Mandala Magic Tour KOLCUTTA DELHI/>

THE SPICE OF INDIA ADVENTURE - 16 Days

This is a ‘full on’ adventure travelling across the Northern part of India.

KOLKOTA - BODHGAYA - VARANASSI - AGRA - JAIPUR - DELHI

Begin in Kolkota, a huge city on the Howarth River 300 years ago, and see the remnants of the mighty ‘Raj’ era – old English architecture in an eastern setting. It is home to the amazing woman Mother Theresa - her centre is a short distance from where we stay. Visit Bodhgaya the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destination in the world. Sit under the amazing Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment and view different practices of Buddhism.

Travel to Varanassi, the Spiritual heart of India on the Ganjes River. This ancient city is said to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Experience Hindu culture and the importance of this great River. Take a dawn boat ride and explore the many temples, search the bazaars and enjoy watching life along the river banks. Embark on a train adventure across India to see the Taj Mahal, the famous monument to love, a truly exquisite and perfect architectural wonder. Be touched by the sun setting on the River - the non-tourist view. Explore magnificent ruins and architectural wonders of past cultures that stir the imagination.

Journey to Jaipur, the incredible pink city and capitol of Rajasthan set in the desert part of India, with some of the greatest contrasts, saturated with rich vibrant colours against harsh landscapes, superb palaces and the opulent lifestyles of the Maharajas. Visit India’s capitol, Delhi an intriguing city that is home to 13 million people with ancient forts, the biggest Mosque in India, fascinating bazaars, markets and quaint shops along side modern city life.

	DAY 1	Dates: Kolkota - Jaipur COST OF 16 DAY INDIA ADVENTURE. $4,650 Includes. Return air ticket Australia – India Accommodation All transfers to & from Hotels Taxes Indian visa Travel insurance (general) Transport associated with itinerary such as trains, taxis and jeeps. Breakfast (early bird payers) Your guide who will travel with you Entrance fees into monuments, forts and sights as per itinerary. Depart Melbourne: Friday 1 st February 2008. Return Melbourne: Saturday 16 th Feb 2008 (Approximate dates – may change a day or two with air flights) Accommodation is in average Hotels and not 5 star. All rooms have their own bathroom and toilet except when at the monastery. We eat local Indian and Tibetan food but go to restaurants where western type food is available. Travel is by local transport – bus, train etc. and private jeep, taxi car or camel. WANT TO GO ? Contact Karen or Gary and express your interest. Contact Karen or Gary There will be an information night where you can ask questions see some photographs, meet fellow travellers and the adventurewill be further discussed. You get an ‘information kit’ and we go over the itinerary in more detail. Then we dine out as a group at an Indian Restaurant to taste the food and get us further aquatinted with each other. Family and friends welcome. Last minute questions answered. This is a fun night before we meet at the airport to begin the adventure…………. Copyright mandala magic 2004
	Depart Melbourne and arrive in Kolkata. Settle into hotel and rest up for tomorrow.
	DAY 2
	Kolkata . After breakfast explore this 300 year old city, its famous pavement bazaar and some of the sights. Walk to Victoria Monument and gardens or visit the museum set inside the English style building. Many stately English buildings still remain in Kolkuta.
	DAY 3
	Depart by train for Gaya, then bus to Bodh Gaya - the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destination in the world. We are here for the best time when many Tibetans come to perform various religious ceremonies. We will be staying as guests in a Buddhist Monastery overnight – simple accommodation. Please be respectful or rules here. Settle in and set out to explore the many Buddhist temples from all over the world at this holy site. Lots to see and experience! Sit under the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple where Buddha attained enlightenment. Walk around the grounds and do a ritual walk around the stupa. See Buddhists reciting texts or performing prostrations. Meditate under one of the Bodhi trees in grounds or inside the temple. Soak up the atmosphere.
	DAY 4
	Dawn at main temple. Pack and store baggage at the monastery. Attend any teachings of interest or explore more of Bodh Gaya and its bazaar until afternoon departure by bus or jeep to Gaya connecting with our train to Varanasi.
Dentist and Holy Man, Varanassi. View from our Hotel in Varanassi looking up the Ganges River at dawn.	DAY 5
	Varanasi - our Hotel is on the banks of the Ganges River with direct access to the river. There are great views and sunrises, and a pleasant courtyard. We will have breakfast and then take a morning walking tour of the main burning Ghat returning for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore the River, journal write, do some washing, reading, or self touring (I will organise a local guide for you if possible). Afternoon boat ride at dusk sightseeing along the River. Sublime. Evening – 6pm we will attend a Hindu Ritual to the Great Mother River on the Ganges. Take a torch and mosquito repellent.
Sunrise on the holy mother River Ganges, Varanassi.	DAY 6
	Morning session of Yoga by a qualified teacher (optional). Day to self. Suggest a dawn boat ride down the river Ganges. Explore the many temples around the ghats, search the bazaars - or enjoy watching life along this holy River. Dine out on a roof-top overlooking Varanassi.
	DAY 7
	Morning - take a boat ride down river to the pontoon bridge and visit the Palace and museum on the opposite side. Afternoon for shopping in the bazaars ( Gary will take a group to a silk merchant) and exploring the streets/alleys of this ancient city. Depart for night train to Agra. There is often a wait for this train – have a book or pack of cards ready and a warm coat.
Camel rides over the River behind the Taj Mahal at sunset.	DAY 8
	Agra . Settle into Hotel, rest and enjoy the hotel courtyard and garden. Walk down to the River behind the Taj Mahal. Great for the photographer and a non-tourist view of the Taj. Visit the tomb of the first wife (outside the Taj and seldom visited by tourists) This woman loved cats, had no children and her tomb lies outside the grounds of the Taj mahal. Afternoon go inside the Itmad Tomb (Taj Mahal) and stay until sunset. Soak up the amazing atmosphere and explore the Mosque to the right.
	DAY 9
	Morning visit to the old fort with a local guide to explain this huge complex. Return to hotel for lunch. Afternoon to self to go shopping or explore Agra famous for its marble inlay work and gems.
	DAY 10
	Pack and store luggage. Take a 1½ hr. taxi to the magnificent Fetaphur Secri ruins – explore with local guide. Visit the Fetaphur Mosque and the huge gate taking in the view over Agra. Afternoon - transfer to railway station catch train to Jaipur. (If it is not preferred to catch yet another train, we can put in extra$A30 to hire a jeep/taxi to take us on to Jaipur. About a 7 hour journey)
Palace of The winds – the Women’s Palace, Jaipur.	DAY 11
	Settle into Jaipur, Rhajastan, and see the pink city. Visit the famous Palace of The Winds and the interesting Bazaar with the mirrored textiles that Jaipur is famous for. In the evening we will see a Bolywood movie in one of the most famous cinemas in India.
	DAY 12
	Travel through desert areas to visit the ‘Amber Fort’. Walk to the top or take an elephant ride (if available). This is an amazing walled complex high on a hill with great views. Visit the hall of mirrors – exquisite work. Walk through ancient corridors and see frescoes and architectural details. Loose yourself in this vast and palatial complex.
Sikh Festival – Delhi.	DAY 13
	Pack and get ready to travel on to Delhi by train. Arrive in Delhi and rest after this long trip. Dinner at ‘Sams’ the roof-top restaurant in Delhi – good views of the main Bazaar at night.
	DAY 14
	Spare day to add to our adventure!!!!
	DAY 15
	Pack, and store baggage. Morning tour of the mighty Red Fort followed by optional walk through markets to the Mosque. Enjoy leisurely lunch together - transfer to airport. Depart Delhi.
	DAY 16
	Arrive home in Australia.