REGAL JOURNEY THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Transcription

1 REGAL JOURNEY THROUGH RAJASTHAN ITINERARY ESPECIALLY PREAPRED FOR Mrs. LINDSAY BLACKBURN HART & HER HUSBAND 11 Days / 10 Nights OVERVIEW This tour blends the best of India s art and culture taking you through some of the most popular destinations. Your tour will begin in the capital city Delhi which rewards the determined sightseer with more than a thousand monuments. Continue your journey to discover the proud and valorous regal splendour of Rajasthan amongst its magnificent forts and palaces, mansions and landscaped estates. The stunning home ground of the Rajput kings and warrior clans - the ancient kingdom of Rajputana now India's richly endowed state of Rajasthan, continues to allure visitors with its promise of a kaleidoscope of holiday experiences. You visit leading tourist destinations such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra home to the majestic Taj Mahal, epitome of love built by a Mughal emperor for his beloved wife.

2 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the narrow maze of streets in Old Delhi by cycle-rickshaw Discover the stories woven into the history of Rajasthan s impressive forts. Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola with first hand views of the Lake Palace. Marvel at the opulence of the lives of the maharajas as you wonder through the Palaces Take in the intoxicating bazaars with their profusion of colours, sights, sounds and smells! Explore the Bishnoi Villages on a jeep safari in Jodhpur Soak up the Rajasthani culture. Visit the wonder of the world Taj Mahal DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March Journey MAP

3 Your itinerary Travel Dates: 10 to 20 Jan 2019 Journey starts Delhi and Ends Delhi Meals provided indicated as breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) Day 1, 10 January 2019, Thursday Delhi - Meet and arrival assistance at Delhi airport. - Transfer to the hotel - Overnight at hotel Day 2, 11 January 2019, Friday Delhi - Morning your guided tour of the capital today highlights the remarkable contrast between Old and New Delhi. - Take a cycle-rickshaw ride through the busy lanes of the colourful Chandni Chowk Market followed by a visit to the Jama Masjid. - Afternoon visit the Humayun s Tomb, Gandhi Museum and drive past the President s house, India Gate and the government buildings. - Overnight at hotel. - Meals B Day 3, 12 January 2019, Saturday Delhi / Jodhpur - Morning transfer to the airport. - Fly to Jodhpur. - Meeting and assistance on arrive in Jodhpur and transfer to your hotel. - Rest of the day is at leisure. - You can choose to take a tuk tuk ride through the old part Blue City, taking in the sights and sounds as you go. - Overnight at the hotel - Meals B Day 4, 13 January 2019, Sunday Jodhpur - Morning take a jeep safari to the Bishnoi villages in the outskirts of the city. - Afternoon take a guided tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada followed by a walk in the Sadar Bazaar market around the clock tower. - Overnight at hotel. - Meals B Day 5, 14 January 2019, Monday Jodhpur / Udaipur - Morning check out of the hotel and drive to Udaipur (250 Kms, 5 6 hours). - En route stop at Ranakpur and visit the intricate marble Jain temples. - Continue your drive to Udaipur and on arrival check into your hotel. - Overnight at the hotel. - Meals B Day 6, 15 January 2019, Tuesday Udaipur

