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Exploring: Delhi – Darjeeling – Kolkata – Thimphu – Paro (Bhutan)- Kathamandu (Nepal)
It is with a great pleasure that we invite you to join us on this once in a lifetime experience. This incredible Himalayan cultural journey will take us to the plains of Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills. This was once a summer resort for the British Raj elite and is famous for the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway built in 1881. It’s also famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Boasting a backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks, we will then travel onwards to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital of India’s West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, this was India’s capital under the British Raj from 1773-1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It is also home to Mother Teresa House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. Finally we travel onwards to the incredible mountain kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan, a land of dramatic topography ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. We will experience fascinating cultures, traditions and customs on this expedition, and end with the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, also known as the last Shangri-La on earth. Highlights include a visit to Thimphu, the infamous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a flight around Mt. Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world and the splendour of the alpine countryside of Punakha where we will witness the impressive Dzongs.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which was completed in 1881
- Explore the fields of distinctive black tea grown on the plantations that dot its surrounding slopes
- Visit ancient temples and holy monuments to gain spiritual insight into Bhutan’s ingrained Buddhist philosophy
- See the impressive Tiger’s Nest Monastery, set into a cliff 3,000 feet above Paro
- Wonder at the dzongs (great citadels) of Bhutan with their striking architecture
- Experience a tea ceremony with the nuns in a Thimphu monastery
- See an archery demonstration, Bhutanese dance and enjoy a farewell dinner in Paro
- Receive an interactive lesson in Nepalese cuisine with a local family
- Experience the top of the world in total comfort while enjoying panoramic views of Mt. Everest
- Visit ancient temples and holy monuments to gain spiritual insight into Nepal’s ingrained Buddhist philosophy
- Wander the unique streets of Thamel enjoying the sights and sounds of this bustling area.
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 India (New Delhi)
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 arrival at Delhi airport you’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Vivanta New Delhi, DwarkaVivanta New Delhi, Dwarka
Metro Station Rd, Sector 21, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, Indiahttps://www.vivantahotels.com/en-in/vivanta-new-delhi-dwarka/+91 11 6600 3000Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka – Designed to delight high fliers from all angles. Laidback but efficient. Elegant and spacious. Directly connected to the heart of the city with easy access to the Sector 21 Metro station. As one of the most opulent 5-star business hotels in NewDelhi, it aims to change the face of business, in a space where you can work and play seamlessly. Spanning 7 acres, Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is one of the best hotels near Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. You are never far from the city. A 20-minute drive eastward leads you to the heart and soul of the city – Lutyens’ New Delhi! And the domestic and international airports are an easy 15-minute drive westward. Everything you need, and then some, around every corner. Where business and luxury unite, in an experience like no other!
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Day 3:
Delhi | Bagdogra | Darjeeling
Morning transfer from hotel to airport to board the flight for Bagdogra (G8-327 @ 1050/1255 hrs) Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra Airport and drive to Darjeeling (95 Kms/ 3hrs). Once the summer capital of India, Darjeeling is a land of infinite variety and charm. It will cater you a mix-experience of lively nature & charming Himalayan people. It is the place of Dorje, the mystic thunderbolt of the Lama-Religion. Surrounded by Tea gardens; this little town faces some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Enjoy your Welcome dinner along with cultural program at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4:
Darjeeling Sightseeing | Toy Train Ride
Early morning start for Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and it’s amazing effects on the Mt. Kanchendzonga (Worlds 3rd highest peak), visit Ghoom Monastery and Batashia Loop War Memorial while returning to the hotel.Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast transfer to Darjeeling station to enjoy your Toy Train Joy Ride (subject to availability) – this unique Mountain Railway’ project was first started in 1878 by the initiative of Sir. Ashley Eden and is now a World Heritage. Padmaja N. Zoological Garden (Closed on Thursday) established on August 14, 1958. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions.Later proceed to visit the Tukver Tea Estate – also popularly known as Puttabong Tea estate has quite a reputation for itself for producing one of the finest brands of Darjeeling Tea. It is the First Tea Estate in the history of Darjeeling Tea Plantation (Planted by the pioneering British Tea Planter Dr. Campbell in 1852). This garden is one of the biggest tea estates in Darjeeling comprising of 5 divisions located at a stretch of approximately 20 Km from Darjeeling city to Sikkim State border.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5:
Darjeeling Sightseeing | Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
After breakfast visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded in Darjeeling on 4th November by Pandit Nehru who said that “The institute trains young men not only to climb Himalayan peaks, but also create in them an urge to climb peaks of human Endeavour”. HMI has the oldest mountaineering Museum of the country established in 1957.Later proceed Tibetan Refugee Self-help Center established on 1st October, 1959, following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thousands of Tibetans leaving hearth and home, fled into the neighbouring countries to live as free human beings. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the centres’ main activity. Evening enjoy a short walk across the Mall and Local Market. Evening enjoy a short walk across the Mall and Local Market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6:
Darjeeling | Bagdogra | Kolkata
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to board the flight for Kolkata (6E-958 @ 1220 / 1320 hrs) Welcome on arrival in Kolkata and transfer to hotel. Kolkata is the city of Joy, contrast and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
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Day 7:
Kolkata Sightseeing | Dinner Cruise | Cultural Program
Enjoy your breakfast and start exploring the city of Joy with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, drive through the famous Howrah Bridge and experience a short heritage walk tour around the Dalhousie Square. Explore the College Street Book Market by a hand pulled Rickshaw and enjoy a cup of Hot Coffee at the Famous “Indian Coffee House” which is running since 1942.Later visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first ‘Episcopal Cathedral Church’ in an oriental country, and the Victoria Memorial also referred to as the Taj of the Raj. This splendid white marble structure was built in memory of Queen Victoria between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII of England. Visit the Mother House – the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. As the sun sets, painting an evening sky with a hundred shades of red and orange. You will be welcome on board to celebrate the evening with cocktail reception and cultural program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
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Day 8:
Kolkata | Paro Bhutan | Thimphu
After breakfast, transfer from hotel to the airport to connect flight for Paro Bhutan, (KB 501 @ 0910 / 1050 hrs) A Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge. Bhutan is a land of monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic topography ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Arrive in Paro & receive a Tashi. Khaddar (Traditional welcome) and drive to Thimphu (1 ½ hours). In Thimphu, proceed to Kuensel Phodrang, considered to be one of the largest statues of Buddha at 51.5 m (168 ft) tall . The body is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha.Next you will visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to honor the memory of King Jigma Dorji Wangchuck and is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. Following this you will explore a local marketplace. In the evening Traditional Mask Dance & Cultural show during Welcome Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Le Méridien ThimphuLe Méridien Thimphu
Chorten Lam, Thimphu 11001, Bhutanhttp://www.lemeridienthimphu.com/+975 2 337 788Located in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu, the Le Méridien Thimphu invites the discerning guest to engage and discover the legendary ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan. Our 78 spaciously appointed guest rooms & suites are culturally inspired, yet decidedly chic and contemporary.
With cosmopolitan surroundings amidst the bustling commercial streets of the city-centre, and a convenient location to many of the city’s myriad attractions, the Le Méridien Thimphu is a compelling choice for hosting business meetings, and the perfect jumpstart to that long awaited leisurely holiday.
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Day 9:
Explore Thimphu Valley | Serving Tea to Nuns
Early in the morning, drive to Tango Gompa, the highest center of Buddhist learning in the country. After a two hour hike you will have lunch. Next you will visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress constructed in 1641, is impressively large and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Later in the evening we visit Zilukha Nunnery which is also called Drubthob Goemba , the largest nunnery in Bhutan. Young girls enter the nunnery to escape poverty and gain an education. You will see many nuns chanting prayers and turning prayer wheels. You will be able to serve tea to the nuns so you can gain both good merit and good. At dinner this evening, High School students in traditional dress will join you and bring costumes for you to try. Opportunity to dress as a Bhutanese! It will be a great photo opportunity!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Le Méridien ThimphuLe Méridien Thimphu
Chorten Lam, Thimphu 11001, Bhutanhttp://www.lemeridienthimphu.com/+975 2 337 788Located in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu, the Le Méridien Thimphu invites the discerning guest to engage and discover the legendary ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan. Our 78 spaciously appointed guest rooms & suites are culturally inspired, yet decidedly chic and contemporary.
With cosmopolitan surroundings amidst the bustling commercial streets of the city-centre, and a convenient location to many of the city’s myriad attractions, the Le Méridien Thimphu is a compelling choice for hosting business meetings, and the perfect jumpstart to that long awaited leisurely holiday.
