Golden Triangle Tour with Goa

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01

Arrival in Delhi. Meeting and assistance upon arrival. Transfer to hotel Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02

City sightseeing tour in and around Delhi.

Morning tour of Delhi visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch ), Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past the President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings, and Connaught Place shopping centre. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Morning tour of Delhi visiting Raj Ghat and

Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama

Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit Qutub Minar

built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial

Arch ), Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past the

President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings, and

Connaught Place shopping centre. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03 :

      

Drive from Delhi to Agra, approximately 205 km.
Sightseeing tour of Agra.

Morning visit to the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen, Mumtaz Mahal, to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, and the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah, built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Overnight in Agra.

Day 04 :

      

Drive from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri,
approximately 251 km. Fatehpur Sikri is 40 km from Agra, and built by Emperor
Akbar in 1569. It was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See
many graceful buildings, including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch
Mahal and other palaces. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 05 :

      

Sightseeing tour in and around Jaipur.

Morning visit to Amber Fort. Amber Fort was the
ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal, or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors. Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a pink-colored coat a century ago, in honor of a visiting prince, and ever since it has retained this color. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory, and Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal and through the rose pink residential & business areas. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 06 :

      

After breakfast at hotel, on-time transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Fly from Jaipur to Mumbai, which takes 3 to 4 hours. On arrival to Mumbai, pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 07 :

      

Drive from Mumbai to Nasik, approximately 185 km. Sightseeing tour of Nasik. After breakfast at hotel, drive to Nashik in 4 hrs. On arrival, visit Panchavati, Sita Gumpha, Naroshankar Temple, Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple, Guru Gangeshwar Ved Mandir, Muktidham Temple, and Someshwar. Overnight at hotel in Nasik.

Day 08 :

      

After breakfast at hotel, drive from Nasik to Aurangabad, 228 km. En route, stop to visit Ellora. On arrival to Aurangabad, transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 09 :

      

Sightseeing tour in and around Aurangabad.

After breakfast visit Ajanta 105 km from Aurangabad, Daulatabad, and other monuments. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 10 :

      

After breakfast at hotel, drive from Aurangabad to Pune, approximately 227 km. Reach Pune in 5-6 hrs. On arrival to Pune, transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Pune.

Day 11 :

      

After breakfast visit Shaniwar wada, Saras Baug, Raja Kelkar Museum, Aga Khan Palace Parvati Hill & Temple, Vishrambaug Wada, Osho International Meditation Resort, Mahatma Phule Wada, Pataleshwar Caves, & The Pune University. After the sightseeing tour, drive to Solapur, approximately 225 km. 

Day 12 :

      

After breakfast at hotel, sightseeing in and around Solapur. One of the main attractions here is the historical Siddheshwar Temple, situated in the midst of a lake. The Bhuikot fort is another place popular for tourists. Solapur is known for its many Jain temples, namely Mallikarjuna Temple, Parasnath Temple and the Adinath Temple. All named after the Jain Tirthankaras. Another temple worth visiting is the Revansiddeshwar temple, which also has a small bird sanctuary nearby. Tourists also visit the Samadhi of Swami Samarth Maharaja of Akkalkot who is one of the most respected spiritual leaders of the region. At a distance of 72 km, lies Phandharpur the city of Pandhavi Vithoba that is an important pilgrimage center for the whole of India. It has one of the biggest festivals or fairs in the state of Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadasi. 


Other activities:

A visit to the Motibaug tank or Kambar Talao, which sees thousands of migratory birds in the winter season, will certainly excite birdwatchers. One can also go for picnics to the waterfalls at Nar and Madhi, located 45 km from Solapur.

Day 13 :

  

Drive from Bijapur to Badami, 150 km.

After breakfast at hotel sightseeing of Bijapur visit the fortress and its palaces, mosques, a madarsa or college and the royal tomb (Rangin Mahal). In Gulbarga see the Gulbarga Fort and Bahamani tombs known as 'Haft Gumbaz' or 'Seven Domes'. Also visit Jama Masjid, the only mosque in India without an open courtyard. Continue drive to Badami. Overnight stay at
hotel.

Day 14 :

      

Drive from Badami to Hospet, approximately 189 km.

After breakfast at hotel, visit Fiva Caves, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Jains and Buddhists, with frescoes and paintings. Also the two beautiful lakeside temples called Bhutnath Temples. Explore Badami's rock cut shrines dating back to 6th and 7th century. Later drive to Hospet. Check in and overnight stay at the hotel in Hospet.

Day 15 :

      

Drive from Hospet to Dandeli, 175 km.

After breakfast at hotel visit excursion to the beautiful vacation destination of Hampi, the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire. Visit the Lotus Temple famous for its incredible sculpture, stone chariot and musical pillars. The Hazar Rama Temple is also another most important tourist spot. Continue drive to Dandeli. Overnight at hotel in Dandeli.

Day 16 :

      

Drive from Dandeli to Goa.

