Backon tours

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Welcome to India! We invented chess and the zero and we are the original home of the chickens that you eat. These we exported. But some things can't travel: like the beaches of Goa and the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas; like the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and the majestic temples of the south; like the palaces of Maharajas, like the Taj! To discover this wonder that is India, you need more than place-names on a map. In a country of such distances, where there is no much to see, you need professional tour management to make sure that you get the best for the money and time that you are spending. You need an agency that will take the pain out of travel, that will knit those dreamlike place-names into a seamless, magical holiday. Remember, India isn't just another country – it is a sub-continent, much bigger than Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy put together. At Beckon Tours we help you handle this vastness. We have picked the most fascinating places and experiences that India has to offer and mapped them into a series of perfectly planned holidays. Our itineraries are flexible – we can accommodate any special destinations that you have in mind. Tell us the time you have, the money you wish to spend and the things you want to do – we'll make a tour for you! Beckon Tours: We make India connect! Index & Highlights Programme – 1.................................................................... ..Page 1 A GLIMPSE Delhi/Jaipur/Agra/Delhi – 07 Days

Transcript of Backon tours

Page 1: Backon tours

Welcome to India!

We invented chess and the zero and we are the original home of the chickens that you eat. These we exported.

But some things can't travel: like the beaches of Goa and the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas; like the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and the majestic temples of the south; like the palaces of Maharajas, like the Taj!

To discover this wonder that is India, you need more than place-names on a map. In a country of such distances, where there is no much to see, you need professional tour management to make sure that you get the best for the money and time that you are spending. You need an agency that will take the pain out of travel, that will knit those dreamlike place-names into a seamless, magical holiday.

Remember, India isn't just another country – it is a sub-continent, much bigger than Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy put together.

At Beckon Tours we help you handle this vastness. We have picked the most fascinating places and experiences that India has to offer and mapped them into a series of perfectly planned holidays. Our itineraries are flexible – we can accommodate any special destinations that you have in mind. Tell us the time you have, the money you wish to spend and the things you want to do – we'll make a tour for you!

Beckon Tours: We make India connect!

Index & Highlights

Programme – 1......................................................................Page 1A GLIMPSEDelhi/Jaipur/Agra/Delhi – 07 Days

Programme – 2.......................................................................Page 2NORTH INDIA AND NEPAL HIGHLIGHTSDelhi/Jaipur/Agra/Khajuraho/Varanasi/Kathmandu – 12 days

Programme – 3.......................................................................Page 3THE REGAL EXPERIENCE Delhi/Agra/Jaipur/Jodhpur/Udaipur/Aurangabad/Bombay – 15 days

Programme – 4........................................................................Page 4HIMALAYAN ADVENTUREDelhi/Ladakh/Himachal Pradesh – 18 days

Programme – 5........................................................................Page 5RAJASTHAN SPECIAL

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Delhi/Jaipur/Ranthambhor/Kotah/Udaipur/Mount Abu/Jodhpur/Jaiselmer/Bikaner/Mandawa/Delhi – 19 days

Programme – 6.........................................................................Page 6OF BUDDHA AND BUDDHISMDelhi/Varanasi/Bodhgaya/Patna/Rajgir/Nalanda/Patna/Calcutta/Bagdogra/Darjeeling/Sikkim/Delhi – 15 days

Programme – 7..........................................................................Page 7BEST OF MADHYA PRADESH/GUJRATDelhi/khajuraho/Orcha/Jhansi/Gwalior/Bhopal/Indore/Ahmedabad/Zainabad/Rajkot/Sasangir/Ahmedpur Mandivi/Bhavnagar/Ahmedabad/Bombay – 20 days

Programme – 8.........................................................................Page 8INDIAN PANORAMABombay/Aurangabad/Udaipur/Jaipur/Agra/Khajuraho/Varanasi/Bhubaneswar/Calcutta/Kathmandu/Delhi – 18 Days

Programme – 9........................................................................Page 11SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTSBombay/Hyderabad/Banglore/Mysore/Hassan/Hospet/Badami/Balgaum/Goa/Bombay – 15 days

Programme – 10......................................................................Page 12SOUTH INDIA INTENSIVEBombay/Cochin/Kovalam/Madurai/Trichy/Madras/Banglore/Mysore/Hassan/Hampi/Badami/Goa/Bombay – 20 Days

Programme – 11......................................................................Page 14PALACE ON WHEELSDelhi/Jaipur/Udaipur/Jaiselmer/Jodhpur/Bharatpur/Agra/Delhi – 8 Days

WILDLIFE/BEACHES/ADVENTURE/SPECIAL EVENTS................................Page 15

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS................................................Page 16

PROGRAMME 1:

A Glimpse

DELHI/JAIPUR/AGRA/DELHI – 7 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. At leisure. Afternoon city tour of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Hehan, Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk and Memorials to Mahatma Gandi and Nehru. Overnight stay.

