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Overview
From your first few moments in New Delhi you will feel an air of excitement as you begin to experience the magically enchanting India. As you breathe in the pleasant sweet smoky fragrance of the air and as the vibrant colours of this incredible land dance in front of your eyes, you will feel a stirring in your heart and a revitalization of your spirit that will take your breath away. As the sounds of the bustling city tickles your ears you are intrigued by the peacefulness amidst this sometimes chaotic land as your curiosity will peak every moment of this magical tour. From the tranquility of the Taj Mahal, to the exhilarating bicycle rickshaw adventure through the streets of Old Delhi, to the warm-hearted smiles and kind gestures of the people of India, this land will amaze, inspire, and educate you at every turn.
Explore India and feel the magic that will change your life.
Tour Highlights
- There is magic in the air as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the entire tour.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi and visit the vibrant shopping area of Chandi Chowk.
- 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.
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592.
- Spot the elusive tigers of Rathambore National Park with the help of a Naturalist/Guide.
- In Agra you will feel the passion of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz in the adaptation of their love saga in the musical play entitled Shah Jahan O-Mumtaz. (Optional)
- Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community. Optional
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flights includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
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Day 2:
Arrival in India -New Delhi
Welcome to Incredible India. On 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 hotel.
Accommodation: Vivanta New Delhi, DwarkaVivanta New Delhi, Dwarka
Metro Station Rd, Sector 21, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, Indiahttps://www.vivantahotels.com/en-in/vivanta-new-delhi-dwarka/+91 11 6600 3000Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka – Designed to delight high fliers from all angles. Laidback but efficient. Elegant and spacious. Directly connected to the heart of the city with easy access to the Sector 21 Metro station. As one of the most opulent 5-star business hotels in NewDelhi, it aims to change the face of business, in a space where you can work and play seamlessly. Spanning 7 acres, Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is one of the best hotels near Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. You are never far from the city. A 20-minute drive eastward leads you to the heart and soul of the city – Lutyens’ New Delhi! And the domestic and international airports are an easy 15-minute drive westward. Everything you need, and then some, around every corner. Where business and luxury unite, in an experience like no other!
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Day 3:
Delhi
After breakfast we will take a tour through Delhi as we venture toward our first stop, the 17th century Old Delhi. We begin exploring Old Delhi by visiting the Jama Mosque, a royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We then ride a bicycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jewelers lane. After that we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Red Fort. Next, we will visit Humayun’s tomb. Emperor Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. The tomb 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 lunch we visit 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. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of Gandhi, “Father of the Nation” and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. As you walk through Gandhi’s home it’s as though you feel the majesty of his presence still there, a truly fascinating and memorable step back in time that will leave you with a quiet stillness but lifted spirit. The building and the landscape have been preserved to the lush beauty that filled the eyes of the beloved teacher and you will be impressed as you stroll the grounds. Before heading to our hotel, we will see the war memorial India Gate as well as the impressive grounds of the presidential palace.
In the evening enjoy your welcome dinner in your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Vivanta New Delhi, DwarkaVivanta New Delhi, Dwarka
Metro Station Rd, Sector 21, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, Indiahttps://www.vivantahotels.com/en-in/vivanta-new-delhi-dwarka/+91 11 6600 3000Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka – Designed to delight high fliers from all angles. Laidback but efficient. Elegant and spacious. Directly connected to the heart of the city with easy access to the Sector 21 Metro station. As one of the most opulent 5-star business hotels in NewDelhi, it aims to change the face of business, in a space where you can work and play seamlessly. Spanning 7 acres, Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is one of the best hotels near Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. You are never far from the city. A 20-minute drive eastward leads you to the heart and soul of the city – Lutyens’ New Delhi! And the domestic and international airports are an easy 15-minute drive westward. Everything you need, and then some, around every corner. Where business and luxury unite, in an experience like no other!
