10-Day Temples & Tigers of India Tour from Delhi: Agra, Suroth Mahal, Jaipur and Ranthambore | Small Group
5.0
Tour Code: 472069
$1,590.00 per person
Best Price Guaranteed
Departure CityDelhi
End CityDelhi
Duration10 days
LanguageEnglish Live
Tour ThemesCultural & Historical, Natural Landscapes
Guide TypeGuided Tour
Activity LevelModerate
Highlights
Old and New Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra, local village in Suroth Mahal
Pink city of Jaipur, hill top fort, Abhaneri step well
Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
Pink city of Jaipur, hill top fort, Abhaneri step well
Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
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Itinerary
Explore the sites of the iconic Golden Triangle before going on search for Indian tigers in Ranthambore National Park on this 10 day Indian adventure.
Your adventure starts in Delhi, where we take in both the new and old sides to the city. Old Delhi, the home of the Mughal Empire in centuries past, boasts a wealth of fascinating history, beautiful architecture and of course, great street food, while New Delhi's architecture, religious sites and modern aspects form an intriguing contrast. No visit to Delhi is complete without an exciting ride in a rickshaw or a taste of the world famous street food, that's why we've included these experiences at no additional cost!
Moving on to Agra, we'll firstly visit the Sheroes cafe for lunch, a great little NGO, supporting victims of acid attacks which we're proud to support. We'll then join a local villager who will escort us on a Mughal Heritage Walk through villages and farmland on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. This walking tour supports the local community and provides a fascinating insight into village life in Agra as well as providing great views of the Taj Mahal not normally seen. A sunrise tour of the Taj then follows before we head out into the countryside for a night in a converted palace and explore the village and surroundings, getting a real feel for rural Indian life.
As we move on to Jaipur, we visit the huge Step Well at Abanheri with its 3,500 steps and 13 stories (you might recognise it from the Great Exotic Marigold movie). Whilst in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of the arid state of Rajasthan, we'll visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory before exploring the city's famous craft and produce markets on foot and join a block printing workshop.
After leaving the members of the group heading back to Delhi, we move on to Ranthambore National Park.The park is one of India's most famous, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. As well as the tigers, which are the main attraction for most people, there is a multitude of other wildlife including over 300 species of birds, marsh crocodiles and monitor lizards, and 30 mammals including sloth bear, wild boar, porcupines and jackals, leopards, jungle cats, monkeys and various species of deer and antelope.
Ranthambore also hosts an old fort which is interesting to pass on the way through the park. We take guided safaris through the park by canter (open backed lorry), before taking a ride on India's extensive rail network as we head back to Delhi where the tour comes to an end.
The accommodations used on this tour have been carefully selected and include a home-stay style hotel whilst in Delhi, a modern property in Agra and heritage hotels in Jaipur, Hinduan and Ranthambore.
Today we head to Jaipur, the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Enroute, we'll visit the Abhaneri step well, the largest and deepest step well in the world, which boasts 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. You may recognise this as the place that Sonny tried to express his feelings for Sunaina in the recent movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The remaider of the day in Jaipur will be free to explore at leisure or join one of our optional extras:
DAY 6: Amber Fort & Jaipur City. Block printing workshop
You have an option of going on an early morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, flying over its palaces, forts and lakes - a truly mesmerising experience.
If you chose to sleep a little later, your morning starts with a visit to the Amber Fort, the jewel in Jaipur's crown - an ancient fortress built on a hilltop in the 16th century dedicated to the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber. Be mesmerised by this majestic architectural wonder, with its pink sandstone and marble palace shining in the sun. It's massive fortress walls sprawls across the hills, with many seeing a resemblance of the Great Wall of China.
Later, we return to the city for a tour of Jaipur, as we visit the strange Jantar Mantar monument, a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II between 1724 and 1730. Jaipur was the first planned city of medieval India and we'll also explore its City Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732 AD, the City Palace was once the seat of kings as it was from here that they ruled the region. This tangle of courtyards, manicured gardens and exceptionally crafted mahals is one of the most revered attractions in India.
