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Overview
INDIA’S LUXURY GANGES VOYAGER RIVER CRUISE & GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Experience the best of India with an enchanting and delightful travel experience. Explore the ancient city of 17th century Delhi, climb aboard a bicycle rickshaw, visit the world’s best-known symbol of love…the unrivaled Taj Mahal, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur atop a private elephant ride to the Amber fort.
The colonial décor of the RV Ganges Voyager is the perfect cruise ship to experience the colonial heritage of Bengal. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Learn, observe, relax and enjoy on this remarkable tour while staying in luxury and enjoy the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager and its crew!
This Explore India Journeys tour is a reflection of our desire to offer our guests a unique experience that no other travel company can offer. Luxury Cruising Through India Tour combines the luxury of touring on land with the added experience of boarding the beautiful RV Ganges Voyager and travelling in this most unique way. You will be escorted to some of the most iconic sites in India while being catered to like royalty whether on land or sea. Enjoy looking out your window and seeing the world fall away slowly as you embark on this most unique look at India and all it has to offer.
Tour Highlights
- Be in awe at a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and a sunset visit in the evening
- Step back in time as you walk Mahatma Gandhi’s last footsteps before his murder
- Take in the world’s most prominent Sikh Temple, Bangla Gurudawa Sahib and feast on the most extraordinary luncheon sitting you will experience
- Hang on to your hat, as you take an exhilarating rickshaw ride around Delhi
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort and Humayun’s Tomb
- Board RV Ganges Voyager (1) and embark on a most unique touring experience
- Visit Mother Theresa’s missionary home and the Memorial Victoria Museum in Kolkata
- Take a walk to the Neo-Classical Hazarduari Palace built in the 19th century
- Enjoy a rickshaw ride cycle rickshaw ride to the Rajbari temples in Kalna and many more amazing adventures await you on this spectacular tour
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival in India (New Delhi)
Welcome to Incredible India. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport you will be greeted by our Explore India representative who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities at the hotel.
Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel, DelhiThe Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
No.1, Man Singh Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi&utm_medium=Local+91 11 6656 6162The Taj Mahal Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the very heart of New Delhi. On Number One Mansingh Road, it stands as tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps, and entertainment, heritage and business districts has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the capital. Prominent landmarks – India Gate, the Presidential Palace and the National Museum – are a short 10-minute drive away.
The glorious Mughal architecture, dramatic façade of pink Dholpur sandstone, impeccable gardens and pool give it the ambience of a luxurious in-city haven.
All around, grandeur meets understated elegance. Antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents & colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities. Stay in our 292 luxurious rooms and grand suites, all of which offer stunning aerial views of Delhi’s historic skyline, or at our one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, all perfected to host dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe.
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Day 2:
Delhi: Explore Old and New Delhi
After breakfast, we will start our tour with a visit to the house of Mahatma Gandhi, a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on January 30th, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house from September 9th, 1947 until his death, and the house is home to many treasures and memorial items from the last 144 days of his life.
Later we proceed to Old Delhi, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD. Your next stop will be – Jama Masjid, one of the iconic, historic and largest mosques in India – built by Shah Jahan. From here, you will be driven past the iconic Red Fort, the standing testimony to the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Your next stop will be at Chandni Chowk, a very popular and a busy market in Old Delhi to the next stop. A rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk could be quite interesting as this part of the city is quite crowded as it is full of shops.
After lunch, we will head to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is one of the prominent Sikh houses of worship. The Sikh Temple is locally called Gurduwara Bangla Sahib. This is the most prominent Sikh Temple of worship and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru and the pond inside its complex. You will also get an opportunity to visit Langar, is the term used in Sikhism for the community kitchen in a Gurdwara where a free meal is served to all the visitors, without distinction of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Every single day of the year between 20,000 and 30,000 hot, vegetarian meals are prepared and served. During Diwali, or, Festival of Lights, that number increases to a staggering 50,000 – 80,000 meals per day. All of the produce, spices, and other ingredients are donated and all of the people preparing, serving, and cleaning up afterwards are all volunteers. A truly humbling experience to not only see the massive operation but if you can actually partake in their offerings, it will leave you a changed person forever
Later, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India and the tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum in 1569, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.After our visit, we will return to our hotel for a small break before we leave for our welcome dinner and traditional India dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel, DelhiThe Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
No.1, Man Singh Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi&utm_medium=Local+91 11 6656 6162The Taj Mahal Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the very heart of New Delhi. On Number One Mansingh Road, it stands as tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps, and entertainment, heritage and business districts has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the capital. Prominent landmarks – India Gate, the Presidential Palace and the National Museum – are a short 10-minute drive away.
