INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS - Essence of India - Incredible India Tours
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
23 days / 22 nights
Dossier validity: 2021
This is an exciting and classic trip, from the banks of the holy Ganges to the magnificence of the Mughal
cities. We experience the land of the Kings, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, the sprawling, commercial capital
of India. We will show you the well known and introduce you to some wonderful secrets. The massive forts
of Rajasthan, the opulence and splendour of Maharajah’s palaces, markets and bazaars, holy cities, a
town seemingly lost in time, a camel safari and a search for the elusive Bollywood star all make for a trip
full of highlights and contrasts.
Highlights
• be part of the craziness and excitement of India’s capital city Delhi
• witness sunrise over the Ganges in holy Varanasi
• be left breathless by the unsurpassed Taj Mahal
• explore the palaces and bazaars of Jaipur
• experience the Desert city of Jaisalmer
• be amazed at Jodhpur’s majestic Meherangarh Fort
• discover India’s only Brahma temple in Pushkar
• spend the night in heritage hotels in Khimsar and Bijaipur
• enjoy the beautiful lake city of Udaipur
• live it up in glitzy and glamorous Mumbai
2/18
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Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Delhi
Please arrive by 12 midday when we will have a short tour briefing over lunch.
Delhi is an exciting, busy and often chaotic city and one of the most interesting cities in India. With a past that
stretches far back into the mists of time, it is rich with the splendor and vitality of an eternal city. Divided into an
ancient and a modern part, 1000 years of history greet the visitor at every step. Mosques, monuments and forts from
many different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars lie scattered across Delhi’s sprawling
expanse.
This afternoon we take a drive down Rajpath, the ceremonial avenue lined with impressive and imposing government
buildings, India Gate and Rastrapati Bhavan, the Presidents residence. We also visit the spectacular UNESCO world
heritage Humayans Tomb and finish our day at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi’s largest Sikh temple.
Old Delhi, the walled city once known as Shahjahanabad which
was the creation of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. We join the
crowds to walk in the bazaars and ride cycle rickshaws through the
old city, immersing ourselves in the noise and smells of the
crowded narrow streets and alleys, where different areas specialize
in festival paraphernalia, silk, copper, brass, jewelry and spices.
There is more to see and do than we can possibly fit in during our
short time here. If you arrive earlier than day 1, there is an
opportunity to make more discoveries - the ruins of Qutb Minar and
Purana Qila, the Lotus Temple, Indira Gandhi Museum, the Craft
Museum and Rajghat are all recommended.
Hotel: The Hans
3/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 3-4 Varanasi
Travel time: 1 hour
Taking a morning flight on Day 3, we transfer to our hotel on the banks of the holy Ganges before taking an
orientation wander along the ghats and around the streets of the old city.
Possibly the oldest city in the world, Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, seems to encapsulate all of India
within its boundaries. The ultimate destination for all Hindu pilgrims, the city is full of temples, shrines and
devotees. Life in Varanasi revolves around the Ghats along the Ganges where the bulk of the temples are
located. We walk in the old city with its maze of narrow twisting alleys full of small shops and stalls and take
boats out onto the river to see the sun rising over the holy river. There’s time to visit the markets here as well as a
chance to just hang out on the ghats and watch the pilgrims
go about their rituals.
After receiving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, The Buddha
traveled to Sarnath, just on the outskirts of modern-day
Varanasi to preach his first sermon. Since then, Sarnath has
remained a major Buddhist site. We take the opportunity to
visit the monasteries, ruins and temples of Sarnath. We
experience the magical atmosphere of a ceremony as old
as time itself as the sun sets over the Ganges to the beating
of drums and the ringing of bells.
Overnight Hotel Banaras Haveli
4/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 5-6 Agra
Travel time: 2 hours
We fly to Agra late morning and spend the afternoon visiting the
exquisite Itimud-ud-daulah, or “Baby Taj”, the first Moghul
building to be made from Marble. We then have the option of enjoying sunset from the Mehtab Bagh
(moonlight garden) which overlooks the Taj Mahal from across the river.
The icon of India, probably the most famous and beautiful building in the world, the majestic Taj Mahal
surpasses all expectations and it truly is a wonder of
the world, if not the greatest ever testimony to love.
