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Overview
Our Golden Triangle and Varanasi is regarded as one of the most sought-after travel packages, offering an enchanting and delightful travel experience. This custom-made tour package covers the famous cities of North India including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These cities are famous for their glorious and wondrous monuments, palaces, colorful fairs and festivals, world class accommodation and many other attractions. Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the city that illuminates. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city of India & home to one of the worlds’ most ancient cultures. In addition we have selected amazing well-known Taj properties for you to stay including Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur which was built in 1700 century.
Tour Highlights
- Step back in time and into the last footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi as you walk through his home for the last 144 days of his fascinating life.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow back lanes of Old Delhi.
- Visit the oldest living city of India and 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 the world heritage site Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon.
- Visit the 3rd century BC monuments built by Emperor at Sarnath.
- You will feel as though you are in another world as you stroll through the meticulously planned gardens as you head toward the world’s largest monument of love, the Taj Mahal. As the sun slowly rises over this jewel of India, it will reveal itself to you in all its glory, taking it from the subtlety of night to its grandiose brilliance at day break
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival in New Delhi, India
Welcome to Incredible India! On your arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Time to relax after your journey.
Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel, DelhiThe Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
No.1, Man Singh Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi&utm_medium=Local+91 11 6656 6162The Taj Mahal Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the very heart of New Delhi. On Number One Mansingh Road, it stands as tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps, and entertainment, heritage and business districts has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the capital. Prominent landmarks – India Gate, the Presidential Palace and the National Museum – are a short 10-minute drive away.
The glorious Mughal architecture, dramatic façade of pink Dholpur sandstone, impeccable gardens and pool give it the ambience of a luxurious in-city haven.
All around, grandeur meets understated elegance. Antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents & colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities. Stay in our 292 luxurious rooms and grand suites, all of which offer stunning aerial views of Delhi’s historic skyline, or at our one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, all perfected to host dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe.
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Day 2:
New & Old Delhi Sightseeing
After leisurely breakfast we will explore New Delhi, an area designed and built by the British in the 1920’s. Drive past the government buildings and diplomatic enclave along the broad and majestic Rajpath . Then proceed to Humayun’s tomb UNESCO world heritage site. The tomb was built by his widow, in 1569, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.
After lunch, visit to 17th century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will travel by bicycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then drive past Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Later visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation in 1948. In black marble, surrounded by lawn and with an eternal flame burning, Raj Ghat remembers the man who is known as the Father of India. Later we will proceed for our lunch.
After lunch we will visit the UNESCO world heritage site, Qutab Minar. Located in the district of South Delhi, this magnificent monument in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. Built in the early 13th century, the surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel, DelhiThe Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi
No.1, Man Singh Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/the-taj-mahal-hotel-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi&utm_medium=Local+91 11 6656 6162The Taj Mahal Hotel is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the very heart of New Delhi. On Number One Mansingh Road, it stands as tribute to timeless hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps, and entertainment, heritage and business districts has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the capital. Prominent landmarks – India Gate, the Presidential Palace and the National Museum – are a short 10-minute drive away.
The glorious Mughal architecture, dramatic façade of pink Dholpur sandstone, impeccable gardens and pool give it the ambience of a luxurious in-city haven.
All around, grandeur meets understated elegance. Antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents & colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities. Stay in our 292 luxurious rooms and grand suites, all of which offer stunning aerial views of Delhi’s historic skyline, or at our one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, all perfected to host dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe.
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Day 3:
Delhi – Varanasi | The Holy Ganges
You will take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred cities and 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 take a close look at the banks of the Ganges to witness the cremation site and devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by thousands of devout Hindus. The incredible chanting of prayers fills the air as does the rhythmic drumming and sounds of bells from temples across the Holy Ganges.
