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Overview
Experience the best of India with an enchanting and delightful travel experience with our highly qualified tour guide. Explore the ancient city of 17th century Delhi, climb aboard a bicycle rickshaw, and visit the world’s best-known symbol of love – the unrivaled Taj Mahal. Visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest stepwells in the world were built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur atop a private jeep ri
de to the Amber fort.
Highly Recommended: Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city in 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. Ask for details.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj
- Rickshaw adventure through the back lanes of Old Delhi including the ancient spice market
- Visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara which is a house of worship in Delhi
- Visit The Taj Mahal…the world’s best-known symbol of love
- Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone
- Abhaneri-the largest stepwells in the world which were built over a thousand years ago
- Explore the local village to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India where you will meet local families
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
- Visit the City Palace, one of the homes of the current Maharaja of Jaipur
- Enjoy an authentic dining experience with cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment.
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Day 2:
Arrival In New Delhi, India
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. On your arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, you will meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel DelhiThe Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
1 CBD Maharaj Surajmal Road Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Vishwas Nagar Extension, Delhi, 110032, Indiahttps://www.theleela.com/en_us/hotels-in-delhi/the-leela-ambience-convention-hotel-delhi/+91 11 7172 1234The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel features 480 luxurious guest rooms and suites which are elegant, well-appointed and equipped with the latest in technology. The hotel also offers 70,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose meeting and banqueting space, including a pillar-less ballroom of 24,497 sq. ft. with pre-function areas in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. making it one of the largest luxury convention hotels in India.
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Day 3:
Explore Old & New Delhi
After breakfast, you will start your morning tour by visiting 17th-century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. You 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).
Proceed to 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, you will visit a Sikh temple. The Sikh temple you will visit is Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. This incredible temple is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and, also notable is the beautiful pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar”.
Later in the evening enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel DelhiThe Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
1 CBD Maharaj Surajmal Road Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Vishwas Nagar Extension, Delhi, 110032, Indiahttps://www.theleela.com/en_us/hotels-in-delhi/the-leela-ambience-convention-hotel-delhi/+91 11 7172 1234The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel features 480 luxurious guest rooms and suites which are elegant, well-appointed and equipped with the latest in technology. The hotel also offers 70,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose meeting and banqueting space, including a pillar-less ballroom of 24,497 sq. ft. with pre-function areas in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. making it one of the largest luxury convention hotels in India.
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Day 4:
Delhi – Agra (205 Km / 4 Hours)
After breakfast, you will leave for Agra, a city with a white grandeur legacy. Agra is home to one of the world’s most recognized monuments, the incredible Taj Mahal. Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
Your afternoon is free for your own time and personal activities.Optional live show performance for those who would like to watch a fantastic 75-minute live show. In the early evening, you will enjoy a live play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. This fascinating 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
The live performance is optional at the cost of CAD $55.00 per person
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Courtyard by Marriott AgraCourtyard by Marriott Agra
Taj Nagri Rd, Basai Khurd, T.Y.C. Phase-II, Basai, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agrcy-courtyard-agra/+91 562 662 7777Enjoy 5-star service at the Courtyard Marriott Agra. Set on the famed Fatehabad Road, just minutes from jewels of India like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, our luxury hotel offers easy access to all points of interest. Enjoy spacious, elegant rooms and suites with contemporary decor, resort-like amenities, plush pillowtop bedding and high-speed internet. Take a dip in our pool or break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. When you’re ready to unwind, visit Unora Spa for an Indian or international massage and beauty treatments. Dine at one of our four restaurants – MoMo Cafe, Anise, Onyx and MoMo 2 Go – for innovative cuisine. If you’re in Agra for commerce, we offer our business center, 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues, culinary experts and high-tech equipment. Our ‘City of Love’ location is ideal for vacations, weddings, getaways and even for business. Convenient to Agra Cantt Railway Station, our 5-star hotel welcomes you with traditional Indian hospitality in a modern setting.
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Day 5:
Visit Taj Mahal
This is an exciting day! Despite the early morning start which is at sunrise, you visit one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world, The Taj Mahal. This monument of love which was built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most highly revered masterpieces in the world.
After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.
