Ultimate India by Air, from South to North
India, Bhutan - A wildlife and cultural odyssey through North and South India, with an extension to Bhutan
Departure Dates:
- Oct 18, 2008 - Nov 03, 2008
Departure Dates
- October 18, 2008
Trip Summary
India is a land of juxtapositions. This expedition is hand-tailored to showcase the best of North and South in a single journey - made possible only by seasoned planning and private air. Ultimate India weaves the cultural heritage of a vast land into a superb adventure you'll not find elsewhere, nor ever forget.
Explore exotic and bustling Mumbai; the Ellora and Ajanta caves; Kanha's premier tiger reserve; magnificent sculptures at Khajuraho's temples; Varanasi and Royal Jaipur. Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise then commune again and again from your room overlooking the monument of love. Time at the sacred Ganges River will also inspire and nourish you.
Never has there been a better time for travel to India, which has become a top destination for sophisticated travelers. Join in the fun of uncovering ancient life ways and decoding the mysteries of the ever-influential high tech industry in our everyday lives.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19
Kochi
Saturday arrive in Kochi. You will be met and transferred to the hotel. This evening witness a spectacular performance of Kathakali, the popular and sacred 400-year old dance drama of Kerala. Classical Kathakali requires rigorous training to attain complete body control and sensitivity to emotion to render all nuances through expressions and gestures. Group welcome dinner tonight at the hotel.
Sunday Tour Kochi "The Queen of the Arabian Sea." Sightseeing includes Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the famous Jew Street, the Synagogue built in 1568 and St. Francis Church. A scholar on South Indian Culture joins you for lunch and discussion. Early this evening witness a short performance of Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala and learn about indigenous folklore. Next enjoy a visit to the renowned Ms. Nimmy Paul's private residence for a hands-on interactive cooking demonstration of Syrian Christian cuisine. After participating, consume the delectable dinner you have prepared!
Lodging:Taj Malabar, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Day 3
Monday, October 20
Alleppey
Drive this morning to Alleppey to board your kettuvallam houseboat for a cruise on the backwaters. Formed by the 40 odd rivers that flow to the Arabian Sea from the Cardamom Hills, this network of canals, lakes and estuaries comprises one of India's most enchanting areas.
Traditionally designed to carry heavy cargo such as coconuts and spices, an ancillary kettuvallam function has always been to provide living accommodation. Preserving their historic character and style, modern craftsmen have created a unique atmosphere for you on board.
Lodging:Kettuvallam Houseboat, 1 night (B,L,D)
Day 4
Tuesday, October 21
Mumbai
After breakfast, disembark and drive to Kochi airport in time for your commercial flight to Mumbai. This evening is at your leisure. Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands, derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk who are its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai today is an enigma of mud huts and skyscrapers, age-old traditions and high fashions. It is an industrialists' haven and an influential film center, known as Bollywood.
Lodging:Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, 1 night (B,D)
Day 5
Wednesday, October 22
Mumbai & Aurangabad
This morning tour Mumbai, including a visit to the Prince of Wales museum, one of the largest and most significant in the country, followed by the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, transfer to the airport for your commercial flight to Aurangabad.
Lodging:Taj Residency, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Day 6
Thursday, October 23
Aurangabad
Today visit the Ajanta Caves, discovered in the 19th century by a party of British officers. These 30 caves were built to offer seclusion to the Buddhist monks, who lived, taught and performed rituals here. From numerous images of Lord Buddha to nymphs, princesses and various other characters, the Ajanta engravings are an unmatched visual treat. An expert on cave art and architecture will join you for dinner and discussion.
Days 8 - 10
Friday - Sunday, October 24 - 26
Kanha National Park
Friday morning visit Ellora Caves with your packed lunch. The Ellora caves are a fine example of cave temples with intricate interiors and ornamental facades. Carved between 350 AD and 700 AD, the rock temples and monasteries represent the three major faiths of India - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
This afternoon board your private charter flight to Kanha National Park. At the airstrip you will be received and driven to your camp. This evening a local naturalist will give a presentation on Indian tiger projects in the park. Kanha is one of India's largest national parks. The most easily animals are the striped palm squirrels, jackals, wild pigs, chitals or spotted deer, swamp deer, black bucks and some 200 species of birds. Explore the park in morning and afternoon game drives. Midday is free for walks in and around the lodge.
Lodging:Tuli Tiger Resort, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Day 11
Monday, October 27
Khajuraho & Varanasi
Following your private charter flight to Khajuraho, proceed to the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples. Immortalized in stone, they encompass a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures - an exquisite depiction of human life and emotions. After lunch at Taj Chandela, continue on your private charter flight to Varanasi. This evening enjoy an exclusive private dinner.
Lodging:Taj Ganges, 1 night (B,L,D)
Days 12 - 13
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 28 & 29
Varanasi & Agra
At dawn, a scholar on Indian religion will accompany you on your visit to the sacred Ganges to witness the morning rituals. From the vantage point of your river boat, you will be amazed at the hundreds of worshippers who have come to bathe in the sacred waters. Afterwards, walk and enjoy a rickshaw ride in the narrow by-lanes of the old part of the city. Later, fly by private charter to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Wednesday compare your impression of the Taj Mahal at sunset to her beauty at sunrise. Continue on a city tour of Agra with visits to Itmad-ud-Daulla, the Pearl Mosque and Agra Fort. Here you'll see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous.
Lodging:Amarvilas, 2 nights (B,L,D & B,L)
Days 14 - 15
Thursday & Friday, October 30 & 31
Jaipur
Thursday morning drive to Jaipur, en route visiting the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur bird sanctuary.
