Visit: Dalhousie Square (GPO, Writer's Building, High - assicon 2014

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Tour Fast Facts

Visit: Dalhousie Square (GPO, Writer’s Building, High Court, Governor’s House etc.) St. John’s Church, Flower Market, a short walk on the Howrah Bridge, Jain Temples, Kumartuli (Potter’s Colony cum Statuary), Indian Museum (closed on Monday), Victoria Memorial (closed on Monday) and St. Paul’s Cathedral Church. Program Brief

Dalhousie Square The Dalhousie Square was named in the memory of Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor General of India from 1847 to 1856. But it was renamed as BBD Bagh (Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh) three patriotic sons of Bengal who attained martyrdom during India's struggle for independence. At the center of the Square is the tank - Lal Dighi. The Dalhousie Square is surrounded by some of Kolkata's most enduring Raj-era monuments like the magnificent GPO (General Post Office), the regal Raj Bhawan, the St. John’s Church and the Gothic style Writer's Building. In terms of heritage, no other city square is as rich as Dalhousie Square. It is truly one-of-its-kind in the world and a walk through one of its crowded thoroughfares is like a trip down the memory lane. Howrah Bridge

A marvel of British engineering, this huge cantilever bridge, strung on 270 feet high pillars connects Calcutta from Howrah. Its four traffic lanes are daily used by over lakh vehicles. The newly constructed Vidya Sagar Setu is also a cable suspended bridge meant to reduce traffic on the old Howrah Bridge.

Jain Temples Three eye-catching Jain temples are grouped together two short blocks east of Raja Dinendra Road. The best known is 1867-built Sheetalnathji Jain Mandir. It is dazzling if somewhat unrefined pastiche of colourful mosaics, spires, columns and slivered figurines looks like a work of Gaudi. Directly south, the quieter Sri Channa Probhuji Mandir has a fine gateway arch and plenty of greenery. The sedate 1810 Dadaji Jain Mandir has a central marble tomb-temple patterned with silver studs.

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Kumartuli (Potter’s Village cum Statuary) It is the nerve center of the clay idol-makers of West Bengal, is home and workshop to more than one hundred and fifty families of clay Model-makers. This fascinating district is named for the kumar (sculptors) who fashion giant Puja effigies of the gods, eventually to be ritually immersed in the holy Hooghly. Different workshops in lanes off Rabindra Sarani specialize in certain body parts, creating the straw frames, adding clay coatings or painting the divine features with brilliant colours. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Indian Museum One of the oldest museums in Asia, the Indian Museum was founded in 1814. One need an entire day, or more, to fully enjoy the fossils, coins, stones, Gandhara art, meteors and much more that go to make up this museum. There is a 4,000-year-old mummy here as well. Also on display is an urn said to contain the Buddha's ashes. One just needs to ask anybody on the road for the way to the "Jadughar". Victoria Memorial Built in Italian Renaissance cum Saracenic style, Victoria Memorial was planned by Lord Curzon and opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921. This British attempt at building a second Taj Mahal, is dedicated to Queen Victoria and houses a fantastic collection of rare memorabilia from Colonial days. A light and sound show recreates history every evening. St. Paul’s Cathedral Church The Cathedral measures 71m in length 24m in width the spire rising 60m high. The interior has exquisite scriptural scenes. Above these are the two Florentine frescos. In the center of the eastern sector is the magnificent alter piece. The massive gold-gilt plate presented by Queen Victoria to Bishop Wilson, and the western windows are of special interest. ********************************************************************

Duration: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Schedule: Open all days of the week except Monday Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial are closed.

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Tour Cost in INR (Indian Rupee)

Cost Basis Tour Cost Per Person

Minimum 7-8 Pax using A/c Tempo Traveller INR 2220

Minimum 3-4 Pax using A/c Toyota Innova INR 2725

Minimum 2 Pax using A/c Medium car INR 3315

1 person traveling alone using A/c Medium car INR 5475

Tour cost includes:

Transport service as per itinerary using exclusive air-conditioned vehicle.

