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Overview
From your first few moments in New Delhi you will feel an air of excitement as you begin to experience the magically enchanting India. As you breathe in the pleasant sweet smoky fragrance of the air and as the vibrant colours of this incredible land dance in front of your eyes, you will feel a stirring in your heart and a revitalization of your spirit that will take your breath away. As the sounds of the bustling city tickles your ears you are intrigued by the peacefulness amidst this sometimes chaotic land as your curiosity will peak every moment of this magical tour. From the tranquility of the Taj Mahal, to the exhilarating bicycle rickshaw adventure through the streets of Old Delhi, to the warm-hearted smiles and kind gestures of the people of India, this land will amaze, inspire, and educate you at every turn.
Explore India and feel the magic that will change your life.
Tour Highlights
- There is magic in the air as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the entire tour.
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi and visit the vibrant shopping area of Chandi Chowk.
- 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.
- Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal structure taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592.
- Spot the elusive tigers of Rathambore National Park with the help of a Naturalist/Guide.
- In Agra you will feel the passion of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz in the adaptation of their love saga in the musical play entitled Shah Jahan O-Mumtaz. (Optional)
- Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community. Optional
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart Canada
Depart Canada for India. Your international flights includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
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Day 2:
Arrival in India -New Delhi
Welcome to Incredible India. On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport you will be greeted by our Explore India representative who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the 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
After breakfast we will take a tour through Delhi as we venture toward our first stop, the 17th century Old Delhi. We begin exploring Old Delhi by visiting the Jama Mosque, a royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We then ride a bicycle rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jewelers lane. After that we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Red Fort. Next, 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. The tomb 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 lunch we visit the house of Mahatma Gandhi, a place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic life ended on January 30th, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house from September 9th, 1947 until his death and the house is home to many treasures and memorial items from the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of Gandhi, “Father of the Nation” and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. As you walk through Gandhi’s home it’s as though you feel the majesty of his presence still there, a truly fascinating and memorable step back in time that will leave you with a quiet stillness but lifted spirit. The building and the landscape have been preserved to the lush beauty that filled the eyes of the beloved teacher and you will be impressed as you stroll the grounds. Before heading to our hotel, we will see the war memorial India Gate as well as the impressive grounds of the presidential palace.
In the evening enjoy your welcome dinner in your 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 4:
Delhi – Agra
After breakfast we will drive for about 4 hours to Agra, a city which is famous for being home to the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
In the late afternoon witness the blue and white backdrop of the Taj Mahal transform as the sun slowly casts a honey hued canvas onto the iconic monument of love as it seemingly carmelizes into dusk. Built between 1631 and 1648, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim architecture in India and is universally one of the most admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. This most famous monument of love was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Optional: In the early evening you have the opportunity to enjoy the The Love Story of The Taj Mahal, Live Play/Musical Performance: This musical depicts the saga of love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Feel the sorrow of Shah Jahan as he holds his beloved wife Mumtaz as she takes her last breathe, thus, crippling his heart forever but is the impetus for Shah Jahan to build the magnificent Taj Mahal. The lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era in the 16th century and the hardships of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the breathtaking monument are portrayed in this whimsical drama of love, sorrow, and devotion.
Optional CAD $50.00 per personMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Trident Agra Hotel, AgraTrident Agra Hotel, Agra
Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-agra+91 562 223 5000Near 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.
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Day 5:
Agra
We start our day early so you may experience sunrise at the Taj Mahal which is as equally stunning as the sunset. Witness the breathtaking transformation of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises over the majestic Mughal jewel taking it from the splendour of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
After breakfast, we will continue our visit with a tour of the city of Agra and then visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site also known as the Red Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures.After lunch we will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework using the best of translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Meals: BreakfastMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Trident Agra Hotel, AgraTrident Agra Hotel, Agra
Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, Indiahttps://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-agra+91 562 223 5000Near 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.
