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TAJ, TIGERS AND TEMPLES:
INDIA ADVENTURE

Departures: October - April
(depart virtually any day of the week)

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

India is not so much another country as it is another world. On this trip, you’ll track the Royal Ben-gal Tiger through lovely Ranthambore National Park. You’ll explore the fascinating belief systems and colorful mythologies of Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. You’ll go camel trekking to the remote villages and dunes of the Thar Desert. You’ll visit magnificent Jain temples and gaze endlessly at the incomparable Taj Mahal. You’ll have a private yoga lesson in Varanasi, before taking a boat ride down the holy Ganges River. You’ll luxuriate in the Palace Hotels of Udaipur and Jaipur. You’ll hike or horseback ride through a 15th century Mughal fortress. You’ll ride an elephant to Amber Fort. You’ll sample India’s delicious and distinctive cuisine. And you’ll return from India with many unforgettable memories and experiences!

Note: All included adventures are elective and low intensity.

This trip includes your choice of 1-2 lectures from the topics listed below. Delivered by a regional specialist, these lectures will supplement the information conveyed by your top-notch guides. Some lectures may not be available on certain departures.

– Overview of Indian history (pre-1700 or post-1700)
– Hinduism and Jainism
– The Royal Bengal Tiger
– Indian Temple architecture
– Yoga seminar
– Current Events and modern Indian Politics
– Indian cuisine
– Indian religious Literature

– Folk or classical Indian dance lesson
– Puppetry lesson
– Ayurveda massage

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly to Delhi, India (via London), arriving on the morning of day 3. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you may relax after your international flights.

Delhi's allure derives from its history as the seat of power for the Rajput, Afgan, Tughlaq, Sayyaids, and Mughal dynasties. This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a private tour Old Delhi, visiting Jama Mosque, Chandani Chowk, the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Ashok Pillar. The Oberoi.

Late morning flight to Jodhpur and transfer to Manuar, a desert village in the middle of the Thar Desert. After lunch, you will embark on a jeep safari to visit a desert tribe known as the Vishnois. The Vishnois follow 29 (bish-noi) principles of a non-violent Vaishnava sect, founded in the 15th century. They are known for their reverence for wildlife and their careful environmental management. The Vishnois are a gentle community of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers, and camel herders. You'll enjoy a first-hand view of village life in India. Manuar Desert Resort. (B)

Morning drive deeper into the Thar Desert. Suddenly, the enchanting mountaintop city of Jaisalmer will emerge out of nowhere, its Rajput fortress visible from miles away. Founded in the 12th century, Jaisalmer became a major staging post on the trade route from India to the West. The merchants prospered and invested part of their wealth in building beautiful houses and temples with the local yellow sandstone. Today, Jaisalmer is perhaps the most magical city in all of Rajastan: its golden sandstone walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings lend an extraordinarily medieval feel to the city.

Afternoon tour of the Thar Desert Museum, Golden Fort, the Palace, and several havelis that rival their Venetian counterparts. These havelis, formerly the homes of wealthy Jain merchants, are notable for their intricate 18th and 19th century workmanship and sandstone carvings. Gorbandh Palace or Fort Rajwada (B)

This morning, you’ll embark on a mini-camel safari over large sand dunes to visit the beautiful desert villages of Ratarasar and Dhoba. (Travelers who do not want to mount a camel may follow the same route by jeep.) This afternoon you are free to rest or to stroll through Jaisalmer’s fascinating bazaar. The city is renowned for embroidery, mirrorwork, rugs, blankets, stonework, and antiques. You may also visit a Jain Temple. This evening, dine at a local restaurant. Gorbandh Palace or Fort Rajwada (B)

Morning drive to Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City” for the predominance of blue houses within the city’s historical district. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trade route and the Marwaris managed and benefited from the traffic of opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates, and coffee. Your afternoon sightseeing tour will include visits to the Meherangarh Fort Palace Museum, Jaswant Thanda, and the Sardar Market. Taj Hari Mahal Palace. (B)

Note: You may upgrade to Umaid Bhawan Palace

Morning drive to Ranakpur, one of five holy Jain sites and perhaps the finest Jain Temple complex in India. Ranakpur’s main temple, built early in the 15th century, is notable for the remarkable beauty of both its architecture and intricate white marble carvings. Watch as Jain priests clad in white robes assist followers with their offering ceremonies. Other priests will cheerfully answer any questions you may have about their fascinating religion. Note that Jain beliefs are greatly respected and admired, even among non-Jains. Short afternoon drive to Kumbalgarh. Aodi Hotel. (B)

This morning’s easy hike will take you to the impressive and highly photogenic fortress of Kumbalgarh, set atop a 3,000 foot high mountain and surrounded by 365 Hindu and Jain temples. Kumbalgarh was the second most important fortress of the Mewar Kingdom and commanded a great strategic position between the Rajput kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur . Your hike will take you through wooded areas, alongside several Temples, and up to the Kumbalgarh fortress itself, where you will enjoy superb panoramic views.

