Royal Experiences

G-11 Golden TriangleDelhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi

Day 1 Arrive DelhiAfter clearing immigrations and customs in the arrival hall please look forAnantaram Holidays airport facilitation staff waiting to welcome you with aplacard of your name….later transfer to hotel.Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Check in and Check out time 1200 hrs)

Day 2 Delhi / Agra (203 kms / 4 hours)Following breakfast proceed for the city tour of Old & New Delhi:This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of MoghulPower, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustlingbazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cyclerickshaw ride’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through“Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds ofthis very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the JamaMasjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by ShahJahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simplememorial to Mahatma Gandhi.Followed by visit New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildingsof the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & thePresidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.Late drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 AgraMorning visit the Red Fort and the famous Taj Mahal.

Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of thetown. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in thefinest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstoneand a moat.

Taj Mahal - This most famous Moghul monument was constructed byEmperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of theTaj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever builtfor love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child. (Taj Mahal is closedon Friday).Afternoon free for independent activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 Agra / Jaipur (232 kms / 5 ½ hours)Morning drive to Jaipur. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by EmperorAkbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the BulundDarwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Following visit continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into yourhotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 JaipurMorning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge justoutside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisonedelephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your

entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th

century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers afascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set withinsurrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour willinclude the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja althoughseveral of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifactsbelonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection ofweaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and theopen-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomicalinstruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning toyour hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 Jaipur / Delhi (258 kms / 6 hrs)Following leisurely breakfast proceed drive to Jaipur, en-route visit JaipurBazaar : walks through Jaipur’s shady animated streets. The city is bestexplored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas(streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur’s colorfulbazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studdedjewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightlypatterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Following visit drive to Delhi, upon arrival, you will be dropped at hotel to uselobby facilities and dinner before transfer to airport.

Later in the evening you will be transferred to the International airport in timeto connect your onward flight back home.

Day 7 Leave Delhi

G-11 / 1 Golden Triangle + Wildlife G11/2 Golden Triangle + Goa(Jungle remain close from 1st June until 30th September every year)Jaipur – Ranthambore – Bharatpur– Delhi Jaipur – Goa – Mumbai

Day 6 Jaipur / Ranthambore (180 kms / 4 hrs)Following breakfast, drive to Ranthambore. upon arrival check in to yourhotel.Evening jungle excursions in an open Jeeps/Canter.Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 RanthamboreMorning and evening jungle excursions in an open Jeeps/Canter.Ranthambore National Park: Ranthambore is known to have India'sFriendliest tigers Assured of protection , these nocturnal creatures areseen often in the day .Sprawled on the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges ofRajasthan , Ranthambore National Park encompasses an area of 410 sqkm in which live a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number ofdeer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionally sighted.

The Pandam Taloa Lake, located adjacent to the jogi Mahal hunting lodge,is the park's favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and Milakalso attract a variety of wild life The best way to explore Ranthambore is ina jeep as the park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some ofthe popular sighting areas are Nal Ghati, Lahpur, Bakuala, Anantpur andthe Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat,Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indianhare mongoose. Birds: Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indianhorned owl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl,tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana, painted stork, blackstork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Ranthambore / Bharatpur (225 kms / 5 hrs)Morning drive to Bharatpur.Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Afternoon free for independent activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Bharatpur / Delhi (225 kms / 5 hrs)Morning enjoy excursion to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by cycle rickshaw -Lies near Agra on the way to Jaipur, an Ornithologist's paradise. It is thesite of the India's largest and gloriously scenic Bird Sanctuary, with over10.4 sq. miles (29 sq kms) of fresh water marshland, originally developedby Maharaja of Bharatpur for his legendary duck shoots. Worth visiting forits invaluable resources to house the migratory birds from Siberia.

Later drive to Delhi, in time to connect your onward flight back home.

Day 6 Jaipur / GoaTransfer to airport in time to connect flight for Goa.Upon arrival, at Goa airport in the arrival hall please look for AnantaramHolidays airport facilitation staff waiting to welcome you with a placard ofyour name….later transfer to hotel.

Rest of the day free to relax on the beach.Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 GoaDay free for the beach activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 GoaDay free for the beach activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Goa / MumbaiMorning at leisure.Evening transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for MumbaiUpon arrival, you will be met and transferred to international airport in time toconnect flight for your onward destination.

