Tour Family India Golden Triangle Adventure

Accommodation

8 nights standard hotel Triple rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on all night stops within the holiday. If you would like this option, a discount may be applicable on the cost of the trip - please ask our Sales team for further information. Accommodation in India is as varied as the country itself. On our tours we stay in a mix of hotels, heritage properties, camp sites and homestays. Standards do not equate to standards in the UK and it’s best to approach each type of accommodation with an open mind. Service can be slow in places especially when travelling with a group. Hot water is not always available 24 hours a day in some of the smaller properties, and with a group staying you might find if you are showering last you may miss out on the hottest water.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 9 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 3 Dinners

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Transport

Bus, 4WD, Rickshaw, Train Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that’s done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It’s a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we’d recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline Local crew Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group’s tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly, you should allow GBP35, approx. 3’000 Indian Rupees for group tipping per family member. For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Day 1: Delhi Craft museum - Entrance fee is INR 200 per person plus transport to and from the museum (transport at additional cost) National rail museum - Weekday entrance fee is INR 50 per person, a reduce rate of INR 10 applies for children aged under 13. Entrance fees are double over weekends and government holidays. Transport to and from the museum will be at additional cost. Akshardham Temple - free entry. The temple is closed on Mondays and on national holidays. Transport costs to and from the temple will cost extra. Day 7 or 8: Jaipur Discover the old city with Pink City Rickshaw Tour: Embark on a journey to discover the city of Jaipur like never before. Today, vroom around the city on a pop pink coloured e-scooter with a woman driver at the helm. The Pink City Rickshaw Company identifies women from underprivileged backgrounds and trains them how to ride e-rickshaws and conduct tours of the Old City. Aged between 18 and 45, these women hail from diverse socio-economic scenarios and are fighting stereotypes to hit the road. Explore the city’s iconic structures like Hawa Mahal and navigate your way through the famous bazaars - Johari Bazaar, Maniharon ka rasta as you browse through the block-printed accessories and handcrafted souvenirs. Approximate cost INR 1000 per person, transport to and from the old city will be at additional cost. During the winter months a puppet show is provided by the Mandawa Haveli hotel in Jaipur lasting approx 45 minutes. There is no charge however a tip at your discretion is appreciated. Bollywood movie between INR 350 and INR 450 per person plus transport costs.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Visa and Passport Information India: Visas are required for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada, all other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. E-visas are available for USA, Australian and New Zealand citizens, please contact your nearest embassy for details of how to apply. Whilst E-visas were previously available for UK and Canadian citizens, this service is temporarily on hold and applications must be made through your nearest application centre. For UK citizens please refer to VFS Global for information -https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Please be aware that you will need to book an appointment and waiting times can be long, we recommend you begin the application process eight weeks before departure. Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a fee of £125 + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. Please note that for this trip we require a photocopy of your passport a minimum of 120 days before departure. These are required to apply for the safari permits, which are needed to take part in the tiger safaris in your itinerary. It is essential we have your passport copy before this time, as without this we may not be able to secure the permits before you depart. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Day 1 Day 1: Join Tour In Delhi; City Tour Of New Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Tour In Delhi; City Tour Of New Delhi

Arrive in New Delhi, India’s bustling capital which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers, there are still the remnants of a bygone time with numerous monuments and temples. For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1.30pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on our afternoon city tour which will visit the imposing India Gate (war memorial arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence as well as Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Our Leader will be on hand in the evening to suggest evening dining options. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 18km, around 40 minutes from our hotel. Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 40 minutes’ drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 11am. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Day 2 Day 2: Old Delhi Sightseeing By Rickshaw; Drive To Agra And Visit The Agra Fort
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Old Delhi Sightseeing By Rickshaw; Drive To Agra And Visit The Agra Fort

Compared to New Delhi the Old City is much closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. We travel by cycle rickshaw to its hub at Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter and a wonderful introduction to the ’real’ India. The major sights nearby are the Jami Masjid Mosque and we pass by the Red Fort on our way out of the city. Mid-morning, head south from New Delhi to Agra, a bus journey of approximately three hours. In the afternoon we plan to visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar the Great, which contains the incomparable Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). Before returning to the hotel we will get our first sight of the Taj Mahal in the evening light.
Day 3 Day 3: Early Morning Visit To The Taj Mahal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Continue To Ranthambore By Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Early Morning Visit To The Taj Mahal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Continue To Ranthambore By Train

This morning we aim to visit the Taj Mahal, the world’s most perfect and poetic building, at sunrise. Over 300 years have elapsed since its construction, yet it stands today unscarred by age; its beauty and symmetry seemingly beyond man, time and space. Created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, it took 22 years to build (1630-52). The Great Moghul lies beside his beloved under the white marble dome. Inlaid with precious gems, the building cost a fortune. Later Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi before being overthrown by his son, Aurangzeb. Later in the day, drive to the entrance of Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Formerly a royal duck-shooting reserve and now an ornithologist’s paradise, the 12 square miles of lakes and marshlands offer a safe habitat for large numbers of breeding waterbirds and migrants. More than 300 species have been sighted, among them herons, storks, geese and the huge and rare Siberian crane. We will be taken on a birdwatching tour by cycle rickshaw and we hope to see some of these magnificent birds. After lunch we continue our journey, taking the train to Ranthambore National Park (approximately 2 hours).
Day 4 Day 4: Game Drives In Ranthambore National Park In Search Of Bengal Tiger
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Game Drives In Ranthambore National Park In Search Of Bengal Tiger

Ranthambore is one of the best examples of the country’s tiger conservation projects. The best chance of sightings is between September and May. During this period water is scarce and the animals must stay close to the lakes and river. It is little wonder that this was once one of the best hunting areas of the Maharajahs. We include a game drive this morning into the Reserve, in search of the wildlife which, as well as tiger, includes sloth bear, langur, jackal and fox as well as crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfisher. The park itself is very picturesque with lakes, rivers and forests surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. In the afternoon there is another opportunity to do a game drive to get a chance to see more wildlife and views. The vehicles used for game drives are open top jeeps, with 6 seats and ideal for spotting wildlife. Due to regulations aimed at keeping traffic to a minimum in the parks we cannot guarantee exclusive use of the jeeps so you may be sharing with non-Explore customers. Please note that because the jeeps can only accommodate 6 people there is a chance we may have to split family groups up, this will depend entirely on the make up of your group and we will avoid this wherever possible.
Day 5 Day 5: Optional Game Drive Before Driving To Pachewar To Stay In A Heritage Hotel.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Optional Game Drive Before Driving To Pachewar To Stay In A Heritage Hotel.

This morning there is chance for an optional game drive before we drive to Pachewar (approximately 4 hours’ drive). A small village, Pachewar is famous for cenotaphs, blue pottery kilns, metal toy makers and interesting surroundings. It is a lively place that was once ruled by Khangarot Rajputs. The caretaker of Khandar, Thakur Anoop Singh Khangarot, had captured the fort of Ranthambore from the captivity of Marathas and annexed the fort to the state of Jaipur. The pace of the trip slows as we stay two nights at a family run heritage hotel, Pachewar Garh. This fort with its huge ramparts, turrets and gates, was built about 300 years ago and bears testimony to its rich heritage. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the village and sample first hand traditional rural life, you may even see villagers partaking in a game of cricket! This evening there is a puppet show at the hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Full Day In Pachewar, Rural Rajasthan. Village Walk, Cooking Lesson And Farm Visit.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Full Day In Pachewar, Rural Rajasthan. Village Walk, Cooking Lesson And Farm Visit.

This morning head out exploring the village on foot, visiting the local temple and a village home where we have a cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Rajasthan cuisine. Later in the afternoon head to a farm giving us a great opportunity to meet local families and see more of rural life in India, this is India’s most colourful regions, it’s not uncommon to witness sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water. There is ample time to relax at our heritage fort hotel, for an added bit of fun the hotel provides traditional Indian costumes to wear at dinner.
Day 7 Day 7: Drive To Jaipur, Afternoon Tour Of The Pink City.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Drive To Jaipur, Afternoon Tour Of The Pink City.

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur taking about three hours, there is always something new or different to see along the roadside in rural India. Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This afternoon we will take a city tour with our Explore tour leader. We will visit the lavish and well preserved City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armoury and the Palace of the Winds, a 5-storied façade (built about 1760) which has been the subject of countless Indian posters. Jai Singh, the great Maharaja astronomer, built his extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here. The Old City has several fine gates let into the pink walls, and there are many opportunities for photos and shopping. There is an optional puppet show at the hotel this evening or you may wish to see a Bollywood movie at the local cinema.
Day 8 Day 8: Full Day In Jaipur. Visit The Amber Palace And Fortress.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Full Day In Jaipur. Visit The Amber Palace And Fortress.

Today, we drive the short distance to the foot of Amber Palace and drive up to the gateway. This impressive hilltop fortress possesses what must be the world’s finest Chamber of Mirrors and also affords glorious views of the surrounding plains. We will visit the palace after which we will return to Jaipur. Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur’s palaces and fortified walls were first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Swai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This afternoon has been left free to explore more of Jaipur in your own time. You may choose to visit one of the famous bazaars which are bursting with delights, from marble statues to antique textiles; traditional print blocks to local musical instruments.
Day 9 Day 9: Return To Delhi Stopping At Samode Palace Outside Jaipur For Camel Cart Tour And Lunch.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Return To Delhi Stopping At Samode Palace Outside Jaipur For Camel Cart Tour And Lunch.

After a leisurely breakfast bid farewell to Jaipur, driving back to Delhi. An hour north east of Jaipur we make a stop at Samode Palace in the Aravalli hills. Blending elements of Mughal traditional architecture, this 475 year old former royal residence is a treasure trove awaiting to be explored with twisting narrow stone staircases, lavish mosaics, fountains and hidden courtyards. We have a tour of the grounds on a camel cart and have lunch (included) at the palace before continuing our journey by bus to the modern Gurugram district of New Delhi, next to the airport; arriving early evening.
Day 10 Day 10: Tour Ends In New Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tour Ends In New Delhi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in New Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from New Delhi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 8km, around 20 minutes from the hotel.

10 days tour

Family India Golden Triangle Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Family India Golden Triangle Adventure

Day 1: Join Tour In Delhi; City Tour Of New Delhi

Day 2: Old Delhi Sightseeing By Rickshaw; Drive To Agra And Visit The Agra Fort

Day 3: Early Morning Visit To The Taj Mahal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Continue To Ranthambore By Train

Day 4: Game Drives In Ranthambore National Park In Search Of Bengal Tiger

Day 5: Optional Game Drive Before Driving To Pachewar To Stay In A Heritage Hotel.

Day 6: Full Day In Pachewar, Rural Rajasthan. Village Walk, Cooking Lesson And Farm Visit.

Day 7: Drive To Jaipur, Afternoon Tour Of The Pink City.

Day 8: Full Day In Jaipur. Visit The Amber Palace And Fortress.

Day 9: Return To Delhi Stopping At Samode Palace Outside Jaipur For Camel Cart Tour And Lunch.

Day 10: Tour Ends In New Delhi

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