India's Palace on Wheels

4 NIGHT HOLIDAY EXTENSION TO GOA

For bookings or more information call: 01904 527105 Famous for its pristine sandy beaches and relaxed way of life, Goa is India's smallest state, located on the west coast. You will be staying in southern Goa, nestled right next to the region's glorious sun-kissed beaches and the Arabian Sea. Southern Goa is celebrated for offering a more authentic regional experience and for promising the true serenity for which Goa is renowned. Extend your Indian tour to this glorious region in 5-star luxury, where you will spend four or more nights discovering for yourself India's own slice of paradise.

Day 1: Delhi to Goa
After breakfast and a leisurely morning in Delhi, you are transferred to the airport for your early afternoon flight to the idyllic southern state of Goa. Landing later in the afternoon, you are greeted on arrival by a local representative who will assist you with your transfer by private vehicle to your 5-star resort, the Leela Kempinski Hotel, where you spend the next four nights, or more if preferred. From your arrival at the Leela Kempinski Hotel until your transfer back to the airport, your time here is entirely at leisure.

Days 2-4: At leisure in Goa
Over the next few days you are free to do as little or as much as you like. You may choose to simply relax at the hotel, and make use of its excellent facilities and eateries. Sprawled over 75 acres, the hotel boasts its own 12 hole golf course, along with an outdoor pool and spa, which offers a wide range of massages and beauty treatments. Otherwise you may wish to unwind on the beach; Goa enjoys a fantastic warm climate throughout the year, and the quiet Mobor beach is just a stone's throw away from the hotel. Should you wish to venture a little further, you can visit the bustling fishing village along the Sal River. As in the rest of Goa, here cuisine focuses on locally caught fish and sea food, with terrific flavours which blend influences from both India and Portugal.

Day 5: Return to London
You are transferred back to the airport early this morning after breakfast. Flying via Mumbai / Delhi, you connect with your flight back to London, landing in England later that day.

3 NIGHT EXTENSION TO VARANASI & THE GANGES

Also known as the 'Eternal City', Varanasi is a burst of colour right on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, and is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. Hindu pilgrims flock to the riverside Ghats to cleanse their spirit and wash away their sins and it is also considered an auspicious place to die, ensuring a direct route to heaven. You are able to immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions here, where the important moments in life and death are played out for all to experience.

Day 1: Delhi to Varanasi
Today you will meet a Great Rail Journeys representative for your transfer to Delhi airport. On arrival in Varanasi, another representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After some time to settle in, you are free to begin exploring this vibrant city. This evening you will be escorted to the Ghats to witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony; a spiritual ritual involving lights and incense in which residents make offerings to the river goddess - Mother Ganga.

Day 2: Guided tour of Varanasi
Early this morning you will join a guided boat ride on the river Ganges. As the sun rises over the water, float by locals as they carry out their everyday activities from washing their clothes to morning prayers. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, continue your day with a guided tour, taking in the sights and sounds of the Old City including Bharat Mata Temple, the only temple of its kind dedicated to Mother India, and Benaras Hindu University. Later enjoy an excursion to the home of Buddhism, Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after reaching enlightenment.

Day 3: Return to Delhi
This morning you are at leisure to continue exploring Varanasi, perhaps visit the famous Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity of Shiva, or maybe take a walk through the galis, the city's winding alleyways which lead to traditional market stalls. This afternoon transfer to the airport with your guide for the return flight to Delhi and a night at the conveniently located 4-star Holiday Inn Aerocity.

Day 4: The journey home
After breakfast, you will be accompanied back to the airport for your onward flight.