Days 1, 2 & 3:  Chennai (Madras)
February 4, 5 & 6, 2012

Guests arrive in Chennai and are transferred to the hotel; trip orientation during a Welcome Cocktail Reception with Tour Director Richard Koegl; Chennai sightseeing including the Government Museum and Art Gallery containing the world’s best collection of Chola bronzes; St Mary’s Church in Fort St. George; Cathedral of San Thome and the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore; Dakshinachitra, a superb architectural and crafts exposition of India’s four southern States; and the UNESCO World Heritage seaside temple complex of Mahabalipuram. Taj Club House – Deluxe Rooms.

Day 4: Tanjore
February 7, 2012

Regularly scheduled flight to Tiruchirapalli; Srirangam, famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world covering an area of 156 square acres; short transfer to Tanjore for overnight. Hotel Ideal River View - Cottages

Days 5 & 6: Karaikudi
February 8 & 9, 2012

The UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswarar Temple, the world's first complete granite temple and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas in the 11th century; Rajaraja Museum exhibiting an impressive collection of bronze idols; the Saraswati Mahal Library that houses rare manuscripts and antique books; a full day to explore the cultural heritage of the Chettinad, the homeland of the Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community devoted to the arts. Visits include a ‘Santhai’ or daily village market, the Karaikudi main bazaar, the workplaces of silversmiths and goldsmiths, a colony of weavers and wood carvers, a visit to a grand Chettinad Mansion, and the Koviloor Temple and Ashram where late in the day students from the school give an impromptu musical performance. The Bangala – Club Rooms

Days 7 & 8: Madurai
February 10 & 11, 2012

Madurai, the oldest inhabited city in the Indian peninsula whose cultural heritage dates back over 2,500 years. Sightseeing includes the Tirumala Nayak Palace, Teppakulam Tank, and the astounding pilgrimage Temple Complex of Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar; private classical dance performance of Bharat Natyam, one of India’s ancient classical dance styles; and Madurai’s famous markets and bazaars. Heritage Hotel - Luxury Villas

Days 9 & 10: Kumarakom
February 12 & 13, 2012

Scenic drive across the plains of Tamil Nadu before ascending to the cool highlands of the Western Ghats, home to lush spice plantations which produce a variety of spices including ginger, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee and tea; descend the Western Ghats to Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake in Kerala; private Rice Barge backwaters cruise including stops at some of the villages along the lake; time to luxuriate at the hotel’s sumptuous Ayurvedic spa. Kumarakom Lake Resort – Meandering Pool Villas

Days 11 & 12: Cochin
February 14 & 15, 2012

Cochin was the center of the Indian spice trade for many centuries and was known to the Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs and Chinese since ancient times. Sightseeing includes the Dutch Palace Museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church – the first European Church built in India and where Vasco de Gamma is buried, the Pardesi Synagogue, and nearby antique shops of the Jewish quarter; the Kerala Folklore Museum and a performance of ancient Keralan classical dance. Taj Malabar Cochin – Tower Wing Superior Sea View Rooms.

Days 13 & 14: Mumbai (Bombay)
February 16 & 17, 2012

Regularly scheduled flight on Jet Airways to Mumbai; Mumbai sightseeing including the Prince of Wales Museum, Victorian Bombay, the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan Museum, and Dhobi Ghats; private motor launch to the UNESCO World Heritage Hindu Cave Temples at Elephanta Island. Trident Nariman Point – Deluxe Rooms.

Day 15: Varanasi
February 18, 2012

Regularly scheduled flight to Varanasi; Varanasi sightseeing including the Banaras Hindu University, the New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum which displays an excellent collection of ancient sculpture and medieval miniature paintings; early dawn embark a private country boat and sail quietly along the ghats to experience the new day breaking over Kashi, viewing local inhabitants and pilgrims gathering for the Morning Prayer; Sarnath and the deer park where Lord Buddha first taught the Dharma; Varanasi Archaeological Museum. Gateway Hotel Ganges - Deluxe Rooms.

Days 16 & 17: Jaipur
February 19 + 20, 2012

Regularly scheduled flight on Jet Airways to Jaipur; Amber Fort; Jaipur sightseeing including the landmark Hawa Mahal, Anokhi Haveli which is home to the Museum of Hand Printing; City Palace; Jantar Mantar and the colorful Johari Bazaar. Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Rooms

Days 18 & 19: Agra
February 21 & 22, 2012

Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted Palace-City built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571; sunrise and daytime visits to the breathtaking Taj Mahal; Agra Fort.  Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Rooms with Balconies

Days 20 & 21:  Delhi
February 23 & 24, 2012

Delhi sightseeing including Rajghat, Gandhi’s moving memorial; Old Delhi; Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk; New Delhi; the National Museum; Lodi Gardens; and a Farewell Cocktail Reception and Dinner at the Oberoi.  Oberoi Delhi – Premier Rooms

Day 22:  Departure Delhi
February 25, 2012

Southern & Northern India Tour Fees:

US$11,875.00* per person land cost based on minimum 10 guests in shared accommodation.

