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A journey to the land of the colourful tribes of Eastern
India
Festival Tours of Eastern India
24 Novemver 2016 – 4 December 2016
Introduction
Explore the varied cultural and geographical diversity of India, including Delhi, Maniphur and
Nagaland, a small vibrant state in its far eastern corner. Visit villages, meet the local people with their
unique traditions, take part in the Hornbill festival, where all the tribes of Nagaland take part in. The
aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of the Naga people and display its cultural
extravaganza and traditions. This is a great opportunity to understand the people and culture ,taste
the food, experience local songs, dances & customs of Nagaland. Take walks on magnificent nature
trails, stroll through the local markets, visit historical monuments, war grounds, & taste exotic local
cuisine.
As with all our other tours this package is flexible and one can choose or change your day tour at any
time after discussing this with the guide. However, the overnight destinations, pre-booked hotels,
flights and trains need to remain fixed.
Specific Destinations and Highlights
Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, encompasses both a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with
crumbling huts and impressive mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi, established during
the time of the British Raj, has spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
Explore this vibrant city, its famous historical landmarks and monuments. Go on exclusive shopping
adventures and feast on the great variety of tasty Indian delicacies.
Manipur - literally meaning “Jewel Land” is one of the least known tourist destinations in India and a
gem for niche tourism. It is a treasure trove of nature and culture loving people. The serene landscape
is dotted with ethnic villages and its population maintains their rich traditions of classical & folk
culture, martial arts and colourful festivals and preserves its endemic wild animals & birds. The ancient
history of Manipur dates back to the first century.
Nagaland - The sixteen tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting the small state of Nagaland are passionate
about dancing and festivals. The Nagas have stepped gracefully into the 21st century with their roots
still firmly planted in traditional culture. While in Nagaland we’ll be passing through various traditional
village gates with motifs, older than many cities in the world. In the village of Kohima we’ll explore
their tribal lifestyle, meet people from the local community and learn more about their social life &
traditions. We’ll also taste exotic Naga food and drinks and shop for traditional items.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival New Delhi.
Day 2: Full day New Delhi or Taj Mahal Excursion.
Day 3: New Delhi to Imphal flight - four hours.
Day 4: Full day at Imphal Festival.
Day 5: Full day Imphal Festival and Excursion.
Day 6: Imphal to Kohima in Nagaland – 135 km. - four hours.
Day 7: Full day at Hornbill Festival.
Day 8: Hornbill Festival and excursion.
Day 9: Kohima to Imphal – 135 km. - four hours, and depart to Delhi.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at New Delhi
Stay 2 nights
Fly to Delhi International Airport where we’ll meet you upon your arrival and take you to the hotel.
Delhi, where an empire rose and fell long before the dawn of modern history; where citadels of
emperors appeared and disappeared, is a city of mysterious eternity where old ruins proclaim a
majestic & imperial past and where the present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life of India.
The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year history of Delhi; a history
which began with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this barren
gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven.
Some leisure time will enable you to adjust to the time difference (5 hours) and reclaim your biological
rhythm. An expert guide will meet you at the hotel to provide you with a short orientation of the city
and will explain the programme for the following day. In the evening you could take a stroll to the
nearby market, taste the food & enjoy drinks at a local restaurant. Overnight in Delhi (-/ - / D /)
Day 2: Full day Exploration of Delhi
Our visit provides a direct reflection on Delhi's rich history and its magnificent monuments. Old Delhi
has remarkable architectural marvels; three of which are declared as World Heritage Monuments:
Qutub Minar, Humanyun's Tomb and Red Fort (Lal Quila). Lal Quila, built by the great Mughal
emperor, Shah Jahan, is surrounded by a red sandstone wall measuring 2.4 km. in circumference.
Later, we’ll cross the city and enter the walled gates of the Old city to visit the Jamma Mosque (1650),
we’ll drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square) where the shoppers and
vendors congregate in the oldest area of Delhi. We’ll also visit Raj Ghat and other nearby ghats where
the great Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and later Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were
cremated.
A highlight of the city tour is a ride on cycle rickshaws is. Rickshaws are three-wheeled cycles with a
sofa seat at the back. The Ricksha-walla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front with two
passengers on the sofa seat behind the driver. This is an exciting way to experience the hustle and
bustle, as well as the colourful narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops
selling wares of all description even a laughing set of dentures.
Or
You could opt for a coach excursion Agra and the Taj Mahal.
After an early breakfast we’ll drive to Agra to see the Taj Mahal (Please note that the Taj Mahal is
closed on Fridays and we need to schedule our trip accordingly). The drive from Delhi to Agra takes
approximately three hours. En route we’ll also visit another World Heritage Site - Fatehpur Sikri. We’ll
return to Delhi in the evening. Overnight in Delhi (B/ - / D /)
Day 3: Arrival at Imphal - the capital town of Manipur State in Northeast
India.
