Land of the Maharajas

to

the Land of the Buddha

A journey which will take you through various cities of Incredible India before ending at one of the glorious beaches where you can relax and soak in the Sri Lankan sun. Each city presents a unique insight into the lives of the people and their traditions & culture which can still be seen today. This journey will take you through the legacy left behind and will give you an unforgettable experience.

Incredible India

India is like a blockbuster movie... playing itself out on a gigantic screen... with no intervals. You have stunning backdrops - from the majestic Himalayan peaks, to the

opulent Palaces in Rajasthan where Maharajas once lived. From the tropical beaches of Goa to the laidback waters of Kerala and from Bangalore to Bombay, it is non stop

entertainment. It is full on and in your face, with a multitude of characters who make India actually quite "incredible"... At a personal level though, India is going to be what

you make of it. So let's turn on the lights, let the cameras roll and let the action begin....

Explore

A Tale of Seven Cities

Delhi Over a 1000 years old, Delhi has been been an important urban centre from at least the 11th century ruled by 7 dynasties and the British. It thus contains ancient pilgrimage

centres, abandoned cities, a thriving medieval city, a colonial capital and urban villages all within a expanding modern city. Let us showcase for you the story of these

historical cities of Delhi, let you hear about the history and mythology of these cities and discuss people and events which defined them.

Agra With the Yamuna river as its backdrop, the city, which was the Imperial capital of the Mughal Court in the 16th century offers numerous architectural marvels such as the Taj

Mahal, the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Jaipur Cradled at the foot of the Nahargarh Hills, Jaipur is a royal city, its extravagant palaces and forts evoking the magnificence of Rajput princes. The city was masterplanned in

1727 by its brilliant ruler, Jai Singh II. Employing Shilpa Shastra, the ancient philosophy of architecture, the plan yielded a pleasingly cohesive layout. Painted terracotta pink

in 1876 to welcome a state visit by Prince Albert, Jaipur has been known as the Pink City ever since. While modern industry has transformed the city into an international

business center, the heart of this ancient “Pink City” still beats in its fairy tales palaces, and hilltop fortresses. The only planned city of its time, it is a maze of fascinating

bazaars, magnificent palaces and historic sights.

Jodhpur The ‘Blue City’, as it is known, was founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. Dominated always by

indomitable Mehrangarh, the Old Walled City of Jodhpur is all hustle and bustle, charm and colour and chaos…invigorating even as it exhausts! It is the western

desert’s great melting pot and people from all walks of life and from every corner of the region throng its busy and narrow and twisting and turning by-lanes.

Jodhpur The ‘Blue City’, as it is known, was founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. Dominated always by indomitable Mehrangarh, the Old Walled City of Jodhpur is all hustle and bustle, charm and colour and chaos…invigorating even as it exhausts! It is the western desert’s great melting pot and people from all walks of life and from every corner of the region throng its busy and narrow and twisting and turning by-lanes.

Devigarh Traditional Rajput palace meets contemporary minimalism - an immaculately conceived and luxurious boutique hotel.

Devi Garh by lebua is a stunning hill-top fort palace that has been fantastically restored into a luxurious, sophisticated and impossibly romantic retreat. Nestled in

the Aravali hills, 28 kilometers away from the bustle of Udaipur, this all suite luxury resort assumes the look of new India with an emphasis on design and detail.

The interior of the 18th century fort palace of Delwara has been transformed in a minimalist contemporary manner while conserving the ancient exterior.

Mumbai Commonly known as ‘Bombay’ until 1996, Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. The glamour of a prolific film industry, cricket on the open areas on weekends, bhel

puri (Indian snack) on the Chowpatty beach and red double-decker buses symbolize the sprit of the city.

Kerala’s palm-fringed beaches, endless paddy fields, rolling hills, backwaters that snake past tiled-roof houses, spotless village roads, vibrant arts, colourful festival,

ancient shrines and delectable cuisine offer you a string of experiences that are unbelievably pure, unexpected and inspiring.

