Taj and Raj - 11 Daysgo guidedon't leave home without it

A World Of Discovery

Taj and Raj - 11 Days updated on 23-11-2011

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Discover the lofty peaks and breathtakingviews of Shimla, India's largest and mostfamous hill station and former summercapital of British India. Ride the narrowgauge railway aboard the Himalayan QueenToy Train and explore Delhi, the Pink City ofJaipur and the legendary Taj Mahal.

WHAT YOU SEE AND WHAT YOU GET

Trip Highlights• Delhi - Old Delhi - Red Fort, Jama Masjid

and Raj Ghat.• New Delhi - India Gate, Rajpath,

Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and visit acarpet emporium with demonstration

• Agra - Taj Mahal (entrance fee included)and Agra Fort

• Fatehpur Sikri - ancient Mughal city• Jaipur - Amber Fort & Jantar Mantar and

visit to a cotton trader/tailor• Shekhawati region - Rajasthani

architecture, havalis and village walk• Shimla - hill station and former British

summer capital in Himachal Pradesh

• Shimla sightseeing tour including JakhooTemple, Viceroy Lodge, State Museum,Christ Church, Gaity Theater and the Mall.

What's Included• 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners

including Namaste Dinner in Delhi• 10 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels

(hotel upgrade available in Delhi)• 2 train journeys, Air-conditioned Chair

Class, Delhi to Kalka and Shimla to Delhi• Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur

(*Subject to Government regulations andavailability)

• Buggy ride to Taj Mahal - Agra• Touring of Delhi, Shilma, Agra, Jaipur,

Surajgarh and the Shekhawati region• Escorted by an English speaking Indian

tour leader for groups of 6 or more• Specialist guides at local sights• Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace and Jantar

Mantar entrance fees.• All relevant transfers and transportation in

private vehicles• Airport arrival and departure transfers on

day 1 and day 11• Narrow gauge Toy Train journey on the

Kalka to Shimla Railway Line.

What's Not Included• Tipping Kitty: $20-25 USD• Entrance Fees: $45-55 USD• International flights and visas• Tip for your tour leader. We suggest

$13-$20 USD per person for this tour.Tipping your leader is an entirely personalgesture.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : New DelhiWednesday. Welcome to India and the start ofyour holiday! Arriving to Delhi International Airportyou will be met by our representative and includedonward transfer to our hotel. The remainder of theday offers free time for you to relax or explore the

city your own way. Our welcome meeting takesplace at 8pm this evening. Overnight - New Delhi

Day 2 : All aboard! Toy Train toShimla

Delhi - Kalka – Shimla. Bright and early thismorning we board the Shatabdi Express bound forKalka. Here, travellers will transfer (independently)to the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Traintravelling to Shimla.

The Guinness Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats'records the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'the greatestnarrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic96 kilometre journey built on a 2 feet six inchesgauge has 919 curves, passes through 20 railwaystation and clatters across 5 level crossings, eachto the cacophonous symphony of greetings, tootinghorns and the hubbub of Indian life. There are102 tunnels to navigate and some 863 multi-arched galleries bridges (similar to ancient Romanaqueducts) to cross where spectacular landscapesof rolling hills, lush valleys and panoramic vistascan be seen.

To the commotion of the steam locomotion's arrivalto Shimla, we meet our representative on thestation platform and transfer to our hotel for anevening at leisure.

TOY TRAIN - Upon arrival in Kalka travellers willindependently (ie a representative from on the gowill not be there to meet you) to the platform andboard the toy train No. 52455 - Himalayan Queen- Chair Carriage.

Indiago guidedon't leave home without it

Taj and Raj - 11 Days updated on 23-11-2011

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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The toy train departs at 1210 and arrives in Kalkaat 1720, snacks/ lunch should be purchased beforethe journey as choice on board is limited.

Please note that on occasion other toy trains will beused on this leg of the journey. You will be advisedof the train number and details before making thejourney. Overnight - Shimla (B)

Day 3 : Shimla - Summercapital of the British Raj

Shimla. Former ‘summer capital’ of British India,Shimla sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge atan altitude of over 2100m. The famous main street,‘The Mall’, lined with stately English homes andthe fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge, reinforcesShimla’s quintessential English look. Shimlawas the most important hill station in Indiabefore Independence. Today we enjoy a guidedsightseeing tour of the lofty settlement, venturinginto the narrow streets, which fall steeply away fromthe ridge giving way to colourful bazaars and fineviews of the surrounding valley and snow-cappedpeaks.

