India Tours
India is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and is immediately recognizable on any world map. India holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone. From north to south India extends a good 2000 miles (3200 km), where the island nation of Sri Lanka seems to be squeezed out of India like a great tear, the synapse forming the Gulf of Mannar.
In a country as diverse and complex as India, it is not surprising to find that people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the numerous distinctive manners, habits and food that will always remain truly Indian. According to five thousand years of recorded history. From the eternal snows of the Himalayas to the cultivated peninsula of far South, from the deserts of the West to the humid deltas of the East, from the dry heat and cold of the Central Plateau to the cool forest foothills, Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography. The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ in accordance to the place of origin.
Food in India is wide ranging in variety, taste and flavour. Being so diverse geographically, each region has its own cuisine and style of preparation. Indian cuisine, renowned for its exotic gravies seems complicated for any newcomer. The Mughlai cuisine of North differs sharply from the preparations of the south. The Wazwan style of Kashmir is luxurious but the same can be said about Bengal's Macher Jhol, Rajasthan's Dal Bati, Uttar Pradesh's Kebabs and Punjab's Sarson Ka Saag and Makki di Roti. In India, recipes are handed down from generation to generation.
The Colourful mosaic of Indian festivals and fairs - as diverse as the land, is an eternal expression of the spirit of celebration. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems ornamenting the crown of Indian Culture. They are round the year vibrant interludes in the mundane routine of life. Every season brings along new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of the rich traditions followed for time immemorial. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals serve as an occasion to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and a time to rejoice, in celebration of life.
6 Days India Golden Triangle Tour
Tour Code: ST-EIN6Tour Type: Private car, guide and driver
Visit: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi
Departure: You pick
Itinerary |
|---|
| Day 01 Arrive Delhi. Our tour guide will meet you at airport then transfer to hotel. |
| Day 02 (B, L) Morning proceed to Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation; arrive for your visit to the Red Fort built of red sandstone; walk across to Chandini Chowk to embark on an half hour cycle rickshaw ride to experience Old Delhi before you arrive at Jama Masjid (closed on Fridays), the largest mosque in India. Afternoon visit the tomb of second Mughal Emperor Humayun (UNESCO site); next proceed to visit Qutub Minar (UNESCO site), the tallest stone tower in India followed by a panoramic tour of Lutyen’s Delhi with a drive through Lutyen’s Delhi with its marvellous India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the presidents house, the north & south block – which house the ministries. |
| Day 03 (B, L) Transfer to Jaipur over land, (approx 5.5 – 6 hrs) known as the “ pink City “ for its forts, palaces and temples that were constructed with pink plastered stone. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and rest day free. In the evening join your guide for to visit the illuminated Lakshmi Narayan Temple for the evening prayer ceremony. |
| Day 04 (B, L) Morning transfer to Amber Fort, en route a photo stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds; next continue to Amber and proceed to the fortress palace on elephant back. Briefly visit Gaitior or Jaigarh Fort depends on condition and take make photo stop at Jal Mahal Palace before return to city. Afternoon visit the Jantar Mantar or the observatory - best preserved with collection of out door astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone and end the tour with a visit to the most distinguished City Palace Complex & museum and then lastly enjoy an half hr cycle rickshaw ride in the old city. Enjoy shopping around in the traditional bazaars before transfer back to hotel. |
| Day 05 (B, L) Morning travel overland through rural India to Agra (approx 5.5 hrs), en route visit the step well at Abheneri – an architectural marvel and 16th century abandoned red sandstone Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO site), the complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. |
| Day 06 (B) Morning transfer and visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays); next visit the Agra Fort that signifies the period of Mughal domination and outstanding example of Mughal architecture made of red sand stone and marble. Later afternoon proceed to drive to Delhi (approx. 5 hrs) and transfer to airport for departure. |
2013 Tour Cost / Single supplement |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Class | Apr - Sep | Oct - Mar, 2014 | |
| By 4-star hotels | $720 / $280 | $840 / $380 | |
| By 5-star hotels | $790 / $330 | $960 / $490 | |
9 Days Exotic North India Tour
Tour Code: ST-EIN9Tour Type: Private car, guide and driver
Visit: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi
Departure: You pick
Itinerary |
|---|
| Day 01 Arrive Delhi. Our tour guide will meet you at airport then transfer to hotel. |
| Day 02 (B, L) Morning proceed to Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation; arrive for your visit to the Red Fort built of red sandstone; walk across to Chandini Chowk to embark on an half hour cycle rickshaw ride to experience Old Delhi before you arrive at Jama Masjid (closed on Fridays), the largest mosque in India. Afternoon visit the tomb of second Mughal Emperor Humayun (UNESCO site); next proceed to visit Qutub Minar (UNESCO site), the tallest stone tower in India followed by a panoramic tour of Lutyen’s Delhi with a drive through Lutyen’s Delhi with its marvellous India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the presidents house, the north & south block – which house the ministries. |
| Day 03 (B, L) Transfer to Jaipur over land, (approx 5.5 – 6 hrs) known as the “ pink City “ for its forts, palaces and temples that were constructed with pink plastered stone. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and rest day free. In the evening join your guide for to visit the illuminated Lakshmi Narayan Temple for the evening prayer ceremony. |
| Day 04 (B, L) Morning transfer to Amber Fort, en route a photo stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds; next continue to Amber and proceed to the fortress palace on elephant back. Briefly visit Gaitior or Jaigarh Fort depends on condition and take make photo stop at Jal Mahal Palace before return to city. Afternoon visit the Jantar Mantar or the observatory - best preserved with collection of out door astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone and end the tour with a visit to the most distinguished City Palace Complex & museum and then lastly enjoy a half hr cycle rickshaw ride in the old city. Enjoy shopping around in the traditional bazaars before transfer back to hotel. |
| Day 05 (B, L) Morning travel overland through rural India to Agra (approx 5.5 hrs), en route visit the step well at Abheneri – an architectural marvel and 16th century abandoned red sandstone Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO site), the complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. |
| Day 06 (B, L) Morning transfer and visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays); next visit the Agra Fort that signifies the period of Mughal domination and outstanding example of Mughal architecture made of red sand stone and marble. |
| Day 07 (B, L) Morning proceed to Jhansi by train (8.11 – 10.45am); guide meet up and transfer to Khajuraho (approx. 4.5 hrs). Enroute visit Orcha Palace to see the maze of intricate stairways to the numerous turrets that ornament this palace; also see the Cenotaphs or chhatries of the Orcha rulers. Optional: Visit the Kandariya Art & Culture centre in the evening to see the finest exponents of Indian classical dance forms from different states of India. |
| Day 08 (B, L) Early morning visit the Chandela Temple Complex to see some of the most famous exquisite sculpture such as Kandariya Mahadeva, Catrabhuj, Parswanath of Parsvanath & Ghantai. Take noon flight to Varanasi. Guide meet and take afternoon tour to see the Benaras Hindu University, a great site of oriental learning; visit the Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple, popularly known as the Monkey Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening join your guide for a brief walk up to the ghats and witness the evening aarti ceremony. |
| Day 09 (B) Take a pre-dawn boat cruise on River Ganges and observe Hindu pilgrims perform centuries old rituals; pass by the bathing ghats, the cremation ghats, and the Gyanvapi mosque; also visit the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After break, visit the Sarnath, one of the major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, the Dhamek Stupa, along with a large complex of monastery ruins & stupas; next visit Archaeological Museum and see the famous Sarnath Pillar whose capital forms India's national emblem. Transfer to airport and take afternoon flight to Delhi. Take connectoing flight and depart for your next destination. |
2013 Tour Cost / Single supplement |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Class | Apr - Sep | Oct - Mar, 2014 | |
| By 4-star hotels | $1230 / $410 | $1420 / $560 | |
| By 5-star hotels | $1340 / $490 | $1540 / $590 | |
Tour price includes:
- Private airport arrival, private sightseeing tour with English-speaking guide/driver & car.
- Entry ticket to site visits and meals as mentioned in itinerary.
- Hotel is based on double occupancy with daily breakfast (B).
Tour price doesn't include:
- International flight.
- Visa, if required.
- Travel insurance, daily lunch and dinner (except mentioned).
- Personal expenses & gratuities to guide, driver & porters.
Remarks:
- Price is in USD based on 2 or more participants.
- Tour itinerary and hotel arrangement are subject to change upon reservation & confirmation.
- Schedule is subject to change due to local circumstance and flight, etc.
- Tour cost is subject to change based on fuel surcharge and currency exchange rate.
- Please contact us if you would like to customize this tour to your specific interests.
