Date
October 9 - 20, 2020
Orissa Ext. to Oct. 24
Price
$4,400
Duration
12 DAYS
Availabilty
Postponed
About This Tour
India is a world unto itself. Each of its 29 states has its own unique history, culture and character. Much of East India feels very British, because the British Empire ruled the entire Indian subcontinent from Calcutta, which was once the world’s most fashionable city after London. During the 18th and 19th century, East India became one of the world’s greatest exporters, sending tea, textiles and spices to Europe, Asia and North America. The Europeans are no longer in control, and the Bengal Tigers that used to roam the mangrove forests here are now very rare, but much of this region retains a great deal of its past and feels very much unlike anywhere else in India.
From Kolkata we travel to the Sundarbans, a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. The Bengali word for Sundarbans means “beautiful forest.” Four protected areas in the Sundarbans are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, the tour visits the Andaman Islands, an archipelago actually closer to Myanmar than to India, but an important historical outpost during the British colonial era and now an enticing vacation spot with its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. Enjoy an optional extension to the Orissa state after the main tour, seeing Bhubaneswar and Puri.
Tour Highlights
- Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta
- Kolkata’s Dalhousie Square *
- Sundarbans Delta *
- River cruises
- Wildlife viewing
- Andaman Islands
- Port Blair
- Beach time
EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS
- Bhubaneswar, capital of ancient Orissa
- Konark Temple *
- Puri, a “holy abode” of India
- Gotipua, majestic folk dance of Orissa * UNESCO World Heritage Sites
MAIN TOUR ITINERARY
Arrive in Kolkata
Your flight will likely arrive late today. A driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel for an overnight stay. The tour officially begins tomorrow.(Meals Aloft)
Kolkata Sightseeing
The name Kolkata was derived from the words “Kali ghat”. The British then subsequently anglicized it into Calcutta. Today the city has reverted to its original name. Kolkata is the principal commercial and cultural of East India, once the center of the British Empire mercantile trade routes. After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we depart our hotel at 10:30 am, starting our sightseeing at Victoria Memorial, another landmark in the city that marks the British reign in India. A combination of Italian renaissance and Mughal architecture, the white marble architecture was the British attempt to replicate the Taj Mahal and is a monument to Queen Victoria and a museum dedicated to the Raj.
We stop for lunch at “Oh Calcutta” - known for outstanding Bengali Cuisine. After lunch, visit The Marble Palace, made with Italian marble. The lush green lawn in front of it is clad with statues of Hindu Gods, The Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the great explorer Christopher Columbus, Lord Buddha and some lions. Next we visit Belur Math, the international headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, which houses several temples and shrines. This evening, Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel restaurant.
(All Meals)
More Kolkata Sightseeing
We begin our day of touring very early with a two-hour walking tour from 7:00 to 9:00 am. The Heritage Walk of Dalhousie Square, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes place in the morning so that you can leisurely take in the architecture and history of the city's many unique and spectacular buildings without any traffic on the roads. We begin at The Flower Market on the River Hoogly and proceed to the site of the terrible “Black Hole, the famous Writer's Building, the former HQ of the infamous East India Company, the magnificent Governor's House and the almost forgotten Charnock Mausoleum. The whole experience takes you back to the 18th and 19th century when the British ruled the entire subcontinent from Calcutta - at that time the most fashionable city in the world after London.
