Go back in time on this unique journey across India that
brings you not only to 2000-year old monuments, but also visit villages
deep in the heart of India where native tribal people lead a way of life
that has not changed over centuries, virtually untouched by modern
civilization. Travel between the large cities of Bombay and Calcutta
from one coast to another, using a combination of domestic flights,
train travel on Indian Railways and overland travel by a private car and
driver, experiencing an India that few visitors get
to see.
Visit Hyderabad, a bustling city steeped in history and
now home to modern India's leading edge of R&D and high technology; yet
barely a few hundred miles away, one of the highlights of your trip will
be a visit to some remote village markets frequented by various
aboriginal tribal people, who are so removed from modern life that they
still hunt with bows and arrows. Travel by road for another hundred odd
miles and you come across the Sun Temple in Konarak, an ancient monument
famous for the erotic sculptures carved on its walls! All this is the
colorful kaleidoscope that is India, for you to discover.
Elaborate sculptures carved out of sheer rock at Ellora
Trip Highlights include:
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bombay, India’s gateway by the Arabian Sea
2000-year old Buddhist temples of Ajanta
Ancient Hindu rock temples of Ellora
Hyderabad
Tribal villages of Orissa
Sun Temple in Konarak
Bay of Bengal beaches at Gopalpur & Puri
Calcutta
Stopover in Singapore
Day 1: USA to Singapore
Shortly after noon today, catch your Singapore
Airlines flight to Asia. Arrive in Singapore two days later after
crossing the International Dateline.
Day 3: Singapore
The day is free for you to enjoy Singapore, a
modern city and yet distinctly Oriental. A special visitors’ pass is
included for transportation and entrance fees to important sights
around the city. Take the evening flight to Bombay (Mumbai)
Day 4: Bombay (Mumbai)
Tour some of the major sights this morning, like
the impressive Gateway of India, Crawford Market and the impressive
Victoria Terminus Railway Station . The afternoon is free for you to
explore Bombay on your own.
Day 5: Bombay to Aurangabad
Take an afternoon flight to Aurangabad, gateway
to the ancient monuments of Ajanta & Ellora.
Day 6: Ajanta Caves
The Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta , dating
from 2nd century BC, are famous for their paintings and sculptures.
These exquisite works of art created with natural colors have
survived more than 2,000 years tell an amazing story about religion
and culture in ancient India.
Day 7: Ellora Caves to Hyderabad
Visit Ellora with its fabulous temples carved
from sheer rock hills. The 34 monasteries and temples are over 1,000
years old and are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism,
reflecting changes in religious following over the years. Later this
evening, take an overnight train from Aurangabad to Hyderabad.
Day 8: Hyderabad
Hyderabad is located on the Deccan Plateau
surrounded by hills, lakes, forests and rock formations – a
cosmopolitan city with a variety of cultures. See the sights during
a city tour.
Day 9: Hyderabad to Vishakhapatnam
Midday flight to Vishakhapatnam, situated on the
coast with beautiful beaches, Buddhist monuments and ancient caves.
Day 10: Vishakhapatnam to Jeypore
Visit tribal village on the way to Jeypore,
abundant with forest, waterfalls and colorful wildlife.
Day 11: Jeypore to Rayagada
Visit the weekly market at Onukudelli, attended
by the Bonda, Gadaba and Didei tribes. This is the only opportunity
to see many of these tribal people, who lead an isolated existence
in remote hills, where hunting with bows and arrows is a daily way
of life. Later, visit some Desia Kondh tribal villages near
Chatikona, on your way to Rayagada.
Day 12: Rayagada to Gopalpur
Travel through the Orissa countryside, stopping
at Kondh tribal villages and the Taptapani sulphur springs en route,
before reaching Gopalpur on the coast.
Day 13: Gopalpur to Puri
Heading north along the coast visit Chilka,
Asia’s largest salt water lake and the site of the Nalban Bird
Sanctuary, where migratory birds from northern climates flock during
the winter months.
Day 14: Puri
Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.
Day 15: Puri to Bhubaneswar and
Calcutta (Kolkata)
Visit the magnificent Sun Temple in Konarak ,
before heading to Bhubaneswar with its ancient Hindu temples from
the 8th to 13th century AD. Fly to Calcutta early this evening.
Day 16: Calcutta (Kolkata)
In the morning take an orientation tour of the
city, well known for its colonial era buildings, museums and art
galleries. The afternoon is free.
Day 17: Calcutta to Singapore
The morning is free, fly to Singapore later this
evening.
Day 18: Singapore to USA
Early morning arrival in Singapore, with
connecting flights to the US, arriving the same day.
We offer two categories
of accommodation:
Silver
hotels are carefully selected for their excellent value - all rooms
have private facilities.
Gold
hotels are better located, offer more spacious rooms with better
amenities and a higher standard of service.
The departure date determines the price applicable. All prices
are per person and based on twin-share accommodation.
A $100 surcharge applies for bookings made within 30 days of the
departure date. The tour price does not include airport taxes, meals
(other than those indicated), personal expenses and travel nsurance.
Massive temples with exquisite sculptures, carved out of sheer rock
Tribal woman in Orissa
Beach scene in Puri - Indian family drying a sari after a dip in the sea
