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Overview
Please note: The Canadian government has put an advisory about nonessential travel to parts of the Kashmir region. This has been in effect since 1989, however, things have changed since then. There are 32 daily flights that arrive in Srinagar from different parts of India. However, it’s completely your decision to travel, we are happy to offer more assistance at any time.
Our award-winning tours are impressive but this tour is in a league of its own. I guarantee you will be amazed each day on this trip of a lifetime that takes you from soaring above the Himalayas to gently gliding along the stunning Dal Lake. You will experience the absolute best of this region in a style and comfort that only Explore India can offer you and the memories of a lifetime will be yours to share and cherish for the rest of your life.
Experience this less trodden gem of India as we lead you on an unforgettable journey through Northern India including Kashmir.
*Extend your trip and go to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city of India and home to one of the worlds’ most time-honoured and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India…in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do.
(Two Nights in Varanasi and one night in Delhi with local air, transfers, tours, entrances, meals, Ganges boat cruises, and taxes for $999.00 per person)
Tour Highlights
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi.
- Step back in time and into the last footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi as you walk through his home for the last 144 days of his fascinating life.
- Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal structure taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
- In Agra, you will feel the passion of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal in a musical play
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
- Enjoy an authentic dining experience with cultural Rajasthani traditional dance
- Visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara which is a house of worship in Delhi.
- Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site made of red sandstone.
- Visit the largest stepwells in the world in Abhaneri
- Immerse yourself in the richness of the Kashmiri culture, history, and traditions.
- What better way to understand and embrace a culture than to have the opportunity to spend an evening with a local Kashmiri family who hosts an interactive dining experience complete with exquisite Kashmiri cuisine.
- As you sit comfortably aboard a Shikara (local boat), your eyes will be delighted as you discover beautiful floating gardens, colourful, vibrant markets, and you will witness how the locals interact and live together in this unique region of India.
- You will see some of the most amazing houseboats which were built by the British Raj officials and used as Himalayan holiday homes in Kashmir.
- Visit Srinagar where you will be able to shop for local handicrafts and garments.
- Sit atop India’s majestic elephant as it transports you up to Amber Fort in Jaipur.
- Visit o the City Palace, one of the homes of the current Maharaja of Jaipur.
- Explore the colourful markets of Jaipur.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment.
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Day 2:
Arrival in New Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
On your arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, our Explore India representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 3:
Explore New Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and then in the afternoon, you will be greeted by an Explore India Manager in the hotel lobby. You will begin your tour today with a visit to the house of Mahatma Gandhi. This house is the place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi had lived in this house from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. Thus, the hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life. The house was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. Next, you will visit The Sikh Temple locally called Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. This is the most prominent Sikh gurudwara of worship and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru and the pond inside its complex.
Later in the evening, will enjoy dinner in the heart of Connaught place one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 4:
Discover Hidden Secrets of Old Delhi
After your breakfast at the hotel, you will start the morning tour by exploring 17th Century Old Delhi, visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then proceed to Old Delhi for the Heritage walk – Disengage yourself from the rest of the world and walk the streets of Shahjanabad (Chandini Chowk) with your guide. Discover and experience the real Delhi that you will not find in the guidebooks. You get an insight into the history and heritage of India, discover the lifestyle and age-old practices of locals and see more in few hours than most see in months. The area is also home to several old temples, shrines, mosques, and old Havelis (An old private mansion in the old city in which a single family is living from generations). Also, visit the largest spice market in Asia.
The afternoon is free for your personal activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 5:
Delhi – Srinagar | The Himalayan Paradise by Air
After breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic airport to board a spectacular flight overlooking the Himalayas as we fly to Kashmir, the geographical area between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. Lunch will be served on our arrival in the hotel.
Later we will see the famous Dal Lake, named the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ which covers an area of 18 square kilometers and is lined with stunning resorts and houseboats which was originally conceived of by the British during their rule. Here we will take a Shikara (a type of wooden boat) on Dal Lake, where we will see breathtaking Himalayan views as we explore an ancient culture that is unique to anywhere in the world. The Shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, so complete is their infrastructure on the lake that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in wooden shops on the lake, near veggie gardens and acres of floating land.
Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan, a multi-course dinner, hosted by my family at a private residence where we will also enjoy some cultural programs. The preparation of this dinner is considered an art and a point of pride in Kashmiri culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Regenta Central Point, SrinagarRegenta Central Point, Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir, Rajbagh, Srinagar, 190008https://www.royalorchidhotels.com/+91 194 231 1023Royal Orchid and Regenta Group is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India with 48 hotels across 34 locations. Renowned for attention to detail and design, Royal Orchid Hotels offers myriad options of business hotels ranging from luxurious 5-star to economy business hotels. From weddings to corporate gatherings, our hotels have all the necessary services and an experienced team to plan them efficiently. All the properties are spread in the major cities of the country be it a pilgrimage location or a wildlife hub.
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Day 6:
Srinagar City, Temples & Gardens
After breakfast, we will take a sightseeing tour of Srinagar to visit an ancient mosque and Mughal gardens. Later, we will visit the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest temples in India and is highly revered by followers of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. It is at a height of 1100 ft. above the city and is located in the heart of Srinagar. It is believed that the temple was constructed in 371 BC and was visited by the great philosopher Shankaracharya when he stayed in Kashmir. Please note that the walk to the temple is quite steep and there are about 240 steps to the top.
In the late afternoon shop for some of the most exclusive and unique handicrafts for which Kashmir is famous. Kashmir boasts an unrivaled tradition of craftsmanship and some of its specialties are finely carved woodwork of walnut and oak, Kashmiri hand-woven carpets, chain stitch embroidered rugs, antique copper, crewel work, brilliantly coloured and painted paper-mâché, leather and fur, onyx and semi-precious stones and beautifully worked silver.
Wraps and shawls are also a specialty in Kashmir and you will be amazed at the variety of patterns and colours to choose from. These extremely fine pashmina’s are made from goat’s wool and feature intricate embroidery. The equally beautiful Shahtoosh or ‘ring’ pashminas’ are delicate in their construction and are light and easy to wear. They are called ‘ring’ shawls because they are so fine they can pass through a ring.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Regenta Central Point, SrinagarRegenta Central Point, Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir, Rajbagh, Srinagar, 190008https://www.royalorchidhotels.com/+91 194 231 1023Royal Orchid and Regenta Group is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India with 48 hotels across 34 locations. Renowned for attention to detail and design, Royal Orchid Hotels offers myriad options of business hotels ranging from luxurious 5-star to economy business hotels. From weddings to corporate gatherings, our hotels have all the necessary services and an experienced team to plan them efficiently. All the properties are spread in the major cities of the country be it a pilgrimage location or a wildlife hub.
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Day 7:
Day Trip to Sonamarg / Village Experiences
After breakfast, we will begin a two-hour drive to Sonamarg which translates to ‘Meadow of Gold’. This picturesque town is situated at an altitude of 2,740 meters (9,000 ft) and is surrounded by snowy mountains, breath-taking glaciers, and serene lakes. The drive itself is yet another spectacular facet of the countryside in Kashmir and includes the largest tributary of the Indus River in the valley of Kashmir. It is upwards of sixty miles long and the valley and deep rock-girt gorge open to a grassy meadowland with village-dotted slopes. You will also observe the lifestyle of Kashmiri people in the countryside. After our arrival we will enjoy a pony ride to the Glacier where we will be surrounded by the enormous beauty of the majestic Himalayan Mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Regenta Central Point, SrinagarRegenta Central Point, Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir, Rajbagh, Srinagar, 190008https://www.royalorchidhotels.com/+91 194 231 1023Royal Orchid and Regenta Group is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India with 48 hotels across 34 locations. Renowned for attention to detail and design, Royal Orchid Hotels offers myriad options of business hotels ranging from luxurious 5-star to economy business hotels. From weddings to corporate gatherings, our hotels have all the necessary services and an experienced team to plan them efficiently. All the properties are spread in the major cities of the country be it a pilgrimage location or a wildlife hub.