We spend the remainder of the day walking in the walled city to discover some of Jaipur's famous crafts markets and craftsmen in action such as jewellers, silversmiths, textile workshops and bangle makers. Our tour will include a blockprinting workshop, where we learn the ways in which fabric is decorated using this ancient method and we'll also have a gemstone demonstation.
OVERNIGHT: Jaipur heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Jaipur
DAY 7: Ranthambore - Home of the Bengal Tiger. Afternoon Game Drive
We leave Jaipur today and head to Ranthambore National Park, which is named after Ranthambore fortress, located within its boundaries. If you're looking to see tigers in the wild, this is the place to be. In 1973, the park was established as a sanctuary for the tigers and to help decrease the fatal interactions that were increasing between humans and tigers.
We'll have our first chance to see Tigers this afternoon as we join a shared canter for game drive through the park.
OVERNIGHT: Ranthambore Heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Morning Game Drive in search of tigers
We'll head back out on an early morning game drive, giving you the best opportunity to see India's tigers in their natural habitat, but keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, flying foxes, Indian porcupines, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, wild boar, civets, desert cats, macaques, mole rats, and many more species.
We'll be transported through the jungle in an open-backed truck (shared canter), which allows us to travel deep into the park, as we search for India's unique wildlife. We'll also visit the ruined fort located within the boundaries of the park, which is beautifully elevated on a natural hummock, which towers at just over 200 metres high. The ancient ruined fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon you'll have some free time to relax or you could consider booking additional private jeep or shared game drives within the park.
OVERNIGHT: Ranthambore Heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Train ride to Delhi. Free afternoon (optional visit to the Akshardam Temple)
We'll say goodbye to Ranthambore and board a train back to Delhi. Our preferred service is the Kota Jan Shtabad leaving at 0725. The train ride will last for about five hours, but it's one of the best ways to experience the beauty of India, as you make your way past the rural countryside and farmlands as well as the bustling city life as you approach the capital.
Once we arrive in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time in the afternoon for last minute shopping or exploration. You could also join our optional tour to the Hindu Akshardam Temple.
OVERNIGHT: Delhi hotel | MEALS: Breakfast
DAY 10: All good things come to an end! Airport transfer included
You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home. Additional half day tours are available this morning if you have a later flight, and extension options are also available.
MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Goa beach extension; Extra day in Delhi - post-tour; Spinmonkey cycling tour; Varanasi extension
Your adventure starts in Delhi, where we take in both the new and old sides to the city. Old Delhi, the home of the Mughal Empire in centuries past, boasts a wealth of fascinating history, beautiful architecture and of course, great street food, while New Delhi's architecture, religious sites and modern aspects form an intriguing contrast. No visit to Delhi is complete without an exciting ride in a rickshaw or a taste of the world famous street food, that's why we've included these experiences at no additional cost!
Moving on to Agra, we'll firstly visit the Sheroes cafe for lunch, a great little NGO, supporting victims of acid attacks which we're proud to support. We'll then join a local villager who will escort us on a Mughal Heritage Walk through villages and farmland on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. This walking tour supports the local community and provides a fascinating insight into village life in Agra as well as providing great views of the Taj Mahal not normally seen. A sunrise tour of the Taj then follows before we head out into the countryside for a night in a converted palace and explore the village and surroundings, getting a real feel for rural Indian life.
As we move on to Jaipur, we visit the huge Step Well at Abanheri with its 3,500 steps and 13 stories (you might recognise it from the Great Exotic Marigold movie). Whilst in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of the arid state of Rajasthan, we'll visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory before exploring the city's famous craft and produce markets on foot and join a block printing workshop.
After leaving the members of the group heading back to Delhi, we move on to Ranthambore National Park.The park is one of India's most famous, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. As well as the tigers, which are the main attraction for most people, there is a multitude of other wildlife including over 300 species of birds, marsh crocodiles and monitor lizards, and 30 mammals including sloth bear, wild boar, porcupines and jackals, leopards, jungle cats, monkeys and various species of deer and antelope.
Ranthambore also hosts an old fort which is interesting to pass on the way through the park. We take guided safaris through the park by canter (open backed lorry), before taking a ride on India's extensive rail network as we head back to Delhi where the tour comes to an end.
