India, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet Group Tours

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

india bhutan, nepal & tibet H35 H over

years of travel experience

H

Escorted Groups Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted All guaranteed to depart

www.incatours.net

india, bhuta Inca Tours is a member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).

with inca australia’s small

includes all tipping & porterage all inclusive Journeys No hidden extras, all tipping, all porterage, all entrance fees and all transfers are included.

all inclusive of flights Includes all the flights described in our itineraries.

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includes some of the best properties

includes all sightseeing

Inca Tours uses some of the finest hotels, trains and cruising vessels in the world.

Where possible we utilise properties with local charm, style and character, avoiding the big foreign chains with their generic decor and international design style.

Inca Tours includes all sightseeing with expert local guides so you do not have to pay extra when you get there.

If it is worth doing or seeing, we include it for everyone in our small groups. This way you do not have to choose between various options.

inca tours - excellence in travel

an & nepal tours

100% of our departures are guaranteed

group specialists

includes fine dining

includes all activities

You may be surprised with Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates.

Our special event dinners included to enhance your tour, are sure to impress. Just as important are free choice meals as you may not want to eat national foods all of the time.

Inca Tours has chosen the very best sights and activities so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the exclusive and pampered India, Bhutan, Nepal experience. When it comes to including sights and activities in our tours, it’s our attention to detail that sets us apart.

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contents

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experience the region with inca tours, the small group specialists luxury-class INDIA, bhutan, nepal

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india, bhutan & nepal gold tour first part of gold tour second part of gold tour

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superior-class india, bhutan, nepal 42 india, bhutan, nepal sensations tour 46 india part of sensations tour 52 bhutan & nepal part of sensations 53 short tours & extensions

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highlights of tibet tour the best of tibet tour south india cultural tour delhi & the north tours sri lankan highlights tour wildlife & BEACH tour (sri lanka) tour enhancers combining tours

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inca tours - excellence in travel

over 35 years of travel experience!

incatours.net

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inca tours will show you the real india,bhutan & nepal India, Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet are a surprise & mystery. From the Ganges to the Himalayas, from the colourful Golden Triangle to Tiger inhabited national parks, from monasteries to palaces, the region offers it all.

INDIA India is a culturally rich and exotic place—from the famous “Golden Triangle” and the majestic palaces and forts of Rajasthan in the West, to the lush backwaters of Kerala in the South; from its monsoon forests, home to the elusive Tiger in the East to the temples of the North. Majestic mountains and tropical seas, red deserts and sacred rivers, old customs and new ways, modern cities and traditional crafts, they all call India home! This region is the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, with their many temples, both old and new, dedicated to the worship of mountains and rivers, especially the Sacred Ganges, which has been cleansing the faithful since the religion’s birth.

Visitors to India are always overwhelmed by the vibrant colours. Reds, oranges, yellows, blues and greens, they are to be seen everywhere in the clothes, the food, the buildings and the landscape. This explosion of colour is further enhanced by the vast array of scents and smells encountered as one passes through the street and markets. Candles, lamps, incense sticks, herbs, spices and last but not least, food being prepared. They all contribute to bringing you the complete India experience. For a brief time you can be part of this incredible country, sharing in its cultures, colours and scents.

bhutan, nepal & tibet Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet have had many influences shape them, including Mother Nature. Once connected to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent drifted north and collided with Asia and threw up the mighty Himalayas, which cover the northern part of India. Here, bordering India we find the landlocked Kingdom of Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Nepal and the autonomous region of Tibet.

The Kingdom of Bhutan offers a most pristine experience, as it only recently opened up to visitors, yet has retained its traditional way of life. Additionally, the Bhutanese have been rated the happiest people in Asia! Nepal is more developed but a must see as it is home to Everest and many other scenic and cultural treasures. Tibet is a plateau, north-east of the Himalayas. It is also the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres! Tibet is definitely a part of the world which conjures up images of the exotic, from people and scenery to palaces and temples, yet Tibet, like Bhutan, Nepal and indeed India, are all excellent value destinations.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

cultures at their most unique!

includes unique fauna as well as some of the most stunning scenery in all of india, bhutan, nepal & tibet.

includes contact with a unique blend of cultures, religions & some of the friendliest of peoples. incatours.net

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with inca tours, you are in very good hands Inca Tours, a destination specialist, is very proud to have over 35 years experience organising small group journeys to various parts of the world. Just imagine what we can do for you! we have done all the planning for you In planning a visit to a diverse region, one not only has to decide what to see and how much time to spend in each location but just as importantly, what to avoid. Tours must be planned to satisfy special interests, whether they be the majestic scenery, dynamic cities, the monuments of past civilisations, the colourful people who call it home, meeting new friends or just having a good time! We do all this and more. Our tours are planned and operated by people who know and above all, love the region.

your tour leader is there for you Each component of your Gold Tour or Sensations Tour is hosted by one of our experienced tour leaders. They are in turn, assisted by our expert English-speaking local guides, drivers and ground handlers to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible and you get to remember it for all the right reasons. As our group sizes are small, you have regular access to your tour leader and your local guides.

This usually occurs on a one-on-one basis, so you get the absolute most from your holiday.

guaranteed departures & group sizes allow you to book with confidence Unfortunately today, many tour companies have in their fine print that the tour may be cancelled or may not be fully escorted without a minimum number of clients. We know this uncertainty causes many problems for travellers, so for all Sensations Tours and Gold Tours, we guarantee that the tours will operate and that they will be fully escorted with two or more guests.

In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each of our Sensations Tours and Gold Tours. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this. We believe your tour should give you the opportunity to connect with the people and places you visit and enable your tour leader to get to know you personally, not just by a name tag. This is only possible if travelling in a small group, not in the large crowds often seen in other tour groups.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

why choose inca tours?

australian owned & operated

• Superior-class & Luxury-class hotels, trains and vessels.

• A luxury overnight houseboat stay on the Kerala Backwaters.

• Palace Hotel stays.

• Dedicated tour leader and expert specialist local guides.

• Most dining is included.

• Special dining events.

• All cultural & historical activities are included.

• All city & sightseeing tours and entrance fees are included.

• All flights as outlined in our itineraries are included.

• All private airport transfers.

• All porterage is included.

• All tipping and gratuities.

• If after booking your tour we offer any discounts, we will reduce your cost accordingly.

Inca Tours’ personalised groups (a Maximum of only 18) means you are not just another face in the crowd.

your tour leader, with assistance from our englishspeaking local guides will ensure a seamless journey. incatours.net

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with inca tours’ small groups, you won’t miss a thing We were one of the pioneers in small group travel, boasting more than 35 years of continuous service. You are in very good hands when you choose to travel with us, as our small groups mean you won’t miss out on a thing. inca tours has led the way & still does For many destinations, we were the first or one of the first to take small group journeys into what was considered “out of the way” places. Our tour leaders and office staff regularly visit these destinations, as well as new ones, which ensures that our destination knowledge is always up-to-date and second to none. Because of this we are able to plan and execute the very best itineraries, many of which are now emulated by those who have followed our lead. Regular destination updates also mean we are equipped to make changes if any aspect of the journey has changed or if better options have become available.

no gimmicks!

Because of our extensive knowledge, we do not have the “free choice” gimmicks that others offer.

If it’s worth doing or seeing, we simply include it for all!

no need for headsets Up to forty people on a tour is not a small group! With a maximum of only18 guests and normally less, our groups are intimate and small which means there is no need for clumsy and uncomfortable headsets to allow you to hear what the local guide or tour leader is saying. With us you hear it directly from “the horse’s mouth” as they say. Our small group sizes also mean that it is much easier for you to ask questions and be heard and more importantly, answered.

inca tours’ free choice meals Wherever possible, we arrange for included lunches and dinners to be enjoyed at local restaurants.

Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese Cuisine lends itself to shared plate menus. However, where possible you will have free choice of international cuisine. Many of our restaurants are chosen because of their location and/or because of their quality and style, which turns the dining experience into a highlight in itself. Only touring with small groups provides the flexibility in this area and subsequently, greatly enhances your India, Bhutan and Nepal experience.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

with inca, you won’t miss a thing!

with a maximum of only 18 guests, you are assured of the most personalised service on your india region tour.

with daily one on one interaction with your tour leader and guides, you will have the greatest experience possible. incatours.net

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inca tours’ extraordinary experiences There is a big difference between visiting a destination and truly experiencing it. There are numerous events built into our journeys so that you experience the region in all its many colours and contrasts.

Stroll Fort Cochin’s streets, reflecting an unusual blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and English country life. relax aboard a luxury houseboat on Kerala’s Backwaters. immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Aarti Ceremony. enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful, chaotic, vibrant market areas of India’s old cities. observe a spectacular sunrise over the majestic Himalayas. explore some of Nepal’s World Heritage Listed Sites, including Bhaktapur, Patan and the Kathmandu Valley. marvel at the beauty and magnificence of Mount Everest. wonder at the noise, sights, sounds and smells of India. feel the overwhelming peace and happiness of Bhutan. stare in awe at the perfection of the famous Taj Mahal.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

once in a lifetime experiences

one day Experience a Kathakali performance (music, dance, & drama), the next delight in mumbai’s gateway of india.

whether exploring udaipur or watching the sun rise over everest, experience the very best with inca tours. incatours.net

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spectacular hotels in really stunning locations Most hotels used by us have been inspected and stayed in by members of the Inca Tours’ team. They are chosen for their location, history, character or ambiance, so you’ll experience only the very best.

River escape luxury houseboat, Kerala, India. the taj mahal palace & tower, Mumbai, India. dwarika’s hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal. taj tashi hotel, Thimphu, Bhutan. oberoi hotel, Delhi, India. oberoi amervilas, Agra, India.

Nahargarh Fort Hotel, Ranthambore NP, India. taj rambagh palace hotel, Jaipur, India.

Deogarh Mahal Hotel, Deogarh, India. taj lake palace hotel, Udaipur, India.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

the region’s finest properties

truly spectacular hotels, in the most stunning locations to be found in india, bhutan & nepal.

follow in the footsteps of india’s royal families, as you stay in some very famous palace hotels. incatours.net

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THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE & RAJASTHAN The Golden Triangle is a famous circuit encompassing Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. It houses many of India’s great cultural gems. Combined with Rajasthan it offers a wide spectrum of India’s varied and diverse landscape. the golden triangle India’s most renowned and most visited destination, this triangle has been dubbed “golden” for the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical highlights on offer. The Golden Triangle contains one of the “New seven Wonders of the World”, the Taj Mahal in Agra. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his third wife, the Taj Mahal stands proudly on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra is also home to the much visited and impressive Agra Fort.

There is also the magnificent Amber Fort, stunningly situated on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake on Jaipur’s outskirts. Also known as the “Pink City” Jaipur is home to the unusual Hawa Mahal or “Palace of the Winds” located within the old city walls. Nearby Jantar Mantar, meaning “instrument of calculation”, is an observatory built in1728 and added to India’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2010.

Delhi forms the third part of the Golden Triangle and is a contrast of old and new. Its chief sights are its street life and teeming bazaars. Home to the British built New Delhi with its government buildings and embassies, it is also home to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A Bahai Temple, Gandhi’s Memorial and several Christian churches and Hindu temples provide a cross section of Indian religions and society.