Friday tour Jaipur. See historical monuments including Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Maharaja's City Palace. The buildings of Jaipur create a backdrop for captivating visual delight with shadows and highlights of every nuance of the architecture.
Proceed to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region. Here, elephants carry visitors in stately splendor to the main Palace, through unusually high gateways designed to accommodate this archaic mode of transport.
Time for elephant polo! A local Rajput family organizes a sporting game in the middle of the forest, just for our group. Memories of this unique event's pageantry and elegance will surround you for years to come.
At tonight's torchlit dinner, Dr. Divya Bhanu Chavda will join you to discuss his book "The End of a Trail: the Cheetah in India."
Lodging:Rambagh Palace, 2 nights (B,L,D & B,D)
Day 16
Saturday, November 1
Delhi
Fly on a commercial flight to Dehli. Lunch is at the hotel where an expert on politics and economics will join you for a talk.
Visit New Delhi, a city known for formal parks, the magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (official residence of the President) and India Gate. You will also visit Qutab Minar, the 238 ft. high tower dating back to 13th century, and visit Humayun's Tomb.
Your dinner tonight is at the famous Spice Route restaurant at Imperial. Heralded as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, The Spice Route - serving Southeast Asian cuisine, has been designed to reflect the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast in Kerala through Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam.
Lodging:Oberoi, 1 night (B,L,D)
Day 17
Sunday, November 2
Delhi
This morning visit Old Delhi, which pulses with energy and color, and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent.
See the bazaars, the Jama Masjid's tapering minarets, and the Chandni Chowk. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes, followed by the rest of the day at leisure.
Lodging:Oberoi, 1 night (B,L)
Day 18
Monday, November 3
Departure
Transfer to the airport in time for your departing international flight. (B)
Optional Post-trip Extension to Bhutan
Price: $3785
Single Supplement: $
Day 19
Thimphu, Bhutan
Scheduled Druk Air flight from Delhi, India to Paro, Bhutan, then drive to Thimphu. Situated at 8,000 feet, the capital of Bhutan is the center of government, religion and commerce. En route view the Tachogang Lhakang temple.
Lodging:Taj Tashi, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Day 20
Thimphu
Today explore one of the least known Himalayan capitals, Thimphu, a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu river, surrounded by valley scenes. A rich Buddhist history is displayed through the National Memorial Chorten, and colorful weekend markets offer a chance to mingle with local people.
Day 21
Paro
Enjoy a leisurely morning visit to the Painting School, where children receive an eight-year course in traditional Bhutanese painting, sculpture, and woodcarving. Next, drive to the city of Paro, which commands a spectacular view of the valley. Rinpung Dzong ("the fortress of the heap of jewels") was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, and now houses Paro's monk body. It is also the venue for the annual springtime Paro Tsechu (festival).
Lodging:Uma Paro Hotel, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Day 22
Paro
Spend the full day taking in the beautiful Paro valley and its offerings; rich culture; scenic beauty; and hundreds of myths and legends. The valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing Bhutan's famous red rice from terraced fields, and at the northern end, Mt. Chomolhari (23,950 ft.) crowns the scene, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). Paro is also home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries.
Day 23
Departure
This morning take a scheduled Druk Air commercial flight (economy class) from Paro to Delhi and then connect with international flights home.
Study Leaders
Sanjeev Chaturvedi
A revered travel expert in India, and a graduate in History from Delhi University with an additional diploma in journalism from Indira Gandhi University, his knowledge of this intriguing country is extensive. He is conversant on many topics. He has accompanied trips throughout India, often organized for celebrity guests such as Jeremy Irons and the prestigious BBC and CNN media tours. He has also received accolades for his work with special interest tours with institutions such as Sotheby's. He's a well-rounded leader who will enhance your day-to-day knowledge and long term appreciation of India.
Note: Substitution leaders and guest speakers are occasionally necessary. We ask your patience and acceptance should this occur.
Cost
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 24 guests.
Dates: October 18 - November 3, 2008 (17 days)
Per person, double occupancy: $22,950
Single supplement cost: $3,625
Bhutan Extension November 3 - 7 (5 days): $3,785 per person, double or single occupancy
Accommodations: Accommodations are the best available at each destination. Most accommodations are luxurious four and five star properties. In general the range of accommodations, not to mention the places themselves, require a spirit of adventure.
Single accommodations: These are limited and cannot be guaranteed throughout. If a share is requested and a roommate cannot be assigned by final payment, the single supplement fee will be charged.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Cost Includes: All accommodations, meals, sightseeing activities, guide fees, park fees, tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; commercial flights from Kochi to Mumbai, Mumbai to Aurangabad, Jaipur to Delhi; private charter flights from Aurangabad to Kanha, Kanha to Varanasi; Varanasi to Agra; services of expedition staff and local guides; all group activities and excursions; welcome and farewell dinner functions in Kochi and Delhi, including pre-dinner drinks and wine with dinner; bottled drinking water, coffee, and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law. All airport departure taxes; all gratuities and porterage of one soft-sided checked bag; medical evacuation insurance ($60,000) and Medical/Sickness ($20,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
Cost does not Include: Air transportation to Kochi and from Delhi, and any other commercial air flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, room service expenses, minibar charges, and laundry services; premium brand drinks; faxes, phone calls, and e-mails; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; extra beverages when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Deposit and Final Payment: A deposit check of $5,000 per person, payable to Bushtracks Expeditions Trust Account, a completed Reservation Form and a signed Release of Liability Form is required to confirm your registration.
Final payment is due July 11, 2008 (14 weeks before departure), upon receipt of invoice and is payable by check only. For your protection, funds will be placed in a trust account until the day of departure.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.