Day 03: DELHI
This morning you head out to the Old Delhi. Old Delhi came
into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra
to Delhi. The Red Fort that dominates this area is the landmark.
Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered
by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British
soliders. After visiting the fort, we arrive at the 300 year
old chandni chowk market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops
selling an extra ordinary variety of items and food, the noise
and crowds are a quite essential part of any Indian market.
We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path leading
us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular item, rather
like a departmental stores. Leather wear, clothes, bridal
wear, jewelry, and of course the aromatic popular street where
food ranging from deep fried sweet meats to Paranthas - a
bread stuffed with a variety of vegetables. From here we continue
to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest
mosque designed by Shah Jahan and was his last architectural
legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum, which means
"mosque commanding a view of the world". It is well
worth climbing to the top of the southern minaret for an unrivalled
view of Old and New Delhi.
In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi
is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi,
the main architect of India's independence.
Afternoon we visit - New Delhi is a blend of ancient and
pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the tapering monument
begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam.
This structure was eventually the proto type of all minars
or towers in India.
A pivot of faith, justice and righteousness, its name carried
the message of its founder Qutub -ud-din's own achievements
and the inscriptions say that the tower was erected to cast
the shadow of God over the East and West, Humayun's Tomb was
built by his senior wife and the mother of emperor Akbar.
This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.
It is believed that it was this mausoleum which inspired Shah
Jahan to build the Taj Mahal, we will return to our hotel
via elegant government buildings designed by lutyen and Baker.
The architecture is a blend of Indian and European styles
and the celebration of the British rule in India. The most
outstanding of this collection is the Rashtrapati Bhawan,
the presidential palace.
Home Visit & a Welcome Dinner with an Indian Family:
This evening, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian
home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel'
and insight into Indian family life as well as experience
typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - FOUR STAR HOTEL
Day 04: DELHI / JAIPUR
Following breakfast drive to Jaipur
When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built
the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance
with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa
Shastra, that is timely even today.
With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings,
camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, the state capital
sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and
ruined fortresses. A young Bengali, Vidhadhar Bhattacharaya
was its chief architect.
Upon arrival check into Narian Niwas Palace - built in the
19th century by General Amar Singh Ji, the then Thakur of
Kanota. Designed in a fanciful version of The Anglo-Indian
style popular in the Victorian Era, the palace now serves
as a hotel. The Palace has all the modern amenities and a
place where one can enjoy traditional Rajput Hospitality.
Decorated with Rajput Flourishing, Rajasthani Furnishing
and Traditional Jaipur painted wall décor in a typically
bold colour pallette, Hotel Narain Niwas Palace provides an
exclusive retreat to its guests.
OVERNIGHT: NARAIN NIWAS PALACE - HERITAGE
PROPERTY
Day 05: JAIPUR
Today we have full day to explore the city of Jaipur.
Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging
to the Hindu "Kshatriya" or warrior class, they
believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana,
that "a fort is the strength of a king". They built
a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan, some
made for purely defensive purposes, but most built at fort
palaces.
Amber, is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built
similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal
courts. We would ride to the fort atop an elephant. The inside
walkway provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
From here we proceed for city palace, a series of open courtyards,
simple stables and buildings leading to the richly decorated
royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The museum within the palace
house a fabulous collection of textiles, carpets, manuscripts
and costumes from the personal collection of the royal family;
the Jantar Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation
of the scholar king Sawai Jai Singh.
The name literally means "Instruments for measuring
the harmony of the heavens". An attractive and fascinating
place, there are extraordinary shaped stone monoliths faced
with marble, which are accurate even today. Adjoining are
structures, which depict the 12 zodiac signs that enable instant
readings to be made. We end our day at the colorful market
dominated by the elegant tapering Hawa Mahal or Palace of
the Winds. Nine storey high, decorated with delicately carved
niches and balconies, this pink sandstone façade served
as a concrete "purdah" or screen for ladies of the
royal harem, who would watch the activities of the city from
a position of privacy.
OVERNIGHT: NARAIN NIWAS PALACE - HERITAGE
PROPERTY
Day 07: JAIPUR / RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore is considered by many to be one of India's most
beautiful national parks. Encircled by a series of high escarpments,
the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the park are
dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere
for both bird and mammal viewing amongst a landscape oozing
with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture. Ranthambore
is perhaps most famous for being one of the original 'Project
Tiger' reserves and it still affords one of the best opportunities
anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger. With the recent escalation
in poaching right across the sub-continent, there has been
a worrying decline in both numbers and sightings of this magnificent
animal.
