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NORTH AND SOUTH INDIA

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

Join our small group: March 12-28

Delhi - Day 1
You will be met on arrival by our representative and transferred to The Intercontinental or Taj Palace. Delhi, the capital of the country, and one of India's fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the "seven cities" created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the Yamuna River, straddling it. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek - by - jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Delhi has speciality restaurants to please the gourmet, sprawling parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months, a variety of cultural events. The myriad faces of the city are simply tantalizing, and entice the curious traveler into a fascinating journey of discovery.

Delhi - Day 2
Begin exploring Delhi. Old Delhi: Visit Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). Walk through the various markets in Old Delhi: Khari Baoli, Paharganj Mandi and the food markets of Chandni Chowk. Visit the Chor Bizarre Restaurant for a cooking Demonstration, followed by lunch. This restaurant is known for its Kashmiri Cuisine. After lunch, independent time to relax, enjoy hotel facilities or shop. Visit the Humayun's Tomb at sunset.

Dinner at the BUKHARA RESTAURANT, at Maurya Sheratan Hotel. Known for its delectable North-West Frontier cuisine, the restaurant is set amidst a charming rustic ambience, where you tie on checked aprons and are encouraged to eat with your fingers! Acclaimed by the food critic of Newsweek and winner of the Golden Fork Award. Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi - Day 3

Visit the Qutab Minar followed by a meeting with a culinary expert and introduction of Indian Cuisine. Visit Pandara Road Market, where there are several restaurants popular with the Indians Lunch at one of the popular restaurants. After lunch, visit the I.N.A. Market and Dilli Haat, which is an Art and Craft Centre where the entire countryâs arts and crafts are displayed by the artisans, and it is also the place to experience foods from all over India. Drive-past India Gate, Parliament buildings with a photostop. Return back to Hotel.

Dinner at the SPICE ROUTE RESTAURANT at the Imperial Hotel. Heralded as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Cond? Nast Traveler, The Spice Route - serving Southeast Asian cuisine, has been designed to reflect the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast in Kerala through Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam. The restaurant is an overwhelming visual depiction of the art and culture that travelled through these regions. Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi - Agra - Day 4

by Shatabdi Express dep 600 am, arr 815 am. Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal City has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the Yamuna River. Here, Akbar his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. Visit the TAJ MAHAL at sunset.

Drive Agra-Fatepur Sikri-Jaipur - Day 5
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, the extraordinary capital of the Mughal Rulers, built by the great Mughal Akbar. The capital was later shifted to Agra, due to lack of water in the area. Stop for lunch at a Bharatpur countryside mansion, Pachewargarh.

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. In the 1720âs, Sawai Jai Singh II began to build the new city of Jaipur. The city turned out to be an astonishing well-planned one based on the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shastra. Different streets were allotted for different professions such as potters, weavers, dyers, jewelers and bankers. Jaipur has a variety of manufacturing industries. It is especially known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, enamel work, hand-printed fabrics and stone sculptures. The sprawling City Palace was an integral part of Raja Sawai Jai Singh IIâs new city of Jaipur. Today itâs a museum that displays art, textiles and armory. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is a delightfully idiosyncratic five-tier composition of arches and balconies. The Jaipur astronomical observatory built by Raja Saw Jai Singh II in 1827 is an amazing monument. Wandering through the bazaars of old Jaipur is an experience in itself. They are colorful, noisy and happily chaotic and you can buy anything here. Check-Into your accommodations at the TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE.

Jaipur - Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Amber, the ancient kingdom of Jaipur. Amber was also the name of its ancient capital, situated 7 miles away. Its' history can be traced backed to the 12th century. . Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th Century, it was extended by Raja Mannish in the late 16th Century. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs.

After sightseeing, descent by jeep. Cooking demonstration at the Surabhi Restaurant followed by lunch. Visit the museum of Turbans at the Surabhi Restaurant. Afternoon visit the City Palace Museum and the Observatory. Tonight's Dinner will be at the GRAND DINING HALL of the Rambagh Palace. Return to Hotel. Overnight.

Fly to Udaipur - Day 7
Flight 9W709 dep. 0700 arr. 0745 (daily). On arrival transfer to the FATEH PRAKASH PALACE Hotel.

There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichhola.

Fateh Prakash Palace at Udaipur (Rajasthan, India), recapitulates royal traditions and lifestyles with its antique furniture, original paintings and opulent interiors. Its serene premises and picturesque views of Lake Pichhola, Jagmandir Island Palace, Lake Palace and the Sajjangarh Fort, promise a soothing break from the rigors of city life. The magnificent Durbar Hall, the exclusive Gallery Restaurant and the dazzling Crystal Gallery complete the royal repertoire of unparalleled experiences at Fateh Prakash Palace. Traditional Mewari hospitality coupled with efficient service adds to the pleasure of a holiday at Fateh Prakash Palace. While at the Fateh Prakash Palace, one can completely embrace Palace life and explore the enormous Palace Complex, including the Shiv Niwas Palace.

