I n c r e d i b l e I n d i a : R e vi s i t e d A Frontiers Invitational Escorted by Mollie Fitzgerald and Tarquin Millington-Drake
February 4 - 24, 2015
Proposed Itinerary for India
04 February, Wednesday Depart USA.
05 February, Thursday Arrive Mumbai. You are met as you exit the aircraft and assisted with immigration and customs formalities. In the arrival hall you are introduced to your tour manager and transferred to your hotel. MUMBAI Formerly known as Bombay, it originally consisted of seven swampy islands when the Portuguese acquired it in 1554. In 1661 Bom Bahia (the Good Bay) came to the British Crown as part of the dowry of Catherine Braganza when she married Charles II. The British leased these “useless malarial islands” to the British East India Company who realized its potential as a natural harbor, and Mumbai grew to its present stature. The state capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai is India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and crowded city. The country’s financial capital and its busiest port, this city is home to the world’s biggest cinema industry, popularly known as “Bollywood.” Some 18 million people from billionaires’ tycoons to homeless pavement dwellers live in this teeming metropolis. Hotel: Taj Mahal Palace
06 February, Friday
Mumbai The morning is at leisure. Today visit the historic Kala Ghoda area, the heart of Fort Mumbai. A feast of architecture ranging from Gothic to art deco, this is a lively area to explore on foot. Street vendors, cafes, galleries, local cricket matches and food stalls all find a place to exist in this area. The tour will end at the soaring Victoria Station, a landmark of the area. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a busy station for both local commuter and national rail services. Once again, it is a great place to people watch. Arrive at Churchgate Station to watch a very typical Mumbai trade – the Dabbawallahs.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
These are the men who are key to keeping the white collared work force of Mumbai fed, delivering over 200,000 home cooked meals collected from homes in the distant suburbs and always delivered right on time to the right person. Using a system of colors and codes, the Dabbawallahs meet in front of Churchgate Station, rapidly segregate the steel tiffin carriers (which all look exactly the same) into areas, and depart with their load. Their time management and operations are impeccable, resulting in a Six Sigma rating by Forbes Global and a study done by Harvard. Tonight your welcome dinner will start with a sunset cocktail cruise of Mumbai Harbor on a private yacht. Later disembark and walk down to Indigo Restaurant, where the rooftop has been reserved for your welcome dinner. (B, L, D)
07 February, Saturday Mumbai/Aurangabad The first stop will be the Khotachi Wadi which is a part of the city that connects the old with the new. Explore the area with Anjali, walking along the narrow cobbled lanes looking at the art deco style architecture – you will have the opportunity to tour one of the homes, most of which are over 100 years old. Continue to the architecturally marvelous Worli Bandra sea link to reach Bandra.
Walk along Waroda Road which is a part of Ranwar Village, a charming bohemian enclave with colonial bungalows, and artistically graffitied walls. Ranwar is one of the original 24 hamlets that made up Bandra since the earliest documented history and has managed to retain its Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
village character even as present day development has hemmed it in on all sides. The street art is fun to look at – ranging from the slightly naïve to highly artistic. Lunch today will be at Trishna, a no frills restaurant serving the best seafood preparations in the city. In the afternoon visit Dhairavi. One of the largest slums in Asia, the narrow lanes of Dhairavi are a hive of activity and entrepreneurship, with some of the leading fashion designers of the world sourcing their accessories from this area. As old as Mumbai and home originally of the Koli fisher folk, today the economy is believed to be worth over $500 million and there are many heartwarming rags to riches stories. This is not a visit to the slums, but a visit to highlight the entrepreneurial skills of the people who have converted adversity into an opportunity. Late afternoon continue to the airport and depart on the short flight to Aurangabad for our overnight excursion. You will retain your rooms at the hotel in Mumbai, though tonight you stay overnight at Aurangabad, so traveling with only an overnight bag or carryon. (B, L, D) Hotel: Taj Residency
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
08 February, Sunday
Aurangabad/Mumbai Today take a full day excursion to the UNESCO world heritage site of Ajanta. Dating from 200 BC to 650 AF, these caves are cut from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside in a forested ravine. At the height of its importance, the Ajanta Caves are thought to house over 200 monks, some of them artists as well as numerous craftsmen and laborers. These caves or vihararas are remarkable for the quality of their murals which relate the life short of The Buddha and reveals images of the royal court, ordinary family life, and street scenes. The studies of animals and birds are particularly fine. In some of the caves the murals relate to the Buddha’s previous births, showing the progress of the soul. From Ajanta visit the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves at Ellora, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating between 600 and 1100 AD, they are considered to be among the finest in the country. The caves lie along an ancient trading route and are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used this route. The masterpiece of this collection is the magnificent Kailasnatha Temple. This is the most outstanding of the rock cut structures at Ellora and is completely open to the elements. It is the only building that was begun from the top. Carved out of 85,000 cubic meters of rock, the design and execution of the full temple is an extraordinary achievement and a tribute to the imagination and the craftsmanship of the artisans who designed and built the temple. Return to Mumbai today via afternoon flight. Transfer for your hotel. Dinner on your own this evening. (B, L)