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 4:
Varanasi | Sarnath Centre of Buddhist Learning
A memorable day ahead as we leave early in the morning to board our boat for a ride along the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. We will watch the sunrise on the riverfront from a boat which can be a moving spiritual experience as you witness the worship and sites along the river. Life on the Ghats is bound by an endless string of rituals and the ever-changing aspects of the river and the wide landscapes throughout the area have fascinated visitors from all over the world. You will become entranced by the sights and sounds of those worshipping in this amazingly beautiful, mysterious, and ancient place. We will also visit Mother Teresa’s missionary before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided excursion to Sarnath, a centre of Buddhist learning and the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park and set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the most holy sites because it is believed that in this place the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from the 16th century BC to the 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum. See the Ashok Pillar at the museum with its four guardian lions, now the national emblem to acknowledge India’s independence.
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 5:
Varanasi – Agra
After breakfast transfer to airport to board your flight for Agra. Meet and assist at Agra airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy your lunch after check in.
Afternoon at leisure, later in the evening enjoy a live show, a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history of Taj Mahal. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the most precious specimen of craftsmanship. Dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: ITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, AgraITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra
Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.itchotels.in/hotels/agra/itcmughal.html+91 562 402 1700 -
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Day 6:
Agra & 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 universally admired masterpieces of the
world’s heritage. Breakfast at your hotel.After leisurely breakfast visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques.
In the late afternoon enjoy the sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an open space garden situated in between the Yamuna River.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: ITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, AgraITC Mughal – A Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra
Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.itchotels.in/hotels/agra/itcmughal.html+91 562 402 1700 -
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Day 7:
Agra – Jaipur
fter breakfast – We leave for Jaipur. On our way we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. This was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other palaces that are still preserved in their original glory. Later we will continue for lunch in Bharatpur at the heritage resort.
After Lunch – We will continue to Jaipur, the origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn. On our arrival we will immediately
After leisurely breakfast drive to Jaipur, The city of Jaipur owes its names, foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer Maharaja Jai
Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Remaining of the day at leisure.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, JaipurTaj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/+91 141 660 1111Step into a 270-year-old Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece set amidst landscaped Mughal gardens at Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.At this luxury heritage hotel, you experience unparalleled opulence with tantalising comforts. With its blend of heritage, elegance and luxury, you experience an exclusive royal lifestyle at this hotel.
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Day 8:
Jaipur | Amber Fort | Ride An Elephant & City Palace
n the morning, we visit the magnificent Amber Fort, situated in the outskirts of Jaipur, Later, we proceed for a city tour of the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds.” It was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. Time for shopping, Jaipur is famous for textiles, carpets, block printing fabric and Jewelry.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, JaipurTaj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/+91 141 660 1111Step into a 270-year-old Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece set amidst landscaped Mughal gardens at Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.At this luxury heritage hotel, you experience unparalleled opulence with tantalising comforts. With its blend of heritage, elegance and luxury, you experience an exclusive royal lifestyle at this hotel.
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Day 9:
Jaipur | City Palace | Hindu Temple
After breakfast, 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. Then, we 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. We will have an overnight stay in Jaipur.
Later 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 material of 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.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, JaipurTaj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, Indiahttps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-jai-mahal-palace-jaipur/+91 141 660 1111Step into a 270-year-old Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece set amidst landscaped Mughal gardens at Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.At this luxury heritage hotel, you experience unparalleled opulence with tantalising comforts. With its blend of heritage, elegance and luxury, you experience an exclusive royal lifestyle at this hotel.
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Day 10:
Jaipur - Delhi
After your leisurely breakfast drive from Jaipur international airport to board your flight form home.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi AerocityJW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Aerocity Hospitality District Asset Area 4, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delap-jw-marriott-hotel-new-delhi-aerocity/+91 11 4521 2121The JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity welcomes business and leisure travelers here to India with 5-star luxury, carefully chosen amenities and world-class service. Located adjacent to Indira Gandhi International Airport, our hotel features exceptionally large accommodation with ultra-comfortable bedding and marble bathrooms, as well as 24-hour room service and modern technology. Choose among several outstanding on-site restaurants, including an all-day diner, K3, Modern Japanese at Akira Back and Playground for the perfect evening. Book an indulgent treatment at Quan Spa, which is operational round the clock or relax at the all-weather outdoor pool and sip a refreshing drink. Additional amenities at our 5-star hotel include a modern fitness center and around 30,000 square feet of immaculately appointed venue space – including one of the largest ballrooms in New Delhi. And if you need anything, please ask our hotel team who will be happy to assist you.
