Luxury Group Tour - The Camel Fair & Holy Ganges
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From the moment you get off the plane and breathe in the sweet, spicy, enchanting fragrance of the Indian air, to the moment your fairy-tale journey comes to an end, you will be amazed, inspired, and delighted by incredible India. You will hear the gentle sounds of music that will move you, the prayers that will stir you, and the voices of the warm-hearted people of India that will be ingrained in your hearts forever. Nothing can prepare you for the striking opulence of the monuments you will see, nor can you know the impact that the extraordinary grace of day to day life in India will leave you. You will be inspired, enlightened, and educated in such an unfolding of events that India will see herself into your heart and you will feel the infusion of wonderment and joy that becomes who you are. With the combination of historic sites like Mahatma Gandhi’s house, to the decadence of your world-class accommodations, to the delectable cuisine that will stimulate your palette, to the adventurous aspect of the Camel Festival, this tour encompasses everything needed to arose your senses so you will remember this journey as an experience of a lifetime. These are just a few of the highlights that will make your Camel Festival, Tigers Safari’s, Holy Ganges & More a dream adventure you will never forget.
Tour Highlights
- Emotions stir as the heartwarming aspects of the Indian culture are revealed through unique, authentic, and magnificently beautiful cultural experiences throughout the tour.
- 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.
- As you revel in the opulence of the Taj Lake Palace Hotel you will be captivated by the splendor that will fill your eyes as you gaze out your palace room window and see the stunning City Palace and Jag Mandir in the midst.
- Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community.
- Attend one of the world’s largest camel fairs in Pushkar where you will share in the experience of seeing local people trade textiles, jewelry, and other valuables.
- Spot the elusive Bengal Tigers at Rathanbhore National Park and Game Drive.
- 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 daybreak
- 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.
- Transcend into another realm as you enter Mother Teresa’s Mission – Foot Steps away from the Holy Ganges in Varanasi
Tour Inclusions
- International round-trip airfare
- Accommodation at luxury hotels and resorts
- Escorted transfers
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Soft drinks, sodas, mineral water tea, and coffee during meals
- All sightseeing entrance fees including all monuments as well as elephant and camel safari fees
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach throughout the tour
- All 03 Sector Domestic flights within India
- Private elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
- Knowledgeable, fully licensed English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
Tour Exclusions
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in program
- Any other meals other than mentioned in the program
- Any services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities – $250.00 CAD per person must be paid after your arrival in India directly to your tour director. These basic gratuities will cover tour escorts, luggage handling, porters, restaurants, drivers and other members providing services during your tour. Applies to group tour only.
Day 1: Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
Day 2: 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.
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
Day 3: New Delhi Sightseeing
After a late breakfast, we will discover Gandhi Smriti, (formerly Birla House) the museum dedicated to Gandhi, Father of the Nation. Then we drive past the imposing India Gate war memorial, then on to a Sikh temple locally called Gurduwara Bangla Sahib. We will visit this spiritual Sikh temple with its shining golden dome dominating the skyline. We will discover the kitchen where you can see how the food is prepared for devotees. Later we will proceed with our lunch in Connaught Place, which is the hub of central Delhi.
After Lunch – We will visit Humayun’s Tomb. Emperor Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 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 back to our hotel for a small break before we leave for our welcome dinner.
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
Day 4: Old Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast, we will start our morning tour with a visit to 17th century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will 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 with 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.
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
Day 5: Delhi – Udaipur
In the morning, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your luxury romantic palace hotel. Travel and Leisure Magazine rated the Taj Lake Palace one of the best hotels in the world. After settling in, take in the magnificent views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir from the hotel’s balconies. This will be followed by a hot lunch.
Taj Lake Palace, which was built in the 17th century. When it was transformed into a hotel, its grand interiors drew the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II and the King of Nepal. Occupying a four-acre island in Pichola Lake, Cypress-shaded courtyards, gardens, and fountains dot the graceful white marble complex, which was built facing the east so that residents could pray to the sun god at dawn.
Later this afternoon, we will spend an interesting, educational and social evening with Jyoti an Indian cuisine expert, and housewife. She and her husband serve to love and hospitality along with food to their guests. She will host an interesting cooking class for us featuring with some great ingredients that are used for the preparation of authentic Indian cuisine. Jyoti has her own style of cooking and specific choices for the utensils to be used for different preparations. The taste of freshly prepared and cooked ingredients will be great and round off the complete experience.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, is the most romantic hotel in the world. It was built in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II
Taj Lake Palace is one of the most recognisable residences in the world , since it has been featured in many films and TV serials, most notably, Octopussy and The Jewel in The Crown.
