Incredible India with Holi Best of Rajasthan, the Himalayas and more!

Delhi – Udaipur- Narlai – Rohetgarh – Jodhpur (HOLI FEST 2019) -Lakshman Sagar – Jaipur – Agra – Amritsar- Haridwar - Rishikesh

Travel date: - 12 Mar – 03 Apr 19

Duration : 23 Days Cost $4700 per person twin share I Single supplement $1360

Includes all flights, transport, sightseeing, breakfast, activities as per itinerary, National guide, and escorted by Natalie Miller Travel Managers Belmont.

Accommodation Standard: 3 ½ - 4 star (boutique and unique)

Smaller modules available- Addons to Goa, Kerala or anywhere else in India is available.

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MARCH’19 12 – TUE: NEWCASTLE – SYDNEY – DELHI It will be an early morning departure and pick up from our homes but who is sleeping anyway! We are bound for Sydney airport to commence our journey to Incredible India. Depart on Air India flight AI 301 at 10:45am arrive DELHI 17:50 (5.50pm). Flying time of 12 hours and 35 mins. ARRIVAL DELHI Arrive at Delhi Airport. We will be met with assistance by our representative upon arrival & transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight at Hotel – HOTEL VISAYA Meals: No Meals included 13 – WED: DELHI Sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, India Gate, Parliament house etc. Also spend time at Gurudwara (Sikh temple) volunteering in the community cooking.

This afternoon visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and participate in a voluntary cooking at the temple. *Here is a web page with some detail on this particular temple and community kitchen programme http://www.worldette.com/ignite-your-travel-life/travel/2012/langar-free-kitchen-sikh-temple/

Later in the afternoon enjoy a cuisine walk in Old Delhi with tasting of famous street food experience the bustling laneways and bazaars of Old Delhi as you drive through the old gateways, past the imposing Red Fort, before visiting the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Ride through Chandni Chowk to Asia’s largest wholesale spice market on a cycle rickshaw and later visit Raj Ghat. Your evening is reserved for the Food Experience by Foot tour of Delhi. This city represents a food utopia, with cuisines for just about every palate. Whether it is Mughlai splendours, street food discoveries, or global foods with an Indian twist. Each street and lane of Delhi is imbued with a history of gastronomic glory, offering the flavours of heritage, tradition and a passion for food that has been shaped over centuries and across borders. Overnight at – HOTEL VISAYA Meals: Breakfast only 14 – THU: DELHI – UDAIPUR (By Flight) After breakfast connect flight to Udaipur. Meet upon arrival check-in at Hotel Evening will be leisure to self-exploration of the city I call The Venice of India. Our hotel looks over the lovely Lake Pichola. Overnight at Hotel -HOTEL LAKE PICHOLA Meals: Breakfast only 15 – FRE: UDAIPUR Day begins with guided sightseeing tour and visit City Palace & its complex. The City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture and has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of heritage site. Later visit Jagdish Temple, dating back

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to 1651 AD, it is an exquisite example of Indo Aryan architecture. Visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, an Indian folk arts museum which has interesting exhibits that include folk’s dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk’s musical instruments, folk deities. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Pichola, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Pichola village. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake. Rest of the evening explore on your own visiting the numerous shops that dot the narrow windings streets of Udaipur for souvenir to take back home. Perhaps in the evening a roof top dinner followed by a viewing of the James Bond film Octopussy. Overnight at Hotel - HOTEL LAKE PICHOLA Meals: Breakfast only 16 -SAT: UDAIPUR – NARLAI (By surface: 135 KMS/3 HRS) After leisurely breakfast drive to Narlai visiting Ranakpur temple en-route Continue drive to Narlai and check-in at our Heritage hotel of Rawla Narlai for 1 night. This town of Narlai offers local charm mixed with heritage and wilderness. hotel. Evening: Enjoy Leopard safari - Jeep safari to the rugged Godwad countryside around Narlai which suits the leopards and over a period the number have increased. Experience the thrill of customized ride on jeeps for a sighting of this beautiful and graceful cat Overnight at Hotel -RAWLA NARLAI Meals: Breakfast only 17 – SUN: NARLAI After breakfast, enjoy Village walk to look at the traditional way people live there even today. Narlai is a very close-knit community and each individual comes across happy, contended and proud. During the walk you have a chance to go inside some houses, talk to people, ask questions, visit to temples and even share a cup of tea with them. Later you can opt for either Elephant Hill Walk OR Cave temple visit Free time to enjoy the property Evening: Enjoy Candle lit dinner at the stepwell. It is truly an experience that would linger in the fringes of your mind. Taste the flavor of true Rajasthani royal hospitality at the 16th Century old Baori (Step-well) of Rawla Narlai Overnight at hotel - HOTEL LAKE PICHOLA Meals: Breakfast & Step well Dinner 18 – MON: NARLAI – ROHETGARH (By surface: 120 KMS/2-3 HRS) After breakfast drive to Rohetgarh and check-in at Hotel Afternoon: Enjoy a Jeep Safari to visit Bishnoi Village Community. Bishnoi Village is arguably the first ecologists of the world. They protect trees and animals of their land and worship the magnificent black buck, as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Overnight at hotel - ROHETGARH Meals: Breakfast only