DEOGARH One of 16 feudal estates privileged to serve the Maharana of Udaipur, Deogarh is a village surrounded by beautiful countryside. Perched on top of the Aravalli Hills,120 kms from Udaipur, Deogarh Mahal is a 17th Century Palace with glittering mirror work and murals. It impresses with its marvellous courtyard and its array of battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and gateways. It was restored by the Chundawat Family, who still inhabit areas of the building and are justly proud of their authentic heritage hotel.

udaipur Udaipur is often referred to as the “Lake City” or “City of Lakes” and for good reason! Apart from its history, culture and scenery, Udaipur is also well regarded for its Rajput-era Palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in Pichola Lake and is now a luxury Taj Hotel. Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar are considered the most beautiful lakes in India.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

a “new seven wonders of the world”

one day sit and gaze at the taj mahal from the lounge of your agra hotel, the next explore deogarh’s forts & desert.

udaipur, home to some of india’s most beautiful lakes is known as the “lake city” & “the venice of the east”. incatours.net

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the kingdom of bhutan, nepal & tibet The independent Kingdom of Bhutan, as well as Nepal and Tibet all lie to the north of India and share the Himalaya Mountain Range. Mount Everest, the highest point on earth can be found along its vast length.

The kingdom of bhutan The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country. It is located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by China. Bhutan is separated from Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayas in the north. The Kingdom of Bhutan offers a most pristine experience, as it only recently opened up to visitors, yet has retained its traditional way of life.

Additionally, the Bhutanese have been rated as the happiest people in Asia and the eighth-happiest people in the world!

nepal Once connected to Africa, India drifted north and collided with Asia and threw up the mighty Himalayas. Here we find Nepal, another landlocked country bordering China to the north and India to the south, east and west. Nepal has a rich geography, with its north home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the majestic Mount Everest. Nepal is a must see being home to Everest and many other scenic and cultural treasures including thirteen World Heritage Sites.

tibet Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas and it is also the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres! Lhasa, its capital city is situated at 3,650 metres above sea level. Tibet is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan People, as well as other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang and Lhobas. It is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui People.

There are over 800 small settlements in Tibet. Lhasa is Tibet’s traditional capital and a city well worth visiting. It contains two World Heritage Sites—the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, which were the residences of the Dalai Lama. Lhasa also boasts a number of beautiful and significant temples and monasteries including Jokhang and Ramoche Temple.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

exotic & culturally diverse

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE IS ONLY ONE OF thirteen unesco WORLD HERITAGE listed SITES IN NEPAL.

paro sits in a beautiful valley, which encapsulates scenic beauty, the richest of cultures & hundreds of myths & legends. incatours.net

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southern & western india and Mumbai From Chennai in the south to Mumbai in the West, these cities and the many destinations in between are famous for their natural beauty, history, culture, cuisine and unique ways of life. southern & western india From Mumbai in the Northwest to Chennai in the Southeast and taking in the main cities of Bengaluru (formerly “Bangalore”), Kochi and Madurai, this is the tropical heartland of India. This region boasts numerous cultural experiences, the comfort of a Kerala Backwaters cruise on a luxury houseboat, the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and the exotic and pristine beaches of Goa. If you are looking for a relaxed beach holiday or a diverse and fulfilling journey through an area renowned for its wealth, culture and food, you will not be disappointed with the Southern or Western parts of India.

mumbai Mumbai is the wealthiest city in India and the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of the country. Mumbai is home to a major port on the Arabian Sea. The city also houses India’s “Bollywood” film and television industry. Mumbai is a truly cosmopolitan melting pot of many communities, faiths and cultures. It is one of the great cities of the world that never sleep.

Some of the many highlights of Mumbai include the historic landmark, the Gateway of India; the Hanging Gardens and Mani Bhawan, the house where the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city. Mumbai boasts approximately 5,000 “dabba” or “tiffin wallahs”, hand delivering some 200,000 hot meals to doorsteps across the city each and every day. Mumbai is also home to India’s largest outdoor laundry, certainly a sight to behold!

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inca tours - excellence in travel

history at its most grand

Kerala state produces some of the finest tea in india & also boasts one of the very best natural harbours in the world.

from ornate jain temple devotees to young school children in the streets, you will be impressed by peoples’ dress. incatours.net

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khajuraho & the tiger reserves After spending time at Khajuraho, home to largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain Temples in India, you travel to Ranthambore National Park, where you undertake a number of Tiger viewing safaris. khajuraho group of temples The group of monuments in Khajuraho, a town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most incredible yet least visited tourist attractions in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures.

Between 950 and1100 AD, the Chandela Monarchs built these temples when the Tantric tradition may have been accepted. In the days before the Mughal conquests, when boys lived in hermitages, following brahmacharya until they became men, they could learn about the world and prepare themselves to become householders through examining these sculptures and the worldly desires they depicted.

The Khajuraho Group of Temples were built together but were dedicated to two schools of Hinduism and to Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jainshe. The Khajuraho Monuments have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the “Seven Wonders of India�.

the tiger reserves Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in Northern India. It is known for its Tiger population and is a good place in India to see these majestic predators. Tiger and other wildlife can be seen during the day time and a good time to visit is from November to May when the dry deciduous forests make sightings more common. Please note tiger reserves are closed during the monsoon months. While staying at Ranthambore National Park you undertake both morning and afternoon safari drives with time at leisure during the heat of the day.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

one of the seven wonders of india

author James McConnachie described the sexualthemed Khajuraho sculptures as “the apogee of erotic art”.

The Bengal tiger’s coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes ranging from dark brown to deep black. incatours.net

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sri lanka & the maldive islands A trip to Sri Lanka or the Maldives, both tropical islands, will leave you refreshed and relaxed. These truly delightful destinations have much to offer and their local inhabitants are warm and welcoming. sri lanka Sri Lanka lies off the southern coast of the Indian Subcontinent.This South Asian island nation was known as“Ceylon” during the period of British rule until1972. Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies to the north-east of the Maldives. Sri Lanka is well known for its beach holidays. Bentota is one of the best beach locations in Sri Lanka and is located close to Colombo. Sri Lanka’s most widely known export, ‘Ceylon Tea’, is considered the cleanest tea in the world in terms of pesticide residues. Sri Lanka is the world's second largest exporter of tea.

Legend as well as history record that Sri Lanka has always delighted visitors to its shores. For countless centuries Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices, beauty, sublime culture and friendly people captivated the attention of visitors. As a result, Middle Eastern, Portuguese and Dutch influences and practices are found in Sri Lankan cuisine. Today too, this small island nation with its elevated central highlands and World Heritage listed sites, has so much to offer. All this natural beauty and history makes it easy to combine prime resort beaches with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences to create a memorable holiday which is both relaxing and adventurous at the same time!

the maldives The Maldives Islands are situated in-between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but tourism now is important to the local economy. Most Maldivians still believe in upholding unity and oneness in faith but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the peoples’ identity, traditions and beliefs.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

observe the sri lankan elephant

elephants & tea are what most people associate with sri lanka but in fact it offers more: ruins, temples and exotic food.

The Maldives is an island nation in the Arabian Sea & Indian Ocean area, consisting of a double chain of 26 small atolls! incatours.net

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the mighty himalaya mountain range & northern india The Himalayas and India’s North offer much in terms of magnificent landscapes and a diversity of culture, religion and lifestyle. Less explored than other parts of the region, it certainly won’t disappoint. the himalaya mountains The mighty Himalaya (meaning “abode of the snow”) Mountain Range was formed millions of years ago when India broke away from the African Continent and collided with what we now know as Asia.

The Himalaya Mountains are home to nine of the ten highest peaks on earth, including the highest, Mount Everest. They have profoundly shaped the cultures of South Asia and many Himalayan Peaks are sacred in both the Buddhist and Hindu Religions.

The Himalayas span five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan, with India, Nepal and Bhutan having sovereignty over most of this vast mountain range. Three of the world's major rivers, the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, arise in the Himalayas. Their combined drainage basin is home to a staggering 600 million people!

northern india The north, northeast and northwest of India are by far the least visited and unknown parts of the country, yet they have much to offer the visitor. If you are happy to be accommodated in more basic hotels at times, these areas will reward you with some very unique experiences.

In the north you will be delighted with Shimla, the former Summer Capital of India and a great springboard for exploring the surrounding mountains. Shimla offers a full range of accommodation options. There are also a number of health spas scattered throughout the ranges near Shimla, all offering very different experiences.

In the northeast you can attend the Hornbill Festival, when all of the local hill tribes congregate for a week long event involving much festivity and dance.

The northwest offers Jammu and Kashmir; the magnificent Golden Temple at Amritsar; and the pomp and pageantry of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at the Wagah Border between India and neighbouring Pakistan. This border closing ritual is a daily military practice which the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since1959. The travel writer Michael Palin described it as a daily display of “carefully choreographed contempt”.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

india’s colourful north

the himalayas have shaped the local cultures & many Peaks are sacred in both the Buddhist and Hindu Religions.

sunrise over the mighty himalayas is a truly spectacular experience, as is the scenic flight around the mountains. incatours.net

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useful check list when comparing alternative tours #35 # over

years of travel experience

#

Escorted Groups Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted All guaranteed to depart

www.incatours.net

It is difficult to compare tours when descriptions in brochures look the same but differ when experienced due to subtle differences. This check list should help you cut through some of the hype!

issues to consider when comparing

Inca other other tours tour? tour?

• Is the tour guaranteed to depart with only two guests? (As unlikely as this scenario is.)

YES

_________

_________

• Is the tour guaranteed to have a tour leader regardless of minimum guest numbers?

YES

_________

_________

• Does the tour price include all airfares, surcharges and taxes or are they extra?

(This can be a substantial additional cost.)

ALL included

_________

_________

• Are all activities / excursions included or do you have to choose between alternatives?

ALL included

_________

_________

• Is everything described included or are there optional extras at additional cost if you choose to undertake them?

ALL included

_________

_________

• Does the tour operator have over 35 years of experience organising small group tours?

YES

_________

_________

• Do you need to use headsets to hear what is being said by the guide as the groups are so large? (Normally more than 20 guests.)

NO

_________

_________

• Are there excessive claims of EXCLUSIVE when in reality most are not exclusive but widely available and used on different tours?

NO

_________

_________

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inca tours - excellence in travel

life long friendships are formed

memories are not based on what you did not do! you have worked hard and deserve a great experience.

book your future memories now with inca tours, so you do not regret missing out later. incatours.net

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the inca gold tour the ultimate luxury-class tour of india, bhutan & nepal the pinnacle of opulence & service Inca Tours has forged a reputation for opulence and outstanding service based on over 35 continuous years of travel experience. The Gold Tour is our ultimate luxury tour including most of the highlights of India, Bhutan and Nepal and staying in some of the best hotels in the regions. It is led by an experienced tour leader and includes expert English-speaking guides during all excursions and tours.

guaranteed departures with 2 or more You have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Gold Tour of India, Bhutan and Nepal is guaranteed to operate and won’t be cancelled due to insufficient numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other tour operators. On all Gold Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more guests.

ultimate small groups with a max of 18 In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each of our Gold Tours of India, Bhutan and Nepal. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, most other tour companies operate much larger groups.

stay in some of the very best properties We select hotels, trains and vessels which retain the charm and character of region. We avoid where possible, the chrome and glass hotels of major international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with local flavour. Often our hotels in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet are destinations in themselves! You have worked hard all your life, so you deserve it.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

the finest hotels & vessels

reside in some of the best hotels and vessels, combined with the ultimate inclusions, as well as fine dining.

guaranteed max of 18 guests each tour, with a dedicated tour leader & expert englishspeaking local guides. incatours.net

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gold tour luxury-class hotels & vessels It is envisaged that you will be our guest in the following exquisite establishments during your Gold Tour of a lifetime. india

bhutan gateway ganges hotel, Varanasi

Taj malabar hotel, kochi

nepal

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River Escape Houseboat, kerala

hotel club himalaya, nagarkot

The Taj Mahal Palace & tower, Mumbai

Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

inca tours - excellence in travel

world class hotels & facilities

india Taj Tashi Hotel, Thimphu

oberoi hotel, delhi

Taj Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur

uma punakha hotel, punakha

Oberoi Amervilas hotel, Agra

deogarh mahal hotel, deogarh

naksel boutique resort & spa, Paro

Nahargarh fort hotel, Ranthambore national park

Taj Lake Palace hotel, Udaipur

Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only.