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Day 8:
Srinagar - Delhi - Agra | The City of Taj Mahal by Air
In the early morning at 05:00 HRS we will head back to Dal Lake which is famous for its ‘floating vegetable market’, the only one of its kind in India. This is a very old market where the purchase of vegetables takes place between 5 am to 7 am every single day. This market is famous and very colourful thus, many tourists come to watch the vendors trade their goods.
After a leisurely breakfast, we will head to Srinagar airport for our flight to Delhi. After our arrival, the Explore India coach will transfer us to Agra followed by a check in at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Agra Hotel, AgraTrident Agra Hotel, Agra
Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-agra+91 562 223 5000Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices.
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Day 9:
Mesmerizing Taj Mahal
In the early morning, we will start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most highly revered masterpieces in the world. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.
In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an open space garden situated in-between the Yamuna River.
In the evening, enjoy a live performance for those who would like to watch an amazing 75-minute performance. This performance is a play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into the history of the Taj Mahal. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is a series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create a most breathtaking work of craftsmanship. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Agra Hotel, AgraTrident Agra Hotel, Agra
Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-agra+91 562 223 5000Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices.
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Day 10:
Agra - Kanota | Rural Rajasthan (220 km / 4 hrs drive approx.)
After breakfast leave for Kanota with a stop en route to visit the Abhaneri step well also known as Chand Baori. The massive step well-built to conserve rainwater is 20m deep with 13 levels and is considered the deepest and largest stepwell in India. Marvelous carvings on the steps transform into pieces of excellent architecture. The stepwell stands as an amazing display of ancient engineering and the geometric step pattern gives a fascinating insight into this architectural masterpiece.
Later, check in at the heritage hotel Castle Kanota which is the filming location of the ‘Viceroys Club’ in ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Movie’.
Castle Kanota, being an old castle, has lots of open space and fragrant fruit orchards. Guests will enjoy the experience of an Indian home while they are here as everything is being personally looked after by the family members. During your stay at Castle Kanota, you will discover the secret of the grandeur of the Rajput royalty, when you see the exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings that are fully covered with frescoes and paintings. With period furniture throughout the hotel, it is an authentic experience as well as a visual delight.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit a local village to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals who will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Castle Kanota, JaipurCastle Kanota, Jaipur
Village Kanota, Agra Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Indiahttp://www.hotelnarainniwas.com/hotel-in-jaipur.php+91 1429 234 033Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas & famous for its castles, forts and palaces is truly the colorful Jewel of India. Castle Kanota is one of the finest heritage hotels of this princely state of Rajasthan, providing a good example of history amalgamating with modern times.
Spread over 19 Bighas (8 Acres) of land, Castle Kanota is truly a magnificent experience. Built in 1872 by the then Thakur of Kanota, Zorawar Singh Ji, who was also a cabinet minister in the government of Jaipur, the castle is located just 15 km. east of Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Highway. With a built-in museum and a library which displays gold work and unique collection of rare books, the castle takes you back to the grandeur of the past. There might be various heritage hotels in and around Jaipur but there is only one – Castle Kanota – with lots of unique qualities and live sign of rural tourism.
Castle Kanota has 18 AC rooms which have been very beautifully renovated and tastefully decorated. Being an old castle, it has lots of open space and fruit orchards. Guests will get perfect experience of an Indian home while they are here because everything is being personally looked after by the family members. During your stay at Castle Kanota, you will discover the secret of the grandeur of the Rajput royalty, when you see the exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings that are fully covered with frescoes and paintings. The period furniture placed all over the hotel is more than a visual delight.
Castle Kanota has a royal ambiance that segregates it from the rest of the heritage hotels. Its enchanting facade and unmatched interiors gives it a royal look. The stay in castle is an irreplaceable experience offering you a holiday that you will never forget. This heritage hotel is truly a place where one can enjoy traditional Rajput hospitality with all modern amenities in the same old environment.
With a Majestic Durbar Hall, Golden Suite, and a big beautiful garden with a fruit orchard, the fortified medieval castle is a magnificent experience. The Castle Library (Pothi Khana) has gold work and unique collection of over 10,000 rare books, manuscripts, miniatures and a very rich (16th century) armory. Cannons to protect the castle were purchased from the British Navy. There are facilities for horse and camel ride at the Castle.
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Day 11:
Kanota - Jaipur | The Pink City (20 km / 30 min drive approx.)