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19 – TUE: ROHETGARH – JODHPUR (By surface: 40 KMS/45 minutes) After leisurely breakfast drive to Jodhpur & check-in at Hotel Free to leisure to explore local market Overnight at hotel – PAL HAVELI Meals: Breakfast only 20 – WED: JODHPUR This morning be taken on a tour to the Mehrangarh Fort. The Mehrangarh Fort is situated 122 meters above the city build on a rock hill, surrounded by thick fortified walls. The fort still has battle scares as cannonball imprints in the gates can still be seen. The museum located in the fort is extensive and houses some wonderful memorabilia of costumes, armoury and paintings. Next to the fort is Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph (tomb). It was built in the 19th century in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Later time free to explore local markets of Jodhpur Overnight at hotel – PAL HAVELI Meals: Breakfast only 21 – THU: JODHPUR ENJOY “HOLI” Festival

Today after breakfast gear-up to enjoy the colourful and vibrant festival of Holi. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe. The festival is filled with so much fun and frolic that the very mention of the word 'Holi' draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people. Holi also celebrates the arrival of spring, a season of joy and hope. Join other guests at the hotel, in this fun filled exhilarating celebration and be part of an ancient tradition. Enjoy the morning filled with live music, dance, drinks and mouth-watering delicacies. Smear colours and splash water on each other, this Holi, with pichkaries (water guns) and water balloons in the company of the host, his friends and family. Enjoy the interesting traditions and customs of holi that have their own regional variances. Overnight at Hotel – PAL HAVELI Meals: Breakfast only 22 – FRI: JODHPUR After breakfast proceed for Volunteering at “Saahas Women’s Empowerment Centre” or “Life to Life” which are 2 hour schools in the rubbish dumps for working kids or similar.

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Afternoon free time to enjoy Jodhpur and the old city. Overnight at Hotel – PAL HAVELI Meals: Breakfast only 23 – SAT: JODHPUR – RAIPUR -LAKSHMAN SAGAR (By surface: 125 Kms/03 Hours) After breakfast drive to Lakshman Sagar cottages. Touted as one of the hidden gems of Rajasthan. The cottages at Lakshman Sagar are divided into two clusters, with six 900 sq mt cottages on either side of the lake. All the rooms are nestled in the natural topography of the land making no room identical. With a strong influence from the neighbouring village culture and life, all the elements found in the rooms have a story to tell. The picture-perfect surrounding of Lakshman Sagar not only makes it a perfect romantic destination but also a place to disconnect from the hustle bustle of the city life. Enjoy a nature walk Later in evening enjoy high tea watching sunset. Other Activities available (additional cost may apply) Enjoy the resort. You may wish to partake in Local liquor tasting, goat herding, horse trailing, Village Safari etc. Overnight at Hotel -LAKSHMAN SAGAR Meals: Breakfast only 24 – SUN: LAKSHMAN SAGAR – JAIPUR (By surface: 230 Kms/05 Hours) After leisurely breakfast we will travel to Jaipur & check-in at Hotel Evening: Cooking class followed by dinner with host family Overnight at Hotel - IKAKI NIWAS Meals: Breakfast only 25 – MON: JAIPUR After breakfast proceed for a visit of Amber Fort. Stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace); Admire the facade of the Hawa Mahal, poetically known as the “Palace of Winds”. Continue to Amber Fort, enjoy Elephant ride to ascend up the Fort the former ancient capital of Jaipur state built by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army, which is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Continue with visit of astronomical observatory, the nearby City Palace and Tripolia Bazaar Evening heritage walk “Vocations & Artisans of Jaipur” by Vedic Walk

Highlights of the walking tour • Explore the geometrically precise architecture of the city • Visit the old stables converted into market. • Takes a bird eye view of walled Pink City from one of the biggest towers (Optional) • Walk through the bangle market & see a demonstration of bangle making with • Witness a narrow lane full of bridal clothing shops. This will leave you spellbound.

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• Walk though some of the most interesting artisans & old houses (Havelis) • Gemstone workshop & enjoy a hi-tea while witnessing gemstone bullion. • Closely observe the gathering of local sellers selling the milk products