The glorious Mughal architecture, dramatic façade of pink Dholpur sandstone, impeccable gardens and pool give it the ambience of a luxurious in-city haven.
All around, grandeur meets understated elegance. Antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents & colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities. Stay in our 292 luxurious rooms and grand suites, all of which offer stunning aerial views of Delhi’s historic skyline, or at our one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, all perfected to host dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe.
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Day 3:
Delhi - Agra
After breakfast we will visit Akshardham Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the world, Akshardham. Built of pink sandstone and marble, the temple is the spiritual center of the entire complex. It consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20,000 statues of Hindu spiritual personalities. This will be indeed an informative and inspiring journey through an ancient culture, glorious art, and values of Hinduism.
Later we drive for Agra, a city that has its lacy of white grandeur, is one of the world’s most recognized monuments the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
Afternoon free time for your personal activities.
Sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an open space garden situated in between the Yamuna River.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel, DelhiThe Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
No.1, Man Singh Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi&utm_medium=Local+91 11 6656 6162The Taj Mahal Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the very heart of New Delhi. On Number One Mansingh Road, it stands as tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps, and entertainment, heritage and business districts has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the capital. Prominent landmarks – India Gate, the Presidential Palace and the National Museum – are a short 10-minute drive away.
The glorious Mughal architecture, dramatic façade of pink Dholpur sandstone, impeccable gardens and pool give it the ambience of a luxurious in-city haven.
All around, grandeur meets understated elegance. Antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents & colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities. Stay in our 292 luxurious rooms and grand suites, all of which offer stunning aerial views of Delhi’s historic skyline, or at our one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, all perfected to host dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe.
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Day 4:
Agra
Sunrise visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After leisurely 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 early evening we will enjoy the live show a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. 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 the most precious example of mastery, artistry, and craftsmanship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: ITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, AgraITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra
Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.itchotels.in/hotels/agra/itcmughal.html+91 562 402 1700 -
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Day 5:
Agra - Jaipur
Sunrise visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife.
The Taj Mahal –Shah Jehan’s enduring monument to love. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression as we pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Emperor Shah Jehan, fifth of the great Mughals was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace). Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece.Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast you will be transferred from Agra to Jaipur along the way we will visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest stepwells in the world built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri. Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through.
After lunch, continue driving to Jaipur. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure in which you can partake in the activities of your interest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, JaipurTaj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/+91 141 660 1111Step into a 270-year-old Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece set amidst landscaped Mughal gardens at Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.At this luxury heritage hotel, you experience unparalleled opulence with tantalising comforts. With its blend of heritage, elegance and luxury, you experience an exclusive royal lifestyle at this hotel.
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Day 6:
Jaipur
After breakfast the Jaipur journey starts from Amer fort also known as Amer Palace. Amber 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.
Later you will be taken to Maharaja City Palace, a royal palace with seven storeys as well as Jantar Mantar, the observatory. This wonderful observatory attracts mathematicians as well as astronomers from the whole world. City palace is perfect blend of all three excellent styles (Mughal, Rajput and European). Another palace, Hawa Mahal is popular all over world for its magnificent architecture.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner experience with a cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, JaipurTaj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/+91 141 660 1111Step into a 270-year-old Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece set amidst landscaped Mughal gardens at Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.At this luxury heritage hotel, you experience unparalleled opulence with tantalising comforts. With its blend of heritage, elegance and luxury, you experience an exclusive royal lifestyle at this hotel.
