoon, see the Vintage car collection and the Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Also explore the Naulakha Palace, the oldest extant palace in Gondal. This 17th Century palace is a festival of stone carvings with exquisite jarokha balconies, a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches and a unique spiral staircase. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 5: GONDAL / BHUJ.
This morning, depart for Bhuj. This beautiful old walled city virtually leaps out from the pages of the Arabian Nights. Lose yourself for hours in the maze of narrow streets and colorful bazaars, and admire the Kutcchi people dressed in their heavily embroidered traditional costumes. Explore the richly decorated Swaminarayan Temple. Later visit the Bhuj Bazaar and witness a tie-dye demonstration. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 6: IN BHUJ.
Spend a full day visiting the different Banni Tribal Villages. The dwellings are made of round mud huts called `bhungas', with a single central support pole and a thatched or tiled roof, all surrounding a large community courtyard. The women tend to be shy with male visitors, but are hospitable and will welcome you into their homes. They have exquisite personal collections of embroidered quilts and garments. Walls, shelves, grain containers and cupboards are fashioned in mud with decorative designs, washed with lime paste and embedded with mirrors, throwing back hundreds of shimmering reflections. You will also see a variety of handicrafts, including textiles like tie-dye printing, `Rogan' art, glass beadwork, woolen shawls, leather articles and more. Drive to Sumarsar village, famous for scoof embroidery done by the Harijan community. The Harijan Community also makes lace. Nirona Village has `Rogan' art and bell making by the Muslim community. Later, drive on to Mundra Village to see the making of sheep wool and wax printing. Your evening is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 7: BHUJ / ZAINABAD.
Visit the nomadic Rabari embroiders and weavers of woolen blankets in Bhujodi Village. Continue on to Zainabad, where you will check into a unique ethnic camp, with huts built like that of the colorful tribal villages in this area known as the Rann of Kutchh. The Rann is the only place where the Asiatic wild ass is found. Herds of this highly endangered species roam this barren area, feed at night on the vegetation at the edge of the Rann, then retreat inland during the day. Other mammals found here include black buck, Nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, chinkara, wolf and desert cat. The rich bird life includes a variety of water birds. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 8: IN ZAINABAD.
Spend a full day visiting the villages of the different tribes here, such as the Rabaris, Gracia Jats, and Harijans. The Rabaris' need for additional grazing land forced them to leave their original home and wandered through Rajasthan, and Gujarat before arriving in Kutchh. Living in secluded enclaves, the Rabaris are pastorals and mostly derive their income from the sale of purified butter, but each Nat (sub-sect) has its own particular variation of this occupation. The Harijanas probably arrived in the Rann of Kutchh at about the same time as the other clans. Oral traditions state that the Harijanas were originally weavers and leather workers in Rajasthan. They took up herding only after their arrival in the frontier districts and today, the Harijan community derives its income from both herding and crafts, though they also work in the saltpans. The Gracia Jats are farmers. The women do most of the work in the fields while the men take care of small herds of cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats. They consider themselves to be Muslim and are the only Jat group to practice purdah. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 09: ZAINABAD / PATAN / AHMEDABAD.
Today drive about 6 hours to Ahmadabad. En route stop in Patan to see some of its Jain temples and visit the Poshina tribal area and see 'Patola weaving'. Patola is colored silk thread weaving in double Ikat (for fabric where the warp and weft threads are woven into intricate multi-colored designs). Continue another 3 hours to Ahmadabad, the capital of Gujarat State. This city is also called the "Manchester of the East" as many textile factories are here. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 10: AHMEDABAD - UDAIPUR.
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. This lake city is perhaps the most romantic of all the Indian centers. A fairytale collection of exotic gardens, mirror-calm lakes and fantasy island palaces. On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 11: IN UDAIPUR.
Visit the ornate and imposing City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, towering over Lake Pichola. Though the Maharaja of Udaipur still lives here, the main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. Stroll through Saheliyon-ki-Bari (garden of the maidens) where women of the Royal Household met and played. View the exquisite Jagdish Temple, located just outside the City Palace. This afternoon is free to enjoy this enchanting town on your own. This evening, enjoy a pleasant sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit Jagmandir Temple favored by the Maharaja. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 12: UDAIPUR / JAIPUR (FLIGHT IT 4301 AT 1400 / 1500 HRS).
