Come
join us on this amazing adventure and visit some of most
interesting and sacred temples and palaces in the world
as well as the most beautiful island chain. This 
amazing itinerary will have us moving about quite a bit
but it will be well worth it when, at the end of the trip,
you have experienced something truly unique and come away
with these incredible memories. This is not the cheapest
trip but it is an extremely interesting and diverse itinerary
that you won't find anywhere else. I am quite confident
that, although it is an expensive trip the price we are
offering is an amazing rate.
We will have
2 options - either the entire trip including Bhutan or without
Bhutan for just India and the Maldives. This will be my
2nd trip to India and I can say that it is fascinating.
You see things you certainly won't see anywhere else. It's
a very peaceful country and of course everyone should have
the Taj Mahal on their bucket list. I am using the same
tour operator that we used for our Nepal and Tibet trip
and they did a very good job for us. They were encouraging
me to include Bhutan at that time and it's been on my bucket
list ever since. Here's our itinerary:
May
13th: Depart LAX - Arrive Delhi on May 14th at midnight
Arrive
at Delhi’s International Airport early this morning. Welcome
to India! You are met by our representative in the arrival
area of the airport.
May
15th: Fly Delhi to Bhutan-
Transfer
to Airport after breakfast. Fly to paro and drive to Thimpu
(L/D) After immigration and custom formalities, you are
met by our guide and driver and transferred to Paro city,
where you can eat lunch in a tourist restaurant. Visit the
National Musuem of Paro, before driving to Thimphu, which
takes about 1.5hrs. Take rest in the hotel. Overnight in
Thimpu at hotel.
May
16th: Thimphu sightseeing. (B/L/D)
Thimphu sightseeing
includes - visit to National Library, the priceless collection
of Buddhist manuscripts and few English version books; Folk
and Heritage Museum, which displays day to day livelihood
of typical Bhutanese farmers in medieval period and their
accessories; Late King's Memorial Stupa, built for the world
peace and Traditional Handmade Paper Factory; Painting School,
which preserves our traditional paintings, sculpturing and
wood curving; Majestic Tashichhodzong, which houses office
for the king and the ministers and National Handicraft Emporium,
the best place to look for souvenir from Bhutan. Evening
Drive to paro 1 hr. Overnight in Paro
May
17th: Paro tours (B/L/D)
Transfer to trail-head and begin your trek to Takshang (Tiger's
Lair) monastery, Bhuitan's most famous sight. This is as
epic as travel gets! Your guide can arrange pony/horse for
ride uphill till the Cafeteria, but one must be able to
walk after that. A proper trekking boot or good walking
shoes is necessary for this hike. Those who choose not to
hike can stay back with the driver and tour around Paro.
Overnight in Paro Taktshang -
Tiger's Nest:
Taktshang or 'Tiger's Nest' as it is often referred to for
Taktshang Pelphung monastery, is one of the most venerated
and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is located on the
face of a 900m sheer cliff. An impressive and un-missable
site, but accessible only by walk or to ride mules/pony.
Here
is a link with more details about this hike which
should take about 2 hours. Taktshang was rebuilt by the
people of Tsento village. Again in April of 1998, a major
fire destroyed the main structure of the building and its
contents (some believe it to be arson). Reconstruction began
in 2000 and was completed and consecrated after extensive
efforts and financial support of Governments as well as
donors.
May
18th: Departure from Paro to Delhi - Second group arrives
(B)
Today we fly back to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi. This
will also be the day that the second group would arrive.
May
19th : Delhi / Sightseeing (half day) then drive to Jaipur
After
breakfast, we take the sightseeing tour of Delhi. New Delhi
was designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's
a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings,
green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced
the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The
King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the
design and construction of Delhi's eight city - New Delhi.
Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized
buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by
Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow
pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking
only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent
in 1947. The city has more than twenty five galleries. Conducted
tours, seminars, film shows and study classes on art appreciation,
history and conservation are frequently organized. Most
of the performing art centers are around Mandi House, Bhagwan
Das Road. We will visit some major attractions like Rajghat,
Qutub Minar, India Gate, President House, Parliament House,
Birla Temple, Lotus Temple etc. Evening Drive to Jaipur
, Overnight stay in Jaipur.
May
20th: Jaipur
Enjoy full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur (the pink city
of India). Jaipur Known as the "Pink City", Jaipur
is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has
the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city.
