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Overview
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.
Recent Reviews
We could not be more pleased with our trip to India. Everything went better than ever expected. The whole experience was first rate from hotels to excursions to meals to our bus and the drivers. I cannot say enough about how well treated we were and that was due to Rajeev. He was so concerned about our comfort and wellbeing. From my birthday flowers to the cake, taking us to the market and getting us to every destination nothing was left to chance. I have already suggested your company to friends and hope they will use your excellent service. Again my best wishes and thanks for a wonderful adventure.
Nancy Douglas & Carolyn
Sutton, Canada
I just want to drop you a line to commend you on our first class recent tour of India. Everything was first rate. I could not complain about a single thing in terms of our accommodations, guides, transportation and itinerary. I would recommend your company as 'the' way to see India, particularly for women or first time visitors. You have great people working for you in India. I would particularly like to acknowledge Youvee, our travelling companion and Naresh and Das, our van drivers. They spent 5 days with us. Together the three of them catered to our every wish and went out of their way to insure our safety and well being. Youvee handled arrangements such that we never had to wait. He accompanied us on our journeys, deflecting hawkers with innovation and compassion for both us and them. He maintained a pleasant attitude and fit in well with our group. We enjoyed him immensely and really appreciated having him with us. We were sad to leave him. He will make an excellent guide. Das was the driver's assistant. Das was always visible when we exited a venue, pointing the way to our van. You couldn't miss his big smile and warm eyes. For some excursions, such as the sunset walk through Pushkar, Das accompanied the group providing and extra male presence and an extra set of eyes. I for one did not show enough fear of the oxen and Das was there to ensure I gave them ...... and their droppings ........ a wide birth. When we went to the train station in Jaipur, we were pleased to see Das on the train platform as we waited for our train to enter the station. He was there once again to provide an extra buffer with Youvee, as we attracted a lot of attention from other travellers. He truly went above and beyond the call of duty. Naresh, our driver, was amazing. From the moment we sat in his van we knew we were in the hands of a master. Coming from a small town of 12, 000 people, where people all drive in the same direction on the same side of the highway, we did find the traffic patterns of India beyond our understanding, but never once were we fearful. Naresh drove with skill and patience. When he delivered us to a sight, it was as close to the entrance as was physically possible. When we came out of a venue, our van was parked in a choice location. At one particular venue the hawkers were so intense that a long walk may have been disturbing, but because the van was right there, we all tumbled into the van and were able to laugh at our experience with the hawkers rather than be disturbed by it. We were sad to leave Naresh and Das in Jaipur, but it was a very pleasant surprise to find Naresh's smiling face waiting for us at the airport upon our return to Dahli. He is a special driver. Shamir showed us every major sight in Delhi that we could fit into 2 days. He left no monument unturned. Mr. Singh in Oudiapur is a fountain of knowledge and a born teacher. He is definitely a keeper. And Johnnie in Varannassi is a mover and a shaker. He bargains hard on behalf of his clients, shows great consideration for their needs, and is very open, gregarious and entertaining as a guide. I truly enjoyed Johnnie. And Joshi is a true professional. All of the guides and drivers know Joshi and aim to please him. It is obvious that he does a great job of overseeing the players, checking in with them frequently, and checking in with the clients to double check that everything is going smoothly. Everyone works very hard, round the clock, to insure your clients have a very positive experience while in their care. Again, if any of my friends or acquaintances are planning a trip to India, I will definitely recommend your services. Thank you so much for a wonderful adventure.
Coleen Ramsay and Kathy Grebenc
Barthurst, Canada
Incredible India really lived up to its name! There were many hilites: Our first time riding a camel (and probably the last!) Helen got thrown off part way up but only a bruised bum. A couple rides in a camel cart was interesting and much safer. Seeing a leopard quite close after it had recently killed a cow, and later seeing it in the rocks washing its face (just like a cat). Of course, the Taj Mahal at about 8.30 AM in a good light after the early fog had disappeared. Visits to a craft village and a farm family. The many forts and palaces from the past. Our hotels were very good; we were upgraded a couple times so that they could give us twin beds. Our guide was competent and dealt with the challenges of India quite well. The money problem didn't affect us as we used our 500 rupee notes with vendors. One day I hope to get back to India, perhaps in the northeast with Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to see this fascinating country.
Dave Murdoch
Burnaby, Canada
FEB 12, 2018: We LOVED the trip and India! Our guide was Muzaffar Shah, and we can't say enough good things about him. He is so knowledgeable and loves to share that knowledge. The whole trip was so well organized, we would definitely recommend Explore India to anyone travelling to India. We think that a trip to southern India or perhaps Kashmir could well be in our future! Thank you for everything, Marg and Frank
Marg & Frank Jones
Milton ON, Canada
Don't give it another thought - we all arrived at the airport in plenty of time for the flight. We were absolutely satisfied with everything about the tour. Our guide was excellent and we enjoyed the whole experience. We will definitely recommend your company. Travelled with a great group and quickly became friends. Unfortunately it was a foggy day for the Taj Mahal viewing, but what can you do? Loved the rickshaw ride through the alleyways. Happy Holidays to you too. Thanks for everything.
