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Overview
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, and visit the world’s best-known symbol of love – the unrivaled Taj Mahal. Visit one of the hidden secrets of India. The largest stepwells in the world were built over a thousand years ago in the rural village of Abhaneri, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur atop a private jeep ride to the Amber fort.
Highly Recommended: Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city in India & home to one of the world’s most time-honored and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do. Ask for details.
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Tour Highlights
- Explore the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj
- Rickshaw adventure through the back lanes of Old Delhi including the ancient spice market
- Visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara which is a house of worship in Delhi
- Visit 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 the City Palace, one of the homes of the current Maharaja of Jaipur
- Enjoy an authentic dining experience with cultural Rajasthani traditional dance and music
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment.
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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.
Accommodation: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel DelhiThe Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
1 CBD Maharaj Surajmal Road Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Vishwas Nagar Extension, Delhi, 110032, Indiahttps://www.theleela.com/en_us/hotels-in-delhi/the-leela-ambience-convention-hotel-delhi/+91 11 7172 1234The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel features 480 luxurious guest rooms and suites which are elegant, well-appointed and equipped with the latest in technology. The hotel also offers 70,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose meeting and banqueting space, including a pillar-less ballroom of 24,497 sq. ft. with pre-function areas in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. making it one of the largest luxury convention hotels in India.
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Day 3:
Explore Old & New Delhi
After breakfast, you will start your morning tour by visiting 17th-century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. You 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).
Proceed to visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic Life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi had lived in this house from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. Thus, the hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. The preserves include the room where Mahatma Gandhi lived and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening. It was here where the assassin’s bullets felled Gandhi.
Later, you will visit a Sikh temple. The Sikh temple you will visit is Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which 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 is the beautiful pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar”.
Later in the evening enjoy your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel DelhiThe Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
1 CBD Maharaj Surajmal Road Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Vishwas Nagar Extension, Delhi, 110032, Indiahttps://www.theleela.com/en_us/hotels-in-delhi/the-leela-ambience-convention-hotel-delhi/+91 11 7172 1234The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel features 480 luxurious guest rooms and suites which are elegant, well-appointed and equipped with the latest in technology. The hotel also offers 70,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose meeting and banqueting space, including a pillar-less ballroom of 24,497 sq. ft. with pre-function areas in excess of 25,000 sq. ft. making it one of the largest luxury convention hotels in India.
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Day 4:
Delhi – Agra (205 Km / 4 Hours)
After breakfast, you will leave for Agra, a city with a white grandeur legacy. 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 a fantastic 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 the 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 the cost of CAD $55.00 per person
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Courtyard by Marriott AgraCourtyard by Marriott Agra
Taj Nagri Rd, Basai Khurd, T.Y.C. Phase-II, Basai, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agrcy-courtyard-agra/+91 562 662 7777Enjoy 5-star service at the Courtyard Marriott Agra. Set on the famed Fatehabad Road, just minutes from jewels of India like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, our luxury hotel offers easy access to all points of interest. Enjoy spacious, elegant rooms and suites with contemporary decor, resort-like amenities, plush pillowtop bedding and high-speed internet. Take a dip in our pool or break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. When you’re ready to unwind, visit Unora Spa for an Indian or international massage and beauty treatments. Dine at one of our four restaurants – MoMo Cafe, Anise, Onyx and MoMo 2 Go – for innovative cuisine. If you’re in Agra for commerce, we offer our business center, 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues, culinary experts and high-tech equipment. Our ‘City of Love’ location is ideal for vacations, weddings, getaways and even for business. Convenient to Agra Cantt Railway Station, our 5-star hotel welcomes you with traditional Indian hospitality in a modern setting.
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Day 5:
Visit Taj Mahal
This is an exciting day! Despite the early morning start which is at sunrise, you 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.