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Day 4:
Delhi – Agra
After breakfast we will drive for about 4 hours to Agra, a city which is famous for being home to the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
In the late afternoon witness the blue and white backdrop of the Taj Mahal transform as the sun slowly casts a honey hued canvas onto the iconic monument of love as it seemingly carmelizes into dusk. Built between 1631 and 1648, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim architecture in India and is universally one of the most admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. This most famous monument of love was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Optional: In the early evening you have the opportunity to enjoy the The Love Story of The Taj Mahal, Live Play/Musical Performance: This musical depicts the saga of love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Feel the sorrow of Shah Jahan as he holds his beloved wife Mumtaz as she takes her last breathe, thus, crippling his heart forever but is the impetus for Shah Jahan to build the magnificent Taj Mahal. The lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era in the 16th century and the hardships of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the breathtaking monument are portrayed in this whimsical drama of love, sorrow, and devotion.
Optional CAD $50.00 per personMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 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 5:
Agra
We start our day early so you may experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal which is as equally stunning as the sunset. Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal jewel taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
After breakfast, we will continue our visit with a tour of the city of Agra and then visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site also known as the Red Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures.After lunch we will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework using the best of translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Meals: BreakfastMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 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 6:
Agra – Ranthambore National Park
After breakfast we embark on a 6 hour drive to Ranthambore National Park. On the way we will visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, this was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to lack of water. After Fatehpur Sikri we will proceed to Rathambore National Park we will stop at our lunching desintation at Kalakhao before proceeding onward with our journey. Continue drive to Ranthambore. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Later enjoy your dinner in the hotel.
Ranthambore National Park, haven to India’s remaining Bengal tigers and where the shallow lakes, gentle slopes and plateaus dominate the landscape of the park making an ideal setting to spot the elusive tiger. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, other animals that inhabit the park are Sloth Bears, Jackals, Marsh Crocodiles, Leopards, Gazelles, Indian Hares, Porcupines, Jungle Cats, Sambhars, Chinkaras, Mongoose, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Monitor Lizards. The park is equally rich in flora where the Banyan, Dhak, Mango, and Pipal trees are in abundance. A large variety of birds can also be seen and heard in the park.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
In the evening we will enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Sher Gargh Resort, RanthamboreThe Sher Gargh Resort, Ranthambore
Sherpur, Ranthambhore, near Ranthambhore jungle, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, Indiahttp://www.theshergarh.com/+91 74622 52101The Sher Garh is a royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectare’s oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivaled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore National Park. Each of our room affords uninterrupted views of the jungle.
Hotel Amenities – Services
- Guests are escorted to their rooms through lush gardens and ornate porches well adorned with ancient artifacts and art deco vestiges.
- Each room at Shergrah Resort is exquisitely furnished, with a luxurious bed, royal furnishing and Maharaja’s own collection of artifacts for indulgent and romantic ambiances. Royal heritage, natural light and delightful views of cosmic greenery are beautifully captured in the rooms and suites for an enduring stay in Ranthambore.
- We are having Luxury Tents and 3 different types of accommodation available. Specially developed complete cottages for a family with kids.
Resort Amenities – Services
- The front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 Days week.
- Daily housekeeping is included in the room.
- Private bathroom for each unit.
- Same day laundry services.
- 24 hours money change facility.
- Individual temperature control in rooms.
- Mini bar/tea coffee maker in the room.
- Room services.
- Madira bar.
- Swimming pool & health club.
- Ayurvedic massage center.
- Spacious garden.
- Doctor on call.
- Travel desk.
- All major credit cards accepted.
- Safe deposit locker.
- Hairdryers.
- An arrangement of Jungle safari on request.
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Day 7:
Ranthambore National Park
Your day will begin before sunrise with coffee/tea and biscuits before setting off on an early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the hotel for breakfast later in the morning.
By late afternoon we will head out on another game drive to experience the sights and sounds of the park at the close of the day. We will end our safari just before sunset as we return to the hotel ending our day just before sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Sher Gargh Resort, RanthamboreThe Sher Gargh Resort, Ranthambore
Sherpur, Ranthambhore, near Ranthambhore jungle, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, Indiahttp://www.theshergarh.com/+91 74622 52101The Sher Garh is a royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectare’s oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivaled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore National Park. Each of our room affords uninterrupted views of the jungle.
