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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.
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Namaste, and thanks for the email Nazir. My husband and I are still under the powerful influence of India – having thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks we had there. It’s really difficult to synthesize our experience but I will try to give some feedback. Both of us felt that we learned so much and really broadened our understanding of cultural and political issues in addition to seeing, tasting, smelling, and tasting some of India’s diversity. I really appreciated the diverse environments: urban, heritage sites, forest reserve, streets/river exposure in Varanasi, the roadside rural life viewed as we traveled between major sites. I’m especially glad that we added on the Varanasi trip which broadened our experience considerably. We were ever so fortunate in the timing (just after the monsoon season) and got to see a relatively ‘green’ India. Several local guides commented that we were a ‘lucky’ group in terms of being in the right places at the right times for certain things – such as seeing tigers, getting to the Taj Mahal just prior to its ‘mudding’. The tour itinerary was well planned and varied – given that any group of 22 people will have different preferences. We found our tour guide to be excellent: knowledgeable, flexible, and always anticipating when/where changes might be needed either for our comfort or safety. Many thanks for that. And he was ever so patient in spite of challenging situations. I’m a cautious traveller (in contrast to my husband) but even I felt very safe. Our guide was extremely good at keeping us together while also allowing plenty of photo ops, cooling down periods, and preparing us for the next point of interest. The tour guide was very good with history and cultural information that made the bus travel time both informative and seem shorter. All contacts were very friendly, courteous, and helpful. One hardly mentioned an issue and it was addressed; To summarize, the trip was amazing! We are so very glad we went and still bask in India’s glow. Fond memories, great photos, and a great appreciation for the country and its peoples! Please convey our thanks to all who made the trip possible. Regards,
Cynthia Toman (on behalf of Earl as well)
Toronto, 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
We are still talking about our fabulous India trip. Have meant to email you dozens of times---life just gets in the way! Thank you Nazir, we had an amazing time and you can't help but fall in love with that country and her people. Of course the extra bonus was only 6 of us on the tour the first 2 weeks and only the Rhodes and us the last 2 weeks. We really felt spoiled and pampered! We will highly recommend you and your company. Namaste.
Patty and Jack Clerkson
West Vancouver, Canada
We are safely back from India which is quite a feat seeing the driving there is hard to believe. We had a great time, saw lots, ate and drank lots and met some really nice people. It really was quite an experience. I wanted to let you know that we really appreciated your staff in India. They were all wonderful. We could not have asked for better.
Lori & Ron
Surrey, Canada
Hello Nazir, a short follow-up to once again say what a wonderful, lifetime memorable experience we had in India. The organization, the guides, the food and the hotels were all super. A special thank you to Rajeev, who kept so well in touch and was so attentive throughout our trip.
Anne and Michael
Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir: Thanks for your email. Yes, it was a fantastic holiday made all the more memorable by having Sundeep as our tour guide. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about his country and we were lucky having him. There did not seem to be anything he did not know and he went out of his way to make sure we were all happy. He also seemed to go above and beyond in helping us with getting our money exchanged into the "new" money which was not easy. In the end that worked out (at least for me) although in the first few days I was worried that I was not going to have enough $ to last me the trip! I did not realize before I left Vancouver that I would not be able to use a bank! I was disappointed that we were not able to visit Kashmir but that was due to circumstances beyond your control. But Darjeeling was lovely and so different from the rest of the trip. The drivers and guide in Darjeeling were great - they looked after us so well as did Singh who took us from Delhi to Delhi. It all went very smoothly in, as you know, chaotic driving conditions compared to Vancouver! As I said earlier, overall it was an amazing trip. Thank you. Sincerely,
Carol Clark
Vancouver, Canada
Some very late feedback on our tour. We had a great tour and would like to thank you for all your efforts. Our accommodations were very good, the van very comfortable and the driver most helpful and fun to be with. Rajeev was in constant contact and available to assist and advise. The Taj Mahal exceeded expectations and Ranthambore was an unexpected highlight. Thanks again and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.
Dave Heath
Niagara on the Lake, Canada
We are back in Canada now, safe and sound! Denise and I would like to thank you both for organizing and managing a wonderful trip. We had high hopes at the start, and they were exceeded! The basic layout of the trip and then the detailed management made this a fabulous and exciting adventure. Thanks to the two drivers Resham and Ranji who were wonderful. Driving in India can be a bit exciting or, at worst very fatiguing, but the always smoothed things out, making the long and short trips comfortable and interesting. Many of the guides were excellent, with deep knowledge, and fascinating insights. In particular, we enjoyed our time with Suresh in Agra who always went the extra mile, Harsh in Udaipur who taught us so many things and then put them together, and even the "Professor" Jha Raji in Varanasi, who gave us an introduction to a whole new world for us. The guides in Dharavi, the tea plantation , and spice plantations were very interesting. We saw many wonderful things and had a great introduction to a fascinating country; Denise even got interested in cricket! Please keep in touch. We'll be thinking about next year. Bahut dhanyavaad
Bruce and Denise Shaw
Waterloo, Canada
My wife and I recently returned from a 24 day trip to India, organized by Nazir Karnai. Nazir spent considerable time consulting with us prior to our trip in order to fine tune travel plans that would suit our preferences. Fortunately we relied heavily on his advice and, as a global statement, our trip was fantastic. We had a car, driver and guide throughout our trip and several internal flights in India. Attention to detail was the hallmark of Nazir’s organization and we quickly came to rely on the reliability, competence and friendliness of all Explore India personnel. From the outset we were pleasantly surprised by the luxury of the hotels organized by Nazir. The hotels were all spectacular, with the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur truly world class. We consider ourselves fortunate to have chosen Nazir and Explore India to organize our travel to India and we would give him our highest recommendation. Sincerely
Dr. Raymond & Margaret Pederson
Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir, I wanted to let you know what a great time we had on our visit to India. We really enjoyed seeing your country, and all of the amazing sites it has to offer. We also found almost everyone we encountered to be very kind and friendly. There is so much beauty in India, and we look forward to visiting again. Everything on the tour was very well coordinated and organized. While I know that some of the people on our trip found the schedule to be a bit too busy for them, I did not think so at all. I believe there was enough down time to rest between locations, and I thought the pace was very good. Our bus driver and his assistant (Ravi & Shankar I believe) were great! They were very friendly and super helpful. I have also never seen anyone who could maneuver a bus like he did! It was amazing the places he managed to take that bus! Lastly, I want to let you know what a great tour guide Arvind was! We really enjoyed having him lead us through the sites of India. He is very knowledgeable and engaging, and his love for your country showed as he described the rich history of the things we saw and answered our questions. I especially enjoyed how if you asked him a question outside of the bus, he would often ask us to wait, and he would answer the question for the entire group on the bus. It made some of the long bus trips very interesting and alleviated some of the monotony of sitting on a bus. He was a great tour guide and I highly recommend him! Thank you all for a great trip. Robin and I really enjoyed our visit. Thank You,
Mark & Robin Nilsson
North Carolina, USA
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