After breakfast, visit a wildlife reserve. In the afternoon, enjoy a Jeep Safari in the wildlife sanctuary. After exploring the dense forests and the diverse wildlife in the park through Safari, drive to Goa. Arrive at Goa and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 17 :

      

Sightseeing tour in and around Goa.

The morning after breakfast city sightseeing tour starts with Old Goa including Panaji, the capital of Goa. The centers of attraction at Goa also include Mapusa Bazaar, the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan Coast. Shri Mangesh Temple in Madgoa, Shri Shanta Durga Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Peace, Shanteri and Shri Ramanath Temple in the Shri Ramanath Panchayatan, a temple complex at Ponda make up the temples that act as the Goan landmarks. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 18 :

      

Free day in Goa for leisure and holiday activities on the seashore. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 19 :

      

Flight from Goa to Mumbai, and sightseeing tour of Mumbai.

On time transfer to airport for early morning flight to Mumbai. On arrival, check-in to hotel and then sightseeing of Mumbai. You will visit Juhu beach, Gateway of India, and The Elephant caves. In the evening we have for you with us a compact little Bollywood – Lights, Camera, Action!! Guests in garish costumes, some posing as directors, some as action-heroes, romantic leading ladies, ruffians, etc. The list is endless! Make your way through the various sets of a typical film studio. From a place to the village square. See men with cameras mounted on cranes shooting sequences, inviting your tour of Film city’s electrifying ambience while dining on delicacies that are no less interesting than the ‘masala’ (spice ) of Indian movies. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 20 :

      

Mumbai - Onward Destination:

On time departure transfer to Mumbai International Airport for return flight home.

Mailing Address:

First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343       

        + 977-1- 4424346

Mobile: +977-9851038817            

             +977-9851022303

Fax : + 977-1-4423855

E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np

http://www.go2trek.com

http://www.firstetrek.com

Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Kalimpong Tour

Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, this beautiful state of Sikkim is surrounded by the kingdom of Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the East, Tibet in the North and the state of West Bengal in the South. The impregnable snowy Himalayas, the third highest mountain in the world Mt. Khanchendzonga and the flat lowlands with its diverse flora & fauna enriches its beauty. Trekking in the rough mountains, rafting on the turbulent rivers, and sightseeing are all laid out for the visitor on a platter. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is often referred to as the “Lofty Hills." An air of Enchantment pervades in the entire atmosphere of the valley with its stupas, Monasteries and its Mysticism. In Gangtok, one very frequently comes across the Prayer flags whipping in the breeze, robed Lamas chanting prayers to God, lined Brightly painted pagoda - roofed houses, and of course, the sound of trumpets from the distance hills & valleys.

       

Itinerary in Detail

Day 01 :

       

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which takes about 45 minutes. You will then take a drive from Bhadrapur to Kakarivitta (an eastern border town of Nepal.) You will undergo some custom formalities and then drive to Darjeeling by jeep, which takes about four and half hours. Overnight in a hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 02 :

       

Darjeeling sightseeing. Morning visit to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise, and also get the best view of the world's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga and other peaks. . After breakfast, proceed for a ride in the famous toy train for half an hour. This day you visit Botanical Gardens, Observatory Hill, mountaineering institute to know the history and the equipment and used in the first conquest of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge. Then you go to Zoological Park to see the Siberian Tigers. Visit Llamas, Himalayan Black Bear and Panda. Visit tea estates and Tibetan Refugee self-help centre for woolen carpet and leather products. On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery Enshrining Maitreyee Buddha.You stay overnight in a hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 03 :

       

Drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok, which takes about 3 and a half hours. You will drive through the breath-taking downhill road Maney Bhanjyang - Loptsu – Teesta. You will gradually drive to Rongpu the border between West Bengal and Sikkim.

Beware: You are not allowed to spit on the road, litter (including the wrappers of foods and chocolates), or smoke in public areas.

You will have some custom duties to be fulfilled and then drive to Melli – Singtam – Ranipol – Tadong – and then to Gangtok: “A mountain of houses.”

Day 04 :

       

Sightseeing in and around Gangtok. The main places of interests are stated below.

Tashi View Point: From here, you could have a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the Himalayas. One can have an experience of the changes in the color of snows of the mountains there.

Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research on the language and culture of Tibet, as well as Mahayana Buddhism, it is the most prestigious of its kind in India. It has on display a vast collection of rare Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts. The museum section houses a number of exotic ritualistic chortens, brass bells, dorjis, rosaries, and some very rare thankas. Today it is renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

Rumtek Monastery is the sect of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The monastery is a magnificent example of Tibetan Monastic art and was built by His Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa, (a leader of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism). It is a close replica of the H.H. Karmapa's monastery at Tsorphu in Tibet and houses some of the world's most unique religious art objects. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation 3780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst picturesque mountains.a a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery of the Nyingmapa order, is a 95 km drive from Kalimpong.