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What’s included
INCLUSIONS:
- International airfare from Vancouver & Toronto
- Throughout the journey, stay in first class hotels.
- Internal Airfare within India
- Services of our most knowledgeable English speaking tour guides during your sightseeing tours.
- While on board you will enjoy the great comfort of Toyota Crysta with extended leg room and comfort
- All taxes and porterage services at hotels are included
- Airport transfers between the airports to your pre booked hotels are included
- Meals as per the outlined program including special events dinners
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and long drives
- Entrance fees to all monuments including all boat rides, and other activities mentioned in the outlined program
What’s excluded
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses such as porter, tips, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program will charge extra.
- Services other than in our inclusion.
- Additional taxes $377
You choose when to go
This is a privately guided journey. Contact us on how to book this tour.You May Also Like
Recent Reviews
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
On reflecting on our trip after being home for two weeks , I have got to tell you how fantastic the whole experience has been for our family. The whole trip was flawlessly executed and really exceeded our expectations. A big thank you from our family and I know the rest of the group felt the same. So many highlights that is hard to put a finger on the standout. Your level of detail and planning really showed through as almost no details were missed. I have already recommended you to friends that want to go to India. Thank You
Julian, Karen and the kids
West Vancouver, Canada
Your ‘Mughals, Maharajas & Holy Ganges’ tour was simply amazing and far exceeded all our expectations. Everything was very well organized, our guides were exceptional, the food was outstanding, the culture and history were amazing, the hotels were upscale and the bus transport was very good. We wish to recognize those who made our trip such a huge success: our tour guide Arvind Sharma was very knowledgeable, very well organized, respectful and gracious and very passionate about his country and his faith; our co-tour guide Hilal Ahmed was very kind and respectful, always upbeat and attentive to logistical details and making sure everyone was content; our driver Inder Jeet and his helper Ashout were so kind, prompt and alert to all our road travel needs; and our greeter Arshad Khan was very kind and helpful on arrival and departure at the Delhi airport; and finally Nazir, Mandira and staff in Vancouver and Mansoor and staff in India, thanks for your exceptional planning and arrangements. Your itinerary provided a large variety of things to see and do every day and some awesome sites to visit - the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore safari in particular were standouts. The people of India are very considerate, kind-hearted and pleasant and we were always respectfully greeted as esteemed guests and always felt safe in their midst. We had a great time and cannot identify anything material that needs to be improved. We already have and will continue to recommend Explore India to others interested in visiting India. Thanks to everyone at Explore India for such memorable experience! Brian and Mary Petovello, Calgary, Alberta.