Hotel Amenities – Services
- Guests are escorted to their rooms through lush gardens and ornate porches well adorned with ancient artifacts and art deco vestiges.
- Each room at Shergrah Resort is exquisitely furnished, with a luxurious bed, royal furnishing and Maharaja’s own collection of artifacts for indulgent and romantic ambiances. Royal heritage, natural light and delightful views of cosmic greenery are beautifully captured in the rooms and suites for an enduring stay in Ranthambore.
- We are having Luxury Tents and 3 different types of accommodation available. Specially developed complete cottages for a family with kids.
Resort Amenities – Services
- The front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 Days week.
- Daily housekeeping is included in the room.
- Private bathroom for each unit.
- Same day laundry services.
- 24 hours money change facility.
- Individual temperature control in rooms.
- Mini bar/tea coffee maker in the room.
- Room services.
- Madira bar.
- Swimming pool & health club.
- Ayurvedic massage center.
- Spacious garden.
- Doctor on call.
- Travel desk.
- All major credit cards accepted.
- Safe deposit locker.
- Hairdryers.
- An arrangement of Jungle safari on request.
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Day 8:
Ranthambore – Jaipur
After breakfast we leave for a 4 hour drive to Jaipur which is known all over the world as the ‘Pink City’. Jaipur will amaze you with the architecture and planning of both its old and new cities. Experience how the city explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour and hear the bustling sounds at every corner of this vibrant city. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop for textiles and designer jewellery. Arrive and check-in to your hotel, afternoon is free to explore the area and do some shopping.
Optional: Cooking class and dinner with a local family. For those who would like to spend an interesting, educational, and social evening we have just the event for you. Join a well-known Rajput family in their home to learn some great techniques in Rajasthani Indian Cuisine. The in-house chefs will explain various techniques and share secrets of how to use Indian spices for all your favourite dishes. The evening will culminate in a lovely dining experience where you will be able to enjoy the delectable feast.
CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests and subject to availability).Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 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 9:
Jaipur
After breakfast we venture to the outskirts of Jaipur where we will be greeted and transported to the magnificent Amber Fort Palace. Later, we proceed for a city tour of Jaipur and stop for a photo at the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds.” This incredible building was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. Next, we visit the City Palace Museum which has a priceless collection of antiques, costumes, and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. We then continue to the Jantar Mantar Observatory which was built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 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 10:
Jaipur – Delhi
After breakfast we will leave on our 5 hour journey to New Delhi where you will check in at the airport hotel until your flight departs for home. An Explore India representative will meet you and transfer you to the international airport.
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 11:
Delhi – Home
Depart for Canada.
What’s included
- International round-trip airfare
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels & resort stay in Ranthambore Park
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Meals as specified as per the program
- All sightseeing entrance fees including all monuments
- Two Wildlife safari’s in Ranthambore National Park
- Unlimited Bottled water and snacks on board the coach
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 – $135.00 CAD per person must be paid after your 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 during your tour. Applies to group tour only.
