INDIA & SRI LANKA Promotion_AU 2023

Highlights of Rajasthan

(Tour Code: HORFGT)

17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS EASY-PACED GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 04 DELUXE FROM AU $4,775 PP

Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’ is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. It boasts some of the finest fortress palaces set against the stark desert landscape. With its brightly coloured costumes of local, turbaned men and richly jewelled women, the haveli’s and villages, fairs and festivals, this tour takes you back to a bygone era.

a fascinating insight into India’s cultural diversity. Finally, visit Qutub Minar a World Heritage site, this is the tallest brick minaret in the world, completed in the 14th century with beautiful terra cotta embellishments and balconies. Evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

to Amber Fort. Later continue to City Palace and the Observatory and take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, built in the 17th Century. Jaipur is famous for colourful markets filled with textiles, jewellery and fantastic souvenirs so you’ll enjoy exploring the local bazaar in the evening.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager who will assist you to transfer to the hotel. Stay two nights in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi B D

Enjoy breakfast and an introduction to the tour by the Tour Manager before, starting full-day sightseeing of Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride past the several busy bazaars and Asia’s largest spice market which has existed since the 17th century. At Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the city’s largest Sikh Temple, you’ll gain

Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur B D

After breakfast travel to Jaipur, the first planned city of India, a treasure trove of culture, art and history, famous for its colour, lifestyle and Rajasthani cuisine. It is a city exuding royal heritage and extravagant richness. In the afternoon we will learn the art of Indian cooking as you watch famous recipes being cooked in your presence. Choose to participate, learn how to cook an easy curry at home, and enjoy a homecooked dinner. Stay two nights in Jaipur.

Day 4: Sightseeing & Bazaar B D Start the day’s sightseeing with a visit

Day 5: Jaipur – Bikaner B D

Travel to Bikaner, a centre of art and culture of medieval India. In the afternoon visit the well-preserved 16th-century Junagarh Fort and Lallgarh Palace. Evening at leisure to explore and experience the royal legacy of a bygone era. Stay overnight in Bikaner.

Day 6: Bikaner – Jaisalmer B D

After breakfast travel to the Golden City of Jaisalmer, built-in 1156 AD and named after its founder, Bhatti Rajput Rao Jaisal. Located deep in the heart

What’s included: 16 Nights deluxe accommodation Travel, sightseeing and transfers by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified Accompanied Tour Manager (minimum 07 people) Monument entrance fees Rickshaw ride in Delhi Camel ride in Jaisalmer Jeep ride at Jaipur 02 Wildlife safaris at Ranthambhore Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.

Top Seller

of the desert, the city is popular for its centuries-old forts, palaces, havelies and amber-hued houses. Evening free to explore the town and stay two nights in Jaisalmer.

Day 7: Jaisalmer Sightseeing B D

Go on a sightseeing tour to visit the imposing Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake. Later this evening, enjoy a camel safari on the exotic dunes, offering an unforgettable experience of rich cultural heritage.

Day 8: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur B D

Today drive to Jodhpur, the bustling desert city the second-largest city in Rajasthan with a landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort atop a sheer rocky ridge. Evening free to explore the Sadar Bazaar famous for glass bangles, rugged camel leather mojri slippers and incredible fabrics. Stay two nights in Jodhpur.

Day 9: Jodhpur Sightseeing B D

Morning enjoys a city tour and visit Mehrangarh Fort nestled atop a hill, at a height of 410 ft above the city, and stands as a majestic citadel of colossal proportions also go to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Afternoon an excursion to Bishnoi Village and learn of their interesting philosophy for living devotion to ecofriendliness and wildlife protection.

Day 10: Jodhpur – Udaipur B D

Drive to Udaipur and en-route visit Ranakpur, renowned for its Jain temples with intricately carved marble pillars and domes believed

to have been built in 1439AD. The temple rests on 1444 elegantly carved pillars – no two identical. Stay two nights in Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur Sightseeing B D

Start your full-day sightseeing tour with visit to City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Museum, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir which is an Indian folk art museum. Conclude your evening with a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 12: Udaipur – Pushkar B D

We will leave early this morning and drive west to Pushkar, the peaceful Hindu pilgrimage centre made famous by the annual Camel Fair. Evening visit Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake and the local bazaars around. stay overnight in Pushkar.

Day 13: Pushkar – Ranthambhore B D

Today travel to Ranthambhore National Park, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur a famous tiger reserve. Evening free to explore the town and stay two nights in Ranthambhore.

Day 14: Wildlife Safari B L D

Enjoy a morning and afternoon canter safari around the game reserve with an estimated area of 400sq km. Spot various wildlife species of animals, birds and reptiles and if lucky, see a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 15: Ranthambhore – Agra B D

We make our way for the last leg of our journey to Agra, En-route visit Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary, a

UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to see several species of Indian and international migratory birds. Stay two nights in Agra.