Offering cool respite from the oppressive heatof the low plains, Shimla came into existence in1819, after the Gurkha War. Its climate commandeditself to British officers on leave and remained asummer village of tents for about three years. SoonShimla became the summer capital of the BritishIndian Government till India’s independence fromBritain in 1947. Shimla continued to serve as atemporary capital of east Punjab until the new cityof Chandigarh was completed. It has remainedthe capital of Himachal Pradesh ever since 1966.However, the British left a lasting legacy, withan almost palpable presence manifested in thebuildings such as Christ Church, the ViceregalLodge and the town’s many cottages which line thefamous main street, ‘The Mall’.

The Mall is Shimla’s hub for cafes, restaurants, barsand shopping. The Mall further joins the Ridge at`Scandal Point’, a favoured rendezvous point whichruns all the way up to Christ Church – the secondoldest church in northern India built between 1846and 1857. The church is one of Shimla’s majorlandmarks and is renowned for its beautiful stainedglass windows. To the south, the Ridge falls awayto the colourful Lower Bazaar. This is the placewhere the local people converge for their dailyshopping and also where Tibetans ply their trade.A couple of shops here sell Raj-era curios.

The Viceregal Lodge, also known as RashtrapatiNiwas, was formally theresidence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin, andis where many a decision affecting the destiny ofthe subcontinent was made. Built in the EnglishRenaissance style and possessing one of the mostcommanding positions in Shimla, the imposing sixstorey building, with beautifully manicured lawnsand botanical gardens is today an institute foradvanced studies. Do go take a look.

About four kilometres from the Ridge, a sprightlystream flows through the Glen forests at an altitudeof 1830 metres. The Glen is a delightful secludedpicnic spot. Beyond the Glen is a picturesque spotknown as Annandale. Once the playgroundof Shimla, where racing, polo and cricketentertained the `sahibs and memsahibs’ of theEmpire, Annandale still attracts picnickers. On oursightseeing tour today we'll have th opportunity tovisit many of these highlights. Overnight - Shimla(B)

Day 4 : Explore Shimla, trainjourney to Delhi

Shimla - Kalka - Delhi. Today offer free time for youto independently explore, opt to stroll, drop by thecolourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit ofJakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point where visitor’sare rewarded with panoramic views of the eternalsnows set as a backdrop to the sleepy township ofShimla beneath.

Hotel check out is at 12 noon, opt for some lunchand pack an evening picnic meal before boardingthe Kalka Shatabdi Express at sunset and arrivingto Delhi late this evening.Overnight - New Delhi (B)

Day 5 : Old DelhiToday we enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi,taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid- India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat -the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more. Tonight,we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurantspecialising in classic Indian cuisine.

Old Delhi is the 17th century walled city ofShahjahanabad (capital of Muslim India betweenthe 17th and 19th centuries) with city gates, narrowalleyways, bazaars, many mosques, monuments,forts and other buildings relating to India’s Muslimhistory. The main street in Old Delhi is ChandniChowk – a colourful, if hopelessly congestedshopping bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi include

the Red Fort built by Shah Jahan in the 16thcentury, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in Indiaand final architectural extravagence of Shah Jahanand Raj Ghat- a marble memorial marking thespot where the great leader- Mahatma Gandhi wascremated after his assassination.

New Delhi, in contrast to Old Delhi is a cityof wide tree-lined streets, parks, fountains androundabouts – designed by Edward Lutyens andbuilt as the imperial capital of India by the British.Highlights include Rajpath - an immense broadboulevard flanked on either side by ornamentalponds and India Gate erected in memory of Indiansoldiers who died in the First World War. Overnight- New Delhi (B, D)

Day 6 : Taj Mahal

Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we drive to Agra,once India’s Mughal capital. The Taj Mahal,described as the most extravagant monumentever constructed for love, is a fine example ofMughal architecture built by Emperor Shah Jahanin memory of his beloved second wife - MumtazMahal, who died tragically during childbirth. Builtentirely of white marble, construction began in1631, the year in which Mumtaz died, and was notcompleted until 1653. A staggering total of 20,000workers contributed their skills, in the constructionof this unique mausoleum.

