• Escorted Tour

Central India and Assam

Including a seven -day Brahmaputra River Cruise

For centuries people from many distant lands have wanted a piece of India and its treasures and strangely India has accepted these foreigners into the Indian way of life.

India is a country that weaves races, cultures and philosophies into a tapestry that becomes more intricate by the day.

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are known as the jewels of India and we have added the Thar Desert – also known as the ‘Land of the Maharajas.’ This tour immerses you in North Rajasthan and Assam, the latter stretching out in the shadow of the Himalayas. The seven-day cruise along the mighty Brahmaputra River allows us to experience this North-Eastern state of golden-green vistas of jigsaw like rice fields and manicured tea estates framed in the distance by the mountains that feed the Brahmaputra River.  The on-board talks are very informative.

What our previous clients say.......
"That was the best, most interesting and enjoyable trip we have been on" - Audrey
"Tour highlights. Everything" - Lorraine
"It exceeded my expectations. It was wonderful" - Robyn

Your travel itinerary

Friday 08 November

Auckland – Singapore

Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines Flight. Overnight Singapore. 

Saturday 09 November

Singapore - Delhi

Depart Singapore in the afternoon arriving Delhi late evening.  Transfer to your hotel.

Delhi is a dynamic city of two parts where the past coexists with the present.  In 1911, the British decided to make it the capital of India and commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans.  The result is slightly surprising, with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture that is amongst the most striking in the world.

 

Sunday 10 November

Delhi

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This morning experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi beginning with a drive past the Red Fort, Jama Masjid followed by a Rickshaw Ride through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib. 

The place of ‘Sikh’ worship is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds.  The ‘Langars’ or the community kitchens proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs where anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal. 

Continue past the historical India Gate, the Presidents estate and Parliament House and visit Gandhi Smriti. 

 

Monday 11 November

Delhi – Pushkar

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Early in the morning, transfer to the New Delhi railway station to Kishangarh. On arrival at drive to Pushkar.

The Mughal Empire ruled this region for centuries before falling to the British in 1818, making Pushkar one of the few Rajasthani towns solely under British control until India gained its independence in 1947.  

In the evening visit the Pushkar Lake and enjoy the camel cart ride and orientation tour of the Pushkar. 

 

Tuesday 12 November

Pushkar

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Today we experience the Pushkar festival, one of the world’s largest fairs, symbolizing a period of joy and respite from everyday life. People dress in their finest and most colourful clothing to celebrate and attend the fair. Booths line roadsides selling all sorts from intricate embroidery, ethnic jewelry, pottery and items of leather and brass. 

After lunch an afternoon to explore the festival at leisure.

 

Wednesday 13 November

Pushkar – Jamba

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This morning we travel onto to Jamba and the Dera Dunes Retreat – the world’s first resort on top of a high sand dune.

Thursday 14 November

Jamba

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Today we enjoy a desert jeep safari to explore the village communities. The Bishnoi people that inhabit the area believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life so wildlife finds a natural sanctuary around their villages. We also visit the Raikas and carpet weavers

Friday 15 November

Jamba – Kolayat – Jamba

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Today full day excursion to explore the Kolayat festival. You will come across a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. You can get the true flavor of this rich culture - The Kolayat Fair is one of the most famous festivals of Rajasthan. 

Saturday 16 November

Jamba – Jodhpur

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Drive to Jodhpur. This afternoon visit the Meherangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph.

 

Sunday 17 November

Jodhpur - Jaipur

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Today we drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the largest city of Rajasthan, which is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. Rest of the day explore Jaipur Market. 

Monday 18 November

Jaipur

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Today we visit the Amber Fort, built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 before a stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. After a lunch stop we visit to the City Palace iwhich now houses the royal residence and museums with a fine collection of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts and paintings.  

 

Tuesday 19 November

Jaipur – Agra

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Today we travel to Agra. Enroute visit spectacular Underground Step-wells ‘Chand Baori’ that lie hidden deep in the village of ‘Abhaneri’. After lunch in the hotel you will proceed to see Mehtab Bagh, A garden built on the banks of Yamuna River. 

