India
Gourmet Traveller
Brian Cossar from Harvey World recently returned from this
very trip. Here is his intersting abridged account.
If you would like more details about this amazing trip and
travel in India, please contact him at Holiday Shoppe Ponsonby.
E-mail
Brian or phone 09 360 0443.
 Welcome
to the Intrepid style of travel. We hope you enjoy
Asia as much as we do! Travel in style as we journey into
the markets and restaurants of India for a gastronomic feast,
not forgetting some fantastic sight seeing as we go.
A mouth
watering trip that takes us across India from the capital
Delhi to the beaches of Goa, experiencing distinctive regional
cuisines. We take in the major cities, the smaller towns
and one or two out of the way places as we show you some
of the exciting attractions that India can offer.
Days 1-2 Delhi
Travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the
day. India’s capital is an exciting, busy, sometimes
chaotic city and one of the world’s most interesting.
With historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries,
shops and endless bazaars, there is more to see and do than
we can possibly fit in during our short time here.
We start Day 2 with a visit to Delhi’s oldest mosque,
the Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. We
step into Old Delhi with a walk in the bazaars and spice markets,
immersing ourselves in the noise and smells of the crowded
narrow streets and alleys.
Day 3 Agra
One of India’s faster trains takes us on our early morning
ride to the Mughal city of Agra Arriving in the morning, we
head straight for one of the world’s most instantly
recognisable monuments - the majestic Taj Mahal. We visit
Agra’s Red Fort, built by Akbar and dominating the city,
and there is an opportunity to see how handmade carpets are
produced.
Day 4 Peharsar
Leaving Agra we take private vehicles towards the village
of Peharsar - an intriguing place. The 16th Century palaces
and pavilions of this fortified ghost city are perfectly
preserved, while an impressive Victory Gate leads to the
tomb of a Muslim saint. We then venture deeper into rural
Rajasthan travelling along small dusty country roads to the
village of Perhasar. In the evening we are entertained by
local village folk musicians and dancers while we dine under
the stars. This is a fascinating insight into a world off
the normal tourist trail.
Days 5-6 Jaipur
It’s only a short drive to the ‘Pink City’
of Jaipur. This friendly and busy town with its palaces and
bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts is
a firm favourite with travellers. We visit India’s most
photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal,
or ‘Palace of the Winds’, and travel out to the
old capital of Amber, where we explore the hilltop palace
complex.
There will be plenty of time to explore the amazing city
and surrounds of Jaipur, but make sure you save some time
to check out the latest Bollywood action with a movie at
the art deco splendour of the Raj Mandir Cinema.
Day 7 Bijaipur Castle
Travelling by private vehicle, we head south and deep into
rural India. Our base for exploring the area is the fabulous
Castle Bijaipur, a fortified mansion still run by the local
landlord, Rao Narendra Singh. We take to jeeps to explore
the surrounding villages and try our hand at cooking the
local cuisine in the gardens of the castle.
Days 8-9 Udaipur
A jeep journey of approximately 3.5 hours takes us to Udaipur.
Without question Udaipur lives up to its reputation as India’s
most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and
lakes all combine to give Udaipur a very special appeal.
Day 10 Ahmedabad
Today is our only opportunity to travel as the Indians do
- we head into the state of Gujurat on a local bus to our
destination Ahmehdabad. Ahmedabad is home to Sabarmati Ashram.
As India struggled for Independance prior to 1947, Gandhi
made this place his headquarters and his spartan living quarters
have been preserved well.
Days 11-12 Mumbai
Early in the morning we head out to have a wonderful walk
through the old part of Ahmedabad. This heritage walk will
take in all the unexpected charm of this busy city. After
lunch we will take a short flight to Mumbai Known as Bombay
until its recent name change, Mumbai is India’s commercial
capital. After our evening arrival by flight, we spend time
soaking up the atmosphere of the local markets and bazaars.
Beach at sunset.
Days 13-15
We arrive into Goa in the morning, and head straight to our
base in Panjim, the capital of Goa is a great place to end
our gourmet trip. Goa was a Portuguese city for centuries
and the influence of the Portuguese is still as strong as
ever. With spectacular architecture, a slow-paced atmosphere
and sensational food, we’ll wind down here with relaxing
visits to Goa’s old city full of churches and cathedrals,
as well as to spice gardens, beaches, and out for a last night’s
dinner.
Tour code: Intrepid HGT
Also read A
Typical Itinerary of an Overland Journey to India in the 1970s.
For
more details and information contact our experienced travel
agents:
293 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: 09 360 0443| E-mail
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