After breakfast you will explore the museum in the hotel.
Later you will be driven to Jaipur where, upon arrival, we will check in to our next hotel.
The origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter through the old city walls where we are greeted with peaceful pink-coloured buildings that can be seen from every turn. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II. Visit the famous Hindu Temple in Pink City of Jaipur.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner experience with a cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Hotel JaipurTrident Hotel Jaipur
Amber Fort Road, Opposite, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur+91 141 267 0101Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
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Day 12:
Jaipur, Amber Fort, Maharajas Museum & Bazaars
In the morning, enjoy an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort Palace by Jeep which was built in 1593, yet peaceful and safe ride on an Indian elephant. Enjoy the architecture, lattice screens, and paintings which appear to be coloured with jewel dust. Later, drive through the old city where we will make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace, a home of the current Maharaja of Jaipur and its museum. This is the perfect time to shop for exclusive gems that Jaipur is famous for and also see some fascinating block printing fabrics.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Hotel JaipurTrident Hotel Jaipur
Amber Fort Road, Opposite, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur+91 141 267 0101Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
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Day 13:
Jaipur - Delhi (250 km, 5 hr drive approx.)
After breakfast drive from Jaipur to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New DelhiPride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi
Asset 5A, Hospitality District, Aerocity, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttp://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/+91 11 6600 7700Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels.
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Day 14:
Depart Delhi
Breakfast is at your hotel. Later, you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight for home.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
- International round-trip airfare from Vancouver & Toronto
- Accommodation at 4 & 5-star hotels and a 300-year-old castle
- All meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Domestic flights as per the program
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Entrance fees to all the monument
- Air-conditioned luxury Volvo coach transportation throughout your trip
- Bottled water and snacks during sightseeing tours and long drives
- Services of the most knowledgeable accompanying tour guide who boasts over 20 years of experience
- Trip cancellation & interruption insurance-Pre-existing medical conditions waived
What’s excluded
- Gratuities, personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing excursions other than what is mentioned in the program will be at an extra cost to you.
- Services other than in our inclusion
- India Visa Fees CAD $25 and can be obtained online. This process takes only 72 hours.
- Gratuities – gratuities of CAD $195 per person must be paid upon arrival in India directly to your tour director. These basic gratuities will cover tour escorts, luggage handling, porters, restaurants, drivers, and other members providing services.
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Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Thanks Nazir, we are back tired but entirely satisfied! Where do I start? You have a tremendous team working for you in India, including Raj, our guide in Darjeleen and of course Ardvid (please excuse my spelling). Not only were we fully informed about what we were seeing but they all added interesting info regarding the religions, history etc. I give Ardvid a 42 gun salute (Trust you know what this means with him). What a beautiful man! Went out of his way to satisfy everyone, one of our friends, Val Frost hurt her foot, he obtained a rickshaw for her twice. Always first on there when meeting us and always counting, does herding cats come to mind. The tour was spectacular! Know I understand the phrase Incredible India. Extremes are mind boggling, from extreme poverty to extreme wealth. The driving! The cows! The people! (we were stopped constantly to have pictures taken with locals. Always a friendly smile, a wave. Once instance a school group stopped and sang the Indian National Anthem for us. Hotels and meals super! The only downside was no tigers at the preserve but to show Ardvid, in Jaipur tried to show us all leopards to make up for lack of tigers, but unfortunately, only one car of the group saw them. Another example of his need and wish to please all. Thank Raj for arrangements for our last day. Worked much better than the original plan. We had two awesome drivers and Raj was always there, even to the point phoning all three groups the night before our departure and then again in the two cars on our way to the airport. One downside was the interesting move of the Prime Minister on the night we departed, canceling 500/1000 rupee notes. I know Errol got stuck with a couple but I recommended he mail the rupees to you so you could arrange a donation to charity. Please feel free to use me as a reference Nazir if necessary. You and your group were wonderful from the time we booked until our return. If you need any clarification regarding the above please let me know but a big THANK YOU again from two extremely satisfied guests.