Day 16: Agra B D

An early start to visit the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument of love and devotion with its superb craftsmanship of semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble. After breakfast visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is admired for its splendour, architectural beauty and magnificent halls and Itmad-Ud-Daulah a mausoleum that will stun you with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. Conclude the day with a visit to a marble inlay workshop to see artisans creating a masterpiece in marble and precious gemstones.

Day 17: Agra - Delhi Departure B

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and checkout by 1200hrs and travel to Delhi, tour finishes by late evening with a direct transfer to Delhi International airport.

Tour notes:

Suggested gratuity AU$120pp: Driver, Tour Guide and Tour Manager

Combine your stand-alone or multi tour with wholesale return airfare and save

Best of Rajasthan & Kerala

(Tour Code: BORAKFGT)

18 DAYS / 17 NIGHTS EASY-PACED GUARANTEED DEPARTURE MIN PAX: 02 DELUXE FROM AU $5,309 PP

Explore the best of Rajasthan and Kerala on this incredible group tour. Great for first-time travellers to India who want to see a broad range of the best the entire country has to offer, the tour features breath-taking landscapes, spectacular cultural sites, one of India’s most interesting game reserves, and two dynamic regions.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager who will assist you to transfer to the hotel. Stay two nights in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi B D

Enjoy breakfast followed by a briefing before starting the full day sightseeing of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate and explore Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw.

Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur B D Travel to Jaipur the pink city of India, affectionately nicknamed “The Pink City” for the blushing colour of its historic buildings, Jaipur is a princely wonderland of culture and heritage, brimming with architectural gems. Rest of the evening is free to explore and indulge in shopping at the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. Stay two nights in Jaipur.

Day 4: Jaipur B D

Start a full-day sightseeing tour with an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort, constructed from yellow and pink sandstone and gleaming white marble. Back in the city, photo Stop at Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. At the City Palace Museum, our knowledgeable guide will enhance your tour of its extensive and carefully curated collection including miniature paintings, ancient weapons and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. Late afternoon women will have Heena painting and men will learn the art of Rajasthani Turban tying.

Day 5: Jaipur – Ranthambhore B D Travel to Ranthambhore National Park and enjoy a village tour. Stay two nights at Ranthambhore.

What’s included: 17 Nights deluxe accommodation Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified THO Tour Manager (minimum 07 people) Local English-speaking tour guide Monument entrance fees Airfare Delhi-Cochin in economy class Overnight backwater cruise 02 Wildlife safaris at Ranthambhore Jeep ride in Jaipur 01 Basic Ayurveda massage Kathakali dance show Boat safari at Periyar Spice plantation visit Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.

Day 6: Wildlife Safari B L D

Enjoy a morning and afternoon canter safari around the game reserve with an estimated area of 400sq km. Spot various wildlife species of animals, birds and reptiles and if lucky, see a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 7: Ranthambhore – Agra B D

We make our way for the last leg of our journey to Agra, En-route visit Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to see several species of Indian and international migratory birds. Stay two nights in Agra.

Day 8: Agra B D

An early start to visit the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument of love and devotion with its superb craftsmanship of semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble. After breakfast visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, which is admired for its splendour, architectural beauty and magnificent halls. and Itmad-UdDaulah a mausoleum for its ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. Conclude the day with a visit to a marble inlay workshop to see artisans creating a masterpiece in marble and precious gemstones.

Day 9: Agra – Cochin B D

Travel back to Delhi and board flight to Cochin. In the evening explore the capital of Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, and stay two nights in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin B D

Cochin’s sightseeing includes Cochin Harbour terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Later visit the Hill Palace which was built in the 19th century. Later in the evening, you will witness a Kathakali Dance Show.

Day 11: Cochin – Munnar B D

Enjoy a beautiful drive to Munnar, famous for its scenic beauty, marvellous waterfalls and Tea Plantations. We spent the day driving around the tea plantations, first visiting the local women who pick the tea leaves and then learning about how the tea is processed at the local factory. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar – Thekkady B D

After breakfast travel to Thekkady, on the way witness natural beauty adorned with green pastures of spice plantations, beautiful rivulets, cascading waterfalls and dense forests. Evening enjoy a boat ride on the expansive waters of the Periyar dam. The two hours of boating will give you a myriad of opportunities to observe wild animals grazing, drinking water and coming down from the dense forest that fence the lake. Spend two nights in Thekkady.

Day 13: Thekkady B D

Morning visit to a Spice Plantation. This area is famous for cardamom, coffee and tea plantations and we will learn a little about the many uses of spice, both medicinal and culinary. Evening at leisure to explore the local market famous for its spice and local produce.

Day 14: Overnight Houseboat B L D Morning travel to Kumarakom and enjoy a cruise through canals and lakes. Observe the daily life of locals residing on the banks. All meals and overnight on a traditional houseboat.