After our visit to the Taj Mahal, we head to Agra Fortfor a short tour. Behind its colossal walls are someof the finest Mughal buildings in India. Constructionof the fort was commenced during the reign ofEmperor Akbar and additions were made until therule of his grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’stime, it was primarily a military fort though laterthe focus shifted and it partially became a palace.After our touring there is a visit to a visit a marblecraftshop before time to relax back at the hotel.Overnight - Agra (B)

Indiago guidedon't leave home without it

Taj and Raj - 11 Days updated on 23-11-2011

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Day 7 : Agra

Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visitghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Thismagnificent fortified city was the capital of theMughal Empire from 1571 until 1585, when it wasabandoned dramatically due to a lack of water tosupport the peoples who resided in the city. Thanksto the very durable red sandstone, from whichit was built, Fatehpur Sikri remains fantasticallypreserved.

Upon our guided tour we'll explore the women’squarters; the emperor’s quarters; a quarter forprinces and noblemen; and weapons housing. Wesee various temples, places of worships, pavilions,public areas and examples of everyday living suchas areas from where ablutions were performed, toan ancient aqua cooling system and marvel at howlife must have been for the inhabitants of this oldcity.

We continue to Udai Vilas Palace for lunch,followed by a visit to the rural town of Perhersar.After a walk through the village, we continue to thePink City of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan and a topspot for having taliored clothes made. Overnight -Jaipur (B, L)

Day 8 : Jaipur

Jaipur. Opt to see the pink city from high above withour early morning balloon flight. After we embarkon excursion to Amber Fort, before taking in somesightseeing within the Old City and City Palace.

An early start takes us to the Amber Fort, locatedjust outside the city limits. Once the ancient capitalof Jaipur State, construction of the fort/palacewas started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, theRajput commander of Akbar’s army. The fort isstunningly situated atop a hill. We’ll ascend the roadleading to the palace in princely style, aboard Indianelephants - subject to regulations/availability as the

elephants are limited to the number of trips that canmake up the fort each day. We explore the richlydecorated palace admiring how kings and queensonce lived.

En route to the City Palace, we’ll pass HawaMahal – the Palace of the Winds. Although littlemore than an impressive façade it is one ofthe city’s landmarks. The 5-storey building whichoverlooks the main street of the bustling old city isa stunning example of Rajput architecture with it’spink, delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.

We visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthaniand Mughal architecture. If the flag is flying, theMaharaja is in residence. A part of the palacehas been converted into a museum, which has animpressive collection of arts, carpets, enamelwareand weaponry.

Just over the road,(look out for the snake charmersthat dot our route) from the City Palace is JantarMantar, an observatory of astronomy built by JaiSingh in 1728. Of the five observatories he built, thisis the largest and best preserved. At first glance,Jantar Mantar resembles a sculpture park, thoughin fact, each construction has a specific scientificpurpose. Some measure the positions of stars,whilst others calculate eclipses, the lunar calendarand simply the time of day. Even today, most of theconstructions remain accurate!

Jaipur is the place to shop until you drop, soif you fancy a bit of retail therapy, be sure todo it here. Shop for jootis (traditional Rajasthanicurled shoes) Jaipur’s famous blue pottery, textilesand handicrafts around the City Palace or HawaMahal. Be sure to explore the Johari Bazaar inthe Old Pink City which are great for shopping. In1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had the entire old cityswathed in pink paint! Not as mad as it seems, aspink is a colour in India associated with hospitality.The new paint job was completed in time for a regalvisit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII),a tradition that has been maintained. Overnight -Jaipur (B)

Day 9 : Village life, rural IndiaJaipur - Surajgarh - Shekhawati. After breakfast,we travel by road in a due westerly direction tothe semidesert Shekhawati region, which lies in atriangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner.Starting around the 14th century, a number ofMuslim clans moved into the region of Shekhawati.Towns were developed and subsequently becameimportant trading posts on the ancient caravanroutes emanating from the coastal ports ofGujarat. With large amounts of money comingfrom intensive trade, the merchants of Shekhawatiwere keen to erect mansions known as havelis,on a large scale, as glittering testimony to theirnewfound wealth. The region is now justly famousfor it’s fine painted havelis.

