Tour of India
INCREDIBLE INDIA TOUR
ACTC Tours SPECIAL FEATURES:
- First class, Boutique & Heritage hotels with private bath/shower
- American Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner daily.
- Assistance by ACTC representatives at airports, train stations and hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
- Local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours.
- Entrance fees to monuments, guide fees, etc.
- Baggage handling and porterage.
- Welcome and farewell dinners.
- Train tickets – AC chair car
SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOUR (Max 16)
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES- Begins every Sunday (Oct. to Mar.)
PRIVATE TOURS – daily departure
Explore the endless wonders of India on this `Best of India tour’. Tour will take you on a 22 day journey to colorful cities with opulent history and exceptional culture. Want to see India in one go? Incredible India tour offers touring the best places of India from north to south and east to west. You will experience the greatest journey through India & see the wonders of India. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colorful and enchanting India.
Other Small Group Escorted Tour Options:
1. Golden Triangle Tour- 6 days. 2. Highlights of India Tour- 9 days. 3. Exotic North India Tour – 15 days.
4. Mystical Southern India Tour-14 days. 5. Treasures of North & South India Tour -15 days. 6. Big 7 India Wildlife Safari-16 days
7. Royal Rajasthan Tour- 16 days.
Your Incredible India tour begins:
DAY 1 – SUNDAY – MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
On arrival at Mumbai, you will be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands, derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, the oldest inhabitants. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 2 – MONDAY – MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
After breakfast, your morning tour includes the British-built Arch Gateway of India, Mumbai’s landmark, built in commemoration of King George V’s visit in 1911; Dhobi Ghat, open air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and Malabar Hills. You’ll also view Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Your afternoon is free to explore. HOTEL (B, L)
OPTIONAL: Mumbai architectural or Markets or Mumbai slums tour.
DAY 3 – TUESDAY – MUMBAI / AURANGABAD
This morning, fly to Aurangabad, your base to visit the incredible rock-cut caves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites–Ajanta and Ellora. After settling in your room, visit the 350-year-old Ellora caves, one of the finest sculpture sites in the country with 34 amazing caves. Kailas Nath Temple was sculpted out of a mountain, created as the residence of Lord Shiva. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY – AURANGABAD – AJANTA CAVES
Embark on a visit to the incredible rock-cut monuments of Ajanta Caves, which house significant examples of early Buddhist paintings. It was here Buddhist art attained the peak of its development, in frescoes and wall paintings revealing a fascinating lifestyle. Return to Aurangabad late in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 5 – THURSDAY – AURANGABAD / JAIPUR
Depart by air for Jaipur. Jaipur owes its name, foundations and careful planning, to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. After lunch, tour the City Palace built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 6 – FRIDAY – AMBER FORT TOUR
Visit the ancient capital of Amber. Ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant and tour the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace. Enroute to Amber, stop to photograph a major Rajput landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). The rest of your afternoon is free to visit the colorful markets for handicrafts or to simply photograph the camel caravans, fruits and vegetable markets. Tonight, enjoy a presentation of Rajasthani music and dances followed by dinner. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 7 – SATUDAY – JAIPUR / BHARATPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
Travel by express train to Bharatpur this morning. Continue overland toAgra visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted capital city, was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later due to a severe water shortage. Explore Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah. Originally constructed of red sandstone, it was later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Continue to Agra and check in at your hotel. To the lover of art and the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is the sublime destination. HOTEL (B, L)
OPTIONAL- Bharatpur bird sanctuary tour.
DAY 8 – SUNDAY – AGRA TOURING – DELHI
After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. At the Taj Museum of Agra, take a close-up look at pieces of the original drawings of the marble monument, revealing the precision used in planning the structure of the Taj Mahal. Continue to the beautiful Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love. Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own, or spend more time viewing the Taj Mahal as the sunsets. This evening, travel to Delhi aboard a two-hour express train ride, which includes a light dinner. Transfer to your hotel. Sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, and embodies the soul of the country. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 9 – MONDAY – DELHI TOURING
Your tour of Old and New Delhi includes the exquisite audience halls, marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid; the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; and the famous Chandani Chowk bazaars, one of the shopping arcades of Mughal royalty. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of old market. Drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most popular places of worship for Sikhs in Delhi. Continue your visit to Humayun’s Tomb, considered one of the most spectacular Mughal buildings. The mausoleum is known to be the precursor of world famous Taj Mahal. Visit the famous Qutab Minar, the Iron Pillar and ruins of the Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutab Shahi period. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 10 – TUESDAY – DELHI / VARANASI
Fly to Varanasi, a city that cannot be described only experienced. Settle in your hotel, and set off for a tour of Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the museum, view the stupas and ruins, and the temple of Mulagandhakuti Vihara, containing relics found during early excavations. HOTEL (B, L)
OPTIONAL: Evening prayer ceremony by river Ganges.
DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY – RIVER GANGES BOAT CRUISE – KOLKATA (Calcutta)
Rise early this morning for a fascinating boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the Hindus practice their rituals for absolving sin and paying homage to the sun god. Disembark for a walk past the local markets and shops, and visit a local resident’s home. Visit the Golden Temple before returning for breakfast at your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore on your own until your late afternoon flight to Kolkata. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 12 – THURSDAY – KOLKATA
Founded by the English in the late 1600s, Kolkata was named for Kalikata, a local rice-growing village with a temple to the goddess Kali. Visit the impressive Secretariat, High Court and Legislative Assembly Building; the Victoria Memorial –Calcutta’s dream in marble; Jain Temple; and the New Market. Meet Mother Teresa’s followers at the ashram to learn about the saint’s work and philosophy – that love in action is service. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 13 – FRIDAY – KOLKATA / BHUBANESHWAR
After breakfast, board a short flight to Bhubaneshwar, abode of the terrestrial Lord and home to some of the best architecture the world has seen. Visit the stunning temples of Lingaraj, Rajarani, Mukteswar, Brahmeswar and Parasurameswar, renowned for their unique architecture. At the tribal museum, you’ll get insight into the Orissa’s rich tribal culture and lifestyle. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a presentation of Odyssey dances followed by dinner. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – KONARK, KANDAGIRI & UDAYGIRI EXCURSION
This morning, you’ll tour the beautiful Sun Temple of Konark, built in the 13th century in honor of the Sun God. Examine the exquisite carvings, life sized lions and elephants, colossal figures of warriors on horses, and scenes of battle and chase, all carved with great imagination and skill, testimony to the high standards of ancient Indian art and engineering skills. Continue to the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, honeycombed with caves built around the 2nd century B.C. and exemplary of the architecture of ancient Orissan. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 15 – SUNDAY – BHUBANESHWAR / KOCHI (Cochin)
Your day is free until this afternoon’s flight south to Kochi, set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Kochi and its people. Rest and enjoy the evening on your own. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 16 – MONDAY – CITY TOUR
Begin your day with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557. Continue to St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan friars; the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568; and the learn about the Chinese Fishing Nets, reflecting the traditional method of fishing. Stroll through the spice markets, a rich trading center in medieval times. After lunch, visit the Rural Women’s Welfare Center, a program dedicated to helping women in distress and their children, or a cooperative teaching rural women how to make and sell local handicrafts for self-reliance. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 17 – TUESDAY – KOCHI / BACKWATERS CRUISE – HOUSEBOAT STAY
Late morning, depart for Alleppey and board a deluxe houseboat to cruise the narrow canals and glimpse the unhurried village life of rural Kerala. Observe the locals engaged in building country boats, prawn cultivation, sand mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection, rice farming, duck farming, coir craft and straw mat weaving. Stay overnight on the HOUSEBOAT. (B, L, D)
DAY 18 – WEDNESDAY – COCHIN / CHENNAI (Madras)/ MAHABALIPURAM
Disembark from your houseboat and travel to Kochi to board your flight to Chennai, a metropolis with a distinct old-world charm. Continue to Mahabalipuram, home to the world-famous Shore Temple. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 19 – THURSDAY – KANCHIPURAM / MAHABALIPURAM
Visit the textile and temple town of Kanchipuram, sometimes known as Siva Visnu Kanchi, one of the holiest Hindu cities and famous for its spectacular temple. This afternoon, tour Mahabalipuram, the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. The Shore Temples strike a very romantic theme and are some of the most photographed monuments in India. The sculptures are particularly interesting because they show scenes of day-to-day living. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 20 – FRIDAY – PONDICHERRY EXCURSION
Spend your morning relaxing at the beach or indulge in an Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment. This afternoon, follow the scenic south coast of India to French-influenced Pondicherry. Pondicherry’s history dates back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Though the Portuguese were the first Europeans in Pondicherry, it’s the French connection that made this city famous. Visit Auroville, the “City of Dawn,” a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live together in peace and progressive harmony, transcending all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. HOTEL (B, L)
DAY 21 – SATUDAY – MAHABALIPURAM /CHENNAI
Enjoy a morning at your leisure. This afternoon, travel to Chennai and visit Fort St. George, built by the British in 1640 A.D. Your sightseeing includes St. Mary’s Church, the oldest surviving British building; Mylapore, the site of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; San Thome Cathedral; Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna; and the Government Museum and Art Gallery to view its collections from the major South Indian periods. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner and spend the night at a hotel near the airport. HOTEL (B, D)
DAY 22 (SUN) – CHENNAI / DEPART
Your time is free until your international flight home. (B)
LAND TOUR PRICE:
| GROUP TOUR PRICES – Guaranteed departures- Max 16 | PRIVATE TOUR OPTION | |||||||||||||
| VALIDITY | Per person Sharing | Single Supp. | 3- Triple share | 2- Double share | 1- Solo Traveler | Single. Supp. | ||||||||
| Apr. to Sep. 2021 | N/A | N/A | $4,140.00 | $4,830.00 | $8,870.00 | $1,390.00 | ||||||||
| Oct. 2021 to Mar. 2022 | $5,025.00 | $1,555.00 | $4,965.00 | $5,830.00 | $9,570.00 | $1,555.00 | ||||||||
| Internal India Airfare | $ TBA | |
| Srilanka Extn. Air | $ TBA | |
CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE FROM YOUR HOME CITY. Discounted airfares available in Economy, Premium economy, Business class and First Class.
Airfares for Internal India flights are based on best available fares at time of listing. Thus subject to change, availability and airline schedules.
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