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Day 6:
Agra – Ranthambore National Park
After breakfast we embark on a 6 hour drive to Ranthambore National Park. On the way we will visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, this was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to lack of water. After Fatehpur Sikri we will proceed to Rathambore National Park we will stop at our lunching desintation at Kalakhao before proceeding onward with our journey. Continue drive to Ranthambore. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Later enjoy your dinner in the hotel.
Ranthambore National Park, haven to India’s remaining Bengal tigers and where the shallow lakes, gentle slopes and plateaus dominate the landscape of the park making an ideal setting to spot the elusive tiger. 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, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Monitor Lizards. The park is equally rich in flora where the Banyan, Dhak, Mango, and Pipal trees are in abundance. A large variety of birds can also be seen and heard in the park.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
In the evening we will enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Sher Gargh Resort, RanthamboreThe Sher Gargh Resort, Ranthambore
Sherpur, Ranthambhore, near Ranthambhore jungle, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, Indiahttp://www.theshergarh.com/+91 74622 52101The Sher Garh is a royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectare’s oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivaled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore National Park. Each of our room affords uninterrupted views of the jungle.
Hotel Amenities – Services
- Guests are escorted to their rooms through lush gardens and ornate porches well adorned with ancient artifacts and art deco vestiges.
- Each room at Shergrah Resort is exquisitely furnished, with a luxurious bed, royal furnishing and Maharaja’s own collection of artifacts for indulgent and romantic ambiances. Royal heritage, natural light and delightful views of cosmic greenery are beautifully captured in the rooms and suites for an enduring stay in Ranthambore.
- We are having Luxury Tents and 3 different types of accommodation available. Specially developed complete cottages for a family with kids.
Resort Amenities – Services
- The front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 Days week.
- Daily housekeeping is included in the room.
- Private bathroom for each unit.
- Same day laundry services.
- 24 hours money change facility.
- Individual temperature control in rooms.
- Mini bar/tea coffee maker in the room.
- Room services.
- Madira bar.
- Swimming pool & health club.
- Ayurvedic massage center.
- Spacious garden.
- Doctor on call.
- Travel desk.
- All major credit cards accepted.
- Safe deposit locker.
- Hairdryers.
- An arrangement of Jungle safari on request.
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Day 7:
Ranthambore National Park
Your day will begin before sunrise with coffee/tea and biscuits before setting off on an early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the hotel for breakfast later in the morning.
By late afternoon we will head out on another game drive to experience the sights and sounds of the park at the close of the day. We will end our safari just before sunset as we return to the hotel ending our day just before sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: The Sher Gargh Resort, RanthamboreThe Sher Gargh Resort, Ranthambore
Sherpur, Ranthambhore, near Ranthambhore jungle, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, Indiahttp://www.theshergarh.com/+91 74622 52101The Sher Garh is a royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectare’s oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivaled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore National Park. Each of our room affords uninterrupted views of the jungle.
Hotel Amenities – Services
- Guests are escorted to their rooms through lush gardens and ornate porches well adorned with ancient artifacts and art deco vestiges.
- Each room at Shergrah Resort is exquisitely furnished, with a luxurious bed, royal furnishing and Maharaja’s own collection of artifacts for indulgent and romantic ambiances. Royal heritage, natural light and delightful views of cosmic greenery are beautifully captured in the rooms and suites for an enduring stay in Ranthambore.
- We are having Luxury Tents and 3 different types of accommodation available. Specially developed complete cottages for a family with kids.
Resort Amenities – Services
- The front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 Days week.
- Daily housekeeping is included in the room.
- Private bathroom for each unit.
- Same day laundry services.
- 24 hours money change facility.
- Individual temperature control in rooms.
- Mini bar/tea coffee maker in the room.
- Room services.
- Madira bar.
- Swimming pool & health club.
- Ayurvedic massage center.
- Spacious garden.
- Doctor on call.
- Travel desk.
- All major credit cards accepted.
- Safe deposit locker.