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Day 10:
From Paro | Bhutanese Historic Architecture, Oldest Temples
After breakfast drive to Paro and check-in at hotel. You will next visit the National Museum which contains over 3,000 works of art and houses some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art. Then you will go on a short walk downhill to visit Rinpun Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. Then you will visit Drukgyel Dzong considered the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan. In the evening, visit the auspicious Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Le Méridien Paro RiverfrontLe Méridien Paro Riverfront
Paro-Thimphu Highway, Shaba, Paro 12001, Bhutanhttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html+975 8 270 300 -
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Day 11:
Tiger’s Nest Hike | Archery Demo
This morning you will drive to Taktshang Monastery, en-route visiting Simtokha Dzong. You will hike up to visit one of Bhutan’s most sacred religious sites, the Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest). This is one of the most breathtaking temples in the world. The main temple was built in 1692 and is one of the holiest for the Bhutanese. This hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m (2952 ft) above the valley floor.Later in the afternoon enjoy an Archery demonstration, Archery, the national sport of Bhutan, and a common feature of everyday life. It is played differently from the international game and is seen as a celebration of the country’s way of life. In the evening enjoy a cultural program & farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Le Méridien Paro RiverfrontLe Méridien Paro Riverfront
Paro-Thimphu Highway, Shaba, Paro 12001, Bhutanhttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html+975 8 270 300 -
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Day 12:
Paro | Kathmandu Nepal
After breakfast, transfer to the International airport for your flight to Kathmandu. (KB 400 @ 1220 / 1305 hrs) Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. On arrival at the airport, we will be met and driven to your hotel. Afternoon you will enjoy a drive to a local market followed by a rickshaw ride to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Durbar Square is a generic term used to describe places opposite old royal palaces in Nepal. There are 3 Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley and all three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a the hub of Nepal’s traditional culture, arts and history Later you will attend a Nepalese cooking class at the home of local family.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Dwarika’s HotelDwarika’s Hotel
Battisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, NepalBattisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, Nepalhttp://www.dwarikas.com/+977 1-4479488 -
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Day 13:
Kathmandu | Mt. Everest Flight
This morning (weather permitting) you will enjoy a luxury one hour flight around Mt. Everest, the highest elevation on our globe at 29,029 ft. The breathtaking panoramic views throughout the trip offer unparalleled photo opportunities. Next you will visit Bhaktapur, “the City of Devotees, and located 8 miles east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur has the best preserved palace courtyards and old city centre in Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next you will drive to visit the beautiful and historic temple, Chagu Narayan Temple – a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest temple in Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Dwarika’s HotelDwarika’s Hotel
Battisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, NepalBattisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, Nepalhttp://www.dwarikas.com/+977 1-4479488 -
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Day 14:
Kathmandu
In the morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu: visit Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath Temple which is one of the most significant Hindu temples of the Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the river in the eastern Kathmandu, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, the Budhhhanath, Later sightseeing of Patan, officially Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan city, one of the major cities of Nepal located in the South central part of Kathmandu Valley. Farewell dinner & Cultural show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Dwarika’s HotelDwarika’s Hotel
Battisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, NepalBattisputali Rd, Kathmandu 44604, Nepalhttp://www.dwarikas.com/+977 1-4479488 -
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Day 15:
Kathmandu | Delhi
After breakfast transfer from hotel to airport to connect to the flight for Delhi. (6E 044 @ 1445 / 1605 hrs) Upon arrival meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Vivanta New Delhi, DwarkaVivanta New Delhi, Dwarka
Metro Station Rd, Sector 21, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, Indiahttps://www.vivantahotels.com/en-in/vivanta-new-delhi-dwarka/+91 11 6600 3000Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka – Designed to delight high fliers from all angles. Laidback but efficient. Elegant and spacious. Directly connected to the heart of the city with easy access to the Sector 21 Metro station. As one of the most opulent 5-star business hotels in NewDelhi, it aims to change the face of business, in a space where you can work and play seamlessly. Spanning 7 acres, Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is one of the best hotels near Delhi airport. It wraps you in luxury the minute you step in. The stylish space is home to a chic lobby, never-ending rooms and multiple outlets for the finest culinary experiences. You are never far from the city. A 20-minute drive eastward leads you to the heart and soul of the city – Lutyens’ New Delhi! And the domestic and international airports are an easy 15-minute drive westward. Everything you need, and then some, around every corner. Where business and luxury unite, in an experience like no other!
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Day 16:
Delhi | Home
We are transferred from hotel to airport to connect to the flight for the onward journey.
