India

Starting Price:	$4,911.00
Trip Length:	14 days
Includes airfare allowance from New York

Interests:

Wedding/Honeymoons

Bengal Tiger

Goa

Mumbai

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with Tiger Safari, Mumbai and Goa

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

India is a stunningly diverse nation, and that diversity is exactly what you will find during your visit to this fascinating country. Begin touring the magnificent palaces and forts of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before searching for the elusive Bengal tiger in the jungles of Ranthambhore. Then, spend a few days in the lively city of Mumbai before ending your tour in Goa for a few days of relaxation on its palm fringed beaches.

Beginning in Delhi, you will see the best of the old and new parts of the city, including the Red Fort, India’s largest mosque, Gandhi’s memorial site, local markets and many prestigious government buildings. A brief stay in Agra will highlight the magnificent Taj Mahal and its sister attraction, the Agra Fort. Then, see the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur and its huge Amber Fort.

A few hours drive south of Jaipur, you will find yourself in the lush jungles of Ranthambhore National Park. Spend two days on safari here searching for tigers with the possibility of seeing leopards, hyenas and sloth bears. The park also encompasses several ancient ruins that make for a unique setting amongst the rugged landscape. A transfer to Mumbai will bring you back into the bustling Indian city life, but not without its share of cultural gems, including the Elephanta Caves and the Gateway to India.

Finally, for the last portion of your trip you will find yourself in Goa, a land with sweeping palm-fringed coastlines, jungle covered hills, lush rice paddies, spice plantations, historic churches and a bohemian atmosphere. This old Portuguese colony boasts good food, good wine and world-class beaches that make for a perfect way to unwind from your travels.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3 star, 4 star, 5 star and Deluxe hotels.

This tour includes airfare allowance from New York, on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via New York; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Dates this trip is NOT available for online booking (please submit a regular request):
30 June - 30 September
Visited Cities:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambhore National Park, Mumbai, Goa

Day 1

Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Day 2

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3

Begin your morning tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. You will visit the Red Fort, which was once the most affluent fort and palace of the once reigning Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Your final stop in Old Delhi will bring you to Chandni Chowk, a lively and colorful market that was once the commercial center of the city.
You will then drive to New Delhi which will provide a stark contrast between the old with the new, a recurring theme throughout India. In New Delhi you will visit the India Gate monument, followed by the Parliament House (from the outside) and other extravagant government buildings. Then continue onward to Humayun’s Tomb, built in honor of India’s second Mughal emperor, followed by a visit to The Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), the house of worship. This temple, designed in the form of a lotus, offers a simple message of humanity as a single race and calls for the Oneness of Mankind. Later you will visit the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar. In store for today are also several other modern day landmarks, as well as some good opportunities to do some shopping.

Note: Yampu recommends one of our optional tours (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.

Day 4

Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. You will then proceed for your sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
As you then drive through the city to the Agra Fort, you will get some good images of the local scene and bazaars, and the everyday buzz of India. Once at the Agra Fort, you will be led through its regal chambers that were once home to some of India’s most powerful Mughal emperors

Note: We recommend an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohhabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off your day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.

Day 5

Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, you will stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatepur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, you will check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.

Day 6

This morning you will return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. As you stroll through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.

Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields, and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.

Day 7

Ground transfer to Ranthambhore National Park. This is approximately a 3-4 hour drive. After arriving, enjoy a lunch before proceeding for your jungle safari. The tigers in the park can be spotted quite often during the day, whether they are hunting, taking care of their young, or just lounging. Return to your hotel to enjoy dinner and spend the evening.

Day 8

In the early morning, you will enjoy another park visit to see the tigers once more and possibly any of the other of the resident wildlife. Besides tigers, other wildlife in the park include the endangered caracal, the leopard and jungle cat, hyenas, foxes, jackals, the sloth bear and several varieties of deer and antelope. Drive back to the hotel for lunch before returning for a final afternoon in the park. Return to your hotel to enjoy dinner and spend the evening.

Day 9

Awake early for one final breakfast before transferring to Jaipur for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend your remaining time at leisure settling in, getting used to your surroundings, or exploring the city.