Havelis are courtyard-style mansion homes thatwere built by these wealthy merchant families.Unremarkable from the outside, their courtyardsare often painted and decorated with quiteremarkable designs. The largest mansions hadas many as 4 courtyards and were up to 6

stories in height. Having a house of such grandproportion prompted families to decorate theinterior walls quite lavishly with Hindu relatedthemes acknowledging mythology. Afternoontaking a walk through the local village and touringa wealthy merchant havali there is time to relax atour hotel. Overnight - Surajgarh (B, D)

Day 10 : Surajgarh - Delhi, freeevening

Surajgarh - Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the remainderof the afternoon and evening is free for you tofurther discover the city. Opt for a meal in the heartof the city or simply relax and chat with groupmembers at the hotel . Overnight - New Delhi (B)

Day 11 : New DelhiSaturday. Our holiday concludes after breakfast,hotel check out and included onward departuretransfer to airport. Overnight - New Delhi (B)

Diwali - 22 Oct 2011 departureArrangements for our Taj & Raj tour departing 22October 2011 are as follows:

• Days 1 - 4 – as standard• Day 5 - Diwali lights up Jaipur

Maybe opt for an early morning balloon flight overthe pink city of Jaipur. Look out for the snakecharmers that dot our route, as we travel to the16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ridetransports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoya tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in theafternoon we tour the City Palace, which boastsan interesting museum of regal attire and JantarMantar, an ancient astronomical observatory.

Tonight we make our way to the Julelal Templelocated in the heart of Jaipur beautifully decoratedwith lights for our Diwali celebrations. This prettywhite washed temple is located dedicated to thelocal deity Jhulelal in addition to Lord Shiva,Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali isby far the most glamorous and important. The fiveday celebration commemorates the return of LordRama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from hisfourteen years of exile and vanquishing the demonking Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, the Capitalof Rama, overwhelmed with joy illuminated thekingdom with earthen oil lamps and set firecrackersablaze to welcome the return of their king

Indiago guidedon't leave home without it

Taj and Raj - 11 Days updated on 23-11-2011

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Today, Diwali involves the lighting of small claylamps filled with oil signifying the triumph of goodover evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wearnew clothes and share sweets and snacks withfamily members and friends. Believing in good luckand good fortune associated with the events mostIndian business communities choose to begin thefinancial year on the first day of Diwali.

Our evening commences with the Lakshmi PujaCeremony conducted by the temple priests whereworship and offerings of food and money are givento Lakshmi the goddess of wealth (by those whowish to attain it or preserve it) and oil lamps are lit tolight up her path into your pocket or to your home.The goddess also likes all things to be clean andtidy, in some homes the household broom may alsoreceive a special offering on such an auspiciousday.

After an outdoor musical performance of traditionalDiwali song and dance we sit down to a vegetarianbuffet dinner hosted in the temple garden. Asfirecrackers light the balmy, autumn night sky wetoo continue to celebrate Diwali with, and alongsidethe colourful and high spirited people of Rajasthan.Dinner and Overnight - Jaipur

• Days 6 – 11 - Arrangements as per ourstandard itinerary

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

ClimateIndia has a three-season year known as the hot, thewet and the cool. The best time to visit is betweenlate September and April when temperatures arecooler and therefore ideal for sightseeing. In thesummer months of May to July it is less crowdedand conditions are perfect for sightseeing andphotography, although parts of India are extremelyhot. July signals the start of the monsoon or wetseason that continues until early or mid September.Although the weather is humid, the days arepunctuated by intermittent rainfall and the monsoonis India is actually quite spectacular and quiterefreshing.

Health RequirementsIt is recommended that you be vaccinated forTetanus and Polio, if you haven’t had a booster inthe last ten years. Food and waterborne diseasesare more common, so we recommend vaccinationsfor Typhoid(valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validityvaries). You are also advised to take anti-Malarialmedication.

