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Overview
Described as “Gods Own Country”, the lush tropics of Kerala is a haven for the mind and body. Whether you are cruising along the canals of Kerala’s backwaters listening to the music of an amazing variety of tropical birds or if you are experiencing an unforgettable, traditional Ayurvedic massage, Kerala is sure to invigorate your soul and revive your senses. Kerala’s history is closely linked with its commerce, which, until recent times, revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travelers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. The influence of the traders can be appreciated through the delectable cuisine of Kerala which will tempt your palette as you are enticed by the aromatic scents of the incredible assortment of the famous dishes of Kerala. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Tour Highlights
- This unique journey begins in Kochi, otherwise known as Cochin, a major city in South India which borders on the Arabian Sea.
- Take a tour through Cochin which offers a chance to stroll through the quaint city where you will see daily life in this tropical part of India.
- Visit a tea plantation in Munnar where we learn about the cultural, historical, and economic significance of tea in South India.
- Embark on an exciting voyage aboard the famous houseboats of Kerala where we spend the night gazing at the stars as we float along the backwaters of this incredible land. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Kochi
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board your flight for Kochi. Upon arrival our representative will greet you at Kochi Airport and then transfer to the hotel.
Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.
Cochin Sightseeing – Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried.
By Evening, enjoy Greenix Show which is a kaleidoscope of Indian classical art forms and martial arts. Showcasing quintessentially magnificent vignettes of Kerala’s rich cultural traditions, Kaleidoscope Kerala is essentially an exclusive, uniquely choreographed repertoire of live classical dance and music performed in a heritage theatre with legendary ritualistic folk invocations and martial arts. It is a medley of many authentic dances of Kerala, especially the sheer splendor of a magical rendezvous with the languid, mellifluously lyrical and graceful Mohiniattam, dance of the enchantress – exquisitely devotional for some, sublimely sensual for others; the rigorously codified majestic spectacle of Kathakali, Kerala’s trademark dance drama instantly recognizable for its dazzling regalia and trance-inducing rhythms, the stunningly totemic and surreally oracular manifestation of the divine in the folk tradition of Theyyam, among a breathtaking mélange of inimitable performing art forms accompanied by soul-stirring ensembles of pristine musical genres, dominated by the mesmerizing roll of the ‘demonic’ drum, chenda.”Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 2:
Kochi
After breakfast proceed to visit Kumbalangi, a village located outside Cochin and is identified as the first model fisheries village in India. On arrival at the village board a country boat to reach mainland and you can see the village folk engaged in different activities for their livelihood, may be a woman in her village provision shop, a farmer in his paddy field, a fisherman spreading his net, a kid with a fishing net ….it goes on. Later enjoy a sumptuous lunch which will tickle your taste buds. After lunch take a ‘tuk-tuk’ ride through the narrow country roads and you will be dropped to the car parking point.
After lunch drive back to hotel & free for independent activities & shopping.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 3:
Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast drive to Munnar, the place where the unfolded green carpet is waiting for you. Munnar is breathtakingly beautiful, a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Munnar is the gateway of Hills in South India. Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days On the way you can also watch the adorable waterfalls in Cheeyappara. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room. Explore rest of the day along with the nature. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature MunnarFragrant Nature Munnar
Bison Valley - Pooppara Rd, Pothemmedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttps://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsMunnar+91-4868-257-800Experience highlands
The shrill whistle of a bird. Somewhere, a window opens. Voila! A stunning view of mist-clad mountains. Feel the chill of the magnificent heights. Drink in the crisp air. Hug your woolens tight. Watch the sun idle on the sweeping meadows. Gently calling you outdoors. Time to set your inner compass. Hike through the breathtaking scenery. Caress the dew-scaled tea-leaves. Engage in silent conversation with a timid Nilgiri Tahr. Witness the Neelakurinji bloom. Draw deep on the fragrance of nature. Discover your soul.