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
09 February, Monday VARANASI One of the seven holy Cities of India, Varanasi is the holiest of them all. With a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back 5,000 years, it is the oldest living city in the world. Situated on the banks of the holy river, Varanasi is also known as “Kashi,” the city of light. The focal point of the city is the “Ghats” or steps that lead down to the river. This is where pilgrims and local people gather for a cleansing dip in the holy river, worship the rising and setting sun, and cremate the dead. It is believed that to be cremated in Varanasi is to escape the cycle of rebirth.
Mumbai/Varanasi Transfer to the airport and depart for Varanasi by air. At the heart of Indian history lies politics and the religious influences interlinked with politics. As you travel through India, you will come to realize that it is an intensely political society. Similarly religion and religious sentiments run high throughout Indian society. Varanasi is a revelation and a lesson in how deeply ingrained religion is in our daily lives. This evening you will time your visit to the river with sunset. In contrast to the early mornings when the Ghats are a mass of people performing a wide variety of rituals, at sunset the main sounds are the temple bells as the priests start their preparations for the evening “aarti” ceremony.
In the distance you will see the fires of the crematorium as the last of the cremations are performed before the sun goes down, and there are a few pilgrims taking a final dip in the river. While the city is still busy, crowded and noisy, sunset slows and quiets life along the river. Accommodations for the next two nights are in the lovely Nadesar Palace, a former British residency. Before arriving to see the public “aarti” ceremony, you will have a private “puja” service at a temple on the water front. (B, L, D) Hotel: Nadesar Palace
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
10 February, Tuesday Varanasi
Sunrise and sunset are the most auspicious times in Hinduism. At sunrise you will once again take a boat down the river. People flock to the river to greet the rising sun and you will see a panorama of life in a pilgrim town. The activities vary from pilgrims taking a bath in the holy river, to yogis meditating on the steps leading to the river bank, to women doing laundry and washing vessels. There is a certain timelessness about the sights which is extraordinary. Silk is considered to be a pure textile and therefore it is used to dress the gods and the goddesses and is coveted by every Indian woman. As a result, weaving centers grew in and around the country’s holy cities. In Varanasi the art reached a zenith under the patronage of the Mughal Emperors and the weavers began producing rich lustrous silk interwoven with silver and gold threads to create rich and vibrant brocades. You will meet an “ustad” or master design maker in the old city and have a glimpse of the ancient and very complex traditions involved in preparing the loom prior to weaving the lustrous silk saris for which Varanasi is Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
so famous. The finest wedding saris and attire still come from Varanasi. Later take a walking tour of the old city, wandering through lanes where tourists rarely visit. There is no fixed route and you walk along narrow lanes stopping to see local delicacies being cooked in roadside cafes; small outlets selling local groceries; street carts laden with “neem” sticks, the local equivalent of a toothbrush, and other sights which illustrate everyday life in India, but nonetheless is fascinating. Continue to the Ghats, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims. This will give you the opportunity to have conversations with pilgrims and holy men, watch the many rituals, some of them very unusual which are performed along the river front, and see close up the many sights you saw from the boat. This evening meet around the pool for cocktails before driving to Chet Singh Ghat. The entire Ghat is illuminated with lights and the pathways lit up with diyas (lamps) and flower decorations. You will be welcomed with a traditional “aarti” and “tikka” and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by pure vegetarian “food fit for the Gods.” The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display on the Ghats. (B, L, D)
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
11 February, Wednesday Varanasi/Delhi Morning at leisure. This afternoon, fly from Varanasi to Delhi and transfer to the Lodhi Hotel for two nights. Hotel: The Lodhi
DELHI The capital of India, Delhi is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and while the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century. (B, L, D)
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
12 February, Thursday Delhi Today, you will be taken for full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. Begin your tour by visiting some of the older architecture still preserved in the city amidst its chaotic and rapidly developing present. You will meet Shantum Seth, a Buddhist scholar and brother of acclaimed author, Vikram Seth. You will visit the Old City with Shantum as he introduces you to the many religions that exist within the labyrinthine lanes. End the day at the small but exceptional museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The walled city of Old Delhi, the former Imperial capital, is a maze of lanes crowded with shops and crumbling havelis (mansions), in the midst of which lies one of the country’s largest mosques. You will walk through the narrow lanes of the 300-year-old Chandni Chowk market. Today it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian.