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DAY 02 – DELHIMorning city tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar a 13th Century 72m big tower, Tomb of Humayun, Jantar Mantar, Parliament House, India Gate and Birla Mandir. Afternoon free for optionals – a) Visit to the Museum b) Dances of India. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – DELHI/JAIPURMorning depart by coach for Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city tour visiting the City Palace, the 18th century Observatory, Palace of Winds – Hawa Mahal and walk through the colorful bazar. Overnight.

DAY 04 – JAIPURMorning depart for an excursion to Fort Amber, the Old Capital situated on top of a Hill. Climb the fortress on elephant backs. Afternoon free for relaxing, shopping etc. Overnight.

DAY 05 – JAIPUR/AGRAMorning depart by surface for Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century deserted city of Emperor Akbar. On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for a visit of the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight

DAY 06 – AGRA/SIKNDRA/DELHIMorning depart by bus for Delhi enroute visiting the beautiful tomb of Akbar at Sikandra. On arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 07 – DEPART DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 2:

North India & Nepal Highlights

DELHI/JAIPUR/AGRA/KHAJURAHO/VARANASI/KATHMANDU – 12 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel At leisure. Afternoon city tour of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jehan, Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk and memorials to Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. Overnight stay.

DAY 02 – DELHIMorning city tour of New Delhi visiting the 13th Century Qutab Minar, Tomb of Humayun, Jantar Mantar, Parliament House, India Gate and Birla Mandir. Afternoon free for optionals. Overnight.

DAY 03 – DELHI/JAIPURMorning depart by coach for Jaipur. On arrivals check into the hotel. Afternoon city tour visiting the City Palace, the 18th century Observatory, Palace of Winds – Hawa Mahal etc. Afternoon free for relaxing, shopping etc. Overnight.

DAY 04 – JAIPUR

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Morning excursion to Fort Amber, the old capital of Jaipur state built atop a hill. Climb the fortress on elephant backs. Afternoon free for relaxing shopping etc. Overnight.

DAY 05 – JAIPUT/AGRAMorning depart by surface for Agra enroute visit the 16th century deserted city of Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra check into the hotel. Afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Itmad-ud-daulah. Overnight.

DAY 06 – AGRA/KHAJURAHOMorning depart by air for Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit the famous temples built by the Chandela Rulers in the 10th / 11th centuries. Overnight stay.

DAY 07 – KHAJURAHO / VARANASIMorning depart by air for Varanasi. On arrival proceed for a visit to Sarnath, where Buddha first preached. Later return to check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 08 – VARANASI/KATHMANDUEarly morning depart for a boat ride on the holy River Ganges to view the sunrise and the hindu devotees performing their religious rites on the banks of the River. Return to the hotel. Later depart by air for Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 09 – KATHMANDUMorning depart for city sightseeing and visit of Swayambhunath. Afternoon visit Patan famous for ornate temples and fine arts. Evening enjoy an hour of Nepalese folk dances at the Old Rana Palace. Overnight.

DAY 10 – KATHMANDUMorning excursion to Pashupathinath and Bodhnath. Afternoon visit Bhadgaon, the home of medieval art and architecture. Overnight.

DAY 11 – KATHMANDU/DELHIMorning free for optional flight over the Himalayas or visit Dhulikhel to view the sunrise. Afternoon depart by air for Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

DAY 12 – DEPART DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 3

The Regal Experience

DELHI/AGRA/JAIPUR/JODHPUR/UDAIPUR/AURANGABAD/BOMBAY – 15 DAYS

DAY – 1 DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for city tour Old Delhi vising the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jehan, Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk and Memorials to Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. Overnight.

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DAY 02 – DELHIMorning city tour of New Delhi visiting the 13th century Qutab Minar, Tomb of Humayun, Jantar Mantar , Parliament Street, India Gate and the Birla Mandir. Afternoon free for optionals. Overnight.

DAY 03 – DELHI/AGRAMorning depart by surface for Agra enroute visiting the beautiful tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra. On arrival in Agra transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 04 – AGRAMorning depart for city tour visiting the world famous Taj Mahal also the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-daula's Tomb. Afternoon free for leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 05 -AGRA/JAIPURMorning depart by surface for Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century deserted city of Emperor Akbar. On arrival in Jaipur check into your hotel. Afternoon free for independent activities. Overnight stay.

DAY 06 – JAIPURMorning depart for an excursion to Fort Amber, the old capital situated on top of a Hill. Climb the fortress on elephant backs. Afternoon visit the city, viewing the Grand Palace, the 18th century observatory, Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds and walk through the colorful bazar. Return to your hotel for overnight.

DAY 07 – JAIPUR/JODHPURDepart by air for Jodhpur, gateway to the Thar desert. On arrival assistance and transfer to your hotel. Later visit the Fort, Jaswant Thada, the imposing white marble memorial marking the site of a royal crematorium and the bustling market place. Overnight.

DAY 08 – JODHPUR/UDAIPURDepart by air for Udaipur, the 16th century lake city reflecting the delicate beauty of its palaces. On arrival assistance and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening take a romantic boatride on the Lake Pichola. Overnight stay.

DAY 09 -UDAIPURMorning for full day excursion to Ranakpur which has the most beautiful Jain temple complex. Relax and lunch at the Maharani's garden orchards. Return to Udaipur for overnight stay.

