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T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE GROUP TOUR TO INDIA 5 MARCH 2020 – 15 MARCH 2020 DELHI – AGRA – JAIPUR – JOHDPUR - UDAIPUR CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ 1999 PER PERSON

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Page 1: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE GROUP TOUR TO INDIA

5 MARCH 2020 – 15 MARCH 2020

DELHI – AGRA – JAIPUR – JOHDPUR - UDAIPUR

CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS

AU$ 1999 PER PERSON

Page 2: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DATE DAY ITINERARY 4 STAR 5 STAR

5 Mar Thu Arrive – Delhi The Suryaa Lalit

6 Mar Fri Delhi – Full day tour of Old & New Delhi The Suryaa Lalit

7 Mar Sat Delhi – Agra by road (215kms/4hrs) Crystal Sarovar

ITC Mughal

8 Mar Sun Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri by road (270kms/7hrs)

Holiday Inn City Centre

ITC Rajputana

9 Mar Mon Jaipur – Full day tour of Jaipur including Elephant ride

Holiday Inn City Centre

ITC Rajputana

10 Mar Tue Jaipur – Holi Celebration Holiday Inn City Centre

ITC Rajputana

11 Mar Wed Jaipur – Jodhpur via Pushkar by road (330kms/7-8hrs)

Park Plaza Ajit Bhawan

12 Mar Thu Jodhpur – Tour of Jodhpur Park Plaza Ajit Bhawan

13 Mar Fri Jodhpur – Udaipur via Rankpur by road (120kms/3hrs)

Udai Kothi Trident

14 Mar Sat Udaipur – Tour of Udaipur Udai Kothi Trident

15 Mar Sun Depart – Udaipur by Flight

VEHICLE CONSIDERED: 10 SEATER TEMPO TRAVELLER

Page 3: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01

5 MAR (THU)

ARRIVE - DELHI (NO MEAL) Arrive at Delhi International airport You will clear immigration and custom and you will be met immediately by our travel representative as you exit custom. Note: If you are travelling on an e-visa please ensure you are carrying a hardcopy of the approval with you and you should go to the counters at the end of the Immigration hall. Our Representative will assist you with your transfer & check in at hotel. Briefing of the tour by the executive

Rest of the day is free to relax. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

Delhi – discover that India’s capital is sprinkled with glittering gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent’s yummiest places to eat.

DAY 02

06 MAR (FRI)

DELHI (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for tour of Old Delhi

DELHI The capital of India, Delhi is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.

Drive past at Red Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) RED FORT is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political Centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region.

Page 4: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

After the tour visit the Jama Masjid - the Great Mughal Mosque Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. Located in Old Delhi, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees and was inaugurated by an Imam from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were occupied in the construction of the mosque. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons.There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers. For your next escapade, special mode of transportation has been arranged – brightly colored cycle rickshaws, the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. Your ride takes you through the fabled Chandni Chowk, literally translated as ‘Silver Square’, which was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jehan's favorite daughter. It was commercial hub of the Mughal era and at that time inhabited by the well-to-do families of the city. Then visit Raj Ghat (The memorial of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi). Later you would drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House (You can also have a photo stop here). Humayun’s Tomb - One of the earliest examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, this mausoleum was designed by a Persian architect, and provided the prototype for future tombs, including the Taj Mahal. Recently taken over by the Agha Khan Trust, the gardens have been restored to their former glory, and the tomb and surrounding monuments restored. Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall tapering tower of five storeys, with a 14.3 metres base diameter, reducing to 2.7 metres at the peak. It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps. The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

Page 5: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

DAY 03

07 MAR

(SAT)

DELHI – AGRA BY ROAD (215KMS/4HRS) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Agra and check in at hotel

AGRA This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and it is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise.

Afternoon depart for tour of Agra visiting

AGRA FORT(sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time, and reworked extensively with marble &Pietra durainlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'Ām and Dīwān-e-Khās (halls of public and private audience), Jahagir Palace, KhāsMahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city on your own. Optional walking tour of Agra can opted at an extra cost. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 04

08 MAR (SUN)

AGRA – JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI BY ROAD (270KMS/7HRS) (B) Wake up early for your Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Described as a most extravagant monument ever build for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most ogled icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The death of Mumtaz left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey virtually overnight. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz.

Page 6: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

After breakfast at hotel, depart for Jaipur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it is visited by most tourists. The name of the place came about after the Mughal Emperor Barbar defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikri . Then the Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters, so he built a majestic fort; due to shortage of water, however, he had to ultimately move his headquarters to Agra Fort. Continue your drive to Jaipur and check in at hotel

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is the first well planned city of India, located in the desert lands of India, Rajasthan. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city.

Rest of the day is free to relax. We will visit Café Palladio where you can buy yout own drinks. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

Page 7: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

DAY 05

09 MAR (MON)

JAIPUR (B) Breakfast in the hotel Morning depart for Amber fort(Situated atop the Aravali hills, it is the ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture). We ascend to the fort on Elephant's back and come down in jeep. Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds(This five storied building which looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with it's pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honey combed and stone windows. Originally HawaMahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the daily life and processions of the city), Jantar Mantar(The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision where in each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most striking instruments the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high) and City Palace Museum(City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur). Visit the various galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the Rajput clan. The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping as Jaipur is known as a shopper’s paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 06

10 MAR (TUE)

JAIPUR (B) Breakfast in the hotel. You will get Indian clothes to wear to participate in the Festival of Colours – HOLI. Celebrate Holi at our Holi Party with welcome drink, safe herbal colours, water guns, floating Indian snacks, buffet lunch, Live Music and dancers & traditional turban for all.

