India is a vast country. Before independence it consisted of about six hundred semi-independent kingdoms rules over by Hindu Maharajas and Muslim Nawabs. Now, even though it has merged as a single country-traditions, poetry and culture of each state go back a thousand years. India is that sense is very similar to Europe, with each state, rather like each European nation has not only its own language, culture and foods, but its own history, its own unique geography and its own set of dominant religions. "Armchair India" tours will delight gourmet lovers as they are a first class culinary journey across this magnificent country, sampling its finest sights and sounds. The foods from different regions will thrill your palates and the sights and destinations visited are uplifting.
Armchair India Northern Tour 
9 Days / 8 nights
Day 1
Delhi : Arrive Delhi. Welcome to the capital city of India. A city which depicts the melting pot of all the Indian cultures. Assistance at airport and transfer to the luxurious Hotel situated in the heart of New Delhi. Traditional garlanding, `tikka' ceremony and welcome drink.. Rest of the day at leisure to recover from your flight. Evening dinner at the Sahara Farmhouse Restaurant, set against the magnificently lit Qutub Minar. Experience warm Indian hospitality enjoy drinks and dinner to the accompaniment of modern Indian light music. Overnight Delhi. (D)
Hotels used: Taj Mahal / Eros Intercontinental / Le Meridien
Day 2
Delhi : After a popular Indian breakfast of `parathas' Kashmiri theme day. Morning tour of New Delhi to include India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (special permission to visit the Mughal Gardens can be taken depending on the month and day of visit), and the Lotus shaped Bahai Temple. Lunch would be on the Nothing Authentic Restaurant, situated at the Community Centre, New Friends Colony,. After lunch visit special emporiums for an insight into Kashmiri handicrafts-fabulous hand woven silk and woollen carpets with intricate designs, fine pashmina (cashmere) shawls made from the soft hair of Tibetan goats, woven and embroidered with striking paisley designs. Papier mache objects, woodcarvings on walnut wood, crewel work on fabric and rugs are highly intricate and the finish exquisite. Return to hotel for a few hours of relaxation. Evening dinner would be a lavish spread of traditional dishes- Kashmiri food can be the simple meal of a family, or a 36-course wedding banquet called `Wazawan' from the state of Kashmir followed by `Kahva' green tea sprinkled with almonds and cardamom. A Kashmiri food culinary expert will be accompanying you through your meal to tell you all about its preparation and about the lifestyle of the people of Kashmir. Overnight Delhi.
Day 3
Delhi : After a traditional north Indian breakfast of `poori', commence on a unique tour of the bazaars of Old Delhi and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Be taken back to the times when the majority of the trading was carried out from the huddled shops of these lively markets. Take a rickshaw ride to "kinari bazaar" where shops overflow with bright wedding finery, including garlands made of rupee notes, grooms', turbans, rosettes and other glistening tinsel used in marriages. Visit the "naya bazaar", the spice market on Khari Baoli glowing with the aroma of aniseed, turmeric, dried promengranates, mangoes, apricots and apples, saffron, lotus seed, pickles to edible silver paper used to coat sweets and cakes. The greatest and the most lasting foreign influence on classical Indian cuisine was that of the Mughals, who introduced opulence to Indian food, rich rice pulaos, biryanis, tandoori cuisine, elaborate baked breads and paans.For lunch experience traditional muslim hospitality in a house that dates back centuries back, built by mughal nobility. After lunch visit the magnificent Red Fort and witness the Son-et-lumiere. Dinner at "Lazeez Affairs" north-west frontier speciality restaurant. Overnight Delhi.