Kerala A land of unmatched beauty

Ancient Arab traders in the fourth century called Sri Lanka “Serendib” and declared it the site of the original Garden of Eden. Horace Walpole an English art historian, was so enthusiastic about the term and the island that he coined the word “serendipity”. Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and un spoilt. For decades since this word has served as the perfect epithet for the Indian Ocean paradise of jungle highlands, ancient ruined cities, crystal white beaches and an interior landscape largely dominated by the brilliant green of rounded tea bushes. Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of 65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years. This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka!

Special Events

Lubrifiants

Camions

Enjoy a nostalgic evening at the Mehrangarh Fort in the company of dancers, musicians, followed by a lavish dinner.

Assemble at the hotel lobby Turbans will be provided to the men and stoles to ladies. You will taken by coach to Mehrangarh Fort. On arrival at the fort, a short walk takes you to the main entrance, where you will be received by the guards in their ceremonial uniforms, followed by a traditional welcome to the accompaniment of “Dhol Thali” “Kachi Ghodi” performance.

After a welcome stem of Champagne, the procession moves up the pathway, where attendants stand with mashals and musicians (dhol, pipe, kamaicha, Sindhi sarangi) in two lines, usher the procession upto the “Suraj Pol” The procession moves on... with war drums sounding at Rao Jodhaji ka Falsa, Lead by “Dhol Thali” ,the procession passes through Nagnechia Temple where “Ravan Hatha”, is played.

On reaching the top of the stairs - the “Dhol Thali”, playing on a low pitch, lets the procession pass through to the “Fateh Mahal”, where the guards in traditional dress take over and lead the procession further up. As one reaches the opposite side of the “Suraj Pol”, the “Manganiyars” start playing and escort the guests to the Ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort. While the spectacle of the desert musicians unfold at the Shringar Chowk (Coronation Throne area)., cocktail and snacks and passed around.

The entertainment consists of a melody of Ghoomar, Ghair adn Cheri dances and the Langa Musicians, who play the traditional Rajasthani music/songs between the performances.

The cocktails follow a sumptuous sit-down dinner, with a fantastic view of Jodhpur city, awash in light on one side and the magnificent jharokas and galleries of Mehrangarh Fort bedecked in a golden glow of lights on the other side reminiscent of a bygone era!

During dinner you are serenaded by Rajasthani musicians consisting of algoja, sarangi, morchang and ravanhatta playing soulful tunes of the desert.

After dinner you will be escorted back by the Ravan Hatta player to the lift terrace where the guests can witness a spectacular fireworks display specially arranged for them.

After the fire works you will be taken back by lift to the waiting coaches that will take you back to your hotel.

Gala Evening & Dinner Mehrangarh Fort

Accommodations

"An oasis of calm and comfort" sums up this colonial low-rise near Connaught Place generally regarded as New Delhi’s most elegant grand hotel. Built in the thirties by an associate of Sir Edward Lutyens, the man responsible for so much of the city’s classical architecture, it's a legend that offers a unique experience embracing all facets of India's history.

The Imperial

New Delhi

www.theimperialindia.com

Oberoi Amarvilas Agra www.oberoihotels.com

Situated just 600 meters from one of the world’s most thrilling destinations and architectural masterpieces, the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas, is designed to show off the magnificent views, whether from a terrace, a bedroom picture window or even from one of the luxe soaking tubs. The Mughal architectural theme is explored intelligently, with all surfaces reflecting the rich color and patterning of this 15th-century flowering of Muslim culture.

The stately beauty of the Rambagh Palace, which was once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, captures the grandeur and romance of a bygone era. Spread over 47 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Rambagh Palace is centrally located, near the main shopping area and

the historical monuments.

Rambagh Palace Jaipur www.tajhotels.com

Home to Jodhpur's royal family, the Umaid Bhawan

Palace, Jodhpur, perched high above the desert

capital, is one of the world's largest private

residences, and counted amongst the last great

palaces of India was named after Maharaja Umaid

Singh Ji, the grandfather of the present Maharaja

of Jodhpur, Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji. It is a

Maharaja's retreat where guests will feel

pampered and spoiled in ways that only royals

become accustomed to.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur www.tajhotels.com

Like the secret gateway to Narnia, and just as

magical, this gloriously shabby 18th-century fort-

palace - still imposingly grand with its dusty rampart

of domes, turrets and balconies - reveals an inverse

interior that's gleaming, sleekly minimalist and quite

breathtaking. You're suddenly encased in a modern

and airy hotel, coolly carved from white marble and

sweeping sheets of glass to create a clean,

uncluttered aura that's a rarity in Rajasthan.