Fragrant Nature—a luxury 5-star hotel with the finest vantage views of the verdant mountains—is situated in a choice location of Munnar. Lose yourself to the postcard scenery, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar to local planter bungalows with cozy fireplaces in every room. Our All-day dining restaurant showcases the best of North/South Indian & Arab delicacies with the choicest ingredients and exotic pairing. Watch your stress and little worries seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic spa massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Be you.
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Day 4:
Munnar
After the breakfast proceed for a morning sightseeing trip of Munnar; visiting the Eravikulam National Park where you can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, as well Tata Tea Museum. Proceed to Mattupetty Dam site and Kundala which offers many alluring sights to relish. Kundala is a picturesque town located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Stop by to see the colourful flowers in Blossom Garden. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Devonshire Greens Leisure HotelDevonshire Greens Leisure Hotel
Attukad Waterfall Road, Pallivasal P.O,, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttp://devonshiregreens.com/+91 85920 01044Welcome to Devonshire greens, a Premium luxury resort in Munnar that makes your holiday the most memorable among the best resorts in Munnar. Perched on the edges of mountains with scintillating view of relentless tea plantations and rich flora and Fauna, this mesmerizing holiday resort in Munnar enchants the tourists by its visually appealing sights.
Nestled in silence, enriching harmony in tune with nature with a variety of trees and birds, the resort occupies major tourist attractions. Offering stunning views along with unrivaled services and excellent food, Devonshire is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts in Munnar.
Devonshire greens resort Munnar, one of the top resorts in Munnar, makes your holiday in Munnar the most memorable. Devonshire Greens resort, a premium luxury resorts in Munnar is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts and hotels in Munnar.
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Day 5:
Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar)
After the breakfast proceed to Thekkady which offers diverse attractions like Wildlife Sanctuary, Hill Station and Spice Plantation. Natures own little hideout nestled in the hills of Thekkady.
Afternoon proceed to the attractive Wild life Sanctuary. The place where you go for a Wildlife cruise to view a large variety of wildlife like Wild Elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar Deer, Wild Bison, Wild Boar etc, and quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted. Evening visit Spice plantation & drive back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Greenwoods ResortGreenwoods Resort
K.K .Road, Kumily, Thekkady, Kumily, 685509, Indiahttps://www.greenwoods.in/+91 94465 74383Greenwoods is a luxury nature resort in Kerala located in Thekkady. Plan your visit to the verdant locale surrounded by dense forests and be settled comfortably in this premier Thekkady resort. Trek through the spice plantations, hill slopes and explore the naturally-endowed location. Wake up to the melody of birds, walk through the green orchards and enjoy discovering the serene, pure and unpolluted environs of Thekkady. Settle comfortably in Greenwoods, the premier 5-star resort in Kerala, plan your nature explorations and transform your visit to the green country as an exhilarating experience.
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Day 6:
Thekkady – Alleppey (Back Water Cruise on Houseboat)
After the breakfast proceed Alleppey boat Jetty to board the beautifully decorated houseboat and begin the enchanting backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found no where else in the world. A glide in a “Kettuvallam” (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters is sure to rob your heart. You’re in a watery universe, so quiet, even you can hear your own blood pumping around your head. Sparkling greens, emerald backwaters, coir-laden houseboats and magical beauty heals your mind and body as you travel to surreal Kerala. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Lakes And LagoonsLakes And Lagoons
Near Pallathuruthy Bridge, Kochupalam Road, Pallathuruthy, Alappuzha, Kerala 688003, Indiahttp://lakeslagoons.com/index.php+91 477 226 6842Lakes & Lagoons is the first & only ISO 9001 – 2015 certified Houseboat Tour Company in kerala. With a fleet of more than 25 luxury Houseboat, Lakes & Lagoons offer the best backwater cruise journeys. Situated in Alleppey – A real natural treasure house, visually splendid with the blue of the lake & the green of the palms & vegetation, active with the aquatic life & local villages engaged in everyday errands.