Visit City Palace, the largest Palace complex Museum of Rajasthan. The City Palace is a blend of stern Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art on the inside. Set on a hill overlooking Lake Pichhola, it is a sprawling edifice made up of at least four separate inter-connecting palaces, built over a period of nearly 3 centuries. The Palace museum contains a wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry. One of the more unusual moments in the colorful history of Udaipur was when it was used as a location for shooting the James Bond film, Octopussy. Take a stroll through the colorful Bapu Bazaar. Dinner at the SUN-DECK at the Fateh Prakash Complex. Overnight in Udaipur.

Udaipur - Day 8
After breakfast this morning, we'll leave from Udaipur at 9 AM by jeep to access some of the small, remote villages in the area, places rarely visited by westerners. Get an intimate, insider's view of the traditional ways of life in Rajasthan. Observe the local people as they practice the ancient arts of weaving and pottery, herd livestock and prepare their meals, much as people here have been doing for centuries. After visiting the Eklingji Temple, continue to the DEVIGARH FORT Hotel for a cooking demo and lunch. Return to Udaipur for a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichhola, visiting the Jag Mandir. This evening we will have dinner at the Indian Restaurant at the LAKE PALACE HOTEL. Return to your accommodations. Overnight in Udaipur.

Fly to Bombay - Day 9
Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to -- Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation. Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.

Over the years,as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values. It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood.

The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy!

You can't leave this city without consuming at least one thali, the meal that really tests the size of your appetite! It works like this: Sit down, and in less than a minute you're expected to declare which thali you want -- ordinary, special, and so on. Seconds later, a large stainless-steel plate (thali) arrives along with six to eight small bowls (katoris) that rest on your plate. The waiters then fill every one of the multiple katoris as well as the rest of the plate with a great assortment of steaming hot, spiced vegetables, savories, dals, beans, rotis, puris, and so on. To wash it down, you're served water and a glass of delicious super-thin cumin-flavored buttermilk (chaas). As you eat, your katoris will be topped up, so indicate what you want for seconds, thirds, fourths. .. Then it's a round of rice or khichdi (a mixture of rice and dal) and, in some restaurants, dessert. It comes pretty close to the home cooking of the country's Gujarati population. Try Panchvati Gaurav opposite Bombay Hospital, Marine Lines; Tues-Sun 11am-3pm and 7-10:30pm for an excellent meal. Alternatively, try Thackers at Marine St., Marine Lines; daily 12:30-3pm and 7:30-11pm for a Surat-style Gujarati meal served on silver plates at perhaps a more relaxed pace.

Visit Prince of Wales Museum, the largest Fine Art Museum in India, the Victoria Terminus, Flora Fountain, University, Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar. Return to your hotel late afternoon. Dinner will at the Masala Kraft at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers.

Blending aromatic Indian spices with modern cooking techniques, Masala Kraft produces flavors that are fresh and delicious. With its selection of traditional Indian favorites cooked in minimal oil and with just the right blend of spices, and with a bit of East meets West, Masala Kraft offers an excellent combination of Indian foods and wines. The amazing Mumbai Dabbawalahs are recognised the world over for their perfect delivery system. Masala Kraft offers three signature Mumbai tiffins: non-vegetarian Bohri, non-vegetarian Parsi and vegetarian. Guests can enjoy piping hot phulkas from the phulka trolley, as well as the interactive counter with separate stations for seafood and vegetarian fare.

Bombay - Day 10
Morning cruise to Elephanta Caves, carved between 450 and 750 A.D. Return for lunch. Vada Pao, Bhel Puri and Poha of the Maharashtrian cuisine constitute the must eats of Indian cuisine. Enjoy a typical Maharashtrian lunch at the Kailash Parbat Restaurant near Colaba. Return to your hotel and in the evening we drive to Kandahar at the Oberoi. This classy, well-appointed restaurant located in the upmarket Oberoi hotel is a great place to experiment with what will no doubt be new cuisine flavors (though expect to pay five-star prices). With items like salmon ka tikka (to die for), created by famous food expert Jiggs Kalra, it's hard to go wrong here. You can watch succulent kebabs being prepared in the glass-front kitchen. Order one, or consider the Kandahar ki khaas seekh: Bite into the red meat exterior and you're in for a surprise -- it's stuffed with crab and prawns and simply melts in your mouth. For the main course, go for Champ e Kandhari, a robust lamb chop that is flavored with basil, clove, and cardamom, or the Kabuli raan (leg of lamb). Wash it all down with smooth chaas (a yogurt drink), flavored with roasted cumin and ginger. If you're around during one of its food festivals, don't miss it -- you're sure to sample some unrivalled delights.

Fly Bombay-Cochin - Day 11
Upon arrival, transfer to Coconut Lagoon at Kumarakom. A relaxing independent day. Enjoy a delicious south Indian dinner at the Coconut Lagoon Resort.

Kumarakom - Day 12
After breakfast, a short cruise to 'Philip Kutty's Farm' (A small homestead on an island). See the cultivation of various tropical fruits and vegetables and also a short demo of simple home cooking, followed by lunch. Return to Coconut Lagoon for the overnight.