Day 6: Udaipur & Local Tour
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Then we head to the Crystal Gallery, which features a rare collection of Osler’s crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. Next, we will visit the Garden of the Maids of Honor locally called Saheliyon ki Bari, which has retained all its traditional charm. It was designed in the early 18th Century specifically for ladies.
After lunch, we will return back to our hotel for leisure time or an opportunity to you use the spa or pool facilities before we leave for our evening activity.
In the early evening embark on a boat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola with the sun setting behind the hills. Later dinner at the open air Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace, which is over 400 years old.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, is the most romantic hotel in the world. It was built in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II
Taj Lake Palace is one of the most recognisable residences in the world , since it has been featured in many films and TV serials, most notably, Octopussy and The Jewel in The Crown.
Day 7: Udaipur – Pushkar & Celebrate Camel Fair
After breakfast, we will proceed to Pushkar. Along the way, you will experience the country with an opportunity to feast your eyes on camel carts, trucks, cows, buffalos and more. Arrive and check in your hotel. Afternoon at your leisure.
The Greenhouse Resort, Pushkar
The Greenhouse is a luxurious boutique resort in the holy town of Pushkar. Located just ten minutes drive away from the city centre of Pushkar. The Greenhouse Resort is the perfect base to explore one of India’s most exotic and vibrant city-Pushkar.
Day 8: Pushkar – Jaipur
After a leisurely start, we 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. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to spend at your leisure.
Evening Elephant Safari & Dinner – In the land of Maharajas at Dera Amer, we are greeted at the sprawling lawns by a Royal Military Brass Band. An exclusive elephant safari in the jungle followed by a Rajasthani music and home-cooked dinner at a valley camp situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization and main occupation in this area is farming.
Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Step 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.
Day 9: Jaipur & Pink City City
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort including an elephant ride ascent to the fort. Along the way, we will have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of the “Palace of Winds” which is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.
Amber Fort 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. Next visit City Palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Also, visit Jantar Mantar. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. The observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
After lunch, visit Jaipur’s flourishing gem industry area, which is as old as the city itself. Jaipur is world-famous for its precious and semi-precious stones. Of course, no trip to Jaipur would be complete without a visit to Jewels Emporium. Here we will visit the factory and witness jewelry making. Afternoon free for your personal activities.
Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Step 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.
Day 10: Jaipur – Ranthambore and Tigers
After breakfast, we will leave for Ranthambore a National Park, the true den of tigers, near the confluence of the lakes namely Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, other animals that inhabit the park are Sloth Bears, Jackals, Marsh Crocodiles, Leopards, Gazelles, Indian Hares, Porcupines, Jungle Cats, Sambhars, Chinkaras, Mongoose, Nilgais, Wild Boar and Monitor Lizards. Birds can also be seen in huge numbers here. Arrive and enjoy your lunch. The afternoon is free to be spent as you wish.
The Ranthambore National Park is equally rich in flora. Trees like Banyan, Dhok, Mango, and Pipal are in abundance. Shallow lakes, gentle slopes, and plateaus dominate the landscape of the park.
Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Rajasthan
There’s a new roar in Sawai Madhopur. Less than 3 kilometres from the Ranthambore railway station. Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the only heritage hotel, is one of the best resorts in Ranthambore. The original lodge was built over 80 years ago and not much has changed.
Day 11: Ranthambore National Park & Game Driving
Your day will begin with pre-dawn coffee and biscuits before setting off on an early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. After, return to the hotel for your breakfast. Later we will discover a craft village. It is an intrinsic part of the socio-cultural landscape and offers an insightful peek into life, as it exists in Ranthambore. Return to hotel for lunch. In the late afternoon, we will return to the park for another game drive, ending our day just before sunset. Dinner at the hotel.
Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Rajasthan
There’s a new roar in Sawai Madhopur. Less than 3 kilometres from the Ranthambore railway station. Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the only heritage hotel, is one of the best resorts in Ranthambore. The original lodge was built over 80 years ago and not much has changed.
Day 12: Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra & Indian Railway
After early breakfast, we are transferred to the train station to board our first Indian railway trip to Bharatpur.