Day 10 Mumbai / AbroadLeave Mumbai

G11/3 – Golden Triangle + LadakhJaipur – Delhi – Leh – Delhi

Day 06 Jaipur / Delhi / LehUpon arrival connect flight for LehOn arrival at Leh airport you will be received by our airport facilitation staffand will be transferred to your hotel.Rest of the day free to acclimatization.Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 LehFull day excursion to Shey, Thiksey & HemisWe start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monasteryhere has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a largesilver lamp burning in front of the statue, built in the memory of KingSingee Namgyal by his son lDeldan Namgyal in 1633 A.D. It is the onlykind of statue made of Gold, Gilt and copper in entire Ladakh.

Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tieron a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future is one of themost beautiful monasteries of Ladakh.

Hemis Gompa: is the most important & the richest Gompa in the whole ofLadakh and is dedicated to Guru Padama Sahmbha the great Indianteacher & philosopher. This monastery located among the beautifullandscape of the Hemis National Park was founded in 1630 AD. It islocated at a distance of 45km from Leh and is one of the most popularmonasteries visited by travellers. It is also famous across the world for theHemis Festival hosted by it.Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 LehFull day visit Shankar, Spituk & Phyang

Shankar: The small monastery at Sankar (3 kms from Leh), harborsaccomplished modern tantric murals and a thousand-headedAvalokitesvara deity. It has innumerable collections of small statues ofpure gold and a number of interesting paintings. A relatively modernmonastery, it is closely associated with the Spituk monastery and servesas the residence of the head priest. It is well lit and can be visited in theevening as well.

Spituk Gompa : 8 Km from Leh, just before Leh on the Srinagar-Leh road,on a hill top overlooking the Indus, the Spituk monastery boasts of not onlysome prized Tankhas but also a chamber with enormous images of Kali,whose face is unveiled only once every year. The chamber contains anenormous collection of masks too.

Phyang Gompa : This monastery is of the Red sect Buddhists. PhyangGompa lies 22Km short of Leh, on the Srinagar-Leh road and possessessome exquisite statues and Tankhas. It represents an act of penance by the16th century King Tashi Namgyal for the violence and treachery by which hereached the throne.Return back to Leh.Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 LehMorning city tour of LehRest of the day free for independent activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 LehDay free to explore the city on your own.Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 Leh / Delhi By FlightTransfer to airport in time to connect flight for DelhiUpon arrival you will be met by Anantaram Holidays airport facilitation staffand will be transferred to city centre.Rest of the day free for last minute shopping (No Accommodation envisaged)Later transfer to airport in time to connect flight for your onward destination.

Day 12 Leave Delhi

G-11/4 Golden Triangle + ChandigarhJaipur – Delhi – Chandigarh – Kurukshetra – Delhi

Day 06 Jaipur / Delhi / ChandigarhFollowing breakfast drive to Delhi in time to connect train for Chandigarh.On arrival you will be transferred to New Delhi Railway station to catch theShatabdi Express train to Chandigarh.Leave Delhi at: 1715 hrsArrive Chandigarh at: 2037 hrs

Upon arrival at Chandigarh railway station you will received by ourfacilitation staff and transfer to Hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 ChandigarhChandigarh: There are not many sites of historical importance inChandigarh as this is one of the most modern cities in the country. A mostimportant site in the city is the Rock Garden, the place that has beencaptured by millions of cameras. Rose Garden is another importantlandmark and a part of Leisure Valley, a garland of gardens thatornaments the city. Government Museum and Art Gallery displays someimportant stone sculptures of ancient India.

Rock Garden : The well-ordered streets of Chandigarh lead the visitor tothe northeastern edge of the city. It is here that the Rock Garden islocated. Upon entering, the visitor finds winding paths which provide aperfect complement to Le Corbusier's design for the civic grid ofChandigarh. Walls built of terra cotta pots and sherds shade cobblestonepaths, leading to large open areas occupied by pavilions built of concreteand stone. The buildings in the rock garden borrow from architecturalprecedents in India: some can be related to Mughal traditions by the use ofthe chattri (a domed kiosk supported on pillars) and the bangala (a curvedroof whose two sides meet at a single ridge), and the pointed arch; otherstructures pay homage to the simple elegance of village domesticarchitecture.