Kumarakom-Kerala Backwaters - Day 13
After breakfast we board a traditional rice boat for a day cruise on the backwatres of Kerala. Witness the boat chef create a wonderful Kerala meal for you on board. We will disembark for a visit to R.Block, a typical Kuttnadu farm, where cultivation is done on lands lying 8 feet below the sea level. R.Block is one of the biggest man made islands on Vembanad lake. Here one can see the coconut, vanilla, arecanut, plantain and cocoa plantations and also watch the coconut plucking procedures. Overnight on the houseboat.

Cochin - Day 14
After breakfast disembark and proceed for a city tour of Cochin including the ancient spice market and chinese fishing nets at Mattancherry. Afterward we go to Brunton Boatyard for a "History" lunch. At the History caf? you relish some carefully guarded secret recipes from the old families of Cochin, faithfully recreated for your pleasure. You can, for example, try that Raj standby, Mulligatawny soup, followed by the da Cunha clan's Pork Vindaloo, and Awaal arubyan bil Kabaneh, an Arab pulao (rice dish) tempered with local spices and yoghurt. There should be just enough room for Pazham Nirachatu, a Malabar dessert made from steamed bananas with a delectable stuffing. Evening attend Kathakali dance performance, Arrive by 5 pm to watch the performers apply their elaborate make-up and costumes.

Fly to Chennai - Day 15
After hotel check-in short city sightseeing of Chennai including the Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane, 12000 years old, dedicated to Vishnu; and a walking tour of the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16th century Kapeeleswrar temple, dedicated to Shiva, which attracts thousands of devotees. These are living temples where you will see local residents as well as pilgrims who come from afar, in acts of devotion. It is quite a striking experience. Chef demonstration & dinner. Overnight at Hotel Taj Connemera.

Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram - Day 16
Drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. Kanchipuram is renowned for its ancient temples and home of the silk weavers who settled here in the16th century. The city dates from the 2nd century BC, from the time of the early Chola reign. Successive dynasties built hundreds of temples, resulting in the name The Golden City of a 1000 Temples, the earliest surviving temple dating from the 6th and 7th century. Apart from being a center of pilgrimage. Afterwards drive to Mahabalipuram, visiiting the Shore Temples and Bas Reliefs. Dinner: Fresh seafood grill outdoors on the beach. Overnight at Fisherman's Cove.

Home - Day 17
Morning relax and enjoy the beach and hotel facilities. Afternoon drive to Chennai, enroute visit Dakshan Chitra. Shared rooms for wash/change at hotel by airport. Late night transfer to airport for flight home.

PRICE: $5660 per person; Single Room Supplement $2095;

Plus Airfares (subject to change) Jaipur- Udaipur $111, Udaipur - Bombay $159, Bombay - Cochin $223, Cochin - Chennai $148+ $20 serv fee= $661

Includes:

Accommodation:
Three nights Delhi at The Inter-Continental or Taj Mahal Hotel (B)
One night Agra at Hotel Taj View (B) Two nights Jaipur at Jai Mahal (B)
Two nights Udaipur at Hotel Fateh Prakash (B)
Two nights Bombay at Taj Mahal (B)
One night Kumarakom at Coconut Lagoon (B)
One night Backwaters on House Boat (BLD)
Two night Cochin at Taj Malabar or Malabar House (B)
One night Chennai at Taj Connemera (B)
One night Mahabalipuram at Fisherman's Cove (B)
Room for wash and change at Hotel Trident Hilton until departure

Arrival, departure transfers & land transport in A/C Car / A/C Tempo Traveller as per itinerary.

Professional local guide during city sightseeing in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bombay, Cochin as Chennai per itin.

Monument entrance fees Train tickets in A/C Chair Car Delhi - Agra Elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur Boat ride on Lake Pichola & on Periyar Lake Cruise to Elephanta Caves Kathakali entrances ticket

Accompany escort throught (min 4 people) Porterage at hotels and train stations India Gov Service Tax 4.98%

Meals as indicated in itinerary:

Special Lunches: two lunches in Delhi, one lunch enroute to Jaipur, one lunch at Surbhi in Jaipur, one lunch at Deogarh, one lunch in Bombay, one lunch at Philip Kutty's Farm in Kumarakom and one lunch enroute to Cochin. Special Demonstration: one in Delhi, one in Bombay, one in Cochin & one in Chennai.

Special Dinners: Delhi /Bukhara & Spice Route, Agra/Hotel Taj View, Jaipur/Rambagh Palace, Udaipur/Fateh Prakash & Lake Palace, Bombay/Taj Mahal & Oberoi, Kumarakom/Coconut Lagoon, Periyar/Spice Village, Cochin/Taj Malabar & Brunton Boatyard, Chennai/Taj Connemera, Mahabalipuram/ Fisherman's Cove.

Does not include: International Air, Insurance, Airport departure taxes, Meals other than mentioned above, Camera fees, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry

Airfares subject to change.

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