In the afternoon you 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.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Courtyard by Marriott AgraCourtyard by Marriott Agra
Taj Nagri Rd, Basai Khurd, T.Y.C. Phase-II, Basai, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/agrcy-courtyard-agra/+91 562 662 7777Enjoy 5-star service at the Courtyard Marriott Agra. Set on the famed Fatehabad Road, just minutes from jewels of India like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, our luxury hotel offers easy access to all points of interest. Enjoy spacious, elegant rooms and suites with contemporary decor, resort-like amenities, plush pillowtop bedding and high-speed internet. Take a dip in our pool or break a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. When you’re ready to unwind, visit Unora Spa for an Indian or international massage and beauty treatments. Dine at one of our four restaurants – MoMo Cafe, Anise, Onyx and MoMo 2 Go – for innovative cuisine. If you’re in Agra for commerce, we offer our business center, 24,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues, culinary experts and high-tech equipment. Our ‘City of Love’ location is ideal for vacations, weddings, getaways and even for business. Convenient to Agra Cantt Railway Station, our 5-star hotel welcomes you with traditional Indian hospitality in a modern setting.
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Day 6:
Agra – Bharatpur
After breakfast leave for Bharatpur known as the Keoladeo National Park, also famous for the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort.
Bharatpur National Park is a famous avifauna sanctuary and a bird-watching paradise listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. The 29 km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for winter breeding.
The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is a human-made establishment known for nesting its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. What is interesting to note is that this place was once the waterfowl hunting ground for the royalty and the British, but was converted into an asylum for birds and other wildlife as well in the year 1971. You can take a Jeep Ride or Rickshaw Safari to spot exotic birds and a few animals that inhabit the jungle as well. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is easily a bird lover’s paradise, and photographers will find this place to be delightful as well
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit a local village by jeep 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Regenta Resort BharatpurRegenta Resort Bharatpur
Regenta Resort, Patpara Mohalla, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001, Indiahttps://www.royalorchidhotels.com/regenta-resort-bharatpur+91 74120 84120Rajasthan is a state steeped in history and culture, and Bharatpur, a district in Rajasthan, truly embodies all of it. Located in the historic town of Bharatpur, Regenta Resort Bharatpur offers a glimpse into the state’s rich regal past with a modern touch. Situated in the heart of the city, the resort offers 49 well-fitted rooms and suites overlooking the sprawling lawn or the city. Rooms at the resort range from premium room to the grand presidential suites. The culinary team at Pinxx, the in house restaurant, offers Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine that strikes the palate and leaves an everlasting impression. A swimming pool, spa, indoor activities and a fitness centre are some of the other recreational facilities provided at the resort. The resort also houses 2 banquet halls big enough for corporate conclaves, retreats, product launches, seminars, birthdays, family get-togethers and receptions. Bharatpur is also an emerging hub for destination weddings and Regenta Resort Bharatpur is today the most preferred resort for destination weddings. Keoladeo National Park, designated a world heritage site by UNESCO and home to some of the most endangered birds, is just a short drive from the property. Other prominent tourist sites such as Lohagarh Fort and Deeg Fort are within a radius of 10 – 15 Kms from the Resort.
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Day 7:
Bharatpur- Jaipur (20 Km / 30 Min drive approx.)
Early morning enjoy a Bicycle rickshaw ride in the National park. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast proceeds to Jaipur with a stop en route to visit the Abhaneri stepwell.
Abhaneri is the Chand Baori. The massive step well-built to conserve rainwater is 20 m deep with 13 levels and is considered the 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.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Trident Hotel JaipurTrident Hotel Jaipur
Amber Fort Road, Opposite, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur+91 141 267 0101Resplendent 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.
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Day 8:
Explore Jaipur
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 that appear to be colored with jewel dust. Later, drive through the old city where you will make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace, the 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 see some fascinating block printing fabrics.
Later enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Optional Cooking for those who would like to spend an enjoyable, 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 region’s foods, 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)
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: Trident Hotel JaipurTrident Hotel Jaipur
Amber Fort Road, Opposite, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur+91 141 267 0101Resplendent 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.
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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.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New DelhiPride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi
Asset 5A, Hospitality District, Aerocity, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttp://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/+91 11 6600 7700Located 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.
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Day 10:
Delhi
In time you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight home.
Extend your trip to Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi, the oldest living city in India & home to one of the world’s most time-honored and mysterious cultures. Experience TRUE India in a way only a select few have the opportunity to do.
Starting from CAD 999 pp. With Roundtrip local airfares.
What’s included
- International roundtrip airfare
- Accommodation in well-reviewed 4-star hotels
- 14 meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Escorted transfers (airport to the hotel, hotel to the 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)
What’s excluded
- 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.