Carol (Gerarda) and John Ragan
Calgary, Canada
Thank you very much for the welcome home card. The trip was quite wonderful. Your organisation and attention to detail made the holiday nearly perfect – I can’t hold you accountable for the weather! I hadn’t expected to be staying in such luxurious hotels but certainly enjoyed them. Another bonus was that you had included tips for hotel staff so we did not have to constantly think about that. I don’t usually like the designs on vacation bags but your elephant design for Explore India replicated on the small bag and duffle bag is very appealing and I enjoy using them. Please keep me on your mailing list for future trips. It is unlikely that I will be travelling in the next year or so but would certainly like to visit another part of that magnificent country at some time.
Michele Becker
Vancouver, Canada
I want to thank everyone in your organization because all of you together made our trip to India one of the most memorable trips of our lives. It has been 3 weeks since we returned and we are now starting to relive the wonderful memories of our trip by showing the photos to family and friends. As Manzoor had mentioned at the first introductory meeting in Delhi, this tour was to be not a vacation but an experience of a lifetime. Indeed it was more than a vacation; it was a memorable intense experience that will always be fondly remembered. There were so very many highlights but the two that stand out the most for us are the breathe taking views of the Taj Mahal and the eerie spiritual experience of the Ganges ghats in Varanasi. No photo can do justice to the Taj Mahal and it just has to be experienced. Sunrise and sunset views of bathing and cremation on the Ganges were a culminating way to end our journey. You have a great package and itinerary for this tour. We experienced the richness of the culture and history of India and the grandeur of architecture in forts, temples and palaces. Hotels were very comfortable with interesting distinct features. Meals provided had a wide choice for all palates. The large comfortable tour bus with toilet was much appreciated. The bus driver did an amazing job getting us safely through chaotic traffic. As for shopping, we really found that “shopping on the bus” was the best way to get the small souvenirs and momentos. The specialty shops were awesome for the special purchases like a silk carpet, silk scarfs, pashminas etc. We were very fortunate to have Muzaffar Shah as our guide since he is definitely the best tour guide that we have ever met. He was always very informative, personable and attentive to everyone’s needs. We appreciate very much that he had a special way to describe key historical events in a story-telling way so that these came to life, rather than just facts and information. Thank you Nazir for your guidance to select this particular tour for us and your arrangements for our pre-tour travel for a 10 night stay in Goa at Candolim Beach. This was a great way to acclimatize to the time change and to escape Ottawa’s January weather. We enjoyed the fine weather, the beach at the Arabian Sea and in particular the warmth and friendliness of all the Goan people that we met. Our only regret is that we did not go back to Goa at the end of the tour not only for the fine weather and beach, but also for the fine food and friendly people. Thank you Mandira and Nazir for always responding quickly and helpfully to our various questions such as baggage arrangements for internal flights. I also want to mention Robert who met us upon arrival in Delhi, took us to overnight hotel and sent us off to Goa the next day. He has a very warm and friendly manner that made us feel at ease and very welcome to India. We have been to many parts of the world and have a few more places on our “bucket list” to visit but we definitely want to go back to India some day for more. We will definitely be in touch with you and will highly recommend Explore India to our friends. In fact, our close friends are seriously considering a trip to India next year and I have forwarded to them one of your recent emails that lists various itineraries. Thank you again for the most memorable trip of our lifetime Raymond and Ruta Klicius
Raymond and Ruta Klicius
Ottawa ON
It has been a couple of months since we returned from our private tour in India. It is still on our minds, we had such a wonderful time. I wanted to contact you much sooner to let you know but with illness in our families, the holidays and business the time has passed so quickly. We really wanted to thank you for setting up such a great trip - our driver, Harpal, was excellent. He made the long drives enjoyable and took very good care of us, especially when David got sick for a few days. His care and attention to us let us relax and feel safe, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The guides were really good, the sites amazing, the hotels - especially Agra - We were lucky enough to see a tiger walk right past our jeep. The trip was memorable, exciting and romantic. My husband and I would highly recommend it as everything was taken care of and we had no worries or concerns once we met our driver and guide upon arriving at the Delhi airport. A truly exceptional experience and we are so glad we chose to book with Explore India. Thank you again. Regards,
