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Eclipse-City In India from Rajasthan to Kerala
— the best of India —
2010 January 15 th
The Longest Annular Solar Eclipse of the Third Millennium
Book Now
— 9 days from 1,699 € —
(Jan. 8-16)
Ask also for our extension programs
New Year's Eve (Dec. 30 - Jan. 7): Mumbai - Varanasi - Delhi
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Luxury Train (Jan. 17 - 24): Bangalore - Goa
On 2010 January 15th we will witness the longest annular solar eclipse of the Third Millennium. The path of the moon’s antumbral shadow starts in Central Africa, continuing its long journey – almost circumnavigating half our planet – over East Africa and the Indian Ocean, where annularity will be longest with just over 11 minutes. It then continues to Southern Asia, slightly touching the southern edge of India and the northern shores of Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma) and ending in Southern China.
It will not be possible to witness a longer annular before the year 3043. The long duration implies that the Moon appears considerably smaller than the Sun. Indeed, the lunar diameter is only 0.912 of the sun’s disk, obscuring just 0.832 of the Sun’s disk.
It is India’s best traveling season, so book now. Besides observing the eclipse, India offers a lot of cultural diversity and richness, adventure and excitement. We will be traveling from the north, i.e. Delhi to Agra to the Rajasthan (Country of Kings) to the south of India, Kerala, thus "The Best of India". Eclipse observation will be located at the southern tip of India.
Welcome again to Eclipse-City
Managing Director
Eclipse-City Ltd.
Where the Moon mates the Sun
If you want to join us on this event, this will be your itinerary:
Friday, January 8th 2010:
Day 1 |
Arrival in Delhi late in the evening on your own or from our New Year's Eve Extension Program (ask for details). On arrival you will be met by our representative and transfered to our hotel.
Overnight in Delhi. |
Saturday, January 9th 2010:
Day 2 [B, L, D] |
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to visit Old Delhi. Former centre of Mughal Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the "rickshaw ride" for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi, drive past the stately government buildings of the British era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayun’s tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the day tour at the towering minaret of Qutub Minar.
Overnight in Delhi. |
Sunday, January 10th 2010:
Day 3 [B, L, D] |
Morning drive to Agra (200 kilometers). Upon arrival in Agra check-in at the hotel.
Visit the famous Taj Mahal – the most famous Mughal monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, whilst giving birth to her 14th child.
Later visit the Red Fort – lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Overnight in Agra. |
Monday, January 11th 2010:
Day 4 [B, L, D] |
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaipur (220 kilometers), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
37 kilometers south west of Agra this beautiful city with beautiful palaces, well planned markets and residential areas was founded by Akbar as his homage to Muslim Sufi Saint Mohammed Salim Chishti. The construction started in 1571 and took 15 years to complete. The city was later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Fatehpur Sikri is now a World Heritage site. The Panch Mahal, or Palace of Five Storeys, and the Buland Darwaza, are among the finest specimens of Mughal architecture. It is also arguably the greatest accomplishment of Mughal architecture, surpassed only in reputation but not in
its beauty and the awe it inspires by the Taj Mahal.
Continue your drive to Jaipur; upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur. |
Tuesday, January 12th 2010:
Day 5 [B, L, D] |
After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill, you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the ruling families.
In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the City – "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colorful bazaar before
returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur. |
Wednesday, January 13th 2010:
Day 6 [B, L, D] |
Morning is at your leisure. Later drive to Delhi (250 kilometers) airport to take your flight to Trivandrum.
Depart Delhi at 5:30p.m. on flight IC 465.
Arrival in Trivandrum at 9:55p.m.
Upon arrival in Trivandrum, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kovalam.
Overnight in Kovalam. |
Thursday, January 14th 2010:
Day 7 [B, L, D] |
Day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Kovalam. |
Friday, January 15th 2010:
Day 8 [B, L, D] |
Early morning you will be transferred to Kanyakumari - Cape Comorin (80 kilometers drive) to witness 10 minutes of annularity.
Later in the day, return to Kovalam.
Overnight in Kovalam. |
Saturday, January 16th 2010:
Day 9 [B, L] |
Chill out in Kovalam. Late transfer to New Delhi where you connect to your home country. Most international flights connect shortly before or after midnight. You will arrive back at your home destination on Sunday.
Alternatively, you may now continue on our extension program with the Golden Chariot Luxury Train from Bangalore to Goa (ask for program details) |
Services & Terms
Included in Tour
- Full board as indicated (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
- Accommodation based on double occupancy for EIGHT nights at the following hotels:
| City |
Hotel Name |
Number of Nights |
Room Category |
| Delhi |
Oberoi Maidens |
2 |
Superior room |
| Agra |
Hotel ITC Mughal |
1 |
Chamber of Emperor |
| Jaipur |
Hotel Sheraton Rajputana |
2 |
Chamber of Emperor |
| Kovalam |
Hotel Taj Green Cove |
3 |
Superior Garden View |
- Based on room with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned deluxe coach as per the itinerary.
- Road tax, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages.
- Entrances at monuments at all cities as per the itinerary.
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi and Elephant ride on Amber in Jaipur.
- Domestic flights in economy class
- Services of an English speaking guide for the sightseeing tours.
- Eclipse-City Survival Kit (bag/backpack, t-shirt, cap/hat, small towel, stool, certified eclipse shades, information material)
- Eclipse-City guide speaking German – English – French – Spanish
Not Included
Visa fees, personal (e.g. medical, travel, etc) and cancellation insurances, intercontinental flights, alcoholic beverages, personal items, all items not mentioned in the program.
Tour Price in Euro (EUR): 1,699 € per person based on double occupancy (add 699 € for single occupancy)
Payments & Terms
It is each traveler’s responsibility to take all appropriate medical advice prior to booking as to whether or not they are fit enough to undertake this trip. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us.
- An initial down payment of 50% of the full amount and a completed Reservation Form is due at the time of booking.
- Your balance payment in full is due October 31st, 2009.
- We reserve the right to treat the reservation as cancelled if payment(s) is not received when due.
Cancellations must be in writing, by email, fax or letter to receive a refund. Cancellation fees per this schedule:
- 0% through July 31st, 2009
- 50% through October 31st, 2009
- 90% after November 1st, 2009
- 100% of amount paid are non-refundable if received after December 31st, 2009
Place your bookings and requests at
Corporate or group requests welcomed.
Our published terms & conditions apply. Please check our website on a regular basis.
Note: Eclipse-City reserves the right to change the program if this is required, especially due to local unexpected circumstances. Although the weather is expected to be good for the eclipse, Eclipse-City can not be made liable for any –though unlikely– weather changes. |
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