Day 4
Lucknow : Early morning flight to Lucknow. (IC 435 dep. 0600 hrs. Arrive 0655 hrs). Check into the Hotel. Lucknow, once the capital of the independent Muslim kingdom of Oudh. Even though the extravagances of the old court have gone, the spirit, civility, graciousness of the flowery language have all remained. Morning at leisure. Lunch is a mango orchard `kakori' theme. The orchard is the property of the Nawab Kazmi and boasts of producing over sixteen varieties of mangoes in season. In the afternoon visit the Residency, Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, the clock tower and Nakhas in Old Lucknow to see the bird sellers. Lucknow is also well known for `attar' Indian perfumes, chikan work, embroidery, silversmiths, gold zari and sequin work. Later visit `Tunda', a Lucknow landmark, is the name of a kebab shop in the heart of the city. Overnight Lucknow.
Hotels Used: Taj Residency / Clarks Avadh
Day 5
Lucknow : A days' visit to the outskirts of the city. Take glimpse into the rural life of the simple north Indian farmer. Picnic lunch is organized at the forest Rest House in the Crocodile Sanctuary. A typical Awadh evening and dinner is planned for you this evening, creating the ambience of the nawabs' court of yesteryear with `dastakhvan' seating, music and `kathak' dancers. Overnight Lucknow.
Day 6
Agra : Morning drive to Agra by luxury air conditioned coach. Arrive by lunch. Check into Hotel. In the afternoon visit the Agra Fort and the fabulous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal stands on the Yamuna river, and is a monument that needs to be experienced and observed at different times of the day from far and near to get the feeling to the sheer beauty it evokes. Tonight is a `khema' theme dinner organized on the roof of a fort overlooking the Yamuna river, with glimpses of the Taj in the moonlight. Overnight Agra.
Hotels used: Taj View / Jaypee Palace
Day 7
Agra/Jaipur : Morning optional visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast drive to Jaipur, enroute stopping at the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive Jaipur by lunch. Check into Hotel after a grand royal welcome with elephants, camels and horses. Lunch at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or for shopping. Jaipur is known for its jewellery and gemstones, carpets, colourful tie and dye or block printed fabrics and linen, blue pottery and other handicrafts. If is season witness a polo match in the evening frequented by the Maharaja of Jaipur. Dinner will be a visit to `Chowki Dhani' where a complete Rajasthani desert village is created, with village dancers and musicians. Taste the everyday food of the Rajasthani peasant. "Sangri-The Village Dining Hall" The dining hall is renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food, served to you on a leaf platter in the tradition of "Manuhaar". Your taste buds will remember this treat for a long time, while the warmth of service will stay in your heart forever. Live dance and music performance all through the evening. Overnight Jaipur.
Hotels used: Jai Mahal Palace / The Raj Palace / Le Meridien
Day 8
Jaipur/Samode : Morning city sightseeing including a visit the City Palace, Palace of the Winds and the Observatory. Later visit the Amber Fort on elephant back. Lunch will be organized in the adjacent Nahargarh Hilltop Fort. Evening drive to Samode Palace. On arrival at the village entrance, transfer on to decorated camel carts, the caravan will be escorted by torch bearers and local musicians through the cobbled streets and village up to the palace gates, where you will be received by the village elders welcoming you with garlands, tikka and showers of rose petals. Check into the Palace hotel. Cocktails will be at the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and then proceed to the Durbar Hall for a banquet befitting a king. The ambience created goes back six hundred years when the king and his lieutenants would sit on the cushioned floor and the dancers would perform. Gentlemen will be provided colourful turbans and ladies, scarves as they feast on a royal Rajasthani fare. Overnight Samode.
Hotels used: Palace / Swiss Tents [Luxury Class]
Additional details about Bhadrawati Palace:-
Arrive Bhandarej and transfer to Bhadrawati Palace .[ A four Hundred year old Palace now converted in to Hotel]. This Palace is in the middle of the village Bhandarej on a top a small hill .The village provides a very typical view of Rajasthani village .Thus one gets a chance to stay for one night in Maharaja Style and at the same time take optional camel cart or camel ride to village temple and to Baroi .The Bhadrawati Palace is now being looked after by the 13 Generations of the Original Maharajas family.
Day 9
Samode/Delhi/Onward journey : Morning camel ride to the royal orchards for breakfast. Later drive to Delhi, reaching in time for evening flight departure.