The Rock Garden can be fully appreciated only by visiting it, by walkingthrough it and studying it. Replete with imagery and layers of meaning, itoffers much reward to those who come here. It is not an Indian monument,but a world monument which speaks of contemporary global concernsthrough imagination and ingenuity. Of the hundreds of architecturalmonuments I visited in India, Nek Chand's Rock Garden stands out in itsuniversality and creativity.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08 Chandigarh / DelhiFollowing breakfast, drive to Delhi. Enroute visit Kurukshetra is probablythe most famous religious site in India and one of the most ancient placesof pilgrimage in the world. The name of Kurukshetra derives from a tribe,Kuru. By the evidence of its name and its archaeological remains therecan be no doubts that Kurukshetra was occupied by the Aryans. The city issaid to be as old as the Rigveda, and was also called Saryanvat.According to Mahabharat the land between the Saraswati and Drishdvatiwas called Kurukshetra, which covered an area of five yojanas in radius.The territory between Tarantuka and Arantuka and between Machkrukaand Ramhrada is called Kurukshetra, Samant Panchaka and the NorthernVedi of Brahma.

Kurukshetra derives its religious sanctity from more than one source. Itsreligious importance has been described as the land of righteousness inRigveda, Sathpath Brahaman, Jabali Upnishad, Puranas, Bhagwat Gita,Mahabharat and other religious books.

On arrival, you will be transferred to International airport in time to connectyour onward flight back home

Day 09 Leave Delhi

G11/5 – Golden Triangle + Haridwar & Rishikesh G11/6 – Golden Triangle + Amritsar

Day 6 Jaipur / Delhi / HaridwarFollowing breakfast, drive to Delhi (258 kms / 6 hrs). Upon arrival, connect train forHaridwarLeave Delhi at : 1525 hrs Jan Shatabdi ExpressArrive Haridwar at : 1930 hrs

Upon arrival at Haridwar railway station you will be met by our facilitation staff andwill be transferred to your hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 HaridwarHARIDWAR The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacredghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brotherBhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the mostenchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.Haridwar abounds with several Hindu temples and Ashrams (Hermitages). Morethan the architectural designs, it is the spiritual ambience of the place that is sostriking. The Daksh Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine situated to the south ofKankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810.Kankhal has several other temples and ashrams too. The Sapt Rishi Ashram issituated along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road. The Ganges flows in seven streams infront of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar. The Kanva RishiAshram is situated around 42 km from Haridwar. The ashram is on the banks ofthe Malini River along the forest road to Kotdwar. Other important places to visitare the Bharat Mata Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bhimgoda, and Shanti Kunj.Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Haridwar / Rishikesh / HaridwarMorning excursion to RISHIKESH. Most of the pilgrims who pass throughRishikesh on their way to the Himalayan shrines of the Char Dham pause for aholy dip and puja at Triveni Ghat, There are a number of ashrams in and aroundRishikesh, where rishis (saints) stay. Some of the ashrams are situated on theeastern bank of the river Ganges and the entire cluster is known as Swargashram.Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram is famous the world over for which the creditgoes to the rock band Beatles. Several ashrams offer yoga courses and manypilgrims from in and around the country come here to learn yoga. Along with theashrams, there are a few temples having some mythological importance.Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Haridwar / DelhiMorning at leisure.Afternoon transfer to Haridwar Railway station in time to connect train for DelhiLeave Haridwar at : 1813 hrs Shatabdi ExpressArrive Delhi at : 2245 hrsUpon arrival you will be met by our facilitation staff and transferred to theinternational airport in time to connect your onward flight.

Day 10 Delhi / Abroad

Day 06 Jaipur / Delhi / AmritsarFollowing early breakfast, drive to Delhi in time to connect train for Amritsar.On arrival you will be transferred to New Delhi Railway station to catch thetrain for Amritsar.Leave Delhi at : 1630 hrs Shatabdi ExpressArrive Amritsar at : 2215 hrsUpon arrival at Amritsar railway station you will received by our facilitationstaff and transfer to Hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 AmritsarFollowing breakfast we visit the Golden Temple, which is the Mecca of Sikhreligion .The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated inthe center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .Allaround the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings.The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, isspectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis(breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besidesthe physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphereof the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constantrecitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual.We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. Wewould also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders whowould talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism.

Just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell Sikh religiousartifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets, combs, small daggers etc.

During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh, the martyr'smemorial where thousands of innocent Indians were cordoned off by theBritish and fired. The well where several Indians jumped to escape thebullets as well as bullet marks and a museum of pictures can be still seenhere.