DAY 10 – UDAIPURMorning depart for city tour visiting the Grand Palace and temples at Eklingi and Nagda. Afternoon free for leisure. Overnight.

DAY 11 – UDAIPUR/AURANGABADDepart by air for Aurangabad. On arrival assistance and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon depart for excursion to the Ellora hotel. The temples and caves here all combine to stand testimony to the religious tolerance of the past. The most magnificent is the Kailasa temple hewn out of a single rock. Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 12 – AURANGABAD

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Morning depart for visit to the Ajanta Caves. The beautiful sculptures and frescoes dating back to the 2nd century B.C. Are a wonder of ancient art. Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 13 – AURANGABAD/BOMBAYDepart by air for Bombay. On arrival assistance and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon depart for city tour. Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 14 – BOMBAYMorning depart for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves - 7th century cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rest of the day free for independent activities.

DAY 15 – BOMBAYAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward journey.

PROGRAMME 4:

Himalayan Adventure

DELHI/LADAKH/HIMACHAL – 18 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort, Chandini Chowk, Jama Masjid and Memorials to Gandhi and Nehru. Overnight.

DAY 02 -DELHI/LEHMorning depart by air for Leh. On arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day free for relaxing. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – LEHMorning sightseeing of Leh town visiting the Shankar Gompa, Leh Monastery and Stock Palace. Walk around the Leh bazar. Afternoon visit the Kali temple which has an intersting collection of Masks. Overnight stay.

DAY 04 – LEHMorning depart for visits of the Monasteries at Spituk and Phyang which have beautiful collection of statues and scroll paintings in Gold. Overnight stay.

DAY 05 – LEH/HEMISMorning depart by surface for Hemis enroute visiting the Monasteries at Shey and Tikse. Afternoon after arrival in Hemis visit the largest monastery in Ladakh at Hemis. Overnight in tented accommodation.

DAY 06 – HEMIS/SARCHUMorning drive on the Sarchu where you camp for the night.

DAY 07 – SARCHU/MANALIMorning proceed on the Manali. On arrival check into your hotel for overnight stay.

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DAY 08 – MANALIMorning at leisure. Afternoon walk around the town visiting the temple of Hadimba, the 450 years old temple has some excellent wood carvings. Overnight stay.

DAY 09 – MANALIFull day visits of Naggar and Jagatsukh the ancient capitals of Kulu. Return for overnight stay.

DAY 10 – MANALI/MANDIMorning depart by surface for Mandi enroute visit the Bajaura temple. On arrival check into your hotel. Afternoon visit the beautiful temples of Mandi. Overnight stay.

DAY 11 – MANDI/TARAGARHMorning depart by surface for Taragarh enroute visit the Shiva temple at Baijnath. On arrival check into your hotel. At leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 – TARAGARH/DHARAMSHALAMorning depart for Dharmshala. On arrival check into your hotel. Afternoon visit the Dalai Lama's abode and walk around the Tibetian township. Overnight.

DAY 13 – DHARMASHALA/CHAMBAMorning depart by surface for Chamba, a tiny town which has a profusion of temples. On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 14 – CHAMBADepart for sightseeing of this medieval town complete with an array of superbly carved rock temples and Palaces dating a thousand years back. The Museum houses an exquisite collection of paintings of the Kangra and Basholi school of art. Overnight stay.

DAY 15 – CHAMBADepart for full day excursion to Bharmaur with its ancient temples slate roofed houses. The Legendary gaddies – nomadic shepherds of the Himalayas live here. Return to Chamba for overnight.

DAY 16 – CHAMBA/DALHOUSIEDepart in the morning for Dalhousie by surface. On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 17 – DALHOUSIE/JAMMU/DELHIDepart by surface in the morning for Jammu. On arrival lunch in Jammu after which proceed by air for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 18 – DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 5 :

Rajasthan Special

DELHI/JAIPUR/RANTHAMBHOR/KOTAH/UDAIPUR/MOUNT

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ABU/JODHPUR/JAISELMER/BIKANER/MANDAWA/DELHI – 19 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for combined sightseeing of Old and New Delhi visiting the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 02 – DELHI/JAIPURMorning depart by coach for Jaipur. On arrival check into your hotel. Afternoon depart for city tour visiting the Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – JAIPURMorning depart for an excursion to Fort Amber, the old capital. Here elephant rides will be provided. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 04 – JAIPUR/RANTHAMBHORMorning depart by surface for Ranthambhor – Wildlife Sanctury. On arrival check into your hotel. Late afternoon depart for a Jungle Safari. Overnight stay.

DAY 05 – RANTHAMBHOR/KOTHAEarly morning make another jungle safari tour. Later proceed for Kotah enroute visiting Bundi, a small picturesque unspoilt town. On arrival in Kotah check into your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 06 – KOTAHMorning depart for an excursion to Barolli visiting the 9th century Panchayatan style temple complex. Afternoon visit the Fort, Palace museum etc. Overnight.