Devigarh by Lebuwa Delwara http://www.lebua.com/devi-garh

Kettuvallam or House Boat

Backwaters

Brunton Boat Yard Cochin www.cghearth.com

Constructed from the remains of a 19th century shipyard, the Brunton Boatyard Hotel evokes thoughts of ancient trade routes, cultural exchange and seaside adventure. Inspired by its nautical past, the hotel welcomes guests to its shores to bask in the sun and the history of the famed Cochin harbour.

Locally known as 'kettuvallam', these traditional rice barges are made by tying jackwood planks together with coir rope and then coating them with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. Today these giant 80ft long crafts have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats with one or two en-suite bedrooms, an open lounge and eating area, a deck, a kitchenette and a crew comprising captain and cook. Cold water showers are available but the crew can provide a bucket of hot water on request and the bedroom air-conditioning can be switched on at night.

Located in a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent-shaped beach, Amanwella is a seaside resort offering 30 contemporary suites, each with private plunge pool and terrace. The resort’s suites are linked by pathways along a landscaped rise with beach and ocean views. Relax on the expansive terrace surrounding the main pool or on

the soft sand beach.

Amanwella Tangalle www.amanresorts.com

Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai www.tajhotels.com

Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway.

The Programme

23 Oct 14, Australia - Delhi You will arrive in Delhi from Australia this evening.

Our ‘Welcome Ambassador’ will meet you on arrival and you will be transferred to ‘The Imperial’ hotel.

Traditional welcome on arrival and installation into rooms.

Overnight l The Imperial l Heritage Room

24 Oct 14, Delhi Breakfast at hotel.

Morning at leisure.

Have lunch at hotel’s all day dining restaurant, ‘1911’.

Proceed to visit of Old Delhi, also called the ‘Walled City’, one of the city’s most crowded, chaotic and captivating areas. The visit will take you through the bazaars and historic shrines around Old Delhi’s main strip, Chandni Chowk. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Take a rickshaw ride through the lanes of once the imperial avenue of the Mughals, Chandni Chowk, now dotted with colourful shops selling everything from wedding clothes to beautiful silver jewellery.

Enjoy dinner at Naved Desai's brother home in Old Delhi. Return to hotel.

Overnight l The Imperial l Heritage Room

25 Oct 14, Delhi Breakfast at hotel.

Visit National Museum and Crafts Museum and proceed for a delicious mediterranean lunch at ‘Olive Bar & Kitchen’ restaurant.

Proceed to visit the beautiful buildings of the Qutub Minar, once used as a minaret and drive through Delhi's former colonial splendour, passing the magnificent president's house, known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the World War I memorial of the India Gate and the Old Secretariat building before returning to the hotel.

Enjoy dinner at hotel’s South-East Asian speciality restaurant ‘Spice Route’. Return to hotel.

Overnight l The Imperial l Heritage Room

26 Oct 14, Delhi - Agra Go shopping.

Return to hotel and have lunch at ‘San Gimignanp’ restaurant, serving Italian cuisine.

After Lunch , drive to Agra through new constructed Yamuna express way (3hrs & 30 minutes drive approx.)

Arrive Agra and check into ‘The Oberoi Amarvilas’.

Time at leisure.

Dinner at Belle Vue restaurant.

Overnight l The Oberoi Amarvilas l Premier Room with balcony

28 Oct 14, Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur Watch the sunrise cast a warm pink glow over the white marble of the Taj Mahal from your hotel room before setting off on a drive through the Indian countryside to Jaipur (235km / 5 hrs drive approx.).

Stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri (37km away), the abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar and one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height.

A ceremonial ‘Royal Welcome’ awaits you on arrival at the hotel.

Installation into rooms.

Lunch at the airy and arched palace ‘Verandah’ with its panoramic views of the gardens and fountains.

Time at leisure.

