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Overview
Rajasthan is famous for its royalty and you will feel like a part of that royalty as you travel through Rajasthan in comfort and style with Explore India. The Imperial Rajasthan tour is a great introduction to India’s colourful, exciting north. As you step out of the plane and take your first sweet breath in incredible India you will feel a shift in your spirit as the supremely peaceful, yet vibrant, the energy of India greets you. You will be amazed at the magnificent sites you will see each day on this tour and that, along with the seamless ease in which your days on this tour flow, will give you wonderful memories of India that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Explore India and feel the magic that will change your life
Tour Highlights
- Senses awaken as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the tour.
- 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.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow back lanes of Old Delhi.
- Explore the glimmering lake of Udaipur, the mountains, and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
- Visit the Jain Temples of Ranakpur, which are acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style.
- Visit the blue city of Jodhpur and Maharajas museum built in 1929
- Explore the local market of Pushkar and visit one of the major thriving temples of Lord Brahma
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur, built-in 1592
- You will feel as though you are in another world as you stroll through the meticulously planned gardens as you head toward the world’s largest monument of love, the Taj Mahal
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, India
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 arrival at Delhi airport, you’ll be met upon arrival by Explore India representative and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Leela AmbienceAccommodation: 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:
New Delhi | Sikh Temple, Humayun’s Tomb & Qutab Minar
After breakfast, visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi: a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic Life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi 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. Next visit to India Gate (the war memorial dedicated to the martyrs of World War I), The President’s Palace – formerly Viceroy’s Palace, the Parliament House, and the Secretariat buildings – an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th-century architecture, later we tour Humayun’s Tomb, and Bangla Sahib, followed by a welcome dinner in Connaught place.
Meals: Breakfast, 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:
Old Delhi | Rickshaw Ride | Jama Mosque & Hindu Temple
This morning, we take a tour through Delhi. We begin exploring Old Delhi by visiting the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. Then we ride a bicycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then we drive pass Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We also visit Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s final journey.
Meals: Breakfast, 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 – Udaipur By Flight | Cruise to Jag Mandir
In the morning, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Udaipur a city that combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water’s edge, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake, is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hilltop fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces, and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Udaipur rivals any of
the world’s famous creations of the Mughals with the Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance.
Later this afternoon we will explore this glimmering lake, the mountains, and the city against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Along the way, see historical landmarks dotted along the shore such as the City Palace Complex and the picturesque Ghats – steps leading down into the water that locals use for bathing.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Udaipur Hotel, UdaipurTrident Udaipur Hotel, Udaipur
Trident Road, Near Pichola Lake, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur+91 294 243 2200Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread that ensures a flying start to your day, before stepping out to explore the sights and discover the rich history of Udaipur. No five star, royal hospitality is quite complete without a lavish feast. The hotel’s main restaurant, Aravalli, serves authentic dishes from the Kingdom of Mewar, known for its fine cuisine.
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Day 6:
Exploring | Udaipur & City Palace
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Then we head to the Crystal gallery, which features a rare collection of Osler’s crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. Visit the Garden of the Maids of Honor locally called Saheliyon ki Bari, which has retained all its traditional charm. It was designed in the early 18th Century specifically for ladies. Later enjoy walk through colorful markets and let yourself wander through the labyrinth of the historical lanes that characterize Udaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Trident Udaipur Hotel, UdaipurTrident Udaipur Hotel, Udaipur
Trident Road, Near Pichola Lake, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur+91 294 243 2200Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread that ensures a flying start to your day, before stepping out to explore the sights and discover the rich history of Udaipur. No five star, royal hospitality is quite complete without a lavish feast. The hotel’s main restaurant, Aravalli, serves authentic dishes from the Kingdom of Mewar, known for its fine cuisine.
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Day 7:
Udaipur | Jodhpur the Blue City
After breakfast, we will proceed to Jodhpur. Along the way, you will experience the country with an opportunity to feast your eyes on camel carts, trucks, cows, buffalos, and more. Our first stop is Ranakpur where we will enjoy our lunch.