English speaking guide.

Monument entrance fee (One time only).

Lunch at local restaurant.

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Tour Fast Facts

Visit: Dalhousie Square (mainly drive around), St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Victoria Memorial and South Park Street Cemetery. Program Brief

Dalhousie Square - The Square was named in the memory of

Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor General of India from

1847 to 1856. The Dalhousie Square is surrounded by some of

Kolkata's most enduring Raj-era monuments like the magnificent

GPO (General Post Office), the regal Raj Bhawan, the St.John's

Church and the Gothic style Writer's Building. In terms of

heritage, no other city square is as rich as Dalhousie Square.

St. Paul Cathedral Church (1847) - The Cathedral measures 71m in length 24m in width the spire rising 60m high. The interior has exquisite scriptural scenes. Above these are the two Florentine frescos. In the centre of the eastern sector is the magnificent alter piece. The massive gold-gilt plate presented by Queen Victoria to Bishop Wilson, and the western windows are of special interest. Victoria Memorial - This is one of India's most beautiful monuments built between 1906 and 1921 on the lines of white marble. All monuments of this memorial were designed in Italian Renaissance-Mughal style and build of white marble from Rajasthan. The memorial was the inspiration of Lord Curzon, who in 1901, felt that his lately departed Queen Empress, required a suitable monument to her memory. It houses paintings, manuscripts, and other objects of historic value in its Museum and Art Gallery. South Park Street Cemetery - Park Street Cemetery is a vast

imperial necropolis in the heart of the city with examples of a

large number of neo-classical funerary sculptures. The pyramids,

pavilions and tombs within this place are at present in a state of

decay. Sincere efforts have been made by the British Association

for Cemeteries in South Asia to restore it. As one of the oldest

Christian burial grounds in the city, it bears the testimony of

many colonial settlers who lived and died here in Kolkata. In fact

the oldest recorded British grave of a certain Mr. Wood, a "writer" at the Writer’s Building, the

British administerial headquarters can be still found here.

********************************************************************

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Duration: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm Schedule: Open all days of the week except Monday Victoria Memorial is closed. Tour Cost in INR (Indian Rupee)






Tour cost includes:


English speaking guide.


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Shanti Niketan means the abode of peace. In 1863, a meditation center was founded at Shanti Niketan by Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, the father of the world famous Bengali Poet Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath established the Brahma Vidyalaya and in 1901 another open air school “Brahmacharya Ashram”. In 1921, it had expanded into Vishwa Bharati University – a residential university with an international body, hostels and extensive grounds. It includes separate colleges for fine arts and crafts, dance, music, teachers’ training, Asian languages, technology, postgraduate studies and research.

Tour Program Kolkata – Shantiniketan – Kolkata [220 kms / 5 hours one way]

After breakfast at hotel proceed to drive to Shantiniketan. On arrival at Shantiniketan you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Post lunch visit the University Campus and Sriniketan. Program Brief

The Vishwa Bharati University Campus China Bhawan (The Chinese Faculty) Chhatimtala (Here Maharshi Devendranath, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate) Kala Bhavan (The College of Fine Arts & Crafts) Patha Bhavan, Prayer Hall (Founded by the poet's father in 1863, the hall is made of glass. Prayers are held on Wednesday) Bichitra (Also called Rabindra Bhavan, a Research Centre and Museum where the poet's personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works are exhibited) Sangeet Bhawan (College of Dance and Music) Uttarayan Complex (The poet lived and worked in the Northern Complex consisting of several buildings as: Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi).

