Exotic India

Day 1 Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

This afternoon, check in any time after 15.00 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Complimentary parking will be available at the Inflite Private Jet Centre including a transfer to the hotel. For those arriving by train, the hotel is located a short walk from the station. This evening there will be a buffet dinner at the hotel where you can meet the Noble Caledonia Team who will be accompanying you for this adventure. Alternatively, you can join us at the Inflite Private Jet Centre prior to our first flight on the morning of Day 2 (rebate will apply).

Day 2 London Stansted to Tbilisi, Georgia.

This morning we will transfer the short distance to the Inflite Jet Centre where we will check in for our flight and board our private plane. After settling in on board there will be a breakfast service. On arrival we will make our way through immigration and customs before transferring to the Marriott Tbilisi. After settling into our rooms we will meet for dinner in the hotel.

Flight Time: 5 Hours, 40 mins – 09.00 to 17.40

Day 3 Tbilisi.

A morning city tour of Tbilisi will include a drive to the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Freedom Square before a walking tour of the city passes the Rezo Gabriadze puppet theatre and Clock Tower, the Sioni Cathedral and the old bathhouses. Those feeling active can continue to see the city waterfall. Our tour concludes with a walk up to the Metechi plateau to see the Metechi Church and enjoy the view over the old town. After our tour we will drive to Chateau Mukhrani, the first and only true Georgian Royal Chateau which unites four key components: vineyards, winery, castle and history. Mukhranian wine production was established by Ivane Mukhranbatoni, a famous representative of the royal family and a political and public figure of the 19th century. In 1879, Ivane Mukhranbatoni returned from France with Chateau concept knowledge and established wine production at the Chateau Mukhrani. We will explore the Chateau and enjoy a wine tasting with lunch before returning to our hotel for some time at leisure. We will meet later this evening for dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant in the city.

Day 4 Tbilisi to Delhi, India.

After breakfast we return to the airport and our private plane for the flight to Delhi. Arrive this evening in India’s largest city which has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and as a result is incredibly rich in culture and history. Transfer to the ITC Maurya Hotel for our three night stay and dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

Flight Time: 4 Hours, 50 mins – 10.00 to 18.20

Day 5 Delhi.

This morning is free to relax in the hotel and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the late morning we will transfer to Old Delhi for lunch followed by an afternoon tour which will include a visit to the 17th century Jama Masjid, the Mughal Empire’s opulent Red Fort and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. We end with a rickshaw ride through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Return to the hotel and this evening we will meet for dinner in the hotel’s celebrated Bukhara Restaurant.

Day 6 Agra.

After an early breakfast we make our way to the railway station to board the train to Agra. Agra’s history dates back to the Mughals who proclaimed it their capital in 1565. Located on the Yamuna River, the city grew as a centre of architectural, political and trading activity. Today the city is a kaleidoscope of India with various communities living in harmony. On arrival we make our way to Agra Fort which was completed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1573 and remained the main residence of emperors of the Mughal dynasty until 1638. After lunch in the city, we will see the legendary beauty and the white marble domes of the elegant Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an exquisite mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Rudyard Kipling described the building as ‘the embodiment of all things pure’. After our visit we will return to Delhi by train and have a relaxed dinner in the hotel this evening.

Day 7 Delhi to Amritsar.

This morning we will drive through New Delhi, seeing the government buildings, President’s House and India Gate as we make our way to the airport and our private plane for the short flight to Amritsar. Located in the northern state of Punjab, near the Pakistan border, Amritsar is the holiest city of the Sikh culture and home to the Golden Temple. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Taj Swarna Hotel where we check in for our two night stay and enjoy some time at leisure. Those interested may wish to see the evening Palki Ceremony, a daily ritual that takes place twice a day where the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) is taken from the Golden Temple to the Sri Akal Takht located opposite.

Flight Time: 50 mins – 11.45 to 12.35

Day 8 Amritsar.

Our day will start at one of the most spiritual places in India, the Golden Temple which, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in all of Sikhism. Located right in the heart of Amritsar, the stunning golden architecture of the temple and the daily Langar (community kitchen) attract a large number of visitors and devotees each day. The temple is open to all faiths and serves free food to over 100,000 people from all walks of life. Later we see the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and ‘memorial of national importance’ close to the Golden Temple complex, preserved in the memory of those wounded and killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. After lunch we visit the Wagah Border, which marks the boundaries between the Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony, or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a display of military camaraderie and showmanship.

Day 9 Amritsar to Jaipur & Ranthambore National Park.

This morning we return to our private plane for the short flight to Jaipur from where we will drive to the Ranthambore National Park (approx. four hour drive) and check into the Taj Sawai for a two night stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening we will be joined by a local naturalist for a lecture on the tigers of India before dinner.

Flight Time: 55 mins – 10.00 to 10.55

Day 10 Ranthambore National Park.

Named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park, this used to be the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur and in 1972 the sanctuary came under the Project Tiger scheme. One of the largest national parks in Northern India, Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for wildlife sightings including the magnificent tiger, basking crocodiles, king vultures, serpent eagle, sloth bears, jackal and hyena or spotted deer. We will have a morning and afternoon safari in the park with our rangers on the lookout for wildlife with the remainder of the day at leisure in the resort.

Day 11 Ranthambore to Jaipur.

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur. Originally the city’s walls were the colour of red sandstone, Jaipur’s universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name ‘The Pink City’. After checking into the Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel for a two night stay there will be time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities before dinner this evening.

Day 12 Jaipur.