In the evening we drive 30 Kms to Wagha Border between India & Pakistan.Each evening a very impressive lowering of guards ceremony is performedalong with a march past by soldiers of both countries in synchronization tothe accompaniment of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wearceremonial dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thinghappening on both sides of the border.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08 Amritsar / DelhiMorning transfer to Amritsar railway station in time to connect train for DelhiLeave Amritsar at : 0815 hrs Paschim ExpressArrive Delhi at : 1635 hrsOn arrival, you will be met by our facilitation staff and will be transferred toInternational airport in time to connect your onward flight back home

Day 09 Leave Delhi

G-11/7 Golden Triangle + RajasthanDelhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi

Day 6 Jaipur / Mandawa (151 kms / 3½ hrs)Following breakfast, drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.

Afternoon city tour of Mandawa: A small town in the Shekhawati region ofRajasthan with a unique medieval charm. The streets are lined with richlypainted houses and each town is bustling with activity. Each home andsmall little castles are richly painted with Shekhawati paintings known forits uniqueness and rich colours are still unimaginable that it could havebeen possible to exist during those old days.Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Mandawa / Bikaner (200 kms / 4 hrs)Following breakfast, drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Afternoon visit of Bikaner City - A desert fortified city on the ancientcaravan routes that originated from Africa and West Asia. The fort,founded by Raja Rai Singh, is distinguished by its long range of 37pavilions, a line of balconies. It also has windows of varying designs, whichlend it a graceful dignity. An enormous archway leads to the Jormal templein a spacious courtyard. Tar Mandir is the royal chapel where Royalweddings and births were once solemnized.Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Bikaner / Jaisalmer (333 kms / 7 hrs)Following breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check in to yourhotel.Rest of the day free.Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 JaisalmerFollowing breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Jaisalmer:Following breakfast city tour of Jaisalmer: This morning, we visit theresidential portions of the fort where one third of the population of the oldcity lives. The design of houses remains as they were a couple of century’sback and so are the lifestyles of people occupying them. This is becausemost of the families continue to work for for generations for the rural(though only titular now) hence there is a sense of continuity. The housesare arranged in narrow lanes and have small windows from where the shychild or the girl peeps. This is the city believed to be the home of the mosthandsome men and women in Rajasthan.

Afternoon, excursion to Sam Desert: a desert outpost. Enroute we visit afew typical desert villages, which have a sprinkling of huts. The roughterrain here does not support cultivation, hence the entire village work ascausal labourers in road works or community projects. Inspite of theirpoverty and hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be awarethat they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful faces. Wemove on to Sam where we explore the desert. Against the backdrop of thesetting sun and the huge expanse of the desert the camels with their longshadows would be excellent pictures.Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (243 kms / 6 hrs)Following breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Afternoon city tour of Jodhpur:Jodhpur: The home of the Rathore rulers - the princely state of Rajasthan.A high 10 Kms long stone wall protects the well fortified city. Within, standsan imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mts. above thesurrounding plains. Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 A.D. by RaoJodha (After whom the city is named) the Fort is intricately adorned with longcarved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in Red Sandstone.Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built tocommemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th centuryOvernight at hotel.

Day 11 Jodhpur / Udaipur (280 kms / 6½ hrs)Following breakfast, drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check to your hotel.

Afternoon, tour of the "Lake City " Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart ofRajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every cityhas some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering overthe Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is aconglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retain asurprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake and thecity from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the city palaceenshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty birdcalled garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Followed by boat ride on Lake Pichola: Fringed with hills, gardens, havelis,ghats and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic focus of Udaipur. Set in it areJag Niwas and Jag Mandir Palaces.Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Udaipur / Pushkar (276 kms / 6½ hrs)Following breakfast drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival, check to your hotel.

Afternoon visitThe holy lake of the Hindus. The town lies 11 kms form Ajmerand is seperated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake mountain). Near thelake is the Brahma temple.It is believed that Lord Brahma was looking for asuitable place for performing a vedic yagna. A lotus from his hand fell onthe earth and water is said to have sprouted in the spot, which wasPushkar. This was the holy spot chosen by Lord Brahma for his yagnaOvernight at hotel.

Day 13 Pushkar / Delhi (389 kms / 8 hrs)Following breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to theinternational airport in time to connect your onward flight back home.

