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Overview
Exploring: Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur & Varanasi (Celebrate the Holi festival, widely known as the festival of colors on our March 2025 Departure)
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, spot tigers frolicking in the wilderness, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, and finally visit Varanasi formerly known as Banaras, the oldest living city of India & home to one of the world’s most time-honored and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India…in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do. There is magic in the air as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the entire tour.
Tour Highlights
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi and visit the centuries-old Spice market
- 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 splendor of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
- 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.
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
- Spot the elusive tigers of Ranthambore National Park with the help of a Naturalist/Guide.
- Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community (Optional)
- Visit the oldest living city of India & home to one of the worlds’ most time-honored and mysterious cultures
- Witness the most important daily rituals at sunset and sunrise on the banks of the holy Ganges River
- Visit world heritage site Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon
- Witness some of the world’s greatest Indian Buddhist art the Archaeological Museum.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
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Day 2:
Arrival in New Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
On your arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 3:
Explore Old & New Delhi
After Breakfast – We will start our morning tour with a visit to 17th-century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane, and then drive past Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a visit to Humayun’s tomb. The tomb was built by his widow in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, for 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 lunch visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic Life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi had lived in this house from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. Thus, the hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. The preserves include the room where Mahatma Gandhi lived and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening. It was here where the assassin’s bullets felled Gandhi.
Later in the evening enjoy your welcome dinner.
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:
Delhi - Agra & Taj Mahal
After breakfast leave 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.
In the early evening, you will enjoy 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 the Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create a most breathtaking work of craftsmanship. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, 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 5:
Visit Taj Mahal
Early morning – We will start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most highly revered masterpieces in the world.
After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.
After lunch – We will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are still renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the 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 6:
Agra – Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore National Park, en route 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 the scarcity of water. After Fatehpur Sikri proceed for Lunch on the way to Ranthambhore.
After lunch, we will visit a local village to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals, who no doubt will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands continue driving towards Ranthambore. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Later enjoy your dinner in the hotel.
Ranthambore Park: Ranthambore National Park is the true den of the tigers situated near the confluence of the lakes…namely Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Milak Talab. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, other animals that inhabit the park are the Sloth Bear, Jackals, Marsh Crocodile, Leopard, Gazelle, Indian Hare, Porcupines, Jungle Cat, Sambhar, Chinkara, Mongoose, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Monitor Lizards. A variety of exotic birds can also be seen in huge numbers here. The park is equally rich in flora. Trees like Banyan, Dhok, Mango, and Pipal are in abundance. The landscape of the park is dominated by shallow lakes, gentle slopes, and plateaus. 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 & Tigers
Your day will begin with pre-dawn coffee and biscuits before setting off on a guided, early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Return to your hotel for breakfast before making our way back to the park for an afternoon game drive, ending our day just before sunset.
Time permitting: We will visit the women’s craft village to see the unique talents of displaced villagers used to generate income for this region. What started out in a tiny room in the Sherpur village, has now become an organization that has provided new means of livelihood to these villages.
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 Pink City
After breakfast leave for Jaipur. The origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter in to the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that can be seen from every turn. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II.
Visit the famous Hindu Temple in Pink city 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.
Later check in at your hotel.
Optional Cooking with local family for those who would like to spend an interesting, educational and social evening at a house that belongs to a well-known Rajput family to learn some great techniques about Rajasthani Indian Cuisine in coordination with your in-house chefs which takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll be taken into their kitchen where the cooking demonstration will commence. You will be shown how each dish is cooked and your hosts will describe the taste of freshly prepared and cooked ingredients will be great and round of the complete experience.
Optional CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests – subject to availability)
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 9:
Jaipur & Amber Fort Palace
In the morning, enjoy an excursion by jeeps to the Amber fort. Enjoy the architecture, lattice screens, and paintings colored with jewel dust. Later drive pass through the old city and make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace a home of the current Maharaja of Jaipur and its museum. Time to shop for exclusive gems that Jaipur is famous and some fascinating block printing fabrics.
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 10:
Jaipur - Delhi – Varanasi By Flight
Take a short afternoon flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Varanasi is formerly known as Kashi, the city that illuminates. It is the religious capital of Hinduism and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Arrive and transfer to our hotel. In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Ganges, VaranasiTaj Ganges, Varanasi
Nadesar Palace Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, Indiahttps://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/ganges-varanasi/+91 542 666 0001The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. Featured among the top 5 star hotels in the city, The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance (about 45 minutes drive) from the airport.
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Day 11:
Varanasi & Ganges
Early morning – we will leave for a boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Life on the Ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world.
In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gayathe, Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place, the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa & the museum.
In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Ganges, VaranasiTaj Ganges, Varanasi
Nadesar Palace Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, Indiahttps://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/ganges-varanasi/+91 542 666 0001The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. Featured among the top 5 star hotels in the city, The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance (about 45 minutes drive) from the airport.