Overnight at Hotel – IKAKI NIWAS Meals: Breakfast only 26 – TUE: JAIPUR – AGRA (By surface: 245 Kms/05 Hours) Morning after breakfast checkout at hotel and drive to Agra. En-route visit Abhaneri, an ancient village in Rajasthan is renowned for its post-Gupta or early medieval monuments, Chand Baori – one of the largest stepwells in India and Harshat Mata temple, which dates to 10th century, is dedicated to Goddess of Happiness, Harshat Mata who spreads joy to the entire village. Continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Sunset: Visiting Mehtab Bagh, a park offering views of the magnificent Taj across the river Overnight at Hotel – GRAND IMPERIAL Meals: Breakfast only 27 – WED: AGRA – DELHI - AMRITSAR (By surface + Flight) SUNRISE: Early morning visit Taj Mahal, a UNESCO Heritage Site, to catch the sun rising over the Taj Mahal - undisputedly one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. In the soft morning light, as the mist rises from the Yamuna River, it seems to float like a mirage above the surrounding landscape. Built from dazzling marble, its colour changes from white to yellow, cream and to almost orange… an exquisite image that you’ll remember forever. Return back to hotel for Breakfast & later drive to Delhi airport for flight to Amritsar Meet upon arrival at Amritsar airport & transfer to Hotel Overnight at Hotel - RANJITVILAS Meals: Breakfast only 28 – THU: AMRITSAR After breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing tour. It takes you to the Golden Temple - the sacred Sikh sanctuary spread out in a vast complex around a huge water tank in the midst of which stands a marble sanctum where the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth is reverently placed. The roof of the sanctum is gold-leafed. The community kitchen provides free meals to up to 10,000 pilgrims or visitors in a day (If wish you may volunteer in the community Kitchen). Walk by the busy bazaars of the city; visit Jallianwala Bagh, infamous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that took place in 1919. On this day, British troops opened fire without warning on innocent unarmed men, women and children attending the Baisakhi festival.

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Explore the park that commemorates the Indians killed and wounded here. Later in the afternoon, proceed to Wagah Border to witness the police post changing of guard, very colorful & unique to the Indian sub-continent. Enjoy the retreat ceremony where the Border Security Force (B.S.F.) on the Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side performing a well-coordinated and spectacular display which compares very favorably with the changing of the guard in London. Return back to Hotel for Overnight stay Meals: Breakfast only 29 – FRI: AMRITSAR – HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH (By Train) Transfer to Railway station to board early morning train to Haridwar DEP: Amritsar 0650 HRS 12054-ASR HW JNSHTBDI ARR: Haridwar 1410 HRS Meet upon arrival and after lunch (on direct payment basis), Walk around the various Ghats, and feel the faith of pilgrims worshipping at “Haridwar”. Later, witness the sunset Puja religious performances on the Holy Ganges River at Har-Ki-Pauri. Pilgrims offer prayers to the holy Ganges burning lights and offerings. While doing so hymns and verses from holy books are recited every evening. Small leaf-boats of flowers with a flame are released in the water. Drive to Rishikesh (25 KMS/45 Minutes) & check-in at Hotel Overnight at Hotel -DIVINE RESORT Meals: Breakfast only 30 – SAT: RISHIKESH Enjoy morning enjoy a Yoga/meditation session at your hotel After breakfast excursion to Kunjapuri temple (With some light trek) Kunjapuri Temple is located 28 Kms far from Rishikesh at the altitude of 1650 meters. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and considered very auspicious temple in local area. From the top you can see beautiful panoramic views of Himalaya. Behind the temple you can see the mountain range of Himalaya while from the front side you can view Rishikesh and Holy River Ganga. Return back to your hotel for some rest and later proceed for walking tour of Rishikesh Rishikesh: the name literally means “Hair of Sages”. The Ganga at this point still an astonishingly clear water stream, links all the holy places of one of Hinduism’s most sacred region, full of ashrams, sadhus. In spite of its claim to being the yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh is a quieter and more easy -going place than Haridwar. The setting on the Ganges surrounded by the hills on the three sides is perfectly conductive to meditation, and the main areas for yoga study are far from the noisy

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center of town. Main places of interest are two suspension bridges –Ram and Laxman Jhula and several Ashrams. Evening: Witness River Worship ceremony at “Parmarth Ashram” Overnight at hotel Meals: Breakfast only 31 – SUN: RISHIKESH – DIVINE RESORT Optional: Indulge in a Yoga/meditation session at banks of river Ganges After breakfast leave for visit to outer area of “Chilla National park” where you visit local tribal community called “Gujjars” who live in perfect symphony with animals. You will have an opportunity to interact with the tribal villagers, see their houses, local school and learn about their lifestyle and culture and sip a tea with them. Later continue jeep ride through the rugged terrain and passing through several streams to reach an ancient Hindu temple atop a hill. Later continue for a special meeting and interaction with a female “Sanyasi” (One who have renounced the world in search for enlightenment). Return back to Rishikesh and enjoy free time at leisure

Overnight at hotel – DIVINE RESORT Meals: Breakfast & packed lunch APRIL’19 01 - MON: RISHIKESH – HARIDWAR – DELHI (Train ) After early breakfast drive to Haridwar railway station to board Shatabdi to Delhi DEP: HARIDWAR 0622 HRS 12056 NDLS JANSHTBDI ARR: DELHI 1115 HRS (Train) Meet upon arrival at railway station & transfer to hotel Evening, to finish with a highlight let’s take on Bollywood show at “Kingdom of dreams” the perfect ending to our journey. Overnight at Hotel – THE VISAYA Meals: Breakfast Only 02 – TUE: DELHI – SYDNEY After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Sydney. Meals: Breakfast Only Depart on Air India flight AI302 at 13:15 (1.15pm) to arrive at Sydney at 07:10am. 03 – WED SYDNEY - NEWCASTLE 7.10am We will be met at the airport and transferred back to home. New friends made, exceptional experiences had, memories never forgotten but most of all India will remain in your heart and soul forever. Itinerary is subject to change.