Rob Carson
Port Coquitlam, Canada
Hi Nazir, Just wanted to let you know how much Maggie and I enjoyed our tour. I have to admit that India wasn’t high on my bucket list and that Maggie was the one who was really keen to visit. I’m now a convert and was overwhelmed by the history, culture and the teeming life of the country. The organization of the trip could not be faulted, the quality of hotels exceeded my expectations and our tour guide Rajeev Sharma was the perfect host being informative, entertaining and attentive throughout the visit. The entire experience was excellent value for money. My only complaint is that I now have several thousand photographs to sort through. Kind regards, Rod and Maggie Pye
Rod & Maggie Pye
Mississauga ON,
Sheila and I would like to thank you for making our trip to India so special. As you know I really didn't share Sheila's interest in traveling to India but after speaking with you a few times decided to go. It truly was a journey of the senses with every moment filled with sights and sounds we had not experienced before. While we have travelled to many exotic places India certainly is unique. You were an amazing host and from our first day meeting you prior to the start of the tour you were very generous in providing car, driver and guide for us so we could see Delhi, also taking us out for lunch and shopping was very interesting and a nice way of meeting a few other fellow travelers before the trip started. We were overwhelmed with many of the experiences from the beautiful hotels to the boat rides on the Ganges to the two visits to the Taj Mahal. The visit for dinner and to see the elephants playing polo(no we didn't ride),dinner at Rambagh Palace, visits to the Dhobi Ghat, watching the Dabbawallahs organize lunch deliveries as well as the visit to the Dharavi slum were all amazing. I think the sound of horns honking will be with us for a while as well as the many "exciting" rides in peddle driven and electric rickshaws. If anyone is curious about visiting India we would strongly suggest they Explore India with you.
Dave and Sheila Gore
Feedback re Explore India re Journey of the Senses - March 5 - 26, 2016. We are still processing what we experienced in India. When we think about all that was included in our “Journey of the Senses”, we feel we touched on many aspects of life there - the history, architecture, religious practices, the food, village life, city life, mountain villages, the culture - folk music and dances, the craftsmanship, both the modern and the “old” India. We appreciated the experiences with many different modes of transportation - rickshaw, elephant, camel, horseback, boat; the many internal flights and the comfortable coach with its excellent driver and impressive driver’s assistant. The switch made by Rajeev to automobiles from bus in Srinagar was also much appreciated. We especially appreciated the hotel accommodations. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai will remain a highlight of our visit. The restaurant meals throughout the tour were excellent. The cooking class and the Kashmiri lunch at your brother’s home gave us a unique insider view of private life - one which would be difficult to accomplish with larger groups. The visit to Varanasi was unforgettable. All in all, it was a spectacular, extremely well organized journey and we appreciate all the attention to the details which made the trip so wonderful. The Journey of the Senses tour you have put together is indeed spectacular and the reviews published on your website express the delight of Explore India customers. Best wishes and thanks,
Gail Brimbecom
Toronto, Canada
We want to let you know what a fabulous trip to India we had this past September. It was much more than we expected in every way! India is such a beautiful, interesting country and we hope to see more of it some day. I wanted to let you know how wonderful our guide Rajeev Sharma is. He went out of his way to accommodate all of us His knowledge of his country and his English were excellent. He is the best guide we've ever had in all our group travels. He's a real treasure for your company. It was nice to meet you in New Delhi and everyone appreciated you taking the time to do that You are a good representative for Explore India which we think is an outstanding travel company. Many thanks for your service to us and the wonderful, memorable holiday in India!
Margo & Peter Yee
Vancouver, Canada
Thanks Nazir, we are back tired but entirely satisfied! Where do I start? You have a tremendous team working for you in India, including Raj, our guide in Darjeleen and of course Ardvid (please excuse my spelling). Not only were we fully informed about what we were seeing but they all added interesting info regarding the religions, history etc. I give Ardvid a 42 gun salute (Trust you know what this means with him). What a beautiful man! Went out of his way to satisfy everyone, one of our friends, Val Frost hurt her foot, he obtained a rickshaw for her twice. Always first on there when meeting us and always counting, does herding cats come to mind. The tour was spectacular! Know I understand the phrase Incredible India. Extremes are mind boggling, from extreme poverty to extreme wealth. The driving! The cows! The people! (we were stopped constantly to have pictures taken with locals. Always a friendly smile, a wave. Once instance a school group stopped and sang the Indian National Anthem for us. Hotels and meals super! The only downside was no tigers at the preserve but to show Ardvid, in Jaipur tried to show us all leopards to make up for lack of tigers, but unfortunately, only one car of the group saw them. Another example of his need and wish to please all. Thank Raj for arrangements for our last day. Worked much better than the original plan. We had two awesome drivers and Raj was always there, even to the point phoning all three groups the night before our departure and then again in the two cars on our way to the airport. One downside was the interesting move of the Prime Minister on the night we departed, canceling 500/1000 rupee notes. I know Errol got stuck with a couple but I recommended he mail the rupees to you so you could arrange a donation to charity. Please feel free to use me as a reference Nazir if necessary. You and your group were wonderful from the time we booked until our return. If you need any clarification regarding the above please let me know but a big THANK YOU again from two extremely satisfied guests.
Carol (Gerarda) and John Ragan
Calgary, Canada
Tour Extensions
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