Brian and Mary Petovello
Calgary Alberta Canada
Hello Nazir My apologies for the delayed response, but we got home from India and were right back at it with work and Christmas preparations and festivities. I now want to take a moment to thank you and all the people in your organization for making our trip AMAZING. You helped us experience the many sides of India (colours, tastes, sounds, people, cities, countrysides, etc), while also helping us understand its history, culture, politics, environment, evolution and challenges. While I am aware of, and appreciate, all the work put in by your 'behind the scenes' team, I have to say that the one person we spent every day with really helped contribute to making our experience positive and very meaningful. Yazur's knowledge, humor, professionalism and communication skills were much appreciated. He went above and beyond to provide exceptional service to us too - helping individuals (including me) find that special something we were looking for. Thank you Yazur!! I was awestruck by the Taj Mahal and pleasantly surprised by the impact the Amber Fort had on me. Seeing the tigers in both the morning and afternoon trip through Ranthambore's park was also a highlight - and much appreciated. The chaos of the traffic moving through the streets was unexpected and quite entertaining too. Both Harry and I would highly recommend your organization to others considering a trip to India. All the best to you and your team for a happy, healthy and successful 2016!! Cheers
Irene and Harry Schamhart
Victoria, Canada
I am finally catching up a bit after my wonderful holiday. I wanted to comment on the excellent care that we experienced through your company. Everything went very smoothly. Each step of the way we were greeted and thoughtfully escorted through our itinerary. All of the guides were good but the guides in Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi were outstanding as they shared not only the history of the places that we were seeing but also helped us to understand some of their own worldview and cultures. The itinerary was very good and did show us a variety of the facets of India. Our guide in Delhi arranged for us to go to the Lodhi Park and that was a real bonus. We both missed being able to walk freely when not on a tour due both to the traffic and to the insistence of men wanting to take us shopping in their rickshaws and cabs-- so that park was a delight. Varanasi was the highlight for both of us! We enjoyed the home meal that we had in Jaipur as it gave us a glimpse of the women's lives. So much to learn about a very different culture! I would definitely recommend Explore India to other travelers.
Jan Croft
Lantzville, Canada
Leona and I thoroughly enjoy our trip. The trip was just right, not too short or too long.With a small group, we got to know everyone and even promise to travel together in the future. No problem with the Hotels or our meals. Kingfisher beer and only Kingfisher beer, no complaint. Our tour guide Sanjay, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and funny. Overall, it was a good trip and I highly recommended your company to our friends as a place to deal with. We are planning to go back in 2 years to see the south part of India or trekking north to Darjeeling, Sikkim area.
Owen & Leona Wong
Vancouver, Canada
I just want to drop you a line to commend you on our first class recent tour of India. Everything was first rate. I could not complain about a single thing in terms of our accommodations, guides, transportation and itinerary. I would recommend your company as 'the' way to see India, particularly for women or first time visitors. You have great people working for you in India. I would particularly like to acknowledge Youvee, our travelling companion and Naresh and Das, our van drivers. They spent 5 days with us. Together the three of them catered to our every wish and went out of their way to insure our safety and well being. Youvee handled arrangements such that we never had to wait. He accompanied us on our journeys, deflecting hawkers with innovation and compassion for both us and them. He maintained a pleasant attitude and fit in well with our group. We enjoyed him immensely and really appreciated having him with us. We were sad to leave him. He will make an excellent guide. Das was the driver's assistant. Das was always visible when we exited a venue, pointing the way to our van. You couldn't miss his big smile and warm eyes. For some excursions, such as the sunset walk through Pushkar, Das accompanied the group providing and extra male presence and an extra set of eyes. I for one did not show enough fear of the oxen and Das was there to ensure I gave them ...... and their droppings ........ a wide birth. When we went to the train station in Jaipur, we were pleased to see Das on the train platform as we waited for our train to enter the station. He was there once again to provide an extra buffer with Youvee, as we attracted a lot of attention from other travellers. He truly went above and beyond the call of duty. Naresh, our driver, was amazing. From the moment we sat in his van we knew we were in the hands of a master. Coming from a small town of 12, 000 people, where people all drive in the same direction on the same side of the highway, we did find the traffic patterns of India beyond our understanding, but never once were we fearful. Naresh drove with skill and patience. When he delivered us to a sight, it was as close to the entrance as was physically possible. When we came out of a venue, our van was parked in a choice location. At one particular venue the hawkers were so intense that a long walk may have been disturbing, but because the van was right there, we all tumbled into the van and were able to laugh at our experience with the hawkers rather than be disturbed by it. We were sad to leave Naresh and Das in Jaipur, but it was a very pleasant surprise to find Naresh's smiling face waiting for us at the airport upon our return to Dahli. He is a special driver. Shamir showed us every major sight in Delhi that we could fit into 2 days. He left no monument unturned. Mr. Singh in Oudiapur is a fountain of knowledge and a born teacher. He is definitely a keeper. And Johnnie in Varannassi is a mover and a shaker. He bargains hard on behalf of his clients, shows great consideration for their needs, and is very open, gregarious and entertaining as a guide. I truly enjoyed Johnnie. And Joshi is a true professional. All of the guides and drivers know Joshi and aim to please him. It is obvious that he does a great job of overseeing the players, checking in with them frequently, and checking in with the clients to double check that everything is going smoothly. Everyone works very hard, round the clock, to insure your clients have a very positive experience while in their care. Again, if any of my friends or acquaintances are planning a trip to India, I will definitely recommend your services. Thank you so much for a wonderful adventure.
