Welcome to Asia Adventures & Study Tours
 

AAST Inc.- Highlights of Bhutan, Asia

Classic India
A North and South Odyssey

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Bangalore - Mysore - Ooty - Kochi - Mumbai

About the Program:
Length: 19 days
Min/max: 6/15
Tour type: cultural expedition

Since Alexander the Great in ancient times, people all over the world have been drawn to the exotic mystery of India where the names such as Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Bangalore conjure up a world of fantasy and adventure.

This program combines the best of North and South India and introduces you to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Visit the historic northern cities of Delhi and Jaipur with their wealth of architectural wonders. Marvel at the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the seven wonders of the world, and journey off the beaten track into the countryside to visit rural mud-walled villages in Jodhpur. Explore the colorful state of Rajasthan, literally the "Land of Kings", where mighty forts and lavish palaces abound. Walk in the footsteps of Gandhi and Buddha, visit deserted Moghul cities and relax in the coolness of one of India's picturesque hill stations.

This is a land where history lives in music and dance, where spirituality is tangible, and where culture is steeped in tradition. Journey with us to this land of unique places and warm, hospitable people.

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2011 - 2012
Contact us for more information.


COST (Per Person)
Land only (twin): upon request 
Single supplement: upon request 



Price includes:

  • Domestic air and land transportation
  • Transfers in each city
  • Best available hotels
  • Meals
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees
  • Service of English-speaking guides
  • Travel manual

Price Excludes:

  • International flight to/from India
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • India entry visa
  • Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses

 

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1, Sunday - Arrive Delhi

Early morning arrival and transfer to hotel. Day at leisure to rest after your long flight. Welcome dinner and evening briefing to learn about the wonderful events ahead.
B/L/D The Claridges Hotel

Day 2, Monday - Delhi

City tour exploring the city of two faces - the old and the new. In New Delhi visit the Secretariat Building, Parliament House, the Presidential palace, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. In Old Delhi visit the historic Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial site, the marketplace of Chandni Chowk, and India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid.
B/L/D The Claridges Hotel

Day 3, Tuesday - Delhi/Agra

Depart for Agra by road. Afternoon guided tour of Agra city visiting the world famous “Taj Mahal” built in 1630 by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the mortal remains of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visit historic Agra Fort and the city bazaar.
B/L/D Jaypee Palace Hotel

Day 4, Wednesday - Agra/Jaipur

Depart for Jaipur by road visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted one-time capital city of Emperor Akbar, en route. This nearly intact Moghul city is a masterpiece of Muslim architecture unique in India.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 5, Thursday - Jaipur

Morning guided tour of the Pink City visiting Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), the Observatory, City Palace and colourful bazaars. Afternoon excursion to the Amber Fort where we ride on decorated elephants to reach the top of the fort. At Amber Fort, visit Jagmandir, the chamber of glittering mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Goddess Kali.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 6, Friday - Jaipur/Jodhpur

Morning at leisure. Later in the day drive to Jodhpur, a resplendent city in the Thar desert with many palaces and handicraft shops.
B/L/D Taj Hari Mahal Palace Hotel

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Day 7, Saturday - Jodhpur

Guided tour to the nearby old capital of Mandore. In the afternoon visit the famous Meharangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada.
B/L/D Taj Hari Mahal Palace Hotel

Day 8, Sunday - Jodhpur/Udaipur

Morning departure for Udaipur, an enchanting city often called the Venice of the East.
En route visit the famous Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Remainder of day at leisure in Udaipur, whose rugged fortresses and palaces are straight out of fairy tales.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 9, Monday - Udaipur

Morning guided tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Eklingji, a complex of 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marble, and the temples of Nagada.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 10, Tuesday - Udaipur/Mumbai/Aurangabad

Morning flight to Mumbai. City sightseeing tour visiting Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill, the Parsi Towers of Silence, and the Prince of Wales Museum. Evening flight to Aurangabad.
B/L/D Taj Residency Hotel

Day 11, Wednesday - Aurangabad/Mumbai

Today a full-day guided excursion to Ajanta and Ellora Caves dating back over 2,000 years and ranking among the wonders of the ancient world. Here whole cities of frescoed, sculptured halls were carved into rock faces by great armies of monks and craftsmen.
Late evening return to Aurangabad airport for flight to Mumbai.
B/L/D Ramada Palm Grove Hotel

Day 12, Thursday - Mumbai/Bangalore

Morning flight to Bangalore, the ‘Garden City’ of India. Afternoon city tour visiting the Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Nandi Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the Botanical Gardens (Lal Bagh) and a drive past the bustling M.G. Road.
B/L/D Royal Orchid Park Hotel

Day 13, Friday - Bangalore/Mysore

Morning drive to Mysore via Srirangapatnam. Afternoon guided tour of this Sandalwood City, visiting the Maharajah’s Palace, Chumundeshwari Temple and the sprawling Brindavan Gardens, set amid spectacular cascading fountains.
B/L/D Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel

Day 14, Saturday - Mysore/Ooty

Morning drive to Udhagamandalam, the Queen of hill stations, otherwise known as Ooty. This charming colonial city, located in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu, is known for its beautiful lake and colonial architecture.
B/L/D Taj Savoy Hotel

Ooty


Day 15, Sunday - Ooty

Morning guided tour of this charming city visiting Dodabetta peak, the botanical garden, and Mariamman temple. Afternoon, take a spectacular ride on the toy train to Coonoor, a hill station situated 1,858 metres above sea level.
B/L/D Taj Savoy Hotel

Day 16, Monday - Ooty/Kochi

Morning departure from Ooty for the beautiful drive to Kochi in the state of Kerala, known for its canals and waterways. En route you will see some of the most spectacular views of the hills in South India.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 17, Tuesday - Kochi

Full day sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the beautiful Dutch Palace at Bolghatty, the Portuguese church of St. Francis built in 1562, and view the Chinese fishing hamlets. Afternoon harbour cruise. In the evening enjoy a performance of Kathakali dance.
B/L/D Trident Oberoi Hotel

Day 18, Wednesday - Kochi/Mumbai

Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight back to Mumbai and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Farewell dinner.
B/L/D Ramada Palm Grove Hotel

Day 19, Thursday - Depart Mumbai

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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