Day 1. Tue. USA/ Tokyo.

This morning make your way to the airport for your flight to Tokyo.

Overnight: En Route.

Day 2. Wed. Tokyo / Bangkok.

This morning arrive at Tokyo airport, Then board your flight non-stop to Tokyo.  On arrival this evening, you will be met by fast track staff as you step off the plane and into the terminal at this gate. Board a buggy and whisk through to Immigration and then to customs and then to meet your representative who will escort you over to the airport hotel.

Overnight: The Novotel Hotel.  

Day 3. Thu. Bangkok / Mandalay.

Upon arrival to the MANDALAY airport by PG-709 at 13:20hr, you will be welcomed by our English speaking station guide and transfer to hotel. And then we visit to the GOLDEN PALACE MONASTERY, the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the KUTHODAW PAGODA, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and regarded as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. We end our day with sunset panoramic views over city skyline on MANDALAY HILL, the highest point of the city.

Though Rangoon is the modern day capital, Mandalay, or Yadanapura — the ‘City of Gems’, remains the Golden Land’s spiritual capital. To know Mandalay and its pleasant surrounds is to know Burma. Situated in the heart of Upper Burma, the city is at the hub of river routes from China and India and land routes from the Shan massif and Siam beyond. The city throbs with life and trade. This is a city of markets and monasteries and is no touristic backwater. As well as being the economic epicentre of Upper Burma Mandalay is the religious capital of Burma There as many living monasteries and pagodas as Pagan has dead ones and the monastic population numbers over 100,000. Yet Mandalay is a relatively recent creation. One story tells that King Mindon decided to move the capital to a new site from Amarapura in 1856 because the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company steamers kept him awake at night with their whistles! The reality is that Mindon, a moderniser and reformer, was anxious to break with the past and establish a new era of peace and prosperity for Burma following the humiliation of the two British annexations. This was symbolised by the construction of a splendid new capital. The palace-city, that also housed government offices and personnel and military regiments, was vast.

Overnight: The Shwe Pyi Hotel. (B)

Day 4. Fri. Mandalay.

This morning we travel outside of town to visit the former British hill station and return late afternoon. Horse drawn carriage tour during the day.

After breakfast, we drive to a former colonial hill station, PYIN OO LWIN (MAY MYO), approximately 65km/1,5hrs away from Mandalay. The tranquil beauty of the town captured the minds of the British colonial administration, who developed it after defeating the last king of Myanmar. Burmese know the town for the flowers, fruits and vegetables that grow so well in its cooler climes. We visit to PEIK CHIN MYAUNG CAVE and PWE KAUK WATERFALL located near the town.

Then, at the BOTANICAL GARDENS, we feast our eyes on the varieties of flora available in the region. And we enjoy a horse-drawn cart ride to see the beautiful colonial architecture. We drive back to Mandalay and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: The Shwe Pyi Hotel. (B)

Day 5. Sat. Mandalay / Irrawaddy (River Cruise)

Mid morning transfer to the pier and board your river cruise. Lunch on board and cruising along the Irrawaddy River to Yandabo. This afternoon cruise along the famous river.

Overnight: Pandaw River Cruise. – Double cabin. – Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included.

Day 6. Sun. Irrawaddy River Cruise – Visit Yandabo.

Full day cruising the river with shore excursions and all meals on board.

Morning walk round the pottery village at Yandabo and to see the Pandaw School. Evening tour of Pakokku by Trishaw. More about Yandabo. Here we visit the Pandaw School built with donations from past Pandaw passengers and see potteries, the main industry for this village.

Overnight: Pandaw River Cruise. – Double cabin – Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included.

Day 7. Mon. Disembark in Bagan.

This morning after breakfast, the cruise docks and disembark and transfer into town. Disembark in Pagan at 09.00am. Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up at the jetty and we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdom of Bagan. We start with a visit to the NYAUNG U MARKET, the largest market in the Bagan region, to get a glimpse into the local life. We also see how cottage industries like brick making are carried out with traditional methods.