Coleen Ramsay and Kathy Grebenc
Barthurst, Canada
Hi Nazir: I meant to respond to you before now, but a number of work and family issues have taken my time and attention. First of all, let me say that I enjoyed my trip immensely. Indeed, it will take me considerable time to digest the experience. India is so different in every way (and then some) from Canada. We were exposed to the culture, history, life, architecture and spiritual side of India while being protected from the extreme change. Your guides were all experts, sensitive to individual and group needs, but able to keep the tour moving. Sandeep was especially good. I feel I have truly been absorbed into India and its way of life. The guides in Nepal were also excellent, and they were so proud of their country. Our guide there took us to the home of a friend for a "cooking" experience. They were such a nice family and so hospitable. They offered real insight into traditional family life, but also the younger generation's energy to get ahead. The guide's friend (who had trained with him for his guiding certificate/license) also owns a coffee shop in the old part of the city and her husband is in medical school. The whole family (his parents, brother and the couple) lives in a very modest 3 level apartment under conditions Canadians would complain about. Still, they were so generous, friendly and hospitable. I never felt vulnerable or in danger the whole time. I'm sure this was carefully managed by the guides. Still, people were genuinely friendly, in spite of the fact that we were obviously naive and privileged westerners. The hotels were all top notch. It was wonderful to be able to hole into some western comfort at the end of the day. The Delhi hotels near the airport were very nice and appreciated when air travel was involved. The hotel in Udaipur was charming and unique - what an experience! I think Udaipur is my favourite city in India. All in all, it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget - a once in a lifetime experience. You can be proud of what you have achieved. From a traveller's perspective, it was excellent value with all one could ask from a tour. Many thanks for all your help - especially the travel hitch with Air Canada at the front end in the Sault and Toronto. All the best,
Larry Whalen Sault Ste.Marie
Sault Ste.Marie, Canada
Namaste Nazir Thank you once again for your welcome home. I now have had enough time to process and to put into words how grateful we are to you and your numerous guides, reps, drivers, etc that made this a once in a lifetime experience. I can't imagine the logistics that go into dealing with four individuals' wants and coming up with a cohesive plan that includes ticketing for five domestic flights, three train trips, as well as traveling by van, car, jeep, tuk-tuk, rickshaw, camel, and elephant!! All stress free because we were always greeted and escorted by your army of personable professionals. And then there was our accommodation....palaces, a luxury tent, a Maharajah's hunting lodge, etc....pretty special. We have all travelled extensively and we are in agreement that India tops the list for all of us. I truly feel that Explore India can take some of the credit for making this such a magical adventure. It also makes us feel quite special to get a personal welcome home greeting from the President of Operations! Sincerely,
Marlene Powell
Vancouver, Canada
Just wanted to let you know what an awesome experience our trip to India was. Maxine and I really enjoyed it. Everyone in our group was wonderful and George sent us his amazing pictures. We would all laugh when we avoided what seemed to be an unavoidable head-on collision on the highway! I think the roads are the most amazing part of the trip. Our northern guide Mahendra added extras, like visits with his family, which really was special. The 4 of us who went south to Kerala were really glad we did…so different and beautiful. Can’t say enough about the trip. We would highly recommend it. If anyone is thinking about going and has any questions they can call me and I can tell them how wonderful it is.
Denise Fader
Chilliwack, 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.