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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

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Page 1: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS

Incredible India

Page 2: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

This is a brand new journey covering the highlights of both South and North India.

If you only get one chance to explore this incredible country, this is the trip to take. In just 3 and a half weeks, you will experience the vast diversity of this nation. From the gentle, tropical south, the temple towns of Tamil Nadu, French Pondicherry and God’s own country - Kerala to the deserts of Rajasthan, full of castles, palaces and forts. No trip to India is complete without visiting the world’s greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal and we also visit the big metros of Mumbai and Delhi. As icing on the cake, you will also get to experience the amazing Varanasi, holy city on the banks of the Ganges.

This tour is a slightly more budget version of our regular trips. We stay in comfortable and clean 2-3 star hotels and guest houses, plus a few luxury stops on the way. We still take the most comfortable transport options and include all of the must-sees whilst giving you ample free time to get out and explore on your own.

Dossier validity: 2022

Highlights

• marvel at the ancient rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram • be charmed by the French colonial atmosphere of Pondicherry • experience the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai • trek through the jungle on foot in Periyar Tiger Reserve • help the local fisherman bring in a catch in their Chinese fishing nets in Cochin • spend a night on a traditional houseboat in the backwaters near Alleppey • live it up in glitzy and glamorous Mumbai • relax in the beautiful lake city of Udaipur • be amazed at Jodhpur’s majestic Meherangarh Fort • explore the palaces and bazaars of Jaipur • be left breathless by the unsurpassed Taj Mahal • witness sunrise over the Ganges in holy Varanasi • be part of the craziness and excitement of India’s capital city Delhi

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

24 days / 23 nights

2/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

Page 3: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 1-2 Mahabalipuram

A mere 60km south of Chennai Airport is the beachside resort town of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is a beautiful, open-air museum of 7th and 8th Century history. Your tour starts with your pickup from Chennai International Airport and transfer to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hours). We will have a group meeting at 6pm to discuss the trip before heading into town for dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

After visiting the two World Heritage sites of the Five Rathas and the Shore Temple we take a wander around this small yet bustling beach-side village overrun with the most amazing rock carved temples and sculptures. Start off your souvenier shopping with some stone statues or fun travel clothes, sip a beer or coffee in a café, or enjoy the beach or pool at our resort hotel.

Hotel: Mamalla Heritage Hotel or similar

Itinerary

3/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 4: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Day 3 Pondicherry

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Once a colony of France, only becoming part of India in 1954, Pondicherry still bears much of the French influence, lending the town a charming colonial elegance. Pondicherry was also the home of Pi in the 2012 movie ‘Life of Pi’. We have a short drive early morning to Pondicherry where we take a walking tour, wandering the Bougainvillea lined avenues and discovering grand villas and heritage mansions, churches and temples.

There’ll also be free time this afternoon to explore the charming streets of the old French quarter, browse the fabulous shops, boutiques and markets here in Pondicherry, or visit the Aurobindo Ashram or Auroville if that takes your interest. Make sure to pop into one of Pondicherry’s wonderful cafes or charming restaurants for some French inspired Pondi cuisine.

Hotel: L’Escale or similar

Itinerary

4/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 5: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Day 4 Madurai

Travel time: 6.5 hours We drive to Villuparam (1.5 hours) and take a day train to Madurai - famed for the awe-inspiring Sri Meenakshi Temple. Often referred to as the Athens of the east, and with a history dating back more than 2500 years, Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. Today Madurai is a bustling, typically Tamil city where life revolves around the temple, but equally important are

the sub industries of textiles, jasmine and Tamil culture. In the late afternoon after our arrival, we wander the busy, fascinating streets and explore the amazing vast complex of Sri Meenakshi temple. Don’t miss the opportunity in the evening to go back to the temple to witness the putting the gods to bed ceremony.