4 - Morning proceed for a guided city tour which includes visit to the City Palace complex, the Jagdish Temple and the Saheliyon ki Badi or Garden of Maidens. - Afternoon is at leisure. - Evening take a sunset boat ride on the Lake Pichola that is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and offers beautiful views of the Lake Palace and the City Palace. - Overnight at the hotel. - Meals B Day 7, 16 January 2019, Wednesday Udaipur / Jaipur - Morning transfer to the airport - Fly to Jaipur (Spice Jet SG / 1000 hrs). - Meeting and assistance in Jaipur and transfer to your hotel. - Afternoon take a tour of the city with a guide visiting the City Palace Complex that comprises of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. - Visit the observatory Jantar Mantar and drive past the Hawa Mahal. - End you day strolling through the markets in the Old city that that sell everything from shoes to jewellery - Overnight at the hotel. - Meals B Day 8, 17 January 2019, Thursday Jaipur - Post breakfast proceed for half day excursion to Amber fort which stands boldly on a hill. - Return back to hotel for relax or participate in the various activities / experiences that the city has to offer. - Overnight at the hotel - Meals B Day 9, 18 January 2019, Friday Jaipur - Day at leisure (car will be at disposal) - Overnight at the hotel. - Meals B Day 10, 19 January 2019, Saturday Jaipur / Agra - Morning check out of the hotel and drive to Agra (250 Kms, 5 hours) enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) located 37 kms west of Agra. It is a well preserved abandoned Mughal city now a UNESCO world heritage Site - Arrive at Agra and check into your hotel. - Afternoon take a guided tour of the city visiting the Red Fort - Overnight at the hotel - Meals B Day 11, 20 January 2019, Sunday Agra / Delhi departure - Early in the morning visit Taj Mahal. With its shimmering white marble domes and exquisite craftsmanship, the Taj Mahal is Agra s pride and one of the world s greatest monuments. Built in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj is inlaid

5 with black marble and semi-precious stones on its inside and outside, while the entire Koran is inscribed on the exterior of its main dome. - Back to hotel for breakfast. At Noon check out from hotel and drive about 4.5 hrs to Delhi International airport for flight to onward destination Note: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge but please note that changes to our trips can and do occur. This may be due to our effort to improve our program or logistical reasons such as changes in train/flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Royal Expeditions will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itinerary. EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE IN DESTINATION VISITED: Cycling Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour Explore the villages around Udaipur on a rural cycling expedition. Private Access / Exclusive exploration Experience Mehrangarh Fort by night on an exclusive tour with the curator himself Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur Gastronomy Cooking demonstration and meal with a local family in Jodhpur or Jaipur. Walk in the spice markets in Delhi or Jodhpur Street food walk in Delhi or Jaipur Walking tours Early morning walking tour of the old town in Udaipur to witness the city wake up or the Old City of Jaipur Ancient Temple Architecture / Spirituality Visit to the Nagda and Eklingji temples in Udaipur Witness the evening worship ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur Art Miniature Painting Workshop in Udaipur

6 Textiles Block Printing workshop in Jaipur Adventure Hot Air Ballooning in Jaipur Ziplining in Jodhpur Elephant ride followed by BBQ dinner in Jaipur Journey Reader In this section, please find introductions to the main highlights of your journey Delhi India s capital city, a heady amalgamation of ancient cities, heritage monuments and 21 st century shops, restaurants and malls. Overview: Historic, modern, vibrant, chaotic and intense, Delhi is a heady mixture of experiences. Old Delhi, is chaotic with mediaeval winding alleys, crammed with cycle rickshaws, colourful shops and noisy street traders; New Delhi, has spacious, sweeping boulevards and magnificent buildings built by the British in Old Delhi is home to the bustling shopping artery of Chandni Chowk, Shah Jahan's Red Fort (Lal

7 Qila) and India's largest mosque, the Jami Masjid, whereas New Delhi is home to some of the capital s most distinguished addresses. It has an array of museums, gardens, temples and mausoleums. Delhi's shopping is unbeatable: from sari silks to contemporary fashion, crafts to jewellery, which can be found anywhere from market stalls to old-world shops to modern luxurious malls. A recent emergence is the thriving nightlife, and an increasing number of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants are also opening up across the city. Visit highlights : Old Delhi Start the day by heading to the apparent chaos which is Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid (India s largest mosque), take a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys and vibrant shopping bazaars, savour the aromas of the famous spice market. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. Drive through Lutyen s Delhi, up to the Presidential Palace and down the impressive boulevard that is Raj Ghat to India Gate. Visit Birla house and the last stop of the day is at the world heritage site of Humayun s Tomb, which is wonderful to visit as the sun is beginning to set. Gandhi - Birla House The name of Gandhi is synonymous with India and a visit to this museum gives you an insight into the life of this great yet humble man. Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is situated in the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and also where he was assassinated on January 30, It is possible to visit the room where Gandhi lived, which remains just as he left it, as well as the prayer ground where he held a mass prayer meeting every evening. Humayun s Tomb Humayun s Tomb, having gone through six years of restoration is a stunning piece of architecture and one of the most impressive of all Delhi s monuments. Constructed from red sandstone with white marble the building follows strict rules of Islamic geometry, with an emphasis on the number eight and many claim it to be the precursor to the Taj Mahal. The surrounding gardens contain the tomb of the emperor s favourite barber an entrusted position given the proximity of the razor to the royal throat! Jodhpur