DAY 07 – KOTAH/CHITTORGARH/UDAIPURMorning depart by bus for Chittorgarh enroute visiting the temples at Bijolia and Menal. Chittorgarh, the hilltop fortress is a reminder of romantic heroism and Rajput chivalry. Continue on to Udaipur and on arrival check into your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 08 – UDAIPURMorning depart for city sightseeing and excursion to Eklingi and Nagda. Afternoon boatride on the Lake Pichola. Overnight.

DAY 09 – UDAIPUR/MOUNT ABUMorning depart by surface for Mount Abu enroute visiting Ranakpur. Ranakpur has one of the most beautiful Jain temple complex. Continue on the Abu. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 10 – MOUNT ABUMorning depart for an excursion to Achalgarh and Gomukh. Afternoon visit the Dilwara temples a fine example of Jain Architecture. Overnight stay.

DAY 11 – MOUNT ABU/JODHPURMorning depart by surface for Jodhpur. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon visit the Fort and Jaswant Thada. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 – JODHPURMorning depart for an excursion to Mandore where are the cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. Afternoon

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at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 13 – JODHPURMorning depart by surface for Jaiselmer enroute visit Pokaran Fort. On arrival in Jaiselmer check into your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 14 – JAISELMERMorning depart on Camels and camel carts for a visit to the Fort. Afternoon visit the Havelis and Sam Sand dunes. Overnight.

DAY 15 – JAISELMER/BIKANERMorning depart by surface for Bikaner. On arrival check into your hotel. At leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 16 – BIKANERMorning visit Deshnoke, the Rat temple of Karni Devi. Returning visit the fort afternoon visit Devikund to view the sunset. Overnight.

DAY 17 – BIKANER/MANDAWAMorning depart by surface for Mandawa enroute visit Ramgarh and Fatehpur. On arrival in this Quaint town check into the CASTLE HOTEL. Later walk around the town. Overnight.

DAY 18 – MANDAWA/DELHIMorning depart for Delhi enroute visiting Nawalgarh. On arrival in Delhi check into your hotel. At leisure.

DAY 19 – DEPART DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 6:

Of Buddha and Buddhism

DELHI/VARANASI/BODHGAYA/PATNA/CALCUTTA/DARJEELING/SIKKIM/DELHI – 15 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Memorials to Nehru and Gandhi. Overnight.

DAY 02 – DELHIMorning sightseeing of New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar, Humayuns Tomb, Parliament House, Birla Mandir etc. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 03 – DELHI/VARANASIMorning depart by air for Varanasi. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon visit the city. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

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DAY 04 – VARANASIMorning early depart for a boatride on the Holy River Ganges viewing the sunrise and the religious rites being performed on the River bank. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. Where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight.

DAY 05 – VARANASI/BODHGAYAMorning depart by surface for Bodhgaya the palace where Buddha attained enlightenment. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight.

DAY 06 – DOGHGAYA/PATNAMorning depart by surface for Rajgir. On arrival sightseeing and lunch continuing on to Patna enroute visiting Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist center for learning. On arrival in Patna check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 07 – PATNA/CALCUTTAMorning depart by air for Calcutta. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Calcutta city. Overnight.

DAY 08 – CALCUTTA/BAGDOGRA/DARJEELINGMorning depart by air for Bagdogra. On arrival proceed on the Darjeeling. On arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 09 – DARJEELINGMorning depart for a city tour visiting the Observatory Hill, Museum etc. Afternoon excursion to Ghoom Monastery. Overnight.

DAY 10 – DARJEELINGMorning excursion to Tiger Hill to view the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Mountains. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 11 – DARJEELING – KALIMPONGMorning depart for Kalimpong. On arrival check in to the hotel. Afternoon visit the city. Overnight.

DAY 12 – KALIMPONG – GANGTOKMorning depart for Gangtok. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon visit the town. Overnight.

DAY 13 – GANGTOKDepart for full day visits of the Rumtek Monastery and the city. Return to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 14 – GANGTOK – BAGDOGRA – DELHIMorning depart by surface for Bagdogra continuing on to the airport for departure by air for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to the Hotel. At leisure.

DAY 15 – DEPART DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 7 :

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Best of Madhya Pradesh & Gujrat

DELHI/KHAJURAHO/ORCHA/JHANSI/GWALIOR/BHOPAL/INDORE/AHMEDABAD/ZAINABAD/RAJKOT/SANSNGIR/AHMEDPUR MANDVI/BHAVNAGAR/AHMEDABAD/BOMBAY – 20 DAYS

DAY 01 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. At leisure. Afternoon depart for city tour of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort built by Emperor Shahjehan, Chandini Chowk, Jama Masjid and memorials to Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. Overnight.

DAY 02 – DELHI/KHAJURAHOMorning depart for city tour of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Humayuns tomb etc. afternoon depart by air for Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 03 – KHAJURAHODepart for full day visit of the world famous temples of Khajuraho also visiting the archaeological museum. Overnight stay.

DAY 04 – KHAJURAHO/ORCHA/JHANSIEarly morning depart by bus for Jhansi enroute visiting Orcha, a medieval town, once the flourishing capital of the Bundela Rajputs. Its palace, temples and fort reveal the glory of the medieval era. Continue on the Jhansi. On arrival check into the hotel. Later visit the museum and the ruins of the Fort. Overnight.