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
What’s included
- Luxury accommodation and Resort stays
- International roundtrip airfare and all local flights including flights to Nepal & Bhutan
- Escorted Roundtrip Airport Transfers
- All transfers and sightseeing by air condition coach / Mini cars
- Entrance fees of all monuments as per itinerary
- All meals breakfast, lunches & dinners as mentioned in the program
- Cultural Program followed by dinner in Darjeeling
- Traditional Mask Dance & Cultural Show during Welcome Dinner in Thimphu
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Traditional Bhutanese Dress for the event in Thimphu
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Archery Demo in Paro the national sport of Bhutan
- Farewell dinner in Paro
- Bottled water and soft drinks during long drives and sightseeing
- Governmental royalty and taxes in Bhutan
- All currently applicable taxes in India & Nepal
- Bicycle Rickshaw Ride in Kathmandu
- Activities & exclusive events during the tour as mentioned in the program
What’s excluded
Recent Reviews
Hi Nazir, We really enjoyed our trip to India that you arranged. The site selections were fantastic (as our travel MD commented), the hotels were comfortable, the drivers were highly skilled, and our tour guide Harry was brilliant and so well informed. He adapted to our interests with ad hoc additions that added much to our experience. Rajeev kept in touch with us as well along the way. So thanks again for this memorable experience.
Arnie Funk and Sharie Edwards
Vancouver, Canada
Good afternoon Nazir, We want to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip to Northern India. Everyone who dealt with us on this journey, being yourself with planning and booking, Rajeev the head of operations in Delhi, Yajur our tour guide and mentor during the tours and everyone else involved, deserve rave reviews. All were knowledgeable, professional, passionate in what they did and more than willing to do that little bit extra to make our trip an exceptional experience. I cannot praise these people enough. Along with your staff, the tour program, the places we visited and the local people with whom we interacted have made us appreciate and be amazed of a country, people and culture which apparently we really knew so little about. Our minds and eyes have been opened to a wonderful place which now we hope to see more of. Oh, and going by our tour group the shopping was great also. We want to thank you and everyone involved for creating a wonderful experience for us. Best regards,
Murray and Pat E.
Edmonton, Canada
We want to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip with your tour company. Right from the onset our business class flights to our guides, bus drivers and wonderful food and accommodation we felt really well taken care of. We had a very congenial group of new friends on our bus tour to Delhi, Agra, Rathambore Park, Jaipur and we left them reluctantly to go to Darjeeling. Our trip to Varanasi was likewise a wonderful adventure. Again, our guide and driver treated us like their parents! Our trips down the Ganges will be ever remembered. Your agent in Delhi, Rajeev was always in touch to make sure we were happy and well taken care of. The only negatives were things out of anyone's control- the pollution, the lack of wine stores and the basic need for more jobs for the poor! But that is India! Thank you again for making our trip so memorable. Sincerely,
Ralph and Margaret Franksen
Delta, Canada
Hi, Nazir. Sorry, I haven't written sooner but I have had a bad cold since returning from our amazing India trip. Both Stuart and I had a wonderful experience as it was much more than either of us expected. As our guide Yajure explained to us, India has been "cleaning itself up". What a wonderful surprise. Delhi being a bustling mega city, was a joy to experience in the few days we were there. Our bus rides, while exciting due to the different "vehicles, animals and people on the roads, made our journeys very colorful. Yajure was a wonderful, generous and knowledgeable guide. He is a walking encyclopedia. He was extremely accommodating and adaptable at a moments notice. Seeing the Taj Mahal, Buddha's birthplace, the Red Fort, the Ganges in Varanasi and of course the city of Jaipur brought the trip to life. It was all mesmerizing. Your colleague Rajeev in Delhi was very helpful and kind and protective of us. Although he was mourning the loss of his dear father, he made himself available to us. So that's it Nazir. We certainly will not hesitate to recommend your company to any of our friends and family. Yours truly,
Shelley Rosen and Stuart McPherson
Aurora, Canada
Namaste, and thanks for the email Nazir. My husband and I are still under the powerful influence of India – having thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks we had there. It’s really difficult to synthesize our experience but I will try to give some feedback. Both of us felt that we learned so much and really broadened our understanding of cultural and political issues in addition to seeing, tasting, smelling, and tasting some of India’s diversity. I really appreciated the diverse environments: urban, heritage sites, forest reserve, streets/river exposure in Varanasi, the roadside rural life viewed as we traveled between major sites. I’m especially glad that we added on the Varanasi trip which broadened our experience considerably. We were ever so fortunate in the timing (just after the monsoon season) and got to see a relatively ‘green’ India. Several local guides commented that we were a ‘lucky’ group in terms of being in the right places at the right times for certain things – such as seeing tigers, getting to the Taj Mahal just prior to its ‘mudding’. The tour itinerary was well planned and varied – given that any group of 22 people will have different preferences. We found our tour guide to be excellent: knowledgeable, flexible, and always anticipating when/where changes might be needed either for our comfort or safety. Many thanks for that. And he was ever so patient in spite of challenging situations. I’m a cautious traveller (in contrast to my husband) but even I felt very safe. Our guide was extremely good at keeping us together while also allowing plenty of photo ops, cooling down periods, and preparing us for the next point of interest. The tour guide was very good with history and cultural information that made the bus travel time both informative and seem shorter. All contacts were very friendly, courteous, and helpful. One hardly mentioned an issue and it was addressed; To summarize, the trip was amazing! We are so very glad we went and still bask in India’s glow. Fond memories, great photos, and a great appreciation for the country and its peoples! Please convey our thanks to all who made the trip possible. Regards,
Cynthia Toman (on behalf of Earl as well)
Toronto, Canada
Hi Nazir, The India tour was excellent. The accommodations and meals was great , spicy but you get used to it after a couple of days, The hotel staff making every effort to accommodate and attending to any request from the tour participants. The tour bus was quite satisfactory with the driver and assistant quite helpful, keeping the bus clean. The Tour guide was excellent and quite knowledgeable about the history of the Indian civilization. Also handling the tickets to the various sites so the was little delay getting in and experiencing the splendor that is India Pick up and drop off from the airport went without any incidence. Overall, a great experience that will not be forgotten.