Day 15-17: Alleppey – Kovalam B D Wake up with the chirruping noise of the birds and disembark after breakfast. Travel to Kovalam and enjoy a basic Ayurveda massage with three nights at a beach resort.

Day 18: Trivandrum Departure B

After a leisurely breakfast, the tour finishes with a direct transfer to Trivandrum airport.

Tour notes:

Suggested gratuity AU$180pp: Driver, Tour Guide and Tour Manager Economy airfare included: AU$88pp

Combine your stand-alone or multi tour with wholesale return airfare and save

Classic Lanka

(Tour Code: CLFGT)

This small-group tour combines culture and relaxation, taking in some of Sri Lanka’s finest historical, archaeological and natural treasures while not forgetting the pleasure of a few days by the sea.

Day 2: Colombo – Habarana B D

After a brief outline of the tour, travel to Habarana, the hub of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or explore this small town. Stay four nights at Habarana.

Day 3: Excursion to Anuradhapura B D

Day 4: Hiriwadunna Village & Sigiriya B L D

Day 1: Arrive Colombo

On arrival at the airport, meet your tour manager at the arrival lounge who will assist you to transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Today enjoy an excursion to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins and monuments, an engineering marvel, embellished with handsome stone carvings or sculptures, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals dated back to the 2nd Century BC.

Morning visit the 5th Century Sigiriya rock fortress. An afternoon bullockdrawn cart ride will take you through the village of Hiriwadunna. Cross a scenic reservoir by Oruwa (traditional boat), its long, narrow shape gliding effortlessly on the water, to visit a Chena cultivation, wherefrom the shade of a treehouse made of mud and thatched palm leaves, the village of Hiriwadunna can be surveyed. Mix and mingle with locals over a cup of Ceylon Tea before a home-cooked lunch is served by the local family.

Day 5: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya B D

Take an excursion to Polonnaruwa, another World Heritage Site, and visit monuments built by the South

What’s included: 13 Nghts deluxe accommodation Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle Group assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified THO National Guide (minimum 07 people) Monument entrance fees Jeep safari at Minneriya & Yala National Park Cultural dance show in Kandy Turtle hatchery Village experience Tea tour Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.

Nuwara Eliya

Top Seller

Indian Cholas dynasty in the 11th and 12th centuries. Later visit Minneriya National Park to watch a big family of elephants come to bathe and graze, as well as the variety of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Day 6: Habarana – Kandy B D

Leave after breakfast for Kandy, stopping en route in Matale, spice growing region, for a special insight into some unique Sri Lankan agriculture. Evening enjoy a drum and dance cultural show before concluding the day with two nights stay in Kandy.

Day 7: Kandy B D

Morning visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Evening explore the town and bazaar for local handicrafts and visit a gem museum.

Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya B D

After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the scenic ride to the tea state. See lush green land filled with miles of tea plantations. Stay two nights in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya (Tea Tour) B D

Wake up to the freshness of the tea garden, enjoy a leisurely breakfast

and get ready for a tea garden tour. The tea industry in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is over 150 years old. It is a traditional industry commenced by the British when Ceylon was a colony. Vestiges of the colonial heritage are still evident, particularly in the teagrowing regions. Meet tea experts and scientists at the Tea Research Institute and learn about the latest scientific discoveries. Sharpen your tea-tasting skills with experts. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya – Yala B D

Travel to Yala, famous for its national park, enjoy a scenic ride through small towns, and arrive late afternoon. Evening free to explore and stay overnight at Yala.

Day 11: Yala – Beach Stay B D

After breakfast take a morning jeep safari to Yala National Park to Spot varieties of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Later travel to your next destination and enjoy three nights at the beach resort Hikkaduwa/ Bentota.

Day 12: Day Excursion B D

After breakfast enjoy a day excursion

and visit the Mask Factory Museum at Ambalangoda, then to Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, operated by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka to protect endangered turtle species from extinction. Before returning we explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 13: Beach Resort B D Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the day is free to relax on the beach.

Day 14: Colombo Departure B D

Check out by midday and travel back to Colombo. The tour finishes by late afternoon with a direct transfer to the airport

Tour notes:

Suggested gratuity AU$150pp: Driver, Tour Guide and Tour Manager Add wholesale return airfare: from AU$850 (Low season)

 Space and rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.

 To hold the room on a confirmed basis minimum deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking.

 Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise requested earlier.

 Airfare mentioned is the lowest economy and business class flying Singapore or Malaysian Airlines. Seats are subject to availability at the time of booking.

 Package price displayed in THO small group Journeys are per person as per mentioned departure date.

 For more details on booking conditions visit https://totalholidayoptions.com.au/home/booking

Responsible Tourism

 Low Emission Vehicles

 Socially Conscious Hotels Tourism

 Giving back through non profitable Organisations

 Not promoting tours that cause mistreatment to animals

 Local Guides

 Supporting Community Tourism

 e-Documentation