- Hairdryers.
- An arrangement of Jungle safari on request.
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Day 8:
Ranthambore – Jaipur
After breakfast we leave for a 4 hour drive to Jaipur which is known all over the world as the ‘Pink City’. Jaipur will amaze you with the architecture and planning of both its old and new cities. Experience how the city explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour and hear the bustling sounds at every corner of this vibrant city. Jaipur is an excellent place to shop for textiles and designer jewellery. Arrive and check-in to your hotel, afternoon is free to explore the area and do some shopping.
Optional: Cooking class and dinner with a local family. For those who would like to spend an interesting, educational, and social evening we have just the event for you. Join a well-known Rajput family in their home to learn some great techniques in Rajasthani Indian Cuisine. The in-house chefs will explain various techniques and share secrets of how to use Indian spices for all your favourite dishes. The evening will culminate in a lovely dining experience where you will be able to enjoy the delectable feast.
CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests and subject to availability).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 9:
Jaipur
After breakfast we venture to the outskirts of Jaipur where we will be greeted and transported to the magnificent Amber Fort Palace. Later, we proceed for a city tour of Jaipur and stop for a photo at the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds.” This incredible building was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. Next, we visit the City Palace Museum which has a priceless collection of antiques, costumes, and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. We then continue to the Jantar Mantar Observatory which was built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name.
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 10:
Jaipur – Delhi
After breakfast we will leave on our 5 hour journey to New Delhi where you will check in at the airport hotel until your flight departs for home. An Explore India representative will meet you and transfer you to the international airport.
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 11:
Delhi – Home
Depart for Canada.
What’s included
- International round-trip airfare
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels & resort stay in Ranthambore Park
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Meals as specified as per the program
- All sightseeing entrance fees including all monuments
- Two Wildlife safari’s in Ranthambore National Park
- Unlimited Bottled water and snacks on board the coach
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities – $135.00 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.
- Taxes additional of $127 per person
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Thank you to Nazir, Manzoor, Raj, Ravi, Niraj and the many other drivers and people who all worked so hard to make ths dream a reality. We had an amazing 14 days in India and Nepal. We were very fortunate that Nazir suggested we take a direct Air Canada flight from Vancouver. We got to Delhi in just under 14 hours arriving on Thursday which gave us an extra 3 days there before joining the tour group on Sunday. During that time we saw the Lotus temple, the Akshardam Temple, the Lodhi gardens, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the Qutb Minar as well as other temples and Mosques. These monuments together with seeing the Jama Mosque and the Chandni Chowk area on Suday were the highlight of our stay in Delhi, and suggest that these be included in all tours of the City. We also especially enjoyed our stay in the Suryaa Hotel, not just because of the wonderfull hospitality there, but also because it is located right in the heart of the local market. This gave us the chance to wander about getting to know how the locals live there without the distraction or the influx of tour buses. We also went to see the Nizamuddin Market and the Nizamuddin Dargah there, and had an awsome dinner at Karim’s on the day of our arrival. We were hoping to take part in the evening devotional music there, but that didn’t seem to work out. Maybe next time! There were many highlights throughtout this tour, not to distract from the Taj Mahal which was more stunning than I could have imagined when it first came into sight. All the accomodation, meals, transportation and the drivers, helpers and guides were all first class. Nepal was another high light, especially our stay in Nagarkot and the drive up there. Nires was a delight to have with us and very informative as was Ravi on our India leg of our journey. The only other suggestion I have here is that we would have liked to have arrived in Nagarkot early enough so that we would have had time to go on a short hike on the famous Panoramic Hiking trail I heard about. Over all I have no complaints and only good memories on our amazing journey in India and Nepal. What I would say in a short review, or you can post this entire e-mail if you want, are my comments below: This was a personal road trip Manzoor and Nazir would take their families on, Expect to expect the unexpected!You will be sirprized, delighted, amazed and even stunned, but never disappointed. Through out our journey eveything was so well thought out and perfectly executed. Thank you to everyone who worked so had to make this a trip of a lifetime. Our memories will be with us forever. Thank you so much. Rose and Jim
Rose & Jim Toews
Vancouver BC, Canada
Seeing as how we have just completed our third trip to India (April 2019) with you we are running out of wonderful things to say about you, Explore India and the fantastic trip we just had! India really is new sights, sounds, smells, chaos, people everywhere, cows in the streets etc but it is all fascinating! Your commitment to detail is greatly appreciated. We stayed at beautiful ( the Taj Lake Palace hotel) hotels, ate wonderful India food and were treated royally. Thank you! Ravi, our tour guide, was outstanding and there are not enough words to say re how our bus driver drove through the traffic and kept us safe. His assistant was very attentive supplying water and snacks and keeping an eye out for all of us. India would love to have more tourists so we will definitely recommend Explore India to anyone who might think about taking a trip. Thank you again Nazir for a wonderful trip. Can’t wait for the next one! Joan and Tom Tomlin Langley, B.C.