Day 14 Leave Delhi

G-11/9 Golden Triangle + Rajasthan & Aurangabad ExtensionJaipur – Delhi – Chandigarh – Kurukshetra – Delhi

Day 6 Jaipur / Jodhpur (343 kms / 8 hrs)Following breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Jodhpur / Udaipur (280 kms / 6 hrs)Morning city tour of Jodhpur:Jodhpur: The home of the Rathore rulers - the princely state of Rajasthan.A high 10 Kms long stone wall protects the well fortified city. Within,stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 mts.above the surrounding plains. Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459A.D. by Rao Jodha (After whom the city is named) the Fort is intricatelyadorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designsin Red Sandstone. Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marblecenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of therulers in 19th century

Following visit drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 UdaipurMorning, tour of the "Lake City” Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart ofRajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every cityhas some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering overthe Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is aconglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it manages to retaina surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake andthe city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple next to the citypalace enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- amighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fineexample of Indo-Aryan Art.

OPTIONAL boat ride on Lake Pichola: Fringed with hills, gardens,havelis, ghats and temples, Lake Pichola is the scenic focus of Udaipur.Set in it are Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir Palaces.Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Udaipur / MumbaiTransfer to airport in time to connect flight for MumbaiUpon arrival, you will be received by our airport facilitation staff and will betransferred to your hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 MumbaiMorning you will be transferred to Gateway of India in time to board boatfor Elephanta Caves: A must for any visitor to India. Mute testimony ofthe Golden Age in Indian history during the Gupta period and built tohonour Lord Shiva. Elephanta is a 3 Kms long elongated island,consisting of two hills separated by a valley. The caves with rock-cutfigures and carvings are believed to be carved by the sculptors of Ajanta orUdayagiri.

Afternoon visit Mumbai City: Our first stop is at Bombay’s landmark theGateway to India, an elegant 26 mtrs stone archway, hastily erected as asymbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on theirvisit to India in 1911. In the years following, artisans added decorativecarvings and lovely Jharokha work (window carvings), and completed it in1923. We continue to the hanging gardens perched above Malabar Hill.These terraced gardens provide a beautiful panoramic view of the ArabianSea were laid out in the early 1880s covering Bombay’s main reservoir.Continue to Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s home and Museum. Thischarming, 3 storied Gujarati house, painted brown and yellow, in a lovelyParsi neighbourhood on Malabar Hill, was the home of Mahatma Gandhifrom 1917-1934. Now overseen and maintained by the Gandhi Institute, ithouses a library and a small museum about Gandhi’s life and birth. You canvisit Gandhi’s room, where his simple belongings are displayed including hispersonal Bible, Quoran and Gita.Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Mumbai / AbroadLater transfer to airport in time to connect flight for your onward destination

Extension to Aurangabad can be combined:

Day 12 Mumbai / AurangabadTransfer to airport in time to connect flight for Aurangabad.Upon arrival you will be received by our facilitation staff and will betransferred to your hotel.Afternoon city tour including Aurangabad Caves are 6th century cavesdisplaying the influence of Tantric cult in the iconography and architecturaldesigns of the caves. A short walk from Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is a set of cavesslighted by their more glamorous neighbors, Ajanta and Ellora.. These cavesare carved out of the hillside and are a fine piece of architecture, housing themost stunningly intricate carvings.Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 AurangabadFull day excursion to Ellora and Ajanta Caves :Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples andmonasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all,there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. (ElloraClosed on Tuesdays)

Ajanta caves: Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km fromAurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horse- shoe, are the 30 rock-hewncaves of Ajanta Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta,once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas'(chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries). (Ajanta Closed on Mondays)Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Aurangabad / Mumbai – LeaveTransfer to Aurangabad airport in time to connect your flight back home viaMumbai

G-11/10 Golden Triangle+ Classic Tour G-11/11 Golden Triangle + NepalAgra – Khajuraho– Varanasi – Delhi

Day 06 Agra / Jhansi / KhajurahoMorning transfer to railway station in time to connect train for JhansiLeave Agra at : 0817 hrs Shatabdi ExpressArrive Jhansi at : 1048 hrsUpon arrival, you will be met by our Anantaram Holidays facilitation staff,will meet you on arrival and assist / transfer to Khajuraho. Enroute visitOrchha: The Bundela chief Raja Rudra Pratap (1501-31) chose an easilydefended and beautiful site for his capital. Set on the island on a bend inthe Betwa River, it is elevated above the surrounding wooded countryside.Once capital of its own state, Orchha contains three palaces - The RajMahal, Rai Parveen Mahal, Jahangir Mahal - each built by succeedingMaharajas in a similar style and combining to form a complex asimposing as that at Udaipur. Also visit Ram Raja Temple & ChaturbhujTemple.After the visit continue your drive. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel inKhajuraho.Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 KhajurahoMorning visit the most important and fascinating temples of Khajuraho.The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site byUNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathedto future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These templesare famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one ofthe outstanding achievements of Indian art.Overnight at hotel

