Zindagi TV presents
Incredible India with Singapore
A cultural tour of India & Singapore

" So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked"

--- Mark Twain

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01 Home city / Singapore 02 Arrive Singapore 03 Singapore 04 Singapore / Delhi 05 Delhi / Jaipur 06 Jaipur 07 Jaipur 08 Jaipur / Agra 09 Agra 10 Agra / Jhansi / Orchha 11 Orchha / Khajuraho 12 Khajuraho 13 Khajuraho / Varanasi 14 Varanasi 15 Varanasi / Ayodhya / Lucknow 16 Lucknow / Delhi 17 Delhi 18 Delhi / Singapore 19 Singapore / Home city	INDIA
	SINGAPORE

Day 01 - Jan 15: Depart home city for Singapore
We begin our incredible journey using the finest airline in the world. Crossing the International Date Line we traverse the entire breath of the Pacific Ocean in the comfort of Singapore Airlines.

Day 02 - Jan 16: Arrive Singapore
Upon arrival at Singapore we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Singapore Hotel (2 nights)

Day 03 - Jan 17: Singapore
We stroll along the colorful streets of Little India and get dazzled by the hive of activity that permeates every nook and cranny of the area. Then visit the Esplanade, our latest multi-million dollar theatre attraction located in the Marina Bay. Drive past the Financial District of Chinatown, a place where many of our immigrant forefathers set up home. Patronize the varied and unique shops and visit the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore, the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple. Last stop is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the “green lung” of our city center, and experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectares garden. Tour includes a visit to a jewelry factory you can engage in one of Singaporeans favorite pass time – shopping or simple admire the fine designs of Singapore jewelers. PM is free to enjoy Singapore with the many attractions it offers, including shopping. (B)

Day 04 - Jan 18: Singapore / Delhi
After a good rest and fun in Singapore we are ready to embark on the most interesting country of the world. Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Jaypee Siddharth – 5 Star (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 05 - Jan 19: Delhi / Jaipur (Drive - 265 Km/6 hrs)
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our experience of Delhi by first touring New Delhi visiting the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India. Afternoon we drive to Jaipur, the capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan.
Overnight: Ramada Plaza (3 Nights) (B, D)

Day 06 - Jan 20: Jaipur
Jaipur, filled with frenetic crowds, Rajasthan's - pink capital is a place of wild contrasts, bombarding the senses at every turn. Jaipur's old city, it's rich color deepening and fading according to the light, is lined with long, twinkling bazaars. Like Wacky Races on acid, vegetable - laden camel carts thread their way through streets jam-packed with cars, cows, rickshaws & bicycles. The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior -astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693 - 1743). A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city, Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. (B, D)

Day 07 - Jan 21: Jaipur
Day free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. Optional tour of Pushar and Ajmer. (B, D)

Day 08 - Jan 22: Jaipur /Agra (Drive 235 Km/5 hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. En-route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. From here we continue on a countryside drive to Agra, the city of Taj. On arrival in Agra we check in our hotel. Later in the evening we visit to one of the most well known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal- by sunset. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones.
Overnight: Jaypee Palace, Agra (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 09 - Jan 23: Agra
After breakfast we visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, in the later years of his life, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. We next visit Sikandra- The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar. The greatest of the Mughal emperors, lies in the centre of a peaceful garden grazed by deer at Sikandra. We end our tour of Agra by visiting Itamd-Ud-Daulah A highly ornate edifice, this mausoleum is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. Rest of the day is free for shopping and personal activities. (B, D)

Day 10 - Jan 24: Agra –Jhansi (train)–Orchha (Drive 30Kms/1 hr)
Today we board the famous Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi then continue to visit Orchha, Once the capital of the Bundelas, Orchha ("Hidden Place") is now just a few streets, set among a wonderful complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. It's a picture book setting, with spires and domes breaking the skyline in every direction. The main palaces were protected inside fortified walls on an island in the Betwa River. Orchha was founded in 1531 and remained the capital of a powerful Rajput kingdom until 1783, when nearby Tikamgarh became the new capital. Bir Singh Deo ruled from Orchha between 1605 and 127 and built the Jhansi Fort. The tour of Orchha takes you to the Jehangir Mahal - the largest of the palaces, the Raj Mahal with its murals and the Raj Praveen Mahal built near a garden, You would also visit Dinman Hardaul`s palace with its interesting story. The temples of Orchha are highly preserved. The two main temples are the Ram Raja Temple with its lofty spires and the Chaturbhuj temple.
Overnight: Orchha Resort (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 11 - Jan 25: Orchha / Khajuraho (Drive 260 Kms / 6 hrs)
We take a countryside drive to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho, we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. Optional – In the evening one can enjoy the traditional Indian folk dance (Kathak Kali) show at the Kandariya Art & Cultural Centre.
Overnight: The Ramadha (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 12 - Jan 26: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. Theses beautiful temples strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. The most important ones include the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple that was dedicated to Shiva, which is the largest and most typical of temples. (B, D)