Indian Railway, the largest employer in the world, employees nearly 1.5 million people. The history of Indian Railway in India began in the mid-nineteenth century. The core of the pressure for building railways in India came from London. In 1848, there was not a single kilometer of railway line in India. A British engineer, Robert
Maitland Brereton, was responsible for the expansion of the railways from 1857 onwards. Arrive in Bharat, transfer to our coach and drive to Agra. 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 the 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 continue to Agra and check in at your hotel followed by lunch.
After lunch, enjoy some time at your leisure to relax before we leave for our evening activity.
In the evening enjoy a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into the 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 and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 13: Agra & Taj Mahal
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.
After breakfast, we will visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.
After lunch, we will visit a renowned marble factory to experience the making of fine inlaid stonework and the translucent marble of the region. The craftsmen of Agra are still renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the hotel.
Courtyard by Mariott, Agra
Treat yourself to 5-star elegance at the Courtyard Marriott Agra. Completely new and ideally located near the Taj Mahal and other renowned India attractions, our hotel is ideal for a business trip or a relaxing getaway. Our spacious rooms and suites are among the largest in Agra and offer 5-star amenities like high-speed Internet, luxury bedding and flat-screen TVs. Guests staying at the hotel don’t have to look far for great dining, thanks to our four-on-site options. Sample from the delicious buffet at MoMo Cafe, or MoMo to Go. Enjoy succulent Indian barbecue at ANISE or innovative cocktails at Onyx Bar. Meetings and events at the hotel are extraordinary; our expansive outdoor lawn provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor weddings, our indoor venues are as versatile as they are elegant. Stay fit with our fully-equipped gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. There is an Entertainment zone for unlimited fun. And for those looking to explore, Agra’s most exciting attractions are just minutes from our doorstep.
Room Features
Executive Suite
- Air-conditioned
- This room is non-smoking
- Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
- Living room is separated
- This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms
- This room type does not offer accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Premium Room
- Air-conditioned
- This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms
- This room type does not offer accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Terrace Room
- Air-conditioned
- This room is non-smoking
- Living/sitting area
- This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms
- This room type does not offer accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Deluxe Room
- Air-conditioned
- This room type offers mobility accessible rooms
- This room type offers accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Junior Room
- Air-conditioned
- Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
- Living room is separated
- This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms
- This room type does not offer accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Hotel Amenities
- Our impeccably designed hotel rooms and suites boast deluxe bedding and flat-screen televisions
- Additional amenities include coffee makers, mini refrigerators, and well-lit, ergonomic work areas
- Sleek marble bathrooms feature luxury perks like robes, slippers, and hair dryers for your comfort
- High-speed Internet access keeps you connected and productive during your Agra hotel visit
- Order room service, and enjoy a meal in the privacy of your accommodations, 24 hours a day
Day 14: Agra - Delhi – Varanasi
Drive Agra to Delhi and board your afternoon flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Varanasi is formerly known as Kashi, the city that illuminates. It is the religious capital of Hinduism and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Arrive and transfer to our hotel. In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to hotel.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi
Day 15: Varanasi & Ganges
Early morning – we will leave for a boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Life on the Ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world. We will also pay a quick visit to Mother Teresa’s missionary. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gayathe, Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the holiest sites as in this place, the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum.
In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to the hotel.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi
Day 16: Varanasi – Delhi
We leave after breakfast to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to your hotel until your flight departure for home.
Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi
Located in close proximity to Delhi and Gurgaon, Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi is the first luxury hotel in the capital by the Pride Group of Hotels.
Day 17: Departure Transfer
You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your International flight connection to Canada. All good things should come to an end, so does your holiday too. This incredible Journey to India would have filled your mind with too many good memories to be cherished for a life time.
Select a gateway:
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Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Vancouver International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,499 $7,299 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Lester B. Pearson International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,499 $7,299 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Calgary
Calgary International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Calgary International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,899 $7,699 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Winnipeg
James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from James Armstrong Richardson International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,899 $7,699 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Montréal
Montréal-pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Montréal-pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,899 $7,699 CAD Available Request a Quote -
Ottawa
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to India.Date Price (with air) Availability Nov 12, 2018 $7,699 $7,499 CAD Available Request a Quote Oct 31, 2019 $7,899 $7,699 CAD Available Request a Quote