After lunch, visit the Jain Temples, which are acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains in the village of Ranakpur, covering an area of 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines and 24 pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, with no two being alike, Later continue to Jodhpur, which is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. Arrive and check-in at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ranbanka Heritage ResortRanbanka Heritage Resort
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Day 8:
Jodhpur | The Mehrangarh Fort
After breakfast, we will start with a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city visiting Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about a hundred meters. The fort crowns a rocky hill that
rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. For over five centuries Mehrangarh has been the headquarters of the senior branch of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores. The Fort and its palaces were built over a period of 500 years following the foundation in the mid-15th century.
Next visit Umaid Bhawan Palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 – 1942) and named after him. This exquisite Palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chitter sandstone used in it. It is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco architecture of the 1930s. Later you will have some free time to enjoy the local markets of Jodhpur.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Ranbanka Heritage ResortRanbanka Heritage Resort
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Day 9:
Jodhpur | Pushkar the Holy Town
After breakfast we drive towards Pushkar, The word ‘Pushkar’ means lotus flower, which is said to be the seat of Lord Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity, who is worshipped as the creator of this world. Upon arrival check in to your resort. Later this afternoon we will visit the local market of Pushkar and along the way, we will also visit one of the major thriving temples of Lord Brahma, which can be identified by its red spire and by the image of Hans (the swan considered sacred to Lord Brahma). This temple built with marble is decorated with silver coins. This evening’s dinner will be at the campsite followed by a Rajasthani traditional dance performance.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Greenhouse Resort, PushkarThe Greenhouse Resort, Pushkar
Kishanpura-Tilora Road,, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022, Indiahttp://www.thegreenhouseresort.com/+91 93510 18303The Greenhouse is a luxurious boutique resort in the holy town of Pushkar. Located just ten minutes drive away from the city centre of Pushkar. The Greenhouse Resort is the perfect base to explore one of India’s most exotic and vibrant city-Pushkar.
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Day 10:
Pushkar | Jaipur the Pink City
After a leisurely start, we drive to Jaipur, India’s first planned city. The city of Jaipur owes its names, foundation, and its careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
In the afternoon visit the famous Temple in Pink city dedicated to Lord Shiva. The queen of Jaipur got this splendid Temple constructed in the memory of her son Jagat Singh between1599 A.D. to 1608 A.D. this temple is an excellent example of a palatial edifice built on a height. The locally available stone, white marble, and black stone have been used as materials for construction. What adds to the beauty of this grand creation is the depiction of trumpeting elephants and horses scenes from Puranas and pictorial
depiction of characters as well as some social scenes drawn in a series on high. Free time for shopping.
Meals: Breakfast, 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 11:
Jaipur | The Amber Fort | Maharajas Palace | Local Bazaars
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort. Along the way, we will have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of the “Palace of Winds” which is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.
Amber Fort is the classic romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Next visit City Palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Also visit Jantar Mantar. This is the largest and the best-preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. The observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Afternoon free time for you to explore the colorful markets of Jaipur’s pink city shop for fabrics, clothes, textiles, and witness block printing.
Meals: Breakfast, 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 – Agra | The City of Taj Mahal
In the morning after breakfast transfer from Jaipur to Agra, the city of the world-famous Taj Mahal, along the way, we will visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest step-wells in the world built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri. Centuries ago, the step-wells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through. Upon arrival check-in at your 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 13:
Agra | Visions of the Taj Mahal
Tea, coffee, and cookies will be served in the hotel lobby before heading out for our sunrise 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 the 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 universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. After
breakfast, we will 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.
After lunch, visit a renowned marble factory to experience the making of fine inlaid stonework and the translucent marble of the region. The craftsmen of Agra are still renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous.
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 14:
Agra | Delhi
After breakfast, drive towards Delhi. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. This afternoon is free for your personal activities, this evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to our fellow travelers.