US$812.00* per person domestic air flights in economy class including departure taxes as follows:  Chennai / Tiruchirapalli; Cochin / Mumbai / Varanasi / Jaipur.  *Due to the instability and fluctuation of fuel costs, fuel surcharges and rates on domestic air flights are subject to increase until ticket issuance. 

US$4,810.00* Single Supplement.

Trip Cancellation Insurance: Call for rates. 

*If you’d like to journey on only the 15 Day Southern or 8 Day Northern itinerary, call us for separate pricing.  

Tour Fee Includes:

21 nights in superior deluxe hotels with priority rooms as indicated and available; full breakfast daily, 13 lunches & 9 dinners on à la carte basis except where unavailable or table d’hôte dining is preferred; bottled water provided at all included meals; Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Receptions; all sightseeing, entrance and still camera fees to the monuments / museums / temples while sightseeing; transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned car, motorcoach or minivans where available with professional English-speaking local guides including complimentary mineral water & soft drinks while on excursion; baggage handling, taxes, service charges and gratuities to all local guides, drivers, waiters and porters; services of Tour Director Richard Koegl; Oasis pre-departure information.

Not Included:

International airfare to / from India; India tourist entry visa fees; non-medical / accident + health / baggage / cancellation insurances; any items of a personal nature.

Chennai:  Taj Club House –  Deluxe Rooms

The Taj Mount Road is a state-of-the-art contemporary hotel located in the heart of Chennai off the famous Mount Road, and is one of the latest additions to the illustrious brand Taj Hotels, Palaces and Resorts.  The hotel has 220 guest rooms that feature the latest electronics, distinctive custom lighting, and excellent storage facilities.  Deluxe bedroom interiors are decorated in honey-colored Anegre wood combined with Indian artifacts and accent pillows.  Room amenities include LCD TVs, Wi-Fi internet, a mini-bar, electronic safe and a 24-hour concierge service.  The hotel three specialty restaurants and bars, a spa and health club, swimming pool, beauty salon and business center.

Tanjore:  Hotel Ideal River View – Cottages

The Hotel Ideal River View Resort is a new property located along the banks of the Vennar River.  The resort is situated in a secluded and scenic area away from the hustle and bustle of urban Tanjore.   The design is a perfect blend of Indian tradition and contemporary flare and cottage rooms have private balconies overlooking the river and surrounding green paddies.  Bedrooms are air-conditioned and have en suite private facilities.  The hotel has an excellent restaurant, swimming pool, and offers Ayurvedic massage.

Karaikudi:  The Bangala – Club  Rooms

The Bangala, or ‘Bungalow’ is a quaint, family-run Heritage Hotel consisting of 19 rooms clustered in and around a former men’s club on the outskirts of Karaikudi.  Its owner Mrs. Meyappan is our omni-present hostess who is obviously accustomed to running a fine household.  The immaculate standards of cleanliness and attention to detail are apparent from the minute one arrives.  Guests here will experience genuine Southern India hospitality and home–cooked Chettiar cuisine.  The Bangala has recently added a new wing of club rooms and a swimming pool to the establishment.

Madurai:  Heritage Hotel – Luxury Villas

Combining old world charm and modern luxury, the Heritage Hotel is a new first-class property situated on the outskirts of town.  Heritance Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive branding encompasses a collection of resorts that are both architecturally unique and blend with their natural environment.  The Heritage Hotel embodies the soul and essence of the area and materials used in its construction include honey-colored granite from the Nagamalai Hills, stone slabs from an abandoned textile mill, 18th century columns salvaged from derelict homes and spectacular Chettinad doors.  The hotel has all the amenities one would expect from a luxury property including Wi-Fi connectivity and a spectacular swimming pool designed to replicate the Temple Tank of Thirumalai.  Luxury Villas are elegantly designed and offer direct dial telephone, satellite TV, electronic safes,  a minibar, and an open air plunge pool and sun deck.