Anirud and Hafeeza
Toronto, Canada
Hi Nazir, Greg and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India. We were impressed with the excellent service from all Explore India personnel. Your choice of hotels, points of interest and breakfasts were excellent. Our driver and bus helper were especially good. Thank you for a wonderful trip. Ram, ram
Elaine and Greg
Burnaby, Canada
The trip to India was much more than I expected. Often the expression....Go to India and change your Life....that is what I experienced! From weather, hotels, food, transportation to our guides...top grade!!!! Thanks you for putting this wonderful vacation together for us!!! It holds memories for a Lifetime!!! When I get some photos edited I will send you a link! Great Job!
Linda Swanson
Nelson, Canada
Just returned home and trying to get over the jet-lag. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip – would hardly recommend your tour company. (first time with your company). The itinerary was well planned, transportation and accommodations were excellent and so was our tour guide. Had planned on staying in China for an additional 10 days but did not realize it was a Chinese holiday and we were not able to book any additional trips. Had I known this, I probably would have booked an additional tour with your company.
Polly Gretchin
Hope, Canada
Apologies for the delay in regard to this reply. It has been 3 weeks since we got back but the first one was an adjustment to time and travel. There are just not enough good words to describe the trip but it was definitely spectacular and above expectations. Exceptionally well organized and highly professional personnel were involved in the tour. India is just so remarkable as there is so much history. We crammed and read 3 books about the country in advance but there is so very much more to learn. To be able to travel there and have professional tour guides with that depth of knowledge was fortunate indeed. Can’t say enough about the calibre of Sandeep Singh regarding his professionalism, knowledge, organizational skills and overall ability! Hilal Lone did a good job for us during the Kashmir part of it! Besides the 2 guides, there were a lot of people to acknowledge in regard to the success of the trip. Unfortunately we won’t be able to name everyone. However, we will start with yourself Nazir. Being patient, personable, and responsive in terms of direction up front made for easier planning. Those who headed up organization at the other end, such as Rajeev Sharma, went beyond the call of duty to get their part of the operation right. If only for our jetlag the day after we arrived, he would have got us to a cricket game! Rafiq Mohamed did his part as well for the Kashmir leg of the trip. Last but not least, people such as the driver, Dalit Singh Walia, and his assistant Anand Mishra, made the journey what it was. The wondrous architecture we saw was at times almost surreal. They were so advanced in this regard so very long ago! Because some were so spectacular and precise, pictures do not quite do it justice, one has to simply see it! Also so impressed with the people of India. Massive population but they have found a way to make it work. Seemingly caring to each other and respectful and friendly towards tourists. Maybe the “hawkers” not so much. To a certain extent, one even adjusts to the heat. After time spent at the sites the air-conditioned vehicles helped in this regard. Small detail maybe, but cold bottled water always being available was quite important. The tour offered a good mix and variation of experiences. The trip into the forest was definitely special. Viewing the wildlife, especially the Bengal tiger, will always be a memorable lifetime experience. The quality of accommodation was very high. The variety and selection for meals offered up something that I expect everyone could be satisfied with, as we were. Never knew anything about Explore India before the trip. Now that we do and experienced it, we would certainly highly recommend your company and the tour! Cheers,
Marilyn & Emil
Saskatoon, Canada
Tour Extensions
Check & Compare
You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA
No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.