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 15:
Departure Transfer
You will be transferred to International Airport for your flight connection home. All good things should come to an end, so does your holiday too. This incredible journey to India would have filled your mind with too many good memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
Please note: You may want to consider our optional 2 nights / 3 days tour of Varanasi from $999 pp with roundtrip local airfare, meals, transfers, sunrise and sunset boat rides plus guided sightseeing tours. Please enquire.
What’s included
- International Roundtrip Airfare from Canada
- 13 nights’ accommodation in well-reviewed first-class hotels
- 3 nights in New Delhi at Sheraton New Delhi
- 2 nights in Udaipur at Trident By Oberoi
- 2 nights in Jodhpur at Ranbanka Heritage Resort
- 1 night in Pushkar at the Greenhouse Resort
- 2 nights in Jaipur at Trident By Oberoi
- 2 nights in Agra at Trident By Oberoi
- 1 night in Delhi at the Pride Plaza Aerocity
- 23 meals as per the program – breakfast and dinners plus 1 lunch
- Airport meet and greet with private group transfers
- Complimentary unlimited mineral water during sightseeing tours
- Snacks on board during long drives
- Entry tickets to all monuments as per the tour program
- Domestic airfares within the program
- Extensive sightseeing tour led by professional English speaking tour manager
- Meet and greet with assistance in each hotel at arrival and departure.
- Early morning tea, coffee, and cookies before the sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal.
- Cultural dance program in Jaipur along with dinner
- Modern air-conditioned transportation with facilities onboard
- FREE: Complimentary welcome kit on arrival – hand sanitizers, wet tissues, charging plugs, etc.
- FREE Wi-Fi at hotels during your stay
- FREE: 24/7 Explore India Concierge team to assist with any last-minute, unexpected, and unusual requests
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities
- Additional taxes $273
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Hi Nazir, Thanks for the note. We’re finally getting over jet lag and are almost ready for the Holiday Season. As far as the trip goes – we really enjoyed it. We found the level of service to be excellent, and we found great value for the money we spent. Both of our guides -Rasheem in Kerala and Ashish up north were outstanding!! They absolutely made the trip for us. Both were extremely knowledgeable, warm, funny, and provided great insight. Can’t say enough good things. The Fragrant Nature Hotel in Cochin was absolutely charming. The staff was fantastic and they made our stay quite magical We would certainly recommend your company to our friends. Cheers,
Bob and Joanne Wright
Burlington, Canada
I am writing to say thanks, again, for guiding our wonderful tour of what is, indeed, magical India! Your ever cheerful and upbeat presence, along with your vast knowledge of the subjects and objects of our tour, was absolutely key. It is such a cliche to say but you certainly made it a trip of a lifetime for us; we will treasure the memories forever. (And it may take forever to get through all the pictures, too!) I will be spending a lot of time this winter looking up more information on the sites you showed us, and adding to the excellent information you already provided. Lo Chen, I hope I have spelled his name correctly, had the dubious pleasure of guiding us in Darjeeling before we had really become accustomed to your universe. Please send him my thanks as well; he was very patient with us newbies! When I close my eyes I can still evoke the surreal experience of being driven along those roads, switchbacking up and down mountainsides and watching in amazement as people went about their daily business on, and next to, the nearly sheer drops between buildings. Fortunately, I can also still evoke the entrancingly delicate, flowery scent of fresh tea leaves; having a nice cup of tea in real time whilst recalling that scent is wonderfully soothing after reliving the roller-coaster, stop-start-dodge ride over the Darjeeling roads! Mr. Singh, our excellently competent bus driver, will live long in Spitzke legends for his affable sociability and superb driving skills. I did not write down the name of our Darjeeling driver but he, too, (along with his comrades) deserves praise. You could not pay me any amount of money to drive in India, certainly not a big bus, and ESPECIALLY not anything on those Darjeeling roads!