We continue to the gilded SHWEZIGON STUPA, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. And then KYANSITHA  UMIN, a cave temple, the long dimly lit corridors are decorated with frescoes, some believed painted by Tartar invaders during the Mongol occupation after 1287.Next, we visit GUBYAUKGYI (Wet-Kyi-Inn), this 13th-century ‘cave temple’ has an Indian-style spire like the Mahabodhi Paya in Bagan. It is interesting for the fine frescoes of scenes from the Jatakas. Then to HTILOMINLO TEMPLE to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour continues with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic ANANDA TEMPLE with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands. Then we visit DHAMAYANGYI TEMPLE, the largest temple of Bagan with the thickest walls and the SULAMANI TEMPLE. Finally, proceed to BUPAYA PAGODA to watch the sunset over the famous Ayeyarwaddy River.

You will spend the morning touring (hotel check in is after lunch) At lunch time, your guide will bring you to the hotel where you can have a break, enjoy lunch and then enjoy more touring in Bagan.

Overnight: The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate. (B)

Day 8. Tue. Bagan.

Early morning rise and transfer by the balloon company to the launch pad. Enjoy a spectacular ride on the balloon followed by breakfast and transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in MYINGABA VILLAGE, and then go to MYAZEDI TEMPLE. Closely, the MYINGABA GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka reincarnations. MANUHA TEMPLE, built by the Mon king in the 1300s, represents his time in captivity under the Bagan king.

And then we visit the DHAMAYAZEKA ZEDI, providing panoramic views of the temple studded plains of Bagan. It is worth a look around for bamboo and wood houses built long ago. LAYMYETNAT TEMPLE and PAYATHONZU with MINNANTHU VILLAGE are of a later period than those in Central Bagan.

NANDA-MAN-NYA TEMPLE, It is a single-chambered temple has very fine frescoes and a ruined, seated Buddha image. TAYOK PYE PAYA is a large temple, built by Narathihapate (1256-1287) who is known as the king who fled from the Mongolian invasion, thus ‘Tayok Pye’ in Myanmar.

Then begin a day of fantastic temples throughout Bagan.

For sunset, a BULLOCK OR HORSE CART RIDE around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting)

Overnight: The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate. (B)

Day 9. Wed. Bagan / Yangon.

This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Yangon. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon lunch break and late afternoon touring the city of Yangon.

After breakfast, we transfer to Bagan/Nyaung U airport for the domestic Mid Morning flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the focal point of numerous historical events in the city –CHAUK HTAT GYI pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the SHWEDAGON PAGODA, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legend has it that strands of sacred Buddha’s hair are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.

Overnight: The Sedona Hotel. (B)

Day 10. Thu.  Yangon.

This morning you will be met at 9:30am and being a half day touring the capital city and then have your last afternoon to explore on your own.

After breakfast, we visit the quaint YANGON OLD QUARTERS, built during the British colonial era. Many charming historical buildings are still located here. We visit to SULE PAYA stupa – built over 2,000 years ago and visit BOGYOKE (SCOTTS) MARKET, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. And then transfer to your hotel. The rest day is at your leisure.

Overnight: The Sedona Hotel. (B)

Day 11. Fri. Yangon / Kolkata.

On arrival at Kolkata, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel.

Overnight: The Oberoi Hotel.

Day 12. Sat. Kolkata.

This morning, following breakfast, we will proceed on a full day city tour of Kolkata while clicking the varied images of the city. You get to feel the warmth of the people, the passion, and, the love for their city. First, we will visit the Flower Market, beneath the east end of Howrah Bridge, this is eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and people sitting on the ground. Next, on our list is a visit to the Vegetable & Fish Markets where farmers from the neighboring regions arrive, and, sell their produce in open bazaars called ‘haats’.

These bazaars still continue even today. Just notice the changing of smells here – from the Flower Market to Fish market! Indeed, it will be fascinating experience as these bazaars are a very unique feature of Kolkata. Then, we will visit the Burra Bazar area, which is a world in itself. The Marwaris from Rajasthan migrated here a long time ago, and, made it their home. Actually, you would notice a unique ecosystem where their business, and, dwellings coexist in a colorful harmony. These unique blending’s have indeed contributed to Kolkata’s thrilling cultural legacy.

Then, we will visit the College Street Book Market. There’s a famous saying – ‘If you don’t find a book in College Street, you will probably not find it anywhere.’ And you’ll pretty much agree to it once you visit the market. All you can see is books all around you because it is indeed the largest book market in Asia.