- Taxes additional of $127 per person
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Hi Nazir, Just wanted to let you know how much Maggie and I enjoyed our tour. I have to admit that India wasn’t high on my bucket list and that Maggie was the one who was really keen to visit. I’m now a convert and was overwhelmed by the history, culture and the teeming life of the country. The organization of the trip could not be faulted, the quality of hotels exceeded my expectations and our tour guide Rajeev Sharma was the perfect host being informative, entertaining and attentive throughout the visit. The entire experience was excellent value for money. My only complaint is that I now have several thousand photographs to sort through. Kind regards, Rod and Maggie Pye
Rod & Maggie Pye
Mississauga ON,
Hello Nazir, We have just returned from our trip to India with Explore India and just want to tell you how much we enjoyed it. We had a fabulous time visiting this amazing country. Everybody involved with your organization was very pleasant and professional, from the representatives who met us upon arrivals in different locations, to the guides, to the drivers (particularly "Kulu" and his assistant Amir who were with us for the first two weeks). The hotels were very nice and the tour took us to interesting and beautiful places. We are appreciative of the fact that we were in a very small group. If there was one thing we could have changed, it would have been to fly from Varanasi to Cochin without having to spend another night in Delhi. We will not hesitate to highly recommend "Explore India" to our friends and relatives. Thank you,
Marie-Laure and Steve Rhodes
West Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir and Mandira, Very many thanks for your welcome back message. Denise and I had a fabulous ExploreIndia Trip "Mughals and Maharajas". Everything was very well organised and the quality and choice of the hotels were very good, especially the Hotel Madin in Varanasi, where the food, the service and the staff were exceptional. The transportation and visits to places of interest, including the artisan workshops, were also excellent. Our guide, Arvind Sharma, took very good care of our group and completed the picture with his shared insight and enthusiasm for all things "Indian" with his running commentary on the cities, the country's history, the historical sites, and life in India, and really opened our eyes to the real India. And we must not forget the bus driver and his assistant, who were also very hardworking and polite, and their skills at manoeuvering in the traffic were very impressive. Mandira in Vancouver promptly handled any questions or concerns regarding our booking and upcoming trip in a very calm, helpful and friendly manner. You should be very proud of your team, both here in Canada and of course in India. Everything on this trip was outstanding and far surpassed our expectations and we will certainly be recommending Explore India to others. Please pass on our thanks to everybody for a great trip and introduction to incredible India. Very many thanks again, Sincerely, Anthony and Denise Cooper
Denise & Anthony Cooper
Toronto, ON, Canada
A hearty thank you to you and all involved with Explore India. Angela and I are very pleased with everyone and everything that happened during our tour. attached find an ad for my art show this Saturday at the Two Rivers Art Gallery in Prince George, I managed to finish a few paintings of India for the exhibit. Thank you again!
Jerzy (George) Lesniewicz
Prince George, 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
Dear Nazir and Rajeev: It is now nearly a month since my return from my memorable trip to India with my friends, Jodi and Susan, organized by your firm. I wanted to be sure to convey my thanks for the good advice, excellent service and superior organization that you and your team provided. I particularly appreciated your attention to detail and responsiveness to our requests and needs as situations arose or conditions changed. I also wanted to more formally recognize some of the people in your team who made a significant difference in our enjoyment of the trip. I must say that generally we have only the highest regard for all of the individual drivers who so graciously and expertly managed the challenges of Indian traffic and our particular needs with some mobility challenges, motion sickness and other occasional maladies picked up along the way. I would say that your choice of Hira Singh to provide our major travel segment from Delhi to Udaipur was brilliant -- befitting the observation that Hira means Diamond in English. Not only is Hira an excellent driver under all conditions but he is also a very special gentleman. He was thoughtful and caring in every regard: always attentive and responsive to our needs with the anticipation of what would be most safe and comfortable for us in terms of rest stops and places to park near the attractions to deal with mobility challenges and waiting, departures, etc.. He went above and beyond all expectations as he took care of us when we were not feeling well by buying us beverages and snacks (and not accepting any reimbursement) and checking in to make sure we were fine. He even worried that we might be hungry and gave us snacks on the longer drives that were necessary to make our ambitious itinerary. Hira is a tremendous asset to your firm and a wonderful ambassador for the beauty of the spirit of India. One of our guides made the joke that we were the "Three Canadian Maharanis" (we loved this observation and felt it summed up how much we were loving our trip and treatment). Hira ensured