Today Tiger sightings in the park are on the increase and
even though the animal itself is still under serious threat,
we have a good chance of finding one.
Upon arrival we check into the resort.
Afternoon we proceed for the Jungle Excursion in Open Top
Vehicle.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER MOON - STANDARD ROOM (B,
L, D)
Day 08: RANTHAMBORE
Morning and Afternoon we proceed for the Jungle Excursion
in Open Top Vehicle.
Whether or not you see Tiger on this excursion, you cannot
fail to be impressed by the sheer variety and number of other
mammals and birds that make the park their home. Common Langurs
are abundant, as are both Spotted (Chital) and Sambar Deer;
the latter often feed so far out into the lakes that only
their heads show above the water.
Nilgai (the largest of India's antelopes) are also fairly
common and Barking Deer do occur, although are somewhat harder
to find. For the very fortunate there is also a chance of
tracking down a Sloth Bear or perhaps a Chinkara Antelope.
Mugger Crocodiles are common in the lakes and Monitor Lizards
are frequently seen around their shores. In addition to the
mammals and reptiles, we will also see a wonderful diversity
of birds. Flocks of Peafowl are on almost constant show, whilst
on the lakes Cotton Pygmy Geese, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed
Jacanas are common. The surrounding woodland and grasslands
hold such species as Black-rumped Flameback Woodpeckers, Tickell's
Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (an Indian endemic),
Painted Spurfowl, Jungle Bush Quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed
Kingfisher. In addition there is also the opportunity to find
up to five species of Owl including Brown Fish Owl, Dusky
Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER MOON - STANDARD ROOM (B,
L, D)
Day 10: RANTHAMBORE / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast we drive Agra en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After just
fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of
victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still seen to wait
for the king to return. The hill top city lies 37 kms from
Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first
comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and
official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint,
with a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back in
the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the gateway
after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his delighted
subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects the many faceted
character of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire
builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and as liberal
enlightened man who took a passionate instant in every aspect
of life, be it religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Howard Park Plaza
OVERNIGHT: HOWARD PARK PLAZA -FIRST CLASS
HOTEL
Day 11: AGRA / UMARIA (KALINGA UTKAL EXPRESS
- 1615 / 0615*)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for
the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so
that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight.
A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical
effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours
of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon we visit the Massive Agra Fort.
Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded
by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque
and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas,
Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The Mahal is reached through an
impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful
halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy
brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the
eastern hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco
paintings in gold and blue. It is believed that a century
later, most of the structure were dismantled by Shahjahan
and were replaced with white marble pavilions covered with
intricate inlay work. Of which the most prominent ones are
- the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away
from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.
Evening you will be transferred to the train station to board
your overnight train to Umaria.
Overnight: 2nd Air - Conditioned Sleeper Accommodation.
Day 12: Arrival / Umaria
Umaria / Bhandhavgarh
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Bhandhavgarh
National Park. It is justly described by the guidebook as
a new with an old history. In fact, the park history goes
back to the Ramayana, and a legend that Rama stopped in the
park on his way home from Sri Lanka and his battle with demon
Ravana. The Park Forest was said to have been built by two
monkey architects related to Rama's famous monkey general
Hanuman. There are also caves in the park with inscriptions
dating back to 1BC. At the other end of the spectrum the park
itself was created in 1968 and was extended in 1986. Today
Bandavgarh has a wide variety of habitats- sal forests, bamboo
grazing land, ridges and streams. Temperatures can vary more
than thirty degrees between day and night.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Tiger Trails.
OVERNIGHT: TIGER TRAILS - STANDARD ROOM
Day 13: BANDHAVGARH
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.
Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage
of prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite
item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful
deer inhabit the park.
Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara,
Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Herds of
the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but
impressive beast has not been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998
although a closely monitored programme for the reintroduction
of the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack
of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings
always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species
is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the
reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the
rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal,
Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin.
More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among
the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels
which seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several
members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques
are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of
the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often
the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance
of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a
reserve and seven full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable
encounters with the wild creatures that flourish within the
protection of the National Park.
Overnight: TIGER TRAILS (B, L, D)
Day 14: BANDHAVGARH / KHAJURAHO
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Khajuraho.
Upon arrival, check into your Hotel Usha Bundela.
Evening witness Sound and Light show -
This fascinating Son-et-Lumière spectacle evokes the
life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the
story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present
day. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples,
the 50-minute show runs in Hindi and in English every evening.
Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian super star, narrates the story
of Khajuraho in his mesmerising voice.
