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Exploring: Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur & Varanasi (Celebrate the Holi festival, widely known as the festival of colors on our March 2025 Departure)
Experience the best of India with an enchanting and delightful travel experience. Explore the ancient city of 17th century Delhi, climb aboard a bicycle rickshaw, visit the world’s best-known symbol of love…the unrivaled Taj Mahal, spot tigers frolicking in the wilderness, delight in the colorful pink city of Jaipur with a visit to the majestic Amber Fort, and finally visit Varanasi formerly known as Banaras, the oldest living city of 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. There is magic in the air as you enjoy authentic cultural experiences of India throughout the entire tour.
Tour Highlights
- Take an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the historic back lanes of Old Delhi and visit the centuries-old Spice market
- 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 splendor of the night to its magical presence at daybreak.
- 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.
- Experience the majestic Amber Fort Palace in Jaipur built in 1592
- Spot the elusive tigers of Ranthambore National Park with the help of a Naturalist/Guide.
- Breathe in the delightful aromas as you take part in a traditional cooking class with members of the Royal Rajput community (Optional)
- Visit the oldest living city of India & home to one of the worlds’ most time-honored and mysterious cultures
- Witness the most important daily rituals at sunset and sunrise on the banks of the holy Ganges River
- Visit world heritage site Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon
- Witness some of the world’s greatest Indian Buddhist art the Archaeological Museum.
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
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 meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 3:
Explore Old & New Delhi
After Breakfast – We will start our morning tour with a visit to 17th-century Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. We will take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler’s lane, and then drive past Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a visit to Humayun’s tomb. The tomb was built by his widow in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, for 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.
After lunch 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 in the evening enjoy your welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Sheraton New Delhi HotelSheraton New Delhi Hotel
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Indiahttps://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delsn-sheraton-new-delhi-hotel/+91 11 4266 1122Find total comfort in our 220 guest rooms & suites, ranging from 340 to 1,020 square feet , designed to offer the discerning business & leisure traveler ‘A Home Away From Home Experience’ The hotel’s highly awarded food and beverage outlets offer a variety of delectable cuisine spanning Indian fare, Southeast Asian specialties and continental favourites. The beautiful and spacious ballroom, with pre-function area and large wooden doors, is exquisitely decorated with crystal chandeliers, It is ready to welcome weddings and cocktail dinners for up to 350 guests, theatre-style conferences for up to 250, and receptions for up to 300. The hotel offers Efficient business center with essential secretarial services.
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Day 4:
Delhi - Agra & Taj Mahal
After breakfast leave for Agra, a city that has its lacy of white grandeur is one of the world’s most recognized monuments the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
Afternoon free time for your personal activities.
In the early evening, you will enjoy a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The 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.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: 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:
Visit Taj Mahal
Early morning – We will start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the 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.
After lunch – We will visit an amazing marble factory to experience the creation of fine inlaid stonework and translucent marble native to the region. The craftsmen of Agra are still renowned for the exquisite marble-inlay work that has made Agra’s monuments famous. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: 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 & Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore National Park, en route 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 the scarcity of water. After Fatehpur Sikri proceed for Lunch on the way to Ranthambhore.
After lunch, we will visit a local village to experience the day-to-day beauty of rural India You will have the opportunity to chat with the locals, who no doubt will barely be able to suppress their delight and surprise at sitting next to a foreigner from far-away lands continue driving towards Ranthambore. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Later enjoy your dinner in the hotel.
Ranthambore Park: Ranthambore National Park is the true den of the tigers situated near the confluence of the lakes…namely Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Milak Talab. Apart from the Bengal Tiger, other animals that inhabit the park are the Sloth Bear, Jackals, Marsh Crocodile, Leopard, Gazelle, Indian Hare, Porcupines, Jungle Cat, Sambhar, Chinkara, Mongoose, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Monitor Lizards. A variety of exotic birds can also be seen in huge numbers here. The park is equally rich in flora. Trees like Banyan, Dhok, Mango, and Pipal are in abundance. The landscape of the park is dominated by shallow lakes, gentle slopes, and plateaus. 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 & Tigers
Your day will begin with pre-dawn coffee and biscuits before setting off on a guided, early morning game drive in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Return to your hotel for breakfast before making our way back to the park for an afternoon game drive, ending our day just before sunset.