The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ in terms of room type, standard and configuration.

incatours.net

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28 days exclusive india, bhutan & nepal gold tour

New Delhi NEPAL Kathmandu Thimphu Punakha Jaipur BHUTAN Agra Paro Deogarh Ranthambore Varanasi Udaipur NP INDIA

Mumbai

included highlights

Kochi Alleppy

• Experienced senior tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.

• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all tours and excursions.

• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.

• A relaxing luxury houseboat stay as it cruises the placid and tranquil Kerala Backwaters.

• Two nights in the historic Fort Cochin area of Kochi, with its superb natural harbour.

• A traditional South Indian cooking class in Kochi.

• A comprehensive sightseeing tour of Kochi, followed by a Kathakali Dance Performance.

• Two nights in bustling Mumbai, known as “Bombay” during the British period.

• A fabulous Mumbai City Tour, including a visit to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.

• A bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful and vibrant market area of Varanasi.

• The deeply spiritual Aarti Collective Prayer Ceremony, on the Ganges River in Varanasi.

• A picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, a small hill station east of the capital.

• Two nights in exotic Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal.

• A scenic flight around the Himalayas, with views of Mount Everest and other peaks.

• An authentic and traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner in the medieval feeling Kathmandu.

• A luxury stay in the heart of Thimphu, in Bhutan’s beautiful Paro Valley.

• A relaxing two-night stay in Punakha, located in the lovely Punakha Valley of Bhutan.

• Two nights in Paro and a hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”, one of Bhutan’s most venerated sites.

• A two-night stay in vibrant Delhi, including a complete Old & New Delhi City Tour.

• Two leisurely nights in Agra, including visits to the beautiful Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

included fine dining • Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

Our experienced tour leader will make recommendations about where to dine.

• Where possible, lunches & dinners are at local restaurants. You may be a little surprised at the extensive nature of Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates. Just as important however, is free choice meals, as we know you may not want to eat national foods all of the time.

• 57 meals are included: 26 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 16 dinners, some of which are tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.

• A relaxed two nights at Ranthambore National Park, home to the majestic Indian Tiger.

• Two opulent nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, as it is fondly known.

• Time at Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort and a visit to the “Palace of Winds”.

• An exotic two-nights in Udaipur, known as the “Lake City” or “The Venice of the East”.

• A romantic sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola and a visit to the famous City Palace.

• A fabulous celebratory End of Tour Dinner in Udaipur.

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never more than 18 in an inca group!

taj mahal palace hotel, mumbai

golden Buddha

india, bhutan & nepal gold tour itinerary DAY 1

Sunday depart australia / Kochi

This morning you make your own way to your nearest capital city airport for your flight to India. We arrive in India late this evening after a plane change enroute. After clearing Customs and Immigration in Kochi we are met and taken to our hotel for the night.

(Meals in flight)

DAY 2

Monday Kochi / House Boat

We start our day with a very informative Tour Orientation Meeting in which we get to know each other better and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Gold Tour of India, Bhutan & Nepal.

After the meeting we are driven to Alleppy where we board our luxury houseboat comprising fully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge and a full crew. Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. We enjoy a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala Backwaters, floating through these placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages as we observe the locals going about their daily lives. We have our meals aboard the boat as we meander through this fascinating area. It’s a very nice way to recover from jetlag! (BLD)

DAY 3

Tuesday Houseboat / Kochi

This morning we enjoy breakfast on board as we continue our cruise and exploration of the Kerala Backwaters. We then disembark our houseboat and travel back to Kochi.

This evening we experience a Kathakali Dance Performance. Kathakali is a synthesis of dance, drama and music which will amaze you with its colour and grace. We then enjoy a dinner of Kochi’s famous fresh seafood. (BD)

DAY 5

Thursday

Kochi / Mumbai Lunch today is a special event: a cooking class at the conclusion of which we get to Today we fly to Mumbai or “Bombay”, as it was previously known, for a fabulous two-night sample the local delicacies we have prepared. stay. On arrival we are taken We then check in to our hotel I thoroughly enjoyed to our luxurious hotel located located in the Fort Cochin Area everything on tour.Vee next the Gateway of India, where we have two relaxing nights. was wonderful and one of Mumbai’s most famous Set on a cluster of islands and a initiated some special landmarks. The structure was narrow peninsula, Kochi is Kerala’s surprises. Although we erected to commemorate the major port city boasting one of have travelled in India landing of King George V when the finest natural harbours in the several times before, he visited in1911. The Gateway world. (BL) this trip was superb! was later the ceremonial entrance DAY 4 Wednesday to India. You have some time this Mrs Helen Irani NSW Kochi afternoon to tour the Palace Hotel We begin the day with a visit to the Fort Cochin surrounds or explore nearby Chor Bazaar, one of the largest flea markets in India! area where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets and may encounter the morning catch being auctioned on the beach. We take a walk through the Old Town around Mattancherry Jetty, visit St Francis Church of Kochi and tour Mattancherry Palace, also known as the “Dutch Palace”. We then stroll through Jew Town where the oldest synagogue in India is located. You have the afternoon at leisure for some shopping or to enjoy our hotel.

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Tonight we enjoy dinner at the Khyber Restaurant. Khyber welcomes us with its rugged frontier charm, old oil lanterns and frost weathered woodwork. Entering through a wooden door decorated with Urdu couplets, we sit surrounded by huge urns and ancient Mughal Royalties adorning the walls. We enjoy dinner while thumris and ghazals play softly in the background. (BD)

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varanasi & the ganges river

DAY 6

DAY 7

Friday Mumbai

Our city tour includes the Gateway of India, the grand Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era and Mani Bhawan, the house where the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city. We may encounter one of Mumbai’s 5,000 “dabba” or “tiffin wallahs” hand delivering 200,000 hot meals to doorsteps across the city. We also visit India’s largest outdoor laundry which is a sight to behold! We drive up Malabar Hill to the Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park, from where you will have a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea. The Towers of Silence from the Parsi Culture are also located nearby. (B)

Saturday Mumbai / Varanasi

Today we fly to Varanasi for a deeply spiritual experience. Located on the west side of the Holy Ganges, Varanasi has been the centre of the Hindu Religion, learning and civilisation for over 3,000 years, thus making it one of the oldest living cities in India. In the evening we take bicycle rickshaws through the colourful, chaotic, vibrant market area to reach the banks of the Ganges where the temples will be lit with oil-lamps and candles. This light, combined with the aromas of incense sticks, oil lamps and flowers filling the air, makes the experience magical as we watch hundreds of little lamps float out onto the Ganges River as offerings during the Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer).

We return to our hotel for the night. (BD)

DAY 8

Sunday Varanasi / Nagarkot

Early this morning we return to the Ganges to witness the incredible scene as thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in its holy waters.

We return to our hotel for breakfast before flying to Kathmandu, the capital of ancient and mountainous Nepal. On arrival we are driven to Nagarkot, a small hill station east of Kathmandu. Here we check into our hotel with its spectacular views of the Himalayas. (BD)

DAY 9

Monday Nagarkot / Kathmandu

We rise early to watch the sunrise before departing for Kathmandu, enroute visiting Bhaktapur City or the “City of Devotees”, as it is sometimes called. It is shaped like a conch shell and was the setting for the major Hollywood production The Little Buddha.

Kathmandu has the air of a medieval city; narrow streets, wooden temples and beautiful palaces. Its markets are a rich blend of colours and aromas and you often hear the gentle sound of jangling cymbals. Only in the 1950s was Nepal opened to visitors and today the contrast between 21st Century technology and tradition help make Kathmandu one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Later we visit Boudhanath, possibly the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa.

Around the stupa a number of monasteries of different Tibetan Buddhism sects have been established including one housing an enormous, seated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tonight we enjoy a cultural dance and dinner. (BLD)

taj mahal palace hotel (left) & the gateway of india (right), mumbai

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a young monk, bhutan

DAY 10 Tuesday Kathmandu

DAY 12 Thursday Thimphu / Punakha.

DAY 13 Friday Punakha

An early rise sees us on a scenic flight around the Himalayan Mountains. During the flight we should see, among others Mt Everest reaching up 8,848 metres into the sky. Returning to our hotel for breakfast, we later visit the fabulous Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath, said to be over 2,000 years old and popularly known as “Monkey Temple”.

Our day starts at the National Memorial Chorten. Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, it showcases an extraordinary depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of works of art. Also visited is the Folk Heritage Museum, built in 2001 it provides a glimpse of Bhutanese life a century ago. This afternoon we travel to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, via the Dochu La Pass. As we reach the highest point we encounter thousands of fluttering prayer flags and108 miniature chortens! On a clear day one has awe-inspiring glimpses of the Himalayan Peaks. We then descend gradually into the Punakha Valley. On arrival in Punakha we check into our luxury hotel, with spectacular views of the valley, for two fabulous nights. (BL)

Today we visit the Punakha Dzong. Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, the dzong was built in1637

by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as a religious and administrative seat. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th Century and in 1907, the 1st King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned here. Damaged over the centuries by catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the 4th King. Highlights include the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall for all Bhutanese Kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance to the dzong and the cantilever bridge over the Mo Chu River, also recently renovated.

In the afternoon we visit Patan City, known as the “City of Fine Arts” where we visit Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city. Tonight we experience a traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner. (BLD)

DAY 11 Wednesday Kathmandu / Thimphu We fly to Paro in Bhutan. Located in the beautiful Paro Valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provide a breath-taking first impression. On arrival we are driven to our luxury hotel located in the heart of Thimphu.

Later we visit Tashichhodzong, the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”. It is a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government. The Dzong houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance. The fortress was initially erected in 1641 and later rebuilt in the 1960s by the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. (BLD)

patan durbar square interior, nepal

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taktsang monastery (“Tigers nest”), bhutan

Later we take a walk through the local farming area to Lobesa Village, where we visit Chimi Lhakhang. This fertility temple is dedicated to the famous teacher, Drukpa Kinley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. The Divine Madman sits there (albeit in statue form) with the master’s deeds painted on the walls. (BL)

DAY 14 Saturday Punakha / Paro.

