Small Group Journey - The ”Exotic Marigold” India Adventure
Experience the best of India with an enchanting and delightful travel experience with our highly qualified tour guide. Explore the ancient city of 17th century Delhi, climb aboard a bicycle rickshaw, visit the world’s best-known symbol of love – the unrivaled Taj Mahal. Stay at the filming location of ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’, Viceroys Club and delight in the colourful pink city of Jaipur atop a private elephant ride to the Amber fort,
Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city of India & home to one of the worlds’ most time-honored and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do.
(Two Nights in Varanasi and one night in Delhi with local air, transfers, tours, meals, and taxes for $899.00)
Tour Highlights
- Stay at the filming location of ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’, Viceroys Club.
- Explore the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj
- Rickshaw adventure through the back lanes of Old Delhi including ancient spice market
- Visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara which is a house of worship in Delhi
- Visit to The Taj Mahal…the world’s best-known symbol of love
- Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone
- Abhaneri-the largest stepwells in the world which were built over a thousand years ago
- Explore the local village to experience the day to day beauty of rural India where you will meet local families
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
- Visit to the City Palace, one of the homes of the current Maharaja of Jaipur
- Enjoy an authentic dinner experience with cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music
Tour Inclusions
- International round-trip airfare
- Comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance from Travel Guard
- 8 nights’ accommodation at 4 and 5 star hotels
- 11 meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport
- Unlimited bottled water during sightseeing tours
- Traditional cultural program dinner in Jaipur
- Entrance fees to all the monuments
- All sightseeing tours on an air-conditioned deluxe coach
- Highly qualified English-speaking tour director (for min 6 people)
Tour Exclusions
- Gratuities, personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing excursions other than what is mentioned in the program will be at an extra cost to you.
- Services other than in our inclusion.
Gratuities – gratuities are an additional $120 per person must be paid upon 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. (Applies to Group Tours 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 Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. On your arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, you will meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.
The Surya, Delhi
The Surya, New Delhi is an ISO 22000:2005 certified five star deluxe hotel and endeavors to meet and exceed customer’s expectations. The designation of ISO is evident in our philosophy and commitment to put the comfort, health, and safety of our guests as the main focus of our business model. Enjoy the comforts of The Surya that span beyond incredible dining experiences to the relaxing comfort and serenity of your hotel room.
Room Features
- Mini Bar
- Tea / Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
- Spacious Bathrooms
- Suryaa One Touch Service
- Concierge Services
- In-Room Dining
- Doctor On Call
- Wake-Up Call
Hotel Amenities
- Business center
- High-speed internet and wi-fi
- Club lounge access for club floor guests with facilities of library, pool tables, video games and meeting rooms
- Usage of health club & swimming pool
Spa Facilities
- Steam Sauna, Jacuzzi, Hydrobath, Impulse Showers and varied options in Ayurvedic Health Treatments & Massages besides conventional Swiss Massages
Entertainment & Recreation
- Outdoor Swimming Pool open between 0700hrs-2100hrs during Summers and between 0800hrs-1700hrs in Winters. Lifeguard is present during operational hours.
Health & Fitness Center
Fitness Centre consists of Sauna, Steam/ Chill Pool/ Impulse Showers/ Jacuzzi/Hydrobath. Fully-equipped gymnasium- treadmills, exercycles,cross-trainers, skiing machine, reclimbers, steppers and single stations for each body parts besides free weights.
Learn the easiest Rubik’s Cube solution which is available in many languages. You’ll just have to memorize a cople tricks.
Day 3: Explore Old & New Delhi
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 take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane and then drive past Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a visit to Humayun’s tomb. Emperor Humayun’s was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow 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.
Later, we will visit a Sikh temple and then enjoy a welcome dinner in Connaught place.
The Sikh temple we will visit is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. This incredible temple is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan and, also notable if the beautiful pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar.