As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness
a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during
the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
After breakfast depart the hotel for excursion to the Amber
Fort. ~7 miles. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvelous example
of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected
in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a
gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas
of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal
halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work
complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between
the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history
and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
Later in the afternoon visit the City Palace Museum where
you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and
Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection
of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons,
miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes
and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar
(an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included
is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a
five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade
and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and
spires.
. O/N at hotel
in Jaipur.
May
21st: Jaipur - Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra - the city of Taj Mahal, one
of the Seven Wonders of the World - that magnificent monument
to love built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen.
Construction
of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have
taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working
around the clock. The design and construction is said to
be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori..
What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions,
distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.
Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise
and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It
is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding
others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam,
is visualized as lush garden where running streams flow.
When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated
it to the heights of incomparable history. Visit Fatehpur
Sikri on the way.
Visit
Agra Fort visit to the impressive Agra Fort, where you are
taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you
drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars
(markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.
Agra Fort is
a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as
Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5
km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the
Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as
a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in
India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir,
Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was
governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury
and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers
and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making
of history in India.
Overnight at the hotel in Agra.
May
22nd: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi via Yamuna Express Way .
Half day tours of Delhi to cover the places of interest
which were not finished on our 1st da tour. Overnight
in Delhi.
May
23rd: Delhi - Maldives
Okay, you have
survived the arduous part of our journey. Lots of driving
and one-night hotel stays. You did it! Now, it's island
time! I know many of you are mostly looking forward to this
part of our trip and I think it's the perfect way to wrap
it up. Today we will fly to Male, the capital of the Maldives
for our 3-night stay on Kandoomaafushi Island, right next
door to Guraidhoo Island. We chose this island and the Holiday
Inn because, as you can see from the photo, it is quite
beautiful without being over-the-top expensive. Our hotel
is exclusive to this island and offers plenty of tour options
including snorking and diving (of course) as well as a dolphin
cruise, night fishing and island hopping. The reviews on
this resort are excellent and the dining is also very reasonable
for the Maldives (click here to check
it out). Although we will only have 3 nights there,
we are ending up with 3 full days since our return flight
is at 10 pm. See more under "hotels" below.
Our itinerary
here will be loose. All activities are through the hotel
with reasonable rates plus they have offered us a group
discount.
" Turtle
Point Snorkeling: USD 65 nett per pax / duration 2 hrs
" Dolphin Cruise: USD 65 nett per pax / duration
1 hr
" Sunset Cruise: USD 75 nett per pax / duration 2
hrs
" Night Fishing: USD 65 nett per pax / duration 1.5
hrs
" Male shopping Tour: USD 95 nett per pax / duration
3 hrs
" Local Maldivian Island (1 island): USD 30 nett
per pax / duration 2 hrs
" Local Maldivian Island (2 islands): USD 50 nett
per pax / duration 3.30 hrs
OUR HOTELS:
NEW
DELHI
Hotel Pride Plaza - 5-star!
Website
- Tripadvisor
Pride
Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel
in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels. Within its
majestic façade, 385 plush rooms featuring premier
amenities complemented by high-speed internet connectivity,five
state-of-the-art banquet halls spread across 12,000 sq ft.,
eclectic dining outlets, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness
centre and Sohum Wellness Spa, resonate true Indian hospitality
and traditionally luxurious service, personalised to your
whim. Be it a stayover, a business visit, a family vacation,
a conference or a social gathering – experience the
essence of pure pride in all that you do, when you are with
us!
JAIPUR
Hotel Ramada - 5-star!
Website - Tripadvisor
Ramada
Jaipur offers royal luxury hospitality in the heart of the
Pink City. The best and most distinct address in the city
that leaves you satiated with ultimate comfort and unmatched
style. Ramda Jaipur, guarantees a hassle free stay which
comes as a welcome respite and tranquil relaxation for you.
Suitably located with the city’s main business centers
in near vicinity, you would see yourself placed at just
a stone’s throw from all the excitement the city has
to offer.
AGRA
Crystal Sarovar Premiere - 5-star!
Website
- Tripadvisor
Agra, the historic city that hosts the iconic Taj Mahal-
a world wonder built by king Shahjahan to immortalize his
monumental love for his queen Mumtaz. Crystal Sarovar Premiere
is conveniently located in the city's tourist hub, in a
calm and peaceful location with a magnificent view of Taj
Mahal. Designed for smart travellers, Crystal Sarovar Premiere
in Agra offers everything you need in a hotel. Whether you're
on a trip with your family, off to a business meeting or
on an adventure with friends, enjoy the joy of travel in
a fun, comfortable and an affordable hotel.