On our drive back to Paro, we stop at Tachog Lhakhang Viewpoint. Built by the architect Thangtong Gyalpoin in the 14th Century, the Lhakang is located across the Paro River but can only be reached by an iron chain bridge spanning the river. We enjoy lunch in Paro and take a walk through the town before checking in to our hotel for two nights. (BL)

DAY 15 Sunday Paro – Tiger’s Nest

DAY 16 Monday Paro / Delhi

A drive to Satsam Chorten sees us commence our hike to Taktshang Goemba. Taktshang meaning the “Tiger’s Nest”, is one of Bhutan’s most venerated sites. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew there on the back of a tigress, meditated in a cave for three months and converted the whole of the Paro Valley to Buddhism. Resting at an altitude of 900 metres above the valley, Taktshang is an architectural wonder and the spectacular four hour walk may be your most overwhelming experience ever. Though the climb is steep, the journey is worthwhile on account of the superb views experienced enroute. On our return we make a short visit to Kichu Temple, the oldest in Bhutan, built during the 7th Century. (BLD)

Today we fly to Delhi, India for two nights. (B)

DAY 17 Tuesday Delhi Our day includes a half day tour of Old and New Delhi including India Gate; the Houses of Parliament; Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and Humayun’s Tomb. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian Subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. We then take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and colourful alleys of the Old Delhi Markets. (BL)

DAY 18 Wednesday Delhi / Agra We travel by road to Agra where we visit the spectacular Agra Fort. Later we visit a marble factory to see the craftsmen using traditional methods to form tiny mosaic tiles. (BL)

DAY 19 Thursday Agra Early today we visit one of the absolute tour highlights: the Taj Mahal, built in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal, by Emperor Shah Jahan. This marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind.

Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have ample time to explore the memorial before returning to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

The remainder of your day is at leisure. (BD) the taj mahal, agra

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the lake palace hotel, udaipur

DAY 20 Friday Agra / Ranthambore NP We drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest in northern India. It is known for its tigers and is a good place to see these majestic predators. We enjoy an afternoon safari. (BLD)

DAY 21 Saturday Ranthambore NP Both morning and afternoon safaris take us in search of Tiger and the other interesting wildlife found in the national park. (BLD)

DAY 22 Sunday Ranthambore NP / Jaipur Our final safari is enjoyed before being taken to Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan and often referred to as the “Pink City”. Here we spend two nights staying in royal opulence! (BL)

DAY 23 Monday Jaipur This morning we visit the ornately decorated Amber Fort, located just outside the city. This is followed by a brief city tour visiting the highlights of Jaipur which include the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy our Palace Hotel and its plush surroundings. (BD)

Mountain Range and the numerous lakes spread throughout the countryside. With its majestic domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a spellbinding sight from below. (BL)

DAY 25 Wednesday Deogarh / Udaipur We continue to Udaipur, known as the “Lake City”, where we check in to our luxury hotel for an exotic two-night stay. This evening we undertake a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (BD)

DAY 26 Thursday Udaipur Our day starts with a visit to the famous City Palace. It is actually a collection of palaces surrounded by the royal palace walls which stretch for over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. We also visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651

and the largest in Udaipur. The spire of the main temple is 26 metres high and festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians, making it a sight to behold. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy our magnificent hotel, to shop or to explore the market place.

Tonight we host an End of Tour Dinner. (BD)

DAY 27 Friday Udaipur / Delhi The morning is at leisure before flying to Delhi where we enjoy dinner. We depart on our flight home later tonight. (BD)

DAY 28 Saturday arrive Australia After changing planes enroute, you arrive into Australia this evening. (Meals inflight) Welcome home!

tour Dates for india, bhutan & nepal Gold Tour

Departing 6th November 2016

Returning 3rd December 2016

Departing 5th November 2017

Returning 2nd December 2017

costs for india, bhutan & nepal Gold Tour

$28,990 $27,790 $8,9 0 7 $5,10 0

Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melb, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth Per person twin-share starting in Kochi & ending in Delhi Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors

DAY 24 Tuesday Jaipur / Deogarh

Tour extensions

Today we depart by road for Deogarh. Deogarh Mahal is a 17th Century Palace perched on a hill and offering panoramic views of the Aravalli

Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.

Please consider our Highlights of Tibet Tour or The Best of Tibet Tour on pages 54 and 55. They work very well after the India, Bhutan & Nepal Gold Tour.

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17 days firstpartof gold tour

NEPAL Kathmandu Thimphu Punakha BHUTAN Paro Varanasi

Mumbai

INDIA young backwaters lions kerala

Kochi Alleppy

first part of india, bhutan & nepal gold tour 17 days of history, culture, food, sights and scenery comprise the First Part of the Gold Tour. Travel from Kerala State to cosmopolitan Mumbai, then to the Hindu city of Varanasi in India. Nepal then captivates with its Himalayas and people. We continue and explore the heritage of Bhutan’s monasteries, monks and mountains.

included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• A Kerala Backwaters houseboat stay.

• Two nights in historic Fort Cochin.

• Traditional South India cooking lesson.

• A sightseeing tour of Kochi, followed by a Kathakali Dance Performance.

• Two nights in bustling Mumbai.

• A bicycle rickshaw ride in Varanasi.

• The deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony.

• A drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot.

• Two nights in Nepal’s Kathmandu.

• A scenic flight around the Himalayas.

• A traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner.

• A two-night stay in Thimphu, Bhutan.

• Two nights in Paro and “Tiger’s Nest”.

included fine dining • Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

• 33 meals are included: 15 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners.

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We fly to Kochi in Kerala and explore the Dutch Palace, India’s first European Church and India’s oldest synagogue. We relax overnight on houseboats cruising Alappuzha’s backwaters before flying to Mumbai: India’s commercial and excitement capital. A city tour opens our eyes to the British influence, evident in the architecture and cricket pitches. It’s then to Varanasi, with a Ganges River boat ride and an exploration of the famous ghats.

A flight to Kathmandu settles us in Nepal. First stop is Nagarkot, at sunrise it mesmerises with views of mountains from Everest to Annapurna. Patan and Bhaktapur, both heritage cities with wooden temples and beautiful decorated palaces are visited. View Everest on a scenic flight. Then explore Thimphu, the Bhutanese Capital and trek to Tigers Nest Monastery, outside of Paro.

DAY 1 TO DAY 15 australia / paro The itinerary of the Gold Tour First Part is the same as that from Day1 to Day15. Please see pages 35 to 38 for the detailed itinerary.

DAY 16 monday paro / kathmandu Today you are taken to Paro Airport for your flight to Kathmandu, where on arrival you connect with your flight home. (B)

DAY 17 tuesday arrive australia After changing planes enroute, you arrive into Australia this evening. (Meals inflight) Welcome home!

first part of tour Dates

Departing 6th November 2016 Returning 22nd November 2016 Departing 5th November 2017 Returning 21st November 2017 First part of tour costs

$17,990 Per person twin-share $16,790 Per person twin-share starting in Kochi & ending in Paro $ 3,2 78 Single supplement $5,10 0 Business-class upgrade

inca tours - excellence in travel

22 days secondpart New Delhi NEPAL Kathmandu Thimphu Punakha Jaipur BHUTAN Agra Paro Deogarh Ranthambore Udaipur NP INDIA agra fort, agra

second part of india, bhutan & nepal gold tour included highlights • Experienced senior tour leader.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Two nights in Nepal’s Kathmandu.

• A scenic flight around the Himalayas.

• A traditional Royal Nepalese Dinner.

• Bhutan’s beautiful Paro Valley.

• A relaxing two-night stay in Punakha.

• Two nights in Paro and “Tiger’s Nest”.

• An Old & New Delhi City Tour.

• The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Nepal, Bhutan and India manage to take 5-star to a whole new level of exoticism and you experience this on the Second Part of our Gold Tour. In 22 days luxury is combined with diversity as we travel from the Himalayan foothills to the Kathmandu Valley.

We explore the culture and heritage of Bhutan with its monks, monasteries and mountains.

Marvel at majestic tigers in India’s Ranthambore National Park. Sleep like royalty in Maharajas Palaces in Rajasthan. A highlight for many is the Taj Mahal visit at dawn!

Our first stop is Nagarkot, at sunrise it mesmerises with views of the mountains from Everest to Annapurna. Patan and Bhaktapur, both heritage cities, with their mazes of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces are visited from Kathmandu. View Mount Everest on a scenic flight. We then explore Thimphu, the tiny Bhutanese capital and trek to Tigers Nest Monastery outside Paro. We continue to Agra where its fort fascinates many as much as the Taj Mahal. Two nights of royal indulgence and the Amber Fort make Jaipur another highlight. Then overnight in the17th Century Deogarh Mahal before finishing up at Udaipur’s mystical Lake Pichola, a fitting end to our Gold Tour.

DAY 1

• Safaris in a Tiger Reserve.

• Two nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”.

• Jaipur’s Amber Fort & Palace of Winds.

• Two nights in Udaipur, the “Lake City”.

• Lake Pichola Cruise & the City Palace.

• Tour’s End Dinner in romantic Udaipur.

included fine dining • Most meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

• 44 meals are included: 20 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 11 dinners.

saturday Australia / kathmandu

You depart Australia with an enroute plane change to Kathmandu. On arrival you are taken to your hotel for tonight. (Meals Inflight)

DAY 2

Sunday kathmandu / Nagarkot

Your morning is at leisure. Later today you meet the other members of the Gold Tour and are driven to Nagarkot, east of Kathmandu. (B)

DAY 3 TO DAY 22 Nagarkot / australia The itinerary of the Gold Tour Second Part is the same as that from Day 9 to Day 28. Please see pages 36 to 39 for the detailed itinerary.

incatours.net

second part tour Dates

Departing 12th November 2016 Returning 3rd December 2016 Departing 11th November 2017 Returning 2nd December 2017 second part tour costs

$24,990 Per person twin-share $23,790 Per person twin-share starting Kathmandu & ending Delhi $ 7,18 3 Single supplement $5,10 0 Business-class upgrade

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india, nepal & bhutan sensations the ultimate superior-class tour the highlights in a shorter period The Sensations Tour of India, Bhutan and Nepal includes most of the highlights of the countries but over a shorter duration and at a more moderate level than the luxury Gold Tour. This is our more modestly priced Superior-class tour, designed for the more budget conscious guest. It too visits most of the highlights and is escorted by an experienced tour leader with assistance from our expert Englishspeaking local guides. It utilises less extravagant hotels than the Gold Tour but the properties are very well located, of a very high standard and exhibit all the charm and character of these three exotic countries.

guaranteed departures with 2 or more You have the confidence to book with Inca Tours knowing that the Sensations Tour is guaranteed to operate and won’t be cancelled due to low numbers at the last minute, as often happens with other tour operators. On all Sensations Tours, we guarantee that your tour will operate with only two or more.

ultimate small groups with a max of 18 In the same way that we guarantee our departures and tour leader, we also place a cap of only eighteen guests on each Sensations Tour. This way you receive personalised attention all the way. For financial reasons, most other tour companies do not do this and book as many people as they can on each tour.

stay in the very best locations Why go all that way only to stay near the places you want to see? We select hotels which retain the charm and character of the countries and are located at the places of interest. We avoid the international chains, preferring to experience the culture and lifestyle first hand in properties with local flavour and style. You have worked hard during your life, you deserve it!

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inca tours - excellence in travel

superior class hotels & vessels

great hotels & lodges in the very best locations, combined with must see & do inclusions, as well as fine dining.

guaranteed max 18 guests each tour, with tour leader & expert local guides means an extremely personalised experience. incatours.net

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sensations superior-class hotels, trains & vessels It is envisaged that you will be our guest in the following superb properties during your sensational Sensation Tour. india casino hotel, kochi*

Udai Kothi hotel, Udaipur

*Optional *3-night Kerala Stopover

River Escape Houseboat, kerala*

Deogarh Mahal hotel, Deogarh

*Optional *3-night Kerala Stopover

Fariyas Hotel, Mumbai

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Shahpura House, Jaipur

inca tours - excellence in travel

the finest properties to be a guest in

nepal

bhutan

Mansingh Palace, Agra

Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu

namgey heritage hotel, thimphu

clarks hotel, Khajuraho

Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara

Drubchu Resort, Punakha

Hindusthan International, Varanasi

Heritage hotel, Bhaktapur

tenzinling resort, Paro

Please note: the interior hotel room photos on these two pages are for general information purposes only.

The specific room you are accommodated in on tour may differ in terms of room type, standard and configuration.

incatours.net

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24 days india, bhutan & nepal’s best on a sensations tour

NEPAL Thimphu Punakha Pokhara Jaipur Kathmandu BHUTAN Paro Agra Deogarh Varanasi Udaipur Khajuraho Mumbai

INDIA

included highlights • Experienced tour leader throughout the tour, from beginning to end.

• Expert private English-speaking local guides on all tours and excursions.

• All tipping, porterage and departure taxes throughout the tour.

• Two nights in bustling Mumbai, known as “Bombay” during the British period.

included fine dining

• A fabulous Mumbai City Tour, including a visit to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.

• An exotic two-night stay in picturesque Udaipur, also known as the “Lake City”.

• A visit to the famous City Palace and a romantic sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola.

• A night in Deogarh, staying in a17th Century Palace, sensitively converted into a hotel.

• Two fantastic nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, where we enjoy dinner with a local family.

• Time at Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort and a visit to the “Palace of Winds”.

• Two leisurely nights in Agra, including visits to the beautiful Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

• The Shatabdi Express Train from Agra to Jhansi, a service frequented by locals as well.

• An overnight in Khajuraho and a comprehensive tour of the Western Group of Temples.

• A night in Varanasi, the centre of the Hindu Religion and located on the Holy Ganges.

• A bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful and vibrant market area of Varanasi.

• The deeply spiritual Aarti Collective Prayer Ceremony, on the Ganges River in Varanasi.

• Three amazing nights in Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal.

• A traditional Nepalese cultural dance & dinner in the medieval feeling Kathmandu.

• Visits to Boudhanath and Patan City, also known as the “City of Fine Arts”.

• Overnight in Pokhara, from where three of the world’s ten highest mountains can be seen.

• Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

Our experienced tour leader will make recommendations about where to dine.

• Where possible, lunches & dinners are at local restaurants. You may be a little surprised at the extensive nature of Indian Cuisine, as much of it is enjoyed as shared plates. Just as important however, is free choice meals, as we know you may not want to eat national foods all of the time.

• 42 meals are included: 22 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 11 dinners, some of which are tour highlights. In addition, a number of meals are served on flights.

• Two nights in the heritage town of Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees” as it is also known.

• An overnight stay and typical Bhutanese dinner in Thimphu, in the beautiful Paro Valley.

• An exhilarating drive over the Dochu La Pass and a brief stop at the 108 chorten stupas.

• A relaxing two nights in Punakha, located in Bhutan’s lovely Punakha Valley.

• Two nights in Paro and a hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”, one of Bhutan’s most venerated sites.

• A fantastic celebratory End of Tour Dinner in fabulous Kathmandu.

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inca tours - excellence in travel

never more than 18 in an inca group!

“bollywood” billboard, agra

monks in prayer

india, bhutan & nepal sensations tour itinerary DAY 1

monday Australia / Mumbai

Today you depart your capital city bound for India. After a plane change enroute you arrive in Mumbai, where you are met and taken to our hotel for two nights. (Meals inflight)

DAY 2

tuesday Mumbai

We have time at leisure to recover from our flights of the previous day before holding a very informative Tour Orientation Meeting.

Here we get to know each other better and outline the important aspects of the day-today operation of the Sensations Tour.

After the meeting we proceed on our city tour of Mumbai, or Bombay as it was previously known. Mumbai is one of the great port cities with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern.

The tour includes the Gateway of India overlooking the Harbour; Mani Bhawan, the house where the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city; Marine Drive; the Colaba Causeway, the commercial heart of Bombay; and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor ‘laundry’. We drive up Malabar Hill to the Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park, from where you have a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea.

This evening we host our Welcome Dinner at Khyber, one of Mumbai’s best dining spots and a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Paul McCartney, Goldie Hawn and Richard Gere have all dined here! It’s Afghan-inspired interior sets off mouth-watering dishes of authentic Indian Cuisine which can only be described as “Ambrosia” or food of the Gods. Tonight’s feast serves as a gateway to India’s rich heritage infused with modern day comforts. (BD)

DAY 3

wednesday Mumbai / Udaipur

Following time at leisure we fly to Udaipur, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan. We have two nights in Udaipur, also called the “City of Lakes”. The elevated hills and beautiful lakes make a picture perfect backdrop to the city. (B)

DAY 4

thursday Udaipur

Later we enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the beautiful and placid Lake Pichola. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces including the amazing city palace, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, the Jagmandir and the Jagniwas, as well as the most beautiful Lake Palace, which sits on an island in the lake. (B)

We have just returned from India, Bhutan & Nepal and we write to say how wonderful it was, due in part to the very professional service from Vee Waterston.

J Overton & S Kennedy NSW

Our day starts with a visit to the famous City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake. A conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, hanging gardens, corridors and rooms, it is actually a collection of palaces surrounded by the royal palace walls which stretch over a mile on the lake’s eastern side. Later we visit the crystal gallery, a most lustrous attraction showcasing rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure.

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We also visit the Jagdish Temple, built in1651

by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur.

DAY 5 friday Udaipur/Deogarh Today we drive to Deogarh for the night, visiting Nagda Temple enroute. The Deogarh Mahal is a17th Century Palace atop a hill offering panoramic views of the Aravalli Mountain Range and the numerous lakes, spread throughout the surrounding countryside.

With its majestic domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a spellbinding sight from the town below. The palace has been sensitively converted into a hotel, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh.

Just walking through this small town is a step back in time and a most authentic local experience. (BL)

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the taj mahal at sunrise, agra

DAY 6

saturday Deogarh / Jaipur

Our morning is at leisure to enjoy our hotel and surroundings. Later we depart for Jaipur where we stay for two nights. This evening we watch (or participate in if you choose), the age old art of Mehendi application. Traditionally only for women, Mehendi is the art of using henna to apply tattoos and intricate designs on the body.

It has always been an integral part of functions, wedding ceremonies and religious events. (BD)

DAY 7

sunday Jaipur

Mahal (hall of mirrors), as well as various marble palaces which are marvellous examples of ancient Rajput Architecture.

Later we visit Jantar Mantar, an astrological and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the18th Century and renowned for the accuracy of its instruments, even in present times. We also view the Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the “Palace of Winds”, which is actually a facade built for the ladies of the royal household in the19th Century. Tonight we enjoy dinner with a local family. (BD)

DAY 8

Today we visit Amber Fort, located on a hill just outside the city. It was the seat of power of the former state of Jaipur until1728. It has halls for public and private audiences, a Sheesh

monday Jaipur / Agra

We travel to Agra, visiting Abhaneri Step Wells and Harshat Mata Temple enroute. On arrival we check in to our hotel for two nights. (BL)

DAY 9

tuesday Agra

Early this morning we visit what is one of the absolute highlights of the tour: the Taj Mahal.

Built in memory of his beloved empress, Mumtaz Mahal, by Emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind. It is breathtakingly beautiful with many precious stones to be found in its inlays.

Timed to correspond with the sunrise, we have ample time to explore this superb memorial before returning to our hotel for a late and leisurely breakfast.

Later we continue with sightseeing in Agra, firstly visiting Agra Fort. We also visit a marble factory where we see craftsmen at work using traditional methods to form the tiny mosaic tiles from semi-precious and precious stones.

Here we learn how the traditional delicate marble inlaying is crafted. (B)

DAY 10 wednesday Agra / Khajuraho Today we board the Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi, where on arrival we are met and taken by road to Khajuraho for the night. (BL)

DAY 11 thursday Khajuraho / Varanasi We undertake a sightseeing tour of the Western Group of Temples with the largest temple being Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31metres high and its main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance the “palace of winds”, jaipur

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inca tours - excellence in travel

the ganges river, varanasi

arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians with their movement captured in stone and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life.

Later we fly to Varanasi which is located on the west side of the Ganges River. It has been the centre of the Hindu Religion, learning and civilisation for over 3,000 years, thus making it one of the oldest living cities in India.

Late this afternoon we take local rickshaw taxis through the busy streets of Mumbai’s markets until we reach the Holy Ganges. Here we witness the deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony, a collective prayer gathering where hundreds of worshippers place offerings, in the form of small lanterns, onto the waters of the river. The surrounding Hindu Temples are illuminated with candles and lamps and as the light fuses with the surrounding scent of flowers and incense, we feel the magic of the night. (B)

wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces. In the background there is often the gentle sound of jangling cymbals and the markets are a rich blend of colours and aromas. Only in the1950s was Nepal opened up to visitors and today the contrast between 21st Century technology and traditional lifestyles help to make Kathmandu one of the world’s most fascinating cities. This evening we enjoy a cultural dance and dinner. (BD)

DAY 13 saturday Kathmandu Our day starts with a visit to Boudhanath which is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa, a number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan

Buddhism have been established which include one that houses an enormous, splendidly adorned, seated statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Later we visit Patan City, also known as the “City of Fine Arts” with Durbar Square situated at its heart. It consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk. We then visit the fabulous Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as “Monkey Temple” and said to be over 2,000 years old. (BL)

DAY 14 sunday Kathmandu / Pokhara Today we fly to Pokhara. Located on the shores of tranquil Lake Phewa and only 827 metres above sea level, Pokhara’s skyline is dominated by three of the ten highest mountains in the

DAY 12 friday Varanasi / Kathmandu Early this morning we return to the Ganges River for a boat ride. During this we have the privilege of witnessing the incredible scene as thousands of pilgrims and other devotees immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges to pay homage to the revered sun god.

We return to our hotel for breakfast before flying to the fabled Kathmandu for two nights.

Kathmandu is the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal and has the air of a medieval city with its maze of narrow streets, patan durbar square, nepal

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tranquil lake phewa, nepal

world. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu mountains are all over 8,000 metres high and on a clear day can be seen from the city and our hotel. Machhapuchare Mountain (known as “Fishtail”) with an elevation of 6,993 metres is the closest to the city and casts a beautiful reflection onto the lake.

On arrival in Pokhara we are taken to Sarangkot for a sensational view of the Himalayas.

From here we experience the best views of the Annapurna Range and its surrounding countryside. There is no other place on earth with a 7,000 metre vertical view. You sit in the tropics and gaze upwards at towering mountains—a simply superb experience!

Later today we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Phewa. (BL)

DAY 15 monday Pokhara / Bhaktapur

DAY 16 tuesday Bhaktapur

We return to Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas before having breakfast at our hotel.