Fly to Jaipur and explore this bustling walled city, built of pink sandstone and one of the most interesting royal cities of India. This afternoon visit the City Palace of the Jaipur Maharaja, the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and the amazingly accurate Jantar Mantar observatory, built entirely of stone. Your afternoon is free to enjoy this vibrant city with its colorful bazaars, filled with exquisite jewelry, carpets, artifacts, textiles and more! Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 13: JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA.
Enjoy a ride on gaily decorated elephants to the hilltop fortress of Amber Fort, known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts. In the afternoon drive to Agra. En route visit the Fatehpur Sikri, the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress at Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO world heritage site and is built entirely of red sandstone, except the tomb of the saint Salim Chisti, which in stunning contrast is built in pristine white marble. At sunset, visit the legendary Taj Mahal, poetry in marble and a symbol of eternal love. It is truly awe inspiring and more beautiful than words can describe. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday). Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 14: AGRA / DELHI.
This morning, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, reminiscent of the glorious and sorrowful Mughal reign. Marvel at the legendary Taj Mahal, poetry in marble and a symbol of eternal love. It is truly awe inspiring and more beautiful than words can describe. Later, drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 15: IN DELHI.
Tour of this regal city of contrasts. Visit Old Delhi where the Raj Ghat stands as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, see the Universal Mosque of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and tour the Red Fort. Drive past the fabled Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), alleys filled with Gold and Silversmiths, an exotic spice market and colorful fabric merchants. Return to bustling New Delhi and visit Emperor Homerun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar. Drive past the India Gate, Houses of Parliament, and the President's Palace. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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DAY 16: DELHI.
Check out of hotel and transfer to airport. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation on Twin Sharing Room. |
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Daily buffet breakfast. |
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Transportation / Transfers / Sightseeing / Excursions as per package details by Air-Conditioned Vehicle. |
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Excursion to Amber Fort with elephant Ride in Jaipur (Subject to availability). |
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Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur (Subject to water level). |
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Services of English Speaking Local Guide |
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Sightseeing as per package details. |
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Entrance fees for monuments and sights |
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All presently applicable taxes. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Meals other than those specified as per itinerary. |
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Camera fee. |
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Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc. |
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International / Domestic flight tickets. |
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All other than those listed in above inclusion. |
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| Tour Length |
15 Nights/16 Days |
| Visit |
Mumbai (Arrival) - Bhavnagar - Gondal - Bhuj - Zainabad - Ahmedabad - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At US $ 3,175* Only. |
| Dates |
From 01st Oct'2011 till 31st Mar'2012 |
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TOUR LODGING INFO: 15 Nights Hotels
Accommodation is provided on Twin Sharing Room with Breakfast Basis. For Lunch and Dinner there would be an additional supplement. A hotel list is as follows: |
Place
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Nights |
Hotels |
| Mumbai |
02 Nights |
Fariyas |
| Bhavnagar |
01 Night |
Neelambagh |
| Gondal |
01 Night |
Orchard Palace |
| Bhuj |
02 Nights |
Ikark |
| Zainabad |
02 Nights |
Royal Safari Camp |
| Ahmedabad |
01 Night |
Cama |
| Udaipur |
02 Nights |
Sheraton |
| Jaipur |
01 Night |
Ramada/ITC Four Points |
| Agra |
01 Night |
Grand Imperial |
| Delhi |
02 Nights |
Maidens |
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| TOUR PRICE* |
| VALID FROM 01ST OCT'2011 TILL 31ST MAR'2012 |
| Cost for min 02 paying pax |
USD 3175 Per Person |
| Single room supplement |
USD 1675 |
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| ADDITIONAL AIRFARE# |
| Mumbai - Bhavnagar : |
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| Udaipur - Jaipur : |
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| TOTAL |
USD 210 Per Person |
| # (Airfare & schedule is subject to change) |
| * Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis. |
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