In the afternoon you 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, even today, renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Courtyard by Marriott AgraCourtyard by Marriott Agra
Taj Nagri Rd, Basai Khurd, T.Y.C. Phase-II, Basai, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agrcy-courtyard-agra/+91 562 662 7777Enjoy 5-star service at the Courtyard Marriott Agra. Set on the famed Fatehabad Road, just minutes from jewels of India like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, our luxury hotel offers easy access to all points of interest. Enjoy spacious, elegant rooms and suites with contemporary decor, resort-like amenities, plush pillowtop bedding and high-speed internet. Take a dip in our pool or break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. When you’re ready to unwind, visit Unora Spa for an Indian or international massage and beauty treatments. Dine at one of our four restaurants – MoMo Cafe, Anise, Onyx and MoMo 2 Go – for innovative cuisine. If you’re in Agra for commerce, we offer our business center, 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues, culinary experts and high-tech equipment. Our ‘City of Love’ location is ideal for vacations, weddings, getaways and even for business. Convenient to Agra Cantt Railway Station, our 5-star hotel welcomes you with traditional Indian hospitality in a modern setting.
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Day 6:
Agra – Bharatpur
After breakfast leave for Bharatpur known as the Keoladeo National Park, also famous for the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort.
Bharatpur National Park is a famous avifauna sanctuary and a bird-watching paradise listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. The 29 km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for winter breeding.
The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is a human-made establishment known for nesting its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. What is interesting to note is that this place was once the waterfowl hunting ground for the royalty and the British, but was converted into an asylum for birds and other wildlife as well in the year 1971. You can take a Jeep Ride or Rickshaw Safari to spot exotic birds and a few animals that inhabit the jungle as well. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is easily a bird lover’s paradise, and photographers will find this place to be delightful as well
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit a local village by jeep to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals who will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy and relax as you please
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Regenta Resort BharatpurRegenta Resort Bharatpur
Regenta Resort, Patpara Mohalla, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001, Indiahttps://www.royalorchidhotels.com/regenta-resort-bharatpur+91 74120 84120Rajasthan is a state steeped in history and culture, and Bharatpur, a district in Rajasthan, truly embodies all of it. Located in the historic town of Bharatpur, Regenta Resort Bharatpur offers a glimpse into the state’s rich regal past with a modern touch. Situated in the heart of the city, the resort offers 49 well-fitted rooms and suites overlooking the sprawling lawn or the city. Rooms at the resort range from premium room to the grand presidential suites. The culinary team at Pinxx, the in house restaurant, offers Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine that strikes the palate and leaves an everlasting impression. A swimming pool, spa, indoor activities and a fitness centre are some of the other recreational facilities provided at the resort. The resort also houses 2 banquet halls big enough for corporate conclaves, retreats, product launches, seminars, birthdays, family get-togethers and receptions. Bharatpur is also an emerging hub for destination weddings and Regenta Resort Bharatpur is today the most preferred resort for destination weddings. Keoladeo National Park, designated a world heritage site by UNESCO and home to some of the most endangered birds, is just a short drive from the property. Other prominent tourist sites such as Lohagarh Fort and Deeg Fort are within a radius of 10 – 15 Kms from the Resort.
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Day 7:
Bharatpur- Jaipur (20 Km / 30 Min drive approx.)
Early morning enjoy a Bicycle rickshaw ride in the National park. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast proceeds to Jaipur with a stop en route to visit the Abhaneri stepwell.
Abhaneri is the Chand Baori. The massive step well-built to conserve rainwater is 20 m deep with 13 levels and is considered the deepest and largest stepwell in India. Marvelous carvings on the steps transform into pieces of excellent architecture. The stepwell stands as an amazing display of ancient engineering and the geometric step pattern gives a fascinating insight into this architectural masterpiece.
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 8:
Explore Jaipur
In the morning, enjoy an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort Palace by Jeep which was built in 1593. Enjoy the architecture, lattice screens, and paintings that appear to be colored with jewel dust. Later, drive through the old city where you will make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace, the home of the current Maharaja of Jaipur, and its museum. This is the perfect time to shop for exclusive gems that Jaipur is famous for and see some fascinating block printing fabrics.
Later enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Optional Cooking for those who would like to spend an enjoyable, educational and social evening at a house that belongs to a well-known Rajput family. Learn some great cooking techniques about Rajasthani Indian Cuisine in coordination with your in-house chefs which takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll be taken to their kitchen where the cooking demonstration will commence. You will be shown how each dish is made as your hosts describe the incredible ingredients of fresh organic foods cooked to perfection with the region’s foods, leaving you with a complete experience that you can try when you are home, a truly authentic Indian cooking experience.
