TheCharmedVoyager

I n d I a n o r t h·S o u t h·Be a c h e S

+nepal

Capital: New DelhiTime Difference: GMT +5:30 hoursPopulation: approximately, 1.2 billionCurrency: Indian Rupee

India is a south Asian country with an ancient history, built by various empires, which appears in the diversity of its monuments, food, temples, clothing and music. It’s a parliamentary republic, living in greater peace religious practices such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism, among other beliefs.

The North enjoys cold climate in the winter months between November and March. The coastal areas have a tropical climate throughout the year, while the plains and most central and southern regions of the country are hot in the summer months of April and June. Most of the country has a vigorous monsoon, which lasts from July and October.

VISA All nonresidents require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to departure. Tourist visas are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Passports must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for 6 months after your return from India.

WHAT TO WEAR The western style is usual to male clothing. To be in harmony with the people and not offend the Indian culture, women must not show the shoulders, or legs. The tight clothes are inappropriate too. The ideal is to use Kurtas (typical Indian garment) and cotton trousers. If you don’t have these pieces in your wardrobe, taking a scarf can also be a solution to cover up if necessary. In temples, we must take the shoes off.

LANGUAGEThe Indian Constitution recognizes 15 languages, and Hindi is the official language of the country. Many Indians speak English, especially those in the tourism business.

FOOD & BEVERAGEBeef is not served in many parts of India and pork is also not easily available. Lamb and chicken are the most served. Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants as the meat in cheaper and smaller places can be of dubious quality. Good quality vegetarian food is easily available throughout the country. Curd or yoghurt is served with most meals as it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food.

the north

agra 5 delhI 6JaIpur 7Jodhpur 8KhaJuraho 9 udaIpur 10

VaranaSI 11

the South

KumaraKom 13pondIcherry 14KaraIKudI 15

BeacheS goa 17 mararI 17 neeleShwar 17 KoValam 17

mahaBalIpuram 17

tourS

the golden trIangle 19a paSSage to north 20

a paSSage to South 21

extenSIonS

andaman ISlandS 23ranthamBore parK 24

nepal 25

Selected hotelS 26

Nimaj, Rajasthan | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2009

the northagra

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KhaJuraho

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Agra has achieved fame as the capital of the MughalEmperors (1526 to 1658) and remains a major touristdestination thanks to its many splendid Mughal-era buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Taj MahalCompleted in 1653 AD, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favourite Queen, Mumtaz. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers to build it. It can be observed like a mirage. Shah Jahan’s tomb has beenerected next to hers by his son Aurangzeb.

Agra FortThe great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD, although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 km, and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions.

Fatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri is about 35 km from Agra and served as the empire’s capital from 1571 until 1585. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance.

agra

Agra, The Taj Mahal | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2009

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Delhi is the ideal point for tourists to start the discovery of the northern country. The Old Delhi is a return to the past. The labyrinthine alleys of the market remind the century XVIII. It is an ordered chaos, divided by sections: spices, clothing, jewellery, ornaments for temples, etc. Many people walking, rickshaws and bikes. The contrast with New Delhi, modern and cosmopolitan, is huge. It has excellent restaurants, hotels and trade in souvenirs. Despite being a big city, you can see elephants in the avenues, as well as the sacred cows in the dead of night.

Qutb MinarMinaret of victory, began to be built in 1193 and was

completed in 1368. The tower, with 72.5 m height, is part of a complex that contains the first mosque built in India. Made of Hindu-Muslim architecture, the monument tells its history. The faces of Hindu gods carved on the walls were destroyed by Muslims, monotheist people, with precision. Lucky for the visitor, because the rest of the details carved in stone can still be appreciated.

Humayun’s Tomb It was built in 1565 and is an avant premiere of what will be seen at the Taj Mahal, the most famous mausoleum in the world.

delhI

Old Delhi | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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Jaipur, the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state. It is remarkable among premodern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets.

When in Jaipur, be sure to visit the Lassiland area! Refreshing and delicious, it is a must-do, and, just across the main road, visit Amrapali and get sparkled by the gems and original silver and gold ethnic pieces.

Amer FortStunning. All-built in white marble and red sandstone in 1592. The marvellous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. The best part of this

tourist attraction situated on a crafty hill is the royal elephant ride.

City PalaceThis beautiful complex covers a huge area, divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings.