DAY 05 – JHANSI/DATIA/SONAGIRI/GWALIORMorning depart by surface for Gwalior enroute visiting Datia, where you will see the seven story palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo, built a top a hill; a unique example of the 17th century Hindu architecture. Continue of to Sonagiri with its 10th century Jain temples. On arrival in Gwalior check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 06 – GWALIORMorning depart for full day sightseeing of Gwalior, visiting the Fort Complex including Man Mandir, Suraj Kund, Sas Bahu temples etc. Later visit the Rani Jhansi memorials and the tombs of Tansen and Ghaus Mohammed. Overnight.

DAY 07 – GWALIOR/BHOPALMorning depart by the Shatabdi Express train for Bhopal. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for an excursion to Sanchi; the site of Bhuddhist stupas, chaityas and monasteries. The finish example of Bhuddhist creative art and sculpture is found here. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 08 – BHOPALDepart for full day excursion to Bhojpur where you can see the temples of Shiva and Jain. Continue on to Bhimbetka, where you can see paintings in over 500 caves depicting the life of pre-historic dwellers. Return to Bhopal for overnight.

DAY 09 – BHOPAL-UJJAIN-INDOREMorning depart by surface for Ujjain a renowned pilgrimage center. Continue on to Indore. On arrival transfer to the hotel for Overnight.

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DAY 10 – INDORE-MANDU-INDOREFull day excursion to Mandu; a pleasure resort of medieval Rulers, which still retains its aura of romance and mystery. Return to Indore for overnight.

DAY 11 – INDORE-AHMEDABADDepart by air for Ahmedabad. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 – AHMEDABAD-MODHERA-ZAINABADMorning depart by bus for Zainabad enroute visiting Modhera viewing the early 11th century Sun Temple also visiting Adalaj i.e. a 15th century step well. On arrival in Zainabad continue on to the step well. On arrival in Zainabad continue on to the wildlife camp. Camel reception on arrival. Overnight stay.

DAY 13 – ZAINABAD/WANKANER/RAJKOTEarly morning depart for a safari in the Runn of Kutch to watch the famous Indian Wild Ass and migratory birds. Return to camp. Proceed by surface for Rajkot enroute visiting the Wankaner Palace/Museum. On arrival in Rajkot check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 14 – RAJKOT/JUNAGADK/SASANGIRMorning depart by surface for Sasangir enroute visiting Jaunagadh and the Uparkot Caves. On arrival in Sasangir check into the Lodge. Overnight.

DAY 15 – SASANGIREarly morning depart for a safari to see the Asiatic Lions in their wild state along with other typical unusual wildlife. Return to the hotel. Afternoon depart for a visit to Chorwad and Diu. Retun for overnight.

DAY 16 – SASANGIR/SOMNATH/AHMEDPUR/MANDVIMorning depart by surface for Mandvi enroute visiting Somnath which is one of the 12 most sacred Shiva Shrines. On arrival in Mandvi check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 17 – AHMEDPUR MANDVI/BHAVNAGARDepart in the morning by surface for Bhavnagar enroute visiting Palitana with its beautiful Jain temples a top a hill. On arrival in Bhavnagar check into the hotel for overnight.

DAY 18 – BHAVNAGAR/AHMEDABADMorning depart by surface for Ahmedabad enroute visiting Lothal, the ancient Harappan city. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing of Ahmedabad. Overnight.

DAY 19 – AHMEDABAD/BOMBAYDepart by air for Bombay. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 20 – BOMBAYAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

PROGRAMME 8 :Indian Panorama

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BOMBAY/AURANGABAD/UADIPUR/JAIPUR/AGRA/KHAJURAHO/VARANASI/BHUBANESHWAR/CALCUTTA/KATHMANDU/DELHI – 18 DAYS

DAY 01 – BOMBAYArrive Bombay. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the at leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 02 – BOMBAYMorning depart for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves - 7th century caves temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afternoon city tour visiting the Gateway to India, Museum. Hanging Gardens, Jain temples etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – BOMBAY/AURANGABADMorning depart by air for Aurangabad. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later depart for an excursion to the Ellora Caves. Here the temples / caves of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists all combine to stand testimony to the religious tolerance of the past. The most magnificent is the Kailasa temple hewn out of a single rock. Overnight.

DAY 04 – AURANGABADMorning depart for an excursion to the Ajanta Caves. The beautiful sculptures and frescoes dating back to the 2nd century B.C. Are a wonder of ancient art. Return for overnight.

DAY 05 – AURANGABAD/UDAIPURMorning depart by air for Udaipur with its gleaming lakes and Palaces. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Process for sightseeing visiting Eklingi, Nagada and the Palace. Late afternoon do a boatride on the lake Pichola. Overnight.