Time permitting: We will visit the women’s craft village to see the unique talents of displaced villagers used to generate income for this region. What started out in a tiny room in the Sherpur village, has now become an organization that has provided new means of livelihood to these villages.
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 Pink City
After breakfast leave for Jaipur. The origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter in to the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that can be seen from every turn. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II.
Visit the famous Hindu Temple in Pink city dedicated to Lord Shiva. The queen of Jaipur got this splendid temple constructed in the memory of her son Jagat Singh between1599 A.D. to 1608 A.D. this temple is an excellent example of a palatial edifice built on a height. The locally available stone, white marble and black stone have been used as materials for construction. What adds to the beauty of this grand creation is the depiction of trumpeting elephants and horses scenes from Puranas and pictorial depiction of characters as well as some social scenes drawn in a series on high.
Later check in at your hotel.
Optional Cooking with local family for those who would like to spend an interesting, educational and social evening at a house that belongs to a well-known Rajput family to learn some great techniques about Rajasthani Indian Cuisine in coordination with your in-house chefs which takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll be taken into their kitchen where the cooking demonstration will commence. You will be shown how each dish is cooked and your hosts will describe the taste of freshly prepared and cooked ingredients will be great and round of the complete experience.
Optional CAD $125.00 per person (Limited guests – subject to availability)
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: 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 & Amber Fort Palace
In the morning, enjoy an excursion by jeeps to the Amber fort. Enjoy the architecture, lattice screens, and paintings colored with jewel dust. Later drive pass through the old city and make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Your tour also includes a visit to the City Palace a home of the current Maharaja of Jaipur and its museum. Time to shop for exclusive gems that Jaipur is famous and some fascinating block printing fabrics.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: 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 – Varanasi By Flight
Take a short afternoon flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Varanasi is formerly known as Kashi, the city that illuminates. It is the religious capital of Hinduism and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Arrive and transfer to our hotel. In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Ganges, VaranasiTaj Ganges, Varanasi
Nadesar Palace Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, Indiahttps://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/ganges-varanasi/+91 542 666 0001The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. Featured among the top 5 star hotels in the city, The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance (about 45 minutes drive) from the airport.
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Day 11:
Varanasi & Ganges
Early morning – we will leave for a boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Life on the Ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world.
In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gayathe, Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place, the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa & the museum.
In the early evening, we will go to the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by devout Hindus. Back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Taj Ganges, VaranasiTaj Ganges, Varanasi
Nadesar Palace Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, Indiahttps://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/ganges-varanasi/+91 542 666 0001The ancient temple city of Varanasi has yet another landmark in The Gateway Hotel Varanasi. Featured among the top 5 star hotels in the city, The Gateway Hotel Varanasi is nestled amidst 40 acres of lush gardens at a convenient distance (about 45 minutes drive) from the airport.
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Day 12:
Varanasi – Delhi By Flight
We leave after breakfast to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to your day hotel until your flight departure for home.
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 13:
Delhi – Home
Departure to International airport for your flight home.
What’s included
- Roundtrip International Airfare
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels & resort stay in Ranthambore Park
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
- Escorted transfers (airport to hotel, hotel to airport)
- Meals as specified as per the program
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Riverboat rides for Morning and Evening Rituals at the Holy Ganges
- Two Wildlife Safaris at Ranthambore National Park.
- Services of an accompanying Explore India Tour Director
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and snacks on long drives
- Entrance fees to all the monuments
- Complimentary welcome kit on arrival – hand sanitizers, wet tissues, charging plugs, etc.
