India and Golf

India has some of the most beautiful Golf courses designed by world renowned landscape architects and golf experts. In fact India was the first country outside the United Kingdom to adopt Golf as a sport.

The game of Golf, which originated in Scotland in the fifteenth century, can be traced back in India to 1829, when India’s first and oldest Golf club was founded in Calcutta –  the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. By the end of the eighteenth century, India saw the mushrooming of new Golf clubs and, as a result, Golf clubs in India today number approximately 200. The first proper tournament in Golf was the British Open started in 1860 – this was followed by the All-India Amateur Championship that was staged as a stroke play tournament at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The first US Open was played three years later in 1895.

 

Why Golfing in India?

The avid golfer has a choice to tee off from the highest Golf course in the world, watch a peacock dance amidst ancient monuments strewn in the middle of a fairway, or sip a cup of tea at a colonial styled clubhouse. The turf, the hazards, the climate, the yard of green all make Golf better than ever before as you play a choice of many different surfaces in clubs across the sub-continent. Intertwine the Golf experience with the rich cultural delights of the cities and guests have the ultimate holiday – Golf combined with a bit of leisure, privately guided sightseeing excursions and incomparable shopping, massage and spa therapy for partners.

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive in Delhi by Singapore Airlines SQ-406 at 0550 hours or SQ-408 at 2210 hours. On arrival in Delhi, after completing immigration and customs and collecting your baggage, you will be met by our representative at the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel – The Oberoi (room is available from 1400hrs).

Located in the centre of Delhi’s business hub – The Oberoi Gurgaon is all set to offer a new level of luxury with opulence and style. The rooms features tasteful interiors with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pool or gardens. Indulge in its 24 hour spa that offers a range of Ayurvedic therapies and traditional treatments, or unwind in the country’s largest Olympic sized pool. Try out its exclusive Cigar lounge with premium spirits and single origin coffees. The Oberoi serves the finest cuisine with 5 show kitchens.

Overnight: The Oberoi Gurgaon, Deluxe room.

Meals Included:  None

DAY 2: DELHI

One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a recorded history dating back to earlier than 1000 BC, Delhi can be broadly classified into Old Delhi or Shahjahanabad – a walled city of the Mughal Dynasty; and New Delhi – the part of the city planned by eminent architects Edwin Lutyens and Harvard Baker.

For avid golfers, Delhi has a number of interesting golf courses but the two recommended ones are Delhi Golf Club, founded in 1931, and DLF Golf and Country Club founded in 1999.  This morning, we suggest Delhi Golf Club.

Delhi Golf Club – An elite social club nestled in the heart of Delhi offers a spectacular course dotted with historical monuments and is one of the oldest golf courses in Asia. Originally founded as the Lodhi Club in 1920, it has two courses on offer –  the 18-hole championship Lodhi course and the 9-hole Peacock course. (The Lodi Course is often busy with tournaments and players need a handicap certificate).

This afternoon, enjoy a privately guided sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Drive past the magnificent Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India set in 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate in New Delhi. End the tour at Humanyun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. You may also like to visit the Sikh Temple and witness the largest community kitchen serving free food to thousands of devotees.

Overnight: The Oberoi Gurgaon, Deluxe room.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3: DELHI

Sightseeing option recommended today:

After a relaxed morning, today you can explore the fascinating and living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture and lifestyle in Old Delhi with your local expert. Wander through the busy and narrow streets of the mile long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “The Silver Street”, surrounded by shops and bazaars. Visit the largest mosque of Old Delhi which can accommodate 20,000 people at one time – Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes. You will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride here.  We will drive past the magnificent Red Fort (exterior).

Your afternoon is at leisure to unwind and enjoy the spa facilities at the hotel.

Later in the evening, visit the only night golf course in India – DLF Golf and Country Club.

Situated in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, the manicured parkland style course is dotted with lakes and has abundant trees. The 72-par championship golf course has India’s first and only night golfing facility (operational from March to December). With its unique layout and picturesque surroundings, the DLF golf course offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels and a natural beauty that envelops your senses. Night golfers tee off from the manicured parkland style course that boasts of five lakes, 14000 trees and waterfalls.