Hotel: Hotel Moskva or similar

Itinerary

5/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 6: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 5-6 Periyar

Travel time: 4 hours The drive to Thekkady from Madurai is around 4 hours, heading east across the plains of Tamil Nadu and up into the Western Ghats (hills) of Kerala. Periyar was declared a Project Tiger park in 1978, and the Periyar river was dammed to form a lake in the park. The park covers 777 sq km. There are currently around 1000 elephants and some 40 tigers in the park.

Here, at Thekkady we visit a spice plantation and trek through the park on foot - a great way to get up close to the animals. There is also plenty of time to relax, shop for spices or handicrafts in the town or get an amazingly relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Hotel: Jungle Palace or similar

Itinerary

6/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 7: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 7-8 Cochin

Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European settlement in India, known as the Queen of the Arabian sea, Cochin’s charms are manifold. From the Chinese fishing nets and heritage buildings of Fort Cochin to the markets of Mattancherry and Jew Town and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Ernakulam, buzzing with hotels, shops and restaurants,

Cochin is a fascinating combination of laid back, charming, historic and bustlingly modern. We wander the streets and lanes of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue, ride local ferries around the harbour and watch a world famous Kathakali dance-drama program including the extraordinarily makeup application beforehand.

Hotel: No 18 hotel or similar

Itinerary

7/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 8: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Day 9 Alleppey

Travel time: 2 hours The Keralan backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala. There are over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Keralan backwaters. A short journey to Allleppey where we board our houseboat. Made in the traditional ricebarge or Kettuvallam

style, and luxuriously fitted out, each boat typically has a few bedrooms, a dining room, an open lounge and deck. A captain and cook are on hand to look after our every need. We spend the day drifting along coconut lined canals, past small villages that laze on the myriad islands along the backwaters. We see green rice paddies spreading away into the distance and coconut groves with the occasional temple or church. We pass Chinese fishing nets, children waving from the banks, locals making coir, or toddy tapping. Life is carried on here at a pace that reminds us nothing much has changed here in centuries.

Hotel: Spiceroutes Houseboat or similar

Itinerary

8/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 9: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 10-11 Mumbai

Travel time: 4 hours

A direct flight from Cochin to Mumbai will get us into downtown by late afternoon.

Known as Bombay until its name change in 1995, Mumbai is India's financial, commercial and industrial capital, and its property prices are some of the highest in the world. As such the city hums with activity and its twelve and a half million residents seem to be constantly on the move, there is a distinct multicultural feel here, with people from all over India and abroad having gravitated to the metropolis in search of a better life.

Our hotel is centrally located and only a short walk to the nearby Gateway of India and the famous Taj Hotel. A stroll along Chowpatty Beach at sunset is a must, where you can try the local street delicacies and experience the carnival-like atmosphere of the nightly markets here. We visit Crawford Market, the fascinating Dhobi Ghats – the city’s laundry washers and perhaps the bustling Mahalaxmi or Mumbadevi Temple.

Mumbai is also India's entertainment capital, and the home of Bollywood, so if you’re lucky you might bump into a star, a film shoot on the streets or even get offered a part as an extra in a Bollywood extravaganza.

Hotel: Residency Hotel or similar

Itinerary

9/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 10: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 12-13 Udaipur

Travel time: 2.5 hours

We take a morning flight to Udaipur, which without questions lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes all combine to give Udaipur a very special appeal. It is a centre for artists, dancers and musicians and the shopping is superb. Its other claim to fame is as the setting for James Bond’s Octopussy and more recently, scenes from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel were filmed here.

Whilst here in Udaipur, we visit the City Palace and take the opportunity to see a traditional Rajasthani cultural show. We wander the local markets and enjoy a sunset cruise around the lake. You might like to visit an artist’s school and try your hand at creating a miniature painting.

An afternoon trip up to the Monsoon Palace or on the cable car to Machhla Hill rewards you with incredible views of the lakes and hills surrounding Udaipur.