 

Wednesday 20 November

Agra

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This morning a memorable visit to the Taj Mahal - one of the wonders of the modern world, completed in 1652 as a mausoleum for the beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. After a special home-hosted lunch with a local family, drive to the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Yamuna River. Evening at leisure.

 

Thursday 21 November

Agra – Varanasi

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Morning drive along the Taj Express Highway to Delhi Airport for a flight to Varanasi. Check into hotel for a two night stay with the evening at leisure.

Varanasi or Benaras is one of the oldest living cities in the world, which according to the English author Mark Twain is “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as them all put together.”  Dawn rays shimmer across the Ganges, the high banks, temples and shrines along the banks are bathed in a golden hue, with hymns, mantras and incense filling the air – an unforgettable experience.

 

Friday 22 November

Varanasi

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

Rise early this morning for a boat ride on the Ganges River past the Ghats where pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred waters in the misty light of dawn. Late afternoon enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges River and witness the captivating, twilight ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted by priests worshipping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps.

 

Saturday 23 November

Varanasi – Kolkata

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A leisurely start for our midday flight to Kolkata. On arrival we travel the busy streets to our hotel for our overnight stop. Evening at leisure.

Sunday 24 November

Kolkata – Jorhart

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Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jorhat. On arrival board the MV Mahabaahu in time for a welcome lunch and a seven-night cruise. This evening raise a traditional toast to the mighty Brahmaputra River that carves the valley of Assam and enjoy the ‘Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj’ – a sit down welcome dinner.

 

Monday 25 November

Sibsgar

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Begin with a day-excursion to 13th century Sibsagar, a city built around a huge water tank and Shiva Temple.  Drive to a tea estate for a relaxed afternoon for a home-hosted traditional Assamese lunch with the tea-estate family who have been involved in the tea business for more than a century.  

 

Tuesday 26 November

Majuli Visit – Mishing Village Visit

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Enjoy a talk of ‘Majuli, the seat of Vaishnav culture’ before sailing towards the Mishing Village whose people live on the banks of the river in houses with raised platforms and are expert weavers.  Opportunity to buy ethnic colourful cotton weaves and indulge in a dhoti tying and a Mekhela Chaadar wearing demonstration.

Wednesday 27 November

Cruising

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After breakfast we enjoy a boat safari. Sightings of otters, elephants, buffalo, darters, herons, kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more are possible. This evening a chef’s cooking demonstration before a relaxing evening onboard. 

Thursday 28 November

Silghat

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This morning we have a walk through the village and are struck by the simplicity of life while the weaver women surround us with their silk and cotton weaves. We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch and reach Silghat. where we visit the Kaliabore Tea Estate and the tea factory to see the process of producing Assam Tea.  Then visit a jute mill on return to the boat.

 

Friday 29 November

Kaziranga National Park

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An early morning drive to the Kaziranga National Park - home to the Greater One horned Indian Rhinoceros, wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds.  Enjoy a special safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, deer and a variety of birds. 

 

Saturday 30 November

Cruising – Peacock Island

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Enjoy the morning scenery and a talk on the geographical location and significance of Assam as you sail towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a bangla- speaking Muslim community involved in extensive farming.   We later sail towards Pandu Port for our final dinner onboard.

 

Sunday 01 December

Guwahati – Kolkata

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A relaxing morning before disembarkation and a transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata.  Check into your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Kolkata mainly gained importance in the times of British rule as it had been the capital of India till the year 1912.  At present, it is the capital of West Bengal and is one of the most important places of cultural workshop and industrial centre.

Monday 02 December

Kolkata

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Today we visit Mother Theresa’s House called ‘Nirmal Hriday’ and Shishu Bhawan. Mother Teresa’s great work caring for abandoned children is carried out at this centre.  An afternoon river cruise on the Hooghly River offers a different and intriguing perspective of the city. Farewell Dinner tonight.