that we were made to feel like Maharanis throughout our time together. We wish every success for him in the future. I would also like to commend the calibre of local guides who your firm engages with special recognition of a couple of them. Our first days in Delhi had an excellent start with Harry who provided interesting information and insights as well as shepherding us well through the tangles of Delhi's Chandni Chowk streets as well as other sights. I would say that Shelley, our guide during our day in Varanasi, was exceptional in being able to convey information regarding the spiritual significance of the sights we were experiencing both with respect to Hinduism but also Buddhism at Sarnath. His very clear explanations and great depth of knowledge really helped to put meaningful perspective on not only our experiences in Varanasi but also our previous experiences in Bodhgaya. I would be remiss to not mention Pablo in Agra and Giriraj in Jaipur as very good, considerate and adaptable guides. We also really enjoyed the two most atmospheric hotel choices of the Shahpura House in Jaipur and the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel in Udaipur -- absolutely magical. For the segments on my own, I want to really thank you, Rajeev, for being able to accommodate my spur-of-the-moment request for assistance and assigning Kuldeep Sandhu as my driver for the first weekend -- he was a great problem-solver and thoughtful guide, especially at the Old Fort! In Mumbai, I appreciated both of the women guides who accompanied me on the City tours: Tami and Lena. They were the first women guides for this trip and it was interesting to chat with them about their lives as a woman from Canada, especially since one was from the Parsee community and one was from the Jain community so I could ask questions about the visit to Ranakpur and the broader Parsee community that we know about internationally through the arts. I also want to acknowledge, Nazir, that your advice to include the non-profit led tour to Dharvali with Siddhi as my guide was absolutely correct. It was critically important to gaining an inkling of an understanding of the tremendous dignity of Indian people working so hard to improve their lives and that of their families and communities. I keep talking about this experience as a lasting impression when friends ask me about my trip. I recognize that this is a lengthy email; however, I wanted to highlight the excellent service that you and your team provided to us -- truly making this trip an exceptional and memorable life experience to treasure. I also want to thank each of you for the tremendous effort that you each put into ensuring that everything was well-planned and executed. Rajeev, your willingness to problem-solve and provide assurances and extra services make a huge difference. Thanks again to you and all of your team. I will be pleased to recommend your firm to anyone who is contemplating a trip to India. Sincerely,
Deb Day
Victoria, Canada
I want to thank everyone in your organization because all of you together made our trip to India one of the most memorable trips of our lives. It has been 3 weeks since we returned and we are now starting to relive the wonderful memories of our trip by showing the photos to family and friends. As Manzoor had mentioned at the first introductory meeting in Delhi, this tour was to be not a vacation but an experience of a lifetime. Indeed it was more than a vacation; it was a memorable intense experience that will always be fondly remembered. There were so very many highlights but the two that stand out the most for us are the breathe taking views of the Taj Mahal and the eerie spiritual experience of the Ganges ghats in Varanasi. No photo can do justice to the Taj Mahal and it just has to be experienced. Sunrise and sunset views of bathing and cremation on the Ganges were a culminating way to end our journey. You have a great package and itinerary for this tour. We experienced the richness of the culture and history of India and the grandeur of architecture in forts, temples and palaces. Hotels were very comfortable with interesting distinct features. Meals provided had a wide choice for all palates. The large comfortable tour bus with toilet was much appreciated. The bus driver did an amazing job getting us safely through chaotic traffic. As for shopping, we really found that “shopping on the bus” was the best way to get the small souvenirs and momentos. The specialty shops were awesome for the special purchases like a silk carpet, silk scarfs, pashminas etc. We were very fortunate to have Muzaffar Shah as our guide since he is definitely the best tour guide that we have ever met. He was always very informative, personable and attentive to everyone’s needs. We appreciate very much that he had a special way to describe key historical events in a story-telling way so that these came to life, rather than just facts and information. Thank you Nazir for your guidance to select this particular tour for us and your arrangements for our pre-tour travel for a 10 night stay in Goa at Candolim Beach. This was a great way to acclimatize to the time change and to escape Ottawa’s January weather. We enjoyed the fine weather, the beach at the Arabian Sea and in particular the warmth and friendliness of all the Goan people that we met. Our only regret is that we did not go back to Goa at the end of the tour not only for the fine weather and beach, but also for the fine food and friendly people. Thank you Mandira and Nazir for always responding quickly and helpfully to our various questions such as baggage arrangements for internal flights. I also want to mention Robert who met us upon arrival in Delhi, took us to overnight hotel and sent us off to Goa the next day. He has a very warm and friendly manner that made us feel at ease and very welcome to India. We have been to many parts of the world and have a few more places on our “bucket list” to visit but we definitely want to go back to India some day for more. We will definitely be in touch with you and will highly recommend Explore India to our friends. In fact, our close friends are seriously considering a trip to India next year and I have forwarded to them one of your recent emails that lists various itineraries. Thank you again for the most memorable trip of our lifetime Raymond and Ruta Klicius
