Pre-tour Golden Triangle with downstream cruise

Experience the Living Cultures of India

Day 1: (Monday) : Departure

Day 2: (Tuesday) : Arrive Delhi

Day 3: (Wednesday) : Delhi

Day 4: (Thursday) : Delhi / Agra

Day 5: (Friday) : Agra/Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

Day 6: (Saturday) : Jaipur

Day 7: (Sunday) : Jaipur / Dibrugarh / Nimati / M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 8: (Monday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 9: (Tuesday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 10: (Wednesday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 11: (Thursday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 12: (Friday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 13: (Saturday) : M.V. Mahabaahu

Day 14: (Sunday) : Departure

Day 1 (Monday): Departure

Day 2 (Tuesday): Arrive Delhi

After clearing immigration and customs, our representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel. Thereafter, arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 3 (Wednesday): Delhi

After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with the sightseeing of Old Delhi and a visit to the Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President’s estate and the Parliament House. The day is concluded with a visit to the capital’s most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar.

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 4 (Thursday): Delhi / Agra (approx. 220km/5 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Agra and visit Sikandra en-route. Sikandra is named after Sikandra Lodhi. Here stands the Tomb of the mighty Akbar. The construction of this mausoleum was started by Akbar himself but was completed in 1613 by his son Emperor Jehangir. On arrival, check in to the hotel. At Sunset, visit the Taj Mahal surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 laborers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 5: (Friday): Agra/Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (approx. 260km/5 hour drive)

After breakfast, visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan – helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. Later drive to Jaipur. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone city, was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it boasts of palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles. On arrival check in to the hotel. Enjoy Dinner with a Noble family at the Sankotra Haveli. (Experiencing the Living Cultures of India)

Overnight at the hotel (B, D)

Day 6: (Saturday): Jaipur

After breakfast, half-day excursion tour takes us to the Amber Fort. En route, we make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort. In the afternoon visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) built by King Jai Singh II who had great interest in astrology.

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 7: (Sunday): Jaipur / Dibrugarh / Nimati / M.V Mahabaahu

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Jaipur airport to connect with flight to Dibrugarh via Kolkata (JAI/CCU by 6E-207 at 0820/1030 & CCU/DIB by 6E-205 at 1230/1355 hrs.). Arrive at Dibrugarh Airport and transfer to Nimati (4 hour drive), where we will be welcomed onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu. After check in and guest safety briefing, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Overnight onboard (B,L,D)

DAY 8: (Monday): Nimati / Sibsagar / Majuli

We will board vehicles for Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. The town, which literally means ‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’, is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom. Sibsagar was the capital of the Thai-speaking Ahom who came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. The town is built round the Sibsagar tank, dug over 200 years ago. The tank is above town level although situated in the heart of the town. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India. Back onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu (after a four hour excursion), for lunch and sail for Majuli. In Majuli, we visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. (This trip will take approximately 3 hours). Return to the M.V Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on “Vaishnavism in Assam.Dinner onboard

Overnight onboard (B,L,D)

DAY 9: (Tuesday): Majuli / Sailing towards Bishwanath Ghat

Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture; ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the Fifteenth Century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, the Satra preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other articles of cultural importance. We will sail to the Kamalabari jetty and drive to Auniati Satra. Here, we visit the prayer hall, Monks quarters walk and fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience. (This excursion takes approximately 4 hours). We also meet the Mishing people in their village. Return back to M.V Mahabaahu to sail towards Bishwanath ghat. Arrive an Isolated island for drinks and dinner.

Overnight onboard (B, L, D)

DAY 10: (Wednesday): Arrive Bishwanath Ghat

Eight hour of sailing today towards Bishwanath. Arrive Bishwanath and drop anchor. After lunch, we take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We watch the women weaving cotton and silk in almost all the households here. They are very happy to share their experiences while the Children look at us with dreamy eyes. Return to M.V Mahabaahu. In the evening, enjoy a dance performance on board followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari. Dinner onboard

Overnight onboard (B, L, D)

DAY 11: (Thursday): Bishwanath Ghat / Silghat / Tea Plantation

We sail to Silghat and drive to visit a Tea Plantation. Wander through the manicured tea gardens, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. Return onboard for lunch. Depart for jeep safari in the Western range of the Kaziranga Park. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Dinner onboard

Overnight onboard (B, L, D)

DAY 12: (Friday): Kaziranga National Park

Rise before the sun to set off for the Kaziranga National Park and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. We return to a resort for breakfast and then drive to Kohora gate for jeep safari. Return the M.V Mahabaahu for lunch. We sail towards Guwahati. Dinner onboard.

Overnight onboard (B, L, D)

DAY 13: (Saturday): Guwahati

We sail today to Pandu. Relax on board with Spa facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium or bird watching from the decks. Your Group Leader summarizes the rich legacy of Assamese Culture and Civilization.We arrive at Pandu port, just after lunch and depart for visit to the Kamakhya Temple from the periphery (Sanctum CLOSED FROM 1 PM TO 3:30 PM). The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. Animal sacrifices take place here almost every day. After orientation visit of the Guwahati city return to M.V Mahabaahu. Enjoy the Farewell dinner.