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Day 7:
Jaipur - Kolkata Flight
After breakfast fly to Kolkata. Arrive onboard. Afternoon visit to Mother Theresa’s home memorial and the Missionaries of Charity orphanage she founded. Enjoy a cultural performance in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 8:
Kolkata, Bandel & Kalna
Drive on an early-morning city tour, featuring a panoramic view of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata and visit Victoria Memorial Museum. Sail upstream through European East India companies settlements of the 17th through 19th centuries and visit Bandel’s Imambara, a colonial era Islamic school and pilgrim rest house on the riverbank.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 9:
Kalna & Matiari
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to the Rajbari temples in Kalna built in the 19th century and covered with intricate terracotta reliefs of the gods and humans.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 10:
Matiari & Khushbagh
Enjoy an early morning walk in the shoreside village of Matiari, famous for its handcrafted brass and copperware.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 11:
Khushbagh, Baranagar & Murshidabad
Visit Khushbagh a tomb complex set in scenic fields built by a local ruler and the village of Baranagar with its beautiful terracotta temples built by a rich woman who made her wealth in the colonial trade. Walk through local villages and sail to Murshidabad and walk to the vast Neo-Classical Hazarduari Palace built in the 19th cen. by a British architect and see a museum of objects amassed by a local ruler who reigned during the height of the European East India trade. Take a scenic buggy ride to the elegant 18th cen. brick mosque at Katra. Enjoy a local cultural performance on-board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 12:
Mayapur
After sailing in the morning, a stop in the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 13:
Chanderagore & Kolkata
Visit Chandernagore, once a French colony and explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade. Return to the ship and continue our journey downstream to Kolkata.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 14:
Disembark Kolkata
Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Kolkata airport or hotel.
What’s included
INCLUSIONS
- International Roundtrip Airfare
- Accommodation 7 night cruise in a riverview stateroom on Ganges Voyager (1)
- 2 nights in new Delhi at Taj Mahal New Delhi (or Similar)
- 2 nights in Agra at The ITC Mughal Luxury Collection (or similar)
- 2 nights in Jaipur at The Fairmont (or Similar)
- All meals as per the program – breakfast, lunches and dinners
- Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, and tea during meals
- Extensive sightseeing tour led by professional English speaking tour manager
- Assistance upon arrival and departure
- Complimentary welcome kit on arrival – hand sanitizers, wet tissues, charging plugs
- 24/7 Explore India Concierge team to assist with any last minute, unexpected, and unusual requests
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, gratuities, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Taxes additional of $283 per person
Ship Details
The Ganges Voyager 1
The colonial décor of the RV Ganges Voyager is the perfect cruise ship to experience the colonial heritage of Bengal. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Learn, observe, relax and enjoy on this remarkable tour while staying in luxury and enjoy the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager and its crew!
Staterooms
Maharaja Suite
Located forward on the upper deck, the Maharaja Suite is the most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, offering
more than 400-square-feet of living space. With only one on board, this truly one-of-a-kind suite hand stencilled
walls, Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and colonial prints of picturesque landscapes, monuments and life along the Ganga. Daily butler service and in-room dining are available on request.
Viceroy Suite
Located mid-ship on the upper deck, the Viceroy Suite offers a regal setting, designed for the most discerning
traveler. Furnished in opulent Colonial Indian decor, the Viceroy Suite offers more than 360-square-feet of living
space including a finely crafted day bed, Persian rugs, prints of picturesque views of the Ganga, hand-stencilled
walls and a spacious bathroom.
Heritage Suite
Located on the bow of the upper deck, the Heritage Suite offers 280-square-feet with unparalleled panoramic
views of the landscapes that lie ahead. Featuring an intimate balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Heritage
Suite guests enjoy privacy and comfort. Outfitted with an exquisite four-poster bed, Persian Rugs and luxurious
seating, this suite is a perfect retreat.
Colonial Suite
Located on the upper deck, the Colonial Suite provides more than 260-square feet of elegant living space. The
room’s warm and inviting colors, hand-painted stencils, picturesque prints made by artists who traveled along the
Ganga and comfortable sitting areas offer rest and comfort during your journey. Colonial Suite bathrooms offer
spacious showers with premium toiletries, robes and bath linens.
Signature Suite
Located on the main deck, the Signature Suite is a perfect retreat with more than 260-square-feet of living space
with two twin-size, or one queen-size bed. The sitting area has floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The Signature Suite
is decorated with indigo hand-stencils, a mural of a bodhi tree and fine wood furniture.