Day 13 - Jan 27: Khajuraho / Varanasi (Flight)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Varanasi. Varanasi is the spiritual centre of Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike. This is after all the city where Buddha gave his first sermon and is also the pilgrim centre for the Hindus who come daily to dip themselves in the holy water of the Ganges. Late afternoon, we start with our experience of Varanasi by starting with a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple which houses a big relief map of India made from marble. Varanasi is famous for its many temples and we visit the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir, the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor, Aurangazeb. The city is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where such silk sarees are still being weaved. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000 years old city and experience sunset at the Ganges.
Overnight: Ramada Plaza (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 14 - Jan 28: Varanasi
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and various other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced as it is so different from anything else what may have seen anywhere in the world. Later we leave for Sarnath the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. (B, D)

Day 15 - Jan 29: Varanasi / Ayodhya / Lucknow (Drive 150 + 156 Kms)
Today after breakfast we drive to Ayodhya. Ayodhya is considered to be one of the 7 Muktistalams of India. With little over 10 sq Km in area lying on the banks of the river Ghagra or Saryu, this ancient city is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy book of Hindus- the Ramayana- says, the city was founded by Manu. Later, it became the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty. Lord Rama was the most celebrated King of this dynasty. We visit various temples – prominent among them being the Ram Janam Bhoomi – which was converted into a mosque by the Mughal Emperor Babur. After visiting Ayodhya we drive to Lucknow – considered to be the Moghul remnant in modern day India.
Overnight: Taj Residency (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 16 - Jan 30: Lucknow / Delhi Overnight Train
We start with a tour of Lucknow visiting the ex British Residency built between 1780-1800, it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building - scene of dramatic events during the Mutiny of 1857. The scarred ruins tell the story of the British community besieged by the rebels. The main house overlooks the river and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens, Asafi Imambara - Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural highlights of the era. The central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Within the compound of the Imambara is a grand Asafi mosque. Afternoon is free for shopping. Lucknow is world famous for its Chicken work on clothes and Cotton Sarees and Kurta Pyjamas. Afternoon is free for shopping. Evening we are transferred to the railway station for our overnight train to Delhi. India has the largest rail network in the world.
Overnight: On Board Train (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 17 - Jan 31: Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, we are transferred to our Hotel. Afternoon we visit Old Delhi, begining with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Evening is a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Jaypee Palace (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 18 - Feb 01: Delhi / Singapore
Day free for shopping. Check out at 12noon. Late evening, after an incredible journey of India and Singapore, we are transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Singapore connecting the flight back home. (B)

Day 19 - Feb 02: Singapore / home city
Early morning we arrive Singapore and take our connecting flight back home arriving on the same day.

* Post Tour extension available from Delhi and Singapore

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Departure Dates

2009 English Speaking Departure Jan 15, 2009

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include - Round trip airfare from Vancouver on Singapore Airlines (add-ons from other cities available on request) Airport taxes including fuel surcharge, security taxes currently at approx $650 per person (Subject to change) Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar click here Visa fees – India $62 pp Meal plan as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Tip and gratuities to guides and drivers (approx $5 per person/per day) Domestic air and train fares within India as per the itinerary Travel insurance (optional) Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees, parking fees & road taxes   All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned transportation   Tour escort on group size 16 and above

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Jan 15, 2009 $ 5695 $ 930 Hotels City Hotel No. of Nights Singapore Singapore - 4 Star 02 Delhi Jaypee Siddharth – 5 Star 01 Jaipur Ramada Jaipur - 5 Star 03 Agra Jaypee Palace - 5 Star Deluxe 02 Orchha The Orchha Resort – 3 Star 01 Khajuraho The Ramada – 5 Star 02 Varanasi Ramada Plaza – 5 Star 02 Lucknow Taj Residency – 5 Star Deluxe 01 Train Lucknow Mail (1st class a/c sleeper) 01 Delhi Jaypee Siddharth – 5 Star 02

Estimated International Airfare - International Airfare Included

N/A

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 25 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.