Overnight onboard (B, L, D)

DAY 14: (Sunday): FLY GUWAHATI – KOLKATA OR DELHI & DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will be met, assisted and driven to the Guwahati airport by our representative to board the flight for Kolkata OR Delhi.

(B)

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

There are four distinct seasons in Assam – summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best time to visit Assam is in the autumn and winter seasons, i.e. from October to April, which is also the festive season of Assam.

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.Kaziranga National Park is open from 15th October until the 30 thApril. During the first half of October and May, the Park has a “Partially Open” status which means that the Park will be open but that not all roads may be navigable as they work to restore them to pre monsoon standards.

Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and the first half of October. Boat safaris;will be offered instead during these months.;;During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We will;cruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home to;a;number of animals;and;a wide variety of birds.

During the peak winter season of mid-December to mid-February, the itinerary will be adjusted according to daylight hours as the M.V. Mahabaahu does not sail during darkness. In order to provide for full coverage of the Kaziranga National Park during;these winter months,;we will not visit Bishwanath Ghat.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER:

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore-side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

The Brahmaputra River is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Islands and sand bars can appear and disappear between one sailing and the next. Also, being one of the highest precipitation zones in the world, our program is subject to weather and River conditions.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation.

Price Chart – Golden Triangle with Downstream Cruise

13 Nights / 14 Days

Hotels With Meal Plan

BELOW LAND PRICES FOR GOLDEN TRIANGLE ARE BASED ON PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARING ROOM PRICES BASED ON INR

PRICES VALID FROM 1ST OCTOBER TILL 15TH APRIL

EXCEPT FOR THE PUSHKAR PERIOD, 20TH DECEMBER TO 5TH JANUARY & 1ST FEBRUARY TO 28TH FEBRUARY

PRICES VALID FOR PUSHKAR PERIOD & 1ST FEBRUARY TO 28TH FEBRUARY

EXCEPT FROM 20TH DECEMBER TO 5TH JANUARY

BELOW CRUISE PRICES ARE BASED ON PER PERSON FOR 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS CRUISE PROGRAM ON TWIN SHARING BASIS

PRICES BASED ON INR

PRICES VALID FROM 1ST OCTOBER TILL 15TH APRIL

EXCEPT FOR THE 20TH DECEMBER TO 5TH JANUARY

*Above Cruise prices are commissionable by 20% for FIT bookings, 25% for GIT bookings (15 or more paying pax), 30% for Series Group Bookings (atleast 4 departures) and 35% for Full Charter booking.

AIRFARE SUPPLEMENTS:-

The above Air fare supplement in economy class (based on Special Fares available as of now which are subject to change at the time of issuance flight tickets).

Inclusions & Exclusions for Golden Triangle:

OUR QUOTE INCLUDES:-

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the above mentioned Hotels OR Similar in base category rooms as per above mentioned meal plan.
• All Entrance fees at the Monuments as per the itinerary.
• Battery bus ride at Agra.
• Elephant ride at Jaipur (Ascending – Subject to availability of Elephants).
• Dinner with Noble family at Sankotra Haveli, Jaipur.
• Services of English speaking local guide during the sightseeing at all the places during the sightseeing.
• Assistance and porterage at the airports/railway station.
• All Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by exclusive using:

• 2 Pax : Air-conditioned Indigo Car

• 3 Pax : Air-conditioned Innova Car

• 4 – 6 Pax : Air-conditioned Tempo Traveler

• 7 – 14 Pax : Air-conditioned Mini Coach

• 15 – 29 Pax : Air-conditioned Large Coach

• 30 – 46 Pax : 2 Air-conditioned Large Coaches

• All currently applicable taxes.

THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:-

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
• Any Insurance
• Any tipping.
• Services of accompanying tour leader.
• Any meals or beverages that are not specified on the above inclusions.
• Christmas & New Year Evening dinner supplement.

• International & Domestic Air fares.

• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.

• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

• Any further tax levied by the government of India.

SPECIAL NOTES:-

• Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON
• Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost.
• Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.

• In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we intimate you of the supplement price.

*** IMPORTANT NOTES/DISCLAIMER:

Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS FOR M.V. MAHABAAHU:

OUR QUOTE INCLUDES:-

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu will be on full board basis.
• Domestic wines and beers (only with lunch & dinners)
• All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary.
• 2 Game drives and one Elephant Safari to the Kaziranga National Park for the period when the Park is open.
• All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary.
• Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary.
• Arrival & departure assistance transfers with representative at the airports.
• Assistance and porterage at the airports.
• All Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by air-conditioned vehicles (Air-conditioned vehicles at Majuli Island are subject to availability).

THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:-

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, imported wines & spirits, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc.
• Any Insurance.
• Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request.
• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.

• Any tipping.

• International & Domestic Air fares.

• Govt. service tax 3.09% and any further tax levied by the government of India.

• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

• Supplement of peak period from 20th Dec’13 till 5th Jan’14 will be advised on booking request for that period.