In the afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb. One of the earliest examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, this mausoleum was designed by a Persian architect, and provided the prototype for future tombs, including the Taj Mahal. Recently taken over by the Agha Khan Trust, the gardens have been restored to their former glory, and the tomb and surrounding monuments restored. You will also visit the small but exceptional museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi Housed in a private residence where he was assassinated. The collection chronicles the key events in his life and the spot where he was assassinated is marked by an eternal flame. Tonight dine at the Over the Water (OTW) restaurant at the Lodhi. The table will be reserved in the Jetty, the private dining rooms. (B, L, D)
Disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and the Shah Jahan’s last architectural legacy. You will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride here. Lunch today will be at the Lodhi Garden Restaurant (weather permitting, outdoors) and later you may want to walk through these historic gardens. Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
13 February, Friday Delhi/Amritsar Transfer to the airport this morning and fly to Amritsar. After checking in, you will depart for a tour of the Golden Temple. The Sikhs, which means “disciples,” are one of the country’s most recognizable groups and the Golden Temple is the holiest of all their shrines. Plated in gilt and gold, and heavily decorated, the temple is stunning at all times of the day. For every Sikh it is important to visit the temple and bathe in the tank at least once in their lifetime. It is an intensely spiritual experience. One side of the tank represents 63 Hindu pilgrim places. You will follow in the path of the pilgrims, observing the many rituals performed including the mandatory dip in the pool of water, no matter how cold it may be.
You will finally end in the community kitchen. The Sikhs believe that everyone, regardless of their station in life, should do “sevak” or render social services.
Guards in splendid uniforms “goosestep” to lower their respective flags. The steps are matched so perfectly, it is like watching a mirror image of the same exercise. (B, L, D).
This resulted in the “Langar” or community kitchen, where every member of the religion considers it an honor to come and put in a couple of hours cooking thousands of Indian breads, making huge vats of curry to feed local pilgrims and the under privileged. You will join in the making of bread and stirring the enormous vats, as part of doing “sevak” while visiting this holy site.
Hotel: The Hyatt
This evening drive to the border of India and Pakistan at Wagah to watch the lowering of the flags at sunset. Accompanied by the sound of bugles and with much pomp and ceremony by the respective armies, the whole event is lustily cheered on by onlookers on either side.
