Short Add-On Tours

From: NZD 492 per person

Cochin – Allepey – Cochin

Take a cruise on a traditional Houseboat, made from all natural material without the use of any metal – you have a crew in attendance to show you the daily lives of humble people living in villages along the palm-fringed backwaters– walk through the villages and interact with local people, enjoy culinary delights specially prepared for you on order by your boat crew.

Day 1: Cochin-Houseboat (L/D)

This morning you will be picked up from Cochin & transferred to the pier for boarding Kerala rice houseboat. Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala on the houseboat, gently gliding past the villages touching the banks, canals where you will be able to see paddy fields, Kerala villages, churches, temples etc. on the sides. Relax on board. Overnight on board the Houseboat

Day 2: Houseboat – Cochin (B)

After breakfast, cruise to Alleppey & then transfer to Cochin.

Included: Accommodation for 1 night with meals on board and transfers from/to Cochin

Departs: Daily

From: NZD 565 per person

Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. River Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Day 1: Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi. Visit of Sarnath, the ancient Buddhist learning centre where Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon. Visit the Sarnath Museum, Ashoka’s Lion Capital, and the beautiful Teaching Buddha. Evening, visit the Ghats to see the temple priests perform Aarti, the sacred light ceremony on the banks of River Ganges.

Day 2: Varanasi (B)

Early morning boat ride to see the morning rituals of the Hindus on the riverbank and sunrise on River Ganges. Visit Kala Museum, Bharat Mata Temple with its marble statue of Mother India and Banaras Hindu University, the oldest university in North India. Afternoon visit the silk weavers village and explore the looms and shops of famous Banaras Silk.

Day 3: Varanasi (B)

Transfer to Airport for your onward flight.

Included: Accommodation for 2 nights, transfers, tours as indicated, local guide and entrance fees.

Departs: Private tours, departs daily

Notes: Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays.

From: NZD 816 per person + domestic flights (Mumbai – Aurangabad – Mumbai) from NZD 315 per person

Aurangabad, situated in the central part of Maharashtra is one of the most visited travel destinations in India. Aurangabad city is the central point for tourists who wish to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Ajanta and Ellora Caves. There are caves, forts, Mughal architecture and traces of Buddhism.

Day 1: Mumbai – Aurangabad

Connect flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad . On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon excursion to Ellora caves. The famous caves lay 33 kms south of Aurangabad. There are 34 rock cut temples representing the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths. Ellora caves are amongst the most important historical monuments in India.

Day 2: Aurangabad (B)

Morning excursion to Ajanta caves. Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyadri hills, 100 kms. from Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horseshoe, are the 30 rock-cut caves of Ajanta. The caves date back to the 2nd century B.C.Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Aurangabad – Mumbai (B)

Morning city tour visiting Bibi-Ka-Maqbara- also called Taj of Deccan, Panchakki & Daulatabad Fort. Later, transfer to airport to connect flight to Mumbai

Included: Accommodation for 2 nights, transfers, tours as indicated, local guide and entrance fees.

Departs: Private tours, departs daily

Notes: Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, while Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.

From: NZD 995 per person

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan with easy connectivity from Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. It is spread over an area of 392 sq km. The park is majorly famous for its tigers,and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat.

Day 1: Ranthambore (L/D)

Arrive at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. Drive to Ranthambore. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Ranthambore (B/L/D)

Early morning embark on your first jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park by canter, guided by a naturalist. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, take another safari in the National Park.

Day 3: Ranthambore (B)

Early morning enjoy the last safari by canter. Return to the hotel. Check-out and transfer to Sawai Madhopur Station.

Included: Accommodation for 2 nights, transfers, 3 x shared Safaris, Naturalist and entrance fees.

Departs: Departs daily