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Dear Nazir Karnai, President of Explore India, This note is to heartily thank the Explore India Staff (EI) of Rajeev Sharma, Head of Operations, Mendura by telephone, our main driver & assistant, and other drivers and personnel who assisted us for Explore India. When Canadians say, ‘nothing was too much trouble’, we may sometimes exaggerate, but in the case of EI, nothing could have been more apt and honest. No detail was too small, from our initial bookings and EI contacts by telephone to the ease we felt through each thread of the trip. Our destination was India, but our journey was irreplaceable. I would not hesitate to highly recommend EI to anyone who asks and will do so as I write my freelance piece and attach it to my blog (charlesbeale.com). Thank you. My gratitude and I believe I can speak for the whole group, would not be complete without further thanks to our EI tour guide, Harry Singh, but in this response, I will only speak for myself. Harry taught me many things. He and India are delightful enigmas. Not only was he the best tour guide I have ever had, but he became a kind of personal guru, banker, time manager, and friend. Tour guides come and go, but Harry lives and breathes his beloved India so much so that some of that rubbed off on each and every one of us. In fact, there were times when we had to rein him in, such was his enthusiasm. Harry describes himself as a spiritual healer, and again, some of that personal belief affected us most strongly and positively. He became our personal banker due to the demonetization that began just as we arrived in the country. Without his purse, some of us would have been in dire straits; without his knowledge of how to manage the monetary change, we would have become nervous travellers. Although we sometimes worried about time, as many Westerners do, Harry was able to manage India time for us smoothly and in an unruffled manner. He is also the best-dressed tour guide I have ever encountered. In the end, as the peaceful and kind people of India showed us, Harry was able to deepen our meaning of empathy and love. I would, however, request that in future, Harry assigns more tourists to keep the ledgers for the counting of other than cows. Most sincerely yours,
Charles Beale
Bath, Canada
Hello Nazir, It has been a week since our return from Impressions of India trip. We are slowly getting over our jet lag. I still find myself going to the gym at 4 o'clock in the morning (and not minding it). This was my second time in India. The first time was in 1976 when I backpacked through large parts of India for about 5-6 weeks and then returned back again about a month later for four more months to do some work out of Mumbai. I often had a week or two off, which I used to travel further through India. First of all, I must comment on the excellent service that Sandeep has provided to our group. As I have discovered, all twenty-two participants are a well-travelled bunch. From my own perspective, Sandeep was the best guide of any we have ever had, anywhere. I would gladly go on another tour of India under his guidance again. Maybe Kerala one day. We have seen wonderful historical sites, forts and palaces, seen a tiger, experienced Diwali in Varanasi, etc. The hotels chosen by EI were excellent, the food was delicious and travel by bus was very comfortable. We will treasure our memories of India forever and will definitely recommend your company to our friends and relatives. Thank you and Namaste,
Martin Necpal
North York, Canada
Namaste We had an amazing experience travelling through India and as always we wish we had more time there. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Darjeeling. Our guide Sandeep was a jewel, such a wealth of knowledge. I don't think the trip would have been such a success had it not been for him. Many of us on the tour discussed coming back to travel to the south of India next time and possibly spending more time in some places, maybe even a few days to relax on the beach, possibly Goa? Also, Sandeep felt we would very much enjoy seeing Udaipur so maybe that could be included. Also, speaking for myself and Randy, maybe you could offer an optional tour to the Maldives as we would like to go there, even if it was just for 4-5 days. I know you offer a tour on your website for the south but why don't you send out an email to everyone that was on this tour asking what interest they may have for seeing the south and maybe based on the responses you can put together a more customized tour. Of course, Sandeep will have to be the guide and he did say he would do it. We talked about late Oct, early Nov 2018, that seemed to work for everyone. Again, thank you to all your staff who helped organize and coordinate this trip. They did a great job. Best regards
Kathy and Randy Whitten
Trent Lakes, Canada
We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent trip you prepared for us to visit India. Adding our pre-tour to Varanasi and our post tour to Mumbai and Aurangabad to the main Camel Festival Tour gave us a wonderful introduction to India. Within the Camel Festival Tour, you gave us a wide variety of experiences in the monuments and places we visited and the places we stayed at night. We especially enjoyed the nights in the Tent City with the outdoor barbecues and bonfires. And we had such nice people to travel with. Thanks for all of this. And I must add that Rouf did an excellent job for us accompanying us to Mumbai and Aurangabad. We are telling all of our friends about you and your company Explore India. We wish you all the best in the years to come,
Mimi and John Hart
Toronto, Canada
Hi Nazir, It was good to finally meet you in Delhi. Thanks for the bag and the lovely gifts. What a surprise. We had a wonderful trip. We are still processing all the experiences and can't believe all that we crammed into our time in India. Rajeev did a great job of ensuring everything ran smoothly. An amazing trip!