8 The Blue City of Rajasthan and the gateway to the Thar Desert. Overview: Undoubtedly, the Meherangarh Fort is the reason most people visit Jodhpur. It is iconic and rises above the city, proud and imposing for all to marvel at. But actually, it forms the pivot point of many additional activities to suit all personalities. Adrenalin junkies, get a birds eye view as they zipline over the ramparts, shopaholics are very well catered for (and can learn the art of bargaining) in the Clock Tower Market, horticulturalists can satisfy their cravings in the unique Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and nature and wildlife lovers can head out into the desert, chance upon blackbuck, chinkara and Nilgai and meet India s oldest ecologists, The Bishnoi Tribes. Visit highlights: Tuk Tuk Ride Through the Blue Town Autos are synonymous with India and, in terms of ancient cities at least, are the only vehicles small enough to negotiate their narrow streets and alleyways. Take a fun ride through the Blue City, taking in the sights and sounds as you go. Bishnoi Village Visit The Bishnoi s are the oldest ecologists in India, whose sect dates back over 600 years. Their principles include protecting nature and wildlife and they have been known to sacrifice their own lives for the protection of trees. They are also known as protectors of the blackbuck, an Indian antelope. Living in the desert is a harsh existence and a visit to their village showcases how they have adapted to surviving in this environment. Mehrangarh Fort, Sadar Bazaar and Jaswant Thada

9 Enjoy sightseeing tour of the city which begins at its most iconic point, the Meherangarh Fort. A wonderfully curated museum is housed within its palaces and courtyards and its ramparts provide spectacular views over the city. Strolling down from the fort, one comes across Sadar Bazaar, recognisable by its clock tower which looms overhead. This is a typical Indian bazaar, full of colour and sights and vendors shouting their wares. It s a fun place to explore and hone your bargaining skills. Just a kilometre away from the fort is Jaswant Thada, the cremation ground and cenotaphs of the royal family built out of white marble which contrasts with the sandstone of the fort and city. Located by a small lake it is a whimsical structure and is a calm and peaceful place to visit. Look out for the memorial to a peacock that flew into a funeral pyre. Udaipur The City of Rolling Hills, Lakes and Palaces Overview: Jaipur is the busiest, Jodhpur is the most imposing but Udaipur is certainly the most romantic city of Rajasthan. The Land Of Mewar, it is characterised by the gently rolling Aravali Hills, several lakes and numerous palaces. The pace of life, particularly in the Old City is much more relaxed here and, having a smaller population and being relatively traffic free, the old city is a charming place to saunter around at leisure. Ancient traditions remain, shop keepers start the day with morning pujas, temples are worshipped at and the ladies remain shy if curious. It all adds to the charm of this gentle city. Visit highlights: En route to Udaipur, visit Ranakpur

10 The Ranakpur Temples, just two hours outside of Udaipur, are well worth a visit. Claimed that no two of the thousand pillars are the same, they are a marvel in marble and yet another example of Jain architecture. They are only open between 1200 and 1600 so plan your drive accordingly. Jagdish Temple Visit the Jagdish Temple commissioned in 1651 by the Maharana and has been a continuous place of worship ever since. Each pillar in the hundred-pillared hall is intricately carved with gods and goddesses. However, more impressive even than this architectural marvel is the level of devotion from the attendees each and every day. City Palace City Palace complex, perhaps the most elaborate of all the palaces of Rajasthan, from where affairs of state were conducted as well as it being the family home. It is made up of numerous palaces and halls and courtyards, some of the most famous being the Garden Palace, with hanging gardens, fountains and terraces, the Palace of Joy, the sheesh mahal or mirrored palace, peacock square as well as art galleries and a wonderful collection of miniature paintings. Saheliyon Ki Bari The Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Maidens, made up of beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant- shaped fountains, was built by the Maharana for his queen who was accompanied to Udaipur by 48 maidens who formed part of her dowry. It was a place for them to enjoy away from the intrigues of court life. Sunset Boat Ride Lake Pichola at the very heart of Udaipur is more than just a lake, it is the site of palaces and is surrounded by the Aravali Hills and city palace complex, all of which forms a dramatic back drop for the sunset cruise. Jaipur Rajasthan s Pink City made up of forts and palaces and bustling bazaars.

11 Overview: Jaipur, the gateway city to Rajasthan is one of India s fastest growing cities, a place where old meets new, and Rajput tradition meets the 21 st Century. The new city has upmarket luxury showrooms and high-rise apartments; the old city remains a heady mix comprising a labyrinth of fascinating, colourful and hectic bazaars, countless jewelry workshops, small temples, textiles and a fabulous array of lots of wonderful, if slightly spicy street food. Providing a backdrop to all that it encompasses are the ancient forts and palaces which create a dramatic picture of a bygone era. Jaipur is a fascinating destination, giving one the chance to experience India from ancient to modern in one fell swoop. Visit highlights: City Palace complex Take a tour of the city palace complex, part of which is still the home of the former ruling family. Located in the heart of the bustling walled city, the complex was built almost three hundred years ago for the rulers of Jaipur state. Rather than just being one palace, the entire complex is made up of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples as well as housing an impressive museum and a Krishna Temple which hundreds of devotees still visit every day. Jantar Mantar Besides the City Palace Complex is the Jantar Mantar, which literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens," was built as an astronomical observatory for the maharajah almost 300 years ago and still operates with incredible accuracy today. Even if you have no interest in astronomy, the scale, grandeur and beauty make a visit well worth the effort. Walled City Markets Visit the bazaars of the old city which are a vibrant array of clothes, fabrics, leather goods, flowers, jewellery, fruit, vegetables and more. Autos and cycles and camels, elephants and cows all ply the streets interspersed with women in brilliantly coloured saris, picking their way through and bargaining fiercely for their goods! Amber Fort Amber Fort built for the rulers of Rajasthan, which stands boldly on a hill, overlooked by the lesser visited Jaigarh Fort. A journey through the fort showcases the extravagant lives of the Maharajas of the city as well as fascinating architectural features and providing wonderful photo opportunities.

12 AGRA Agra A city of many spectacular monuments and of course, the Taj Mahal, making this India s most romantic city Overview: Agra, synonymous with the Taj Mahal, cited as the worlds most beautiful building, it is a must visit for most people visiting India for the first time. It is however, a city which houses many other extraordinary monuments, and has a fascinating history and array of experiences beyond its main attraction. From the might of the Mughals with their mausoleums and the impressive Agra Fort to the cantonment area of the British with its post office, university, churches and cathedrals. There is much more beyond the Taj Mahal, it also offers village walks and elephant rescue centre. Agra can be considered more than a one night destination. Visit Highlights: Taj Mahal at dawn Often cited as the most beautiful building in the world as well as being one of the world s seven wonders, the exquisite Taj Mahal is as immaculate today as when it was first constructed. It is arguably at its most atmospheric during sunrise and we recommend an early start to be first through the doors as the sun rises.

13 Agra Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort is an imposing structure made of red sandstone enclosed within its walls are royal apartments, mosques, assembly halls and a dungeon. Its courtly buildings reflect the architectural styles ranging from the dynasties of Emperor Akbar to Emperor Shah Jahan. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) located 37 kms west of Agra towards Jaipur. It is a well preserved abandoned Mughal city now a UNESCO world heritage Site. TOUR COST Quotation I - 4 star category hotels (mix of Morden & heritage hotels) Land Arrangements Cost: Based on 2 people travelling together - USD 1860 per person on double occupancy Based on 4 people travelling together - USD 1698 per person on double occupancy City Delhi (2 nights) Jodhpur (2 nights) Udaipur (2 nights) Jaipur (3 nights) Agra (1 night) Hotels Royal Plaza (Standard Room) Ajit Bhawan (Deluxe room) Jagat Niwas Palace (Haveli room) Trident hotel (Deluxe room) Trident hotel (Deluxe Room) Quotation II 5 star category hotels Land Arrangements Cost: Based on 2 people travelling together - USD 3430 per person on double occupancy Based on 4 people travelling together - USD 3280 per person on double occupancy City Delhi (2 nights) Jodhpur (2 nights) Udaipur (2 nights) Jaipur (3 nights) Agra (1 night) Hotels The Claridges (Deluxe Room) Raas Jodhpur (Luxury fort view room) The Leela Palace (Grande Haritage lake view room) Taj Jai Mahal Palace (Luxury room) ITC Mughal (Mughal Chamber)

14 Quotation II 5 star luxury hotels Land Arrangements Cost: Based on 2 people travelling together - USD 5380 per person on double occupancy Based on 4 people travelling together - USD 5195 per person on double occupancy City Delhi (2 nights) Jodhpur (2 nights) Udaipur (2 nights) Jaipur (3 nights) Agra (1 night) Hotels The Oberoi (Premier room) Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Palace room) The Oberoi Udaivilas (Premier room) The Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier room) The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premier Room) Air Fare: Delhi / Jodhpur Udaipur / Jaipur / Delhi Economy Class: USD 260/- per person Note These fares are a non static advance purchase fare which keeps changing on daily basis as they depend upon demand and supply ratio. Any increase will be additional to the above cost Quote Validity: - The above quote is valid between 6 Jan to 31 Jan 2019 Additional excursion / experiences. Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour USD 55 per person Explore the villages around Udaipur on a rural cycling expedition USD 60 per person Experience Mehrangarh Fort by night on an exclusive tour with the curator himself (dinner included) USD 470 per person Tour of the private quarters of the City Palace in Jaipur USD 75 per person Walk in the spice markets in Delhi or Jodhpur USD 40 per person Street food walk in Delhi or Jaipur USD 70 per person Early morning walking tour of the old town in Udaipur to witness the city wake up or walled city of Jaipur USD 45 per person Visit to the Nagda and Eklingji temples in Udaipur USD 120 Miniature Painting Workshop in Udaipur USD 52 per person Block printing work shop USD 75 per person Home hosted cooking class in Jaipur USD 55 per person Hot Air Ballooning in Jaipur USD 300 per person Ziplining in Jodhpur USD 40 per person Elephant ride followed by BBQ dinner in Jaipur USD 105 per person Visit an NGO in Delhi USD 30 The Land Cost arrangements quotation includes: All accommodations, based on double-occupancy and including breakfast, service charge, and government tax

15 All services of local English-speaking guide(s) Private chauffeur drive air conditioned vehicle (Toyota Innova for 2 people and Mini van for 4 people ) A Jeep Ride to Bishnoi Village in Jodhpur Exclusive Boat Ride on lake Pichola in Udaipur An Elephant Ride in Jaipur Pedicab tour in Old Delhi Tuk tuk ride in Jodhpur All applicable taxes The Land Cost quotation excludes: Any International or Domestic flights (mentioned separately in additional costs) Travel, health and trip cancellation insurance Meals apart from those included in the itinerary and alcohol Expenses of a personal nature Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary Discretionary gratuities for guides and chauffeurs Tourist Visa, which is required for all foreign passport holders. Any additional supplement cost for festivals, X Mas and New Year. BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. Booking Procedure/Security Deposit The receipt of a security deposit will be taken as an understanding by the company that the participant has read, understands and agrees to abide by the conditions set out our Website / E brochure. To make a reservation please forward a security deposit of USD 500 Per Person or as advised in quote. Please note there will be an additional supplement at the hotels during peak season (Peak season Festival dates, Conferences, Christmas, New Year dates etc) 2. Final Payment Final Payment is due 60 days prior to Arrival in India. If payment has not been received by the due date we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled. This arrangement shall be strictly adhered to unless other wise agreed upon in advance. 3. Client Names Exactly as per Passport. For security reasons, airlines and the majority of our service providers require your name exactly as it appears in your passport. It is your responsibility to advise these details. If you or your Travel Agent do not advise the correct information and we have to re-issue airline tickets or other documentation, then we will bill you for all costs incurred, such as airline cancellation charges and courier fees, in addition to our own administration fee. 4. Travel Insurance / Trip cancellation Insurance It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for the full duration of your tour. Your policy must include medical cover. It is advisable to insure expensive camera equipment separately. Insurance