Joan and Tom Tomlin Langley, B.C.
Hi Nazir, This was the best vacation we could ever have hoped for. It was fabulous. The group was the best, we have made a lot of new friends. The service and the hotels were wonderful. Shah was the best tour guide we could have hoped for. This is the first escorted tour we have done but it exceeded all of our expectations. We have actually discussed with our group about booking another trip in 2020 with Shah as our guide to visit Bhutan, Nepal and Kashmir. We would like to discuss this sometime next year perhaps. Thank you for everything, we really appreciated the wonderful itinerary, the great hotels and wonderful food. We will be telling all of our friends about Explore India and what a great family company you have that makes us feel like part of the family. It was great to meet your brother as well. Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime !!!! Warmest regards, Evelyn and Roger Randhawa
Evelyn & Roger Randhawa
Delta BC, Canada
My wife and I recently returned from a 24 day trip to India, organized by Nazir Karnai. Nazir spent considerable time consulting with us prior to our trip in order to fine tune travel plans that would suit our preferences. Fortunately we relied heavily on his advice and, as a global statement, our trip was fantastic. We had a car, driver and guide throughout our trip and several internal flights in India. Attention to detail was the hallmark of Nazir’s organization and we quickly came to rely on the reliability, competence and friendliness of all Explore India personnel. From the outset we were pleasantly surprised by the luxury of the hotels organized by Nazir. The hotels were all spectacular, with the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur truly world class. We consider ourselves fortunate to have chosen Nazir and Explore India to organize our travel to India and we would give him our highest recommendation. Sincerely
Dr. Raymond & Margaret Pederson
Vancouver, Canada
Namaste Nazir, We are back home after our amazing trip to India. I thought the tour package that you put together was very well thought out and gave us a good look at what India is all about. I don't feel that I missed anything that I was hoping to see and experience in India, at least the north part. Your team in India could not have looked after us any better. Lynn and I spent two days on our own and felt that Rajeev was there making sure we were safe and organized whatever it was we wanted, from a numerologist to the market, organized dinners and vehicles to get us around. It can be quite intimidating when one first gets there so we really appreciated his advice on what to do and what not to do. Lo Chen, in Darjeeling, was a very gentle, kind and very knowledgeable man who made sure we learned about the area, had fun and were safe. Whatever anyone requested he made happen which is hard in a group our size. Arvind, well, he indeed was our leader and mentor. He is a very honorable, spiritual, knowledgeable man who is passionate about his country. We learned so much of the history and culture of India from this amazing man. Whatever anyone wanted it was always "no problem" and it would happen. We were very fortunate to be in India during Diwali and the celebration of the sun. From fireworks in front of a restaurant and dancing to Indian music after a beautiful buffet dinner to going out on a boat to watch the celebration of the sun on the Ganges, he worked very hard to please us all. We even got to meet his parents at their home on our request. I will never forget this very wise man. All in all, the trip was more than we could have expected. Sincerely,
Shirley Richmond
West Kelowna, Canada
We are back in Canada now, safe and sound! Denise and I would like to thank you both for organizing and managing a wonderful trip. We had high hopes at the start, and they were exceeded! The basic layout of the trip and then the detailed management made this a fabulous and exciting adventure. Thanks to the two drivers Resham and Ranji who were wonderful. Driving in India can be a bit exciting or, at worst very fatiguing, but the always smoothed things out, making the long and short trips comfortable and interesting. Many of the guides were excellent, with deep knowledge, and fascinating insights. In particular, we enjoyed our time with Suresh in Agra who always went the extra mile, Harsh in Udaipur who taught us so many things and then put them together, and even the "Professor" Jha Raji in Varanasi, who gave us an introduction to a whole new world for us. The guides in Dharavi, the tea plantation , and spice plantations were very interesting. We saw many wonderful things and had a great introduction to a fascinating country; Denise even got interested in cricket! Please keep in touch. We'll be thinking about next year. Bahut dhanyavaad