The program will be reversed if travelling from January to March as night golfing is not possible during these months.

DAY 4: DELHI TO JAIPUR

After breakfast this morning you will be driven (approx 6 hours) through the beautiful countryside to the royal city of Jaipur.  Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, one can still feel the inextricabe history of ongoing royal patronage.  Jaiupr is the main gateway to the splendour and magic of Rajasthan.

Upon arrival you will be assisted in check-in at your hotel – Rambagh Palace.

Rambagh Palace - since it was built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has been the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur and the rest of the royal family.  In 1957, they opened their doors to convert it into a luxury hotel and today, it is rated as one of India’s finest palace hotels.  The rooms and suites are elegantly appointed, and the hotel offers a range of dining experiences, including a beautiful dining terrace set in the majestic gardens – all contributing to each guest getting a true taste of royal living.  The Rambagh also has one of the Taj Signature Spas.

Early this evening, you may like to enjoy a walk through Jaipur’s traditional markets, set amidst the memorable backdrop of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob’s vernacular architecture.

Overnight:  Taj Rambagh Palace, Palace room.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5: JAIPUR

This morning after breakfast, tee off at one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in India, dating back to 1944 – Rambagh Golf Club. It is one of the prettiest courses in India with views of neighbouring Rambagh Palace and both Moti Doongri Fort and Nahargarh Fort in the distance. It is a challenging 18-hole/Par 70 championship course and is strategically designed on sandy loam soil.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Option I

CITY TOUR: Visit the City Palace and Observatory (Jantar Mantar).  The centerpiece of Jaipur is the City Palace, home of the royal family and known for its clutch of excellent private museums that display royal memorabilia, particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles. Lying adjacent to the City Palace is the medieval Jantar Mantar observatory – built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, an inveterate astronomer – who’s curiously shaped and oversized implements are astonishingly accurate even today.

Recommended Sightseeing Option II

ELEPHANT SAFARI AND DINNER: This evening, enjoy an elephant safari and dinner at Dera Amer with a local nobleman’s family. Dera Amer is situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort.  A local Rajput family, who themselves reside in the area, organize elephant safaris in the jungle using their charming home and camp as as a base whilst allowing their guests to interact with the local farmers in the village. (If desired, Elephant Polo can be arranged.)

Overnight:                          Taj Rambagh Palace, Palace room

Meals Included:             Breakfast

DAY 6: JAIPUR TO BANGALORE

This morning visit the ancient capital that preceded Jaipur – Amber. Originally built in the 11th century AD and expanded in size and scope by succeeding dynasties and their rulers, Amber is a fortress town of visual awesomeness.  Ride up to its imposing hilltop location in a jeep and explore the maze of passages, corridors, pavilions, ornamental gardens and ramparts. On the way back you may like to stop at Anokhi Museum, where you will see a collection of old costumes with hand blocked prints that are typical to Rajasthan (closed on Wednesdays).

In the afternoon assisted transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bangalore via Hyderabad (no change of aircraft just a stop over):

Flight  Jet Airways, 9W2366

Depart Jaipur 1400 hours

Arrival Bangalore 1750 hours

On arrival you will meet by our representative and be driven to your hotel.

Bangalore, like the rest of India, is full of contrasst and surprises. The most contemporary Indian city, Bangalore not only retains a wonderful traditional core but also has a very active creative community. It is a wonderful experience to discover the heritage stores, designer studios and eclectic markets of this vibrant city.

Taj Westend – Built in 1887, The Taj West End was the first hotel in the city of Bangalore, and still today offers the finest of heritage experiences.  It is set in 20 acres of gardens, opposite the Turf Club and the Golf Club, located only 36 kms from the airports.  The colonial architecture and old world charm provide each guest with a memorable stay, and a welcome contrast from the cosmopolitan buzz of the city around it.  The bar and restaurants are popular.  The suites are recommended especially ,with their personalized butler service.