Overnight stay at the hotel
The Surya, Delhi
The Surya, New Delhi is an ISO 22000:2005 certified five star deluxe hotel and endeavors to meet and exceed customer’s expectations. The designation of ISO is evident in our philosophy and commitment to put the comfort, health, and safety of our guests as the main focus of our business model. Enjoy the comforts of The Surya that span beyond incredible dining experiences to the relaxing comfort and serenity of your hotel room.
Room Features
- Mini Bar
- Tea / Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
- Spacious Bathrooms
- Suryaa One Touch Service
- Concierge Services
- In-Room Dining
- Doctor On Call
- Wake-Up Call
Hotel Amenities
- Business center
- High-speed internet and wi-fi
- Club lounge access for club floor guests with facilities of library, pool tables, video games and meeting rooms
- Usage of health club & swimming pool
Spa Facilities
- Steam Sauna, Jacuzzi, Hydrobath, Impulse Showers and varied options in Ayurvedic Health Treatments & Massages besides conventional Swiss Massages
Entertainment & Recreation
- Outdoor Swimming Pool open between 0700hrs-2100hrs during Summers and between 0800hrs-1700hrs in Winters. Lifeguard is present during operational hours.
Health & Fitness Center
Fitness Centre consists of Sauna, Steam/ Chill Pool/ Impulse Showers/ Jacuzzi/Hydrobath. Fully-equipped gymnasium- treadmills, exercycles,cross-trainers, skiing machine, reclimbers, steppers and single stations for each body parts besides free weights.
Learn the easiest Rubik’s Cube solution which is available in many languages. You’ll just have to memorize a cople tricks.
Day 4: Delhi – Agra (205 Km / 4 Hours)
After breakfast, you will leave for Agra, a city which has the legacy of white grandeur. Agra is home to one of the world’s most recognized monuments, the incredible Taj Mahal. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Your afternoon is free for your own time and personal activities.
Optional live show performance for those who would like to watch an amazing 75-minute live show. In the early evening, you will enjoy a live play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. This fascinating drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is a series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create a most breathtaking work of craftsmanship. Overnight stay at the hotel
The live performance is optional at a cost of CAD $55.00 per person
Trident Agra Hotel, Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices.
Day 5: Visit Taj Mahal
This is an exciting day! Despite the early morning start which is at sunrise, we visit one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world, The Taj Mahal. This monument of love which was built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most highly revered masterpieces in the world.
After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with imposing walls of red sandstone. The fort is almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.
tIn the afternoon we will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are, even today, renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous.
Trident Agra Hotel, Agra
Near the Taj Mahal, Trident, Agra is one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel features 135 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, which overlook the central courtyard and gardens. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices.
Day 6: Agra – Kanota (220 Km / 4 hrs. drive approx.)
After breakfast leave for Kanota with a stop en route to visit the Abhaneri step well.
Abhaneri is the Chand Baori. The massive step well-built to conserve rainwater is 20 m deep with 13 levels and is considered deepest and largest stepwell in India. Marvelous carvings on the steps transform into pieces of excellent architecture. The stepwell stands as an amazing display of ancient engineering and the geometric step pattern gives a fascinating insight into this architectural masterpiece.
Later, check in at heritage hotel Castle Kanota which is the filming location of the ‘Viceroys Club’ in ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Movie’
Castle Kanota, being an old castle, has lots of open space and fragrant fruit orchards. Guests will enjoy the experience of an Indian home while they are here as everything is being personally looked after by the family members. During your stay at Castle Kanota, you will discover the secret of the grandeur of the Rajput royalty, when you see the exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings that are fully covered with frescoes and paintings. With period furniture throughout the hotel, it is an authentic experience as well as a visual delight.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit a local village to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals who will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy and relax as you please
Castle Kanota, Jaipur
Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas & famous for its castles, forts and palaces is truly the colorful Jewel of India. Castle Kanota is one of the finest heritage hotels of this princely state of Rajasthan, providing a good example of history amalgamating with modern times.