DAY 06 – UDAIPUR/JAIPURMorning depart by air for Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel Afternoon city tour visiting the Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal etc. return to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 07 – JAIPUR/AGRAMorning depart for an excursion to Fort Amber, the old Capital is the finest example of Rajput architecture. Elephant rides will be provided here. Afternoon depart by surface for Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th century deserted city of Emperor Akbar. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 08 – AGRA/KHAJURAHOMorning depart for city tour of the world famous Taj Mahal and the Fort. Afternoon depart by air for Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 09 – KHAJURAHO/VARANASIMorning depart for city tour visiting the famous temples built by the Chandela Rulers during the 10th / 11th century. Afternoon depart by air for Varanasi. On arrival proceed directly for a drive throught the city. Later check into the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 10 – VARANASI/BHUBNESWAREarly morning depart for a boatride on the Holy River Ganges to view the sunrise and view the activities of the Hindu devotees gathered on the River bank. Later after breakfast visit Sarnath, where Buddha attained Nirvana. Afternoon depart by air for Bhubneswar. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

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Overnight.

DAY 11 – BHUBNESWAR/KONARK/PURIMorning depart for full day excursion to Konark the 13th century world famous temple. Continue on the Puri visiting the Sri Jaganth temple. Relax on the beach and return to Bhubneswar for overnight.

DAY 12 – BHUBNESWAR / CALCUTTAMorning city tour visiting the temples of Lingraj and Rajrani and Mukteswar. Evening flight to Calcutta. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 13 – CALCUTTA / KATHMANDUMorning depart for city tour visiting India's oldest and one of Asia's largest and most comprehensive museums. Afternoon depart by air to Kathmandu in Nepal. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 14 – KATHMANDUMorning depart for city sightseeing visiting the temple at Swayambhunath. Afternoon visit Patan, the city of beauty. Overnight.

DAY 15 – KATHMANDUexcursion to Pashupathinath and Bodhnath. Afternoon visit Bhadgaon, the home of medieval art and architecture. Overnight.

DAY 16 – KATHMANDUDay at leisure for optionals a) Mountain flight over the Himalayas b) Dhulikhel. Overnight.

DAY 17 – KATHMANDU/DELHIMorning at leisure. Afternoon depart back for Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

DAY 18 – DEPART DELHIAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward journey.

PROGRAMME 9 :Southern Highlights

BOMBAY/HYDERABAD/BANGALORE/MYSORE/HASSAN/HOSPET/BADAMI/BELGAUM/GOA/BOMBAY – 14 DAYS

DAY 01 – BOMBAYArrive Bombay. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for city tour. Overnight.

DAY 02 – BOMBAY/HYDERABADMorning depart for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves. Afternoon depart by air for Hyderabad. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – HYDERABADMorning visit the 13th century Golconda Fort. Afternoon city tour visiting the Charminar Gate,

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Salarjung museum which houses the fabulous and unique collection of antiques and objects of art form all over the world. Also visit the Mecca Masjid and the Archaeological museum. Overnight.

DAY 04 – HYDERABAD/BANGALORE/MYSOREMorning depart by air for Bangalore. On arrival transfer to Mysore by coach enroute visiting Sri Chennakeshave temple at Somnathpur. This star shaped temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings. Afternoon visit Chamundi Hills, which has a superb view of the city. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 05 – MYSOREMorning depart for an excursion to Srirangapatnam, the ruins of the capital of Tipu Sultan – Tiger of Mysore. Afternoon city tour visiting the Palace built in the Indo Saracenic style. Overnight.

DAY 06 – MYSORE/ SRA VENBELGOLA /HASSAN\Morning depart by surface for Hassan enroute visiting Sravenbelgola – a famous pilgrim center for the Jains, the collossal stature of Gomateswara is said to be the tallest monolithic stature in the world. On arrival in Hassan check into the hotel for overnight.

DAY 07 – HASSANMorning depart for sightseeing of Belur and Halibid. The temples here are magnificent. The sculptural decorations are unrivaled. Overnight stay.

DAY 08 – HASSAN/HOSPETDepart by surface for Hospet. Late afternoon check into hotel in Hospet. Overnight.

DAY 09 – HOSPET/HAMPIFull day sightseeing of Hampi the glorious capital of the mighty Vijaynagar empire (1336-1565). overnight.

DAY 10 – HOSPET/BADAMI/BELGAUMMorning depart by surface for Belgaum enroute visiting Aihole – Once the capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty (6th - 8th century). Pattakdal – was the second capital and functioned as the royal commemorative site. Badami – Visit the famous rock cit temples. Continue on the Belgaum for the night.

DAY 11 – BELGAUM/GOAMorning depart by surface for Goa. On arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for swimming, sunbathing etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 – GOADay at leisure for independent activities. Overnight.

DAY 13 – GOA/BOMBAYMorning at leisure. Afternoon depart by air for Bombay. On arrival transfer to the hotel. At leisure.

DAY 14 – BOMBAYAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.

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PROGRAMME 10 :

South India Intensive

BOMBAY/CONCHIN/KOVALAM/MADURAI/TRICHY/MADRAS/BANGALORE/MYSORE/HASSAN/HAMPI/BADAMI/GOA/BOMBAY – 20 DAYS

DAY 01 – BOMBAYArrive Bombay. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon depart for city tour visiting the Gateway of India, Museum, Marine drive, Hanging Gardens, Gandhi Memorial etc. Overnight.