We continue by bus to Kumartolli, the open-air workshop and home of the kumars or potters who make the life size deities that are worshipped throughout the year at festivals and pujas. Next, visit a Jain Temple (also called Parshwanath Temple), followed by College Street (one of asia's largest book market). We visit Kalighat temple, the main Kali temple (Durga) in Calcutta, for an evening ceremony. Culminate the day at Sishu Bhavan, one of Mother Theresa's many homes for the underprivileged. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Sundarbans
This morning, we drive to Gothkhali, where the road journey ends and the cruise to the Sunderbans begins. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is the world's largest delta and mangrove swamp, where the Ganges River creates the world's largest estuarine forest. The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brahmaputra and the Ganges stretches over areas consisting of mangrove forests, swamps and forest islands all creating a chain of small rivers and streams. The Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal is home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. After lunch we depart by private boat for Sajnekhali Tiger Project Area for viewing wildlife, and visiting Sajnekhali Museum and Mangrove Interpretation Centre. We return to our jungle camp for a relaxing evening with dinner, a panoramic view from the Watch Tower, and an evening folk dance performance. (All Meals)
Sundarbans Boat Cruise
We take a thrilling private boat cruise inside creeks and dense forest (breakfast on board during cruise) through numerous rivers. We visit Dobanke Watch Tower where a canopy walk inside the forest allows you to experience the life in which wild animals live, while getting an all-around view of the forest. We also visit the Spotted Deer Rehabilitation Centre.
Afterwards cruise through Matla Sea Face (the point from where Bay of Bengal can be seen) and cruise back through the five-river junction to Pitchkhali. We will interact with the local community at a typical Sunderban settlement to understand their local art, culture and way of life (how man and tiger coexist in such a difficult terrain). We return to our camp for another relaxing evening at camp with dinner and entertainment.
(All Meals)
River Cruise / Return to Kolkata
As you wake up to the chirping of birds and morning wake up bell, a hot cup of tea is served in your balcony. View the array of birds in the fruit trees near your cottage. Take a morning cruise into the Sunderban Tiger Reserve once again through creeks and rivers heading to the Sudhayakhali Watchtower. Walk through caged walkways after disembarking towards the watchtower, searching for the elusive tiger. There is a nearby sweet water pond where you may sight deer drinking water or a monitor lizard basking in the sun as well as monkeys and wild boars. Breakfast is served on board as we cruise back to our nature camp. After an early lunch we return to Kolkata by bus and check-in at a hotel near the airport. The evening is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Fly to Andaman Islands
After an early breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to airport for our morning flight to the Islands. A 90-mimute flight takes us to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and a little rest time. In the late afternoon, we walk to the Cellular Jail, a three-story prison used to house freedom fighters working to oust Britain’s colonial government in India. The day draws to a gentle close with the Sound and Light Show at the historic Cellular Jail which provides a vivid look into the struggle for India’s independence. Overnight in Port Blair. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Havelock Island
We have an early morning departure by ferry to Havelock island (34 miles by sea from Port Blair). It takes approx 2 hrs to reach the island. We will enjoy our afternoon at Beach Number 7 on the western coast, better known as “The Radha Nagar beach”, named Asia’s best beach by TIME Magazine. Fine white sand, turquoise blue waters and a lot of peace and serenity are the hallmark of this beautiful area. The water at the beach is of exceptional quality as there is very little wave action. Overnight on Havelock. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Neil Island
After breakfast at our resort, we transfer to Havelock Jetty to depart for Neil Island as per ship timing. Upon arrival we transfer to our resort for check-in. The afternoon is free to visit the nearby Bharatpur Beach to enjoy blue crystal water. In the evening, we will walk to a nice vantage point to watch the sun set over the sea. The evening is free and we overnight on Neil Island. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Return to Port Blair
After breakfast at the resort we return to Port Blair, driving about two hours. On arrival at Port Blair we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the town and shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Port Blair. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Ross Island
After breakfast we visit Ross Island, the place from where the British governed the entire Andaman and Nicobar islands prior to India's Independence. This island is an ideal destination for nature walks amidst sylvan surroundings with deer, peacocks and exotic birds, to mention a few of the wildlife sightings we may encounter. Overnight on Ross Island. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Return to Kolkata / Departure
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the airport for our early afternoon flight UK #778, departing at 1:55 pm and arriving back in Kolkata at 4:15 pm. On arrival we transfer to a hotel near the airport for wash/change till 9:00 pm. We make a late-night transfer to the international terminal in the airport to connect with our departing flights back home. (Breakfast)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO Bhubaneswar & Puri
Bhubaneswar
We transfer to the airport for our flight AI #776, departing at 9:10 am and arriving at 10:20 am in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa. Traveling through the state of Orissa is a blend of art, architecture and ancient cultures. This old capital city has some stunning temples clustered around the Bindusagar Tank. At one time there were more than 7,000 temples here, but only 500 remain dating from the 7th to the 11th centuries.