16 policies rarely cover for loss of cash. We strongly recommend that insurance be purchased at the time you pay your security deposit as our cancellation conditions will be strictly enforced. The choice of insurer is at the sole discretion of the client. as company has General Liability Insurance for Professional and Premises Operations Coverage from iaaa rated (Highest claim paying ability) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited. 5. Cancellations and Refunds If it is necessary to cancel your holiday, you should notify us immediately in writing and this will take effect the day it is received by us. All monies will be forfeited as follows: 6. Number of days before departure: More than 60 days Nil days - USD 250* days USD 500* 14 days or less - No refund *In addition to these charges, some principal(s) Resort hotels, Jungle Lodges, National Park Entry Permits, Airlines, Trains, House boats & cruise operators apply individual cancellation charges. Any further charges applied by the principal(s) maybe applicable to your booking. 7. Land Tour Costs Tour costs are based on ground costs, airfares and latest exchange rates and the company cannot be held responsible for any changes which may occur. No surcharge will be made in respect of currency fluctuations once full payment has been received by the company. However, we reserve the right to amend your tour costs up to the date of departure should there be extreme increase in hotel and transport taxes, fuel cost, game entrance park fees, government charges/taxes or other costs. PROCESS FOR BOOKING TOUR Once you have accepted our itinerary and cost of tour please let us know. We will then tentatively reserve the hotels and flights and get back to you with the status within 2 working days. After receiving the status of reservation. We will need to be paid a deposit or if time is less the full cost of the tour. Deposit To be paid by credit card online on our web site or via bank transfer. (See how to pay us below). Balance Payment - To be paid 60 days before arrival in India. Or as per prior agreement. HOW TO PAY US 1) ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFER USING SWIFT MT100/103 METHOD We Bank with HSBC (The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) HSBC, Mumbai Swift code : HSBCINBB Account number Beneficiary Name : ROYAL EXPEDITIONS PRIVATE LIMITED Purpose of remittance: Travel Arrangements in India (Must be mentioned per Indian Govt. regulations)

17 2) CREDIT CARD We accept Visa and Master Card online. We also accept American Express Card but you need to scan copy of authorization form. Please note there will be an additional surcharge of 3% on the amount paid by Credit Card. LIABILITY ROYAL EXPEDITIONS PVT. LTD., while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodations and other services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel facilities (Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Transporters, Railways) arranged by the company, its employees or agents. Rates quoted are subject to change without notice due to change in foreign exchange rate, or transport or hotel tariff. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond our control. Trip Expectations 1. How strenuous is this trip? 2. What types of meals are included? 3. Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences? 4. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like? 5. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance? 6. What will the weather be like? 7. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home? 8. What is the group size? Is there a minimum and/or maximum number of people for this trip? 9. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get? 10. What inoculations should I get before visiting India? 11. What kind of emergency procedures are in place? 12. Do I need travel insurance? 13. What to wear? 1. How strenuous is this trip? Your journey is considered moderate touring. Moderate touring includes full days outside the hotel, with drives up to 3 or 4 hours on mainly well-maintained, paved roads. When possible, for longer journeys we try to schedule in a free afternoon or a 2-3 hours break in scheduled activities for free time. We stay in luxury hotel. 2. What types of meals are included? There is still some mystery surrounding Indian cuisine, and foreigners do not always know what to expect when coming to Indian Sub-continent. Food on our journeys is chosen with international clients in mind. While some dishes will be selected to highlight local specialties and allow our guests a real taste of local cuisine, classic Indian dishes will always be available. Most meals will be at restaurants that meet both standards and the hygiene standards set by the local government. 3. Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences? provides vegetarian options at every meal. We request restaurant chefs to not add chilly and spices to dishes. We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Guests are highly encouraged to inform ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals.