After lunch, drive to Udaipur, where you will check into the incomparably beautiful Lake Palace Hotel for two nights. Evening puppet show/folk dancing. Lake Palace Hotel. (B)

Udaipur is a beautiful city, regarded by many as one of the most romantic in India. Its white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, and green hills make it an oasis of color in a stark and arid region. Morning tour of Sahelion ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Gulab Niwas Garden. Then visit the workshops of Udaipur’s magnificent artisans, who are famous for their paintings on marble, camel bone, rice paper and silk; for producing marble inlaid with semi-precious gemstones; and for their intricate wood carvings. Lake Palace Hotel. (B)

Morning flight to Jaipur. Founded in 1728 by warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh, Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City” for the rose-colored buildings of its historical district. The city is surrounded by rugged hills crowned with forts. This morning, enjoy an easy elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, followed by a tour of the City Palace, Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and Central Museum (Note: We reserve the right to cancel the elephant ride for safety reasons if necessary). You may also have time to observe Jaipur’s craftsmen, who are renowned for their skill in cutting precious stones, as well as for their brass inlay and lacquer work. Tonight, you will stay at one of India’s pre mier palace hotels. Rambagh Palace . (B)

Note: Optional upgrade to Oberoi Rajvilas. Barring schedule conflicts, you will be led by Rajastan's only female guide, who will gladly discuss Indian society from the perspective of a professional woman.

Morning drive to Ranthambore National Park, where you will spend two nights. Ranthambore offers beautiful hilly scenery with varied vegetation, lakes, and rivers as well as maybe the best opportunity in India for encountering the Royal Bengal Tiger. Once the Maharaja of Jaipur’s private tiger reserve, Ranthambore came under the Project Tiger conservation scheme in 1972. Approximately 40 tigers currently roam Ranthambore. Although the best season for tiger viewing is November through April, a tiger sighting cannot be guaranteed. Twice-daily game drives may also expose you to leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear, caracal, jackal, crocodile, hyena, and diverse birdlife. You’ll also visit the well-preserved Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. Sawai Madhopur Lodge. (B,L,D)

Note: Optional hotel upgrade to Oberoi Vanyavilas or Aman i Khas luxury tents.

On your way to Agra, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a special destination. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri remains in perfect condition to this day. The city was constructed during the rein of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, and it was at Fatehpur Sikri where the Emperor spent the richest and most productive years of his 49 year rein. You will take a short tour of this Sikri, where Islamic, Hindu, and Jain influences are all evident in the architecture. Then take a short drive to Agra where, time-permitting, you will be able to visit the Taj before sunset for outstanding photographic opportunities. Taj View Hotel. (B)

Note: Optional upgrade to Amarvilas. Birding enthusiasts may elect to visit Bharatpur instead of Fatehpur Sikri. Bharatpur is the finest bird sanctuary in India and one of the best in Asia.

Agra replaced Lahore as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1599, and the city contains some of India’s most superb monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. You will tour both of these magnificent structures. One of the world’s most beautiful monuments, the Taj took 18 years to construct and was an expression of Emperor Shah Jehan’s love for his wife. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Taj at sunrise to fully appreciate its beauty under varying lighting conditions. (Late
risers may see it at a later hour). Taj View Hotel. (B)

Fly to Varanasi. The holiest of India’s seven Sacred Cities of Hinduism, Varanasi attracts over one million pilgrims each year. Some devout Hindus who are nearing death move to Varanasi to have their ashes scattered in the holy Ganga River. Your tour will take you to the ghats of the river front, where pilgrims come to pray and bathe in the sacred Ganga. You will also visit Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple (Monkey Temple), Emperor Auranganzeb’s Mosque, the Sacred Bull, the Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and take a drive through bazaars. Taj Ganges. (B)

This morning, enjoy a yoga class at the hotel. Free time to take another Ganga boat ride or to explore Varanasi before flying to Delhi. Taj Palace. (B)

Morning flight to the U.S. (B)

ASK ABOUT KHAJURAHO, AJANTA & ELLORA, PALACE ON WHEELS AND/OR EXTENSIONS TO KANHA NATIONAL PARK, SOUTHERN INDIA, NEPAL, TIBET, BURMA AND SEYCHELLES

Land Cost Includes:
o All elective "soft" adventures (camel trekking, hiking, elephant back ride)
o Accommodations for 15 nights in first class and deluxe hotels
o 19 meals
o Supplemental lecture(s)
o All instruction and leadership
o All transfers and land transportation
o Entrance/park fees

2008 Land Cost:

Using value priced 5 Star Hotels:

January - August: $5,340 (check) or $5,505 (credit card)

September - December: $5,790 (check) or $5,970 (credit card)

Using strong 5 star Hotels:

January - August: $6,440 (check) or $6,630 (credit card)

September - December: $6,890 (check) or $7,100 (credit card)

Using strong 4 star hotels:

January - August: $5,040 (check) or $5,195 (credit card)

September - December: $5,490 (check) or $5,660 (credit card)

Trip Length:	18 days
Deposit:	$ 500
Single Supplement from:	$ 1,020
Trip Grade:	Easy
Accommodations:	Mainly 5 star/Deluxe
International Airfare (approx):	$ 1,300 (NY)
Internal Airfare (approx.):	$ 900

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis is on “off the beaten track” experience. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Activities include camel trek, hiking and elephant ride. Since the trip travels into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class and deluxe hotels based on double occupancy; 19 meals; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated on itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from India.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy in first class and deluxe hotels. Singles who sign up will incur a single supplement charge.

Climate: November through March are the best months to travel in India, when there is little rain and the days are pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees during this period although evenings are often cooler depending upon altitude. The hottest months are April to June followed by the wet monsoon season from late June through September.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed during the season with a minimum of two passengers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
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Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness. NEI offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan at a significant discount to its trip participants. Please contact us if you have any questions about travel insurance.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an trip except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.