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Day 7:
Alleppey – Kochi – Delhi
Dis-embark from the house boat and then we will begin 2 hour drive to Kochi airport to board your flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you are met by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Novotel New Delhi AerocityNovotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset No 02 Gmr Hospitality District, Igi Airport New Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://all.accor.com/hotel/7560/index.en.shtml+91-11-4608-0808The hotel is located adjacent to both international & domestic airport terminals and is well connected through the Airport Express Line, just 5 minutes away. The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is near the business hubs of Gurgaon, New Delhi, and Cyber City. It is also located close to Delhi’s shopping malls, including DLF Promenade, Emporio, and Worldmark. A big complex of 670 rooms, Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, is a preferred destination for both business & leisure travelers.
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity has Food Exchange, a Multi-Cuisine Buffet restaurant offering an exceptional culinary experience comprising Indian, Asian and European flavors coupled with an impeccable ambiance. Further, Quoin is a 24×7 Sports Bar. The ballroom and meeting spaces at Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity are known for Car launches, Product launches, Medical Seminars, Expos, and Exhibitions. Being one of the biggest ballrooms in Delhi NCR, it provides bespoke MICE offerings.
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Day 8:
Delhi – Home
In time you are met by an Explore India representative and transferred to international airport for your onward journey.
What’s included
- Accommodation as per the program in one double room
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout the program plus 1 lunch
- Meet and assist along with escorted transfers
- Premium houseboat backwater cruise in Alleppey with full board
- Air Conditioned chauffeured driven vehicle
- Services of an Explore India experienced tour guides
- Kathakali dance show at Cochin
- Kumabalangi local Village visit with lunch
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and all long drives.
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
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Recent Reviews
Thanks for your note. We had a wonderful time with Ravi and a real nice bunch of fellow travellers who all became friends. Ravi's knowledge base and teaching background really made it perfect for me I am nearly impossible to information overload. We were very impressed with the details and attention provided to even the smallest things, like the return trip to the airport, someone loading us on the bus, driven to airport then someone there making sure we got the 60 feet to security, very comforting and part of the Explore India service we will point out to our friends as we talk about our trip. The hotels were all superior quality and the destinations were well selected. There is likely no way to reduce the hours on the bus with the current itinerary, it may have seen a bit much at the time, but there is no real alternative in order to get to the selected destination, having been back for a day I actually enjoyed seeing the landscape. If you have anyone asking for a previous travellers recommendation you are absolutely free to give them my cell number, I promise I will give you a 100% positive recommendation. From start to finish this was a first class operation and we found it to be super value for money. Torben
Torben & Nancy Angelo
Calgary, AB
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
An amazing experience......it exceeded my expectations. I am a seasoned world traveler and was so very impressed with this tour. Our guide Shah was incredibly informative and I loved listening to his stories about the culture and history of India. I came away feeling that I learned a lot about India....the real India.....and developed a genuine liking for the country and the Indian people. It was a “taste”.....I definitely want to go back and see more! Shah was always in tune to the group’s needs and was very accommodating.....he definitely made the trip a success. He was a true professional in every way. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Accommodations were first class...3 of us shared a room so a very comfortable cot was always set up.....however, at each hotel we had to call for extra towels, coffee mug, pillow etc......we were always served promptly....a minor inconvenience really. I was surprised at the pollution....a heads up might be helpful, as one may want to pack a mask. So many highlights.....of course the Taj Mahal and the Varanasi experience.....but I’ll never forget our tour of the government school and meeting the children, the kitchen at the Sikh temple was another highlight. I loved the safari and being in the rural area for a couple of days.....and of course our beloved bus bizarres..........so incredible. Thank you all! Cindy Henry.