 

Tuesday 03 December

Kolkata – Singapore

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After an early breakfast, visit to the flower market – Eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls where 2,000 flower growers from the surrounding areas sell their flowers and garlands. We complete our experience with a visit to the Victoria Memorial This marble white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Kolkata. An afternoon free to relax before our evening flight to Singapore

Wednesday 04 December

Singapore – Auckland

Change planes and continue on to Auckland.

 

Inclusions

• Return economy airfares Auckland - Singapore - Delhi // Kolkata – Singapore – Auckland - Singapore Airlines

• Domestic air flights Delhi - Varanasi // Varanasi - Jaipur // Jodhpur - Kolkata - Jorhat // Guwahati – Kolkata        

• Travel in air-conditioned coaches

• Accommodation in 4-star hotels with private facilities

• Breakfasts daily, lunches and dinners as specified

• Entrance fees at monuments outlined in the itinerary

• Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi

• Desert Jeep safari

• Camel Ride in Pushkar

• Home hosted lunch in Agra

• Home host dinner in Jaipur

• Boat ride on the River Ganges

• Boat ride on River Hooghly, Kolkata

• Seven-day river boat cruise with included meals 

• Excursions off the boat 

• Home-hosted meal, Tea Estate, Assam

• Two bottles of mineral water per person, per day

• Government Service Tax @ 4.5%

• English speaking guide for the 16 days pre & post to the cruise

• Services of English-speaking naturalist / destination manager during all the included boat excursions

• Pukekohe Travel tour escort (subject to 15 people travelling)

Cost

Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle 
 Suite (1 only) (283 sqft)   

$18,122

 N/A 

Luxury Cabin with balcony  (230 sqft) 

 $ 17,395   $23,695
 Deluxe Cabin - Balcony (206 sqft)  

$17,123 

$23,239

 Superior Cabin – No balcony (150 sqft) $16,267  

$21,824

Business Class Upgrade

+$4,516

Premium Economy Class Upgrade

 +$1, 449

Early Booking Discount (15 March 2024) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Airport and security taxes (approx. $290 per person)

• Items of a personal nature

• Camera / video fees at monuments

• Indian visa (approx. USD 25 per person) - NZ Passport holders. All other passport holders please ask

• Travel Insurance is essential (Please ask us for a quote)

• Gratuities and tips

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person will secure a place on the tour

• Full payment due no later than 26 July 2024

 

Cancellations

• From the date of booking until 26 July 2024 – loss of deposit 

• After 26 July 2024– no refund

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is essential  - please ask for a quote. 

 

General Information

Documentation

• A current New Zealand passport is required valid six months beyond the date of travel.

• New Zealand passport holders require a visa for India (approx. USD 25 per person)

• All other passports please ask

Temperatures ˚c     Max         Min

Delhi                       33             21

Jorhat                    30            26

Agra                     35           18

Gulwhati               31           22

Jodhpur             35            20

Kolkata               30          23

Clothing

Comfortable clothes are the order of the day – the laundry service in the hotels is inexpensive and efficient. Hats, sunglasses and comfortable sandals are a must.  A scarf or pareu is handy for temples etc or for sun protection. A small umbrella is great for rain showers or sunshade. Photographic opportunities are plentiful – respect the local people and ask before taking photos.

Currency / Money

• Cash is king in India. Take USD, Euro or Pounds Sterling to change into Rupees ATMs are available in the cities and it is  dvisable to use ones located inside a bank – this can be time-consuming!

• Credit Cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in all the hotels we will be staying in and larger more up-market restaurants and shops

 

 

Health and Mobility

 There are no obligatory inoculations required

• The tour stays in 4 Star hotels and included   meals will be at recommended restaurants   which will minimise health risks

•Hepatitis should not be an issue but   precautionary measures are your choice

• Update your tetanus and polio

• Assam is a Malaria-risk area. A good Deet   insect repellent is recommended and long   sleeved trousers and shirts early morning and   evening are advised

• Malaria prevention varies considerably. Check   with your medical professional

• The streets of India are busy and pavements   crowded and rough. A good standard of health   and mobility are required with the ability to   climb steps and walk up hills

 


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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