Day 10

Transfer to the jetty at the Gateway of India to board a boat to Elephanta Island to see the shrine cut from the hillside. This ancient stone temple is decorated with intricate sculptures of Hindu Gods. Perhaps the most glorious of them all is the Hindu Trinity, which depicts three aspects of Shiva the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.
Upon returning to the city, you will be free to explore and observe the Gateway of India. With four turrets and intricate latticework, the archway was constructed out of yellow basalt stone for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the first visit of any British Monarchs. Near the arch, you can find steps down to the water, where you will find small motor launches offering short cruises of the harbor (price not included).
Moving to the old British part of town, you will have a chance to stroll through the Crawford Market and sample some of the local fruit, vegetable, and meat stands. Completed in 1869, this covered market is elegantly designed with an impressive clock tower and steeple that stands above the surrounding skyline.
Also on deck for today is a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, an odd looking building built with a mixture of Gothic and Moorish styles. With an array of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating to 2000 BC, you will also find priceless pieces of Tibetan and Nepali art, Buddhist scrolls, and Tibetan bronzes. However, the most notable attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from India’s various art schools.

Day 11

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Goa. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps with a stroll on the beach or a few drinks as you watch the sunset over the ocean.

Day 12

Morning sightseeing tour of the historic part of Goa, which will take you to the Basilica de Bom Jesus and the Grand Se Cathedral. As A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica is the final resting place of the celebrated St. Francis Xavier, one of Goa’s patron saints. Today, the basilica remains as one of India’s best examples of baroque architecture. On the other hand, the Se Cathedral is the largest in all of Asia, standing at 76 meters (250 ft) in length and 55 meters (180 ft) in width. Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the fine beaches of Goa, partake in some water sports, take a yoga class, visit a local museum or go bird watching.

Day 13

Morning tour of one of Goa’s local spice plantations. The dense forested landscape of Goa and its favorable climate make for a perfect environment to grow spices. As you walk through the aromatic fields, you will undoubtedly smell and see vanilla beans, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, chilies, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger and a variety of fruits. Again, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure on Goa’s pristine beaches or try some local activities or excursions you have yet to cross off your list.

Day 14

Depending on your departure time, spend your morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your connection to Mumbai and flight home or to continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Note: Check out of the hotel is at 12 pm. Late check out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Regardless, you may store your luggage at the hotel until the time that you are ready to leave for the airport.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Delhi
3-star	Star Rocks, or similar
4-star	Royal Plaza, or similar
5-star	The Claridges, or similar
Deluxe	The Oberoi, or similar
Agra
3-star	Hotel Amar, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	The Gateway Hotel, or similar
Deluxe	Amarvilas, or similar
Jaipur
3-star	Alsisar Haveli, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	Jaimahal Palace, or similar
Deluxe	Oberoi Rajvilas, Taj Rambagh Palace or similar
Ranthambhore National Park
3-star	Ranthambhore Bagh, or similar
4-star	Dev Vilas, or similar
5-star	Sawai Madhopur Taj Lodge, or similar
Deluxe	Oberoi Vanya Vilas, Aman-i-khas, or similar
Mumbai
3-star	Gordon House Hotel, or similar
4-star	Trident Nariman Point, or similar
5-star	Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, or similar
Deluxe	Oberoi Mumbai, or similar
Goa
3-star	Phoenix Park Inn Resort, or similar
4-star	Fortune Select Regina (Luxury Room), or similar
5-star	Taj Exotica, or similar
Deluxe	The Leela, or similar

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

14 days , from $4911

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	$4911	$5993	$7220	$10976
Single	$7218	$9571	$11965	$18778

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($).

Price Includes:

One way international airfare from New York to New Delhi and Mumbai to New York

One way domestic flight from Jaipur to Mumbai

Round trip domestic flight from Mumbai to Goa

All accommodations with continental or buffet breakfast

Two days of breakfast, lunch and dinner in Ranthambhore

3 Park visits at Ranthambhore using non air conditioned open Jeep (on sharing basis)

Service of deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

One time entrance fees at all monuments

Services of English speaking local guide for excursions

All currently applicable taxes including service tax

Notes:

The Red Fort in Delhi remains closed on every Monday
The Taj Mahal in Agra remains closed on every Friday
Due to the monsoon, the park is closed from July through September
The Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum remain closed on Mondays
You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted or advised at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.
Supplements may occur between 1 – 20 November and 20 December – January 2012. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
All travelers require a passport valid up to six months after their intended stay in India. While in India, passports are also required to have at least two blank pages.
For citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU, an Indian visa is required to enter and exit India for any purpose. All visitors must apply for visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering the country. Visas are not available upon arrival.
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in India, the government requires travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Besides this, there are no other vaccine requirements, although it is wise to be up to date on your routine inoculations. All travelers should consult their physician or a travel health clinic with plenty of time before their departure date.

Malaria is present in all areas throughout the country, including the cities of Mumbai and Delhi, except in areas greater than 2,000 meters in elevation. If you will be visiting an area of India with malaria, you will need to discuss the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with your physician.

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