Manipur, literally meaning “A Jewel Land”, one of the least known tourist destinations in India, is a
treasure trove for nature and culture loving people. The serene landscape dotted with ethnic villages,
the rich traditions of classical & folk culture, martial arts, endemic wild animals and birds, colorful
festivals and a history dating back to the first century, makes this state a unique place for niche
tourism.
Here we will explore the varied cultural and geographical diversity of this small vibrant state in the far
eastern corner of India. We’ll visit villages, meet the local people and learn about their unique
traditions, take part in the festival, walk on nature trails, stroll through the local market, visit historical
monuments & war grounds, and experience exotic local cuisine.
Upon arrival we will transport you to your hotel in Imphal for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit
Khwairamband Market in town to get a glimpse of the life of the Manipuri. The local market is run by
women only who, dressed in their ethnic attire, sell all types of their traditional dress materials,
household items and vegetables. Later we’ll visit the Govindajee Temple, a very popular Hindu Temple
for Lord Krishna, and try to attend their evening prayer. Overnight in Imphal (B/ - / D /).
Day 4: Full day at Sangai Festival
Every year the Government of Manipur, spearheaded by the Tourism Department, celebrates the Manipur Sangai Festival from the 21st to the 30th of November. The Festival strives to showcase and promote the best of what the state has to offer in terms of arts & culture, handloom & handicrafts, fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music, eco and adventure sports, as well as the scenic beauty of the area. The Festival has gained greater popularity in recent years and has become an important event to celebrate the ethnic diversity of Manipur society. Throughout the day we will attend various performances and activities of the Sangai Festival, including
traditional dance performances by different tribes, fashion parades with ethnic costumes, polo games,
traditional boat racing and many more. The activities will take place on different dates and at different
locations. It may not be possible to attend everything because of our short stay in Imphal during the
festival. Overnight in Imphal (B/ - / D /)
Day 5: Full day exploration of Loktak lake and KeibulLamjao National
Park
The Loktak Lake is a 42 km. drive from Imphal and is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. It
is a prime destination for tourists who have a keen interest in photography. From the nearby Sendra
Island, visitors are able to get a bird's eye view of this huge and beautiful stretch of water and the busy
life around the lake. The fishermen and their families live in neat huts on its shores and catch fish by
casting their nets or harvesting water chestnuts, known as Heikak. Some also build their houses on
the islands of floating vegetation that traverses the lake.
We continue our tour with a visit to Keibul Lamjao National Park. Sharing a shore with Loktak Lake,
KeibulLamjao National Park is the last natural habitat of the endangered marsh-dwelling brow-
antlered deer of Manipur, called "Sangai". It is the only floating national park in the world and contains
large masses of compacted floating weeds.
En route we’ll visit The Tiddim Road, where the Japanese (known as the ‘White Tigers’) faced off
against the Indian Division (the ‘Black Cats’), the main British force in the area during the Battle of
Imphal. Just off it is Moirang where men of the Indian National Army (INA) planted the Indian tricolour,
featuring a jumping tiger. The Tiddim Road Tour will enable us to discover additional details of this
intriguing story, and much more. Overnight in Imphal (B/ - / D /)
Back to Imphal and transfer to hotel by the evening.
Day 6: Imphal to Kohima in Nagaland – four hour journey
After breakfast we drive back to Imphal. During the second half of the day we proceed to Kohima - the
capital of Nagaland. Our journey will take us through the northern Manipur passes and some of the
most beautiful places in Manipur, rich in nature, untouched and unexplored. After checking in at the
hotel in Kohima we’ll have some free time.
The sixteen tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting the small state of Nagaland are passionate about dancing
and festivals. The Nagas have stepped gracefully into the 21st century with their roots still firmly
planted in their traditional culture. While in Nagaland we’ll pass through many traditional village gates
with motifs older than many cities in the world. In Kohima we will explore the various tribal villages,
meet people of the local community and learn more about their social life and tradition. We’ll try
exotic Naga food and drinks and shop for traditional items. Overnight in Kohima (B/ - / D /)
Day 7: Full day at Nagaland Hornbill festival
We will attend the grand opening ceremony of the Hornbill festival at the Angami Naga village. At the
Hornbill festival one can see a mélange of Naga cultural displays. The festival in Kohima is organized
by the State Director of Tourism and takes place annually between 1 to 10 December. The aim of the
festival is to revive, protect & preserve, and showcase the richness & uniqueness of the Naga culture
and heritage. The festival is also a tribute to the hornbill, a bird admired by the Naga people for its
qualities of alertness and grandeur. This majestic bird is linked closely with the social and cultural life
of the people as is evident in tribal folklore, dances and songs. The awe and admiration for the bird is
symbolically displayed on almost all traditional tribal headgear worn during festivities. Local
handicrafts and handlooms, ranging from bamboo products to intricately woven traditional garments,
organic fruits and vegetables are on display at the festival. Stalls with an array of tempting Naga dishes
attract food lovers.