Sriniketan The Institute of Rural Reconstruction was founded in 1922 at Surul at a distance of about three kilometers from Shantiniketan. It was formally inaugurated on February 6, 1922 with Leonard Elmhirst as its first Director. Thus the second but contiguous campus of Visva-Bharati came to be located in 1923 at a site which assumed the name of Sriniketan. The chief object was to help villagers and people to solve their own problems instead of a solution being imposed on them

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from outside. In consonance with the ideas about reconstruction of village life, a new type of school meant mainly for the children of neighbouring villages who would eventually bring the offering of their acquired knowledge for the welfare of the village community was also conceived. This school, Siksha-Satra, was started in Shantiniketan in 1924 but was shifted to Sriniketan in 1927. The Lok-Siksha Samsad, an organization for the propagation of non-formal education amongst those who had no access to usual educational opportunities, was started in 1936. Siksha-Charcha for training village school teachers followed next year.

Later in time drive back to Kolkata. ********************************************************************************

Tour Cost in INR (Indian Rupee)






Tour cost includes:


Accompanied English speaking guide.


Lunch at local restaurant.

Please Note: Weekly Closure: Tuesday (Half day) and Wednesday (Full day)

Other Restriction: Photography restricted at Tagore Museum.

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Bishnupur is noted for its assemblance of large number of temples of considerable grandeur and

big tanks. Bishnupur still retains the flavour of an old Bengali urban complex which had witnessed

great splendour and magnificence in the days of its power and glory. Bishnupur is famous for its

own classical musical gharana established in 1370.

Tour Program Kolkata – Bishnupur – Kolkata [160 kms / 4 ½ - 5 hours one way]

Pick up from hotel at 0730 hours and proceed to drive to Bishnupur. On arrival at Bishnupur hot Bengali lunch will be served at Tourist Lodge. Post lunch visit Rash Mancha, Dalmadal Cannon, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Malla King's Fort and Jogesh Chandra Pura Kirti Bhawan Museum.

Program Brief Rash Mancha (stage for dancing) - One of the famous attraction in Bishnupur which was built by BirHambir, a Malla King to celebrate the Ras festival. Dalmadal Cannon - located south of the Rash Mancha. This four meters medieval artillery piece was used successfully against the repeated Maratha attacks in 1742 A.D Jor Bangla Temple - Built by Raghunath Singha II in 1655 A.D, the temple is greatly influenced by classical Bengali architecture. The temple is also known as the Keshta Raya Temple and is famous for its construction and terracotta sculptures. The Temple resembles two hut-like structures with separate angled roofs held together by a chala (tower) at the crown. Madan Mohan Temple – This temple is one of the largest temples in Bishnupur and consists of a square building and a domed ceiling. Constructed in in 1694 by Durjana Singh Deva in the 'ekaratna' (meaning single tower) style, Madan Mohan Temple has beautiful carvings on the walls featuring scenes from the Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Malla King's Fort - Very little remains of the fort built between 1657- 1677 A.D by the Malla ruler King Bir Singha. The gate of the old fort is of laterite stone and is called “PatharDurwaza" the king’s soldiers would hide inside the gate and there were holes drilled in different directions for the ques. A stone chariot in laterite can be seen as cribbed to. Jogesh Chandra Pura Kirti Bhawan Museum: In the year 1951 a group of young energetic persons established this museum and sought for affiliation from BngiyaSahityaParisad, Calcutta in

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order to legitimize its collection work. In 1954 the said museum was named after Acharjya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan after the name of Jogesh Chandra Roy Vidyanidhi, the famous scholar of this district as well as Bengal. Three Galleries are there - ARCHEOLOGICAL GALLERY, MUSIC GALLERY and FOLK ART GALLERY. Shopping: The local handicrafts of Bishnupur include Silk, Tussar Silk, conch shell wares & bell metal wares. No less important from the point of view of popular taste are the fine sweetmeats and flavored tobacco of Bishnupur. Bishnupur is also famous for terra-cotta folk toys like the Bankura (rather Panchmura) horse and clay dolls. Bishnupur Silks are among the finest in the world. Later in time drive back to Kolkata. ****************************************************************************** Tour Cost in INR (Indian Rupee)






Tour cost includes:


Accompanied English speaking guide.


Lunch at Bishnupur Tourist Lodge.