Hotel: Pratap Bhawan or similar

Itinerary

10/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 11: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Day 14 Narlai

Travel time: 4 hours

Heading north by road from Udaipur we first come upon the remarkable fort of Kumbalgarh, one of the last untouched fortresses of Rajasthan. Kumbalgarh is famed for having the 2nd longest wall in the world (36km), after the Great Wall of China.

After exploring the fort at Kumbalgarh and the rambling ruins of the palaces, we head on to Jain Temple at Ranakpur. The temple at Ranakpur has the most exquisite marble interiors - carved pillars and ceilings with intricate designs.

Later we head on a further 40km to Narlai, a sleepy village which hosts the stunning Ravla (Castle) Narlai in the shadow of a mammoth granite rock.

We might partake in afternoon tea at a nearby lake, or perhaps dinner at the Stepwell.

Hotel: Ravla Narlai

Itinerary

11/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 12: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Day 15 Jodhpur

Travel time: 3 hours

Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, and dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge in the middle of town, Jodhpur, the ’Blue City’ is the 2nd largest city in Rajasthan.

We explore the magnificent fort and the bustling Sadar Market and Stepwell Square in the city below. It’s a great place to stroll around at leisure, with bazaars and boutiques selling all sorts of fruits, vegetables, spices, clothing, textiles and handicrafts.

Jodphur is also famous for the creamy makhani (butter) lassi’s (yogurt drink). And yes, this is where the pants come from!

Hotel: Hotel Haveli or similar

Itinerary

12/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 13: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 16-17 Jaipur

Travel time: 6 hours

We head by road today to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. The streets and markets of this colourful and busy capital of Rajasthan, with its palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.

We visit Jaipur’s famous landmark building, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', the beautifully situated Jal Mahal (Water Palace) and the truly amazing 18th century Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory).

If shopping is your thing, Jaipur is your city. Famous throughout the world for cut gemstones, this is the place to pick up a stone or three and even get them set into a beautiful piece of jewellery. The street markets of Jaipur, along with some fabulous boutiques and emporiums are full of wonderful clothes, textiles, shoes and Rajasthani handicrafts.

Crowning the crest of a hill, the fort palace at Amber was the former capital of the Rajasthan state, and we spend a couple of hours exploring this beautiful palace complex.

Hotel: Arya Niwas or similar

Itinerary

13/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 14: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 18-19 Agra

Travel time: 5 hours

The icon of India, probably the most famous and beautiful building in the world, the majestic Taj Mahal surpasses all expectations and it truly is a wonder of the world, if not the greatest ever testimony to love.

We also visit Agras remarkable Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th Century and the Itimud-ud-Dualah, known locally as the ‘Baby Taj’, an exquisite marble tomb built by a Moghul Empress for her parents.

Whilst we are in Agra, we can also take an opportunity to see how handmade carpets and marble inlay work are produced.

On the evening of day 19, we travel to Tundla (1 hour) where we board our train for an overnight journey by 2-tier air-conditioned sleeper to Varanasi.

Hotel: The Retreat or similar

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Itinerary

14/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 15: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 20-21 Varanasi

Travel time: 10 hours

Arriving early morning into Varanasi, we transfer to our hotel on the banks of the holy Ganges before having breakfast and then taking an orientation wander along the ghats and around the streets of the old city.

Said to be the oldest living city in the world, Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, seems to encapsulate all of India within its boundaries. The ultimate destination for all Hindu pilgrims, the city is full of temples, shrines and devotees.

Life in Varanasi revolves around the Ghats along the Ganges where the bulk of the temples are located. We walk in the old city with its maze of narrow twisting alleys full of small shops and stalls and take boats out onto the river to see the sun

rising over the holy town.

There’s time to visit the markets here as well as a chance to just hang out on the ghats and watch the pilgrims go about their rituals. We experience the magical atmosphere of a ceremony as old as time itself as the sun sets over the Ganges to the beating of drums and the ringing of bells.