Spread over 19 Bighas (8 Acres) of land, Castle Kanota is truly a magnificent experience. Built in 1872 by the then Thakur of Kanota, Zorawar Singh Ji, who was also a cabinet minister in the government of Jaipur, the castle is located just 15 km. east of Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Highway. With a built-in museum and a library which displays gold work and unique collection of rare books, the castle takes you back to the grandeur of the past. There might be various heritage hotels in and around Jaipur but there is only one – Castle Kanota – with lots of unique qualities and live sign of rural tourism.
Castle Kanota has 18 AC rooms which have been very beautifully renovated and tastefully decorated. Being an old castle, it has lots of open space and fruit orchards. Guests will get perfect experience of an Indian home while they are here because everything is being personally looked after by the family members. During your stay at Castle Kanota, you will discover the secret of the grandeur of the Rajput royalty, when you see the exquisitely decorated walls and ceilings that are fully covered with frescoes and paintings. The period furniture placed all over the hotel is more than a visual delight.
Castle Kanota has a royal ambiance that segregates it from the rest of the heritage hotels. Its enchanting facade and unmatched interiors gives it a royal look. The stay in castle is an irreplaceable experience offering you a holiday that you will never forget. This heritage hotel is truly a place where one can enjoy traditional Rajput hospitality with all modern amenities in the same old environment.
With a Majestic Durbar Hall, Golden Suite, and a big beautiful garden with a fruit orchard, the fortified medieval castle is a magnificent experience. The Castle Library (Pothi Khana) has gold work and unique collection of over 10,000 rare books, manuscripts, miniatures and a very rich (16th century) armory. Cannons to protect the castle were purchased from the British Navy. There are facilities for horse and camel ride at the Castle.
Day 7: Kanota- Jaipur (20 Km / 30 Min drive approx.)
After breakfast, you will explore the museum in the hotel
Later you will be driven to Jaipur where, upon arrival, check in to our next hotel
The origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter through the old city walls where we are greeted with peaceful pink-coloured buildings that can be seen from every turn. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II.
Visit the famous Hindu Temple in Pink City of Jaipur.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic dining experience with a cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music.
Trident Hotel Jaipur
Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
Day 8: Jaipur & Private Elephant
In the morning, enjoy an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort Palace by Jeep which was built in 1593. Enjoy the architecture, lattice screens, and paintings which appear to be coloured with jewel dust. Later, drive through the old city where we will make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace, a home of the current Maharaja of Jaipur and its museum. This is the perfect time to shop for exclusive gems that Jaipur is famous for and also see some fascinating block printing fabrics.
Optional Cooking with a local family for those who would like to spend an interesting, educational and social evening at a house that belongs to a well-known Rajput family. Learn some great cooking techniques about Rajasthani Indian Cuisine in coordination with your in-house chefs which takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll be taken to their kitchen where the cooking demonstration will commence. You will be shown how each dish is made as your hosts describe the incredible ingredients of fresh organic foods cooked to perfection with the foods of the region, leaving you with a complete experience that you can try when you are home, a truly authentic Indian cooking experience.
Optional CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests – subject to availability)
Trident Hotel Jaipur
Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant, 5-star destinations in India. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Folklore has it that in 1876, the city was painted a luxury, warm pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Since then, the ‘pink city’, as it is lovingly called, has retained its rosy blush, which has charmed travelers from around the world.
Day 9: Jaipur – Delhi (250 Km, approx. 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive from Jaipur to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner at hotel.
The Grand New Delhi
The Grand New Delhi, nestled in the heart of Delhi NCR, is the city’s most distinguished luxury hotel. An ideal destination for the discerning business and leisure traveller, the 5-Star Luxury Hotel boasts of modern facilities and a resort-like feel with luscious greens & magnificent waterscapes. A proud winner of World Luxury Hotel Awards, the hotel with its personalized services and exemplary hospitality is the quintessential address to relax, unwind and explore the city at your own pace.
Day 10: Delhi
Breakfast at your hotel. Later, you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight for home.
Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city of India & home to one of the worlds’ most time-honored and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do.
(Two Nights in Varanasi and one night in Delhi with local air, transfers, tours, meals, and taxes for $899.00)
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