Optional CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests – subject to availability)
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: 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 – Delhi (250 Km, approx. 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive from Jaipur to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New DelhiPride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi
Asset 5A, Hospitality District, Aerocity, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttp://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/+91 11 6600 7700Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels.
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Day 10:
Delhi
In time you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight home.
Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city in 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.
Starting from CAD 999 pp. With Roundtrip local airfares.
What’s included
- International roundtrip airfare
- Accommodation in well-reviewed 4-star hotels
- 14 meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Escorted transfers (airport to the hotel, hotel to the airport
- Unlimited bottled water during sightseeing tours
- Traditional cultural program dinner in Jaipur
- Entrance fees to all the monuments
- All sightseeing tours on an air-conditioned deluxe coach
- Highly qualified English-speaking tour director (for min 6 people)
What’s excluded
- Gratuities, personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing excursions other than what is mentioned in the program will be at an extra cost to you.
- Services other than in our inclusion.
- India tourist visa
- Taxes $173
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Hello Nazir, Thank you for the welcome home note and for all the help you provided before we started our journey. It was truly a very memorable experience. Of the spots, we visited the ones that stick out are naturally the Taj Mahal which is more impressive live than in photos, the ghats in Varanasi to view the use of the Ganges for washing, bathing, praying, cremation, etc and the tea plantations in Kerela. The food was delicious; so many different types of curry to try. The Explore India people in India did a wonder job. The representatives were there to welcome us and facilitate our transfers to the hotels and our check in at the airports. Of special note are the tour guide, the bus driver and the assistant who accompanied us on our trip. The tour guides added so much to our understanding of Indian history, culture, politics, etc. Their explanation at each of sites we visited enhanced our appreciation of the site and its history. The bus drivers are outstanding in navigating the chaotic Indian roads and getting us safely from place to place on time. The assistants too kept the bus clean and supplied us with water and snacks. On the magic India and Varanasi segments our tour guide was Yajur, the driver was Dave and assistant was Shankar; on the Kerela tour the tour guide was Jishoy Kumar, the driver was Sibu and the assistant was Arun. We’ve thanked them but if you have a chance please give them our sincere thanks for making the trip memorable. Would definitely like to take another trip to India. Would definitely use your company to guide us around India. Thank you very much.
Elmer Morishita
Vancouver, Canada
Incredible India really lived up to its name! There were many hilites: Our first time riding a camel (and probably the last!) Helen got thrown off part way up but only a bruised bum. A couple rides in a camel cart was interesting and much safer. Seeing a leopard quite close after it had recently killed a cow, and later seeing it in the rocks washing its face (just like a cat). Of course, the Taj Mahal at about 8.30 AM in a good light after the early fog had disappeared. Visits to a craft village and a farm family. The many forts and palaces from the past. Our hotels were very good; we were upgraded a couple times so that they could give us twin beds. Our guide was competent and dealt with the challenges of India quite well. The money problem didn't affect us as we used our 500 rupee notes with vendors. One day I hope to get back to India, perhaps in the northeast with Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to see this fascinating country.
Dave Murdoch
Burnaby, Canada
Hi Nazir What can I say about our Journey of the Senses Feb 2016 trip to India except that it was exactly what we wanted to experience and more! Nazir took care of every detail to make the trip unforgettable. We were met at the airport on arrival in Delhi and Nazir even had a representative at the Mumbai airport at midnight for our return home flight to make sure our check in went smoothly. How caring is that! We never touched our suitcases. They were collected from us outside our hotel rooms and they magical appeared outside (or inside) our rooms at the next hotel. No lugging them around. They also were loaded and unloaded for our inter India flights. No standing at a carousel waiting for our luggage. How caring is that! We never had to stand in line at our hotels to check in. We arrived at the hotels and our room keys were handed to us. How nice! The hotels we stayed in were opulent and very beautiful. They are at least 5 stars or above! The meals were excellent!!!! Nazir took us to wonderful beautiful places for lunch and dinner. He made sure we experienced the best Indian food. He was very sensitive to people’s needs and wants so a few times he had menus of American food and Chinese food for us in case we were tired of Indian food. How caring is that! Nazir checked each day to see if everyone was happy and to see if there was anything he could do for each and every one of us to make our trip more enjoyable. There always was nothing more he could do!! He had done it all and everything ran like clockwork! We truly experienced the sights, sounds, smells, traffic, noise, constant horn blowing, cows in the streets, dogs and wonderful people of India. Nazir is very proud of his country and so he should be. It is truly an amazing place to visit. The pedicab ride through the streets of Old Delhi was unbelievable and exhilarating with all the chaos. Unforgettable! Varanasi was truly spiritual with the pouring rain on the Ganges as we witnessed the Aarti ceremony. Nazir worked his magic with the Indian gods and the rain stopped as we boarded our boats to see the ceremony!! What can we say about the Taj Mahal except that it truly is spectacular! The special lunch Nazir arranged for us overlooking the Taj Mahal was very special. Not many people get treated so well. A very memorable day! Our elephant ride was wonderful and our camel ride on the sand dunes in the evening was spectacular. Sitting around the campfire with the singing and dancing and a full moon and our delicious meal served there was something we won’t forget. Thank you, Nazir, for such a memorable trip. You were the consummate host! Our memories of our trip will be with us forever.