After receiving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, The Buddha traveled to Sarnath, just on the outskirts of modern-day Varanasi to preach his first sermon. Since then, Sarnath has remained a major Buddhist site. We take the opportunity to visit the monasteries, ruins and temples of Sarnath.

Overnight: Hotel Temple on Ganges or similar

Itinerary

15/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 16: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Days 22-24 Delhi

Travel time: 3 hours

Today we have a short flight to Delhi where we visit the spectacular Humayans Tomb, and also take a drive down Rajpath, the ceremonial avenue lined with impressive and imposing government buildings, India Gate and Rastrapati Bhavan, the Presidents residence.

On the morning of day 23 we head out to Old Delhi, the walled city once known as Shahjahanabad which was the creation of the Moghal Emperor Shah Jahan. We join the crowds to walk in the bazaars of the old city, immersing ourselves in the noise and smells of the crowded narrow streets and alleys, where different areas specialize in festival paraphernalia, silk, copper, brass, jewelry and spices.

Delhi is an exciting, busy and often chaotic city and one of the most interesting cities in India, with a past that stretches far back into the mists of time. 1000 years of history greet the visitor at every step. Mosques, monuments and

forts from many different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars lie scattered across Delhi’s sprawling expanse. There is more to see and do than we can possibly fit in during our short time here. If you are staying on after the tour, take the opportunity to make more discoveries - the ruins of Qutb Minar and Purana Qila, the Lotus Temple, Indira Gandhi Museum and Rajghat are all recommended, as are the market areas of Dilli Haat, Khan Market and Haus Khas.

There are no organized activities on day 24. You are free to leave at any time.

Overnight Florence Inn or similar

Itinerary

16/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 17: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

group size 4 minimum, 10 maximum

days 24 days 23 nights

starts in Chennai (Mahabalipuram)

finishes in Delhi

price includes

Arrival transfers

All accommodation as specified

All transportation between overnight stops and to and from included sightseeing

Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Meals as specified

price does not include

Visa costs

Meals other than those listed

Drinks, meal tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities

International flights

accommodation

Hotels (21 nights), Overnight train (1 night) Luxury Houseboat (1 night)

This tour uses a variety of accommodation. From guesthouses to heritage hotels, we experience a wide range of accommodation styles. Hotel rooms are twin share with

private bathrooms with western style toilets. Although most rooms will be air-conditioned, some may be fan-cooled.

optional single supplement

If you are a single traveller, you are not required to pay a single supplement as we will match you up with other travellers. If we are unable to match you up with another traveller of the same sex, we will pay your single supplement for you. Should you not wish to share accommodation at all, but would like to guarantee your own room throughout the tour a single supplement of from USD tba will be payable. Note that a single room may not be available on the houseboat and will not be available on the overnight train.

transport

Train, Private Bus, Boat, Auto rickshaw, and Cycle rickshaw. Train travel in India is essential considering it is such an efficient and extensive network, and is also such a part of India’s culture and heritage. For our overnight journey, we travel in air-conditioned sleeper carriages with two levels of berths. They are arranged in door-less, curtained sections each of four berths. Broad-gauge sleeping carriages also have a row of two-tier (upper and lower) berths along one side. A conductor ensures that nobody without a reservation gets into the carriage. Each carriage usually has ‘squat’ and ’western’ style toilets at either end. Bedding is supplied and is clean, but for peace of mind you may wish to bring a sleeping sheet. Meals are not included during our overnight train journey, but food is usually available.

Train journeys by day give us an opportunity to experience Indian life by rubbing shoulders with the locals. Travelling locally is always exciting and fascinating – you never know who you will meet. We will be taking private vehicles for our other land journeys.

general tour information

17/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 18: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

There are many ATM machines (which accept both Cirrus/Maestro debit cards and Visa and MasterCard) throughout India. This is a safe and convenient way to access money in India, however we suggest that you bring a small amount of money in cash (suggested $300) in case there are times that ATMs are not available. The major currencies, including AUD and CAD are no problem in general to exchange. Visa & MasterCard credit cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants in the bigger towns and cities.

spending money

Although entrance fees to specified sites are included in the tour price, there are additional sights that you may like to visit. Many sites levy camera fees.