OVERNIGHT: USHA BUNDELA - STANDARD ROOM
Day 15: KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (9W 724 - 1330
/ 1410)
This tiny village is famous for its remarkable complex of
temples built in an inspired burst of creativity between 950
and 1050 AD under the Chandela kings. Of the original 85,
only 25 survive and each is a masterpiece dedicated to different
deities. The temples were lost among the forest for centuries
and were accidentally discovered by a British army engineer
in 1858. The presence of erotic temple sculpture, which accounts
for less than 10% of the total carvings, has resulted in many
theories. The most popular being that the Chandelas were followers
of the Tantric cult which believes that gratification of earthly
desires in a step towards attaining moksha or release from
the cycle of rebirth
Legend has it that one sultry summer night, Hemavati, the
widowed daughter of king of Varanasi was bathing in the lake
when the Moon God saw her beauty. The son born out of their
unity was Chandravarman, who grew up to the founder of the
Chandela dynasty. In order to atone her mother's lapse , he
raised temples that celebrated the union of the Purush and
Prakati, man and nature as the source of all life
Morning we will explore these temples at leisure, their remarkable
sculptures are unique in that they show great sensitivity
and warmth displaying one aspect of Hinduism - a genuine love
of life.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Clarks Kashika
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living city.
Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century BC Said to
be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic affiliation goes back
to the beginning of time. It is also a city of many names.
The present name, Varanasi (derived from the names of two
nearby rivers) is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient
name is Kashi, the City of Light. To the devout it is also
called Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of
Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares. Revered
by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is considered
the holiest city in all of India. It is presided over by Shiva
in his manifestation as Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe.
Buddha delivered a sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira,
the founder of Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more
Indians will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their lifetime
than any other place.
Afternoon we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath
.It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after
attaining enlightenment. The highlight of this tour would
be a participation in the evening prayer service (aarti) of
the main Buddhist temple here - the synchronized chanting
of hymns to the accompaniment of traditional temple music
is a sole stirring experience.
Every evening at five, a magical aarti is performed at Dasahwamedh
Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view.
The presiding priests stand on a wooden Chauki in the water.
To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals
and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense,
sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor
lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high
and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting
the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. At Varanasi,
the Ganga is a woman to be loved and spoilt, wooed and worshipped.
It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its spiritual resonance.
OVERNIGHT: CLARKS KASHIKA - STANDARD ROOM
Day 16: VARANASI / KATHMANDU (9W 724 - 1220/1300
hrs)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every
morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing
in the sacred waters. The great river banks are lined with
an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that stretch from
one end of the city to the other. The Ghats form an impressive
part of the religious landscape of the city. Proceeding downstream
at a leisurely pace, you would be pointed out the significant
temples and buildings as well as the changing architectural
style. Life and death go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young
people seek prosperity and protection from harmful influences,
the older generation comes to Varanasi to cleanse their souls
in the forgiving waters in preparation for their ultimate
dissolution. Believing that anyone who dies in the river of
life in Varanasi gains freedom from the cycle of birth and
death, the City of Light has become a haven for the sick and
aged waiting out their final days. The smoke that billows
from the crematoriums on the edge of the river gives testimony
to their final release from life's earthly confines. We would
docked our boat at Manikarnika (Cremation) Ghat. On any given
day, anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred corpses are
cremated here; the ghat is assiduous with activity as the
cremated bodies threw up smoke and fire.
Afternoon transfer to the airport in time to board flight
to Kathmandu
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Royal Singi
OVERNIGHT: ROYAL SINGI- (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 19: ZHANGMU / NEW TINGRI (XIGAR)
Today we drive to highest plateau of the world with the typical
view of Tibetan landscape, crossing over Nyalam Pass (3,800
m) and Lalung-La (Pass) at 5,050m, with views of beautiful
Himalayan Ranges panorama including the Mt. Everest (8,848
m) to Zhangmu (244 Kms). Also called "new tingri",
is surrounded by mountains, Zhangmu is another town that lies
in the shadow of a great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic.
Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinous wall
bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines.
Isolated in 1855 by marvading Nepalese in search of booty,
the Gurkhas cut off the Dzong's water supply and settled in
for a long seige.
OVERNIGHT: EVEREST HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 23: LHASA
Today we will visit the Jokhang Temple, situated in the heart
of Old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic,
a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift bythe
Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding
to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. Surrounding the Jokhang
Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious
and social focus of Lhasa.
Later in the day visit the Potala Palace, this legendary
palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet by
the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. It was expanded to
its present structure during the 17th century by the 5th Dalai
Lama. This 13 story 1000 room citadel served as the headquarters
of the former "church-state" of Tibet and was home
to successive Dalai Lamas, who from the latter half of the
18th century used it as their Winter palace.
