PRE & POST TOUR EXTENSIONS
TIKKA TOURS offers Pre and Post Tour Extension offerings to these exciting and exotic locations when you explore Incredible India! These gems add to your treasure trove of memory making experiences. All pricing & itineraries on request.
AGRA ‘TAJ MAHAL’ PACKAGE
Rise early for sunrise at the iconic Taj Mahal, the world’s most iconic and beautiful building. In total, some 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building. Specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura (marble inlay work) made with thousands of semiprecious stones. The Taj was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983 and looks nearly as immaculate today as when it was first constructed.
DELHI CITY STOPOVER PACKAGE
Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth. Delhi is a journey back in time, a treasure trove of history and bustling backstreets. Old Delhi is the place to see the Red Fort and shop is some wonderful emporiums, you'll never forget your time in this wonderfully chaotic, and fabulously photogenic corner of the city. You'll be sharing its hectic streets and alleys with carts and cycle-rickshaws, cows and monkeys, market traders and scooters, shoppers and street-food sellers. Try some of Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks such as ‘aloo tikk'i’ (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on ‘jalebi’ (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon ‘kheer’ (rice pudding).
DIWALI ‘FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS’ PACKAGE
If there’s one place that knows how to celebrate a festival, it’s India. From grand city events to simple village ‘melas’ (fairs), India’s jam-packed festival calendar is as rich and diverse as its traditions and topography. A star attraction on the Indian festival stage is ‘Diwali’ – the festival’s name roughly translates to ‘row of lamps/lights.’ A joyous 5 day celebration held in Oct/Nov. It also symbolises the replacement of ignorance with ‘inner’ light via the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual practices. Indeed, spirituality lies at the heart of Diwali, with devotees specifically seeking blessings from two prominent Hindu deities: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of good fortune and auspicious beginnings. Worshippers pray for prosperity and well-being for the year that lies ahead, with fireworks and plenty of ‘mithai’ (Indian Diwali sweets) such as ornately packaged dried fruits and nuts, ‘barfi’ (fudgelike sweet, often coated with a thin film of edible silver leaf) to ‘rasgullas’ (sweetened cream-cheese balls flavoured with rose-water).India at its sweet and convivial best.
HOLI ‘FESTIVAL OF COLOUR’ PACKAGE
A colourful and dynamic festival, the annual celebration of Holi, also know as the ‘Festival of Colours’, is celebrated by Hindus on the full moon lunar day of March. Revelers cover each other in coloured powder and water to celebrate the arrival of Spring and to commemorate various Hindu legends, including the triumph of good over evil. Each colour also carries a meaning. Red symbolises love and fertility; yellow the colour of turmeric, a powder native to India and used as a natural remedy; blue represents the Hindu God Krishna; pink the colour of caring and compassion and green is for new beginnings. Gulal is the traditional name given to the coloured powders and can be found on sale at many markets, especially pink the colour associated with Holi.
MUMBAI CITY STOPOVER PACKAGE
Mumbai formerly Bombay, is the gateway to India and it is big. A thriving metropolis of colour and sounds, full of dreamers, labourers, starlets, artists, fisherfolk and lots of people, an estimated 14 million. Home to the ‘Bollywood’ film industry, named for ‘Bombay’ and ‘Hollywood’. The genre mixes action, comedy, romance, drama and melodrama along with musical numbers. Some of Asia’s biggest slums can be found here; as well as the world’s most expensive homes to ‘crorepatis’ (or millionaires), along with the largest tropical forest in an urban zone. Formerly, the base for the British East India Company, a colonial and trade influence remains. Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicentre and a pulse point of different religions. This city truly is pulsating with life and full of vibrancy. The heart of the city contains some of the grandest colonial-era architecture on the planet, but explore a little more and you’ll uncover unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster enclaves and India’s premier restaurants and nightlife.
PONDICHERRY PACKAGE
The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). Hotels, restaurants and ‘lifestyle’ shops sell a seductive vision of the French-subcontinental aesthetic, enhanced by Gallic creative types and Indian artists and designers. The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually minded visitors. Thus Pondy’s vibe: is less faded colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang-out on the international travel trail.
RANTHAMBORE WILDLIFE PACKAGE
All year round wildlife enthusiasts travel to India to get a glimp of the majestic Indian tigers. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers. A dream destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts the habitat for the wild cats is isolated in the land of dust and stone. Experience the 2 day thrilling safari adventure tour at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan and get an opportunity to watch the tigers in their natural habitat. See the park’s other amazing wildlife up-close during the expertly-guided jeep rides. Nestled amid the surroundings of the national park also lies the historical ruins of the majestic Ranthambore Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates as far back as the 8th century.
SACRED VARANASI PACKAGE
Three days in the holy city of Varanasi are a must for any Indian neophyte. Take a sunrise stroll along the river to see the morning fire ceremonies or a wooden boat ride at sunset. Arrive in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. This sacred, soulful, spectacular city is one of the most colourful and fascinating places on earth. Your journey here will live within your soul forever. This extension will take in the highlights of the sacred river Ganges and the life which surrounds it in this captivating, timeless and magical city. Visit ‘Sarnath Stupa’ museum, the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma – Buddha's 'School of Smile' and in the evening time witness the Aarti Ganges Ceremony. Dawn boat ride along the historic River Ganges. Then explore the city on a ghat and bazaar tour.
NEPAL DHULIKHEL WELLNESS PACKAGE
Dhulikhel is an area famous for wellness resorts, think saunas made of Himalayan salt blocks… designed to cleanse the mind, body and spirit. Every corner empowering another universe of wellness and well-being. The food is exquisite, sustainable and organic. Farm to table lifestyle at it's finest. Everything is personal. Do yourself a favor and experience this sanctuary. The resort is founded on a philosophy & belief there is a need for maintaining harmony between body, mind, spirit and earth in order to enjoy a peaceful, healthy and balanced life. Drawing on ancient Hindu scriptures, Buddhist medicine and traditional Himalayan knowledge, the ultimate connection to these magnificent surroundings.
SRI LANKA RESORT WELLNESS PACKAGE
Santani Wellness Resort is the first and only purpose-built wellness resort offering its guests luxury experiences beyond compare in Sri Lanka. Located within one of the world’s lushest environments, one hour north-west of Kandy in misty mountains on private river frontage. Named for the Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with,” to bring oneself into balance with nature. Santani Wellness Programs specialise in Ayurveda, detox, yoga and spa, offering you a bespoke menu, pampering and rejuvenation with enlightened learning for a healthy living lifestyle long after you leave.