Price $7045 per person twin share
The above Prices inclusive of:
- Welcome at Delhi International airport with fresh flower garlands
- Welcome drinks with tikka on arrival at Hotel
- 8 Nights accommodation at mentioned Hotels
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner [All meals included]
- Meet assist, all transfers, tours, sight seeing, excursions as per program by luxury private air-condition coach
- Internal Flight
- Rickshaw ride to Kinari Bazaar
- Visit Taj Mahal
- Dinner with dance at Chokhi Dhani village
- Entrances to monuments as per itinerary
- English Speaking guide
- All Government taxes / VAT and service tax 5%
The Price does not include:
Armchair India Southern Tour
10 Days/9 Nights
Day 1
Madras : Arrive Madras, meet-assistance at airport, Welcome with
fresh flower garlands, Transfer to Hotel. Overnight Madras.
Hotels used: Taj Coromandal / Taj Connemara / Le Meridien
Day 2
Madras : Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the main cities in south India. The population of Chennai is 5.9 million. Apart from other Indian languages, Tamil is the main language being spoken by the natives of Chennai city. Chennai has much worth exploring and with the facility of abundant transport operations; accessibility to other parts of the country becomes easy. The thirteen kilometres of marvellous Marina beach adds more beauty to the Chennai city.
Lunch would be freshly caught seafood at KRAIKUDI Restaurant. After lunch visit Dakshinchitra, it is an art and craft foundation representing the four Southern states in a setting of traditional 19th century architecture. Also visit Mahabalipuram, famous for its unique 7th century Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. Evening special South Indian Udipi dinner with classical bharatnatyam dancers.
Chennai is noted for its delectable South Indian cuisine, so distinct from North Indian cuisine and provides delicious variety for the taste buds. Chennai, is also famous for its filter coffee. Overnight Madras.
Day 3
Madras / Hyderabad : After late Iyengar breakfast of coffee, dosai and idlis, eaten with chutneys and dal transfer to airport for flight to Hyderabad departure 14:20 hrs. Arrive Hyderabad 15:20 hrs. Transfer to the Hotel. After arrival, explore city of Hyderabad. Some cities age with time, some grow to become cultural capitals. The former princely state of Hyderabad is one of the finest examples of the latter, it still retains the flavour of an earlier period. It has long been a centre of Muslim learning and culture, the city reflects a fascinating mix of ethnic cultures with architecture of Persian, medieval and colonial flavours. A visit to the Salar Jung Museum, housing an extraordinary private collection of unique, rare and fine art objects representative of the great wealth of the Nizam, who was once the wealthiest man in the world. The cuisine of Hyderabad is one of which every Hyderabadi is justifiably proud of.
Hotels used: Taj Residency / Taj Banjara
Day 4
Hyderabad : After breakfast, On the dessert menu, visit the Char Minar-the city's landmark, with it's four minarets. Built in the 16th Century, it still stands amid the bazaars of the old city. Lunch is organized at a local Nawab's home to experience the courtesy and hospitality of Hyderabadi hosts. Afternoon explore the colourful market, Hyderabad is known for its pearls, `bidriware' vases, boxes, jewellery to tiny buttons. `Pocahampalli' and `ikat' fabrics, glass bangles inlaid with semi-precious stones, lacquer toys, kalamkari art and antiques. In the evening witness spectacular son et lumiere at the Golconda Fort. Followed by dinner at the grand Falaknuma Palace, the former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Relive the gracious art of fine living perfected by the Nizams of Hyderabad. Overnight Hyderabad.
Day 5
Hyderabad/Cochin : After late breakfast, Transfer to airport for flight to Cochin departure 1305 hrs. Arrive Cochin 1510 hrs. Transfer to the Hotel, which commands a breathtaking view of Cochin's famous natural harbour. Cochin is a city of waterways with a varied history. Notable here is a Jewish population which arrived over 2000 years ago as refugees from Jerusalem and have maintained a strong community ever since. Hungry for spices, the Dutch arrived followed by the Portuguese and finally the British. All left their mark on this scenic seaport. Evening visit the spice market and sunset cruise to Bolghatty Palace and Chinese Fishing Nets. Witness a Kathakali dance drama. Dine on traditional Chettinad cuisine. Overnight Cochin.