Bruce and Denise Shaw
Waterloo, Canada
Hi Nazir We have JUST arrived home after a great trip. We all agreed that Explore India was very impressive. We were met promptly at each airport arrival and delivered and assisted for each departure. We had wonderful guides. Hari, who was our guide for the golden Triangle and Varanasi is outstanding. He is spontaneous, adventuresome and extremely knowledgeable. He has an amazing amount of energy! We enjoyed several events that were not a part of the tour: stopped at an encampment of nomadic people; stopped when we saw a wedding procession; visited two schools; visited a village where the residents welcomed us; had a lot of fun riding in a jugaad (home-made vehicle that seems common in some rural areas). He was also with us in Varanasi and among other things while we were in the city, he took us to the railway station to see life there. Kerala was also very good in terms of accommodation, sightseeing, and excellent guides. Our driver, Asar, was excellent. He has limited English, but he had enough that he pointed out many interesting sights along the way. Generally, all of the guides were excellent. We loved Kerala and the rest at Turtle on the Beach Resort was a perfect ending to the trip. Thank you so much for great organization! Best wishes
Ken and Marian Marsh
Sidney, Canada
Hello Nazir! Where do we begin?? Bill and I had a fabulous introduction to India on our tour with Explore India! Upon our early arrival we were met by our local guide Muzzafar Hamid Shah, who was ready to help with information, currency exchange and sightseeing outings! We took him up on those straight away and headed out to see and hear a bit about Delhi. We later had the pleasure of meeting your brother who gave us a bit of history of the company and laid down the concept of being family. And that is how it unfolded for us. We had a wonderful group of 17 diverse Canadians- warm, adventurous, funny, punctual! , generous, curious, - and we soon became a family, led by Shah- who we cannot say enough about! Shah was so caring, informative- so knowledgeable- he really made the history so interesting, also describing life in India today, education, healthcare issues, social issues, differences and similarity of the religions....our days were so full and so fun. He always kept us informed as to what was coming up, saved us from the ‘hawkers’ by providing the ‘on bus shopping’ which we loved! Also giving assistance as required or requested when we shopped the awesome artisan locations. These stops were truly amazing opportunities to see the old world techniques of carpet making, marble inlay, silk weaving, block fabric design, etc. Shah is such a great guide - we hope EXPLORE INDIA knows how lucky you are to have him! He was such a big part of the enjoyment and success of our trip. The itinerary was incredible- one could never arrange all this on your own. In casual conversation we all asked what were the highs and lows...no lows...and it was just too difficult to choose the highs! Of course the sights were magnificent- the Taj Mahal did not disappoint-it truly was beyond belief! As were the many other palaces, forts, temples! Our visit to the Sikh Temple was such a lovely, impressive event. It was like stepping back in time to watch the food prep by so many volunteers and the feeling was something spiritual... I’m sure you’ve probably heard about our super successful tiger safari at Ranthambore!! A tiger family plus a sloth bear!! We felt blessed that day and it was obvious, by our Naturalist, Vijay’s excitement, just how fortunate we were. He could have headed out after our initial tiger sighting as our time was closing in, but he ventured after another sighting, successfully predicting where the tigers were heading! After an incredible time watching them we had to hustle out of the park to meet our deadline. As we understand, putting himself at risk of fine or suspension of licence! The Ganges experience was beyond words and a