This morning we explore Jaipur including the Jantar Mantar (Observatory), a collection of 19 astronomical instruments which were completed in 1734 by the Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has the world’s largest stone sundial. Our tour will continue to the City Palace and the beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Constructed out of pink sandstone in 1799, it was designed to extend the chambers of the harem and allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure before we meet for a special dinner this evening.

Day 13 Jaipur to Varanasi.

Drive this morning to the outskirts of the city to visit the Amber Fort, an extensive palace complex that was built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is a fine example of Rajput architecture. From here we continue to the airport and our private plane for the short flight to Varanasi, one of India’s most ancient cities and a major pilgrimage site. Its beauty lies in its centuries-old traditions, spectacular ghats, and narrow winding streets. It is a city full of beauty and history, known for its vibrant culture, colourful temples and old buildings. The River Ganges is the lifeblood of the city, and all along its banks, we will see millions of devotees visiting temples and offering prayers. On arrival in Varanasi we will transfer to the Taj Ganges for a two night stay. This evening, we will see the Aarti ceremony where prayers are offered to the goddess Ganga on the banks of the river. Later, we will be joined by a historian of Hinduism before dinner in the hotel.

Flight Time: 1 Hour, 55 mins – 13.00 to 14.05

Day 14 Varanasi.

Early risers will have the option to join a cruise on the Ganges as we see the city come to life. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a leisurely morning to explore at your own pace. After lunch we will visit Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon to his first five disciples. We will see the Dhamek Stupa, the extensive ruins of an ancient monastery and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 15 Varanasi to Cochin.

Return to the airport and our private plane this morning as we make our way south to Cochin, located in the state of Kerala. On arrival we will drive to the coastal town of Mararikullam and check into the Marari Beach Resort, our base for a three night stay.

Flight Time: 2 Hours, 30 mins – 11.00 to 13.30

Day 16 Kerala Backwaters.

Spend the morning on board a traditional houseboat as we cruise the serene backwaters of Kerala. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and towns of the area. Relax on deck and enjoy the passing landscapes of colonial warehouses, paddy fields and coconut thatched houses whilst spotting birds and floating plants and observing scenes of daily life along the water. We will have lunch on board before returning to the hotel this afternoon. Later we will enjoy a Kalaripayattu show. This ancient martial art originated in Kerala in the 12th century and the word ‘kalari’ means battlefield and ‘payattu’ refers to ‘become trained’ or ‘to practice’. After the show, dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 17 Marari Beach.

Today is free to relax in the hotel. Maybe spend time at the beach, sit by the pool or partake in one of the Ayuverda treatments offered in the spa. For our last night in Kerala we will enjoy a private performance of Kathakali, a classical Keralan dance form that combines literature, music, acting and elaborate costumes. We will see the performers as they apply the intricate make-up before the performance.

Day 18 Cochin to Mumbai.

After breakfast we drive to Cochin, an extraordinary city with strong influences of Portuguese, Chinese, Arab, Dutch and British cultures still much in evidence today. The diverse mix of cultures and religions that together, with its strong trading past in spices and silks, make for a fascinating city. Discover Mattancherry Palace with its ornately decorated rooms including some marvellous ancient murals. We will see the oldest European church in India, St Francis and the ruins of the fort. After lunch we transfer to airport and our private plane for the flight to Mumbai. We will arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to the Oberoi Hotel for a three night stay.

Flight Time: 1 Hour, 35 mins – 15.00 to 16.35

Day 19 Mumbai.

Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the ‘Koli’ fisherman, who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. Mumbai was derived from ‘Mumba’ the name of the Hindu goddess ‘Mumbadevi’ and ‘Aai’ – mother in the local Marathi language. First ceded to the Portuguese, the British Government took possession of the islands in 1665 before leasing them to the East India Company who founded the port and saw the city grow in size and importance. This morning we explore the city and see the prominent landmarks visiting the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934 and Dhobi Ghat where we can observe the vast open air Indian laundry. After lunch enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore further at your own pace or relax and enjoy the hotel facilities before we meet for dinner this evening.

Day 20 Mumbai.

Spend the morning on Gharapuri Island, better known as Elephanta Island and view the remarkable caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This labyrinth of cave temples features courtyards, shrines, remarkable statues and vibrant sculptures that date from the 5th to 7th century AD. Return to the hotel for some free time and our final dinner in India which will be served at the hotel’s Ziya Restaurant operated by Michelin starred chef Vineet Bhatia.

Day 21 Mumbai to Luxor, Egypt.

We leave India this morning as we rejoin our private plane and fly to Luxor arriving in the early afternoon. Transfer to the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon relaxing at the hotel on the banks of the Nile. Alternatively you may wish to join our guides and visit the Luxor souk. We will meet this evening for our farewell dinner.

Flight Time: 6 Hours, 35 mins – 10.00 to 13.05

Day 22 Luxor to London Stansted.

After breakfast there will be the opportunity to visit Karnak Temple, where you will witness the vast array of monuments dedicated to Amun-Ra, king of the gods, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu. Just two of the highlights you will see are the great hypostyle hall with over 130 columns, some 22 metres high and the obelisk of the powerful Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut. After our visit we continue to the airport for the final flight aboard our private plane to London Stansted Inflite Jet Centre arriving in the late afternoon. If you have parked at the Jet Centre, you will have direct access to your car, alternatively a transfer will take you to Stansted Airport Train Station.

Flight Time: 5 Hours, 50 mins – 13.00 to 16.50