On arrival transfer to our hotel for check in and immediately depart to visit the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts and the three great temples of Shiva: Mukteswara, Parusurameshwara and Lingaraj. Close to the beautifully decorated 10th century Mukteswara Temple is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple representing the peak of Orissa art. The small and richly decorated Parsurameswara Temple has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs.
(Breakfast / Dinner)
Puri
Our journey today begins with a visit to Hirapur, a hypaethral (open-to-the-sky) temple dedicated to 64 yogini (female practioners of yoga), followed by a stop at the appliqué work village Pipli and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Temple, a crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture dating back to the 13th century. We continue to Puri, one of the four holy abodes in India. Pre-Dravidian and pre-Aryan history relates that a tooth of Buddha was temporarily enshrined here. The evening is free. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Puri
Today morning we will visit Panda's Akara in Puri. Pandas are local Priests in Puri. They have their club houses called Akharas. These priests go to their respective clubs to unwind. They are famous for their wrestling skills, though they indulge is dances, music and merry making. Next we visit Puri Temple and the artisan village Raghurajpur that specializes in pattrachitrs – the art of painting vivid colors on palm leaves. You will also see the ancient art of palm leaf etching used to illustrate manuscripts in the 16th century. We will spend some time in late afternoon in Ramchandi fishing village. Thousands of fishing boats, a huge variety of fish, colorful fishermen and women, and the bustling fish market make for quite a sight. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Return to Kolkata / Departure
Enjoy a morning at leisure, followed by a two-hour drive to Bhubaneswar airport for flight AI #780 departing at 3:10 pm and arriving back in Kolkata at 3:55 pm. Upon arrival transfer to a hotel near the airport for wash/change till 9:00 pm. We have a late-night transfer to the international terminal in the airport to connect with our departing flights back home. (Breakfast)
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements-- For U.S. citizens, a valid passport and a visa for travel to India are required. It is easy to obtain your visa through a simple online registration process. Click here to visit the visa portal.
Immunizations & Health-— No immunizations are required, but the U.S. Center for Disease Control strongly recommends the following inoculations: tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. You should only drink boiled or bottled water in India. Avoid cut salads, raw vegetables and fruits without skin everywhere except in hotel restaurants. Please click here to visit the CDC website.
Exit Requirements -- No airport tax is currently charged upon departure from India, nor is one anticipated. However, any such taxes or fees instituted after publication of this itinerary will be the responsibility of the clients to pay directly to the appropriate airport authorities.Making Travel Arrangements to Kolkata
On this tour, international airfare is NOT included. You will need to get a round-trip flight between your city and Kolkata, India (airport code: CCU). We encourage you to contact Steven Goldberg at Frosch Travel in Chicago, who can work with you to find the best flights to get you there and back.Steven Goldberg / Frosch Travel
Toll-Free in USA: 1-800-323-1276International guests, please call +1-312-371-9686
Email: steven.goldberg@frosch.com
When calling, please identify yourself as a Toto Tours participant. If you leave a message on Steven’s voice mail, he will return your call promptly. He will be happy to discuss your travel plans and help you decide when to purchase your ticket for the best rate.
Included in the cost of this tour is a round-trip internal flight within India: from Kolkata to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, and back again.
On the optional extension, there is an included round-trip internal flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar, and back again.
Hotel services begin in Kolkata on 09 October 2020 at 3pm. You can plan your arrival for any time this day, but be aware that your room might not be ready if you arrive before 3pm. Please do not schedule any departing flight from Kolkata before 9pm on 20 October. Most flights depart late at night. If you are participating in the Bhubaneswar and Puri extension, book your flight departing late at night on 24 October. We can help you extend your stay at the beginning and end of the tour if you wish.