Enjoy dinner at ‘SUVARNA MAHAL’, which resonates with the rich heritage of the erstwhile rulers of the desert kingdom with its high ceilings, gilded mirrors and Florentine frescos

Overnight l Ram Bagh Palace l Palace Room

27 Oct 14, Agra Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the ‘Taj Mahal’, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal commemorates the love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Enjoy sumptuous lunch at the Taj Khema, a mound overlooking the Taj Mahal.

Return to hotel.

Time at leisure.

Dinner at Espahan restaurant.

Overnight l The Oberoi Amarvilas l Premier Room with balcony

29 Oct 14, Jaipur Start your day with Elephant Safari through the country side followed by breakfast at Dera Amer, a farm house.

You will be taken for an excursion of the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake.

Have lunch at ‘Samode Haveli’, a heritage hotel, hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old jaipur.

Proceed to visit Jantar Mantar or Observatory which was constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur and is one of the five observatories in India and Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of Wind’, a five-story facade that overlooks the walled city's main thoroughfare and was historically used by the ladies of the royal household to watch the local people perform daily activities.

Go shopping accompanied by local hostesses.

Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local crafts.

Take culinary lesson in Rajasthani cuisine with Thakur Mansingh at hotel Narain Niwas Palace.

Return to hotel.

Get ready for a nostalgic evening with a lavish sit down dinner at the Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

Overnight l Ram Bagh Palace l Palace Room

30 Oct 14, Jaipur - Delhi - Jodhpur Today you will board Jet Airways regular flight (9W 2250 - 08:35/09:35 hrs) to Delhi to connect Jet Konnect’s regular flight (S2 3974 - 10:40/11:40hrs) to Jodhpur, where vintage cars will be waiting to take you to Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Have lunch at Risala, offering spectacular views of the gardens, the city and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.

Stroll in the Palace with your champagne flute and admire a fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian timepieces, porcelain and objects d’art, 19th and 20th century weapons, royal miniature paintings, models of aeroplanes and exquisite crockery from the Maharaja’s personal collection.

Free time until the evening.

A 1940s elevator with carved wood interiors will take you to Sunset Pavilion which serves royal barbecue and international grills for dinner.

Overnight l Umaid Bhawan Palace l Palace Room.

31 Oct 14, Jodhpur A 60 minutes drive will take you to Sardar Samand, a magnificent Art Deco hunting lodge built on the banks of a beautiful lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. It remains the Royal Family's favorite retreat and houses a vast collection of African trophies and original water-colors by Snaffles.

Participate in a culinary demo followed by lunch.

Return to Jodhpur.

As twilight descends on the historic Mehrangarh fort, Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain, and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within have their own magic - the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana contain rich and varied collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles miniature paintings of various schools, folk music, instruments, costumes, furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda temple is among the rarest in India.

Pay tribute to ‘Jodhpur Lancers’ and enjoy a unforgettable evening at the fort in the company of Jodhpur lancers, and be entertained by Rajasthani folk dancers and musicians, followed by a lavish dinner ending with stunning display of fireworks.

Overnight l Umaid Bhawan Palace l Palace Room.

01 Nov 14, Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Delwara Morning drive to Udaipur en route visiting Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur: The tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone; Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. Visit the magnificent Jain temples at Ranakpur. These temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly carved.

Lunch under the Banyan Tree at “Mountbatten Lodge”

Continue drive to Devigarh at Delwara.

Arrive Delwara and installation in the rooms. Afternoon at Leisure.

Dinner at Hotel’s Terrace” starry sky and view of Aravali hills adds to the over all ambience.

Overnight l Devigarh by Lebua l Palace Suites.

02 Nov 14, Delwara. Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will visit the famous temples at Eklingji and ruins at Nagda.

Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur, Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur, it is a complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble. The temple, built in AD 734, to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva, worshipped as the Ultimate Reality, the supreme power, and the wholesome one - Parabhrama, is venerated by the Mewar household.

Drive to Udaipur and visit City Palace complex; surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas, and towering over the lake, is Rajasthan’s largest palace, with a facade 244m long and 30.4m high. A conglomeration of buildings created by various maharajas, it almost manages to retain a uniformity of design. Construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city’s founder. There are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.

Lunch at “Neel Kamal restaurant” at Lake Palace.

Afternoon Free for Shopping. Drive back to Delwara.

Dinner in the Gardens of Hotel Devigarh,

Overnight l Devigarh by Lebua l Palace Suites.