Rickshaw Ride.

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Sundarbans tiger tour is the tour of Sundarbans national park with the panoramic beauty of tiger and other wildlife animals. To one side of the world’s biggest delta created by the running rivers of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sundarbans national park is a huge territory of woodland and saltwater fen at about 160 miles beside the Bay of Bengal. Being scattered from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh area, Sundarbans tiger tour is famous for the major estuarine sanctuary in the earth, and home of India’s most wonderful flora and fauna species.

DAY 01 KOLKATA –GOTHKALI –SUNDERBAN BY: SURFACE / BOAT After breakfast proceed to drive to Gothkali (110 kms / 4 hours). Arrive at Gothkhali Jetty (Travel by land ends here), we cruise through rivers Gomor, Durgadhwani to enter river Pitchkhali & transfer to Resort. On your arrival you will proceed to check-in into your cottage/room followed by a hot lunch. Your afternoon entails observing endemic and migratory birds and wildlife while you cruise through the creeks and canals of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve forest to Sajnekhali Watchtower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre whilst refreshments are served on board. A warm dinner is served at the end of the day. Overnight at Resort. Day 02 VISIT SUDHANYAKHALI WATCH TOWER BY: BOAT DEPART SUNDERBAN BY: BOAT / SURFACE Morning visit to Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower and Cruise through Rivers and Narrow Creeks of Pitchkhali - Sarakhkhali - Sudhanokhali - Bonobibi Dharani (narrow creek) and visit the Watch Tower followed by a cruise around the Islands of the Sunderban Tiger Project Area (Breakfast on the boat during Cruise). After lunch at the resort cruise to Gothkali and drive back to Kolkata.

****** END OF TOUR ******

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COST PROPOSAL

City Name of the Hotel Room Category Nights Sunderban SUNDERBAN TIGER CAMP Deluxe Cottage 01

Validity : January 2014 Tour Cost in INR

01 Paying Pax Traveling alone INR 38100 Per Person

02 Paying pax traveling together on Twin sharing basis INR 19050 Per Person

Inclusions & Exclusions

The above cost Includes: -

01 night accommodation on twin sharing at the resort mentioned above or similar.

Daily Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay.

All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle and exclusive vessel.

Entrance fee to the monuments and permit charges (One time only).

Service of Accompanied English speaking guide for sightseeing and excursion as per the itinerary.

All currently applicable taxes.

The above cost does not Include: -

Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, any insurance etc.

Any Domestic airfare / International airfare.

Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Our Cost is not valid for any period other than mentioned above.

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Sundarbans tiger tour is the tour of Sundarbans national park with the panoramic beauty of tiger and other wildlife animals. To one side of the world’s biggest delta created by the running rivers of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sundarbans national park is a huge territory of woodland and saltwater fen at about 160 miles beside the Bay of Bengal. Being scattered from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh area, Sundarbans tiger tour is famous for the major estuarine sanctuary in the earth, and home of India’s most wonderful flora and fauna species.

DAY 01 KOLKATA –GOTHKALI- SUNDERBAN BY: SURFACE / BOAT

After breakfast proceed to drive to Gothkali (110 kms / 4 hours). Arrive at Gothkhali Jetty (Travel by land ends here), we cruise through rivers Gomor, Durgadhwani to enter river Pitchkhali & transfer to Resort. On your arrival you will proceed to check-in into your cottage/room followed by a hot lunch. Your afternoon entails observing endemic and migratory birds and wildlife while you cruise through the creeks and canals of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve forest to Sajnekhali Watchtower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre whilst refreshments are served on board. A warm dinner is served at the end of the day. Overnight at Resort.