We make a dawn visit to see the Taj in the magical
morning light before returning to our hotel for
breakfast. Later on day 6 we visit the remarkable Agra
Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th Century, and
added to by 3 successive Moghul Emperors as well as
Akbars Mausoluem.
Whilst we are in Agra, we can also take an opportunity
to see how handmade carpets and marble inlay work
are produced.
Hotel: The Retreat
5/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 7-9 Jaipur
Travel time: 5 hours
Today we drive to Jaipur via Abhaneri stepwell, Castle Kanota,
better known as The Viceroy Club from The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel movies and Galta, the monkey temple.
The streets and markets of Jaipur - the colourful and busy capital of Rajasthan, with its palaces and bazaars
full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. We visit Jaipur’s famous
landmark building, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds' and the exquisite Jal Mahal (Water Palace). There
is also the opportunity to wander through the City Palace Museum and be amazed at the Jantar Mantar, the
18th century astronomical observatory.
Crowning the crest of a hill, the fort palace at Amber was
the former capital of the Rajasthan state, and it is well
worth spending a couple of hours exploring.
During our stay in Jaipur, we will also discover the
extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all its
action, romance, drama and music, at the renowned
Raj Mandir Cinema.
Overnight Diggi Palace
6/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Day 10 Khimsar
Travel time: 5 hours
We travel west to the edge of the Thar Desert, stopping near Nagaur at the stunning Khimsar Fort.
This unique 16th century fort truly offers hundreds of years of history and majesty. Stroll the ramparts and laze
around the pool. Enjoy a massage or sip a cocktail whilst listening to the peacocks mew as the evening
descends.
Overnight Khimsar Fort
7/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 11-12 Jaisalmer
Travel time: 5 hours
This ancient trading town is just like something out of 1001 Nights where a quarter
of the town’s inhabitants still live in the narrow paved streets and alleyways of the
town’s fort. Jaisalmer is a great place to wander around and watch the passing
scene.
The best way to explore the desert around Jaisalmer is on a camel safari. In the
afternoon of day 12 we meet up with our camel crew and introduce ourselves to our new form of transport - that
ship of the desert, the camel. Each camel is lead by a camel man, and there is always the option to sit on a
camel cart if you don't want to ride. We set off into the Thar desert 40km west of Jaisalmer to the dunes for sunset
and a delightful dinner under the stars.
There is much to do here in Jaisalmer. The merchants and
wealthy families of Rajasthan built beautiful homes - or havelis
- and some amazing examples are to be found here. Spend
time exploring the fort and the streets below. Wander down to
Gadi Sagar. This small lake is the towns water supply and is
picturesquely lined with temples and shrines. Check out the
markets – Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror
work, block print fabrics and leather. Or you may want to have
a massage to sooth those camel-tired muscles.
Hotel: Mandir Palace
8/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 13-14 Jodhpur
Travel time: 5 hours
Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, and dominated by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a
sheer rocky ridge in the middle of town, Jodhpur is the 2nd largest city in Rajasthan.
We spend an afternoon exploring the magnificent fort and the bustling Sadar Market in the ‘blue’ city below.
It’s a great place to stroll around at leisure, with alleyways leading off to various bazaars selling all sorts of
fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles and handicrafts.
Jodphur is also famous for the creamy makhani (butter) lassi’s which are found nowhere else in India. And
yes, this is where the pants come from!
On day 14, we take jeeps to explore the Bishnoi tribal
villages in the rural regions South of Jodhpur and enjoy
lunch at our guide’s home in one of the villages.
Hotel: Haveli Inn Pal
9/18
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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 15-16 Pushkar
Travel time: 5 hours
With India's only Brahma temple and a holy lake, Pushkar is a major
destination for pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) from all over India.
A firm favourite with travelers and modern-day hippies, Pushkar’s small town
atmosphere is very friendly and mellow. There is hardly any traffic and the
town is small enough to walk around with ease.
It’s hard to imagine that for a week in November each
year, Pushkar is transformed into a camel city at the annual
Camel Fair where thousands of camels, horses, cattle and
villagers descend on the town from surrounding districts.
Hotel: Pushkar Palace
10/18
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Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 17-18 Bijaipur
Travel time: 5 hours
Today we travel south to Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh Fort has
probably the most tragic history in all of Rajasthan. Having been
sacked and lost three times, Chittorgarh’s story is one of Rajput
valour, resolve and sacrifice. We explore the massive hilltop fort
before lunch in Chittorgarh.
In the afternoon we travel onwards through some of the
most picturesque rural countryside of Southern Rajasthan
to the magnificent Castle Bijaipur, a fortified mansion still
run by the Rao, or local ruler.
On day 18, we take jeeps to explore nearby tribal villages
also have the opportunity for a massage, yoga lesson or
swim in the pool.
In the evening expect to be treated like royalty with a
Rajasthani buffet accompanied by music and dancers.
Hotel: Castle Bijaipur
11/18
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Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 19-21 Udaipur
Travel time: 3 hours
Heading west, we travel towards Udaipur, stopping for lunch at Ravla Khempur, better known as ‘The Best Exotic
Marigold Hotel’. This heritage hotel situated in a small village an hour and a half outside of Udaipur was the film set
for the hotel in both movies.
Without question Udaipur lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces
and lakes all combine to give Udaipur a very special appeal. It's a centre for artists, dancers and musicians and
the shopping is superb. Its other claim to fame is as the setting for James Bond’s Octopussy.
Whilst here in Udaipur, we visit the City Palace, part of the
largest palace complex in India. We also take the
opportunity to see a traditional Rajasthani. dance show. We
wander the local markets and partake in a cooking class to
learn how to whip up a sensational curry. You might like to
visit an artist’s school and try your hand at painting a
miniature painting. An afternoon trip up to Monsoon Palace
rewards you with incredible views of the lakes and hills
surrounding Udaipur, and a sunset boat trip on the lake is
just magical.
On the evening of day 21, we take a short flight to Mumbai.
Hotel: Hotel Udai Kothi
Lake Palace Hotel - Udaipur
12/18
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Essence of India
Itinerary
Days 22-23 Mumbai
Known as Bombay until its name change in 1997, Mumbai is India's financial, commercial and industrial
capital, and its property prices are some of the highest in the world. As such the city hums with activity and its
more than thirteen million residents seem to be constantly on the move. There is a distinct multicultural feel
here, with people from all over India and abroad having gravitated to the metropolis in search of a better life.
Our hotel is centrally located and only a short walk to the nearby Gateway of India and the famous Taj Hotel. A
stroll along Chowpatty Beach at sunset is a must, where you can try the local street delicacies and experience
the carnival-like atmosphere of the nightly markets here. We visit Crawford Market, and the fascinating Dhobi
Ghats – the city’s laundry washers.
Mumbai is also India's entertainment capital, and the home of Bollywood, so if you’re lucky you might bump
into a star, a film shoot on the streets or even get offered a part as an extra in a Bollywood extravaganza.
We finish up the trip with a farewell dinner at one of Mumbai’s
fabulous restaurants before hitting the town to sample
Mumbai’s famous nightlife.
Hotel: Residency Hotel, Fort
There are no organized activities on day 23. You are free to
leave at any time.
13/18
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Essence of India
general tour information
group size minimum 4, maximum 10
days 23 days 22 nights
starts in Delhi
accommodation
finishes in Mumbai Hotels (22 nights)
price includes This tour uses a variety of accommodation. From family
Arrival and departure transfers run guesthouses to Grand Heritage hotels, we experience
All accommodation as specified a wide range of accommodation styles. Hotel rooms are
ensuite and air-conditioned.
All transportation between overnight stops and to and
from included sightseeing
optional single supplement
Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
If you are a single traveller, you are not required to pay a
Tips for hotel staff, porters, guides and drivers as
single supplement as we will match you up with other
applicable
travelers. However if you do not wish to share
Meals as specified
accommodation, but would like to guarantee your own
room throughout the tour a single supplement of USD 990
price does not include will be payable.
Visa costs
Meals other than those listed transport
Drinks, meal tips, laundry and other items of a personal Domestic flights, Private Minibus, Boat, Jeep, Auto
nature rickshaw, and Cycle rickshaw.
International flights
activities included
The following is a list of included activities on this trip. Other
activities are optional and will be at your own expense.
Old Delhi, Humayans Tomb, (Delhi)
Dawn Boat Ride, Evening boat trip, Sarnath Visit, River and
city walk (Varanasi)
Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Baby Taj (Agra)
Abhaneri Stepwell (Abhaneri)
Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, city walk, Bollywood movie
(Jaipur)
14/18
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Essence of India
general tour information
Camel safari, Old City Walk (Jaisalmer)
Mehrangarh Fort, Market walk, Bishnoi Village Tour
(Jodhpur)
Village Safari (Bijaipur)
City Palace, Cooking class, Market walk, Traditional
dance show, Lake cruise (Udaipur)
Gateway of India, Crawford Markets, Dhobi Ghats, in the tour price, there are additional sights that you may
Gandhi Museum, Chowpatty Beach (Mumbai) like to visit. Many sites levy camera fees.
Spending money requirements will differ from one person
meal inclusions to the next. You will need to take into consideration your
22 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, and
optional activities.
meals
Traveling with Incredible Indian Tours we ensure that you It is recommended you allow enough money for the
will experience a vast array of the gustatory treats following:
available in India. Generally, meals are not included in Meals – USD500 (or equivalent)
the trip price when there is a choice of eating options. Optional Activities – USD100 (or equivalent)
This allows you to choose where, and what to eat. Money for drinks, shopping and incidentals.
More often than not however we eat together as a Tipping is an integral part of Indian life and is essential to a
group. Your leader will offer suggestions for favourite smooth trip. To make things easier we cover tips for hotel
restaurants throughout the trip. room boys, local guides and for drivers of private transport
we use. We do NOT cover restaurant tips. You will need to
money exchange As at May 2019 allow approximately 10-15% on top of your restaurant bill.
AUD1 = 48 INR Tips - allow USD50 (or equivalent)
CAD1 = 52 INR
EUR1 = 78 INR physical rating
GBP1 = 89 INR You may need to carry your bag/pack up and down hotel
NZD1 = 45 INR stairs. There will be plenty of walking around towns or sites,
USD1 = 70 INR which due to the warm to hot weather in India at this time
There are many ATM machines (which accept both of year will make general sightseeing a little more
Cirrus/Maestro debit cards and Visa and MasterCard) strenuous.
throughout India. This is a safe and convenient way to
access money in India, however we suggest that you culture shock rating
bring a small amount of money in cash (suggested Conditions in India are not always as comfortable as in
$300) in case there are times that ATMs are not other countries. You may need to occasionally deal with
available. The major currencies, including AUD and a squat toilet, cold showers or power failure.
CAD are no problem in general to exchange. Travellers
cheques are no longer commonly accepted. Visa & travel insurance
MasterCard credit cards are accepted in major shops
Travel Insurance is highly recommended whilst traveling to
and restaurants in the bigger cities.
India and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible
Indian Tours.
spending money
Although entrance fees to specified sites are included
15/18
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Ph: +91 95490 02876INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
general tour information
visas
All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Most
nationalities can apply for an e-Visa. Validities available
are 30 days, 1 year and 5 years. You can apply up to 30
days before the date of travel for the 30 day e-Visa and
120 days before the date of travel for the 1 and 5 year e-
Visas. The visa is issued online (you do not need to send
your passport away) and takes up to 3 days. The 30 day
e-Visas are double entry with validity commencing from
the date of arrival. The 1 and 5 year e-Visas are multiple communications
entry with validity running from the date of issue with stays Most of our hotels have wifi as do many restaurants and
of maximum 90 days at a time allowed with the cafes in India.
exception of US, UK, Japanese and Canadian passport You can also purchase a local prepaid sim card (for
holders who can stay for up to 180 days at a time. unlocked cell phones) and data sticks (for mobile internet
When applying for your e-Visa, be aware of a number of on your laptop) easily and inexpensively in India.
commercial websites offering e-Visas that do not belong Recommended are Vodafone, Airtel and Jio. You will
to the Government of India and will charge you need extra passport photos for this as well as photocopies
additional service fees to issue your visa. of your photo and visa page from your passport.
The official Government of India e-Visa website is
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
your tour manager
Your tour manager is there to organise and streamline
health
your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
We recommend that you consult your doctor for current
Whilst they are not a guide per se, they will share their
medical travel information about before departure. Your
local knowledge, give you suggestions for your free time
leader will be carrying a basic first aid kit, but we suggest
and manage the day to day running of the tour. They will
you bring along your own as well as any personal
introduce you to their local friends and recommend great
medical requirements .
local restaurants and experiences. They will have a broad
The following websites have up-to-date information about general knowledge of India, so do feel free to tap into
health requirements. their wisdom. At some sites, local guides may be hired
Australia https://www.travelvax.com.au/ where we think more specific knowledge will add to the
New Zealand http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/ enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
healthy-living/travelling
USA https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
responsible travel
UK http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/
We believe strongly in responsible travel. This includes
Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/
being respectful to the local culture (ie dressing
vaccines
appropriately, and learning a few basic cultural do’s and
don’ts), being mindful of the environment, and leaving a
positive image behind. Remember we are ambassadors
for our country. Bringing a few photos of your family and
home with you is a great way to interact with the locals by
giving them a glimpse of your world whilst you visit theirs.
joining hotel
Hans Plaza
15 Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place
16/18
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Essence of India
general tour information
New Delhi 110001
Ph: +91 11 6615 0000
transfer/joining instructions
Your airport transfer pickup will await you holding a sign
with your name when you exit the baggage claim area
staying on
of the arrivals hall. There may be large crowds here so
please look carefully for your transfer. If you are staying on in Mumbai after the tour, extra
accommodation is available at USD 130 Single/Double (or
equivalent) per night per room. Again, if you will require
arriving early
extra accommodation in Mumbai, please advise us as
Our hotel in Delhi is located in the main business/ early as possible as rooms tend to get booked out quickly
shopping district of Delhi, the Connaught Place market at peak season times.
area and is surrounded by a mix of local and western
shops and restaurants, The hotel has a restaurant and a
what to take
cafe, and all rooms have in-room safes, minibar,
coffee & tea making facilities, air conditioning, 24 hour We will be on the move a lot, so try to pack as lightly as
room service, wifi connectivity and cable TV. possible. The smaller your bag in India the better, as the
various modes of transport we use tend to have limited
storage space. In addition, you will find that your bag
early arrival information
probably needs space to expand for all that shopping!
If you are arriving earlier than day 1, extra
accommodation in Delhi is available at USD160 Single/
India is very conservative and we ask that you dress
Double (or equivalent) per night per room. Please
accordingly. As a guideline, shoulders and knees should
notify us as early as possible if you require extra
always be covered. The wearing of shorts is looked upon
accommodation as hotels in Delhi tend to be heavily
by locals as akin to wearing your underwear and will limit
booked up well in advance. Flights from Mumbai or
your entry into mosques, temples and other places of
other cities can be arranged conveniently and
worship. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful
inexpensively over the internet using one of India’s
and cool. Singlets, tank tops and short shorts are not
regular or budget airlines:
suitable attire for India.
For online bookings visit: http://www.cleartrip.com/
flights
Note that most Indian domestic airlines have recently
reduced their check-in baggage allowance to 15kg. If
finishing hotel
you have heavier luggage, you may need to pay the
Residency Hotel
excess at the airport for your internal flights. Excess
26 Gunbow Street & D.N. Road luggage charges are around Rs400 (USD 8) per kilo.
Fort, Mumbai 400001
Ph: +91 22 2262 5525-9 laundry
Inexpensive laundry facilities are offered by most hotels
we use where we have a two-night stop.
weather
The weather during our journey should be great. Daytime
temperatures will be warm to hot, in the range 25-35oc.
Night time temperatures will be comfortable. Rain is not
17/18
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Ph: +91 95490 02876INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS
Essence of India
general tour information
very likely at this time of year, but sun is, so sunblock and
a hat are essentials.
checklist
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t
forget your emergency insurance contact details), air
tickets.
Photocopy of above documents
Day pack
Health vaccinations/medication
First aid kit
Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access);
credit cards (widely accepted in big cities); cash and
travellers cheques (for emergencies)
Money pouch
Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Ear plugs can be very useful if you are a light sleeper
Lock for your back pack or bag
We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt
to store your passport, air tickets, credit cards and cash.
Avoid bringing valuable jewellery with you. Some hotels
we use have safety deposit boxes.
Updated on: 7th March 2020
18/18
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