The rest of your evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Taj Westend, Luxury room.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7: BANGALORE

After a leisurely start and breakfast, you will be transferred to Eagleton Golf Course, located approximately by an hours drive from the city.

Play at the Eagleton, on the world class magnificent course spread over 168 acres. It is one of the most picturesque in the country often with eagles soaring overhead. It creates a permanent ecological oasis with over 40,000 trees, lush turf and sophisticated fertilization, irrigation and waste water management measures that contributes to a natural pleasing biosphere.

Recommended sightseeing option

Enjoy an early morning stroll in Lal Bagh Gardens (dating back to circa 1760) and discover the mango tree planted by Tipu Sultan. It is also the most impressive botanical garden in the city. The garden is spread over 240 acres and is home to over a thousand different plant varieties. Take a breakfast break at Mavalli Tiffin Room for the best South Indian breakfast in the town. Continue and visit 16th century Basavana Gudi Temple which was built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The Temple dates back to the times of Kempe Gowda (mid‑sixteenth century) and has within it a statue of a huge Nandi Bull carved out of a single gray granite block. You may like explore the charming and traditional neighbourhood as you walk down the streets lined with flower stalls and bustling local market. End the tour at Kalakshithi to see the dance.classes in the 100 year old home, a cultural school that retains its natural charm and quiet serenity.

Overnight: Taj Westend, Luxury room

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8: BANGALORE TO MUMBAI

Assisted transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai:

Flight  Kingfisher, IT 104

Depart Bangalore 0900 hours

Arrival Mumbai 1040 hours

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our representative and assisted to your hotel.

The Commercial capital of India, Mumbai is many cities in one. Pavement dwellers and slums co-exist with modern skyscrapers, gracious colonial buildings and impressive modern factories, Christian churches with Hindu Temples – in a medley of contradictions that makes Mumbai a product of the Indian past that holds the key to the present and the future.

In the afternoon, walk across to the Gateway of India, starting point of your three hour heritage walk with a local expert, that will take you around the surrounding Apollo Bunder Precinct, including the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Royal Yacht Club. Walk to Regal Circle, past Phillips Images Gallery, which showcases a superb collection of photographs of Old Bombay. Covering the sleepy by-lanes of old Colaba, visit the splendid university campus and enjoy the arcade bazaar along the Victorian style DN Road and reach throbbing Kala Ghoda Art District to learn about the details of buildings around including the Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library and Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays).

End the walk at Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue built in 1883. It’s a beautiful pastel-blue two story building just a hundred yards from Mumbai’s main museum. The well-preserved colonial interior is reminiscent of European shuls, with rustic wooden balustrades, lots of wooden pillars, opulent chandeliers and some electrical fans burring away overhead.

Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Deluxe Sea View Rooms

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9: MUMBAI

After breakfast, you will be driven (approx 1 hr) to one of the oldest and most prestigious golf club in the film capital of India – Presidency Golf Club. Revamped by Peter Thompson, it boosts of the lavish green and an elephant pit. The real test is, however, the variable and shifting sea breeze, which could fox even the most experienced player. It is not a difficult course. It’s not too long, not too narrow, and yet not an easy course to break par. The fifteenth-hole is one of the most challenging. A 480 yard/Par 5, a dog leg to the right, with a fairway trap strategically placed to catch the long hitter trying to cut the corner.

Recommended sightseeing option

Early morning walk across to the colourful promenade of the Gateway of India.  At the boat jetty here, you will board our motor launch for a ride across the harbour to Elephanta Island (closed on Mondays).  On arrival, ascend a stepped path to the Great Cave at the top.  Some 1200 years ago, the “Cave” was scooped out by sculptors and artisans and filled with some of the finest carving in all of India depicting scenes from mythological stories. The famous sculpture representing the Hindu trinity of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer, stands at the entrance to the cave, and inside are other wonderful Carvings.

The evening is at leisure or walk through the nearby market for some last minute shopping opportunities.

Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Deluxe Sea View Rooms

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10:  DEPART MUMBAI

Assisted transfer to the international airport to connect with your onward flight. (Depending upon your flight schedule we may arrange a hotel room for you at additional cost.)