AMRITSAR Founded in 1877, Amritsar (city of Nectar) is the holiest place for the followers of the Sikh region and the site of the spectacular Golden Temple. For every Sikh it is important to visit the temple and bathe in the holy pool at the center, at least once in their lifetime. Amritsar also is the site of one of the many tragedies that began the Indian Mutiny of 1857.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
14 February, Saturday Amritsar/Delhi/Jodhpur Transfer to the airport and fly to Jodhpur, connecting in Delhi. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel. You are in Jodhpur for the last day of the World Sufi Festival. Held at the majestic Meherangarh Fort, the area lit by thousands of candles, the festival showcases thousands of years of spiritualism brought to civilization though dance, music and singing drawn from Indian cultures and the form of poetry and music of the Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan, and Sufi rituals from Turkey and Egypt. We will attend the festival this evening, followed by dinner in our hotel which looks into the fort. (B, L, D) Hotel: Raas
JODHPUR The Kingdom of Jodhpur was established by the powerful Rathor clan who claim ancestry as far back as 470 AD. In the mid-15th century, Rao Jodha, the ruler of Marwar, abandoned his old capital and built a new fort on the rocky cliffs of what is now Jodhpur. According to legend, in the process of building the fort, he displaced a hermit who was meditating on the site. The hermit placed a curse on the descendents of Rao Jodha saying they would be plagued by famine every year. This is the reason the locals claim that the area has drought every three or four years. The gigantic Umaid Bhavan Palace where you are staying was built as a result of a project initiated by the Royal family during a famine to provide employment.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
15 February, Sunday
Jodhpur In the morning you can browse in the little shops of Sadr Bazaar in the old city where your hotel is located. At the Bazaar you can shop for Jodhpur’s famous glass bangles, rugged leather mojri slippers made usually from camel leather, and the vivid tie and dye fabric; beautiful mirror worked fabric; and embroidered bedcovers and cushion covers which have been sourced from the neighboring state of Gujarat. The afternoon is at leisure. We will have vehicles available for those who wish to visit the Dhurrie Rug villages outside of town. Of all the many forts in Rajasthan, very few compare to the majesty of the Meherangarh Fort. The fort is divided into three sections – the public areas, the Maharajas palaces, and the zenana, or queens’ palaces. The zenana is decorated with exquisite sandstone filigree work. Within the fort is the Museum which among its varied exhibits has an excellent collection of royal palanquins and the howdah section has perhaps the finest collection of old ornate elephant howdahs in the world. You will have a private tour of the fort, after it is closed to the public, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
16 February, Monday
Jodhpur/Udaipur The drive to Udaipur takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life. Among the sights are colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. This is an opportunity to see life in India outside the cities and towns. Your destination for the morning is the white marble temples at Ranakpur. Considered one of the architectural gems of this area, this profusely and intricately carved temple belongs to the Jain religion. An austere religion, the temple belies the dictates of simplicity promoted by the founder. Have lunch at the charming Mountbatten Lodge before continuing to Udaipur, arriving early evening. Our home for the next three nights is the stunning Udaivilas. (B, L, D) Hotel: Oberoi Udaivilas
UDAIPUR It is said that the ghost of Udaipur looks towards Chittorgarh, for it was after the tragic fall of that fort that Udaipur, a fairy tale city of marble palaces and lakes, came into existence. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and became the capital of the region of Mewar. The rulers of Mewar, the Sisodia Rajputs, trace their dynasty to AD 566 and believe they are the defenders of Rajput honor. Unlike other Rajput royal families, this was a fiercely independent clan who refused to enter into matrimonial alliances with the Mughals or military alliances with the British. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace which overlooks the lovely Lake Pichola with its romantic island palaces. Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
17 February, Tuesday Udaipur In the morning sightseeing will start at the City Palace. This sprawling palace was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrative of various architectural styles. In the main it is a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal inspired decorative art on the inside. In terms of an exemplary eye to detail and craftsmanship, few palaces match the artwork in this palace. Also of particular note here is the exquisite collection of priceless Rajput Miniature paintings done in the Mewari tradition. Walk through the Crystal Gallery which has a rather eclectic collection of Crystal Object d’art and furniture including a complete bedroom set, discovered recently in a store room in the palace. The afternoon is at leisure and in the evening you take a sunset cruise of Lake Pichola, followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B, L, D)
18 February, Wednesday Udaipur In the afternoon take a walk in the old city with your escort. Sharing space with cows, elephants, and people, the walk through the winding lanes is an interesting insight into lifestyles in what is referred to as “small town India.” Shops sell a variety of items, unexpected folk art decorating the walls of houses and small architectural gems like a latticed work Haveli window. Your path will lead you to the crafts people who specialize in the art of “Koftkari.” The inlay of gold and silver wire on iron objects was traditionally practiced by the Siklikar who crafted ornamented weaponry for Rajputs warriors. The family you visit is one of the last few remaining who practice this craft making swords and daggers.You will also see a rare skill – Jal Sanjhvi or the “art of drawing on water.” A popular religious ritual performed at temples dedicated to Krishna, this is the art of drawing iconic images on water using colored powder. This is a dying skill and at the small Krishna temple in the old city you will watch one the last few practitioners of this art create a picture. It takes five hours to complete a picture and you will arrive in time to see him completing a “canvas”. Tonight enjoy a gala dinner at the “Bara Mahal” – a hundreds of years old hunting lodge located on the hotel’s property. The area is decorated with torches and flags, dinner is served in the traditional style on low silver tables, and there will be a live tandoor (clay oven) cooked dinner. Before dinner you will be entertained by the colorful and vibrant dances of Udaipur (B, L, D)
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
19 February, Thursday JAIPUR A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and a futuristic observatory, Jaipur was the inspiration of the ruler Sawai Jai Singh, who moved the capital from Amber in 1727.