NOTE: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible we often must turn away last-minute registrants because we relinquish hotel space and air reservations 8 – 12 weeks prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
WHAT TO BRING
In October, the weather will still be very warm in Kolkata and in Puri along the coast, with temperatures ranging between low-70s to the mid-80s. On the Andaman Islands, it can be a few degrees hotter. Laundry can be done at the hotels where we stay for two or more nights. You will be happier if you pack half of the clothes you think you need, do laundry along the way, and save room in your suitcases for fantastic purchases!Suggested Packing List:
- Proof of citizenship. Passport and visa required.
- Comfy walking shoes for day tours.
- Polo shirts / T-shirts (5 - 6).
- Lightweight, long sleeve shirts (2 - 3) for cool evenings.
- Shorts – 2 or 3 pairs.
- Lightweight long pants.
- Swimsuit.
- Sunscreen / lip balm.
- Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
- Personal toiletries
- Mosquito repellent, with Deet.
- Camera, lots of digital memory, extra batteries.
- Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet items or toiletries).
- Electrical Adapter. The electricity supply in India is 220 Volts. Click here to see what type of adapter you need.
- A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The currency unit in India is the Rupee (INR). ATMs are readily available in the major cities, and offer the best exchange rate for obtaining local currency. Credit cards are also widely accepted in establishments catering to tourists.Tipping Guidelines—Virtually everyone in India expects to receive a tip. In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. We will send information about group tipping prior to departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforeseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.
PRICING – MAIN TOUR
(tour prices per person)
Price: $4,400 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.Private Room: $1,100 additional, for a total tour price of $5,500.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied to your reservation before the final payment date.)
Deposit: $600.
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance (main tour only): $3,800 double / $4,900 single
Remaining Balance Due: July 21, 2020 (80 days prior to departure)
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the tour; 11 nights hotel accommodations plus day-room at airport hotel the evening of departure; hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners and other meals as specified in the itinerary; ground transportation in air conditioned motorcoach; internal flights within India (Kolkata to Port Blair and return); sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary; 2 bottles of mineral water per day during drives; porterage at hotels, railway stations and airports; festivals and cultural performances as indicated. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round trip airfare to Kolkata, India (CCU); visa fees; airport taxes and departure fees; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to drivers and guides; camera fees; bottled water beyond two bottles included daily; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.
ORISSA EXTENSION PRICING
(extension prices per person)
Price: $1,350 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.Private Room: $400 additional, for a total extension price of $1,750.
Deposit: $200 in addition to the $600 deposit for the main tour
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance (main tour + extension): $4,950 double / $5,350 single
Remaining Balance Due: July 21, 2020 (80 days prior to departure)
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the tour; 3 nights hotel accommodations plus day-room at airport hotel the evening of departure; hotel breakfasts daily and other meals as specified in the itinerary; ground transportation in air conditioned motorcoach; internal flights within India (Kolkata to Bhubaneswar and return); sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary; 2 bottles of mineral water per day during drives; porterage at hotels and airports; festivals and cultural performances as indicated. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round trip airfare to Kolkata, India (CCU); visa fees; airport taxes and departure fees; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to drivers and guides; camera fees; bottled water beyond two bottles included daily; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.
ACCOMMODATIONS – MAIN TOUR
Click hotel name to read description
- Kolkata (3 night): – The LaLiT Great Eastern
- Sunderbans (2 night) – Tiger Camp
- Kolkata (1 night) – Holiday Inn Airport
- Port Blair (3 nights - split) – Sinclairs Bayview
- Havelock Island (1 night) – Silver Sand Beach Resort
- Neil Island (1 night) - Silver Sand Beach Resort
- Kolkata (Day Room) – Holiday Inn Airport
ACCOMMODATIONS – ORISSA EXTENSION:
Click hotel name to read description
- Bhubaneswar (1 night) – Mayfair Lagoon
- Puri (2 nights) - Mayfair Heritage
- Kolkata (Day Room) - Holiday Inn Airport