Day 08 Khajuraho / VaranasiFollowing leisurely breakfast, transfer to airport in time to connect flight forVaranasi. Upon arrival, you will be received at the airport and transferredto your hotel.Afternoon necessary check in formalities proceed for an excursion toSarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi - one of the holiest Buddhist sites in theworld, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you willwitness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit afine Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection ofBuddhist art and sculptures found at the site. (Museum remains closedon Fridays).Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Varanasi / DelhiEarly morning take a short trip by country boat on the sacred riverGanges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of theworld's oldest and most important religions. Pilgrims flock the Ghats tohave a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuriesold tradition. Also visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the riverGanges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling,among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.Later you will be transferred to airport in time to connect flight for DelhiUpon arrival, at Delhi national airport you will be received by our airportfacilitation staff and transferred international airport in time to connect youronward flight. Nepal Tour can be combined flight – Varanasi / Kathmandu

Day 10 Leave Delhi

Day 06 Jaipur / Delhi / Kathmandu or Varanasi / KathmanduArrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be received by AnantaramHolidays airport facilitation staff and transferred to your hotel.Afternoon excursion to Patan Durbar Square - Patan (The City of beauty) issituated on the southern bank of the holy river Bagamti. The city is famed forits wealth of Buddhist and Hindu temples with an abundance of fine bronzegateways and wonderful carvings. Patan is known for its expert craftsmenand metal workers. The Patan Durbar square is full of ancient palaces,temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. It was listed in theUNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979. Rest of the evening free.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07 KathmanduFollowing breakfast visit:Kathmandu Durbar Square - It is a historic seat of royalty. It is here thatkings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations celebrated. It is mostimpressive sight and is crowded with ancient temples and palaces reflectingthe religious and cultural life of the people. It is also home to Kathmandu'sKumari, or 'living goddess', a young girl believed to be a reincarnation of thegoddess Durga.

Pashupatinath Temple – Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple oflord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door isconsidered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus.

Boudhanath Stupa - This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in theWorld and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08 Kathmandu / Pokhara (175 Kms/ 5 ½ Hrs)Following leisurely breakfast, drive to Pokhara. Enroute enjoy beautifulnatural land scraping. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later visitPokhara is a resort city of remarkable beauty. Clearly the most stunning ofPokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna rangeswhich forms its backdrop. The most popular sites of Pokhara are PhewaLake, Devi's Fall, Bindebasini Temple & Seti Gorge.Rest of the evening free for independent activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09 & 10 Pokhara / Chitwan (175 Kms/ 5 Hrs.)Following leisurely breakfast drive to Chitwan National Park (This is one ofthe Nepal's largest forests regions with a wide range of wildlife- the rare greatone Horned Rhino, several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard, wild bore,fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds the elusiveRoyal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to Chitwan may view game of Elephant Backexcursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window jungle tracks.)On arrival to Chitwan, check in at resort. Evening slide show & lecture bylocal wildlife expert regarding Flora & Fauna at JungleOvernight at Resort.

Day 11 Chitwan / KathmanduMorning drive to Kathmandu. Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Leave Kathmandu

G-11/9 Trek on the roof of IndiaDay 01 Arrive / DelhiArrive Delhi….upon arrival you will met by Anantaram Holidays airportfacilitation staff after you clear immigration and customs in the arrivalhall…carrying placard of your name and will be transferred to your hotel.(Hotel Check-in time 1200 hrs) Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Delhi / AmritsarFollowing breakfast transfer to New Delhi Railway station in time toconnect train for Amritsar:Leave Delhi at : 0720 hrs Shatabdi ExpressArrive Amritsar at : 1325 hrsUpon arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival, check-into your hotel.Late afternoon proceed to Wagah Border :( less than 30 km from the city),between India and Pakistan, where you can view the ceremonial changingof the guard at dusk. Be in your seat just half an hour before sunset.Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 AmritsarFollowing breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Amritsar Golden Templeis the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence andstrength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of theDarbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism.Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Amritsar / Dharamshala (199 Kms / 6 ½ hrs approx)Following breakfast, drive for Dharamshala. Upon arrival, check-in hotel.Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Dharamshala: Here you can see theMcleod Ganj which retain the British flavour so peculiar to the towns ofHimachal Pradesh. Here is also the residence of the Dalai Lama next tothe monastery. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Dharamshala / Manali (235 Kms/ 7 ½ hrs approx)Following breakfast, drive to Manali. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.Evening at leisureOvernight at hotel.