In the evening we’ll stroll around the local evening market in Kohima and experience the festive mood
of the local young Naga people. The streets are illuminated with colourful lights and buzzing with
cheerful people all around; playing music, performing street dances and preparing tempting street
food. Upon our return to the hotel in the late evening we’ll have dinner.
Note: There will be various shows, competitions, performances and carnivals during the ten-day
festival in different parts of town. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to experience all the events as
we will not be staying for the entire period.
If you wish to skip the hotel dinner you could remain at the carnival in town in the evening to
experience the talented Naga Rock performance and witness the Naga fashion show or Miss Naga
contest. Overnight in Kohima (B/ - / D /)
Day 8: A day tour in Khonoma village - the first green village in India
We visit the tiny village of Khonoma on the Japfu hill slope about 20 km. from Kohima. This is the first
green village in India and the settlement of a warrior tribe Angami, who are known for their great
resistance against the advancing British soldiers who wanted to claim their village. Apart from its
patriotic history Khonoma is renowned for its knowledge of agriculture, conservation methods, stone
works, cane works, handlooms and handicrafts and knowledge of herbal and ethno medicines. During
2003-2004, Khonoma became the first Green Village in India. Apart from the above, Khonoma also
offers spectacular scenery. Its hills and peaks, terraced paddy fields, beautiful waterfalls, and variety
of orchids are sights to behold. Its forests contain rare and endangered species of animals and birds -
the Blythe’s Tragopan bird (an extremely rare species), the clouded leopard and rainbow trout are
some examples.
A local guide will accompany us on our walk through the village and will explain the local history and
culture. We’ll also be able to see the villagers’ activities like farming and handicrafts, and interact with
people from the community. A local lunch will be arranged in the village. Overnight in Kohima (B/ - /
D /)
Day 9: Kohima to Imphal return by car in four hours and fly to Delhi
After breakfast we will drive back to Imphal for the return flight to Delhi. If we take a late night flight
back home, we do not need to stay overnight in Delhi and will be able to fly directly to South Africa.
Tour ends with unforgettable memories!
Cost for the tour (Valid Till 30 November 2016)
8 Night/9 Day Package (including airport taxes) Cost Per Person
Cost for 12+ Paying Passengers on a twin sharing basis ZAR 33,335.00 pp
Cost for 12+ Paying Passengers on a single room basis ZAR 37,735.00 pp
International Flights will be either Emirates or Qatar
Return Domestic Flights between Delhi and Imphal on Air India
Flight costs may have changed at the time of booking and will be adjusted accordingly.
Suggested accommodation
(similar accommodation will be booked in case of non-availability).
Place Hotel Stay Category Meal Room
type Site
Delhi ITC Dwarka or
similar
2
Nights
4 star de
luxe
Breakfast
& Dinner Standard http://www.itchotels.in/hotels/welcomhoteldwarka.aspx
Imphal De Oriental
Grand or similar
3
Nights
3 star de
luxe
Breakfast
& Dinner Standard http://www.deorientalgrand.com/
Kohima Classic Hotel or
similar
3
Nights 3 star
Breakfast
& Dinner Standard http://www.theclassichotel.in/
Our package includes
Accommodation with meals as indicated in the table above.
Private AC mini coach with drivers for all the days with tours, and transfers as detailed in
the itinerary.
An English speaking guide with local knowledge of Indian history and culture.
All entrance fees for the parks and monuments.
All activities such as village tours, all taxes, permits and service charges.
Bottled water each day, a light food pack during long journeys and on long walking days.
Travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
E- visa
South African citizens require a Indian Visa – this is not included in our package – please
follow link below for the online application form.
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
Optional expenses
Lunches
Taj Mahal Excursion on Day 2 – ZAR 800.00 per person (includes, AC coach, guide, Taj Mahal and Fatepur Sikri entrance fees)
Cost for alcoholic beverage.
Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff.
Early check-in or late check-out costs (regular check-in time - 1.00 pm, check-out time –
11.00 pm).
Terms & Conditions
Deposit Requirements:
An initial 50% is required to confirm seats and land services. Please note this amount is
non-refundable in case of cancellation by the participating guest.
1st deposit: ZAR 16,667.50 (per participant to secure a place on the tour, tour will be
confirmed with a group of 12)
Final Payment: ZAR 16,667.50 – 31 August 2016 (Balance determined on Group Size 12+
and Airport Taxes)
Cancellation Policy: Should we not get a group of 12pax travelling together – deposits
paid will be refunded.