Pam Gale
Letbridge, Canada
Hi Nazir, Sorry, it has taken me so long to reply, we really felt the jet-lag on our return! We were very happy with our experiences with Explore India. It was a fantastic trip, we learned a lot and had a lot of fun with our fellow travellers. We started the trip with an extension to Nepal. Our guide, Bikash, was a very caring man. When he found out it was our anniversary he had the hotel deliver a cake to our room. Bikash was also very supportive of one of the members of our tour who had unfortunately picked the wrong visa for India (single entry) and could not get on the plane with us to return to India. Bikash actually purchased his new plane ticket because the ATM's would not work for our fellow traveller. The sites of Nepal were amazing, in particular, the cremations on the river and when we toured a local village we actually got to go into a local school - this was very exciting because 6 of the 7 tourists were former teachers! The tour of India was really complete due to the amazing knowledge of our guide, Sundeep. Sundeep was an excellent story teller and helped weave an amazing knowledge of India, its history and the present day conditions. We were fortunate to be able to participate in many Diwali celebrations, especially in Varanasi where we saw some amazing sites. We would recommend Explore India for any of our friends. The hotel accommodations were all terrific, the tours went smoothly and we were always supported by our guides. It was an amazing experience and one we will cherish forever. Thank you
Deb & Ken Bennett
Surrey, Canada
Hi Nazir; We arrived in Calgary late Wednesday. Needless to say we are tired. We had a memorable time in India to say the least! On TV one sees programs about India however experiencing it was another thing! One cannot image the density of people without experiencing it firsthand. It was truly shocking. Explore India provides Canadians an opportunity to see it for themselves. Arvind was a great tour leader; his knowledge about the country, its customs, its people, is astounding. Raj, your man on the ground, went out of his way to help us. As you know we stayed an extra day in Delhi at the end of our stay because of poor plane connections. As our booking for the Taj Ambassador Hotel did not work out, he arranged our stay at the Pride Plaza Hotel and provided a car and driver to allow us to see the city. This turned out to be a much better than if we had stayed at the Taj Ambassador as the new hotel was close to the airport saving travel time at departure. Lochem (sp?), your local guide for Darjeeling had exceptional knowledge of the area, its history and the people. Without him much of the local folklore would have been missed. There were two surprises we encountered while in India. The first was the road condition between the airport and Darjeeling; the lengthy travel time and being so winding. Unfortunately Carolyn got motion sickness throwing up stomach acid within the vehicle making it uncomfortable for other passengers. Returning was much better as she took Gravol that settled her stomach. In the end we all laughed about it. The second surprise was the India government announcement cancelling the 500 and 1000 rupee notes the day prior to leaving. We got stuck with a small quantity of rupees that we could not use. This is not a big deal but wondered if you had a use for them. Perhaps they could be given to an Indian charity? If it could be done let us know where to send them. The itinerary for each leg (six) of the tour were appropriate providing us with a good overview of India. The quality of the hotels was excellent providing an evening refuge to recuperate, collect our thoughts, and share with friends. Transportation arrangements were excellent; Arvind did a superb job dealing with airport arrangements for air travel within India. Security had recently been stepped up at the airports making for long lineups. Arvind managed to shorten them with his knowledge and relationships with security personnel. The quality of buses used for transportation between Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur were excellent. As you are aware driving in India is somewhat different than driving in North America. Road quality can be very poor, vehicle density is very high, roads go through many towns, people and animals share the road, and drivers don’t necessarily obey traffic laws; such as creating five lanes of traffic on a two lane road.. The bus drivers had to deal with these situations being mindful of our travel deadlines and our safety. They did an excellent job! It may be a while before we travel to India again, however we would definitely consider Explore India first for making our travel/tour arrangements when we do. Our kindest regards
Errol and Carolyn
Calgary, Canada
I never use travel agents, taking great pride in thinking I do a better job and I certainly hate group tours. However, when I decided to take my daughter to India, I felt that perhaps, just this time, it might be wise to seek professional help. I researched several tour companies and was about to book a bus tour accomodating up to 30 passengers, when I noticed Nazir's ad in the Vancovuer Sun. I telephoned and instantly took to this delightful man. His no pressure approach was certainly appreciated and I quickly realized he was an expert on India. To my delight, I also discovered his private tour for just my daughter and I, in a private car, in 5 star hotels vs the student type accomodations offered by GAP tours, was just a few hundred $ more than their huge group tour. We then began our planning which would drive most agents mad, with me hopping all over Rajastan now that I could pick my own itinery. After numerous changes, we were finally on our way. Nazir arranged the very best seat in economy on British Airways. The hotels were fabulous, the drivers and tour guides represented all of the various cultural groups of India. We were impressed to see Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus all working harmoniously together. They could teach the world a lesson. I must admit, I am a high maintainence client and had several demands, all of which Nazir completed graciously and efficiently. He phoned us along the way to ensure all was well and no demand was too much for him. I would and have, recommended Nazir to everyone and anyone. It was a trip of a lifetime and Nazir made it so.
Margaret Stuart
Hi Mandira, this trip, as you may recall, had been planned and revised over the past year. Thanks to your and Nazir's efforts, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India and Nepal. Nazir's suggestion of finishing our trip in Nagarkot was especially appreciated, we viewed the sunrise over the Himalayas from our balcony! Our guide, Mr. Mustafa Shah, made our visit to Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur a very relaxed and pleasant experience. He included our entire tour group to partake in a very colourful Holi celebration, something we'll never forget! Our private tour in Kathmandu was great! Our Kathmandu native guide, Deepak, was very welcoming and we enjoyed our time learning about Nepal, past and present. Everyone we met, associated with Explore India, was professional and very courteous. Our return flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was delayed yet Deezam (sorry if misspelled) was there to pick us up and got us back in time for our flight home later that night. There is so much yet to see in India! Jeff & Deborah
Jeff & Deborah Hughes
Toronto ON,
We have just returned home from the 10 days Explore India tour Magical India with unforgettable experiences and truly favorable memories. Any initial reservations or uncertainties related to travelling in such a mysterious land were quickly relieved after we received a surprise but welcoming and reassuring phone call while registering on arrival at our airport hotel in Delhi at 11:55 pm from Explore India's Head of Operations. Despite using our own travel plans to and from the tour, Explore India representatives continually provided full support to our individual travel plans right through to our arrival at the Delhi airport for our departure flight. Our tour guide was extremely effective in preparing our group with extensive historical and current information on all the amazing sites we visited. Despite travelling in a country well known for its chaos and unpredictabilities, the tour was extremely well organized and effectively delivered. Accommodations were consistently first class. Meals were of high quality, with an ample variety for all tastes. Transportation was first class with a fully modern bus operated by a skilled driver. All tours to the many amazing world-class venues were conducted with professional precision. Kudos to Nazir, Rajeev and Arvind of Explore India for providing us with an exceptionally favorable, and memorable travel experience.
Al and Karen Perras
Victoria, Canada
Just wanted to send you a quick note that the trip/tour was excellent. All your staff there were great and very accommodating. We got our tour of old Delhi and we were glad it happened - very interesting. Thanks again for the beautiful tour.
Robert & Mary Matthews
Ottawa, 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
Dear Nasir, Starting off with that amazing dinner with you at Veda this is the most fabulous trip I have ever taken, and I have been on many a great trip around the world. I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite, although Darjeeling was special. Even seeing the Taj Mahal in the fog didn’t take away from its incredible beauty. The Golden temple at Amritsar was fascinating. Dirty as Varanasi was it was still intriguing. At Ranthanbore we saw a tiger within 25 minutes. Many people had been there 3 days without a sighting. Rajahstan was so very interesting. So many things to do and see including getting rid of our (black money). We did manage it though. I would really like to commend our driver Sunil. He was always there for us and always helpful. (You should give him a raise!!!) Khalid in Delhi did his utmost to see that our trip went as smoothly as possible and Mukund was an excellent guide. (Give them all raises!!!) I have just been talking to Helen in Scotland & we both agree that we would love to come back.
Myra Johnston
North Vancouver, Canada
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