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Day 12:
Varanasi – Delhi By Flight
We leave after breakfast to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to your day hotel until your flight departure for home.
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 13:
Delhi – Home
Departure to International airport for your flight home.
What’s included
- Roundtrip International Airfare
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels & resort stay in Ranthambore Park
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Meals as specified as per the program
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Riverboat rides for Morning and Evening Rituals at the Holy Ganges
- Two Wildlife Safaris at Ranthambore National Park.
- Services of an accompanying Explore India Tour Director
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and snacks on long drives
- Entrance fees to all the monuments
- Complimentary welcome kit on arrival – hand sanitizers, wet tissues, charging plugs, etc.
- Wi-Fi at hotels during your stay
- 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 $173
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Patti and I just returned home last evening from our Explore India vacation. Without question, it was the most memorable vacation we have ever been on. It is impossible to put into words all the wonderful experiences we had an opportunity to participate in. Whether it be the ancient sites, the living temples, the changing landscapes, the human faces or the excitement of rickshaw rides through old towns it was in a word amazing. On daily bases, we were drowned in wave after wave of new experiences that at times were hard to absorb. Your homeland is beautiful and one we know you must be extremely proud of. We will be talking about this vacation for months to come, but clearly, our words cannot do it justice. It is something one must see and experience for themselves. What took this tour from excellent to incredible was the leadership provided by your Tour Manager Ravi Shanker. This gentleman is the consummate professional. While many tour managers are able to connect you with the visual and physical aspects of what you are seeing Ravi was able to bond us all to the historical, spiritual, human and emotional elements that were instrumental in delivering a complete and fulfilling experience. While the memories of what we have seen will live in our minds forever, the memories of Ravi and his personable, honest and loving character and values will live in our hearts forever. Thank-you for all the professional aspects and level of detail that you have developed and incorporated within the Explore India Tour Package. It is a first class offering that we will recommend to all our family and friends.
Mr. & Mrs. Cook
Kelowna, Canada
We would like to highly recommend Nazir and the Explore India Travel company. India was a trip we dreamed of and did a fair bit of research on the country, culture, religions and geography. We checked other travel agencies and they had little or no information on India. We contacted Nazir and he was prompt, pleasant and accommodating. The places we wanted to see were north, south, east and west and I knew that was an impossible journey. Nazir made suggestions that helped me narrow down to a manageable trip. On our arrival in India we were given a necklace of marigolds and a cell phone to use in India and the phone was invaluable. Our accommodation was just perfect and all the hotels were great especially the one in Jaipur fabulous. The drivers were all from the regions we were travelling in and spoke English, Hindi and the local language. They gave me an insiders view of the region, culture, history and recommended restaurants, sights and shops, Our trip to India more than met our expectations. The people, culture, religions, food and colours still dazzle me. Nazir and their staff in Delhi helped to make this a memorable trip. We will go again. We still have more trains to ride and fabric to see and I will definitely use Nazir and Explore India to help me with my plans.
Debra Trca and Marnie Strong
Vancouver, Canada
Hi Nazir, The India tour was excellent. The accommodations and meals was great , spicy but you get used to it after a couple of days, The hotel staff making every effort to accommodate and attending to any request from the tour participants. The tour bus was quite satisfactory with the driver and assistant quite helpful, keeping the bus clean. The Tour guide was excellent and quite knowledgeable about the history of the Indian civilization. Also handling the tickets to the various sites so the was little delay getting in and experiencing the splendor that is India Pick up and drop off from the airport went without any incidence. Overall, a great experience that will not be forgotten.
Anirud and Hafeeza
Toronto, Canada
greeting and saying goodbye was also excellent. Our group of 19 was so manageable that we got extra treats of walking the backstreets of Varanasi and extra rickshaw. I can't tell you in words how much I saw nor its effect on me. I now know more of India and have a deep respect for the people culture and their respect for their heritage. Thank you for this memorable adventure. Yours truly
Jean McCarthy
Niagara Falls, Canada
I would like to give you some feedback about my recent trip with Explore India, 'Impressions of India', which my wife, Dixie Koenig, and I began on November 14th, ending on the 30th. This travel experience gave me a fascinating insight into India, from exotic places like the Taj Mahal, the Ganges and the game preserve to the daily street scenes in the various places we visited and everything in between. The hotels we stayed in were first class, our tour bus was clean and comfortable and our domestic flights in India were flawlessly arranged for us. The train ride was quite an experience and I'm glad that it was on the agenda. Most of all, I would like to thank your staff, ALL of whom were highly professional and a credit to your company. This includes the young fellow who picked us up at Delhi airport and returned us there at the end of the trip, Rajiv, who met us on our first day and toured us (Dixie, me, Allan Mayer and Wendy Koenig) around Delhi for two days and got our trip off to a wonderful start, our tour bus driver, Malik, his assistant, Anil, and the local guides we encountered along the way. And, of course, Sandeep, our primary tour guide who was with us for nearly two weeks. Sandeep is most knowledgeable about India and its history and provided us with a wealth of information everywhere we went. He is articulate and passionate about his job and I think everyone enjoyed and benefitted from listening to his descriptions and explanations. But, most important of all, he took very good care of us and made sure that our needs were met and that things moved smoothly and according to plan. I had total confidence in his ability to lead our group. Your policy of focusing on small groups is of great benefit to the traveler. Our group of sixteen was most impressive. They were friendly, good humoured, enthusiastic and didn't hesitate to help one another out. I would happily and without reservation recommend Explore India to anyone planning a trip.