Following our visit to Book Market, we will now visit the Indian Coffee House situated next to market. Also known as “Albert Hall”, this is the most favourite gathering place for the writers, intellectuals, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about any issue is the most favourite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical and legendary café, entire day you can find hundreds of Kolkatan’s are busy discussing about their favourite issue over a cup of coffee.

We conclude our day with a visit to Kumartuli. This unique artisan village dates back 400 years, making it perhaps the oldest of its kind in the world. It is the lifeblood of Bengal’s biggest festival and keeps the Puja fervor alive among Bengali communities in other countries.

In addition to that, we can also visit the Missionaries of Charity (Nirmal Hirday) founded by the Nobel laureate Mother Teresa, who had selflessly devoted the majority of her life to serving the downtrodden in India.

Overnight: Oberoi Grand Hotel.

Day 13. Sun. Kolkata / Katni.
Morning, proceed on a very special walking tour of Kolkatta that highlights the cultural potpourri of this city that is affectionately known as “City Of Joy”. Kolkata has witnessed many more cultures in its past than most others would even in this globalized present. Our walk will trace for you the origins and remains of the varied communities that hung their boots and called Calcutta home. Let’s check out why Chinese breakfast still rules Tiretta Bazar, where the Parsi’s are dwindling in numbers with each passing day and how the Armenians gave the city its oldest surviving Christian church while we pass the Anglo-Indians, the Muslims, the Marwari’s, the Biharis and many more that made this city a great melting pot of diverse cultures. Return to the hotel and pack up your suitcases, showers and check out. Store your locked bags with the bell captain.

Late afternoon transfer to a family home, we indulge in a gastronomical treat as we have a hand on cooking experience. Bengali cuisine is perhaps the only food style in the Indian region which still holds its authenticity over 1000 years. Though Bengal was once ruled by the Mughal emperor and, once was even the capital of British-colonized India the authenticity of food styles was preserved and enriched over the years. Bengali food is an all-time favorite for many for its spicy, aromatic and mouth watering flavors. Bengali Cuisine generally consists of a variety of rice dishes and fresh water fish delicacies. The food enlists delicious rice main courses, curries, fish dishes, chicken cuisines, pulses, fries, chutneys, Bengali sweets, snacks and many more.

We will follow in that tradition and take you on a cultural and culinary tour to the Bengali house of the family where cooking demonstration and dinner has been arranged. You will meet your guide in the hotel lobby and from there you will visit a local market for a brief introduction to the different kinds of vegetables and spices used for Bengali cooking.

In time, transfer to the famous Howrah train station to board your first class train to Katni.

Overnight: aboard First Class Air – Conditioned Sleeper Accommodation.

Day 14. Mon. Crossing various states on our way to Madya Pradesh State. / Katni.

All day enjoy the scenery from the train with breakfast and lunch included. Arrive at Katni station in afternoon where you will disembark and meet your representative. Afternoon arrival in Katni we will drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, which is a two hour drive, we are showing 3 in case of delays. Check in and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: The Samode Safari Lodge. (BLD)

Day 15. Tue. Bhandavgarh National Park. (Morning and afternoon safaris).

Morning & afternoon jungle excursions in shared jeeps, The pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions will be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at our accommodation during the heat of midday. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the supporting cast of mammals and birds is very impressive, the latter including such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base.

Overnight: The Samode Safari Lodge. (BLD)

Day 16. Wed. Bandavgarh Park.  (Morning Tiger Safari) / Kahna.

This morning enjoy your safari in the park. Return around 8:30am and have a big breakfast. Later showers and pack up luggage and prepare by 10:30am to be in the lobby as we depart from the hotel with private transfer overland.

11:00am departure – We will drive to we drive to Kanha Tiger Reserve.

Upon arrival, transfer across the countryside to your safari headquarters for a two-day exploration of this vast, unspoiled central Indian preserve.

Upon arrival, check into Singinawa Jungle Lodge

Overnight: Singinawa Jungle Lodge (Singinawa Cottage- B, L & D)

Day 17. Thu. Kanha National Park.  (Morning and afternoon safari)

Day 18. Fri. Kanha National Park.  (Morning and afternoon safari)       

Morning and afternoon, jungle excursions in shared jeep.