Reservations:
o All reservations will be controlled by The Obvious Choice & Select Incentive Group Travel.
o All prices quoted are valid for 5 working days from date of this proposal. o Final meal requests must be submitted by the client 90 days prior to departure:10
October 2016 o Any amendments and or adjustments to confirmed bookings i.e. name changes, meal
requests, last minute ad-on’s, last minute bookings etc. The Obvious Choice and Select Incentive Group Travel reserve the right to charge an additional handling/service fee of ZAR 1000.00 per person amendment.
o The airfares quoted in this booking are guide fares only and not valid until a booking is created and the seat class is confirmed. All rates are subject to currency fluctuations / specific seats being available on shown routing and / or airfare increases and availability on flights and hotels. Airport taxes are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations and are not guaranteed until the day the tickets are issued.
Items NOT Included:
o Our tours do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service, laundry, telephone charges or other hotel extras. All passengers are responsible for settling any such costs incurred before checking out of each hotel or returning home.
Drinks Policy:
o All breakfasts include juices, tea and coffee. o All other drinks will be for the guest’s own account.
Single Rooms:
o The availability of single rooms is dependent upon individual hotel properties and in some cases, where a large number of singles is required, it may be necessary to charge a further supplement over and above the single supplement quoted. We will guarantee the quoted single supplement for a maximum of 10% of the total room requirement of your program. Over and above this we reserve the right to charge further supplements if necessary.
Taxes:
o Our prices include all government taxes as levied as of the date of this proposal. In the event that additional taxes are introduced by governing bodies or existing taxes increased, Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice will have to pass on all such additional charges to the booking agent or individual passengers concerned.
Visa & Passports:
o Please check current appropriate passport and visa rules eg passport should be valid for 6 months when returning to South Africa, all passengers should have a minimum of 2 open pages in their passport.
o Guests to check with the appropriate local consulate offices, allowing good time to complete the necessary paperwork prior to departure.
Proprietary Rights:
o The concepts, treatments and production techniques detailed in this proposal remain the exclusive property of Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice until such time we are contracted to execute them. They may not be developed or produced by any other parties without the express written consent of Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice. Unauthorized use of the attached materials, including, but not limited to, the solicitation of other bids, will be considered breach of propriety, under which this proposal has been developed and submitted.
Responsibility:
o If Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice have to cancel a tour or are unable to carry out all services due to circumstances beyond our control, we will do all possible to secure services of comparable or better standard or refund all monies in full. Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice accepts no responsibility for loss or additional expenses incurred due to delays, changes, omissions or errors made by our suppliers including but not limited to air, sea, ground transportation, war, weather, quarantine and strikes. All persons working with Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice will be deemed to have accepted the conditions contained herein by submitting a booking deposit.
Notes:
o Please note that NO services have been secured. o All prices quoted are inclusive of prevailing taxes. o The quote is valid for the group travelling in the months of August, September and
October 2015. o Prices are based on a minimum of 12 paying passengers, should the number of
passenger’s decrease Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice reserves the right to revise the prices and re-quote accordingly.
o Programme based on centrally located hotels and inclusive of breakfast. o All space required is available at this point in time. However, no reservations have
been made pending your acceptance and confirmation. Space is subject to availability on request of booking.
o Program is subject to change without prior notice due to airlines unexpected changes of schedule or flight cancellations.
o We reserve the right to adjust the prices at any time in the event of an increase of the fuel surcharge applied by airlines companies or any other transport companies.
o Flights are included in the above quote, they are based on group rates (unless otherwise stated). If we cannot make up a group (should the group be less than 20 passengers flying the same route at the same time) we will have to re-quote you and base each quote on individual fares.
o Tours are based on optimum flight departures (If included). If it is not possible to adhere to these exact dates, Select Incentive Group Travel and The Obvious Choice reserve the right to amend/extend the tour to comply with flight availability.
o All tour costs quoted and invoiced are based on EFT payments only. o Airport Taxes are subject to change due to the final route confirmation and rate of
exchange. o All prices quoted are based on tariffs and fares currently available, as well as the
prevailing rates of exchange & therefore these prices are subject to change without prior notification.
Payments:- All Payments should be made via bank transfer into the following bank account: Bank Account Name: The Obvious Choice cc Bank: Standard Bank, Melville Arch, 006105 Account Number: 401 037 444 – Business Cheque Account Postal Address: Postnet Suite 124, Private bag X2600,Houghton 2041 Company Registration Number: 2000/035875/23 Payment is acceptable by EFT ONLY; we regret that we DO NOT accept payment by credit card or cheque. All bank charges are the responsibility of the sender.
Contact Details:-
Zaritha van Wyngaardt - The
Obvious Choice
Tel: +27(11) 486-0368 /
Cell: +27 (82) 652-1841
E-mail: [email protected]
Leona Meadows - Select Incentive
Group Travel
Tel: +27 (21) 788-2245 /
Cell: +27 (84) 397 0876
E-mail: [email protected]