- India tourist visa
- Taxes $173
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Dear Mandira and Nazir, We had a really wonderful time. Our guide was very professional, informative and warm which really makes a huge difference when going with a group..and we could not have been luckier group wise- everyone was friendly and engaged. The hotels were all extremely good. We really enjoyed the range of food, the optional cookery session was a real insight into family life- a most delightful family. We really enjoyed the performance in Kerala. It was such a pity the performers did not have a larger audience Thank you all at Explore India for such a professional and friendly service. We will most definitely recommend your company to anyone thinking of going to India. Kind regards Catriona
Catriona Stares
London UK, United Kingdom
Thank you very much the card and the phone message. I have actually been travelling almost non-stop since getting back from India, and this is the first opportunity I have had to respond with about my trip to India. First of all, it was the trip of a lifetime and I would definitely recommend it to friends. The Kashmiri leg in particular was a highlight. The people and scenery and ambiance were wonderful. Like everything, there is always some room for improvement, and I offer these thoughts to you as you strive to accommodate the needs and wishes of your future clients.June and I agreed that this trip was about 88% successful, but now that I am back and looking at my pictures and reading my diary, I would peg it closer to 95%. I felt that ExploreIndia had our best interests at heart. I am not a fussy or nervous traveller, but when travelling in such a colourful, chaotic and crowded country, I needed to feel safe and comfortable, and I did. Thank you to Mr Joshi for looking after my misplaced plane tickets and insurance policy. He was a very attentive agent at all times. An item that got left behind in our last hotel was the colour copy of the day-to-day itinerary, with the photos at the top of each page. I would love to have another copy as a souvenir if possible, via physical mail. Thank you so much for making this trip possible for me and also for providing fodder for my ongoing writing career.
Judith Butler and June
West Toronto, Canada
Just wanted to let you know what an awesome experience our trip to India was. Maxine and I really enjoyed it. Everyone in our group was wonderful and George sent us his amazing pictures. We would all laugh when we avoided what seemed to be an unavoidable head-on collision on the highway! I think the roads are the most amazing part of the trip. Our northern guide Mahendra added extras, like visits with his family, which really was special. The 4 of us who went south to Kerala were really glad we did…so different and beautiful. Can’t say enough about the trip. We would highly recommend it. If anyone is thinking about going and has any questions they can call me and I can tell them how wonderful it is.
Denise Fader
Chilliwack, Canada
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
Nazir, Thank you very much for guiding Sirje to work up such a wonderful trip. We loved it. We now are totally amazed that more people do not travel to India to “Explore India”. The accommodations, guides meals etc that you arranged were wonderful. We have great respect for the capabilities of Explore India and will be happy to (and already have) recommend that friends work with Explore India to develop their trip. Having a contact in Canada that one can work with and a team in India which can manage all the details is a wonderful concept. We even shared your contact info with some friends in the USA who are looking for a North American contact to help them design a trip like ours. As a result of decades in management I am a strong believer in “continuous improvement” and so we would like to offer the following thoughts/observations that you might consider to make other people’s trips even better. We are not looking for reasons why things were not done the way we had anticipated but wanting to share our observations with you so that you can consider our thoughts when arranging future guests bookings. On the trip, many things stood out as much better than expected but the biggest ones (in my mind) were: 1) Having arrived on Saturday afternoon and having the tour start on Monday morning. By the time we got to the hotel we were exhausted and so it was great to have a day to sleep in and “recharge the batteries” so that on Monday morning we were ready to tour. 2) Going to Darjeeling. I know it was “Plan B” and put in near the last minute but your team did a fabulous job and we still cannot get over what a wonderful place it was to visit. A special vote of thanks to the Mayfair hotel which was excellent (by the way, talking with other tourists, they ranked the Cedar Hotel as number 3 or 4 and felt it smelt of mold). I would highly recommend continuing to use the Mayfair as the first choice. 