- Wi-Fi at hotels during your stay
- 24/7 Explore India Concierge team to assist with any last-minute, unexpected, and unusual requests
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
- Additional taxes $173
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
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Recent Reviews
Hello Nazir, We loved our trip!!!. So sad to leave but ready to come home. We loved all our guides and drivers. We especially appreciated having the same driver for consecutive days (Suresh and Suki were our driving heroes!!!). Accommodations were fantastic. The professionalism and organization of everyone were outstanding. We felt well cared for in a foreign country. We were so happy to start in the south and be able to ease into India and then travel to the north. I cannot even begin to describe India to folks here. I loved seeing so much and on my next trip would love to stay longer in certain places. We loved Cochi and Munnar in the south. In The north Varanasi, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Deogarth, the walk thru recycling in Mumbai and dinner with a psychologist in Udaipur were highlights. Of course the temples, the forts and palaces were amazing. Our guides were so knowledgeable and informative. The history, religion, spirituality, politics all were so fascinating to learn about. The opportunities to walk and eat outside of hotels were wonderful I wish there had been more. It's actually hard to identify highlights as every day was full of new experiences ones that were easy and beautiful as well as those that were more difficult to experience. All created a unique experience and a glimpse at a unique country. I speak for all three of us in thanking you for creating such an amazing experience. It truly was! Namaste,
Tracy Weston
Austin, US
Dear Nazir, We are home safe and sound and had an absolutely wonderful time. Everything went so smoothly and the four of us just enjoyed it all. Everything was so exciting and so different. The hotels were mostly wonderful. Varanasi was probably the least best and even it was OK. The others were really good. Arvind was a terrific guide. He was so knowledgeable and kind and took such wonderful care of us. We really enjoyed him. We always felt safe and comfortable. We even saw a tiger that stayed with us for about 45 minutes. We loved India and have such wonderful memories to keep. I understand that my best girlfriend and her husband from Israel are now booked to do this same trip. She told me that the blog I sent convinced her. She said if I did it then she could do it too. Thank you very much,
Rhoda and Barry Perles
Vancouver, 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
We have just returned home from the 10 days Explore India tour Magical India with unforgettable experiences and truly favorable memories. Any initial reservations or uncertainties related to travelling in such a mysterious land were quickly relieved after we received a surprise but welcoming and reassuring phone call while registering on arrival at our airport hotel in Delhi at 11:55 pm from Explore India's Head of Operations. Despite using our own travel plans to and from the tour, Explore India representatives continually provided full support to our individual travel plans right through to our arrival at the Delhi airport for our departure flight. Our tour guide was extremely effective in preparing our group with extensive historical and current information on all the amazing sites we visited. Despite travelling in a country well known for its chaos and unpredictabilities, the tour was extremely well organized and effectively delivered. Accommodations were consistently first class. Meals were of high quality, with an ample variety for all tastes. Transportation was first class with a fully modern bus operated by a skilled driver. All tours to the many amazing world-class venues were conducted with professional precision. Kudos to Nazir, Rajeev and Arvind of Explore India for providing us with an exceptionally favorable, and memorable travel experience.
Al and Karen Perras
Victoria, Canada
My wife and I attended Explore India’s Journey of the Senses Tour from Feb. 11 to 25, 2014 organized by Nazir Karnai. This tour included Dehli (New and Old), Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai. I am writing this to express how this tour exceeded all of our expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of this Tour of India especially for those of us who were first time visitors. Every element of this tour was impeccably organized and carried out. That organization included limiting the number pf participants (30), selection of excellent historically significant places to visit and some very extraordinary places to eat with some very special unique venues. Those venues included a Maharaja Palace courtyard in Jodhpur, a grassy knoll overlooking the Taj Mahal, a desert campfire with Indian dancers and musicians, a gourmet dinner overlooking an Elephant polo pitch after playing a few games of Elephant polo. The hotel accommodations were all top notch with full breakfast facilities. I have said to many of my friend about this trip, I did not have a bad cup of coffee on the entire tour. The food on every day was excellent with most dinners and many lunches being at a gourmet level. The transportation within India was well organized especially the bus that was utilized – the bus was comfortable and had facilities on board. The various sites chosen to be visited were not only well selected but represented must see places at the locations we visited. They included both historic sites (e.g. Taj Mahal and Amber Fort) as well as interesting sites(e.g. various Ghandi related sites, boat ride in the lake at Udaipur where James Bond movie Octapussy was filmed). An extremely well organized and respectful (no camera) tour of India’s largest slum was included with a knowledgeable local person from the area leading the way in which the group was divided into small groups for viewing inside the slum. In addition to visiting extraordinary sites special arrangements were made by Nazir for us to visit the working kitchen of the second largest Sikh temple in India. Many other events were organized by Nazir for us such as a camel ride in the late afternoon of a day so we could see the sun set atop a camel followed by a campfire with dancer and musicians. Nazir not only did all of this cheerfully but with class Lastly, at all of these events we were accompanied by a staff headed by Nazir who looked after every detail and answered any question or need we had. .We were not only accompanied on tour events but also if we chose to take a brief outing during a break between events we were accompanied by Nazir’s assistant Rouf who made us feel safe and secure at all times especially where having someone who spoke the local language came in handy. Explore India’s Journey of the Senses Tour was a truly extraordinary tour. If anyone wants an amazing India experience this is the tour to take.