Joan and Tom Tomlin
Langley, Canada
Namaste Nazir, Thank you for your email and welcome home. My trip to India was " incredible" indeed! It is hard to put the experience into words as it is another world there. Explore India met all my expectations and makes it clear that they aim to please their guests. I would not hesitate to recommend your company to anyone. Is it excellent value too. Keep up the good work. Best wishes,
Colleen Sinclair
Toronto, Canada
Just a short note to thank you for your efforts regarding our recent trip. All of us appreciated the attention to detail and service that we received both prior to and during the trip Rajeev was excellent in keeping abreast of everything that was going on and keeping us informed. The guides were very good especially Deshpal (? ) and the gentleman in Varanassi. Through them we not only got an appreciation of each city and its highlites but also a better understanding of what India is really all about. The accommodations were truly first class so much so that we couldn't wait to see what the next one offered, impossible to grade one over another. Without doubt an outstanding experience. I'm sure I can speak for the Kavanaghs when I say if you need to use either of us as a reference please feel free. Thanks again and best wishes for the future.
Peter & Dell Langham
Toronto, 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
Hello, Nazir. I thought I would drop you a note with some comments on our trip to India. As you know, I was quite apprehensive about the trip before we left, partly because I knew it was going to be a completely new experience for us, and also because of the alerts about the unusually high levels of pollution and the demonetization announcement by Prime Minister Modi which took effect just before we left Vancouver. (From an outsiders point of view, it appeared that the people most negatively affected by this drastic move were the “have nots”, rather than those who were the primary target.) I will begin by saying that this trip was truly the most memorable travelling experience we have ever had. We will never forget the sights, the sounds, the people, the colour, the life. The biggest highlight for us was Varanasi (all aspects of the city and the sights, but especially going out on the River Ganges both in the evening and again at sunrise the next morning.). It was like stepping into a different world. I am so glad you suggested that we go there. It truly does have a spiritual feeling. A bonus for us was seeing parts of two weddings that took place at our hotel when we were there. We had never seen an Indian wedding before, and the decorations, music, and colourful dress were fun and entertaining to watch. The tour we took with our guide, Ada, to one of the slums in Mumbai was also an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. Seeing the recycling of mountains of “garbage; watching the men sewing fabrics in small rooms; having the children play and wave and smile at us (but not asking for money); observing the making of pottery and the use of what appeared to be homemade kilns; watching the preparations for a birthday party with many of the neighbours joining in to help; and on and on. We had expected an atmosphere of Despair, but instead felt that this was a vibrant, active community, despite the basic nature of the housing and the lack of so many amenities we take for granted. We have no way of knowing if this slum was representative of the many other slums which were apparent in some of the cities we visited, but we will not forget it. We also loved Jaipur and are glad we spent an extra day there. The elephant ride up to the Amber Fort with its wonderful views out over the countryside; the observatory with its enormous and precision instruments; watching the full process of carpet making including weaving, scraping, washing, burning of the fibers with a blow torch; and hand washing (hard work); another wedding which we spent watching by the pool at the beautiful Taj hotel; the street scenes with people, animals, merchants, crazy traffic – all of it was wonderful. We had expected to be impressed with the Taj Mahal in Agra (and we were), but we actually enjoyed the “baby Taj” just as much – fewer people, and our excellent guide pointed out the beauty in the chiseled flower and other patterns in the marble (and we later had a chance to see how this was done). Walking through Old Delhi was also a fascinating experience, as was our visit to the Sikh Temple, and the beautiful monuments and buildings in New Delhi. The Taj Hotels were great, and I doubt if we will ever see a more beautiful hotel than the Taj Palace in Mumbai. If I had to choose again, I would have chosen the Taj Hotel in Delhi, rather than the Meridian (which was very nice, but had more of a feel