DAY 02 – BOMBAY/COCHINDepart by air for Cochin. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Proceed for the city tour visiting the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese. Jewish Synagogue built in 1568. St. Francis Church where Vasco-de-Gama was buried. Late afternoon boat ride in the backwaters of Cochin, cruising along Gundu and Bolghatty islands. The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze at sunset is a very beautiful sight. Later in the evening witness the famous Kathakali dance drama. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 – COCHIN/KOVALAMMorning leave for Kovalam enroute for Kottayam to Alleppey take a breath taking motor boat cruise through the Palm fringed backwater canals. On arrival check into the hotel – beach resort with most picturesque stretches of sandy beaches. Overnight stay.

DAY 04 – KOVALAMMorning depart for city sightseeing visiting the famous and historical Padmanabhaswamy Vishnu temple, kaudiar Palace and the museum with its priceless collection of bronzes. Afternoon at leisure for swimming, sunbathing etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 05 – KOVALAM/CAPE COMORIN/MADURAIMorning depart by surface for Madurai enroute visiting Kanyakumari the southern most tip of India and where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea meet. On arrival in Madurai check into the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 06 – MADURAI/TRICHYMorning depart for city tour visiting the magnificent Meenakshi temple and the Tirumalai Temple. Early afternoon depart by surface for Trichy enroute visiting Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola Kings. On arrival in Trichy check in to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 07 – TRICHY/MADRASMorning visit the Rock Fort and Srirangam, one of India's largest temples. Afternoon depart by air for Madras. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 08 – MADRASDepart for full day excursion of Mahabalipuram – a seaport built by the emperor of the Pallava dynasty. The shore temples carved out of solid rock are most memorable. Return late afternoon back to Madras for overnight.

DAY 09 – MADRASDepart for half day excursion to Kanchipuram, the golden city of a thousand temples. Afternoon tour

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the City visiting the Museum, St. Mary's church, the Marine Mylapore temple etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 10 – MADRAS/BANGALORE/MYSOREMorning depart by air for Bangalore. On arrival transfer by coach to Mysore enroute visiting the beautiful star shaped temple of Sri Chennakeshave at Somnathpur. On arrival in Mysore check into the hotel. Afternoon visit Chamundi Hills. Overnight stay.

DAY 11 – MYSOREMorning visit Srirangapatnam, the ancient capital of Tipu Sultan Tiger of Mysore. Afternoon city tour visiting the Grand Palace and the lovely Brindavan gardens. Overnight.

DAY 12 – MYSORE/SRAVENBELGOLA/HASSANMorning visit Srirangapatnam, the ancient capital of Tipu Sultan Tiger of Mysore. Afternoon city tour visiting the Grand Palace and the lovely Brindavan gardens. Overnight.

DAY 13 – HASSAN/BELUR/HALIBID/HASSANDepart for full day visits of Belur and Halibid complex

DAY 14 – HASSAN/HOSPETLeave by surface for Hospet. Late afternoon arrive Hospet. Check into the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 15 – HOSPET/HAMPI/HOSPETFull day sightseeing of Hampi, once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar empire. Overnight stay.

DAY 16 – HOSPET/BADAMI/BELGAUMMorning depart by coach for Belgaum enroute visiting Aihole, Pattakadal and Badami. Continue on to Belgaum for Overnight stay.

DAY 17 – BELGAUM/GOAMorning depart by surface for Goa. On arrival check into the hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 18 – GOADay at leisure for independent activities like swimming sightseeing etc. Overnight stay.

DAY 19 -GOA/BOMBAYDepart by air for Bombay. On arrival check into the hotel. Reset of the day free.

DAY 20 – BOMBAYAssistance and transfer to the airport for departure back home.

PROGRAMME 11:

PALACE ON WHEELS

DELHI/JAIPUR/UDAIPUR/JAISELMER/JODHPUR/BHARATPUR/AGRA/DELHI

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Travel like the Indian Maharajas used to – ON THE PALACE ON WHEELS. A unique experience in holiday travel. The vintage carriages, belonging to the old princely families (one dating back to 1898) have been restored to give you this tour into the past. The palace on Wheels operates only during the winter months presently and is shortly to be air conditioned.

DAY 01 – DELHI/JAIPUREvening dinner on Board the Palace on Wheels at Delhi station and then departure for Jaipur. Overnight.

DAY 02 – JAIPUR/CHITTORGARHMorning after breakfast in Jaipur on board depart by coach for sightseeing of City palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal. Shopping and lunch at Rambagh Palace. Afternoon visit Fort Amber with elephant rides, Nahargarh. Dinner and Cultural Programme at a hotel. Evening depart on the train for Chittorgarh.

DAY 03 – CHITTORGARH/UDAIPURIn Chittorgarh after breakfast on board visit the Fort. Proceed by bus for Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur for Lunch and then sightseeing. Boatride on the Lake Pichola. Dinner on Board. Overnight.

DAY 04 – UDAIPUR/JAISELMERBreakfast on Board. Morning free for shopping, swimming etc. Afternoon after lunch on board depart for Jaiselmer. Dinner on Board. Overnight.