The accommodations used on this tour have been carefully selected and include a home-stay style hotel whilst in Delhi, a modern property in Agra and heritage hotels in Jaipur, Hinduan and Ranthambore.
[Summary]
DAY 1: Arrive in Delhi, transfer to hotel included
DAY 2: Exploring Delhi, Rickshaw Ride & Street Food Tasting
DAY 3: Head to Agra. Sheroes Hangout, Mughal Heritage Walk. First glimpse of the Taj Mahal
DAY 4: Taj Mahal sunrise. Drive to Suroth Mahal, Village Walk and Camel Cart Ride
DAY 5: To Jaipur via the Abhaneri step well. Optional Bollywood Movie or Cooking Demo
DAY 6: Amber Fort & Jaipur City. Block printing workshop
DAY 7: Ranthambore - Home of the Bengal Tiger. Afternoon Game Drive
DAY 8: Morning Game Drive in search of tigers
DAY 9: Train ride to Delhi. Free afternoon (optional visit to the Akshardam Temple)
DAY10: All good things come to an end! Airport transfer included
DAY 1: Arrive in Delhi, transfer to hotel included
Once you arrive in Delhi, you'll be met by one of our local staff, who will transfer your hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll run through the tour itinerary for the next few days, brief you on the local area and arrange a time to collect you tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT: Delhi hotel | EXTRAS: Extra day in Delhi - pre-tour; Single room supplement (INSGTT)
DAY 2: Exploring Delhi, Rickshaw Ride & Street Food Tasting
We start with a morning tour of India's capital, New Delhi. Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, New Delhi is a city where ancient and modern seamlessly blend together. We'll visit the India Gate - a 42-metre high archway, built in remembrance of the 82,000 soldiers who participated in the undivided Indian Army.
New Delhi is India's political hub as well, and we'll drive past many government buildings such as the President's Palace and the Parliament of India. We'll also pass Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the Bangla Sahab Gurudwara Sikh Temple.
We'll then hop onto a metro train with the locals at Connaught Place Station - as we make our way to Old Delhi. Here, we'll explore one of its oldest and busiest markets - the Chandni Chowk, before exploring the Chawri Bazar, famous for its brass, copper and paper creations.
We'll also be introduced to Old Delhi's unique street foods and delicacies, giving us a first taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Once our taste buds are sufficiently satisfied, we'll take a rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India.
Finally we head to the train station to catch the overnight sleeper train to Udaipur. You'll see a lot of busy Delhi life through the windows as the train makes its way out of the city this evening.
OVERNIGHT: Delhi hotel | MEALS: Breakfast
DAY 3: Head to Agra. Sheroes Hangout, Mughal Heritage Walk. First glimpse of the Taj Mahal
We head to Agra this morning, home of the famous Taj Mahal. After arriving in Agra we'll make a stop for lunch at the Sheroes Hangout Cafe The cafe was set up by the Chhanv Foundation and is run by victirms of acid attacks. The cafe works to raise awareness of acid attacks in India and to empower those who have sadly been the victims of these heinous crimes. Prior to gaining employment in the cafe, many of the 'Sheroes' led solitary lives, rarely going outside due to shame associated with their scars. we're proud to support such an organisation, which has the sole aim of helping these women find acceptance, a supportive community and a means of income. Lunch will be included whilst at the cafe.
Once you've checked in into your hotel, we'll spend the afternoon on a Mughal Heritage Walk through the ancient village of Kachhpura and surrounding farmland on the banks of the Yamuna River across from the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. This walk has been designed by a local NGO and helps support the local community through employment and new infrastructure. During the walk one of the villagers will give a guide to their village life, the layout of their homes, with living, cooking & religious areas, the farming done, and the local cottage industry for leather shoe making which helps Agra export shoes all over the world. You'll also see some lesser known but important Mughal era monuments. Finally today we'll stroll around the park at Mehtab Bagh - originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna River's east bank, before taking in the magnificent sight of the Taj Mahal at sunset.
A special evening option is available today, where you can join a Hindu family for a Vegetarian Thali cooking lesson and meal.
OVERNIGHT: Agra hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch | EXTRAS: Cook with a Hindu family in Agra
DAY 4: Taj Mahal sunrise. Drive to Suroth Mahal, Village Walk and Camel Cart Ride
We start today early for our tour of the Taj Mahal. Truly one of the wonders of the world this elaborate monument to love was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty-two years to complete. Sunrise is a great time to visit as the light changes gradually with the colours of the Taj changing too.
After breakfast we leave the region's popular tourist areas and head into the heart of rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth. The property was a former palace, now welcoming guests as a hotel, but retaining its heritage charm, with rooms painted with murals.
The afternoon sees us exploring the village, interacting with the local villagers, getting invaluable insight into seeing their way of life. We'll also jump aboard a camel cart for a ride around the village. In the evening we'll have a cooking demonstation before enjoying dinner at the hotels restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Suroth Mahal heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we head to Jaipur, the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Enroute, we'll visit the Abhaneri step well, the largest and deepest step well in the world, which boasts 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. You may recognise this as the place that Sonny tried to express his feelings for Sunaina in the recent movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The remaider of the day in Jaipur will be free to explore at leisure or join one of our optional extras:
- A fun option this evening is to head out and watch a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema.
- Another good choice for this evening is to visit a local family in their home for a cooking demonstration and dinner together.
DAY 6: Amber Fort & Jaipur City. Block printing workshop
You have an option of going on an early morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, flying over its palaces, forts and lakes - a truly mesmerising experience.
If you chose to sleep a little later, your morning starts with a visit to the Amber Fort, the jewel in Jaipur's crown - an ancient fortress built on a hilltop in the 16th century dedicated to the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber. Be mesmerised by this majestic architectural wonder, with its pink sandstone and marble palace shining in the sun. It's massive fortress walls sprawls across the hills, with many seeing a resemblance of the Great Wall of China.
Later, we return to the city for a tour of Jaipur, as we visit the strange Jantar Mantar monument, a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II between 1724 and 1730. Jaipur was the first planned city of medieval India and we'll also explore its City Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh during 1729-1732 AD, the City Palace was once the seat of kings as it was from here that they ruled the region. This tangle of courtyards, manicured gardens and exceptionally crafted mahals is one of the most revered attractions in India.
We spend the remainder of the day walking in the walled city to discover some of Jaipur's famous crafts markets and craftsmen in action such as jewellers, silversmiths, textile workshops and bangle makers. Our tour will include a blockprinting workshop, where we learn the ways in which fabric is decorated using this ancient method and we'll also have a gemstone demonstation.
OVERNIGHT: Jaipur heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Jaipur
DAY 7: Ranthambore - Home of the Bengal Tiger. Afternoon Game Drive
We leave Jaipur today and head to Ranthambore National Park, which is named after Ranthambore fortress, located within its boundaries. If you're looking to see tigers in the wild, this is the place to be. In 1973, the park was established as a sanctuary for the tigers and to help decrease the fatal interactions that were increasing between humans and tigers.
We'll have our first chance to see Tigers this afternoon as we join a shared canter for game drive through the park.
OVERNIGHT: Ranthambore Heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Morning Game Drive in search of tigers
We'll head back out on an early morning game drive, giving you the best opportunity to see India's tigers in their natural habitat, but keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, flying foxes, Indian porcupines, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, wild boar, civets, desert cats, macaques, mole rats, and many more species.
We'll be transported through the jungle in an open-backed truck (shared canter), which allows us to travel deep into the park, as we search for India's unique wildlife. We'll also visit the ruined fort located within the boundaries of the park, which is beautifully elevated on a natural hummock, which towers at just over 200 metres high. The ancient ruined fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon you'll have some free time to relax or you could consider booking additional private jeep or shared game drives within the park.
OVERNIGHT: Ranthambore Heritage hotel | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Train ride to Delhi. Free afternoon (optional visit to the Akshardam Temple)
We'll say goodbye to Ranthambore and board a train back to Delhi. Our preferred service is the Kota Jan Shtabad leaving at 0725. The train ride will last for about five hours, but it's one of the best ways to experience the beauty of India, as you make your way past the rural countryside and farmlands as well as the bustling city life as you approach the capital.
Once we arrive in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time in the afternoon for last minute shopping or exploration. You could also join our optional tour to the Hindu Akshardam Temple.
OVERNIGHT: Delhi hotel | MEALS: Breakfast
DAY 10: All good things come to an end! Airport transfer included
You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home. Additional half day tours are available this morning if you have a later flight, and extension options are also available.
MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Goa beach extension; Extra day in Delhi - post-tour; Spinmonkey cycling tour; Varanasi extension
Visiting Attractions
Taj Mahal
New Delhi
Agra Fort
Old Delhi
Ranthambore National Park
Amer Fort
Jantar Mantar Observatory
Meal
B: Included(on day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), L: Included(on day 3, 8), D: Included(on day 4, 7, 8)
What’s Included
Includes
- All accommodation in mid-range hotels and heritage properties
- All transport and transfers in AC vehicles
- 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
- Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
- Delhi Tour, Rickshaw Ride & Street Food Sampling in Delhi
- Agra Sheroes Cafe, Mughal Heritage Walk and Taj Mahal visit
- Suroth Mahal Village tour, Camel cart ride & cooking demonstration
- Jaipur Amber Fort, City Tour & craft workshop
- Ranthambore Shared Canter Game Drives in search of Tigers
- Services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Excludes
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for driver and/or tour guide
- Entrance fees (allow approx. US$90)
- Any other items not mentioned above
Special Notes
• Cancellation or change of date by you before departure
- More than 62 Days prior to Depature Date: 12% penalty
- 44-61 Days prior to Departure Date: 35% penalty
- 30-43 Days prior to Departure Date: 70% penalty
- 17-29 Days prior to Departure Date: 90% penalty
- 0-16 Days prior to Departure Date: 100% penalty
• Changes and cancellations by us
In addition to a full refund of all monies paid by you, we will pay you compensation as detailed below, in the following circumstances:
- If, where we make a significant change, you do not accept the changed arrangements and cancel your booking;
- If we cancel your booking and no alternative arrangements are available and/or we do not offer one.
The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.
- Over 72 Days prior to Departure Date: No compensation
- 71-45 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP10 / USD15 / CAD20 / AUD20 / NZD20 / EUR15 / ZAR170 / INR1000 will be compensated
- 44-30 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP20 / USD30 / CAD40 / AUD40 / NZD40 / EUR30 / ZAR340 / INR2000 will be compensated
- 29-16 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP40 / USD50 / CAD80 / AUD80 / NZD80 / EUR60 / ZAR680 / INR4000 will be compensated
- 0-16 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR850 / INR5000 will be compensated IMPORTANT NOTE: We will not pay you compensation in the following circumstances:
- where we make a minor change;
- where we make a significant change or cancel your arrangements more than 60 days before departure;
- where we make a significant change and you accept those changed arrangements or you accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements;
- where we have to cancel your arrangements as a result of your failure to make full payment on time;
- where the change or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you;
- where we are forced to cancel or change your arrangements due to Force Majeure.
• Accommodation
We use good quality hotels rated at the Indian 3-star and 4-star level on this tour as well as some heritage properties. These heritage hotels are often converted from former palaces or merchant houses and are full of historical character, though they may feel a little dated. They are often a highlight of your stay. The specific hotels listed on our website are our preferred hotels for our small-group tours. However, these may be changed from time to time based on current availability and other logistics. In this event alternative hotels of a similar standard will be used. If you would like to guarantee any particular hotels for your trip, please contact us to request a tailor-made otur. Accommodation is based on twin or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will receive a private double room. Single travellers may choose to pay a single room supplement to guarantee themselves a single room throughout the tour. Alternatively, they may choose to share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If there are no other single travellers available to pair up with at the time of booking, then we will need to add the single supplement to your tour price, but will refund this or deduct it from your balance payment if we are able to pair you up later on.
• Transport
Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you're really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. Due to the somewhat chaotic nature of Indian roads, we only use private vehicles for all road journeys on this tour.
The tour also features three journeys on India's famous railway network, on the narrow guage 'toy train' to Shimla, and a fast train from Chandigarh to Haridwar (~3.5-4hrs) and Haridwar to Delhi (~4.5hrs).
On the toy train journey we book chair seats on the Himalayan Queen service. The full journey from Kalka to Shimla takes around 5 hours, but we join the train about half way into the journey once it has started getting into the hills properly. We feel this provides a better experience all round. Your luggage will continue to Shimla with the tour vehicle, so you do not need to worry about carrying or storing it on the train.
For the fast train journeys we aim to always book seats in the AC2 chair class (2nd class air-conditioned carriage). This is relatively clean, comfortable and not overcrowded. Due to the huge distances some trains cover, Indian trains are subject to delays. These can be longer in the winter months if the weather is foggy.
Tickets are issued 120 days in advance and are subject to full cancellation fees after you have arrived in India (US$10 up until that point). If you book within 120 days of departure we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated a seat next to other people in the group, though the carriage stewards are generally very helpful in arranging to swap you with another traveler.
• Transfers
The tour price includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in New Delhi airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.
• International Flights
We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, we don't include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to book your flights for you, and our ATOL (UK flight sales license) covers all holidays booked together with a flight from the UK.
Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we'll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from. Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour whether you book your flights independently or through us. Most of our Indian tours start and finish at Delhi airport (DEL).
• Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There's no point in us providing great guides if you've got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won't ever put you in a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and just one guide. Instead, we set our India small-group departures to have a maximum of 12 travellers. The minimum group size is 2.
In India we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking tour leader/driver to accompany our groups. On this tour they will accompany you from Amritsar through to Chandigarh where you will be shown to your seat on the train. You will then be met on arrival in Haridwar station by your guide for the Haridwar/Rishikesh section. You will then be met on arrival in Delhi station and transferred to your hotel for your final night. Additional specialist local guides are used for some of the sightseeing tours and activities included in the tour.
• Entrance Fees
The tour price does not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. This allows for fluctuations in the prices set by the local authorities, which do change from time to time.
You should currently allow approx. US$52 per person to cover these entrance fees. You will also need to cover the cost of entrance to any other extra sites that you may wish to visit that are not listed in the main tour itinerary. Your guide will offer to collect the entrance fee cost from everyone at the start of the tour and pay on your behalf, or you can arrange them yourself as you go along.
• Tipping and Haggling
Haggling is a traditional necessity, so its wise not to pay too much regard to initial prices. Instead fix an items value in your mind then negotiate towards it unhurriedly and don't be afraid to simply walk away if the price isn't right. Once you have offered a price though, you should be prepared to pay it as you may cause offence if you then back out.
While an accepted part of the culture and customs in India, tipping is always optional, and the amounts paid should reflect excellent service. We are often asked for advice on common amounts, and for assistance with tipping. Some suggested guidelines are given below.
Restaurants and taxis: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour guide. We suggest USD 5-10 per person per day for local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, for example if you don't have an extra accompanying guide. However USD 3-6 per person per day is generally appropriate.
Tour Guides: To answer your next question. . . as a guideline for tour guides who accompany you on the entire tour, we suggest you allow around USD 5-10 per person per day, but ultimately, as with all the tipping described above, its up to your satisfaction with their service and your personal budget. You should not feel pressured to tip any particular amount.
• Health and Vaccinations - India
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
India: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Yellow fever rules for India are quite complicated and lengthy. Please read the WHO guidance.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the north eastern regions of India including Assam and Orissa are considered high risk,while the rest of India is generally considered low enough risk that anti-malarial tablets are not necessary for most travellers doing relatively short tours.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view a World Health Organisation map of areas where the virus is present in monkeys and therefore a potential risk to humans. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
• Passports and Visas - India
Your passport expiry date must be at least 6 months after your time in India finishes. Do not bring a full or almost expired passport. You must also have a machine-readable passport or you may be denied entry. If you have an old-style manually issued passport you will need to replace this with a new machine-readable passport before you travel.
Visa requirements for India can and do change regularly and we suggest that you arrange your Indian visa early and re-check your specific visa requirements prior to travel for any changes.
• Voltage
Sockets are mainly two round pronged and 230 volts (Type C,D,M). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don't have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are sometimes available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already but cannot be guaranteed. If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.
• Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
You may arrange your own insurance, or you can take advantage of a comprehensive policy that we can arrange for you through Endsleigh Insurance which has been designed to be suitable for our tours. The policy is available to travellers of all nationalities and you do not need to live in the UK to take out the policy. For full details of cover provided, prices and to apply for one of our policies, please complete travel insurance application form.
Note: Any country that borders the Mediterranean is considered as 'Europe' for the purposes of travel insurance (including Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco). If you are doing a tour that visits one country in 'Europe' and one that is 'Worldwide' (for example, an Egypt and Jordan tour), then you need a 'Worldwide' policy. When completing the form you should enter your travel dates including any extra days involved in overnight flights or connecting travel between your home and the tour. Our policies are not able to cover any extra time or activities other than your tour and options booked with us and your travel to & from home.
If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally, or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.
If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.
IMPORTANT: We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour. If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
- More than 62 Days prior to Depature Date: 12% penalty
- 44-61 Days prior to Departure Date: 35% penalty
- 30-43 Days prior to Departure Date: 70% penalty
- 17-29 Days prior to Departure Date: 90% penalty
- 0-16 Days prior to Departure Date: 100% penalty
• Changes and cancellations by us
In addition to a full refund of all monies paid by you, we will pay you compensation as detailed below, in the following circumstances:
- If, where we make a significant change, you do not accept the changed arrangements and cancel your booking;
- If we cancel your booking and no alternative arrangements are available and/or we do not offer one.
The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.
- Over 72 Days prior to Departure Date: No compensation
- 71-45 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP10 / USD15 / CAD20 / AUD20 / NZD20 / EUR15 / ZAR170 / INR1000 will be compensated
- 44-30 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP20 / USD30 / CAD40 / AUD40 / NZD40 / EUR30 / ZAR340 / INR2000 will be compensated
- 29-16 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP40 / USD50 / CAD80 / AUD80 / NZD80 / EUR60 / ZAR680 / INR4000 will be compensated
- 0-16 Days prior to Departure Date: GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR850 / INR5000 will be compensated IMPORTANT NOTE: We will not pay you compensation in the following circumstances:
- where we make a minor change;
- where we make a significant change or cancel your arrangements more than 60 days before departure;
- where we make a significant change and you accept those changed arrangements or you accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements;
- where we have to cancel your arrangements as a result of your failure to make full payment on time;
- where the change or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you;
- where we are forced to cancel or change your arrangements due to Force Majeure.
• Accommodation
We use good quality hotels rated at the Indian 3-star and 4-star level on this tour as well as some heritage properties. These heritage hotels are often converted from former palaces or merchant houses and are full of historical character, though they may feel a little dated. They are often a highlight of your stay. The specific hotels listed on our website are our preferred hotels for our small-group tours. However, these may be changed from time to time based on current availability and other logistics. In this event alternative hotels of a similar standard will be used. If you would like to guarantee any particular hotels for your trip, please contact us to request a tailor-made otur. Accommodation is based on twin or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will receive a private double room. Single travellers may choose to pay a single room supplement to guarantee themselves a single room throughout the tour. Alternatively, they may choose to share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If there are no other single travellers available to pair up with at the time of booking, then we will need to add the single supplement to your tour price, but will refund this or deduct it from your balance payment if we are able to pair you up later on.
• Transport
Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you're really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. Due to the somewhat chaotic nature of Indian roads, we only use private vehicles for all road journeys on this tour.
The tour also features three journeys on India's famous railway network, on the narrow guage 'toy train' to Shimla, and a fast train from Chandigarh to Haridwar (~3.5-4hrs) and Haridwar to Delhi (~4.5hrs).
On the toy train journey we book chair seats on the Himalayan Queen service. The full journey from Kalka to Shimla takes around 5 hours, but we join the train about half way into the journey once it has started getting into the hills properly. We feel this provides a better experience all round. Your luggage will continue to Shimla with the tour vehicle, so you do not need to worry about carrying or storing it on the train.
For the fast train journeys we aim to always book seats in the AC2 chair class (2nd class air-conditioned carriage). This is relatively clean, comfortable and not overcrowded. Due to the huge distances some trains cover, Indian trains are subject to delays. These can be longer in the winter months if the weather is foggy.
Tickets are issued 120 days in advance and are subject to full cancellation fees after you have arrived in India (US$10 up until that point). If you book within 120 days of departure we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated a seat next to other people in the group, though the carriage stewards are generally very helpful in arranging to swap you with another traveler.
• Transfers
The tour price includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in New Delhi airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.
• International Flights
We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, we don't include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to book your flights for you, and our ATOL (UK flight sales license) covers all holidays booked together with a flight from the UK.
Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we'll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from. Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour whether you book your flights independently or through us. Most of our Indian tours start and finish at Delhi airport (DEL).
• Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There's no point in us providing great guides if you've got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won't ever put you in a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and just one guide. Instead, we set our India small-group departures to have a maximum of 12 travellers. The minimum group size is 2.
In India we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking tour leader/driver to accompany our groups. On this tour they will accompany you from Amritsar through to Chandigarh where you will be shown to your seat on the train. You will then be met on arrival in Haridwar station by your guide for the Haridwar/Rishikesh section. You will then be met on arrival in Delhi station and transferred to your hotel for your final night. Additional specialist local guides are used for some of the sightseeing tours and activities included in the tour.
• Entrance Fees
The tour price does not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. This allows for fluctuations in the prices set by the local authorities, which do change from time to time.
You should currently allow approx. US$52 per person to cover these entrance fees. You will also need to cover the cost of entrance to any other extra sites that you may wish to visit that are not listed in the main tour itinerary. Your guide will offer to collect the entrance fee cost from everyone at the start of the tour and pay on your behalf, or you can arrange them yourself as you go along.
• Tipping and Haggling
Haggling is a traditional necessity, so its wise not to pay too much regard to initial prices. Instead fix an items value in your mind then negotiate towards it unhurriedly and don't be afraid to simply walk away if the price isn't right. Once you have offered a price though, you should be prepared to pay it as you may cause offence if you then back out.
While an accepted part of the culture and customs in India, tipping is always optional, and the amounts paid should reflect excellent service. We are often asked for advice on common amounts, and for assistance with tipping. Some suggested guidelines are given below.
Restaurants and taxis: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour guide. We suggest USD 5-10 per person per day for local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, for example if you don't have an extra accompanying guide. However USD 3-6 per person per day is generally appropriate.
Tour Guides: To answer your next question. . . as a guideline for tour guides who accompany you on the entire tour, we suggest you allow around USD 5-10 per person per day, but ultimately, as with all the tipping described above, its up to your satisfaction with their service and your personal budget. You should not feel pressured to tip any particular amount.
• Health and Vaccinations - India
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
India: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Yellow fever rules for India are quite complicated and lengthy. Please read the WHO guidance.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the north eastern regions of India including Assam and Orissa are considered high risk,while the rest of India is generally considered low enough risk that anti-malarial tablets are not necessary for most travellers doing relatively short tours.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view a World Health Organisation map of areas where the virus is present in monkeys and therefore a potential risk to humans. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
• Passports and Visas - India
Your passport expiry date must be at least 6 months after your time in India finishes. Do not bring a full or almost expired passport. You must also have a machine-readable passport or you may be denied entry. If you have an old-style manually issued passport you will need to replace this with a new machine-readable passport before you travel.
Visa requirements for India can and do change regularly and we suggest that you arrange your Indian visa early and re-check your specific visa requirements prior to travel for any changes.
• Voltage
Sockets are mainly two round pronged and 230 volts (Type C,D,M). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don't have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are sometimes available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already but cannot be guaranteed. If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.
• Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
You may arrange your own insurance, or you can take advantage of a comprehensive policy that we can arrange for you through Endsleigh Insurance which has been designed to be suitable for our tours. The policy is available to travellers of all nationalities and you do not need to live in the UK to take out the policy. For full details of cover provided, prices and to apply for one of our policies, please complete travel insurance application form.
Note: Any country that borders the Mediterranean is considered as 'Europe' for the purposes of travel insurance (including Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco). If you are doing a tour that visits one country in 'Europe' and one that is 'Worldwide' (for example, an Egypt and Jordan tour), then you need a 'Worldwide' policy. When completing the form you should enter your travel dates including any extra days involved in overnight flights or connecting travel between your home and the tour. Our policies are not able to cover any extra time or activities other than your tour and options booked with us and your travel to & from home.
If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally, or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.
If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.
IMPORTANT: We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour. If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
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