Indo-Asia Tours

Oman & India Tour

11 days/10 nights

2009/2010 Tour Dates
Anytime. Contact us and let us know when you'd like to go.

Come discover the secret of Oman's great untouched beauty and incredible India, in all her exoticism.

Peaceful and stable Oman has miles of beautiful, virgin, sandy beaches. Inland the rugged mountainous terrain remains quite remote. In recent years, Oman has caught up with its more affluent neighbors but prefers to maintain a more traditional and conservative demeanor. By contrast, visitors to the United Arab Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are dazzled by the fantastic man-made real estate projects and the upscale shopping. Yet, here too we find contradiction with modernity in the daily observance of Islam and the continuation of the Bedouin tradition and life style.

India. The scent of roasted cumin seeds floats through an outdoor bazaar in Delhi... a young girl's bracelets jangle on her arm as she prepares for her daily chores... the rising sun outlines the Taj Mahal's marble contours... Hindu pilgrims descend ghats into the holy Ganges. In India, you must concentrate on the details to comprehend the whole, which is why seeing it in the intimate setting which we offer makes so much difference. Stay in unique lodgings, according to your budget, and enjoy camel and rickshaw rides.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT, OMAN
Upon arrival at Muscat, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at your selected hotel.

DAY 2: MUSCAT/ NIZWA
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a city tour. This tour offers you glimpses into the interiors as well as into the rich history and culture of Oman. After breakfast, we leave the capital city of Muscat and drive for about 2.5 hours through the magnificent landscapes of Oman's rugged Hajar mountains to reach Nizwa, the capital of the interiors. On the way, we have a brief photo stop at Fanja, which offers a splendid view of this lush green oasis village. Next, we stop at the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated in the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains). Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations. Then we depart for Jabrin, the finest of Oman's castles, built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully-executed woodcarvings. Next, we visit Misfah, a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings still in existence. While heading for Jebel Shams, we stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. Our next stop takes us to Wadi Nakher, located in the depth of our deepest canyon, and then we are on to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the Jebel Akhdar range, which offers a spectacular view. Finally, we reach Nizwa, capital of the interior, which is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa Souq is renowned for its intricately hand-carved "Khanjars" (daggers) and ornamental silver jewelry. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B)

DAY 3: NIZWA / SUR
After breakfast, we depart from Nizwa for Wahiba Sands. Before reaching the Wahiba desert, we make an interesting stop in Mudayrib, where you can witness a typical old village in the interiors of Oman with its ruins of mud houses. Wahiba Sands, a vast sea of undulating red and white sand dunes rising up to 200 meters, are host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. We will also visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness. In stark contrast, our next stop is Wadi Bani Khalid, known for its clear, deep blue water and comprised of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. We then head for Sur. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B)

DAY 4: SUR / MUSCAT / DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the coastal road to Muscat via Wadi Tiwi Shab village. The route provides a surprising contrast with its lush green wadi and dense plantations. On the way, you will visit the fish jetty, the Dhow factory, and the ruins of Bibi Miriam's Tomb, which can be seen from the village of Qalhat. Next, stop at Fins Beach for a swim before heading on to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom. On clear sunny days while driving along the coast, one might see sharks in the deep blue water or fleet-footed gazelle sprint across the landscape. Return to Muscat via Quriyat, and then transfer to the airport for your flight to India. (B)

DAY 5: ARRIVAL IN DELHI, INDIA
After breakfast at your hotel, our representative meets you at the hotel and will brief you on your entire itinerary/tour and later will accompany you for a full-day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. Begin the tour with a visit of the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, the Diplomatic Enclave, the President's House, the India Gate, and the famous Birla Mandir. Next, visit the great Red Fort, which was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. Visit the Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. Later in the day, we take you to the main shopping areas in Delhi, and then drop you back to the hotel for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 6: DELHI / JAIPUR
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (260km, about 6 hours). The city was painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, and literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863. Jaipur, also known as "The Pink City," is a well-planned city named after one of the greatest of the Rajput rulers, Maharaja Jai Singh II. It takes its name from the pink paint on its buildings. Upon arrival check into your hotel for overnight stay. (B)

DAY 7: AMBER FORT & JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Early this morning, our representative will accompany you on an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothills to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens. Drive back to your hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and escort you for a tour of the old city of Jaipur. Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," Jaipur's central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore the City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards, and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures, and an armory of weapons. Drive back to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 8: JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast, you drive to Agra (202km, about 4 hours), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Mughal Emperor Akbar built for himself in year 1570, though deserted it after 15 years due to scarcity of water in the area. Predominantly red sandstone buildings, it reminds one of the great emperor's vision to include both Hindu and Muslim styles into all architecture. Upon arrival at Agra, check in at your hotel. This afternoon, our representative will bring you on a tour of Agra, which includes a visit to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1565 to 1573 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates, red sandstone walls, and a moat. Next you visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, the incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the "lady of the Taj." It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when his wife Mumtaz died. The Taj Mahal has recently been immortalized by the inclusion as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Drive back to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 9: AGRA / JHANSI / KHAJURAHO
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Jhansi. After a 2-hour journey you reach Jhansi, where you will be met and escorted to Khajuraho (170km, about 4 hours). En route you will visit Orchha, a medieval city, founded by Bundela rulers, with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the river Betwa. A number of beautiful temples and "Chhatris" (Cenotaphs) are built on the bank of this serene river. Continue your drive to Khajuraho, and upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 10: KHAJURAHO SIGHTSEEING / VARANASI
After breakfast our representative will take you on a tour the temples of Khajuraho. Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of the Chandel Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) that can be found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Later this afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi (Benares), the holy city of India on the banks of Ganges River. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." Upon arrival in Varanasi, you are met and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. (B)

DAY 11: VARANASI / DELHI / DEPARTURE
Early this morning embark on a boat cruise on the river Ganges. The Ganges River is revered to be the holiest river by the Hindus. The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere - in a decorated doorway... in a glimpse of a glittering temple... in the sound of a sacred bell... the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower oblations. You return to your hotel for breakfast followed by a walking tour of the city. As Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Bharat Mata Temple. The Bharat Mata Temple houses a huge relief map of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Late this afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi for your onward journey. (B)

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:

1 Traveler	2 Travelers	4 Travelers	6 Travelers	8 Travelers	12 Travelers
$3550	$2300	$1900	$1900	$1900	$1900

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Daily Buffet Breakfast.
Meet and Greet at airports/railway station by our representative.
Arrival and Departure transfers in AC chauffeur-driven vehicle.
Services of local English-speaking guide.
Train fare for Sector Agra - Jhansi in Aircon Chair Car.
Airfare for Sector Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi in Eco class.
All applicable taxes.

Price Does Not Include:

International airfare.
Departure and custom fees.
Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Travel Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance and Medical and Luggage Insurance.
Cost of lunches or dinners not mentioned above.
Any expenses of personal nature.

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

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