Hawa MahalThe Palace of Winds offers a beautiful sight to behold. Its splendid architecture blends beautifully Rajputana and Mughal styles. Its pyramid-shaped facade has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work.

JaIpur

Jaipur, Bangles at the Bapu Bazaar | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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Jodhpur, The Blue City, is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city.

The old city is separated by a 10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. A number of historical monuments dot the city and surrounding region.

The Mehrangarh Fort It is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a

breath-taking view of the city.

Jaswant ThadaA 19th century royal mausoleum and an example of architectural brilliance in India. To visit the Thada you have to go through the rocky hills. This also lends a mystic aura to the whole visit.

The Umaid Bhawan PalaceOne of India’s most imposing palaces. Its architecture, with beautiful balconies, courtyards, gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-saracenic style.

Jodhpur

Udaipur | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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Khajuraho is a village in Madhya Pradesh state. Its group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. It served as a religious capital of the dynasty of Hindu Rajput Chandel, between the tenth and the twelfth century, followers of the Tantric cult. Khajuraho temples do not contain sexual or erotic art inside the temple or near the deities; however, some external carvings bear erotic art.

There are many interpretations of the erotic carvings They portray that, for seeing the deity, one must leave his or her sexual desires outside the temple.

KhaJuraho

Photos © Incredible!ndia

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Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is known for its Rajput-erapalaces. Particularly famous is the Lake Palace, which covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels.

City PalaceIt is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559, providing astonishing panoramic views of the Lake Palace Hotel and of the city.

Lake PalaceBuilt in 1743-1746, this romantic white marble vision set became the Floating Palace, home to 007’s love interest Octopussy in the film of 1983.

udaIpur

Photos © Incredible!ndia

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Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganga (Ganges), regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is a special place, where side by side life and death are celebrated.

According to the Vamana Purana, the Varuna and the Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be Varanasi, the holiest of all pilgrimages.

Varanasi is the microcosmos of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth

and legend and sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial.

Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts and rich silks and brocades on gold and silver. Some of the world renowned exponents India has produced in those fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos.

When in Varanasi, be sure to get enchanted by the beautiful and rich embroidery found in the very traditional Mehta’s Silks that has dressed kings and workers for five generations.

VaranaSI

Sun rising in Varanasi, Boat vendor on the Ganges | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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Kumarakom is an emerald peninsula of paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters that juts out into Lake Vembanad.

Perhaps more famously knows as the Backwaters this area is unique being made up of labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between the capital Cochin and Quilon in the south.

From the vastness of Lake Vembanad to the quiet streams just large enough for a canoe, the Backwaters form the arteries through which rural daily life calmly flows - children splashing in the water, women washing clothes at the water’s edge,

fishermen up to their necks in water digging out fish with their feet, rice barges transporting coconuts and rice (the staples of the Keralan diet) and, above all, an overriding sense of peace and tranquillity that permeates every aspect of this stunning region.

KumaraKom

House boat on the Backwaters, Kerala| Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010Ph

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Although Pondicherry was subject to many European influences over the years it was the French, who purchased the town in the late 17th century, only relinquishing their hold in 1954 - who left the most enduring legacy.

Today the remaining French élan, tempered by South Indian warmth, make it one of India’s most charming and intriguing destinations with a unique atmosphere, not felt anywhere else in India.

Its chic tree lined boulevards, elegant colonial houses and ornamental gardens all go back to the 18th century.

The restaurants have a distinct French cuisine, coffee and croissants are served in the cafes and the policemen still wear very French Kepis.

Pondy, as it is affectionately known, is also fast becoming a favourite shopping destination and with taxes almost nonexistent it offers excellent value.

It is best known for its traditional doll-making, textiles and silk-weaving as well as for leather, pottery, incense and handmade paper.

pondIcherry

Detail of a Temple facade, Pondicherry | Photo by Carlos Stucky © March 2010

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Karaikudi, the capital of Chettinad is the biggest city in Sivaganga district, and it is the largest of a total of 75 villages that are located in close proximity of each other and make up the entire homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiyars.

The Nattukottai Chettiyars was a prosperous banking community that was successful in overseas business in South and Southeast Asia during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

It is the members of this business community that built and then lived in many, but not all, of the historical buildings in the area.

Its visitors throng to have view on history of Chettinad

buildings with its tributes to the goddess Lakshmi

and its vibrant markets. It is also believed that it is

one of the fastest growing cities in India.