Day 06 ManaliFollowing breakfast, you will be taken for sightseeing of Manali visitingNaggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery (closed on Mondays) and some otherold temples in Naggar, Evening free to explore Manali market laterRETURN hotel for Dinner.Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Manali / Sarchu Early Morning by 5.00 am leave for Sarchudrive of 9 hrs, Reach Sarchu by evening.Overnight at Sarchu.

Day 08 Sarchu / Leh (230 kms ) After early morning breakfast leave forLeh by 7.00 am, by passing through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass 16,617ft. Lunch at Pang. Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 LehFull day visit of Shey (15 km upstream from Leh .it was once the residenceof Royal Family). Thiksey(19kms from Leh ,spectacularly most impressiveGompas, Hemis (40kms from Leh. It is the wealthiest best known andbiggest Gompa of Ladakh). Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Spitok / Trek To Zinchen (3,530 m) 5-6 hoursMorning drive to Spituk visit the monastery, our trek begins from Spitok bycrossing a bridge and walking south-west of the River Indus. The trail passesthrough barren countryside for about 3 hours until the Indus enters a narrowgorge at its confluence with the Zinchen. From here the trail climbs steadilythrough the Rumbak Valley, which is lined with trees, providing sufficientshade for a rest stop, before we reach the tiny village of Zinchen, whichconsists of just 4 or 5 houses.Overnight at Camp.

Day 11 Trek to Yurutse (3530-4,180 M) 5/6 HrsThe trail from Zinchen ascends gradually all the way along the Rumbak Nalauntil you reach Rumbak, the largest village in the Zinchen Valley. Near thevillage are some impressive purple and green rock formations.Overnight at Camp.

Day 12 Trek to Skiu (41805-3660 m) 5-6 hrsWe make an early start today to ascend the Gangala pass (4985 mts). Youcan have a spectacular view of Stok Kangri massif from Gandala top on aclear day the pass there is a fabulous view of white-fringed mountainsmerging into the distant ranges of the Karakoram. Since Skiu is only at about3660m and the Markha Valley is quite narrow, the temperature is higherhere. Overnight at Camp.

Day 13 Trek to Markha (3660-3200 m)Cross the river and trek upto the Markha village. It is the longest valley.Overnight at Camp.

Day 14 Trek To Thachungtse (4100m) 4-5 hrsA very pleasant walk up one of the loveliest sections of the Markha valley.Overnight at Camp.

Day 15 Trek To Nimaling (3500-4,600 m) 3-4 hrsThe trail climbs steadily up the now narrow valley, past villages smaller andseemingly poorer than those in the lower areas. The Nimaling plain is abroad undulating meadow, sloping upwards to the base of the ice-clad KangYatse, 21,500ft/6,553m, which dominates the area. Overnight at Camp.

Day 16 Trek To Shang (4600-3600 m) 6-7 hrs then drive to LehCrossing to the north of the Markha, climb to the top of the highest of thethree passes the 5,300m Kangmaru La with its wonderful views from the top.Reach Shang Sumdo by afternoon where the jeep will be waiting for youthen drive to Leh. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 LehLeh free for Personal Activities and RestOvernight at hotel.

Day 18 Leh / DelhiFollowing breakfast, transfer to Leh airport in time to connect flight for Delhi.Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to international airport (Noaccommodation envisaged)

Day 19 Leave DelhiTransfer to international airport in time to connect flight for back home.

G-11/9 Golden Triangle + KeralaJaipur – Cochin – Periyar – Alleppey – Kovalam - Trivandrum

Day 6 Jaipur / CochinAfter clearing immigrations and customs in the arrival hall please look forAnantaram Holidays airport facilitation staff waiting to welcome you with aplacard of your name….later transfer to hotel.Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Check in and Check out time 1200 hrs)

Day 7 CochinMorning proceed for the city tour of Cochin:Cochin: With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificentsetting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of themost fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indeliblemarks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Specialmention is the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists asit used to be a 1000-year behind our times. This part of the city reflects anunusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life graftedon to the tropical Malabar Coast. The 16th century Mattancherry Palace,also known as the Dutch Palace is a fascinating fort with elegant buildingsand interesting collections from the Royal traditions of the region. Theunique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated Jewishcommunity, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-containedand have there own Synagogue. The area around the Synagogue, knownas 'Jew Town' is one of the main centers of spice trade. Scores of smallfirms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled withthe aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves.Evening we proceed for the Kathakali dance performance:

Kathakali Dance:A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness thestrength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes fromgreat Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers,recreates an incomparable sense of pageantryOvernight at hotel.