Spending money requirements will differ from one person to the next. You will need to take into consideration your spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, and optional activities.

It is recommended you allow enough money for the following:

Meals – USD500 (or equivalent)

Optional Activities – USD100 (or equivalent)

Money for drinks, shopping and incidentals.

Tipping is an integral part of Indian life and is essential to a smooth trip. To make things easier we collect a tip kitty for hotel room boys, local guides and for drivers of private transport we use. This will NOT cover restaurant tips. You will need to allow approximately 10-15% on top of your restaurant bill.

Tips: Allow USD100

physical rating

You may need to carry your bag/pack up and down railway station and hotel stairs. There will be plenty of walking around towns or sites, which due to the warm to hot weather in India at this time of year will make general sightseeing a little more strenuous.

activities included

The following is a list of included activities on this trip. Other activities are optional and will be at your own expense.

Shore Temple; 5 Rathas; Town Walk (Mahabalipuram)

Town walk (Pondicherry)

Sri Meenakshi Temple; (Madurai)

Spice Plantation; Guided walk through Periyar Tiger

Reserve (Periyar)

Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghats, Crawford Market,

Chowpatty Beach (Mumbai)

City Palace, Market walk,

Traditional dance show (Udaipur)

Jain Temples, Kumbalgarh Fort (Narlai)

Meherangarh Fort, Market walk, (Jodhpur)

Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Market walk (Jaipur)

Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Itimud-ud-Dualah, (Agra)

Dawn Boat Cruise, Sarnath Visit, River and city walk (Varanasi)

Old Delhi, Humayans Tomb, (Delhi)

meal inclusions

23 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

meals

Traveling with Incredible Indian Tours we ensure that you will experience a vast array of the gustatory treats available in India. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options. This allows you to choose where, and what to eat. More often than not however we eat together as a group. Your leader will offer suggestions for favourite restaurants throughout the trip.

money exchange As at May 2019 AUD1 = 48 INR CAD1 = 52 INR EUR1 = 78 INR GBP1 = 89 INR NZD1 = 45 INR USD1 = 70 INR

general tour information

18/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

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photos for this as well as photocopies of your photo and visa page from your passport.

your tour manager

Your tour manager is there to organise and streamline your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Whilst they are not a guide per se, they will share their local knowledge, give you suggestions for your free time and manage the day to day running of the tour. They will introduce you to their local friends and recommend great local restaurants and experiences. They will have a broad general knowledge of India, so do feel free to tap into their wisdom. At some sites, local guides may be hired where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

responsible travel

We believe strongly in responsible travel. This includes being respectful to the local culture (ie dressing appropriately, and learning a few basic cultural do’s and don’ts), being mindful of the environment, and leaving a positive image behind. Remember we are ambassadors for our country. Bringing a few photos of your family and home with you is a great way to interact with the locals by giving them a glimpse of your world whilst you visit theirs.

joining hotel

Mamalla Heritage

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Ph: +91 44 2744 2060

culture shock rating

Conditions in India are not always as comfortable as in other countries. You may need to occasionally deal with a squat toilet, cold showers or power failure.

travel insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended whilst traveling to India and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible Indian Tours.

visas

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Most nationalities can apply for an e-Visa. Validities available are 30 days, 1 year and 5 years. You can apply up to 30 days before the date of travel for the 30 day e-Visa and 120 days before the date of travel for the 1 and 5 year e-Visas. The visa is issued online (you do not need to send your passport away) and takes up to 3 days. The 30 day e-Visas are double entry with validity commencing from the date of arrival. The 1 and 5 year e-Visas are multiple entry with validity running from the date of issue with stays of maximum 90 days at a time allowed with the exception of US, UK, Japanese and Canadian passport holders who can stay for up to 180 days at a time. When applying for your e-Visa, be aware of a number of commercial websites offering e-Visas that do not belong to the Government of India and will charge you additional service fees to issue your visa. The official Government of India e-Visa website is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

health

We recommend that you consult your doctor for current medical travel information about before departure. Your leader will be carrying a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you bring along your own as well as any personal medical requirements .