3) At Varanasi, your team inserted an evening “walk through the market streets of old Varanasi) before going and hiring a boat to cruise the Ganges and watch the evening ceremonies. The walk included being able to see the Islamic Mosque built on the site of a Hindu Temple and the “new” Hindu Temple. The evening boat ride was a highlight and a much better viewing platform than watching from the shore. We were a bit worried because the write up in our itinerary (from you) did not explicitly say to watch from a boat and we were worried that the guide was going to skip the boat and watch from the shore. We were so pleased that he got the boat (as he did the following morning per the plan). Khalid’s idea to put the walk into the late afternoon itinerary was wonderful. 4) Having a Private tour for the two of us was wonderful. We could ask the guides all the questions that we wanted and not worry about holding up the others on the tour. We could also pause for photos and not worry about falling behind. 5) The quality of the guides greatly exceeded our expectations. In every city/site, they were great. They generally had mastered the slower speech so that we could follow what they were saying and they took a time to help us keep the various historical rulers in order in our minds, even when it meant repeating something they had said before. In addition, the guides at Agra and Fatehpur Sikri were great photographers who showed us some new angles and tricks for taking photos with cell phone cameras. 6) The sites like Darjeeling, Sarnath (with the Ashok Capital), Fatehpur Sikri, the Amber fort and the Astronomical Observatory were all sites that we had never heard of but should be included in tourists plans for India. 7) Having Heera Singh as our driver for Delhi and most cities close by was wonderful. He was superb and in addition to being a great driver, was very interested in making sure that he did everything he could to make our trip the best possible. In 2017, Sirje would like to personalize a small gift for him that hopefully, someone can take over on one of their trips to India. Again, I hope you understand that we had a wonderful trip, are very positive on the bookings that you and your team made, are already recommending that people talk with Explore India when planning their trip. I just wanted to give you some of our thoughts and observations. Wishing you and your team the very best during the holidays and for 2017. Thank you
Rob MacWilliam
Vancouver, Canada
I am writing to thank you so much for setting up a wonderful, magical trip for us to India. I cannot recommend all of your staff more highly. They were very professional and accommodating. We especially liked Yuvrage who is an interesting young man, our driver and our driver's assistant all of whom I thought were exceptional. On the other hand the staff at Le Meridien in New Delhi went above board in helping us when my son was feeling ill. They were very understanding and sympathetic. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending that hotel. Thank you Nazir. I am already telling everybody that they should contact you when they go to India. Until next time.
Heather Crichton & Family
Vancouver, Canada
I can only say Helen and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in India. It was very insightful and not a little unsettling and moving at times. This is as it should be. I had a little list of things I wanted to be able to do with the free time we had, as you know, and I accomplished all of them. The support ‘on the ground’ was good and Yajur was a very good guide. He’s very personable, organized and well informed. Please give him my best regards and convey to him my sincere appreciation for being our Tour Manager. He’s a keeper in my opinion. He provided a lot of very good context and insight into the country and its people as well as its strengths and challenges. His ‘lectures’ on the bus as we traveled I personally found very helpful. They got me thinking, asking questions and engaging him in conversation, when possible, to expand my knowledge (as for me this, along with time on the street, is an important part of travel). He has a lot of useful knowledge of the sites we visited also. That and the local and national newspapers available at the hotels were very helpful in that regard. I read them daily. It was a good way to see the part of India we were able to see, especially given my language limitations and lack of extensive prior knowledge of Indian culture. I had done preparatory reading prior to arriving in India. I came away with a better knowledge base and perspective on a very diverse country of 1.2B people. Enjoyed the accommodation, the food and the services provided also. Increased my tolerance for hot spices (in moderation) and Kingfisher beer too. I really can’t offer anything else beyond what I’ve already said. It was a ‘slice of life’ and I personally was very glad I went. Helen likewise.
