Incredible India

Incredible India

23 October – 7 November 2024

VISITING

Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra & Varana

* ENTRANCE FEES AT MONUMENTS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE AS PER PROGRAMME

WEDNESDAY, 23RD OCTOBER/THURSDAY, 24TH OCTOBER

We meet at Malta International Airport at 12.30 pm for our Emirates flight to Dubai. Our flight departs at 3.35 pm and arrives in Dubai at 1.05 am (24th October). We then board our flight to Delhi which departs at 3.55 am and arrives at 9.05 am. Upon arrival, we are transferred to Hotel ITC Welcom Dwarka (or similar) in Delhi, and we check-in. This capital city is one of the most important metropolitan in India, as it is the city of power. It offers a combination of both modern, as well as ancient cultures. Its strategic location, mixture of modern and Indian culture, rich history, and medieval market, besides the modern ones, are the main reasons for being chosen as the seat of power. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored – in the afternoon we will have a short orientation tour.

FRIDAY, 25TH OCTOBER

After breakfast, we enjoy a full-day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the Red Fort, made by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, and Jama Masjid – the largest in India. It has three great gateways, four angle towers, and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. We also visit Chandni Chowk, a main street of Old Delhi that offers a colorful shopping bazaar. We also admire Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, and the war memorial India Gate, a 42-meter-high stone of triumph. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian army soldiers, who died in the campaigns of WWI. During our excursions, we also see the palace-like building Rashtrapati Bhawan which is the official residence of the President of India. We end the day by visiting Bahai Temple, or the Lotus Temple, a marvel of modern architecture.

SATURDAY, 26TH OCTOBER

After breakfast, we check out and depart to Mandawa. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Mandawa Castle (or similar). We discover Mandawa, a small town in the heart of the Shekhawati region – a place known for its havelis but also for Fort Palace. The structure of the palace shows the cultural and social importance of this region in the past. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings.

SUNDAY, 27TH OCTOBER

Today, we enjoy breakfast and then set off to Bikaner. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Lalgarh Palace (or similar). The city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Bikaner is also called the camel country, being renowned for the best riding camels in the world. It is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils). Being a desertscape, the summers are very hot in Bikaner. In the afternoon we enjoy a city tour visiting the majestic forts, Mata Karni Temple where rats are considered sacred and worshipped. Some of the major attractions around the city are Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Breeding Farm and Gajner Palace.

MONDAY, 28TH OCTOBER

Breakfast and then we are transferred to Jodhpur, set at the edge of the Thar desert. Our hotel for the stay at Jodhpur is Park Plaza Hotel (or similar). The imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. It once was the capital of the Marwar state. The graceful palaces, forts, and temples scattered throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, and folk dance music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumbles of wide winding streets are flanked by pavement stalls. Later we enjoy a city tour visiting Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada – a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. We also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace – the only 20th-century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to the famine-struck population.

TUESDAY, 29TH OCTOBER

Today we explore Udaipur. After breakfast, we check out and set off. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds, and experiences. Right from medieval times, the city has been an inspiration for poets, painters, and writers. Founded in 1559 and named after Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur became the capital of the Sisodia dynasty whose earlier capital was Chittor. According to legend, the Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed the holy man’s advice and Udaipur came into being. Later check in at Hotel Inder Residency (or similar).

WEDNESDAY, 30TH OCTOBER

After breakfast, we have a full-day city tour. The city is famous for its palaces, lakes, museums, temples, and gardens. The City Palace and Museum is considered the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and its museum has a stunning collection of objects collected by different Maharanas of Udaipur over the centuries. The Picholia Lake, Udai Sagar, and Pratap Sagar are some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Some other attractions in the city are the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jag Mandir, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, Pratap Memorial, and Ahar Museum.

THURSDAY, 31ST OCTOBER

Breakfast and afterward we make our way to Pushkar. Upon arrival, we check-in at Hotel Aaram Bagh Resort / Pushkar Fort (or similar). In the afternoon we explore Pushkar – one of the frequently visited tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Characterized by a picturesque valley, mountainous regions, uncommon scenic spots, and several pilgrimage sites of importance, Pushkar is known all over. It also makes one of the revered Hindu pilgrimage sites of India and houses the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Their colorful veils, turbaned heads, and colorfully dyed skirts, with the sounds of the ektara and the soulful tunes of the Rajasthani folk songs, make the nights of the Pushkar very pleasing.

 FRIDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER

Today after breakfast we proceed to Jaipur, a city color washed in pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city along with Agra and Delhi form what is known as the Golden Triangle of Indian tourist circuit. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments, and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one. Overnight at Hotel KK Royal & Convention/Ramada Plaza (or similar).

SATURDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER

Breakfast and then enjoy a full-day city sightseeing tour of Jaipur – the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. Morning excursion to Amer Fort. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks at the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion. Afternoon city tour visiting City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds – constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Other attractions include the Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh.

SUNDAY, 3RD NOVEMBER

After breakfast, we depart to Agra, and en route, we visit Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival, we check in at the Hotel Clark Shiraz (or similar). Later we enjoy a city tour visiting the world known – Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Besides the Taj, the Agra Fort (also called the Red Fort) is an interesting sight. Besides the historical monuments, one can also explore Agra’s rich heritage of handicrafts in its markets.

MONDAY, 4TH NOVEMBER

Today, we are transferred to Delhi Airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, we proceed to Hotel Amaaya (or similar) and check in. The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Called Banaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage center for the Hindus. Right from ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings. In the evening we enjoy a boat ride and the glittering Aarti ceremony at the Ganges.

TUESDAY, 5TH NOVEMBER

We start our morning on a delightful note in our trip to Varanasi with visits to several ghats by sailing on boats. The early morning boat ride is perhaps the best way to get an insight into the Hindu pilgrimage as we get to see pilgrims bathe and wash off their sins. Have a quick walk in the by-lanes of Varanasi after the boat ride to get a glimpse of a typical day’s proceedings. Later, a city tour of Varanasi and visiting temples form the major source of attraction in this ancient city. Some of the other interesting places to visit around the city are Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and the Archaeological Museum. We visit Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Varanasi tour.

WEDNESDAY, 6TH NOVEMBER/THURSDAY, 7TH NOVEMBER

Today we head to the airport to fly back to Delhi and upon arrival, we are transferred to Hotel ITC Welcom Dwarka (or similar). Today we have the rest of the day at leisure. Later in the evening, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Malta, departing at 4.10 am (7th November). This is followed by our connecting flight departing Dubai at 7.35 am and arriving in Malta at 1.15 pm.

PRICE PER PERSON

Adult in Twin                     € 2537

Adult in Single                  € 3037

The minimum group size is based on 20 passengers

Note: A Maltese passport with a validity date of 6 months beyond the departure date.

Visa: Please ask at the desk for requirements.

Vaccines: Kindly check with the National Immunisation Service at Floriana Health Centre.

PRICE INCLUDES

Emirates flights to/from Delhi via Dubai

14 nights accommodation in hotels listed (+ late check out on the last day)

14 buffet breakfasts & 14 dinners

All transfers as per the program

All excursions are guided by a speaking guide, as indicated in the itinerary

Entrance fees as per program

Services of tour leader

All taxes

Insolvency fund