part of India I will keep with me forever! Indescribable, really. As Bill has said numerous times- our visit to India was not just a vacation- it was an experience.... So many things to mention, but most come down to the people and just seeing everyday life go by..... the visit with the village family was very special, the time spent at the village school so precious.... and just observing life along the roadside was spellbinding. I could go on about many more things- the accommodations were great, the food was fantastic! Our family extended to our driver and helper who we were so happy to see on our return to Delhi! They also, took such great care of us! We have and will not hesitate to highly recommend Explore India to anyone thinking of going and will encourage anyone else to seriously consider India for their next ‘experience’! It was unforgettable! Thank you! Most sincerely, Laurel and Bill Wickett
Bill & Laurel Wickett
Penticton BC, Canada
Dear Nazir Karnai, President of Explore India, This note is to heartily thank the Explore India Staff (EI) of Rajeev Sharma, Head of Operations, Mendura by telephone, our main driver & assistant, and other drivers and personnel who assisted us for Explore India. When Canadians say, ‘nothing was too much trouble’, we may sometimes exaggerate, but in the case of EI, nothing could have been more apt and honest. No detail was too small, from our initial bookings and EI contacts by telephone to the ease we felt through each thread of the trip. Our destination was India, but our journey was irreplaceable. I would not hesitate to highly recommend EI to anyone who asks and will do so as I write my freelance piece and attach it to my blog (charlesbeale.com). Thank you. My gratitude and I believe I can speak for the whole group, would not be complete without further thanks to our EI tour guide, Harry Singh, but in this response, I will only speak for myself. Harry taught me many things. He and India are delightful enigmas. Not only was he the best tour guide I have ever had, but he became a kind of personal guru, banker, time manager, and friend. Tour guides come and go, but Harry lives and breathes his beloved India so much so that some of that rubbed off on each and every one of us. In fact, there were times when we had to rein him in, such was his enthusiasm. Harry describes himself as a spiritual healer, and again, some of that personal belief affected us most strongly and positively. He became our personal banker due to the demonetization that began just as we arrived in the country. Without his purse, some of us would have been in dire straits; without his knowledge of how to manage the monetary change, we would have become nervous travellers. Although we sometimes worried about time, as many Westerners do, Harry was able to manage India time for us smoothly and in an unruffled manner. He is also the best-dressed tour guide I have ever encountered. In the end, as the peaceful and kind people of India showed us, Harry was able to deepen our meaning of empathy and love. I would, however, request that in future, Harry assigns more tourists to keep the ledgers for the counting of other than cows. Most sincerely yours,
Charles Beale
Bath, Canada
Hello Nazir. Thank you for the “Welcome Home” greeting! Our tour certainly met and at times even exceeded our expectations! Some key points: -Our Explore India contact Rajeev Sharma was very professional at handling all those questions that are asked at the beginning of the tour. -Our guide Arvind Sharma was very knowledgeable, and always approachable. He was always prompt and was very passionate in describing the many rituals that happen in India. -Our driver (Ravi) and his assistant (Shankur) were always courteous and caring and always greeted us with smiles every time we returned to the bus. -Our hotels were definitely acceptable and there were 3 hotels that in our minds were exceptional: 1. The Leela Ambience. 2. The Tigress Ranthambore and 3. The Pride Plaza Aerocity. In summary, both Alan and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Explore India and would have no hesitation at all in recommending this tour to others. Sincerely,
C & A Koberstein
Surrey, Canada
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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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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.