Alix Patterson
West Vancouver, Canada
Your ‘Mughals, Maharajas & Holy Ganges’ tour was simply amazing and far exceeded all our expectations. Everything was very well organized, our guides were exceptional, the food was outstanding, the culture and history were amazing, the hotels were upscale and the bus transport was very good. We wish to recognize those who made our trip such a huge success: our tour guide Arvind Sharma was very knowledgeable, very well organized, respectful and gracious and very passionate about his country and his faith; our co-tour guide Hilal Ahmed was very kind and respectful, always upbeat and attentive to logistical details and making sure everyone was content; our driver Inder Jeet and his helper Ashout were so kind, prompt and alert to all our road travel needs; and our greeter Arshad Khan was very kind and helpful on arrival and departure at the Delhi airport; and finally Nazir, Mandira and staff in Vancouver and Mansoor and staff in India, thanks for your exceptional planning and arrangements. Your itinerary provided a large variety of things to see and do every day and some awesome sites to visit - the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore safari in particular were standouts. The people of India are very considerate, kind-hearted and pleasant and we were always respectfully greeted as esteemed guests and always felt safe in their midst. We had a great time and cannot identify anything material that needs to be improved. We already have and will continue to recommend Explore India to others interested in visiting India. Thanks to everyone at Explore India for such memorable experience! Brian and Mary Petovello, Calgary, Alberta.
Brian and Mary Petovello
Calgary Alberta Canada
Leona and I thoroughly enjoy our trip. The trip was just right, not too short or too long.With a small group, we got to know everyone and even promise to travel together in the future. No problem with the Hotels or our meals. Kingfisher beer and only Kingfisher beer, no complaint. Our tour guide Sanjay, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and funny. Overall, it was a good trip and I highly recommended your company to our friends as a place to deal with. We are planning to go back in 2 years to see the south part of India or trekking north to Darjeeling, Sikkim area.
Owen & Leona Wong
Vancouver, Canada
I was talking to my husband again about the trip and the two of us agreed that it was a very well-organized trip and excellent value for money . . . above expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend the trip to others. I celebrated my birthday in Agra and it was so lovely. There was a cake and Explore India even gave me a beautiful gift of a shawl! Thanks so much.
Eleanor Stadnyk
Delta, Canada
Hi Nazir, I am writing to thank you for organizing an amazing trip for us. Mandira, you impressed us before we left Toronto with how effective and attentive you were in making sure we had everything. Your customer service was excellent. Thank you. We had a fantastic time in India. The trip was well organized. The culture, food, people, shopping, and places were all amazing. Each city had something special to offer. We were well taken care of by Ajur, Arvin, Parveen, and Sonu. We spent a lot of our time with Ajur, Parveen, and Sonu. These guys are amazing. Our driver handled the bus and road with expertise and safety. Sonu was so amazing. Always there to greet us off and on the bus and always hand sanitizer ready for us, providing us with water and snacks. He is very attentive and works really hard. Our group was fantastic, really great folks. We will definitely recommend your company to others and we can’t wait to explore the rest of India in the near future.
Bharat Latchmin
Toronto, Canada
We had a FABULOUS time in India. Our hotels were very comfortable and the food selection was excellent. Every aspect of the trip went smoothly and Rajiv and Yajur were both wonderful. Rajiv greeted us and explained everything really well and then was there to say farewell. Yajur was knowledgeable, funny, helpful...just all-round a great tour guide. He even arranged for Ian to go into town and buy a cricket bat And the itinerary was excellent - lots of variety and lots of information. We will tell all our friends that Explore India is the way to visit. I'll ask Ian tonight if he has any extra feedback and let you know. Many thanks and all the very best of the holidays to you and your family. We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016,
Toni & Ian McGregor
Burlington, Canada
We had a great week in London going back home to Vancouver this afternoon. Our trip in India was amazing thanks to your taking care of all details, organization and putting it together so well. The tour of Kerala was incredible as well. We enjoyed the lush green plantations, forests and spice gardens. The houseboat was such a treat we could enjoy another night. Cochin has lots of history and sites to explore. We will recommend Explore India to friends it exceeded our expectations. Keep well and all the best,
Arieh and Sarah
Vancouver, Canada
Tour Extensions
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You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA
No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.