DAY 02 SUNDERBAN TIGER RESERVES After breakfast proceed for a thrilling Boat Cruise inside dense forest (breakfast on boat during Cruise) through numerous rivers while visiting Dobanke Watch Tower where the canopy walks inside the forest sends chills down your body (experience the life in which caged animals live in, while getting an all-around view of the forest). Also visit the Spotted Deer Rehabilitation Centre. After which we cruise through Malta – Sea Face (the point from where Bay of Bengal can be seen) Cruising back through the 5 river junction - to Pitchkhali. Afternoon promenade around the Neighboring villages to interact with the Local Community at a typical Sunderban settlement to understand their local Art, Culture and Way of Life (how man and tiger coexist in such a difficult terrain. In simple words a “Rendezvous with the Rural Bengal.” Overnight at Resort.

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DAY 03 DEPART SUNDERBAN BY: BOAT / SURFACE Morning visit to Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower and Cruise through Rivers and Narrow Creeks of Pitchkhali - Sarakhkhali - Sudhanokhali - Bonobibi Dharani (narrow creek) and visit the Watch Tower followed by a cruise around the Islands of the Sunderban Tiger Project Area (Breakfast on the boat during Cruise). After lunch at the resort cruise to Gothkali and drive back to Kolkata.

****** END OF TOUR ******

COST PROPOSAL

City Name of the Hotel Room Category Nights Sunderban SUNDERBAN TIGER CAMP AC Deluxe Cottage 02






02 night’s accommodation on twin sharing at the resort mentioned above or similar.

Daily Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay.

All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle and exclusive vessel.

Entrance fee to the monuments and permit charges (One time only).

Service of Accompanied English speaking guide for sightseeing and excursion as per the itinerary.






Our Cost is not valid for any period other than mentioned above.

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DAY 01 KOLKATA – MANDARMONI BY: SURFACE After breakfast proceed to drive to Mandarmoni (200 Kms / 4.5 Hrs) Mandarmani is a beach resort in Purba Medinipur district of South Bengal, one of the southern districts of West Bengal. Mandarmani boasts of a 13 km long motorable beach, probably the longest motorable beach road in India. On the beach you will undoubtedly get the chance to feel the divinity and tranquility. If that is not enough to please your senses, then try to loll on the sand and listen to the waves crashing upon the shore, which will surely drive away your bustling pressure. Relax, swim and enjoy the beach. You are not likely to have many visitors around and that's the beauty of this beach. On your arrival you will proceed to check-in into the Hotel.

After a brief rest proceed to the beach to enjoy the sea bathing. In the afternoon move around the beach to see the scenic beauty of Sunset. Overnight at hotel. DAY 02 MANDARMONI - TAJPUR BY: SURFACE After breakfast drive to Tajpur (50 Kms / 1 Hrs) to explore Beach. Tajpur is the latest addition in tourist map of Bengal. The prime attraction of Tajpur is its pristine sea beach fringed with a dense forest of tamarisk trees. Surrounded with patches of forests this sea shore destination truly offers great visual pleasure. The sea beach of Tajpur has an unusual shape – unlike the most sorted crescent shape Tajpur has an inverted Crescent shape of the beach, which gives an unusual panoramic view of the sea. Tajpur is still the most unexploited virgin sea-beach around Kolkata. Afternoon proceed for adventure activity like Para-gliding, rafting, rock-climbing and other activities. Overnight at hotel. Day 03 TAJPUR – KOLKATA BY: SURFACE After breakfast proceed to drive back to Kolkata (210 Kms / 5 Hrs). On arrival transfer to the airport to board flight for the onboard destination.

****** END OF TOUR ******

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COST PROPOSAL

City Name of the Hotel Room Category Nights Mandarmoni Hotel Rose Valley AC Deluxe Room 01

Tajpura Tajpura Retreat AC Standard Room 01






02 night’s accommodation on twin sharing at the resort mentioned above or similar.

Daily Buffet breakfast during the stay.

All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle.






Our Cost is not valid for any period other than mentioned above. Please Note:

Adventure Activity (Para-gliding, rafting, rock-climbing etc.) Rs.1800/- per person

Documents

Visit: Dalhousie Square (GPO, Writer's Building, High - assicon 2014