Page 8: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

After lunch relax at hotel or explore the city on your own. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 07

11 MAR (WED)

JAIPUR – JODHPUR BY ROAD (330/7-8HRS) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Jaipur en route visiting Pushkar Continue your drive to Jodhpur and check in at hotel

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, and the city grew out of the profits of Opium, Sandalwood, Dates and Copper. Rathore kingdom was once known as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today it’s moustached men are more about smiling for the camera.

Rest of the day is free to relax OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 08

12 MAR (THU)

JODHPUR (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for the sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort

Page 9: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

Lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is the most majestic and one of the largest Forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the Fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of Palanquins, Howdahs, Royal Cradles, Miniature Paintings, Musical instruments, Costumes and Furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved Cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city. Jasawant Thada The JaswantThada is the architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. After lunch you will be taken to visit the local village called “Bishnoi Village”. The Bishnoi - a rural tribal group. A Hindu sect founded in the Punjab, who follow the teaching of Jambeshwar, a 15th-century sage & religious reformer who left a legacy of 29 (bisnoi) tenets. The countryside around Jodhpur is home to many tidy Bishnoi villages & family compounds. These gentle communities of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers & camel herders have achieved world acclaim for their religious conservationist beliefs. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 09

13 MAR (FRI)

JODHPUR –UDAIPUR VIA RANAKPUR BY ROAD (130KMS/3HRS) (B) Breakfast in the hotel Morning depart for Udaipur enroute visiting Ranakpur. Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district of Rajasthan. The Ranakpur Jain Temple complex was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch RanaKumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared hall and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. This is one of the finest examples of Jain Temples. Continue your drive to Udaipur & check – in at hotel.

Page 10: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

UDAIPUR It is said that the ghost of Udaipur looks towards Chittorgarh, for it was after the tragic fall of that fort, that Udaipur, a fairy tale city of marble palaces and lakes, came into existence. The City was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and became the capital of the region of Mewar. The rulers of Mewar, the Sisodia Rajputs trace their dynasty to AD 566 and believe they are the defenders of Rajput honour. Unlike other Rajput royal families, this was a fiercely independent clan who refused to enter into matrimonial alliances with the Mughals or military alliances with the British. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace which overlooks the lovely Lake Pichola with its romantic island palaces.

Rest of the day is free to relax OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 10

14 MAR (SAT)

UDAIPUR (B) Breakfast in the hotel Depart for sightseeing tour of Udaipur – also known as “City of lakes” visiting

City Palace. The detailed art and workmanship is a tribute to the skills of local artisans and craftspeople. Built as a stepped palace encompassing a hill, the four palaces illustrate various architectural styles, reflecting prevailing influences, mostly Mughal and Rajput. In keeping with the claim of the royal family that they are “Surya vansh” – descendents of the Sun, the whole structure faces east, and a stunning bejewelled image of the sun greets you at the entrance. Also of interest here is the remarkable collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery with its rather eccentric collection of Object d’art, household items and furniture and the wonderful collect on of vintage cars. Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The garden set below the embankment of the FatehSagar Lake has lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts specially carved for the purpose.

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T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

Rest of the day is free to relax or opt for optional Walking tour of Old city with your guide: Sharing space with cows, elephants, people, and the walk through the winding lanes is an interesting insight into lifestyles in what is referred to as “small town India”. Shops selling a variety of items, unexpected folk art decorating the walls of houses and small architectural gems like a latticed work Haveli window. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL.

DAY 11

15 MAR (SUN)

UDAIPUR – DELHI BY DOMESTIC FLIGHT (B) DEPART – DELHI BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT (-) Breakfast in the hotel Afternoon transfer to Udaipur airport in time to connect your onward flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi change terminal from domestic to International

Page 12: CELEBRATE HOLI IN INDIA THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS AU$ …sri-lanka-tours.com.au/store/catalog/INDIA-AND-BEYOND-HOLI-PROPOSAL.pdfpatron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets

T: 03 9686 5366 E: [email protected] www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au A: Ground Floor, 3 Reglan Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, A.B.N 76 005 461 094

Cost:

Share double/twin room (Based on Min 6 Pax)

Cost Per person

4 Star Land Cost AU$ 1999

Supplement for upgrade to 5 Star AU$ 399

Supplement for Min 2 Pax AU$ 399

Supplement for Extra Night in Delhi AU$ 99

Cost Includes: - Accommodation of Double room with breakfast & taxes at the following hotels:-

(Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking) - All transfers by one Air-Conditioned Toyota Innova/Tempo; - Service of local English speaking guide during sightseeing tours; - Meet/Assist services at the airport/hotels. - Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur; - Rickshaw ride in Delhi - Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a boat basis) - 6 lunch & 10 Breakfast - Domestic airfare for travel Udaipur – Delhi in economy class. - Present applicable taxes as on 15th December, 2018 Cost Excludes: - - Any meals other than breakfast; - International Airfare - Entrance tickets to monuments - Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, drinks, phone calls, camera fee, tips etc.. - Insurance charges, visa charges etc..;

City 4 Star 5 Star Nights

Delhi The Suryaa The Lalit 2

Agra Crystal Sarovar ITC Mughal 1

Jaipur Holiday Inn City Centre ITC Rajputana 3

Jodhpur Park Plaza Ajit Bhawan Palace 2

Udaipur Udai Kothi Trident 2