Today we undertake a guided walk through the maze of streets in Bhaktapur as we marvel at the 300 year old temples, pagodas and courtyards.

Wandering the streets allows us to see the real life of Bhaktapur. You then have free time to enjoy the hotel or explore this typical town. (BD)

Later we fly back to Kathmandu and are taken to the nearby heritage town of Bhaktapur for a two-night stay. Bhaktapur, or the “City of Devotees” as it is sometimes called, is one of the three old capital cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It is considered to be one of the best preserved and impressive heritage cities recognised by UNESCO. It is shaped like a conch shell and was the setting for the major Hollywood production The Little Buddha.

Pottery and weavings are its traditional industries. (BD)

DAY 17 wednesday Bhaktapur / Thimphu We fly to Paro in Bhutan and are then driven to Thimphu, the capital. Exquisitely beautiful and brimming with traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture, this tiny capital of Bhutan is nothing less than Shangri-La. Later we take a walk through ‘downtown’ Thimphu, a cultural immersion and a step back in time, before driving past Trashi Chhoe Dzong erected in1641. It is a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s Government. Tonight enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. (BLD)

DAY 18 thursday Thimphu / Punakha We start the day with a visit the National Memorial Chorten. Built in1974 in memory of the late Third Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan, here we find an extraordinary depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures. We also visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Built in 2001, the Folk Heritage Museum provides a glimpse of life in a Bhutanese village a hundred years ago. paro valley, bhutan

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the himalayas, nepal

Later we drive over the Dochu La Pass, where we stop briefly to admire the 108 chorten stupas, a mani wall (prayer slate covered stone wall) and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear you will be able to see many of the high peaks which surround the area including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 metres. We then continue down through the valley to Punakha for a two-night stay. (B)

DAY 19 friday Punakha We explore the Punakha Valley, a sub-tropical area where grains, vegetables and fruits grow in abundance and which is home to some major sights. The first is Punakha Dzong which was built in1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is one of the most spectacular dzongs in Bhutan. Following lunch at a local restaurant we take a walk through the village before visiting Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility”, at Lobesa. (BLD)

DAY 20 saturday Punakha / Paro We return to Paro where we visit Kichu Temple, the oldest temple in Bhutan built during 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen. If time permits we also visit Paro Rinpung Dzong or the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”, built in1646. Today the Dzong is the seat of the local district administration, as well as the home for a monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. (BLD)

DAY 21 sunday Paro – Tigers Nest

After seeing the monastery we enjoy lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking back. (BLD)

Today we drive to Satsam Chorten and from there commence our hike to Taktsang Goempa or “Tigers Nest”. The hike is the highlight of the trip for many, as it is breathtaking. It is believed that during the early 7th Century, Guru Padma Sambhavav, known as Guru Rimpoche in Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for over three months to subdue the demons and also spread Buddhism in the region. Later they built the Taktsang Monastery over this cave. The hike is quite a steep uphill climb and may take up to 2½ hours each way. Ponies can be hired for about $30 but will only take you one way (up).

Even if you only make it to the lunch spot, you still gain great views of the monastery.

DAY 22 monday Paro / Kathmandu We fly back to Kathmandu this morning and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner. (BD)

DAY 23 tuesday Kathmandu We have a leisurely morning before being taken to the airport for our flight home to Australia. (B & Meals inflight)

DAY 24 wednesday Arrive AUSTRALIA. You arrive in your capital city today where your tour comes to an end. Welcome home!

tour Dates for india, bhutan & nepal sensations Tour

Departing 16th November 2015 Returning 9 th December 2015 Departing 21st March 2016

Returning 12th April 2016

costs for india, bhutan & nepal sensations Tour

$14,990 $13,740 $ 1,94 8 $5,10 0

Per person twin-share ex-Brisbane, Melb, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth Per person twin-share starting in Mumbai & ending in Kathmandu Single room supplement for solo travellers not wishing to share rooms Business-class upgrade for long-haul international sectors

Tour extensions

Please consider our Highlights of Tibet Tour or The Best of Tibet Tour on pages 54 and 55. They work very well after the India, Bhutan & Nepal Sensations Tour.

Terms & conditions apply. Tour costs may change prior to receipt of full payment due to circumstances beyond our control.

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13 days india part sensations New Delhi Jaipur Agra Deogarh Udaipur Khajuraho

Varanasi varanasi, on the ganges river

Mumbai

INDIA

first part of india, bhutan & nepal sensations India’s astounding diversity of religions, languages and cultures is unique and unparalleled. This is highlighted in the broad range of experiences you encounter in only 13 days on this vast and welcoming subcontinent.

included highlights • Experienced tour leader throughout.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Two nights in bustling Mumbai.

• Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former house.

• Exotic Udaipur, the “Lake City”.

• A visit to Udaipur’s famous City Palace.

• Deogarh, staying in17th Century palace.

• Two nights in Jaipur, the “Pink City”.

• Jaipur’s ornately decorated Amber Fort.

• Two nights in Agra and the Taj Mahal.

• Shatabdi Express Train, Agra to Jhansi.

• The superb Western Group of Temples.

• A night in Varanasi on the Holy Ganges.

• The deeply spiritual Aarti Ceremony.

included fine dining • Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

• 17 meals are included:11breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners.

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From cosmopolitan Mumbai to the forts and palaces steeped in history in the royal state of Rajasthan; the architecturally perfect Taj Mahal, in contrast to beautifully carved and explicit figures depicting battle and love scenes at Khajuraho; finishing in Varanasi, the most ancient living city in India, be prepared for what India is always described as, “an assault on the senses”.

Mumbai is India’s commercial capital, a city of entrepreneurs, towers, discos, cricket, and “Bollywood”. A city tour opens our eyes to the British influence and the teachings of Gandhi.

We then fly to the City of Lakes, Udaipur. Marble palaces, beautiful gardens and many lakes make Udaipur feel like a peaceful dream. It’s then to Deogarh, where we spend the night in a 17th Century palace before continuing to Jaipur, the Pink City. A unique Inca Tours’ experience is dining with a family in their own home. Agra is our next stop, home to the famous Taj Mahal.

We then train to Khajuraho before flying to Varanasi, considered the holiest of Hindu cities.

DAY 1 TO DAY 11 australia / varanasi The itinerary for the First Part of Sensations is the same as the Sensations Tour from Day1 to Day11. Please see pages 47 & 48 for the itinerary.

DAY 12 friday varanasi / delhi Today you are transferred to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi, where on arrival you connect with your onward flight. (B)

DAY 13 saturday arrive australia After a plane change enroute, you fly on to Australia, arriving later today. (Meals Inflight) Welcome Home!

first part of tour Dates

Departing 16th November 2015 Returning 28th November 2015 Departing 21st March 2016 Returning 2nd April 2016 First part of tour costs

$7,9 8 0 Per person twin-share $6,78 0 Per person twin-share starting Mumbai & ending Varanasi $861 Single supplement $5,10 0 Business-class upgrade

inca tours - excellence in travel

“tigers nest” monastery, bhutan

14 days bhutan & nepal part NEPAL Thimphu Punakha Pokhara BHUTAN Kathmandu Paro

second part of india, bhutan & nepal sensations included highlights • Experienced tour leader throughout.

• Expert local guides in each location.

• All tipping, porterage & departure taxes.

• Three nights in Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient and mountainous Nepal.

• A traditional Nepalese dance & dinner.

Joining the Second Part of the Sensations Tour in Kathmandu, you will be struck by the majestic mountains and vast valleys of the Himalayas. Experience the hospitality of the Nepalese; become submerged in Buddhist Culture in Bhutan; and learn about the complex history of these tiny mountainous countries.

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site is home to Patan and Bhaktapur, with their Durbar Squares laid out with palaces, temples and public spaces. Monkey Temple offers a beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley and Boudhanath is Nepal’s largest stupa. We overnight in the bewitching lakeside town of Pokhara and take in a stunning sunrise view of Annapurna Range. Three of the worlds ten highest mountains can be seen here.

• Overnight in Thimphu, Paro Valley.

After a relaxing five nights in Nepal we fly across the Himalayan Range, with views of Mount Everest if the day is clear, to Paro in Bhutan. Here we explore the Punakha Valley, the highlight being the spectacular Punakha Dzong. We then travel over the Dochu La Pass to Thimphu, the capital city often described as Shrangri-la! Our last stop is in Paro, where we visit Kichu, the oldest temple in Bhutan and a highlight for many, Tigers Nest Monastery.

• Exhilarating drive over Dochu La Pass.

DAY 1

• Visits to Boudhanath and Patan City.

• An overnight in picturesque Pokhara.

• Two nights in the “City of Devotees”.

• A relaxing two nights in Punakha.

• Two nights in Paro & the “Tiger’s Nest”.

• A fantastic celebratory End of Tour Dinner in fabulous Kathmandu.

included fine dining • Many meals are included, with the exception of those during leisure time.

This allows you to do what you want and eat where you like in your free time.

• 27 meals are included:13 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 8 dinners.

thursday

australia / kathmandu Today you depart Australia for Kathmandu, with a plane change enroute. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel where you have three relaxing nights. Tomorrow the other members of your Sensations Tour will arrive in Kathmandu. (Meals Inflight)

second part tour Dates

Departing 26th November 2015 Returning 9th December 2015 Departing 31st March 2016 Returning 12th April 2016 second part tour costs

$9,19 0 Per person twin-share

DAY 2 TO DAY 14 kathmandu/australia

$7,9 9 0 Per person twin-share starting & ending in Kathmandu

The itinerary for the Sensations Tour Second Part is the same as the Sensations Tour from Day12 (in Kathmandu) to Day 24. Please see pages 49 to 51 for the detailed itinerary.

$1,090 Single supplement

incatours.net

$5,10 0 Business-class upgrade

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5 days highlights oftibet TIBET Lhasa

potala palace, lhasa

highlights of tibet tour four intriguing days in lhasa DAY 1

Arrive Lhasa On arrival at Lhasa Airport you are met and taken to your hotel where you have accommodation for four nights. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (D)

DAY 2

Lhasa

This morning you are taken on a comprehensive tour visiting the Potala Palace, the Drepung Monastery and Bharkhor Bazaar.

Potala Palace is probably the best known of Tibet’s landmarks, consisting of13 stories and 1,000 rooms! Previously the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, it is now a museum. It can be seen and photographed from anywhere in Lhasa.

Drepung (meaning “Rice Heap”) Monastery was the biggest and the richest of all the monasteries in Tibet. Said to be the largest Monastery in the world, at its peak it housed over10,000 monks and governed 7,700 subsidiary monasteries. Built in1416, the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama lived and were entombed here. Today only about 400 monks live there.

Bharkhor Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in Tibet. As you walk through the heart of Old Lhasa with its narrow streets, white-washed stone homes, windows framed in black and brightly painted woodwork, you notice that almost everyone has something to sell. (BD)

DAY 3

Lhasa Today you visit the Sera Monastery, Jolkhang Temple and Norbulingkha Palace.

Sera Monastery, situated to the north of Central Lhasa, is Tibet’s second largest monastery. This famous monastery was named after the wild roses growing around it when it was founded in1419. At its peak it housed over 7,000 monks and was famous for its warrior monks known as the “Dob-Doa”.