Robin Dann
Calgary, Canada
I would not describe the past two weeks as a vacation, but rather an amazing adventure in your beautiful country. The people were extremely friendly, the food was wonderful and it will difficult, if not impossible to describe to our friends and family the sounds, smells and sites that made this trip such a success. It must be said that Jazur's knowledge and efficiency contributed significantly to the success of the trip in every respect, he was a first class guide - a real "keeper!". If the minor communication problem was the only issue, then I would consider the organization first class .The complexities associated with this venture must be enormous. One minor glitch shows you can't be super-human all the time. In conclusion, many thanks for a truly great adventure. We will certainly recommend your services to friends and family.
P & J Taggart
Vancouver, Canada
A wonderful experience, you made good choices for our itinerary. The hotels were great, the guides were full of knowledge. The greenhouse resort amazing, perhaps an extra night there would be a great addition, the palace in Deoghar could have an extra night too! The marigold hotel was a truly fantastic experience, one I'll never forget. Tell Rajeev it was a memorable trip. He took great care getting us to and from airport, we really appreciated the extra effort.
A. White
Surrey, Canada
First of all, let us thank you and Rajeev for planning and organizing an unforgettable tour for us and our travelling companions, and for your courteous welcome home card. We appreciate that there must have been a tremendous amount of effort for you both due to the last minute changes resulting from the Kashmir flooding, but despite these challenges, we were treated to a wonderful and seamless experience. Rajeev was able to provide us with a new and unique treat each day, and he is to be commended for dealing smoothly with each and every one of us. Attached are two photos of the many that we have taken, no doubt others will also forward some, and we do not want to overwhelm you! Should you so wish, we would be pleased to provide a testimonial or recommendation to other potential customers, and would certainly contact you in the event of future travel plans to India or neighbouring areas.
John & Doreen Rapson
Vancouver, Canada
Hi Nazir, it was such a fabulous experience, we had a fantastic time, can hardly believe it’s over! Not only was the tour amazing, the other 6 (we were really lucky) in the group were excellent. The food and the hotels were top notch, excellent value for our dollar. We loved how `things were taken care of``, we just had to have our bags outside the room, what service !!!! I know we will be seeing Mark and Anita here in Victoria. May even travel with them !!
Joanne and Richard
Victoria, Canada
Hi Nazir, Just a note on behalf of my wife and I regarding our recent trip to India. First we would like to commend you on running a very good operation in India even though you are based in Canada. Our India experience started out by being greeted by a very professional gentleman who picked us up at the airport. He made us feel very welcome at 1:00 in the morning while having to wait for over 2 hrs for us to get out of the Airport. Later in the morning at the hotel we were greeted by Rajeev who helped make our first day in Delhi very enjoyable by making various arrangements that were not part of the itinerary. Our overall India experience exceeded our expectations mostly because of the people you have on the ground in India. We always felt that we were getting the best treatment from everyone in your organization. We want to commend the people who spent many hours with us because they deserve a big thank you and a pat on the back. We appreciate the enthusiasm of our tour guide Harry who made our India experience unforgettable. He went beyond what we expect of a travel guide and as a result we all benefited tremendously from his knowledge of India as well as his interest in wanting us to have the best travel experience, and not just see India from the bus. This was tremendously appreciated by Leslie and I. We have already been sharing our unique daily “Harry” experiences with family and friends back in Canada. He is truly a GEM. I still do not know how he can look so good every day and have a different coordinated outfit that fits with the theme of the day, or event. Operations Manager, Rajeev seemed to genuinely care about making sure that we were enjoying our time in India and he handled the currency issue willingly to make sure that we had some local currency in spite of the challenges. He showed up often and kept in touch frequently with our group as we travelled through India. He genuinely cared that we were enjoying our time in India. I personally appreciate how he coordinated the tailor from CCCI to meet with me to do a fitting and final delivery at the hotels. This was above and beyond what was expected. Lastly we would like to thank our bus driver Mr. Rakesh and his assistant. These guys truly know how to manoeuver a vehicle with great proficiency. They were also always smiling after long days. Thank you to all of your other staff who had a hand in making our India experience truly memorable. We will be sure to refer Explore India as we tell our stories to our friends and family. P.S The hotels, transportation and arranged meals were all very good as well. Keep well and all the best.
Ricky Singh
Surrey, Canada
Tour Extensions
Check & Compare
You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA
No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.