CurrencyThe Indian Rupees (INR) is non-exportable andonly available in India. Pounds Sterling, US Dollarsand Euros are easily exchanged upon arrival at anymajor bank or your hotel. ATM's are also availablein all major towns and cities.

If planning on using your ATM card whilst in India,please let your bank know of your travel plansprior to departure to avoid your bank assuming that

the transaction is fradulent and blocking your card.Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.USD 1 = INR 45GBP 1 = INR 75EURO 1 = INR 65AUD 1 = INR 47

TimeIndia is 5 hours 30 mins ahead of GMT.

Essential Packing• A small daypack for your day-to-day needs.• A photocopy of your passport data pages.• The voltage in India is 230-240V. Most

outlets in India accept round 3 pin plugs(not a UK, European or USA plugs). Youshould pack a Universal Adaptor and checkthat it is suitable for India.

• Insect repellant to guard against peskymosquitos

• Spare camera batteries/memory card soyou can go snap happy.

• Consider packing some pencils, pens ormodest educational supplies that can begiven to village schools or street children.

• If you fancy a tipple, take advantage of DutyFree buys.

• Buy some Indian Rupees at the airport onarrival.

• Buy a phrasebook and practice yourholiday Hindi.

• Keep a supply of small notes for localtransactions.

Holiday MoneyFunds collected in India for entrance fees andtip kitty (if applicable to your holiday) or optionalexcursion that you may wish to participate is arepayable in local currency (INR).

Pre-Tour AccommodationIf arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes anairport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What youGet' section of this Go Guide) we will be at theairport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Furtherif you are booking pre-tour accommodation with usan airport arrival transfer will also be provided. Ifarriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on aflight that arrives very, very early in the morning)you will need to purchase a night of pre-touraccommodation to save you waiting until standardhotel check in time, which is generally 2pm.

Arrival TransfersIf your tour or short stay includes an airportarrival transfer (as indicated in the 'What you Get'section of this Go Guide) from Delhi's Indira GandhiInternational Airport, our arrival procedure is asfollows:

Arrive to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport,where after you have attended to customs andimmigration formalities, please proceed to thearrival hall. Please have your tour voucher handyand make it available to our representative whowill be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holdinga prominent on the go tours logo signboard, ready

to escort you to our awaiting transportation andonward to your tour start hotel

If, for any reason you have trouble locating ourrepresentative (after waiting 20 minutes in thearrival hall) or your flight to India is delayed pleasecall the emergency contact number as stated onyour tour voucher and our local office who will thenadvise on the best course of action.

If travelling on our Captivating Kerala tour (witharrival via Kochi Airport) or one of our 'Short Stays'where an airport arrival transfer is included in yourholiday, the procedure for meeting you at the airportis the same as those detailed above.

Departure Tax - effective as of01 Dec 2011As of 01 Dec 2011, an airport development fee willbe levied to all flights departing from Indira GandhiInternational airport, New Delhi.

The fee will be collected directly at the airport forall international and domestic tickets issued prior tothis date. For all tickets issued/ puchased after 01Dec 2011, the cost will be included in the ticket cost.

The amount (payable to your respective airline atcheck in) is as follows and can only be paid in IndianRupees (INR). It would be ideal for you to haveclose to or the exact amount to avoid delays.Domestic flights: INR 221 per personInternational flights: INR 1434 per person

VisasAll foreign nationals must obtain a visa for a visitto India and it is essential the visa be procuredprior to travel. A 6 month single entry visa (validfrom the date of issue) is issued for most nationalsplanning to visit India. If you are planning to visit aneighbouring country such as Nepal, Bhutan or SriLanka and return to India you will require a multipleentry visa which must be procured in advance oftravel. In order to obtain this, you will need toprovide the embassy with a detailed itinerary andfull flight information, showing the dates and portsof exit and re-entry to India.

If you are a resident in the UK we offer a visa serviceto save you the inconvenience of having to queueat the embassy, please visit our website or contactus for further information.

Visa requirements are subject to change and thatvisa procurement prior to departure is solely theresponsibility of the traveller and not of on the go.Please also ensure that your passport is valid forat least 6 months from your planned date of returnfrom India.