Jokhang Temple sits in the heart of Old Lhasa, and is the most sacred and oldest temple in Lhasa. According to tradition, the temple was built for the two brides of the king, one from the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the other from Nepal. Both wives are said to have brought

important Buddhist statues and images from China and Nepal to Tibet as part of their dowries and they were housed here.

Norbulinkha Palace or the “Jewel Park”, as it is known was built in the18th Century by the 7th Dalai Lama and served as the summer palace of the13th and14th Dalai Lamas. It is a mixture of religious and modern elements and features a garden landscape which was the site of picnics and gatherings. The palace is richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose. (BD)

DAY 4

DAY 5

Depart Lhasa Following breakfast you are taken to the airport where your tour comes to an end. (B) Luxury to basic hotel options are available.

tour extension costs $2,559 pp sharing Superior-class

$3,249 pp sharing Luxury-class combine & do it after 1 After the Gold Tour on page 34 or the Sensations Tour on page 46.

young Tibetan & his Mum, lhasa

54

Lhasa

Your tour today takes you out of the city to the Gandan Monastery. Meaning “Joyful”, Gandan Monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain and has commanding views of the Kich Valley below. (BD)

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8 days the best of tibet TIBET Lhasa Zangmu Shigatse NEPAL Xegar Gyangtse Kathmandu

DAY 1

Kathmandu / Zangmu This morning you are driven to the “Friendship Bridge” at Kodari. On reaching it you cross over to China and meet your Tibetan guide. You are then driven to Zangmu, at 2,500 metres. (D)

DAY 2

Zangmu / Xegar

Today you travel to Xegar, at 4,350 metres.

You cross Nyalam Tong La Pass and Lalung La Pass offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and if the weather is clear, Mount Everest. (BD)

DAY 3

Xegar / Shigatse

You set off for Shigatse, at 3,900 metres. The first part of the drive crosses plains and provides a panoramic view of Everest and other peaks. (BD)

typical urban street scene, tibet

the best of tibet tour renowned for its culture & scenery DAY 4

Shigatse / Gyangtse This morning you visit Tashilhunpo Monastery (“Heap of Glory”) which was founded by the first Dalai Lama in1447.

This afternoon you are driven to Gyangtse, at 3,950 metres, where you visit Palkhur Choide Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. (BD)

DAY 5

Gyangtse / Lhasa You complete the drive to Lhasa, at 3,650 metres. Although not far the drive takes most of the day. You cross the Karo La Pass and then travel around Yamdrok Lake, also known as the “Turquoise Lake”, before crossing Khamba La Pass at 4,794 metres. On arrival in Lhasa you check in to your hotel for three nights. (BD)

DAY 6

Lhasa

Today you undertake visits to Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery and Bharkhor Bazaar.

Potala Palace is probably the best known landmark in Tibet, consisting of13 stories and 1,000 rooms! Previously the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, it is now a museum. Drepung (“Rice Heap”) Monastery was the biggest and the richest of all the monasteries in Tibet.

Founded in1416, it was said to be the world’s largest monastery and once housed 10,000 monks. Today 400 monks live there. Bharkhor Bazaar is the largest and oldest of Tibet’s markets. As you walk through Old Lhasa with its narrow streets, you will notice that almost everyone is selling something. (BD)

DAY 7

Lhasa You visit Sera Monastery, Jolkhang Temple and Norbulingkha Palace. Sera Monastery is situated to the north of Central Lhasa and is Tibet’s second largest. This famous monastery was named after the wild roses growing around it when it was founded in1419. It was famous for its warrior monks known as the “Dob-Doa”.

Jokhang Temple in the heart of Old Lhasa is the most sacred and oldest temple in the city.

According to tradition, it was built for the two brides of the king, one from the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the other from Nepal.

Norbulinkha Palace or “Jewel Park” was built in the18th Century by the 7th Dalai Lama and served as the summer palace of the13th and14th Dalai Lamas. It is richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose. (BD)

DAY 8

Depart Lhasa This morning you are taken to Lhasa Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B) With the exception of Lhasa, hotels are of a budget standard.

tour extension costs $3,567 pp sharing Budget-class

Superior or Luxury-class not available combine & do it after 1 After the Gold Tour on page 34 or the Sensations Tour on page 46.

norbulinkha palace, lhasa

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13 days southindia cultural INDIA Chennai Mahabalipuram Trichy Pondicherry Kochi Thanjavur Alleppy Madurai Thekkady

meenakshi temples, madurai

south india cultural tour enjoy before your group tour starts

DAY 1

Arrive Chennai / Mahabalipuram Your tour begins on arrival in Chennai where you are met and taken to your hotel in Mahabalipuram for a two-night stay. Situated on the beach this is a very pleasant way to start your tour.

7th and 8th Centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous “Descent of the Ganges” and the Temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

You are returned to your hotel for tonight. (B)

DAY 2

DAY 3

Mahabalipuram Your morning is at leisure to recover from yesterday’s flights. Later today you are taken to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava Kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the

Mahabalipuram/ Puducherry Your day starts with a drive to Puducherry.

With its seafront promenade, wide boulevards, enduring pockets of French Culture and architecture and a popular ashram, charming Puducherry (whose name officially changed from “Pondicherry” in October 2006) is unlike anywhere else in South India. The former French Colony was settled in the early 18th Century as a colonial enclave and it still retains a mildly Gallic air, superimposed on to a typical Indian background.

In the afternoon you undertake a tour of Puducherry, which includes a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram. Tonight you may like to enjoy one of the cities alluring restaurants, many serving a local version of French Cuisine. (B)

DAY 4

Puducherry / Thanjavur (Tanjore) Today you are taken to Thanjavur, with stops to visit Chidambaram and Kumbakonam along the way. (B)

DAY 5

Thanjavur Following breakfast you undertake a morning tour of Thanjavur, an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture.

Most of the “Great Living Chola Temples”, which are UNESCO World Heritage Listed monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a style unique to the region.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax or to explore at your own pace. (B)

DAY 6

DAY 7

Trichy / Madurai

After breakfast you are taken to Madurai by road. Known as the “Athens of the East”, Madurai is more than 2,000 years old and is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara in the 6th Century BC.

meenakshi sundareswarer temple

56

Thanjavur / Trichy

You start the day with a relatively short drive to Tiruchirappalli, also called “Tiruchi” or “Trichy”. In the afternoon you visit the town as well as the Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Ranganatha.

This beautifully sculpted temple occupies an area of 63 hectares making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. (B)

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indian sculpture

houseboat, kerala backwaters

In the afternoon you visit the Meenakshi Temple. Designed in1560 it covers an area of six hectares and has four main entrances, twelve towers and 985 richly carved pillars! (B)

DAY 8

Madurai / Thekkady Note, it is possible to join the Gold Tour today.

This morning you are driven to Thekkady, during which you gain an insight into the life of the locals as you travel past rice paddies and pass through several small villages. As you climb up the escarpment to the village of Thekkady, famous for its spices, you will notice a change in climate and a change in vegetation.

Kerala, the “Spice Capital of the World”, was wholly dependent until recent times on its spice trade, as traders came from far and wide to purchase these precious commodities. (B)

waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages as you observe the locals going about their daily lives. You have your meals onboard the boat as you meander through this fascinating area. (BLD)

DAY 11 Houseboat / Kochi After breakfast you disembark and are taken to your hotel in Kochi, where your day is at leisure.

This evening you are taken out to experience a Kathakali Dance performance, having originated in the state of Kerala during the17th Century.

Kathakali is a stylised classical Indian synthesis of dance, drama and music which will amaze you with its colour and grace. (B)

DAY 12 Kochi Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on India’s West Coast from the14th Century and remained the centre of India’s worldwide spice trade for many centuries to come.

This morning you undertake a tour of the Fort Cochin area during which you see the famous Chinese fishing nets and may also encounter the day’s catch being auctioned on the beach.

You walk through the Old Town around Mattancherry Jetty, you visit St Francis Church of Kochi and tour the Mattancherry Palace (also known as the “Dutch Palace”). You then stroll through Jew Town where the oldest synagogue in India is located. Your afternoon is at leisure to further explore the Old Town. (B)

DAY 13 Depart Kochi

DAY 9

Thekkady This morning you visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary before going to a spice plantation for an interesting afternoon tour. (B)

This morning you are transferred to Kochi Airport where your tour comes to an end. (B) Please note, it is possible to lengthen or shorten this itinerary to suit your requirements.

DAY 10 Thekkady / Houseboat Today you are driven to Alleppy where you board your houseboat comprising fully furnished bedrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge and a full crew. Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. You enjoy a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala Backwaters, floating through these placid

tour extension costs $2,675 pp sharing Superior-class

$2,972 pp sharing Luxury-class ending day 8, in madurai $1,540 pp sharing Superior-class

$1,667 pp sharing Luxury-class traditional indian drama

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4 to 11days Delhi & the North Dharamashala Shimla Amritsar Rishikesh Chandigarh Hardiwar the golden temple & amrit sarovar lake, amritsar

New Delhi

three delhi & the north tours undertake 1 or combine 2 or all 3 parts

INDIA part 1 Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh

DAY 1

Delhi / Rishikesh Early this morning you are taken from your hotel to New Delhi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express. On arrival in Haridwar you are met and taken to your hotel in Rishikesh for two nights.

Rishikesh has an exquisite setting at the confluence of the Ganges and Chandrabhaga Rivers, surrounded by low forested mountains of the Himalayas. In ancient times and even more so since the1960s when the Beatles visited, Rishikesh has attracted spiritual seekers

from around the world. It has always been a holy town for its location on the Ganges and is now famous as a “Yoga Capital” of the world.

This afternoon you undertake a sightseeing tour of Rishikesh visiting Lakshman Jhula and Lakshman Temple, Bharat Mandir, Ram Jhula, Gita Bhawan and Swarg Ashram. This evening you witness the famous Ganges Aarti Ceremony.

DAY 2

Rishikesh – Haridwar Today you visit Haridwar, which literally means “Gateway to God”. It is one of the most famous holy cities in India and is widely visited as Hindus from all around the world try to visit Haridwar once in their lifetime.

Har Ki Pauri is the major attraction where in the evening people perform worship to the Goddess Ganga with earthen lamps, flowers and incense sticks. Your tour of Haridwar includes Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple and finally the local markets.

This evening you are returned to Rishikesh. (B)

DAY 3

Rishikesh / Delhi Your day is at leisure. This afternoon you are driven to the rail station for the Delhi bound Shatabdi Express. On arrival you are taken to your hotel for tonight. (B) Alternatively, you can go directly to Chandigarh on the next tour package.

DAY 4

Depart delhi Your tour comes to an end this morning. (B)

part 2 Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla & Dharamsala

DAY 1

Delhi / Chandigarh This morning you are driven to Chandigarh. On arrival you check in to your hotel for tonight.

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, was designed by Le Corbusier, the famous French architect. It is unlike any city in India, with modern buildings, broad boulevards, parks and an overall air of prosperity. This afternoon you visit Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden. (B)

DAY 2

Chandigarh / Shimla Today you are driven to Shimla for a relaxing two-night stay.

The British called Shimla the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Situated in the Northwest Himalayas, Shimla, at 2,170 metres above sea level was the summer capital of India before independence and is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla derives its name from “Shyamala” (the Goddess Kali), whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th Century. Surrounded by heavily wooded forest including oak and rhododendron, Shimla is one of Indian’s most popular hill stations.