OVERNIGHT: LHASA HOTEL - (MIDDLE WING ROOM)
(B)
Day 24: LHASA / KATHMANDU (CA 0950/1000
hrs)
KATHMANDU / MUMBAI (RA 201 - 1600 / 1835)
Morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai
via Kathmandu.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Mumbai and transfer
to Hotel Sahil
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL SAHIL (STANDARD ROOM)
(B)
Day 25: MUMBAI
This morning, we proceed on a guided tour of a cosmopolitan
& tropical Bombay, with pockets of palm trees and a warm
salty breeze wafting in off the Arabian Sea. Its weathered
Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and many grand
public buildings beautifully lit at night, stand as a lingering
reminder of the days of the British Raj. Bombay's culture
is vibrant, often aggressive, reflecting the affluence and
energy of a bustling city of 15 million people.
Our first stop is at Bombay's landmark the Gateway to India,
an elegant 26 mtrs stone archway, hastily erected as a symbol
of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their
visit to India in 1911. In the years following, artisans added
decorative carvings and lovely Jharokha work (window carvings),
and completed it in 1923. We continue to the hanging gardens
perched above Malabar Hill. These terraced gardens provide
a beautiful panoramic view of the Arabian Sea were laid out
in the early 1880s covering Bombay's main reservoir. Visit
the Prince of Wales Museum, with its rich collection of antique
miniature paintings, Nepalese and Tibetan art; and Jehangir
Gallery, housing the works of contemporary Indian artists.
Travel up Malabar Hill for magnificent vistas and a look at
the fanciful Hanging Gardens and topiaries. Stop at Mani Bhavan,
Mahatma Gandhi's home, now a museum dedicated to his life;
and stroll through teeming bazaars crammed with antiques,
jewelry, produce, flowers, and an array of handcrafted wares.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL SAHIL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 27: BANGALORE / MYSORE
Morning we proceed on a guided tour of the city. Bangalore
city has a number of tourist places. Apart from the numerous
gardens, it also has some historical sites and other places
of interest that are worth visiting and seeing. The Vidhan
Soudha or the State Secretariat, built in 1954, is the main
attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture
and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern
styles.
Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan
Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings.
The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest
museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial
Museum are important museums within the city. The Lal Bagh
Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially
during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the
southern fringes of the city. The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's
Fort and Palace are other important places of interest to
the traveler.
Following the tour, drive to Mysore.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Ramnashree
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL RAMNASHREE - STANDARD
ROOM
Day 28: MYSORE /OOTY
Following breakfast proceed on a guided tour of the city.
Mysore, which has been for centuries an important center for
South Indian culture and learning. It is also the city of
lingering aroma of Jasmine, Musk, rose, sandalwood, etc. This
is so because Mysore is one of the major manufacturers of
incense sticks through scores of family owned factories. The
city is also a crafts center. It is an extremely friendly
and easy going city and at an altitude of 770 meters it has
a wonderful climate. The Maharaja's Palace (1907) is a huge
building in Indo - Saracenic style of architecture; it hosts
an extravaganza of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and gaudy
colors, beautifully carved wooden doors, mosaic floors and
a series of historically important paintings.
Of special mention are the beautifully carved mahogany ceilings,
solid silver doors, white marble floors and superbly collumned
durbar hall (Hall Of Public Audience).. Next we visit the
temple of Shri Chamundeshwari, set on top of the Chamundi
Hills (1602 meters.). Three quarters up the hill is the famous
Nandy (Lord Shiva's Bull - His vehicle) carved out of a single
solid piece of granite and 5 meters in height the temple itself
is a huge building with a 40mtr high seven-storied Gopuram
(tower)
After the tour we drive to Ooty.
Upon arrival in Ooty, Check into Hotel Taj Savoy
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL TAJ SAVOY - STANDARD ROOM
Day 29: OOTY
Proceed on a guided tour of Ooty.
Nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in Southern
India, Ooty is a relic of the British Raj. The towns general
appearance is an unlikely combination of Southern England
and Australia, with single -storey stone cottages surrounded
by trees, fenced flower gardens scattered along leafy, winding
lanes with tall eucalypti stands covering the otherwise barren
hilltops. The other main reminders of the British period are
the stone Churches and the huge boy's school with its landscaped
gardens at the bottom of Ooty's famous lake There is also
the terraced and very English Botanical Gardens, in which
the Government House stands on the lower slopes of Doddabetta
(2623m), the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. From the top of Doddabeta
you can see Connor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and,
on a clear day, as far as Mysore.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL TAJ SAVOY - STANDARD ROOM