Udaipur/Jaipur Drive to Jaipur today, the drive taking six hours. On arrival, transfer to the Rambagh Palace, former residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur. (B, L, D)
Jaipur was designed by a young architect from Bengal and together they planned a city along the ancient Hindu treatise of “Shilpa Shastra,” a science similar to the better known Feng Shui. Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares making it one of the earliest planned cities in India. In honor of the visit of Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, the City was painted in rich terracotta, a tradition which has continued through the years.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace
This is the reason why Jaipur is often called the “pink city”. Today it serves as the state capital for Rajasthan.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
20 February, Friday Jaipur Today you will explore the city. Begin the day with a visit to the Hawa Mahal, the ornate pink façade is an icon of the city. This five story high “screen” composed of projected windows and balconies protected by fine latticed screens, was destined to enable the ladies of the harem to observe the lively street scenes of the city from a position of privacy. The sprawling City Palace which you visit today is a superb marriage of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. The seven story Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems). Within the palace complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection. You will have a private champagne tour of the residential rooms of the palace.
From the City Palace enter the extraordinary “Jantar Mantar,” the astronomical observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1827. Roughly translated, the name means “The Formula of Instruments.” This is one of five observatories he built in Northern India. The instruments resembling massive futuristic structures are actually highly sophisticated instruments which are accurate even today. In the afternoon explore the narrow lanes and by lanes of the old city. It will give you the opportunity to see life in the city away from the tourist areas. Visit with craftspeople who use basic tools and ancient traditions to make the most extraordinary variety of handicrafts and household appliances; stop and chat with local families in their homes and share a cup of “chai” with them; along the way you will be introduced to the country’s delicious and aromatic street food; and learn local religious rituals and legends when you stop at small shrines. (B, L, D)
21 February, Saturday Jaipur Today visit the Fort Palace at Amber. The Rajputs built their forts on high hills and ridges giving them a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and protecting them from invading armies. Most of the forts were built as a defensive structure but included pleasure palaces, rich in art and architectural features. Amber is perhaps among the finest of all the fort palaces, and reflected the opulence and elegance of the nearby Mughal courts. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel or we’ll have vehicles available for those who wish to shop.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
Later this evening drive out of the city where you will be introduced to your transport for the next thirty minutes or so – elephants. You will ride through the forest to a private venue where you will be met by a superb tableaux of decorated horses and camels, accompanied by a marching band. This is the venue for your private game of elephant polo which you will play against the local team. The evening will end with a performance of Rajasthani folk dance and dinner and a performance by the well-known Rajasthani fire eater. (B, L, D)
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
22 February, Sunday
23 February, Monday
Jaipur/Agra
Agra/Delhi
You will drive to Agra today, the drive taking 4.5 hours, arriving at Agra in time for sunset at the Taj Mahal.
This morning visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the monument built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 12 years to build this sublime garden tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise.
AGRA This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patrons of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise. Your farewell dinner will be al fresco at Taj Khema, a hillock with a view of the Taj Mahal. The elegantly laid out meal will feature light Indian delicacies. (B, L, D) Hotel: Oberoi Amarvilas Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship were the work of artisans from both India and overseas. In every way, the Taj Mahal represents the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture. After lunch drive to Delhi and stay at the Oberoi Gurgaon near the airport until your later transfer to the international airport, as most flights depart late evening or in the middle of the night. (B, L, D) Hotel: Oberoi Gurgaon
24 February, Tuesday Arrive USA.
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
Your Airline Connection to India (Mumbai & Delhi) Experience the ultimate in luxury with Lufthansa’s first class service to Mumbai. Lufthansa revolutionized commercial first class air travel with the introduction of their unique seat/bed product on their Boeing 747400 aircraft. Located in the upper deck with space for only eight fortunate travelers, each suite features both a comfortable reclining seat and a stand-alone fully flat bed for each passenger. No more waiting for the flight attendant to convert your seat into your bed – when you’re ready to turn in you simply move from your seat to your bed for a restful night’s sleep. All the comforts of home at 30,000 feet!
