Exclusive Tour To India.

You will arrive in the morning at Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, we will be transferred to Hotel. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks. Reminder of the day will be at leisure for independent activities and relaxation.

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

In the afternoon we will proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Then we will visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. We will visit the Lotus Temple which has won numerous architectural awards. the Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion and welcomes approximately 4 million visitors every year from around the world.

Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Bahai (Lotus) Temple 

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Noida for Formula 01 race for the Qualifying race.

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Noida for Formula 01 race. For those who follow this fascinating and most expensive sport, the race is set to be a thriller. It is the penultimate race of the 2011 season and the million dollar cars will race around the brand new world class circuit. For petrol heads, this is dream come true. Of course, if you’d rather visit monuments and learn more about the Indian heritage, there is the option of staying in New Delhi and exploring to your heart’s content.

After Breakfast drive to Agra. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.

EVENING TOUR OF TAJ MAHAL.
The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653, it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build, The white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Her final resting-place which is inside the monument was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box from precious stones that came from across India and the middle east. The site was chosen because it was located on a bend in the Yamuna river, and so could be seen from Shahjahan’s personal palace in Agra Fort. Sadly, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his own son and placed him under house arrest for 8 years. As irony would have it, from the balcony of his prison, he could look down on the beautiful monument he had created for his beloved wife every day until his death.

“Tonga’s” (horse carriages) will drop you at the gates of this awe inspiring monument. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture and will appreciate why Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Overnight at Hotel.

Taj Mahal,The Agra Fort,Moti Masjid,Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal.  

After buffet breakfast at the hotel Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in India.Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasps the appreciation of every visitor.

We will also see the Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. An elephant will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, you can stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. This fort along with Jaigarh Fort located close by is considered as one complex and the two are well connected by subterranean passage which was meant as an escape route in times of war for the royal family members.

The Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) is a fascinating hall in the fort where a single lamplight is reflected in thousands of mirrors, lights up the room. En-route to Amber you will stop and see the ‘Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It was built in 1799 and designed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna. It is a 5 storey structure with 953 small windows. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below without being noticed. Built in red and pink coloured sand stone, the palace is situated on the main thoroughfare in the heart of Jaipur’s business center. Its colour is a full testimony to the epithet of “Pink City” given to Jaipur.

This afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1726. It is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.

On the edge of the desert in Rajasthan, lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake. This is an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus, which has the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country and the world. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of the world as per the Hindu mythology. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharata. It has the only temple in the world dedicated to Brahma - the creator. The Pushkar lake is the holiest lake in the country. It has 52 bathing ghats and each ghat has its own miraculous qualities and healing powers. This city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

THE PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR

An astonishing 300,000 people and 50,000 camels converge for the annual Pushkar Fair. For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced, and traded. A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the crowd. The sand dunes appear infested with camels as far as the eyes can see. It is a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion. Puppet shows, cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities. Tourists get their chance to bag a Pushkar prize in the grand Tourists v Locals Tug-of-War. Each year the line of burly Germans and American tourists looks certain to kick sand in the face of the scrawny local squad, but the result is always the same: a humiliating defeat for the visitors and jubilation among the locals.

Pushkar Lake,Pushkar Yoga Garden,Pushkar Camel Safari Day, Pushkar Fair

buffet breakfast we leave for Jaipur where we will be taken to visit Galta, a pretty little pilgrim spot 10 km from Jaipur. It has a temple dedicated to Sun God. This temple is only one of its kind in the world. The walls and pillars have exquisite carvings and paintings. The entire complex is so beautiful that besides being a place of worship, it is also a visual treat. The temple has a large daily attendance. There are also some springs and natural reservoirs (kunds) around the Galta Temple, where the devout take holy dips. They believe that by doing so, they can cleanse themselves of their worldly sins!

We will also see some of the beautiful palaces which are now converted into 5 star luxury hotels frequented by the rich and famous.

After Breakfast drive to Jaipur airport for your flight to Goa. Overnight in Goa.

Goa has a unique mix of native and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts about 2.5 million visitors each year (including about half a million international tourists). Besides the spectacular beaches and luxurious hotels, it is also famous for the churches, forts and temples. The city is visibly different from the rest of India, owing to Portuguese rule which isolated it from the rest of India for 451 years. Goa is world famous for its trance parties. It is no wonder that Goa is one of the most popular party destinations on the planet.

We are staying at the Kenilworth Resort and Spa in the happening South Goa. After the hectic travelling, it is time to put your feet up and get spoilt and pampered. For 4 days you will experience true Indian hospitality in one of the best 5 star resorts in Goa. Indulge in a Spa, relax by the pool or go for a dip in the Arabian Sea on the hotels private beach. November is the perfect month to visit Goa. You can enjoy your meals at one of the many shacks on the beach or in world class restaurants. Regardless of the venue, you will taste perhaps the best seafood cuisines in the world.

Spa, Beaches, Churches, Fort and Temples.

Mumbai is the most populated city in India and 6th most populated city in the world. Mumbai was the British Raj's brightest jewel. The city was the dowry of a Portuguese Princess to Charles II of England in 1661. Today it is the commercial capital of India. Approximately 7 million commuters travel in the suburban trains to and from work every day. The network of the “dabbawalas” who carry lunch boxes from far flung suburbs to down town CBD have been covered in a BBC documentary and is a case study in the best B-schools around the world.

Mumbai is the most diverse city in India where there is an uncanny existence of wealth and poverty. Only a few suburbs separate the world’s most expensive residence from Asia’s biggest slum. Our accommodation is in a sea facing 5 star hotel on Marine Drive also known as the “Queens Necklace” which flows along the Mumbai skyline. We will explore some of the popular tourist attractions close to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for shopping or chilling by the glass bottom swimming pool or roof top terrace garden and coffee shop.

After Breakfast, we will visit what is known as the dream factory of India. Second only to cricket is India’s obsession with Bollywood. The name "Bollywood" is derived from Bombay and Hollywood. However, unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a physical place. Though some deplore the name, arguing that it makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood, it has its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary. Today we will embark on a guided tour and give you an exclusive peek into a fantasy world that 1.5 billion Indians and millions of fans overseas are crazy about. While we visit some of the studios and sets, there is every chance that you will see an A-list actor shooting for a film. Delectable Indian cuisine is on the menu. At the end of the tour, we have the option of visiting some more tourist attractions or spend time in some of the biggest shopping malls and finish the Christmas shopping. November is the month for deals and bargains in Mumbai.

Gateway Of India, Marine Drive, Bollywood Studio. 

After Breakfast we will head to the airport. Depending on the time of flight, we will have the day at leisure for some more shopping. We will then board our flight back home to Auckland.