Peter and Anna
Vancouver, Canada
What a wonderful trip. It exceeded all expectations. My husband ,who was not too keen on going loved it. Everything was wonderful, no changes necessary to the programme. We just had a wonderful time. You need to advertise India more. It was unbelievable. Thanks very much.
Gwyneth & Keith Jones
Winnipeg, Canada
Some very late feedback on our tour. We had a great tour and would like to thank you for all your efforts. Our accommodations were very good, the van very comfortable and the driver most helpful and fun to be with. Rajeev was in constant contact and available to assist and advise. The Taj Mahal exceeded expectations and Ranthambore was an unexpected highlight. Thanks again and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.
Dave Heath
Niagara on the Lake, Canada
Namaste! We had an incredible trip, and was far more than we could have ever expected, Rajeev and Yajur I know that is spelt wrong, made the trip as smooth as could be. The whole trip was fantastic, great programme, the only down side was the air quality, and was such a shame that the Ganges was so fogged in we did not see the morning sunset. Susan and I with the rest of the group were so lucky to see the Siberian Tiger not just once but twice. Thanks again for such a wonderful programme to see Incredible India. You certainly have a great set up, Merry Christmas and Happy 2016
Peter and Susan
Vancouver, Canada
I would like to give you some feedback about my recent trip with Explore India, 'Impressions of India', which my wife, Dixie Koenig, and I began on November 14th, ending on the 30th. This travel experience gave me a fascinating insight into India, from exotic places like the Taj Mahal, the Ganges and the game preserve to the daily street scenes in the various places we visited and everything in between. The hotels we stayed in were first class, our tour bus was clean and comfortable and our domestic flights in India were flawlessly arranged for us. The train ride was quite an experience and I'm glad that it was on the agenda. Most of all, I would like to thank your staff, ALL of whom were highly professional and a credit to your company. This includes the young fellow who picked us up at Delhi airport and returned us there at the end of the trip, Rajiv, who met us on our first day and toured us (Dixie, me, Allan Mayer and Wendy Koenig) around Delhi for two days and got our trip off to a wonderful start, our tour bus driver, Malik, his assistant, Anil, and the local guides we encountered along the way. And, of course, Sandeep, our primary tour guide who was with us for nearly two weeks. Sandeep is most knowledgeable about India and its history and provided us with a wealth of information everywhere we went. He is articulate and passionate about his job and I think everyone enjoyed and benefitted from listening to his descriptions and explanations. But, most important of all, he took very good care of us and made sure that our needs were met and that things moved smoothly and according to plan. I had total confidence in his ability to lead our group. Your policy of focusing on small groups is of great benefit to the traveler. Our group of sixteen was most impressive. They were friendly, good humoured, enthusiastic and didn't hesitate to help one another out. I would happily and without reservation recommend Explore India to anyone planning a trip.
Robin Dann
Calgary, Canada
Just wanted to send you a quick note that the trip/tour was excellent. All your staff there were great and very accommodating. We got our tour of old Delhi and we were glad it happened - very interesting. Thanks again for the beautiful tour.
Robert & Mary Matthews
Ottawa, 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.