There are also several famous temples in the region

as well that had nothing to do with the Chettiyars,

among others, the city is also known for Sri

Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple [ Sivan temple ]

which was built during 1872.

KaraIKudI

Making of Athangudi tiles on the road to Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu| Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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BeacheS

GoaSwaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: these three essential elements attract over 2 million visitors to Goa’s balmy shores.

MarariMarari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life.

NeeleshwarEmpty beaches fringed by coconut plantations, uncrowded inland waterways and lush hillside spice

gardens still preserve an undisturbed rhythm of life set against the immensity of the Indian ocean.

KovalamKovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.

MahabalipuramOn the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea - side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder - strewn landscape with miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art.

Covelong Beach , Tamil Nadu| Photo by Carlos Stucky © March 2010

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tourSthe golden trIangle

a paSSage to north

a paSSage to South

The featured programs are solely samples and show only its highlights. Ask for full itinerary description of your preferred tour.

On the Road to Trichy, Tamil Nadu | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2009

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the golden trIangledelhI · agra · JaIpur + udaIpur

9 Days | 8 Nights· Accommodation at the Oberoi Hotels on bed & breakfast basis

· Private transportation in our chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles at all places · Exclusive services of Luxe Concierge throughout the tour

· Travel Kit

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DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN DELHI· Spend three nights at the Oberoi Delhi

DAY 2 IN DELHI· Visit New Delhi · Qutb Minar· Humayun’s Tomb· Drive around India Gate and Lutyen’s buildings· Car at disposal

DAY 3 IN DELHI· Visit of Old Delhi covering The Jama Masjid· Red Fort· Car at disposal

DAY 4 DELHI > AGRA· Travel on the Shatabdi Express Train for Agra· Spend one night at the Oberoi Amarvilás· Visit the Taj Mahal· Agra Fort

DAY 5 AGRA > FATEHPUR SIKRI > JAIPUR· Spend two nights at the Oberoi Rajvilás· Road drive to Jaipur · Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route

DAY 6 IN JAIPUR· Visit the Amber Fort · Visit the City Palace

DAY 7 JAIPUR > UDAIPUR· Fly to Udaipur· Spend two nights at the Oberoi Udaivilás

DAY 8 IN UDAIPUR· Visit the City Palace· The Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-Ki-Bari· Eklingji & Nagada Temples

DAY 9 UDAIPUR > DELHI· Late morning proceed to airport to board flightfor Delhi and to board flight for onwards sector.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN DELHI· Spend two nights at the Oberoi DelhiDAY 2 IN DELHI· Visit Old Delhi, the Red Fort, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb

DAY 3 DELHI > JODHPUR· Fly to Jodhpur and spend one night at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

DAY 4 JODHPUR > RANAKPUR > UDAIPUR· Visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada· Road drive to Udaipur, visiting Ranakpur temples en route· Spend two nights at the Oberoi Udaivilás

DAY 5 IN UDAIPUR· Visit the City Palace and the temples

DAY 6 UDAIPUR > JAIPUR· Fly to Jaipur and spend two nights at the Oberoi Rajvilás

DAY 7 IN JAIPUR· Visit the Amber Fort and the City Palace

DAY 8 JAIPUR > AGRA· Road drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route· Spend two nights at the Oberoi Amarvilás

DAY 9 IN AGRA· Visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort

DAY 10 AGRA > JHANSI > KHAJURAHO· Travel on the Shatabdi Express Train for Jhansi · Visit Orcha’s Fort en route· Spend one night at The Lalit Temple View

DAY 11 KHAJURAHO > VARANASI· Visit the Temples and fly to Varanasi· Spend two nights at the Taj Nadesar Palace

DAY 12 VARANASI· Boat ride at river Ganges and City Tour

DAY 13 VARANASI > DELHI· Visit the Sarnath· Fly to Delhi and to onwards sector.

a paSSage to northdelhI · Jodhpur · udaIpur · JaIpur · agra · KhaJuraho · VaranaSI13 Days | 12 Nights· Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis in top class hotels· Private transportation in our chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles at all places · Exclusive services of Luxe Concierge throughout the tour· Travel Kit

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur | Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2010

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a paSSage to SouthmahaBalIpuram · pondIcherry · tanJore · perIyar · KaraIKudI · KumaraKom · cochIn