Kumarakom:  Kumarakom Lake Resort – Meandering Pool Villas

The Kumarakom Lake Resort is one of the finest luxury heritage resorts in India and is located on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake in the emerald green backwaters in Kerala.  The villas and suites of the resort are a careful reconstruction of 16th century traditional homesteads.  Many of them have been transplanted from their original locations across the State and have been reassembled painstakingly by hand.  The Meandering Pool Villas are set on the twists and turns of a 250 meter-long meandering pool, each having direct access to the long and winding pool from the secluded terrace of each villa.    The resort offers a complete range of New Age amenities for a luxuriously comfortable stay including a full service Ayurvedic Spa, Swimming Pool, Meditation Centre, Health Club and multi-cuisine restaurants.

Cochin:  Taj Malabar Cochin – Tower Wing Superior Sea View Rooms

Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbor, the Taj Malabar combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. The hotel’s tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. Each guestroom include wireless internet connectivity, international direct dialing telephone, an electronic safe, mini bar, hair dryer and television with satellite programs.  Hotel amenities include a complete fitness center, steam room, swimming pool and excellent ayurvedic inspired Taamra Spa, managed by the Ayushman Ayurveda Centre at Coimbatore, one of the two largest and well-known institutes that practice Ayurveda in Kerela.

Mumbai:  Trident Nariman Point – Deluxe Rooms

The 550 room Trident, Nariman Point is situated along Marine Drive in the heart of the financial and business district.  Its deluxe rooms have a spectacular view over the Arabian Sea and are equipped with a work table, wired and wireless Internet access, direct dial telephone, electronic safe and a tea/coffee maker.  The hotel features multiple restaurants, a bar, a spa and a state of the art fitness centre.

Varanasi:  Gateway Hotel Ganges – Deluxe Rooms

A veritable haven of peace and tranquility in the bustling temple city of Varanasi, the 130 room Gateway Hotel (formerly the Taj Ganges) offers the perfect combination of five-star elegance and timeless hospitality. Set amidst 40 acres of lush green garden, the hotel has recently undergone a complete renovation and guestrooms have been refurbished in a world-class contemporary style.  The hotel has 2 restaurants, a 24-hour business center, fitness center and swimming pool.  Guestrooms are fully equipped with state-of-the-art communications and in-room entertainment.  Amenities include in-room safes, minibar, tea/coffee maker, international direct dial telephone with voice mail, Wi-Fi connectivity, and satellite TV.

Jaipur:  The Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Rooms

A member of the Leading Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Rajvilas has been built with exacting detail in a traditional Rajasthani fort setting, on 32 acres of orchards, gardens, and fountains. A key feature of Rajvilas is a large lotus-filled pond with a 250 year old Hindu temple as its centerpiece. A traditional Rajasthani mansion has been restored to its former glory and houses the hotel's world-class Spa.  The focus is on soothing relaxation and pampering treatments which are based on ancient ayurvedic and western holistic health traditions. The elegantly appointed premier bedrooms have a four poster king-size bed with a spacious Italian marble bathroom overlooking a private-walled garden. Each has a double vanity counter, sunken bath, a separate shower stall and a dressing room with walk-in closet. All rooms feature minibars, satellite television, wired & wireless broadband internet access, digital video/audio disc players and electronic safes.

Agra:  The Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Rooms with Balconies

Amarvilas is located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, affording its guests uninterrupted views from all of its 106 balconied guest rooms and suites. Elaborate gardens, terraced lawns and fountains, swimming and reflecting pools and pavilions complement the classical architecture of the hotel. The premier guestrooms at Amarvilas uphold the famed Oberoi tradition of luxury and comfort. Each has an entrance foyer, leading to a walk-in closet and the living area.  Burmese teak flooring and hand knotted rugs create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bathrooms are luxuriously equipped in white marble, with bathtubs and a separate shower, and a large vanity counter holding deluxe toiletries. All rooms also have the most modern conveniences such as international direct dial telephone with voice mail, wired and wireless broadband internet access, satellite television, minibar, digital videodisc players, and in-room electronic safes.

Delhi:  The Oberoi – Premier Rooms

The sumptuous and sophisticated Oberoi is located in the heart of New Delhi and its 300 rooms and suites overlook either the green fairways of The Delhi Golf Course or the beautiful 16th century Mughal tomb of the Emperor Humayun. All of the guest rooms are furnished in a quietly elegant, contemporary Indian style. The hotel has four restaurants, state of the art 24-hour business center, beauty parlor, spa and fitness club, and both an outdoor heated and indoor swimming pool. Guestrooms are fully equipped with state-of-the-art communications and in-room entertainment. Amenities include sumptuous bathrooms, in-room safes, minibar, international direct dial telephone with voice mail, fax machine, in room computer ports and wireless internet access, and satellite TV.