Hotels used: Taj Residency / Le Meridien / Trident Hilton
Day 6
Cochin / Kumarakom : After breakfast, Morning city sightseeing of Jewish Synagogue and Mattencherry Palace and the church of St. Francis. Transfer to houseboats `Kettuvallams'. Each houseboat has a capacity to accommodate six people and has modern facilities: bedrooms, toilets and sit outs. Cruise through the enchanting waterways, tall green palms and the sweetly aromatic curry leaf trees against a backdrop of paddy fields. Kerala is spice country, houses are covered with verdant like foliage. Black pepper vines clamber tenaciously up mango trees, the peppercorns budding together in bright green clutters like bunches of grapes. Nutmeg fruit hang like tennis balls, cinnamon, clove and tamarind trees compete for a view of the sky while cardamom stays close to the ground. There are ginger and turmeric plants as well, sending fingers of their tuberous rhizomes out into the cool dark earth. Meals are served on the houseboats. Relish delicacies like `puttu', `appam', `vellayamppam', rice and different types of fish curries and chicken stews served on board in earthenware. Overnight houseboats.
Day 7
Kumarakom / Cochin: After breakfast, at the Kumarakom ,. Enjoy the scenery while cruising the waterways stopping to enjoy meals and meet the locals. Dinner at SEAGULL Restaurant to taste different Keralite Seafood.
Day 8
Cochin / Bangalore / Mysore : After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Bangalore departure 08:30hrs. Arrive Bangalore 09:45hrs. Arrive Bangalore & drive to Mysore enroute visiting Sravanabelgola - presided over and dominated by the colossal statue of the Jain saint Gomateshwara. His monolithic image, 57 feet tall, watched over pilgrims for 1000 years
Hotels used: Lalitha Mahal Palace
Day 9
Mysore : After breakfast, Visit the principal residence of the former royal family . Maharaja's Palace - a massive edifice that took 15 years to build on the site of the former wooden palace destroyed by fire. The palace, one of the biggest of its kind in India, is in the Indo-Sarcenic style - a gigantic synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Everything looks palatial in Mysore. Chamundi Hill - named after the royal family's goddess , Chamundi. On the way up is a 16 - feet Nandi [ Shiva's holy bull] constructed in the 1600s from a single piece of granite.
Visit Srirangapatnam - an island fortress between two branches of the Cauvery River . The fort and its imposing surroundings, dating back 1000years. The Brindavan Gardens - can be compared favorably with Versailles. The garden is exquisitely designed and alive with bright flowers and silvery fountains. In the evening the gardens are illuminated and hundreds of fountains and pools of all colours, size and shapes bring out the best.
Day 10
Mysore / Bangalore / Onward Journey : After breakfast, transfer to Bangalore airport for flight.
Price $9133 per person twin share
The above Prices inclusive of:
- Welcome at Madras airport with fresh flower garlands
- Welcome drinks with tikka on arrival at Hotel
- 8 Nights accommodation at mentioned Hotels
- 1 Night on House Boat
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. [All meals included]
- Meet assist, all transfers, tours, sight seeing, excursions as per
program by luxury private air-condition coach - Backwater Cruise
- Internal airfares
- Kathkali dance Show
- Entrances to monuments as per itinerary
- English Speaking guide
- All Government taxes / VAT and service tax 5%
The Price does not include:
- Any expenses of personal nature, like table drinks, telephone, faxes
- Laundry, Camera / Video fee
- Excess baggage
- Any donations or tips etc
- Or which is not mentioned above
Contact :
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Email: sales@a1classicholidays.com
Web: www.a1classicholidays.com
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Empire Bay, NSW. 2257. AUSTRALIA