DAY 05 – JAISELMER/JODHPURAfter breakfast on board depart for sightseeing of Jaiselmer. Lunch on Board. Afternoon visit the Cenotaphs and enjoy camel rides. Dinner at a Hotel. Evening depart by train for Jodhpur.

DAY 06 – JODHPUR/BHARATPURAfter breakfast on board proceed for sightseeing of the Fort and Jaswant Thada. Lunch at the Palace hotel continuing by the train to Bharatpur. Tea and dinner on board. Overnight.

DAY 07 – BHARATPUR/DELHI\Morning proceed by bus for the Bird Sanctuary. Breakfast at the Tourist Bungalow. Continue by bus for Fatehpur Sikri continuing on the Agra. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of the Taj Mahal and the Fort. Evening teat and dinner on board. Depart back for Delhi.

DAY 08 – DELHIArrive Delhi. Breakfast on board and transfer to the hotel.

WILDLIFE:Over 200 Sanctuaries and Parks are to be found all over the Indian Continent boasting a variety of wildlife with each region having something special to offer. You have the Gir Forest in Gujarat with the only surviving home of the Asiatic Lion, the one horned RHINO in Manas/Kaziranga in Assam. Periyar in Kerala is best known for wild elephant viewing. Bandhavgarh / Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, Sariska / Ranthambhor in Rajasthan and Corbett ( Of the Jim Corbett fame ) and Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh are best known tiger reserves. Bharatpur near to Delhi has the largest bird Sanctuary in Asia. Most sanctuaries are easily accessible with accommodation to be found within or around. Best period for

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viewing is form October to March, however, March to June there are better chances of spotting wildlife when the weather is hot.

BEACHES:The Indian cost has endless stretches of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From such a vast choice we can offer you the ideal beach holiday. You have Goa, internationally known resort on the western coast can Kovalam Resort. The lesser known Mahabalipuram near Madras on the eastern coast, Puri in Orissa. The Islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman although with limited facilities to ensure no ecological damage, are extremely beautiful and as yet untouched but steadily becoming most popular.

ADVENTURE:The geographical diversity of India provides for a variety of adventure sports. Trekking in the north, July to October, River Running all through summer, Fishing in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Sking in Uttar/Himachal Pradesh from December to March, Helisking in Himachal Pradesh, Camel Safari in Rajasthan with Horse Safaris becoming very popular now.

SPECIAL EVENTS – FAIRS AND FESTIVALS.An Indian needs any reason to celebrate, therefore, fairs and festivals dot the Indian Calender. There are religious festivals, music, festivals, those that mark the passing of the seasons and other which are cultural events. There are those that are celebrated in isolated corners of the country and others celebrated throughout. Many are worth the effort of a special trip or can be combined with a tour. To name a few in Rajasthan the Pushkar Fair and the Desert festival are unique and internationally popular. Festival of lights – Diwali and Christmas are religious festivals celebrated wit much enthusiasm all over the country. Up North in Ladakh, the Hemis festival is the best known of the Monastery festivals. In the South in Kerala, the Elephant March and the magnificent boat race during Onam festival are spectacular. In cultural events there is the Khajuraho Dance festival and the Suraj Kund Mela (near Delhi), also worth a visit.

GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS

CLIMATEIndia has three major season. Winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter months (November-March) are pleasantly cool throughout India. The summer months (April-June) are hot and fill resorts provide cool retreats. The monsoon (June-September) begin from the west coast and reaches elsewhere later.

VISAExcept for Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, all other citizens must possess a valid visa secured form any of the Indian Mission abroad, and should possess a valid National Passport.

RATESAll rates are nett and quoted in USD and subject to change without notice.

PAYMENTSPreferably by bank draft or telex transfer before commencement of our services.

TRANSFERS/SIGHTSEEINGSTransfer include assistance by our representative and porterage at the airport. Sightseeing rates include

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accompanying guide and entrances at monuments etc. however escort charges are not included for excursions outside and the same will be extra.

TAXES, SERVICE CHARGES AND TIPSTaxes on hotel rooms and transportation service charges on hotel rooms and meals are included. Gratuity to the guide or host is left to the discretion of the tour member. Airport taxes on departure and personal expenses such as liquor, laundry are not included.

HOTELS/TRANSPORTATIONRates mentioned are for regular standard rooms. Transportation is by India Ambassador cars with a capacity of 3 persons and deluxe coaches with a capacity of 35 persons.

LIABILITY & LIMITATIONBECKON TOURS ACT ONLY AS AGENTS FOR OWNERS or contractors providing means of transportation, hotels, restaurants or other services and is not responsible for nay loss, injury, damage, death or delay occasioned either by reason of defect or through acts of default of any company or persons engaged in carrying out arrangement of travel services. In addition extra expenses incurred due to accidents, natural disasters, political actions and unrest must be borne by the tourist. Although every attempt is made to carry out bookings and arrange tours with utmost care, however, in event of circumstances beyond out control, we reserve the right to change itineraries, carriers and substitute hotels or cancel when necessary, without notice.