Raymond and Ruta Klicius
Ottawa ON
Hi Nazir, We just got back from our extended trip this morning. The whole trip was a great success. Our tour guide, Arvind, was well versed in the history and passionate and positive about the future of his country. Once we were on our own, we especially appreciated the organization and routing he provided for the destinations of the itinerary. Our driver Ravi and his assistant, Shanke, were both very personable and we appreciated having them take care of us on the road. The itinerary delivered a good variety of highlights of architectural and historical monuments. I personally appreciated the chance to support the women's arts and crafts store. And, yes, Varanasi was an important add-on tour to round out our experience of India. Of course, the biggest thrill was seeing the tiger up close in Ranthambore National Park. I would definitely recommend you and this itinerary to my friends and family. Regards,
Quin Kung
Vancouver, Canada
Now that you are back from India I wanted to thank you and Rajeev for the wonderful holiday that that you organized. I had high expectations but I can truly say that our expectations were exceeded throughout the holiday. The choice of hotels was fabulous as was the choice of cities and sites to visit. We will certainly plan another trip in the future as there is still so much to see in India and we will contact you again. Rajeev was very attentive following up with us almost every day and making sure everything went smoothly (which it did). The drivers and guides were great throughout the trip. I only have one small suggestion. Depending on your client's budget and available time, I would book one free day in some of the palace hotels just to enjoy the pools and gardens. The pace of the trip was great but I would have liked one more day at say Lake Palace or Umaid Bhawan Palace to enjoy the hotel itself. I have already recommended you to three other friends. Thanks again
Jim and Meryl Spielman
Montreal, Canada
Got home Wednesday night and recovering from the most incredible journey! Thank you so much for arranging everything so well! Yuvi is a great guide and companion. We had so much to talk about and had so many laughs together. He is a treasure in your organization and deserves to go far. The flight to Kashmir was his first time off the ground and he handled everything so well. From start to finish he was a wonderful companion and I am so glad to have had the same escort all the way. We got to know each other and to kid each other and I think I learned far more about India than I could get from books! Perhaps he learned a bit about Canadians too as he is in charge of groups after me. I must thank you too for the drivers. Kuljeet Singh is such a beautiful person. We three had wonderful experiences in Kashmir together. And what a skilful driver he is. I think of him as the terror of Srinigar! Everything just gets out of Kool's way! He was a better guide in the mountains than Asti was guide in Delhi! On the way to the airport for Kashmir, Kool answered questions I had for Asti who sort of didn't answer when he didn't know. Kool kept his mouth shut as driver in Delhi, but he is a great guide and very personable. Baluinder Singh is a great driver and very knowledgeable too. He is a great person to get to know and we had lovely chats with Yuvi of course on the drives from Delhi to Jaipur and then on to Agra. Balu surely knows great restaurants. I think it was K.R. Joshi who got me to give both a radio interview one night and a TV interview the next on the houseboat in Srinigar. So the Canadian writer, female, aged 92, gave K.R. a boost in his job. I wanted to get a white T shirt with Kashmir in big blue letters across the front but we couldn't stop on the way to the airport as there was a demonstration going on. If K.R. would like to thank me for those interviews, maybe he could send me a T-shirt size XL, white with KASHMIR in blue letters across the front! It's good advertising for him! In Gulmarg I saw the Tshirts in a window but it was raining in BUCKETS, so nobody stopped walking fast! I have emailed my son and daughter-in-law in England to advise them that not to get in touch with you for a mind exploding experience is to deny themselves a gift thatgoes far beyond money. I hope you hear from them. Shall I be recommending in my writing and in my lectures that to see India with Incredible India is the fabulous best cared for way to do it? You can be sure that I will. Thank you again for looking after all my doubts and questions. As for the train ride! Getting into a discussion of a number of things with an English professor, male, Muslim, a professor of psychiatry, female, Hindu, Yuri, a Brahmin and me while rattling along at high speed at night will always be one of my most wonderful travel memories of my life of many many travel memories!
Mary Mason
Toronto, Canada
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