Your evening is at leisure to relax at your hotel or take a walk along The Mall, an Old Englishstyle village with numerous shops selling all sorts of wares, old and new. (B)

holy man, haridwar

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DAY 5

Dharamsala You commence a full day tour of Dharamsala.

You visit McLeodganj, originally home to the semi-nomadic Gaddi Tribe and now home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid 19th Century palace was developed as a British garrison but is now the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government. The monastery has larger than life size images of Buddha. (B)

DAY 6

near shimla

Dharamsala / Delhi

After breakfast you fly on to Delhi where you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. (B) Alternatively, you can continue on with Day 3 of the next tour package.

DAY 7

Depart delhi On check out this morning your tour ends. (B)

DAY 3

Shimla Today you undertake a sightseeing excursion to Kufri and Chail.

Kufri, at 2,633 metres above sea level is derived from the word “Kufer”, which literally means pond. It is a beautiful hill station famous for its ski slopes and great views of the deep valleys and forests which rise towards the lofty Himalayas. Kufri is surrounded by cedar woods through which you can walk to Mahasu Peak, the highest in Kufri.

Chail is 2,444 metres in elevation and is considered a hiker’s paradise. It is also very well known for The Chail Palace, built as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj. It is also home to the world’s highest cricket ground! (B)

part 3Delhi, Dharamsala, Amritsar

DAY 1

Delhi / Dharamsala This morning you fly to Dharamsala. On arrival you check in to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2

Dharamsala

Today you undertake a full day tour of Dharamsala. You visit McLeodganj, originally home to the semi-nomadic Gaddi Tribe and now the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid19th Century palace was developed as a British garrison and was an important administrative point for the whole Kangra Valley. Today it is the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government.

The impressive monastery has larger than life size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara. You also visit the Dalai Lama Temple, monasteries, Bhagsunath Temple, the Tibetan Children’s Village and local markets. (B)

DAY 3

Dharamsala / Amritsar

Today you are driven to Amritsar in the state of Punjab. Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for India’s Sikhs and is characterised by religious and historical, as well as contemporary sites of importance. On arrival you check in to your hotel for two nights.

This evening you visit the Golden Temple to witness the glittering ceremony as the Holy Book “Guru Granth Sahib” is returned, according to time honoured rituals, to the Akal Takhta (Sikh Parliament) for the night. (BL)

DAY 4

Amritsar This morning you undertake a tour of Amritsar, the “Holy City of the Sikhs”. The highlight of the tour is a return to the Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib) for a daytime viewing.

Famous for its full golden dome, built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf, the temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs.

This afternoon you visit the Wagah Border: the international border between India and Pakistan.

The pomp and pageantry of the “Beating Retreat” and the Changing of the Guard within handshaking distance of Indian and Pakistani Forces makes for a most unique spectacle. (B)

DAY 5

Amritsar / Delhi After breakfast you are taken to the airport for your flight for Delhi. (There is also the option of training to Delhi.) On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight. (B)

DAY 4

Shimla / Dharamsala Your leisurely drive to Dharamsala will take most of the day. On arrival you check in to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 6

Depart delhi

On check out this morning your tour ends. (B)

Dharamsala is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar Range. It is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow-capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamsala than at any other hill resort, so it is possible to make a day’s trek to a snow-point. Dharamsala is the headquarters of the Kangra District. (B)

tour part 1 cost $743 pp sharing Superior-class tour part 2 cost $1,559 pp sharing Superior-class tour part 3 cost $1,363 pp sharing Superior-class hindu festival

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tea plantation

7 days srilankan highlights SRI LANKA Sigiriya Dambulla Polonnaruwa Pinnawala Kandy Negombo Nuwara Eliya Colombo

sri lankan highlights tour experience this indian ocean jewel

DAY 1

Arrive Colombo / negombo On arrival at Colombo Airport you are met and driven to your beachfront resort.

DAY 2

Negombo / Dambulla After breakfast you are met and taken to Dambulla, with a visit to Pinnawala enroute.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers the best chance to see a large number of elephants at close range. Established in1975 with seven orphaned elephants, Pinnawala commenced a successful breeding program and its first calf was born in1984. Later you are taken to Dambulla and your hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 3

Dambulla Today you visit Sigiriya. This 5th Century rock fortress, known as “Lion Rock”, is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres above the jungle. A World Heritage Site, it boasts a moat, a rampart and water gardens. Later you visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Declared the capital in1070, today it is a World Heritage Site. (B)

You visit one of the local tea farms and learn how this beverage is grown and produced. (B)

DAY 4

DAY 7

Dambulla / Kandy This morning you visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. Built in the1st Century BC, it is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples.

This World Heritage Site is a complex of five caves with over 2,000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, the largest area of paintings found in the world! It contains over150 images of the Buddha, the largest spanning14 metres.

You drive on to Kandy, visiting a spice garden enroute to see various spices for which Sri Lanka is famous. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and is also a World Heritage Site.

Its highlight is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (B)

DAY 6

Nuwara Eliya / Colombo You are taken to Nanuoya Railway Station to train to Colombo. On arrival you are taken to your hotel for the night. (B) Alternatively, you can continue with Day 3 of the next tour package. depart Colombo Today you are taken on a tour of Colombo.

Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers rise from where old buildings stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained and still obvious, such as the100 year old clock tower and several Colonial buildings. Other places of interest include Pettah Bazaar, Hindu and Buddhist Temples and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, a gift from the People’s Republic of China. On completion of the tour you are returned to your hotel. Later you are taken to the airport. (B)

DAY 5

Kandy / Nuwara Eliya During the drive to Nuwara Eliya you visit Peradeniya. This beautiful garden was first built by a Sinhala King and then expanded by the British. It now covers close to147 acres.

You continue to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s premier hill station and the heart of its tea industry. The best tea in the world is grown here!

tour extension costs $1,759 pp sharing Superior-class

$1,935 pp sharing Luxury-class do it BEFORE or after 1 Before the Gold Tour on page 34 2 After the Sensations Tour on page 46

sri lankan elephant

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galle fort

7 days wildlife & beach SRI LANKA Colombo

Galle

Nuwara Eliya Yala National Park

DAY 1

Arrive Colombo On arrival in Colombo you are met and taken to your hotel for tonight.

DAY 2

Colombo / Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast you are taken to Colombo Rail Station to board the train to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, due to its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s premier hill station and the heart of its tea production. The world’s best tea is produced here! You visit a tea plantation and learn how this familiar beverage is produced and graded. Mount Pidurutalagala, at 2,670 metres, is located here. (B)

wildlife & beach tour with a hill country train ride DAY 3

Nuwara Eliya / Yala National Park It is possible to join the tour here from Day 6 of the previous tour package. Today you are driven to Yala where you check in to your accommodation for two nights. This afternoon you undertake your first safari in fabulous Yala National Park.

Yala National Park is approximately1,260 square kilometres and is the largest and most popular in Sri Lanka. It is located in the south eastern corner of the island and it has the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. Yala is home to elephants, wild boars, buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles. Flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. (B)

DAY 4

Yala National Park Both early morning and afternoon safaris are undertaken in Yala National Park. (B)

DAY 5

Yala / Galle

Your touring takes you along the Coastal Route, arriving in Galle late this morning.

Here you stay for two relaxing nights.

Galle, a town rich in history, was once Ceylon’s chief port. It was the centre of the Dutch Regime in the17th Century and the majestic Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres) bears testimony to this. Galle is one of the best preserved Colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and a World Heritage Site. The Dutch Museum and the Dutch Church are two famous attractions. (B)

DAY 6

Galle

Today you undertake a Galle Walking Tour and Culinary Cooking Class. During the tour you learn about the history of Galle and taste some traditional Sri Lankan favourites.

You discover the secrets of “Fort Food” while exploring the fort, sampling the very best of Sri Lankan street food. Your cooking class teaches you how to make some traditional Sri Lankan favourites, including pol (coconut) sambol and fish curry, which you get to eat at the end of the tour. During the tour you also learn about the medicinal uses of spice tea.

Today’s walking tour and cooking class will allow you to experience the living history that makes this the most exciting fort in Asia. (BL)

Day 7 Galle / Colombo This morning you depart for Colombo where you undertake a comprehensive city and sightseeing tour. After this you are taken to Colombo Airport where your tour ends. (B)

tour extension costs $2,089 pp sharing Superior-class

$2,249 pp sharing Luxury-class do it BEFORE or after 1 Before the Gold Tour on page 34 2 After the Sensations Tour on page 46

stilt fishermen, galle beach

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tour enhancers in deogarh, pokhara, jaipur, agra, bhutan & at mt everest You can choose to add the following activities to your tour at our special rates, please enquire for the current cost.

The “RURAL RAMBLE�, Deogarh

Microlight flight, Pokhara

Balloon ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur

Mount Everest flight, nepal

Mohabbat The Taj show, Agra

Menchu hot stone bath, Bhutan

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combining tours popular gold tour combos days 33 36 41 32+ 35 35

Tour & extensions gold TOUR + highlights of tibet tour gold TOUR + the best of tibet tour south india cultural tour + gold TOUR gold tour + delhi & the north tour sri lankan highlights tour + gold tour wildlife & beach tour + gold tour

pages 34 & 54 34 & 55 56 & 34 34 & 58 60 & 34 61 & 34

popular sensations combos days tour & extensions 27 *3-night kerala stopover + sensations TOUR 29 sensations TOUR + highlights of tibet tour 32 sensations TOUR + the best of tibet tour 37 south india cultural tour + sensations TOUR 28+ sensations TOUR + delhi & the north tour 31 sensations tour + sri lankan highlights tour 31 sensations TOUR + wildlife & beach tour

pages 35 & 46 46 & 54 46 & 55 56 & 46 46 & 58 46 & 60 46 & 61

*For details of the optional 3-night Kerala Stopover, please see Day 2 to Day 4 on page 35.

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EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

Private non-group travel Inca Tours also specialises in designing tailor-made, private travel to India, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and Sri Lanka for couples, individuals, families and groups of friends. If the Gold Tour or the Sensations Tour described in this brochure does not suit you, just tell us what places you would like to visit, when you want to travel and we’ll design a personalised itinerary to reflect your interests and your budget.

Additionally, for brochures on our tours and travel to Africa, Egypt, South & Central America, Cuba, Mexico, Antarctica, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos, please call toll free on 1800 024 955 or email: sales@incatours.net Travel Agent’s Stamp

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

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Take the holiday you deserve

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

india nepal,bhutan

#35 # over

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& tibet

south america

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Inca Group Tours

Inca Group Tours

Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted

Small personable groups 4 or 5-star, fully-escorted

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www.incatours.net

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INCA TOURS 68 Pacific Highway, Wyong NSW 2259 Tel (02) 4351 2133 Fax (02) 4351 2526 Toll free from within Australia 1800 024 955 Email sales@incatours.net Web www.incatours.net Licenced Travel Agent No 2TA5698 ABN 28 112 971 838

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r Ove s year 30 nce erie Exp

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Individual Tailor-made Tour Packages, Safaris, Treks & Small Group Departures

Individual Tailor-made Tour Packages, Safaris, Cruises & Small Group Departures

Please contact Inca Tours or your travel agent for any of the above brochures