Cindy Henry
London ON, Canada
My wife and I are now back in Guyana after our participation in the October 30 Golden Triangle Land Tour of India. We want to thank you and Explore India for the excellence of the arrangements which ensured a memorable and enjoyable experience. For us, India was indeed incredible and we shall treasure many pleasant memories of the tour, the camaraderie among our group and the new friendships fostered. The physical arrangements – choice of itinerary, hotels, monuments and other sights – would undoubtedly have been refined over time based on your Company’s experience in the field, and Evelyn and I ask you and Explore India to accept our sincere compliments on that aspect of the arrangements. There was another element that complemented the physical aspect in the absence of which our experience might not have exceeded expectation. Here we are referring to the human element which also contributed significantly to the overall impression. From the moment that we were welcomed at Delhi Airport - well after midnight - by Rajeev Sharma, we felt the positive impact of the human side of Explore India. Rajeev infused the group with the confident expectation which was fulfilled over the days of the Tour. The team who looked after us for the duration of the trip are worthy of the highest commendation. Our Tour Manager Rajur was simply outstanding. Evelyn and I have done other tours but Rajur was easily the best we have encountered – great personality, friendly but firm, but most of all extremely knowledgeable. He provided valuable insights in an interesting way into the history, traditions, social and economic issues of India that proved to be a useful background to the monuments and places of interest we visited. Our coach driver Surjit was competent and generated confidence in his skills in what at times could best be described as organized chaos while helper Sonu was attentive to our needs and with Surjit ensured that the coach was always clean and comfortable. All in all, Evelyn and I very highly rate the experience compared against other tours that we have done.
Errol Cheong
Damerara, Guyana
Hi Nazir, Sorry for the delay in responding...what with getting back on PST and dealing with Christmas it has been pretty hectic. We very much enjoyed the trip. It was not always easy but it was an adventure and a great education. India is really an amazing country! I have been trying to come up with some suggestions for your trip but I don't really have any. I thought the trip was well organized and went pretty smoothly considering all the ground we covered and the challenges of travelling in India. And of course the currency crisis added to the difficulties. I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone who wants to see India. If I have any further thoughts I will let you know. Regards
Trent Appelbe
North Vancouver, Canada
Keith and I also wanted to thank you and your whole team for the fantastic tour you organized for us in India, truly an incredible journey of the senses. What a unique and great country! As we mentioned to you before, it was one the best and most memorable trips we have ever experienced and we have travelled a lot. Your attention to every little detail and your extreme caring for us really made the difference. Everyday was a new highlight with its own thrilling surprises and enjoyment. Looking forward to a potential new adventure with you next year.
Maggy and Keith
Toronto, Canada
Hello Nazir, We have just returned from our trip to India with Explore India and just want to tell you how much we enjoyed it. We had a fabulous time visiting this amazing country. Everybody involved with your organization was very pleasant and professional, from the representatives who met us upon arrivals in different locations, to the guides, to the drivers (particularly "Kulu" and his assistant Amir who were with us for the first two weeks). The hotels were very nice and the tour took us to interesting and beautiful places. We are appreciative of the fact that we were in a very small group. If there was one thing we could have changed, it would have been to fly from Varanasi to Cochin without having to spend another night in Delhi. We will not hesitate to highly recommend "Explore India" to our friends and relatives. Thank you,
Marie-Laure and Steve Rhodes
West Vancouver, Canada
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
I know you must be very busy but I just wanted to pass on my thanks to you for the wonderful vacation that Kay and I had recently to India. Our guides, Sharma, and Hilal were over the top with their help and the information they provided to us. Kay and I have been on many tours with various agencies over the past but I can honestly say that this is one of the best that we have ever been on. India is a fascinating country and even though we just saw a little we are still left in awe. I just wanted to pass this on to you because many times no one ever lets you know how much your tour was appreciated. We will be back. Thank you, and all of your associates for giving us such great memories. Kay and Morris Golden
Kay and Morris Golden
Edmonton, Albert AB, Canada
Yes we are home it was a wonderful holiday Nazir. I think I would have liked longer now that I see what the country is like. The people we met on the tour were lovely and all of the Indian people charming and gracious, so pleased to have us as tourists in their country. Our bus drivers were amazing what a job! and Sandeep did his job with ease and humour, a very knowledgeable young man. Thanks to your team.
Wayne Reid
North Vancouver, 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.