Introducing Your Escort and Guide Your escort and guide for this trip is Nagendra Singh Chauhan. Nagendra is a Rajput and his family were nobles in the Court of Marwar. They have a small palace in a place called Jojawar which today is a charming heritage hotel. Nagendra studied in the prestigious Mayo College, one of the country’s leading public schools (public as in the British sense!). Mayo College was begun exclusively to educate the sons of the Rajasthan Maharajas and nobility and is known as the “Eton of the East”. He graduated with a degree in Indian History and has specialized in art with an emphasis on the Miniature paintings of Rajasthan. Nagendra has been a guide and escort for the last fifteen years and led several museum groups, as well as escorted several high profile clients for Frontiers.
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
Cost
Cost of land arrangements $19,984 per person based on doulbe occupancy Single Room Supplement $7,290 Internal Air fare (economy) $778 per person (Cost Subject to Change - Business Class Quoted on Request) Internal air includes transfers from: Mumbai/Aurangabad/Mumbai/Varanasi/Delhi/Amritsar/Delhi/Jodhpur Hotel accommodation have been confirmed as outlined below on twin sharing basis, suites are available and quoted on request. Dates Hotel Room 05-09 Feb Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai 07-08 Feb Taj Residency Aurangabad / Luxury Grande Sea View / Deluxe Room 09-11 Feb Nadesar Palace Varanasi / Mixed Room (Palace and Suites) 11-13 Feb The Lodhi New Delhi / Lodhi Premier Room 13-14 Feb Hyatt – Amritsar Premier Pool View Room 14-16 Feb Raas – Jodhpur Luxury Rooms 16-19 Feb Udaivilas – Udaipur Premier Lake View 19-22 Feb Rambagh Palace – Jaipur Palace Room 22-23 Feb Amarvilas - Agra Premier with balcony 23-24 Feb
The Oberoi – Gurgaon
Premier Room
Inclusions: Daily breakfast; All Lunches on fixed room basis with Indian wine and beer; All Dinner on an a la carte meal plan including Indian wine and beer; Private chauffeur driven luxury vehicle; VIP meet and greet on arrival in Mumbai international airport; Services of an accompanying tour manager cum guide throughout; Monument/park entrance and camera fees; Complimentary bottled water and soft beverages during all drives and tours; All tips and gratuities except to the accompanying tour manager; Porterage at all airports and hotels; All applicable rates and taxes; Special experiences and speakers (Walking tour of Dhairavi in Mumbai, Private “Aarti” ceremony in Varanasi, Tour of Delhi with Buddhist Scholar Shantum Seth, Visit to the Indian Border in Amritsar for the flag ceremony, Sufi Festival in Jodhpur, Private tour of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Private boat cruise on Lake Pichola at Udaipur, Two exclusive crafts in the Old City of Udaipur, Private champagne tour of the City Palace in Jaipur, Elephant Polo in Jaipur); Special meals including all beverages including pre-dinner cocktails (Welcome dinner at Indigo restaurant with cocktails on private yacht, Pool side cocktails followed by dinner at Chet Ghat in Varanasi on 10 February, Dinner at the Mehrangarh Fort on 15 February, Dinner at the Hunting Lodge in Udaipur on 18 February, Dinner after the Elephant Polo on 21 February, Dinner at Taj Khema in Agra on 22 February).
Exclusions: International airfare to India; visa for India; gratuity to escort guide; items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and deviations to the itinerary
Deposit: A $3000 per person deposit will be due to secure a reservation; a second deposit of $5000 will be due September 15th; balance due November 15th. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable unless client replacement can be found. Travel Insurance is highly recommended. All costs are based on a minimum group size of 14 participants; should the group fall below 14, a small group supplement may apply. Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
Travel Path
Call Frontiers 800-245-1950
+44 (0)845 299 6212 in Europe
www.frontierstravel.com
United States Office 600 Warrendale Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044 Toll-free 1-800-245-1950 Phone 724-935-1577 Fax 724-935-5388 Email mollie@frontierstravel.com Web Site www.frontierstravel.com