PARO
Tashi Namgey resort
Website
- Tripadvisor
“Rediscover
the uniqueness of Bhutanese tradition” As you prepare
to land at the Paro International Airport, the eye catching
Tashi Namgay Resort opposite to Bhutan’s only international
airport would greet you with the warmth and serenity that
you hope to achieve on your visit.
The
resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and green
lawns. Located conveniently in the heart of Paro valley
but away from the distractions of the main town, Tashi Namgay
Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within
a five-acre compound. Unique blends of traditional Bhutanese
and modern architecture have been provided for, yet at the
same time offering you all the amenities of a modern lifestyle.
The concern for the environment has been foremost in the
design as it is evident from the layout of the buildings,
the use of solar lights, wooden ‘shingle’ roofing
and mud-brick walls.
Bay-Yul
is Bhutanese for ‘A place of peace, prosperity and
happiness’. The Bay-Yul Spa was conceptualized and
created to provide a Bhutanese Spa facility that offers
treatments with a holistic approach to wellbeing. It aims
at giving you a truly mesmerizing experience.
The
1540 m2 Spa at Tashi Namgay Resort is a short walk from
the Resort’s main building and stands overlooking Pa
Chhu (Paro River). It has an ancient look, as it was built
using timbers and windows salvaged from the 2011 earthquake,
which destroyed our ancestral home.
There
are massage rooms, a well-equipped fitness center and separate
shower, steam and sauna rooms for both gents and ladies.
Outside
the Spa you will find the hot stone bath and a deck for
practicing Yoga or enjoying the sun. A few steps down there
is the beach garden, next to a small lake: another pleasant
place for meeting up, receiving outdoor massage, relaxing
and/or sun bathing. Nearby, also facing Pa-Chhu.
THIMPU
Hotel Migmar
Website - Tripadvisor
Hotel Migmar is an international tourist hotel. It is a
popular venue for conference, seminars and meeting place
in Thimphu, the capital city of BHUTAN. Our rooms are designed
with high comfort and provides you with a great stay experience
in Bhutan.
Hotel
is been officially rated by Tourism Council of Bhutan in
year 2010 as a Four star hotel in Bhutan. www.tourism.gov.bt/discover/accommodation.
Hotel has achieved enormous reputation in terms of best
accommodation stay, food and beverage services. Hotel has
gained the maximum market share of local travel agents,
regional travel agents from India and Bangladesh. Beside
hotel has maintained excellent status with Government, Corporate
and other business stakeholders in the region. Hotel has
awarded international certificate of excellence from Trip.Advisor.com
and other major stakeholder like make my trip.com. Hotel
is also a board member of Hotel and Restaurant Association
of Bhutan. www.hrab.org.bt/index.php.
MALDIVES
Holiday Inn - Kandoomaafushi Island - 4-1/2 star
Website
-
Tripadvisor
This
property is a 4-minute walk from the beach. Named after
the abundant Kandoo Tree, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma enjoys
beautiful views of the Indian Ocean in the South Malé
Atoll. With 6 dining options, it also presents a chic ocean-facing
infinity pool.
Designed with white-washed timber and large windows, the
spacious villas are equipped with a flat-screen satellite
TV and luxurious outdoor showers. A tea/coffee maker and
safe are provided. Some villas are located over water.
Holiday
Inn Resort Kandooma is a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé
International Airport. It is surrounded by world-class diving
and surfing sites.
Guests
can enjoy a work-out at the fitness centre or run on the
jogging track around the island. Thai massages and body
treatments are available at Kandooma Spa.
Fresh
local seafood is served at The Kitchen Restaurant, which
offers breathtaking sunset views. The newly refurbished
Kandooma Cafe features Western and Asian meals and provides
indoor and outdoor seating.
TOUR
INFORMATION:
Whale
Shark trip - Turtle
Reef Snorkeling - Sunset
Cruise - Local island
tour - Scuba Diving
- Whale
Sharks
Scuba
Entry Level Courses - Dolphin
Watch
ACTIVITY
PRICE LIST - ACTIVITY
SCHEDULE - MENU - DINING
THEME NIGHTS
HOLIDAY
INN FACT SHEET - HOLIDAY
INN PRESENTATION
UPGRADE TO AN OVERWATER
BUNGALOW! Check
out this video!
$450 additional
pp, double occupancy for the 3 nights
$900 additional for the single supplment for the 3 nights
AS
ALWAYS, EARLY SIGNUPS WILL GET UPGRADED ROOMS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
INCLUDES:
