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Overview
INDIA’S LUXURY GANGES VOYAGER RIVER CRUISE & GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Experience the best of India with an enchanting and delightful travel experience. Explore the ancient city of 17th century Delhi, climb aboard a bicycle rickshaw, visit the world’s best-known symbol of love…the unrivaled Taj Mahal, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur atop a private elephant ride to the Amber fort.
The colonial décor of the RV Ganges Voyager is the perfect cruise ship to experience the colonial heritage of Bengal. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Learn, observe, relax and enjoy on this remarkable tour while staying in luxury and enjoy the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager and its crew!
This Explore India Journeys tour is a reflection of our desire to offer our guests a unique experience that no other travel company can offer. Luxury Cruising Through India Tour combines the luxury of touring on land with the added experience of boarding the beautiful RV Ganges Voyager and travelling in this most unique way. You will be escorted to some of the most iconic sites in India while being catered to like royalty whether on land or sea. Enjoy looking out your window and seeing the world fall away slowly as you embark on this most unique look at India and all it has to offer.
Tour Highlights
- Be in awe at a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and a sunset visit in the evening
- Step back in time as you walk Mahatma Gandhi’s last footsteps before his murder
- Take in the world’s most prominent Sikh Temple, Bangla Gurudawa Sahib and feast on the most extraordinary luncheon sitting you will experience
- Hang on to your hat, as you take an exhilarating rickshaw ride around Delhi
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort and Humayun’s Tomb
- Board RV Ganges Voyager (1) and embark on a most unique touring experience
- Visit Mother Theresa’s missionary home and the Memorial Victoria Museum in Kolkata
- Take a walk to the Neo-Classical Hazarduari Palace built in the 19th century
- Enjoy a rickshaw ride cycle rickshaw ride to the Rajbari temples in Kalna and many more amazing adventures await you on this spectacular tour
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival in India (New Delhi)
Welcome to Incredible India. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport you will be greeted by our Explore India representative who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities at the hotel.
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:
Delhi: Explore Old and New Delhi
After breakfast, we will start our tour with a visit to the house of Mahatma Gandhi, a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on January 30th, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house from September 9th, 1947 until his death, and the house is home to many treasures and memorial items from the last 144 days of his life.
Later we proceed to Old Delhi, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD. Your next stop will be – Jama Masjid, one of the iconic, historic and largest mosques in India – built by Shah Jahan. From here, you will be driven past the iconic Red Fort, the standing testimony to the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Your next stop will be at Chandni Chowk, a very popular and a busy market in Old Delhi to the next stop. A rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk could be quite interesting as this part of the city is quite crowded as it is full of shops.
After lunch, we will head to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is one of the prominent Sikh houses of worship. The Sikh Temple is locally called Gurduwara Bangla Sahib. This is the most prominent Sikh Temple of worship and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru and the pond inside its complex. You will also get an opportunity to visit Langar, is the term used in Sikhism for the community kitchen in a Gurdwara where a free meal is served to all the visitors, without distinction of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Every single day of the year between 20,000 and 30,000 hot, vegetarian meals are prepared and served. During Diwali, or, Festival of Lights, that number increases to a staggering 50,000 – 80,000 meals per day. All of the produce, spices, and other ingredients are donated and all of the people preparing, serving, and cleaning up afterwards are all volunteers. A truly humbling experience to not only see the massive operation but if you can actually partake in their offerings, it will leave you a changed person forever
Later, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India and the tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum 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 our visit, we will return to our hotel for a small break before we leave for our welcome dinner and traditional India dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 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 - Agra
After breakfast we will visit Akshardham Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the world, Akshardham. Built of pink sandstone and marble, the temple is the spiritual center of the entire complex. It consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20,000 statues of Hindu spiritual personalities. This will be indeed an informative and inspiring journey through an ancient culture, glorious art, and values of Hinduism.
Later we drive for Agra, a city that has its lacy of white grandeur, is one of the world’s most recognized monuments the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
Afternoon free time for your personal activities.
Sunset viewing of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, an open space garden situated in between the Yamuna River.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 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 4:
Agra
Sunrise visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
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 early evening we will enjoy the live show a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is a series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the most precious example of mastery, artistry, and craftsmanship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 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 5:
Agra - Jaipur
Sunrise visit to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife.
The Taj Mahal –Shah Jehan’s enduring monument to love. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression as we pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Emperor Shah Jehan, fifth of the great Mughals was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace). Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece.Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast you will be transferred from Agra to Jaipur along the way we will visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest stepwells in the world built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri. Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through.
After lunch, continue driving to Jaipur. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure in which you can partake in the activities of your interest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 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 6:
Jaipur
After breakfast the Jaipur journey starts from Amer fort also known as Amer Palace. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Later you will be taken to Maharaja City Palace, a royal palace with seven storeys as well as Jantar Mantar, the observatory. This wonderful observatory attracts mathematicians as well as astronomers from the whole world. City palace is perfect blend of all three excellent styles (Mughal, Rajput and European). Another palace, Hawa Mahal is popular all over world for its magnificent architecture.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner experience with a cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: 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 7:
Jaipur - Kolkata Flight
After breakfast fly to Kolkata. Arrive onboard. Afternoon visit to Mother Theresa’s home memorial and the Missionaries of Charity orphanage she founded. Enjoy a cultural performance in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 8:
Kolkata, Bandel & Kalna
Drive on an early-morning city tour, featuring a panoramic view of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata and visit Victoria Memorial Museum. Sail upstream through European East India companies settlements of the 17th through 19th centuries and visit Bandel’s Imambara, a colonial era Islamic school and pilgrim rest house on the riverbank.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 9:
Kalna & Matiari
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to the Rajbari temples in Kalna built in the 19th century and covered with intricate terracotta reliefs of the gods and humans.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 10:
Matiari & Khushbagh
Enjoy an early morning walk in the shoreside village of Matiari, famous for its handcrafted brass and copperware.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 11:
Khushbagh, Baranagar & Murshidabad
Visit Khushbagh a tomb complex set in scenic fields built by a local ruler and the village of Baranagar with its beautiful terracotta temples built by a rich woman who made her wealth in the colonial trade. Walk through local villages and sail to Murshidabad and walk to the vast Neo-Classical Hazarduari Palace built in the 19th cen. by a British architect and see a museum of objects amassed by a local ruler who reigned during the height of the European East India trade. Take a scenic buggy ride to the elegant 18th cen. brick mosque at Katra. Enjoy a local cultural performance on-board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 12:
Mayapur
After sailing in the morning, a stop in the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 13:
Chanderagore & Kolkata
Visit Chandernagore, once a French colony and explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade. Return to the ship and continue our journey downstream to Kolkata.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganges Voyager 1Ganges Voyager 1
Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M. V. Ganges Voyager and M. V. Ganges Voyager II respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and everchanging, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and elegance aboard these elegant ships.
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Day 14:
Disembark Kolkata
Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Kolkata airport or hotel.
What’s included
INCLUSIONS
- International Roundtrip Airfare
- Accommodation 7 night cruise in a riverview stateroom on Ganges Voyager (1)
- 2 nights in new Delhi at Taj Mahal New Delhi (or Similar)
- 2 nights in Agra at The ITC Mughal Luxury Collection (or similar)
- 2 nights in Jaipur at The Fairmont (or Similar)
- All meals as per the program – breakfast, lunches and dinners
- Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, and tea during meals
- Extensive sightseeing tour led by professional English speaking tour manager
- Assistance upon arrival and departure
- Complimentary welcome kit on arrival – hand sanitizers, wet tissues, charging plugs
- 24/7 Explore India Concierge team to assist with any last minute, unexpected, and unusual requests
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, gratuities, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Taxes additional of $283 per person
Ship Details
The Ganges Voyager 1
The colonial décor of the RV Ganges Voyager is the perfect cruise ship to experience the colonial heritage of Bengal. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Learn, observe, relax and enjoy on this remarkable tour while staying in luxury and enjoy the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager and its crew!
Staterooms
Maharaja Suite
Located forward on the upper deck, the Maharaja Suite is the most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, offering
more than 400-square-feet of living space. With only one on board, this truly one-of-a-kind suite hand stencilled
walls, Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and colonial prints of picturesque landscapes, monuments and life along the Ganga. Daily butler service and in-room dining are available on request.
Viceroy Suite
Located mid-ship on the upper deck, the Viceroy Suite offers a regal setting, designed for the most discerning
traveler. Furnished in opulent Colonial Indian decor, the Viceroy Suite offers more than 360-square-feet of living
space including a finely crafted day bed, Persian rugs, prints of picturesque views of the Ganga, hand-stencilled
walls and a spacious bathroom.
Heritage Suite
Located on the bow of the upper deck, the Heritage Suite offers 280-square-feet with unparalleled panoramic
views of the landscapes that lie ahead. Featuring an intimate balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Heritage
Suite guests enjoy privacy and comfort. Outfitted with an exquisite four-poster bed, Persian Rugs and luxurious
seating, this suite is a perfect retreat.
Colonial Suite
Located on the upper deck, the Colonial Suite provides more than 260-square feet of elegant living space. The
room’s warm and inviting colors, hand-painted stencils, picturesque prints made by artists who traveled along the
Ganga and comfortable sitting areas offer rest and comfort during your journey. Colonial Suite bathrooms offer
spacious showers with premium toiletries, robes and bath linens.
Signature Suite
Located on the main deck, the Signature Suite is a perfect retreat with more than 260-square-feet of living space
with two twin-size, or one queen-size bed. The sitting area has floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The Signature Suite
is decorated with indigo hand-stencils, a mural of a bodhi tree and fine wood furniture.
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Thank you to Nazir, Manzoor, Raj, Ravi, Niraj and the many other drivers and people who all worked so hard to make ths dream a reality. We had an amazing 14 days in India and Nepal. We were very fortunate that Nazir suggested we take a direct Air Canada flight from Vancouver. We got to Delhi in just under 14 hours arriving on Thursday which gave us an extra 3 days there before joining the tour group on Sunday. During that time we saw the Lotus temple, the Akshardam Temple, the Lodhi gardens, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the Qutb Minar as well as other temples and Mosques. These monuments together with seeing the Jama Mosque and the Chandni Chowk area on Suday were the highlight of our stay in Delhi, and suggest that these be included in all tours of the City. We also especially enjoyed our stay in the Suryaa Hotel, not just because of the wonderfull hospitality there, but also because it is located right in the heart of the local market. This gave us the chance to wander about getting to know how the locals live there without the distraction or the influx of tour buses. We also went to see the Nizamuddin Market and the Nizamuddin Dargah there, and had an awsome dinner at Karim’s on the day of our arrival. We were hoping to take part in the evening devotional music there, but that didn’t seem to work out. Maybe next time! There were many highlights throughtout this tour, not to distract from the Taj Mahal which was more stunning than I could have imagined when it first came into sight. All the accomodation, meals, transportation and the drivers, helpers and guides were all first class. Nepal was another high light, especially our stay in Nagarkot and the drive up there. Nires was a delight to have with us and very informative as was Ravi on our India leg of our journey. The only other suggestion I have here is that we would have liked to have arrived in Nagarkot early enough so that we would have had time to go on a short hike on the famous Panoramic Hiking trail I heard about. Over all I have no complaints and only good memories on our amazing journey in India and Nepal. What I would say in a short review, or you can post this entire e-mail if you want, are my comments below: This was a personal road trip Manzoor and Nazir would take their families on, Expect to expect the unexpected!You will be sirprized, delighted, amazed and even stunned, but never disappointed. Through out our journey eveything was so well thought out and perfectly executed. Thank you to everyone who worked so had to make this a trip of a lifetime. Our memories will be with us forever. Thank you so much. Rose and Jim
Rose & Jim Toews
Vancouver BC, Canada
Dear Nazir, I took your 13 day Imperial Rajasthan Tour with my sister on September 18, 2016. I meant to email earlier to tell you how highly we think of your Explore India organization. We had the BEST time. We wanted you to know that we appreciated all your assistance in arranging the trip. We were impressed by the service we received prior to our departure and during our trip. Your assistant Mandira was very helpful with advice and the material your company provides was invaluable in helping us with our planning. Once we got to India, we were well taken care of from the moment we arrived in Delhi. Our tour guide, Sundeep Singh, was excellent. We were a small group but he took the time to accommodate requests and ensure that everyone was happy. He was extremely knowledgeable about India. The history that he was able to provide at the different sites was great. He also ensured that we had the best "photo" moments, made recommendations for food (the chai tea at the market and the samosas at the rest stop were delicious!), taught us a few Hindi words and gave us (primarily the ladies on our tour) sufficient time to shop. There are some truly spectacular places to visit in India and this tour was definitely able to showcase them. We loved the extras that were included and that made this trip truly special. The accommodations were all 5 star but I loved that we stayed in some unique places like the tents in the Green Resort in Pushkar. Thank you again for everything.
Nancy Cheng
Edmonton, 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
We had a fantastic time on your organized tour over the 12 nights and 13 days spent in India. Your contact in New Delhi Mr. K.R.Joshi was very helpful. He met us at the Park Hotel the 1st day we went there. He gave us all the Hotel Vouchers, Travel Car arrangements, Rail sleeper car Tickets and the internal Flight Travel Vouchers. He stayed in touch with us all the time and contacted us through the various drivers in all the Cities. He also met us on the eve of our departure. Also we have to mention your contact in Srinagar, Kashmir, Mr. Rafeek. He booked us in a super luxury Houseboat. He brought us new towels and soap from his own home as the ones supplied by the Boathouse were not too good. The boat house-keeper was excellent. He served the meals personally and waited on us till we finished the meal. The meals supplied by him were really good. He made special Kashmir Biriyani and mutton curry for us for the last dinner. We also have to mention about your driver Mr. Hilal in Srinagar who brought us to the local airport from the boat-house. He came with us right through to airport security with our luggage and booked us at the check-in desk and took us to the Airport gate for our flight. He was very helpful as not many clerks at this airport spoke English and the security was very strict. All your drivers came on time to pick us for the Tours. They were very courteous and very careful. Your travel guides were very knowledgeable and good. Please mention the baggage allowance in writing along with your e-tickets. We had difficulty at Varnasi Airport with the check-in clerk. She said we both can take only two pieces with a combined weight of 40 kg. She delayed us over 25 minutes at the check-in and we had remove some clothes from our bags into our hand luggage. This is the only snag we had in India. We would gladly recommend your services and travel bookings to other Canadians who would like to see a good part of India. Also we would like to advise people never to travel on your own to a country like India.
Sudu & Rani Gunadasa
Vancouver, 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
Dear Nasir, Starting off with that amazing dinner with you at Veda this is the most fabulous trip I have ever taken, and I have been on many a great trip around the world. I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite, although Darjeeling was special. Even seeing the Taj Mahal in the fog didn’t take away from its incredible beauty. The Golden temple at Amritsar was fascinating. Dirty as Varanasi was it was still intriguing. At Ranthanbore we saw a tiger within 25 minutes. Many people had been there 3 days without a sighting. Rajahstan was so very interesting. So many things to do and see including getting rid of our (black money). We did manage it though. I would really like to commend our driver Sunil. He was always there for us and always helpful. (You should give him a raise!!!) Khalid in Delhi did his utmost to see that our trip went as smoothly as possible and Mukund was an excellent guide. (Give them all raises!!!) I have just been talking to Helen in Scotland & we both agree that we would love to come back.
Myra Johnston
North Vancouver, Canada
Hello Nazir, It has been a week since our return from Impressions of India trip. We are slowly getting over our jet lag. I still find myself going to the gym at 4 o'clock in the morning (and not minding it). This was my second time in India. The first time was in 1976 when I backpacked through large parts of India for about 5-6 weeks and then returned back again about a month later for four more months to do some work out of Mumbai. I often had a week or two off, which I used to travel further through India. First of all, I must comment on the excellent service that Sandeep has provided to our group. As I have discovered, all twenty-two participants are a well-travelled bunch. From my own perspective, Sandeep was the best guide of any we have ever had, anywhere. I would gladly go on another tour of India under his guidance again. Maybe Kerala one day. We have seen wonderful historical sites, forts and palaces, seen a tiger, experienced Diwali in Varanasi, etc. The hotels chosen by EI were excellent, the food was delicious and travel by bus was very comfortable. We will treasure our memories of India forever and will definitely recommend your company to our friends and relatives. Thank you and Namaste,
Martin Necpal
North York, Canada
Dorothy and I just wanted to let you know what a great time we had with you and our fellow travellers during our recent adventure in India.It was indeed a 'TRIP OF A LIFETIME' and excellent value -- one we will always cherish. Your attention to detail was incredible, the hotels were fantastic, the food was superb and your assistants couldn't do enough for us Please thank them again on our behalf.
Peter & Dorothy
North Vancouver, Canada
Explore India Tour September – October 2015-10-27 Pre Tour; your notes and advice before the trip started proved to be very useful – from how to obtain a visa to suggestions of clothing to toiletries and travel insurance. I’d advise any traveler to read these carefully and apply the ones that suit. Flights: after flying such long distances with Cathay Pacific I have to say that I would fly with them again anywhere. Superb service. Also I was expecting less from the Indian regional airlines but Spicejet and Indigo exceeded the performance of any regional airline I have flown with in North America. Air India is not so great! Hotels: again, I was astonished at the quality of the Hotels and the facilities offered. The variety was also beyond expectation. The Greenhouse Hotel in Pushkar is unique – I could have stayed another week and dinner on the roof at the palace hotel in Ranthambore was magical. Food: We were never short of drinking water on the bus – thanks to the kind attention of the driver and the hotels which provided it freely. Sadly I am not one who can eat hot, spicy foods and the foods at most of the dinner buffets were heavily spiced and I had to circumvent many offerings. Western foods are more available at breakfast buffets and I would advise travellers to eat a hearty breakfast. Towards the end of our trip I had to admit that there was little chance of mild spice so gave up trying. I did find that an occasional energy bar went a long way to solving this problem. Daily Tours: in general the topics were very interesting and some excelled. I cannot imagine anything in the world that is as beautiful as the Taj Mahal. It brings tears to the eyes. The boat cruise at Udaipur was reminiscent of Venice and the tour of the palace there quite illuminating. The visit to the Exotic Marigold Hotel near Jaipur was sheer delight. Lunch was hot! I didn’t expect to see too many tigers at the tour of Ranthambore National Park and was not disappointed. It was, however, pleasant to get out into the more untouched countryside. Probably, with some exceptions, my strongest memories and the completely enjoyable part was the getting there. The bus journeys were so full, so complete, so much of the human experience that I was always sorry when we arrived at our destination yet what we found once there was another unique experience. Personnel: I cannot say too much about the people on your team. Obviously there is no such thing as equal so some must stand out. Raheev, your Operations Manager, talked to us individually each day to monitor progress and seek to know if there were any changes he could initiate to make our trip better. Your local manager in each town was on site to greet us and explain the local programme and introduce the guide. The Guides: all tried to make their own particular place especially interesting. I do think that some guides might work harder to improve their language skills. Some start speaking slowly and concisely and, getting excited about the message, speed up and lose some of their precision. I know that they are speaking infinitely better English than I could ever speak Hindi but it’s useful to remember that listening very, very carefully to language other than one’s own can be very tiring. In my own work before retirement I was in similar situations often and know the weariness that language can bring. The Guides could mix up the message so that some modern facts and events are mixed in with the history. If I were doing their job I’d be tempted to also distribute a brief “info highlights” sheet – not to replace the spoken script but to augment it. There were several anecdotal events with Guides, some hilarious, some touching, but never did they allow us to put ourselves at risk. They all were watching over us. Drivers: the client is with the driver for most of the tour. We became fast friends with our driver BaBu who nursed us like a mother hen for twelve days. He checked on us before leaving each morning with a broad grin and “Good morning everybody. Passports, wallets?” He never once exhibited irritation or annoyance with the road or traffic conditions and was patience itself when we caused delays. He could find anything (Strepsils for a viciously sore throat) and weave his way through traffic like a camel through the eye of a needle. He proved to be a gem in Explore India’s crown. Varanasi: when arranging the trip you suggested we add a visit to Varanasi to our itinerary with the words (paraphrased) “some people think you haven’t seen India unless you’ve seen Varanasi”. Sounded like a sales pitch to me but I went along with it and how right you were. It is everything one imagines India to be – everything you’ve seen in National Geographic. The Ganges, the Holy Men, The Cremation Site, the Museum and archaeological site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Even the streets seem different - Spiritual (?) - despite the mess. But even in Varanasi it’s still people who make the difference and you have an excellent local manager but brilliant guide. Jha Rahi, a very spiritual and academic man was a joy to be with and he explained many of the mysteries of the local condition and the seeming religious contradictions. If asked, I would undoubtedly say that the once in a lifetime memories would be of the Taj Mahal and Varanasi – and our driver’s skill in traffic. Others would point to the day we saw a Black Python trying to cross the road in front of us or the death defying traffic in Old Delhi or the three hundred booth carpet exhibition that Jha managed to get us into. Perhaps the thing that everyone could remember would be how the staff of Explore India paid such great care and concern to the safety, well-being and pleasure of their clients. Summary: perhaps, most important is how a client would answer the question “Would you go again and would you go with Explore India”? My response would be a heartfelt “Yes – in a heartbeat”.
F & D Watts
Port Coquitlam, Canada
Thank you for your email requesting our comments on our recent trip to India. Overall, our impression is strongly favourable. We thought that the expedition was well organized, ran smoothly and represented good value. The hotels at which we stayed and the restaurants at which we ate were uniformly excellent. The transportation was comfortable and the sights we saw were interesting. Our guide was well-informed and gave interesting commentaries as well as ensuring that all the arrangements ran smoothly. We would (and have) recommend your company to friends. We would therefore conclude by thanking you for a job well done.
Sheila Gray-Moir & John Walker
West Vancouver, Canada
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