of a business hotel). Our guides were also great – all different, but really good at explaining what we were seeing and giving us the history of all the places we visited. It was hard to take it all in, but we really appreciated their enthusiasm. Special kudos go to our guide in Varanasi (Prem?) and in Mumbai (Ada?), but they were all good. Khalid was also very hard-working, sincere, and we really appreciated his extra efforts on our behalf throughout. We were very sorry about the additional work we caused when we left our suitcase at the airport in Mumbai and really appreciated the time and effort of everyone who helped us get it back. Anyway, this is a long story, but we really wanted you to know how much we appreciated all your ongoing encouragement and efforts, and those of the people who work with and for you. If it had not been for you, we never would have gone to India and we would have missed the experience of a lifetime. We will definitely tell all of our friends that Explore India is the way to go and that India should be on their bucket list. Many of our friends figured if we could do it, they could do it. And we did it! Thanks again Nazir. We hope to get back to India in a couple of years, and maybe Nepal (and Kashmir when it is more settled). At that time, we will be in touch. Best regards,
Jo-Ann Prowse and Gerry Green
Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir, I wanted to let you know what a great time we had on our visit to India. We really enjoyed seeing your country, and all of the amazing sites it has to offer. We also found almost everyone we encountered to be very kind and friendly. There is so much beauty in India, and we look forward to visiting again. Everything on the tour was very well coordinated and organized. While I know that some of the people on our trip found the schedule to be a bit too busy for them, I did not think so at all. I believe there was enough down time to rest between locations, and I thought the pace was very good. Our bus driver and his assistant (Ravi & Shankar I believe) were great! They were very friendly and super helpful. I have also never seen anyone who could maneuver a bus like he did! It was amazing the places he managed to take that bus! Lastly, I want to let you know what a great tour guide Arvind was! We really enjoyed having him lead us through the sites of India. He is very knowledgeable and engaging, and his love for your country showed as he described the rich history of the things we saw and answered our questions. I especially enjoyed how if you asked him a question outside of the bus, he would often ask us to wait, and he would answer the question for the entire group on the bus. It made some of the long bus trips very interesting and alleviated some of the monotony of sitting on a bus. He was a great tour guide and I highly recommend him! Thank you all for a great trip. Robin and I really enjoyed our visit. Thank You,
Mark & Robin Nilsson
North Carolina, USA
We had a FABULOUS time in India. Our hotels were very comfortable and the food selection was excellent. Every aspect of the trip went smoothly and Rajiv and Yajur were both wonderful. Rajiv greeted us and explained everything really well and then was there to say farewell. Yajur was knowledgeable, funny, helpful...just all-round a great tour guide. He even arranged for Ian to go into town and buy a cricket bat And the itinerary was excellent - lots of variety and lots of information. We will tell all our friends that Explore India is the way to visit. I'll ask Ian tonight if he has any extra feedback and let you know. Many thanks and all the very best of the holidays to you and your family. We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016,
Toni & Ian McGregor
Burlington, Canada
Dear Nazir, Nazir, Explore India (Nov 17 departure) delivered on all expectations and promises, and then some. The professional competence of your staff, without exception in both Vancouver and India, ensured that the ambitious itinerary was not only delivered but exceeded. Much of this credit must be given to our very deserving guide Harry. Harry, so knowledgeable, led us each through the kaleidoscope of challenges and chaos that is India... left me wanting more. It was a privilege to be on his bus. Also deserving for a job well done is our driver and his helper, Yogi, office support staff in Delhi and your representative in Varanasi. Judy and I had an airline glitch and he worked hard to solve it and kept us informed, much appreciated. I am sorry I don't know each of their names. I have shared my story and pictures with a neighbor, you'll be hearing from them soon. I had a great time, be proud of your staff and your product. Kindest regards,
Alison Webster
Salmon Arm, 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.