The following websites have up-to-date information about health requirements.

Australia https://www.travelvax.com.au/ New Zealand http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/travelling USA https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ UK http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/ Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines

communications

Most of our hotels have Wifi, as do many restaurants and cafes. You can also purchase a local prepaid sim card (for unlocked cell phones) and data sticks (for mobile internet on your laptop) easily and inexpensively in India. Recommended are Vodafone, Airtel and Reliance. You will need extra passport

general tour information

19/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

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Page 20: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

transfer/joining instructions

Your airport transfer pickup will await you holding a sign with your name when you exit the baggage claim area of the arrivals hall. There may be large crowds here so please look carefully for your transfer.

arriving early

Situated north of Mahabalipuram, our joining hotel is a short rickshaw ride to the centre of Mahabalipuram and its monuments which are scattered within a 1km area of the town. Featuring a swimming pool, the resort also has it’s own stretch of beach, a spa, two restaurants and a bar.

early arrival information

If you are arriving earlier than day 1, extra accommodation in Mahabalipuram is available from USD tba Single/Double (or equivalent) per night per room. Please notify us as early as possible if you require extra accommodation as this hotel can be booked up well in advance.

finishing hotel Florence Inn

15A/6 W.E.A., Ajmal Khan Rd, Karol Bagh

New Delhi 110005

Ph: +91 11 4502 5500

staying on

If you are staying on in Delhi after the tour, extra accommodation at Florence Inn is available from USD tba Single/Double (or equivalent) per night per room. Again, if you will require extra accommodation in Delhi, please advise us as early as possible as rooms tend to get booked out quickly at peak season times.

what to take

We will be on the move a lot, so try to pack as lightly as possible. The smaller your bag in India the better, as the

general tour information

various modes of transport we use tend to have limited storage space. In addition, you will find that your bag probably needs space to expand for shopping!

India is very conservative and we ask that you dress accordingly. As a guideline, shoulders and knees should always be covered. The wearing of shorts is looked upon by locals as akin to wearing your underwear and will limit your entry into mosques, temples and other places of worship. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool. Singlets, tank tops and short shorts are not suitable attire for India.

Note that some Indian domestic airlines have recently reduced their check-in baggage allowance to 15kg. If you have heavier luggage, you may need to pay the excess at the airport for your internal flights. Excess luggage charges range from around Rs400 (USD 6) per kilo.

Laundry

Inexpensive laundry facilities are offered by most hotels we use and are generally available wherever we have a two night stop.

Weather

The weather during our journey should be great. Daytime temperatures will be warm to hot, in the range 25-35oc. Night time temperatures will be comfortable. Rain is not very likely at this time of year, but sun is, so sunblock and a hat are essentials. Blankets are provided on the overnight train journey.

checklist

Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t forget your emergency insurance contact details), air tickets. Photocopy of above documents

Day pack Health vaccinations/medication First aid kit

Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access); credit cards (widely accepted in big cities); cash (for emergencies)

20/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India

Page 21: INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS · Days 7-8 Cochin Travel time: 4 hours We have another 4 hour drive down through the hills of Kerala to the coastal port city of Cochin. The oldest European

Money pouch Alarm clock and torch/flashlight Mosquito repellent Ear plugs can be very useful if you are a light sleeper Lock for your bag or suitcase

Comfortable closed-in walking shoes for the hike through Periyar National Park

We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt to store your passport, air tickets, credit cards and cash. Avoid bringing valuable jewellery with you. Some hotels we use have safety deposit boxes. A lock and chain are useful for securing your luggage on overnight train journeys.

Updated on: 7th March 2020

general tour information

21/21

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible India