INDIA FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
A cultural tour of India

India is one land with many cultures and in order to experience a sampling of the rich diversities of this land we have tailored this unique 29-day journey. Enjoy the rich and varied history and cultures of over a billion people as we traverse this massive sub-continent.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Delhi (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India, New Delhi, is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. Rest of the day free. (B, D)

Day 03: Delhi
Our morning concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Evening we can enjoy an optional tour to see the Sound and Light Show at the Delhi red Fort. (B, D)

Day 04: Delhi / Varanasi (flight)
We take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi - one of the oldest living cities on the Sub Continent. We start our experience with a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple which houses a huge marble relief map of India. Varanasi is famous for its many temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir.Then we proceed to the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The city is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where the beautiful silk sarees are woven. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000-year-old city.
Overnight: Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Varanasi / Khajuraho (flight)
Early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and various other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced as it is so unique. After breakfast we proceed to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers.Then we visit local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Later we take flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Khajuraho (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Afternoon is free to wander in the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho. (B, D)

Day 07: Khajuraho / Jhansi (drive about 7 hours) and Jhansi / Agra , Train
In the morning we drive to Jhansi and on the way - visit Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. We then proceed to Jhansi to embark on the luxury first class train to Agra. Arrive Agra and transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Agra
Morning we visit Taj Mahal probably the best known World Heritage Site. Shah Jehan built a white Marble beautifully carved Monument of love Taj for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Our afternoon is free for shopping. (B, D)

Day 09: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambhore – (drive 7 hours)
*We start the day visiting the incredible World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri the former Mughal capital where we also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi, Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, Pilgrims of all denominations visit this sites with their own prayers. From here we continue our journey to Ranthambhore National Park.
Overnight: Hotel - 2 nights (B, D)

Day 10: Ranthambhore
Early morning we start our photo hunting for the over 300 types of trees, 272 species of birds, 30 spices of mammals and the tiger. The park is also home to India's smallest and largest antelopes, Chinkara and Nilgai. The park has a total of 28 tigers, providing a reasonable opportunity of sighting a few. An afternoon safari will be followed by time to enjoy the green cool environment of Ranthombhore. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (Drive 4.5 hrs)
We depart Ranthambhore for the colourful capital-city of Jaipur. En route we stop at villages to view the rural contented Rajasthani villages and meet their folks. Evening is an exciting time witnessing a colourful show of the Rajasthani Folk dances at the Hotel.
Overnight: Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Next we visit the old astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the buildings in the pink city. We end the day at the colourful bazaar. (B, D)

Day 13: Jaipur / Mumbai (flight)
Morning a short drive to airport in Jaipur to connect with our flight to the famous commercial capital of India, Bombay or Mumbai. A Mumbai wala guide welcomes and transfers us to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mumbai (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 14: Mumbai
This fascinating city full of life and history is home to the largest film industry in the world. We start our the city tour with the Gateway of India, Dhobi gat, the world's largest open-air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon is free to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Bombay offers a lot of attractions in the areas of art and theatre and this evening is a good time to experience them. (B, D)

Day 15: Mumbai / Hyderabad (flight)
A short flight will take us to Hyderabad. The inherent charms of the city's rich past, its exotic cuisine and imposing monuments, old bazaars and lilting accents, its central location and its emerging information technology makes it the most talked about city in India today.
Overnight: Hotel Hyderabad (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16: Hyderabad / Bangalore (flight) and Bangalore / Mysore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
Today we take a short flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival, we are met and taken on a scenic drive to Mysore. The evening is free to enjoy the many attractions this cultural center of Southern India offers
Overnight: Hotel , Mysore (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 17: Mysore
Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples._Our morning tour includes the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount. The evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully lit on certain days. (B, D)

Day 18: Mysore / Bangalore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
A short drive gets us to Bangalore, also now known as the high-tech centre of India. Our tour of this beautifully clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and mild winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where a variety of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore (1 night) (B, D)

Day 19: Bangalore / Cochin (flight)
Today we experience a different part of India in the southern city of Cochin. Upon arrival at the airport we are met and transferred to our beach hotel. Afternoon is free to enjoy the silver sanded beaches of Kerala and an inspiring sunset view over the Bay of Bengal.
Overnight: Hotel Cochin (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 20: Cochin
Today we explore Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East. Here we tour the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogue and take a boat tour to visit the Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. (B, D)

Day 21: Cochin / Kovalam (drive 250km / 152 mi)
A scenic drive takes us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: Hotel Kovalam (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 22: Kovalam
Today we enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India: Kanniya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sky! (B, D)

Day 23: Kovalam / Varkala / Kumarakom (backwater boat ride)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Varkala: one of the unspoiled beach resorts of India. We then enjoy a backwater cruise to Kumarakom - backwater country - by speedboat or a luxury cruise ship. This will be an interesting experience with spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Overnight: Hotel , Kumarakom (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 24:Kumarakom
Get set for an incredible day. We start with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters. (B, D)

Day 25: Kumarakom / Periyar (drive 120km / 73 mi)
A day at Periyar sanctuary game viewing. One of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Periyar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 26: Periyar / Madurai (drive 180km / 110 mi)
Today we drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the South. En route we stop to enjoy a traditional Puppet show. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams tower over the city. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. There are precisely 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars that produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has sponsored the creation of great literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The city, apart from temple, is crammed with shops, street markets, pilgrims, hotels and restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel, Madurai (1 night) (B, D)

Day 27: Madurai / Chennai (Madras) (Flight)
A short flight to Madras or Chennai, The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is the cultural Gateway to Southern India. Chennai, in many respects, is unlike other Indian cities. It is the fourth-largest city in India and has a long history of attracting and nurturing the region's finest thinkers, artists, and crafts people. It is also the focal point for India's 2000 year of Christian history. Christ's Apostle Thomas is said to have preached, died and buried in Chennai.In the afternoon our tour start first with The National Art Gallery & Museum, which contains some of the best collections of bronzes in the country, including the famous icon of Natraja. Our Next stop is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first English Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British church. We end our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, and the clock towers.
Overnight: Hotel, Chenai (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 28: Excursion to Mahablipuram
We take an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. (B, D)

Day 29: Chennai / Departure
After a journey traversing from the north to the south of this sub continent, we bid a farewell to India as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. From Chennai. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 1, Apr 5, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 8 & Dec 6 2009 English Speaking Departures Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 5, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 8 & Dec 6.

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International air-fare, airport taxes Daily buffet breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) Lunch throughout Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary Insurance Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only Visa Fees Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing as per the itinerary at each city   Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary   Train Fare for Agra/Jhansi in Executive Class on Shatabdi Express   Air Fare Delhi/Varanasi, Varanasi/Khajuraho, Jaipur/Bombay, Bombay/Hyderabad, Hyderabad/Bangalore, Bangalore/Cochin sectors in Economy Class (Subject To Change)   All currently applicable taxes   * Day 09 – Since Ranthombhore is only open between October and June, the itinerary for departures outside this period will be adjusted to instead include instead Sariska Game Sanctuary.

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Hotel Category Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Supplement of Dec First Class US $ 6745 • CA $ 6745 US $ 2045 • CA $ 2045 US $ 150 • CA $ 150 Superior US $ 8475 • CA $ 8475 US $ 2745 • CA $ 2745 US $ 250 • CA $ 250 Deluxe US $ 9995 • CA $ 9995 US $ 3925 • CA $ 3925 US $ 350 • CA $ 350 Hotels City First Class Superior Deluxe Delhi (3 Nights) Maidens Hotel (Superior Room) Vasant Continental (Standard Room) Taj Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) Varanasi (1 Night) Ramada Plaza (Superior Room) Taj Ganges (Superior Room) Taj Ganges (Superior Room) Khajuraho (2 Nights) Ramada Plaza (Deluxe Room) Taj Chandela (Superior Garden View) Taj Chandela (Superior Garden View) Agra (2 Nights) Holiday Inn (Deluxe Room) Jaypee Palace (Standard Room) Taj View Hotel (Superior Garden View) Ranthambhore (2 Nights) Pugmark (Cottage) Tiger Den Resort (Standard Room) Sawai Madhopur Lodge (Superior Room) Jaipur (2 Nights) Park Prime (Superior Room) Trident Hilton (Deluxe Garden View) Jai Mahal Palace (Luxury Room) Mumbai (2 Nights) Fariyas Hotel (Standard Room) The Ambassador (Executive Room) Taj President (Executive Room) Hyderabad (1 Night) Aditya Park Inn (Superior Room) Taj Deccan (Executive Room) Taj Deccan (Executive Room) Mysore (2 Nights) Hotel Sandesh The Prince (Executive Room) Regallis (Superior Room) Southern Star Regallis (Superior Room) Southern Star Bangalore (1 Night) Regallis (Standard Room) The Park (Deluxe Room) Taj Residency (Superior Room) Cochin (2 Nights) Casino Hotel (Standard Room) Taj Residency (Deluxe Room) Taj Malabar (Superior Room) Kovalam (2 Nights) Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (Exotica) Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort (Kerala House) Taj Green Cove Resort (Superior Garden View) Kumarakom (2 Nights) Golden Waters (Superior Cottage) Coconut Lagoon (Bungalow) Taj Garden Retreat (Cottage) Periyar (1 Night) Greenwoods Resort (Standard Room) Spice Village (Standard Villa) Taj Garden Retreat (Cottage) Madurai (1 Night) Hotel Sangam (Standard Room) Taj Garden Retreat (Superior Room) Taj Garden Retreat (Superior Room) Chennai (2 Nights) Ambassador Pallava (Executive Room) Trident Hilton (Superior Room) Taj Connemara (Superior Room)

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.