11 Days | 10 Nights· Accommodation at the CGH Earth Hotels and equivalent where not present on bed & breakfast basis

· Private transportation in our chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles at all places · Exclusive services of Luxe Concierge throughout the tour

· Travel Kit

DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI· Spend two nights at the Radisson Resort Temple Bay

DAY 02 IN MAHABALIPURAM· Visit Mahabalipuram and the Shore Temple· Visit Kanchipuram

DAY 03 MAHABALIPURAM > PONDICHERRY · Drive to Pondicherry · Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram· Visit Auroville· Spend one night at CGH Maison Perumal

DAY 04 PONDICHERRY > CHIDAMBARAM > TANJORE · Drive to Tanjore visiting the Chidambaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva en route· Sightseeing of Tanjore· Spend one night at Ideal River View Resort

DAY 05 TANJORE > KARAIKUDI· Drive to Karaikudi· Spend two nights at CGH Visalam

DAY 06 IN KARAIKUDI· Tour of the village

DAY 07 KARAIKUDI > PERIYAR · Drive to Periyar· Free evening· Spend one night at CGH Spice Village

DAY 08 PERIYAR > KUMARAKOM · Free morning· Drive to Kumarakom· Sunset cruise on the lake· Spend two nights at CGH Coconut Lagoon

DAY 09 IN KUMARAKOM· Day long cruise through the backwaters in a House Boat.

DAY 10 KUMARAKOM COCHIN · Drive to Cochin· Sightseeing of Cochin· Spend one night at CGH Brunton Boat Yard

DAY 11 LEAVE COCHIN In time you will be assisted to board flight for onwards sector.

Shiva Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu| Photo by Carlos Stucky © March 2010

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extenSIonSandaman ISlandS

ranthamBore parK nepal

We can offer you a full range of destinations and services covering the whole and the best of India & Nepal! These extensions, with different motivations are only suggestions to enhance your experience!

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Garuda carries Vishnu| Photo by Carlos Stucky © April 2009

The Andaman are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India.

The Archipelago includes some two hundred islands. Of the slightly more than 300,000 people that live in the Islands, a small minority of about 1,000 are indigenous Adivasis of the Andamans.

Shrouded in mystery for centuries because of their inaccessibility. These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal.

The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere.

The minimum recommended staying period is for three nights.

andaman ISlandS

© Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands

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ranthamBore parK

Ranthambore is a national park and tiger reserve in Rajasthan state. It is most famous for its large tiger population.

The Indian Government started Project Tiger in 1972 with an allotted area of 60 square miles. It was later expanded to become what is now called, the Ranthambore National Park.

Home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles, further to tigers we also find leopards, a thriving bird population with more than 270 different species and big cats natural preys.

According to non-government sources the number of tigers in the Ranthambore National Park were 34, plus 14 cubs, in 2008. This was largely attributed to sustained efforts by forest officials to curb poaching. Villagers in the region were being given incentives to stay out of the park and surveillance cameras were also fitted across the reserve.

The minimum recommended staying period is for two nights.

Photo © Incredible!ndia

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nepal

Nepal is a country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north contains eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized.

By some measures, Hinduism is practiced by a greater majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation. Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically with Nepal as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama who as the Buddha Gautama gave birth to the Buddhist tradition.

Kathmandu valley has three major cities: Kathmandu,

Patan and Bhaktapur. All three are rich in its cultural heritage. Beyond the cities there are several places on the rim of Kathmandu valley for short hike and rest.

Pokhara (900 m) is a beautiful valley with a panoramic view of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north and Dhaulagiri in the west and, Lamjung himal and Manaslu in the east. Pokhara has several lakes; among them Phewa Tal (lake) is a major attraction.

The minimum recommended staying period is for three nights.

Photo by Public Domain

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The Oberoi, Delhi

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We work with a collection of luxury,

design, boutique and charm hotels.

The careful selection of sites aimed

at a complete experience for the

voyager. The destination will be

unforgettable, so the hosting.

Different architectural styles,

always personalized service to the

traveller.

Rates are all informed upon request

and subject to availability and will

be reconfirmed at the moment of

the booking.

This brochure was produced in Adobe

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main font >> Calibri

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© 2007 · 2011 TheCharmedVoyager

Rio de Janeiro, September 2010

Selected hotelS

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w w w . T h e C h a r m e d V o y a g e r . C o m

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r i o d e J a n e i r o +55 21 3258 6739