C & H Lenz
Chilliwack, Canada
Namaste! We hope you are doing well and also enjoyed your group tour in India. Finally, we have adjusted to the time zone at home and have recovered from the jet lag.First of all, we would like to thank you for the amazing experience that we had during our trip to India. Every detail from the airport meet and greets, pickups, hotel check-ins, day trips, restaurants, sightseeing trips, etc. was looked after with tremendous precision from all of the staff members on the team. They looked after us day and night for the entire trip. Rajasthan and surrounding areas Rajeesh - checked up on our group constantly and spoke with us during our entire journey. He was extremely friendly, courteous and happy to discuss any detail that we needed. Arvind - our tour guide, was extremely organized, knowledgeable, passionate, engaging, friendly, and accommodating to everyone’s needs. He was a pleasure to travel with. Kulvinder - our driver was so gentle and always waited for our group with a smile and kept us safe through the chaotic, busy, hectic and crazy roads in India. He never once showed any frustration during the trip. Amit - greeted us each time we got off and on the bus with a friendly, beautiful big smile and made sure we had water, pop, etc. and that we cleaned our hands regularly with sanitizer and wipes. He also helped us on and off the van without hesitation. This four men as a team made our trip smooth, seamless and unforgettable. The hotels were superb; the itinerary was wonderful; an overall excellent experience. South India Rajesh - Our driver and tour guide through Kochi, Munnar, etc. was amazing. He attended to all of our needs including perfect photo stops along the way, tea breaks, meeting the locals, and adjusting our schedule on the fly. We had several other guides, but they were very short term, no more than an hour or two each, and were very site specific. Rajesh is an extremely bright young man with legendary driving skills. Those driving skills were constantly needed on the dangerous, narrow, windy, potholed roads to and from Munnar. We highly recommend that you specifically request him for other clients traveling to south India. He was introduced as our ‘driver’, but in reality was our guide. He should be encouraged to take the tour guide exams and be promoted to guide or other suitable positions. We will definitely, without hesitation, recommend you and your company to family and friends. Happy Holidays and take good care
Robin & Marilyn de Goutiere
Vancouver, Canada
It was AWESOME! I can't say enough good things about the trip and in particular about our guide Muzaffar Shah. Everything was well organized and ran on time, the food was great, I absolutely loved that water was always available on the bus, we saw enough sights to feel like we knew India, and had enough down time to recover and wander around a bit. The hotels and food were lovely and we saw THREE tigers!! Shah knew the absolutely perfect balance between friend/friendly, and tour guide. I have told several people to put India on their bucket list and when they decide to go they should book through you and ask for Shah!! Prior to the trip I found that both you and Mandira were extremely friendly and helpful and in fact I just got off the phone with her! Thank you for a wonderful experience! Janet
Janet Marcoux
Saskatoon SK, Canada
We have to write and tell you how much we enjoyed our recent trip to India, Nepal and Bhutan. Everything, from the first contact with you in the Vancouver office, to the accommodation, food, modes of transportation, and staff who travelled with us was wonderful! The guides were first class, very professional and knowledgeable, and any special request was accommodated with a smile. Our drivers knew every street and highway like the ‘back of their hand” (which is incredible in India!!!). We always arrived on time and in good humour. Having porters at each airport to personally assist us with baggage and tickets relieved a lot of stress. The “surprises” along the journey were really a special treat. The upgrade to a hotel that was rated among the “best 5 in the world” (thought I’d died and gone to heaven there!), to the welcoming drinks with you on a terrace in Connaught Circle; the extra included meals that we hadn’t expected, and we all even had new towels supplied for the overnight train ride from Agra to Varenasi. The willingness of every guide in all 3 countries to accommodate special requests or make slight changes to daily itinerary made the journey all the more pleasant. (Sometimes at the end of a long the day the group voted to eat at the hotel rather than go out). Visiting these three countries should be on everyone’s “Bucket List”. Our memories of India are the people, people, people, vibrant colors, ancient architecture, food, modes of transportation (the rickshaw rides through the back streets of Dehli and Varanasi were incredible - I wish my eyes were a camera!), rides in tuk tuks, and the 2 hour camel ride through local villages. In Nepal the flight to Everest was a “high” light, and the elephant ride in the Chitwan National Forest to look for the one-horned rhino (saw 5 up close and personal!). The flight navigating the approach to the airport in Paro, Bhutan was exciting. While descending the plane weaves between the mountains….bank left, descend, bank right descend….finally arriving safely at the most beautifully decorated airport we have ever seen. The highlights here were the people. Kind, friendly, warm, always smiling. They say that Bhutan is the happiest place in the world, and I believe it. Prayer flags, prayer wheels, the locals dressed in national costume, the markets, ancient bridges, hiking up the mountain to the Tiger’s Nest monastery….well… we made it as far as the Tea house and could look across at it and that was still wonderful. We have been recommending this trip and your company to all our travel friends. While planning this trip with you Nazir you answered all our numerous phone and email questions (“on the train is there a bathroom close to our compartment?”) promptly. The extra help with Carol’s Indian visa was really appreciated. Our trip was all we had hoped it would be because of excellent itinerary, professional staff and courtesy that we received in Vancouver and abroad. We will be travelling with you again!
Carol & Terry Noonan
North Vancouver, Canada
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.