Day 8 Cochin / Periyar (160 kms / 3½ hrs)Morning drive to Periyar. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Afternoon game viewing by boat:Periyar: Periyar and its cool, misty Cardamom Hills - a magnificentlyscenic region 4000 feet and higher, with forests and valleys, roaringstreams and pristine jungles. Arrive at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one ofIndia’s first Project Tiger Reserves and an excellent place to viewelephants and many other animals.A rewarding afternoon has you viewing wildlife by boat on Lake Periyarwhere animals come to drink. Sail within close range of elephant groups,feeding and bathing. Scout for statuesque sambar deer and giant wildoxen, or guar, browsing in the marshes. Search the green wooded shoresfor wild boars, monkeys, and an array of birdlife. If you are lucky, you willget a rare sighting of tiger. Spend the night in splendid isolation at yourcomfortable jungle cottage.Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Periyar / Alleppey (155 kms / 3 ½ hrs)Following breakfast, drive towards Periyar. Enroute visit Spice PlantationSpice Farm : Spice Plantations of Kerala is known for its fabulous spices.Traders from ancient Phoenicia made tours to Kerala to carry back itsaromatic spices to Mediterranean lands. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon,ginger, cloves and more… the spices of Kerala were used in the West to allflavor to food and wine and to preserve meat during the cold Europeanwinter.Spices can be defined as “aromatic substances of vegetable origin, used forflavoring food or as a preservative." Many spices are also known to havemedicinal value, for instance turmeric is a known anti-oxidant and curry leafcan control prevent diabetes. Today you can simply take a tour with KeralaBackwater and find yourself enjoying the hospitality of the spice plantationsof Kerala on Kerala tours.

The spice plantations of Kerala are fascinating farms to wander in, fordifferent sections of each plantation are dedicated to different spices. Apartfrom spices traditionally grown in India such as pepper, cinnamon, gingerand cardamom farmers in Kerala have taken to growing spices that are usedworldwide. Some of the spices cultivated in spice plantations are vanilla,oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, bay leaf and sage.

Upon arrival, board the traditional rice boats - “Kettuvallam” for afascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one ofthe world’s truly unforgettable experiences. These traditional houseboats ofKerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters, its natural,cocoon-like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. You canrelax on the sundeck and watch the way of life and activity of the localpeople, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of thesurroundings.Overnight on board House Boat. (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast)

Day 10 Alleppey / Kovalam (180 kms / 4 hrs)Morning drive to Kovalam. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Rest of the day at leisure. Optional Ayurveda treatmentOvernight at hotel.

Day 11 KovalamDay free for beach activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 KovalamDay free for beach activities.Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Kovalam / Trivandrum – LeaveToday you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport in time to connect youronward flight.

Travel TipsPassport: Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend thatyou keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing.

Visa: All nationalities require a visa to enter India. There is invariably a charge for this Visa. Regulations and costs changefrequently and differ according to nationally. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact thelocal Indian Embassy or Consulate. Visas are usually valid for either 3 months from the date of entry to India or 6 months from thedate of Issue and are generally valid for multiple entries.

Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medicalexpenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in India. We recommend checking with Indian embassy locally.

Clothing / Climate: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - thisshould prepare you for anything! Due to its size and varied topography, India experiences great extremes of climate

Books & reading material: You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all haveinteresting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and InsightGuides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientateyou in the countries you visit

Security: Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. >>A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the bestway to carry passports, tickets and money. >>Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowdedmarkets; you must always exercise care.

Our office contact details: 487/36, National Market Peeragarhi. New Delhi (India). 24 hours helpline no. +91 (0)98 99 04 34 05Tel: +91 (0) 11 2525 1414 Fax: +91 (0) 11 2525 1413 Email: info@anantaramholidays.com Web: www.anantaramholidays.comOur Overseas Office Contact: Australia +61(03)90056413 Finland +358(09)23164313 Sweden +46(08)51972213

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