Enchey Monastery is an important sect of the Nyingmapa order, this 200 year old monstary, atop a hill above Gangtok, was once the hermitage of Lama Dripthob Karpo, a tantric master renowned for his powers of flying. The annual ritual dance is performed on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th Month of the Tibetan calendar corresponding to the month of December/ January.

Deer Park: Embraced by gardens of flowers lies the beautiful Deer Park – an ideal place to be solitude, near the Secretariat. Built to commemorate the Buddha’s reincarnation as a musk deer, it has a large fielded statue of Buddha under a beautiful canopy in preaching posture, a replica of the statue at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is a popular viewpoint on the edge of the ridge.

White Hall: Built in 1932 in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Sir Claude White. Situated on a ridge, it has historical value only. There is an officer’s club.

Orchid Sanctuary: It is near Research Institute of Tibetology, where you can see many of the 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. The best time to visit is April-May, July-August and October-November. There yet another collection of orchids produced by the Governmental Tissue Culture Department of Sikkim in Saramsa or Apeca Garden about 14 km from Gangtok by Ranikhola. This is this garden for the home of Sikkim’s many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Formed and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an beautiful recreational and picnic spot, with a swimming pool.

Ganesh Tok: It is at an altitude of 6500 ft. above Gangtok. There is a small temple of the god Ganesha nested there. The panoramic view from Gangtok has magnificent and breathtaking sights of Khangchendzonga and Siniolchu can be observed and enjoyed from this spot on a ridge. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee, and snacks.

Hanuman Tok: It is at an altitude of 7200 ft., about 5 km from Gangtok where there is a temple of the god Hanuman. Panoramic views of Gangtok and adjoining hills and valleys, with Khangchendzonga in the background, can be seen from here. Sunrise can be observed from here as well. Night view of the Gangtok city lights is mood elevating.

Tashi View Point is About 8 km from Gangtok. It is a resting shed. Astounding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attractive of this point. The distant north Sikkim monasteries are also visible from this point along the North Sikkim highway.

Do-drul Chorten (Stupa): Situated on a hillock, it is a five minutes drive from Gangtok town, Built by the late Trulshik Rimpoche in 1946, head of the Nyingmapa order, and the late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal in 1957, to invoke the Gods for the peace and tranquility in the State. Set of Kagyur holy books, relics, complete mantras, rare mandalas of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya) and other religious objects are found inside the Chorten. A small Chorten known as Jhang Chub is built beside the Phurba Chorten in memory of Trulshik Rimpoche who passed away in 1962. Few yards below the Chorten is the rock known as “DO-TA-PU” or “Stone Horse”. There is a monastery close by called “Guru Lakhang” with the state of Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Snong Zisil Gnen, the incarnated one of the first. Around the Chorten is installed the ‘180’ Mani-Lhakor or prayer wheels. The Chorten has the sacred topped stupa.

Saramsa Garden: Also know as Ipecac Garden is about 14 km from Gangtok, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. The garden is know as Ipecac garden because of the plant Ipecac that is grown here. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot. Besides this plant, this garden also contains a wide variety of other flora including numerous types of orchids and medicinal plants. A large green house also accommodates many other species of plants. One has to take a taxi to reach this place.

Day 05 :

       

Sightseeing in and around Gangtok. Places of interests: Kanchanjunga view point, Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Monastery, Inchey Monastery, typical market place, Saramsa Garden etc.

Day 06 :

       

Free day for monastery visit and enjoy mountain views. In the western district of Sikkim, Pemyangtse is a picture perfect destination. It offers a breathtaking view of the world's 3rd highest peak of Mount Khanchendzonga. The little place is home to a number of tourist attractions in Gangtok, namely Pemyangtse Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located on a hilltop at a height of 6840 ft. Apart from it, there are many other monasteries Pelling like: Sangachoeling Monastery, Dabdi Monastery, Tashiding Monastery and so on. Overnight stay in Pemyangtse.

Day 07 :

       

Drive from Pemayangtse to Kalimpong which takes about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight stay in Kalimpong.

Day 08 :

       

Sightseeing in and around Kalimpong. 

Kalimpong is a sleepy little town situated at an altitude of 1,200 m, some 50 km to the east of Darjeeling. Kalimpong, known as "The Stockade of the King's Minister," was once a bustling town on the trade route to Tibet. It once used to be the hub of the trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet when merchants used to ferry goods by mule caravan over the Jelepla Pass on the Sikkim - Tibet border. Although the trade route has closed down since the early sixties, the town still retains its tranquility and intrinsic charm. It enjoys the best climate in the region and is a favorite haunt of those in search of peace and serenity. It enjoys the best climate in the region, with dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen. Owing to its rich flora, Kalimpong is a blaze of colors throughout the year. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Day 09 :

       

Drive from Kalimpong to Kakarivitta via Siliguri, which takes about 4 hours. Then drive to Bhadrapur via Kakarivitta, and fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Tour ends upon arrival to Kathmandu.

Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056

Tel : + 977-1-4417343     
        + 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817          
             +977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855


E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com