18 4. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like? We travel in well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles, driven by experienced local drivers. All our vehicles are licensed for foreign passenger travel and are insured. You will ride in a minivan that seats or sedan. Roads in Indian are well-paved, modern highways links major cities like Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. The roads on the drive to the National parks may be slightly bumpy and curvy, and it s recommended to bring motion sickness medicine if you re prone to getting carsick. Though most roads around India will be modern and well-paved, some smaller roads in more remote locations may be bumpy. Public restrooms stops throughout China have squat toilets, Our drivers know places to stop which have western toilets during long journeys. Our vehicle always carry bottles water and snacks during long journey. 5. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance? Luggage assistance is included for all parts of this journey. For all safari and hikes, we recommend guests bring a small daypack to carry one bottle of water and personal items (e.g. camera, extra layer or two of clothing, parka, hat, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, sunscreen, etc.). staff will supply additional water. 6. What will the weather be like? We offer year round trips to India and its environs, but seasonal climate plays a major role in dictating where we travel on the sub-continent and when. As such a vast country with an incredibly diverse landscape, it should not come as a surprise that the climate can differ too from region to region. As a general rule however, the climate in the north of India is cooler, central India is hot and dry, and the south is hot and humid. High Season ( October March ) - Pleasant weather warm days, cool nights. Peak tourists. Peak prices. - December and January bring chilly nights in the north. - Temperatures climb steadily from March. - Shoulder Season ( April & September ) - Passes to Ladakh and the high Himalaya open from July to September. - Sporadic Monsoon rain-showers persist in September. North India is clean and green. - April best time to see tigers. - Competitive hotel prices. Low Season (May to August ) - May and June are hot but dry heat. Competitive hotel prices. - From July, the monsoon sweeps from south to north, bringing humidity. - Beat the heat in the cool hills. - May is best for photographing tigers. 7. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home? You are responsible to make your own way to the starting city. Once the journey is complete, it is also your responsibility to make your way home. 8. What is the group size? Is there a minimum and /or maximum number of people for this trip? This journey is a private experience that includes your party, as well as a private guide and/or tour leader. Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted by your private staff, guide or tour leader. The guides and leaders will accommodate for all your needs. Since this is such an intimate method of travel, guides are flexible about the itinerary and can more easily cater to your preferences. 9. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get?

19 Nearly all foreign visitors to India will need a tourist visa. Travelers must apply for a tourist visa online or in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction. If the traveler cannot go in person, in some countries, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies. Government of India Services of e-visa involves completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim speedy/express grant of e-visa and charge money for it. Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the online visa. Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure. 10. What inoculations should I get before visiting India? Please contact your local international travel clinic for information regarding inoculations and other relevant health-related information. You may also wish to refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides a comprehensive list of recommended immunizations prior to traveling in India : What kind of emergency procedures are in place? India has good network of hospitals in all cities. All travelers can purchase through us emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility of international standards. The plan costs US$ 15 Per week, which will be added to your final payment. Please note: this is NOT medical insurance. On arrival you will be provide a copy of their medical insurance card. In the event of a medical emergency, Royal Expeditions first call of action would be to contact the International SOS 24-hour center, where doctors would instruct our staff on appropriate next steps, which may include rest, a visit to a SOS-recommended hospital, or, in extreme cases, evacuation by Air Ambulance Air or Road. 12. Do I need travel insurance? We highly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance, including coverage of trip cancellation. 13. What to Wear Casual clothing is the order of the day. Hard wearing, easy to wash travel clothes are ideal. We may wish to pack one set of slightly smarter clothes to wear at the hotels. Laundry service will be available at all the places we stay.