Kanha National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide, is located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Its creation took place among, and after, a lot of turbulence and storm within concerned circles regarding rampant killing of wildlife in the area at the time. The central Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in 1933 but got its status as a National Park in 1955. It covers a large area of 1,945 square kilometers, out of which 940 square kilometers form the main park. The altitude of the park ranges from 450 meters to 900 meters above sea level. The temperature, depending on the season, ranges from 0 degrees in the winters to 48 degrees in the summers. The park remains open from the 01st of November to the 30th of June. Sometimes, as with most parks of the country, it can be closed earlier if the monsoon season arrives sooner than expected. The park has a heavy monsoon season with an average annual rainfall of 1600mm. The basic infrastructure at the park is well developed and visits can “mostly” be expected to pass without any problems.

Kanha is also famous for its animal conservation efforts made in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident communities. One of the famous success stories of the park is the survival of the Barasingha population in the park which went down to as low as 66 animals in 1970 from the earlier 3000 and which through huge efforts has now revived to a respectable number of around 1000. Kanha boasts of many such success stories of which this is only an example.

Kanha National Park is world famous for its tigers. Tiger sightings are not as rare as in most other parks of the country. The only other reserves in the country that can claim to have as many sightings as Kanha are Ranthambore and Kanha’s own neighbour, Bandhavgarh.

Other than the tiger, some of the more frequently seen animals in the park consist of Leopards, Gaur, Chausinghas, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackuck, Langurs, Wild Boars, Porcupines, Mouse Deer, Hyenas, Jackals and Wild Dogs (Dholes).

The reptile residents of the park consist of Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of other snakes.

Overnight: Singinawa Jungle Lodge (Singinawa Cottage)  (B, L & D)

Day 19. Sat. Kahna park / Mumbai.

After an early breakfast, board the hotel shuttle coach and transfer around 9:30am to the airport to board your flight to Jaipur. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Rambagh Palace hotel where you will have lunch break on your own account at this gorgeous hotel. After lunch, your driver will arrive to collect you and continue with your drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival in Pushkar check into Orchard Tent with dinner included this evening. (Lunch on your own account)

Overnight: The Orchard Tent (Luxury Tent – B & D)

Day 20. Sun. Mumbai.    (Free at leisure to rest before Pushkar)

Free day to relax and enjoy the facilities at this lovely hotel.

Day is free for your meetings (no car or guide is provided)

Overnight: The Leela Kempinski (B)

Day 21. Mon. Mumbai / Jaipur / Pushkar.

After an early breakfast, board the hotel shuttle coach and transfer around 9:30am to the airport to board your flight to Jaipur. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Rambagh Palace hotel where you will have lunch break on your own account at this gorgeous hotel. After lunch, your driver will arrive to collect you and continue with your drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival in Pushkar check into Orchard Tent with dinner included this evening. (Lunch on your own account)

Overnight: The Orchard Tent (Luxury Tent – B & D)

Day 22. Tue. Pushkar Camel Fair.     (Full day exploring the fair) 

After breakfast, we will walk through this amazingly fascinating religious town. According to legend, the origin of Pushkar dates back to the time when Lord Brahma was on his way in search of a tranquil land to perform a ‘Yagna’. A lotus fell from the hand of the Lord into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot and was dedicated to him. A Brahma temple located here which is supposed to be the only temple dedicated to this God is a popular place of pilgrimage. It would be fascinating to walk along the maze of narrow lanes and streets during the fair.

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activity. The Tented hotel staff will direct you with lists of things to do on your own all day as well as meal times back at your tented camp.

Overnight: The Orchard Tent (Luxury Tent – B, L & D)

Day 23 . Wed. Pushkar Camel Fair.     (Full day exploring the fair)

The Tented hotel staff will direct you with lists of things to do on your own all day as well as meal times back at your tented camp.

Overnight: The Orchard Tent (Luxury Tent – B, L & D)

Day 24. Thu. Pushkar / Ajmer Market stop / Delhi.

This morning, we have breakfast. Your driver will come to the correct tented camp and meet you at 1:00pm and bring you to the vehicle and then to the nearby town of Ajmer where the train station is located. You will arrive in time, where you will be brought to the market to buy some nuts and fruit and water for your train journey. There is a meal served on board the train. The representative will bring you to the platform for your train to Delhi Cantt.

Day 25. Fri. Delhi / USA.

This morning board your non-stop flight to USA.

CODE: CUL112018