03 Nov 14, Delwara – Udaipur – Mumbai Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at Leisure.

Optional : Indulge yourself in spa at Devigarh.

Devi Garh by lebua, Udaipur, away from the stress of the city, is a perfect place to optimize your well-being. Soothe your body, stimulate your mind and strengthen your spirit. The new 'la Terre Spa by L'Occitane' at Devi Garh by lebua, Udaipur offers well-being treatments in a luxurious setting. Local ingredients combined with natural L'Occitane products will create exclusive treatments that have been specially designed for lebua Resorts

Lunch at Hotel.

Afternoon drive to Udaipur airport to board regular flight to Mumbai – (AI 471 – 1740/1905)

Arrive Mumbai and you will be transferred to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace.

Mumbai : commonly known as ‘Bombay’ until 1996, Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. The glamour of a prolific film industry, cricket on the open areas on weekends, bhel puri (Indian snack) on the Chowpatty beach and red double-decker buses symbolize the sprit of the city.

Dinner at Wasabi by Morimoto, a world-class contemporary Japanese restaurant.

Overnight l Taj Mahal Palace & Tower l Luxury Grand Room.

04 Nov 14, Mumbai Breakfast at the hotel

Take a tour of the colonial area of Mumbai to see an amazing variety of historic landmarks and buildings, constructed in different styles of architecture and built in a variety of local and imported materials.

Watch dabbawalah in action before proceeding for lunch at the Cricket Club of India, one of the oldest and most well known cricket clubs of India.

Go for private shopping trip.

Dinner at Indigo restaurant, a fine dining restaurant that combines old-world charm and delectable food with finest selection of wines.

Overnight l Taj Mahal Palace & Tower l Luxury Grand Room

05 Nov 14, Mumbai - Cochin - Backwaters Cruise

After early breakfast, you will be transferred to Mumbai airport to board Spice Jet’s regular flight (SG 161 - 08:35/10:35hrs) to Cochin.

On arrival, you will be driven to Alleppey through scenic backroads to board a traditional rice barge (houseboat) to cruise through the backwaters and discover the life around it.

Lunch & dinner will be served on board.

Overnight l Air-conditioned House Boat l Two Bedroom Boat

06 Nov 14, Backwaters Cruise - Cochin

Breakfast on board.

Disembark from the boat and drive to Mararikulam through back roads.

Have lunch at Veena Beach Resort or Beach Symphony hotel.

Continue to Cochin.

On arrival, check into hotel.

Enjoy dinner at ‘The Malabar House’ hotel.

Overnight l Brunton Boatyard l Sea Facing Room

07 Nov 14, Cochin Visit Fort Cochin area.

Go shopping in the Jewish quarter of Fort Cochin before proceeding to Nimmi Paul’s home for cooking class followed by lunch.

Visit Forklore Museum, a treasure trove discovered from the forgotten centuries and enjoy cup of tea at ‘Tea Pot’, a perfect venue with quality teas.

Return to the hotel.

Witness Kathkali Dance performance in lawns before dinner at ‘History’ restaurant.

Overnight l Brunton Boatyard l Sea Facing Room

08 Nov 14 Cochin - Colombo - Tangalle After early breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin airport to board Sri Lankan flight (UL 166 - 09:45/10:55 hrs) to Colombo.

On arrival, you will be transferred to Tangalle by chopper.

Check into Amanwella. Spend rest of your day at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight l Amanwella l Suite

09 & 10 Nov 14 Tangalle Spend rest of your day at leisure enjoying hotel’s services and exploring Tangalle.

Overnight l Amanwella l Suite

11 Nov 14 Tangalle - Colombo - Australia After early breakfast drive back to Colombo en route visiting Galle.

Have lunch at Amangalla resort, Galle.

Visit Colombo by Tata Nano cars or by Tuk Tuk.

Enjoy drinks at Cricket Club and have dinner at Gallery Cafe.

You will be transferred to the airport to board flight back home.

End of the trip

Conferences & Meetings

Incentive & Motivational

Product Launches

Business Travel

Leisure Travel Team

P.N Nageshwaran

Incent India

Tel: +91 11 40850000

nagesh@incentindia.com