Pamela & Jim
Ottawa, Canada
Nazir Susan and I would like to say what a great job our tour manager Yajur did on the Explore India tour we just completed. His knowledge of India’s history and the forts and temples and cities et al that we visited and his ability to communicate that knowledge was terrific. His ability to deal with tour issues outstanding. His assistant Rouf had to leave mid-tour due to his father’s cancer and Yajur carried on with no impact on the group. Yajur minimized the impact to the group of the government’s demonetization of the INR500 and INR1000 notes. Mostly he convinced restaurants and vendors to accept the old bills. Finally in Agra some of us we able to exchange INR2000 old for new. I had a medical emergency where he provided excellent service – taking me to the hospital, dealing with language barriers at the hospital and purchasing for me needed supplies. I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate his efforts. The entire tour was an amazing experience. Thanks,
Blake Wimperis
Carp, Canada
Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on our trip to India last month. We were taken care of by all of your representatives who were very friendly and helpful. Our guide in Nepal, Bakash, was very knowledgeable and did everything to make our stay exciting. Although at times his English was hard to understand, he was very accommodating and helpful and made that part of our trip very memorable. In India, Sundeep was also a great guide. He told us many interesting things about the places that we visited. I enjoyed all of our excursions and the hotels were wonderful. Thanks for all of your and Madera's help in planning this trip. It is an adventure that I will always remember.
Diane Powell
Calgary, Canada
Thank you, Nazir. Our entire experience in India has been amazing. You have some very special people working for you. And I sincerely hope that they are appreciated. In particular, I have to mention Raj and Arvind. As you know, Shirley and I arrived two days ahead of the rest of the tour group. We met with Raj who became like a big brother to us. With our safety in mind, Raj continually checked on our well-being, made some terrific suggestions including restaurants and even arranged for us to meet with a numerologist, which had been on our wish list for India. He was always asking us if we were happy and if there was anything else he could do for us. He arranged taxis, made some excellent suggestions and went out of his way to make our dreams a reality. We felt very safe. Arvind was an excellent guide. He gave 150% to everything he did. There is no doubt in my mind that this part of our tour would've been entirely different and not nearly as spectacular had it been anyone different. Arvind was more than a tour guide. He educated us on the history of India, the poverty, spirituality, rituals, food, the different religions and much much more. His day was never over. He was always planning more than was included on our agenda. Surprises and extra activities – he was a very generous man. Very trustworthy and honest. he managed to please everyone on the tour which is no easy feat. I cannot say enough about Arvind. He made our whole trip. Another guide worthy of praise is Lo Chen on the Darjeeling portion of the trip. A very gentle and caring man. He was so amenable to suggestions and also went the extra mile to show us the highlights of this part of the country. Very knowledgeable. I had a fantastic trip. I loved India and I hope one day to return. It has a very special place in my heart. I hope that my comments will be helpful to you and please pass on my thanks to Mandira who always responded quickly to any questions we had and gave us lots of interesting information before we left. Namaste,
Lynn Graham
Kelowna, Canada
What a wonderful trip. It exceeded all expectations. My husband ,who was not too keen on going loved it. Everything was wonderful, no changes necessary to the programme. We just had a wonderful time. You need to advertise India more. It was unbelievable. Thanks very much.
Gwyneth & Keith Jones
Winnipeg, Canada
This past January we had a wonderful escorted five day tour of India. Nazir of Explore India put the tour together, hosted it, and we couldn't be more satisfied with his knowledge of the country, his enthusiasm, and his jovial personality. If you're thinking of a trip to India, and you're a little hesitant to do it all on your own, then call Nazir and let him do all the heavy lifting. Nazir looked after all the details, from hotel reservations, luggage, check-ins, meals, and entertainment. The hotels were all first class, the meals and restaurant venues second to none, and the entertainment something we won't soon forget... elephant rides and fireside suppers are only a few of the highlights we loved. Call Nazir. He will look after all the little things and you can sit back and enjoy. You won't spend one minute worrying about a thing.
Steve and Robyn Moran
Sidney, 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.
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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.