Thank you for your post.

I thought that you might know about the restoration process on the Taj because I remember you mentioning it, am impressed that you know the full details!

i am not particularly bothered about the restoration as it will be my fourth visit to the Taj, fifth visit in Feb 2020, all being well of course.

It is mind b lowing when you see the Taj Mahal for the first time as you step through the entrance gate into the complex and seeing it close up the wonder doesn't diminish when you see the intricately carved floral designs embellished with precious stones on it's walls, like a bejewelled  casket.

I am so excited to be returning to India.

Mike, fantastic place for photographers,too.

Kind regards

Di

In answer to your question about restoration of the Taj Mahal, I can offer the following:

The cleaning of the pinnacle and dome will form the final part of the restoration process, which was due to start once the four chhatris on the roof of the mausoleum have been cleaned. That work finished a few days ago, on 18th September.

Looking at the original schedule, the cleaning of the pinnacle and dome is estimated to take four months. However, there could be a delay if engineers decide that work on the main dome cannot be finished before October, in which case the final stage of restoration will be postponed until April 2019 - leaving the Taj free of scaffolding for the coming season.

If you’re visiting the Taj in October 2019, even if the final phase is delayed until April of next year, I think that it should be scaffolding-free by the time of your visit; but don’t hold me to it!

Cheers

Mike

Hi Avocet64,

When you do receive  your brochure you’ll find this holiday on page 186. The headline says 10 days (including flights) from £2799 even though there’s a departure in October 2019 priced at £2699.

Furthermore, the start and return dates shown in the brochure don’t align with the itinerary either; the itinerary shows 10 days in total, but the start and return dates only add up to 8 days! The website travel details confirm the departure dates shown in the brochure; it’s the brochure return date which is incorrect. So, in conclusion, the itinerary is for 10 days including flights.

Mike

Many thanks Mike, seems like someone must have had a really bad day with this one. I haven't had time to check the website yet but, from what Vickie has said, all should now be correct. Really like the look of this holiday, having already done the Spirit of India and Kerala tours this will fill in some of that top corner I haven't been to.

Avocet

Hi guys,

Apologies for the confusion with this one. The website is now correctly showing 10 days for this trip, including the flights.

We have more dates available online than in the brochure, with the cheapest date being at £2,599 - which is why this price is showing online.

Many thanks,

Vickie

Thanks Vickie

Avocet

I have booked the combined trip "Delhi to Darjeeling" with "An invitation to India" tour. This is the 16 days advertised on page 196 of the brochure, because we depart on 2nd Oct 2019 and arrive back in LHR on the 17th Oct.

Mike, the Taj won't be scaffolded either, will it?

There is a 3 night stay in Delhi in the middle of the holiday. (I won't be doing the sightseeing there as I should be visiting a couple of charities there, which a friend is organizing for me).

Kind Regards

Di

Apologies for the confusion with this one. The website is now correctly showing 10 days for this trip, including the flights.

We have more dates available online than in the brochure, with the cheapest date being at £2,599 - which is why this price is showing online.

Many thanks,

Vickie

Hi Avocet,

Apologies for the late reply, has your brochure arrived now?

Thanks,

Vickie

Yes thanks Vickie, bit later than usual but it has arrived.

Avocet

When you do receive your brochure you’ll find this holiday on page 186. The headline says 10 days (including flights) from £2799 even though there’s a departure in October 2019 priced at £2699.

Furthermore, the start and return dates shown in the brochure don’t align with the itinerary either; the itinerary shows 10 days in total, but the start and return dates only add up to 8 days! The website travel details confirm the departure dates shown in the brochure; it’s the brochure return date which is incorrect. So, in conclusion, the itinerary is for 10 days including flights.

Mike

Apologies for the late reply, has your brochure arrived now?

Thanks,

Vickie

Many thanks for your reply, I'm really interested in this holiday along with Georgia.  As yet I haven't received the new brochure which is very unusal as it normally arrives promptly on my door mat, I haven't opted out of receiving it, hopefully it is on its way, is there anyway you could check for me please.

Waiting in anticipation

Avocet