Overview
India constitutes the largest part of the subcontinental land mass of South Asia, an area it shares with six other countries, including Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It has highly variable landforms, that range from torrid plains, tropical islands, and a parched desert to the highest mountain range in the world.
India has a history going back thousands of years and a prehistory going back hundreds of thousands of years. India is home to several thousand ethnic groups, tribes, castes, and religions.
The landscape is dotted with over half a million villages, and each region has distinctive forms of domestic architecture and village layout. Holy places of the various religions are usually within villages and towns, but the numerous pilgrimage sites are not always located there.
Itinerary
Tonight, arrive Delhi, the capital city of India. After a traditional Indian welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Meals: None
Overnight in Delhi.
Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin!
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘silver street’, one of the largest trading centers of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the worlds tallest minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold tomb, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honor of the soldiers who died in the second world war; drive past President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.
Cuture Connection:
Option for Home Hosted Dinner : This evening you have the option to learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking.
Meals: B
Overnight in Delhi.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India (also known as Kashi and Benaras).
Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your hotel. This evening, experience a rickshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted everyday at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.
Meals: B
Overnight in Varanasi.
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted.
After breakfast, visit Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum.
Rest of the day free at leisure in Varanasi.
Meals: B
Overnight in Varanasi.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Khajuraho – a UNESCO world heritage site in central India, famous for its erotic sculptured temples.
Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check in to your hotel and freshen up.
This afternoon, visit the enchanting temples of Khajuraho with sculptures that draw their inspiration from the ancient art of Kama sutra. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD.
Option to watch the famous Khajuraho Sound and Light Show paid locally: Enjoy the evening watching a spectacular sound and light show at the historic temples of Khajuraho (subject to operation).
Meals: B
Overnight in Khajuraho.
After breakfast, embark on your drive to Jhansi.
En-route visit Orchha, a medieval riverside town known for its palaces and temples. Apart from the famous landmarks like Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, the town is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Orchha.
Later, you will be transferred to the Jhansi railway station to board an express train to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel.
Meals: B
Overnight in Agra.
Early this morning, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
This afternoon, visit the Agra fort, lying across the River Yamuna, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.
Culture Connection:
Option to watch a live theater performance: This evening, you have the option to watch a live theater performance, introducing you to the story of the Taj Mahal. Watch the spectacular performance – “Mohabbat the Taj – The saga of love”, staging the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, and presenting the legend of love that created this magnificent mausoleum (Does not operate May – July).
Meals: B
Overnight in Agra.
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.
En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. This evening, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enameled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.
Meals: B
Overnight in Jaipur.
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.
This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Culture Connection:
Option for Hot Air Balloon Flight & Village Safari: Early morning, you have the option to enjoy a hot air balloon flight over the pink city of Jaipur, giving you the opportunity to float above forts and palaces and village settlements beneath (Does not operate April 15 – September 30).
Option for Elephant Safari with Breakfast: Early morning, embark on a short drive to Dera Amer for a fascinating elephant safari, followed by a scrumptious breakfast at Dera Amer.
Meals: B
Overnight in Jaipur.
This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals: B
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort – Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Meals: B
Overnight in Jodhpur.
This morning, drive to Udaipur en route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures.
Continue drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Meals: B
Overnight in Udaipur.
Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; the grand white marble Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honor.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Culture Connection:
Option for excursion to Eklingji Temple paid locally: Early afternoon, you have the option to visit the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur.
Option for boat cruise at Lake Pichola, Udaipur: Enjoy an evening boat cruise at the serene Lake Pichola (subject to water level).
Meals: B
Overnight in Udaipur.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport, to catch your flight to Mumbai, the fast paced commercial and celluloid capital of India.Upon your arrival in Mumbai, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure in Mumbai.
Meals: B
Overnight in Mumbai.
Today, an excursion tour to the rock cut Elephanta Caves (located 10 Km from the Gateway of India, Mumbai). A short ferry ride takes you across the harbor to the island of Elephanta for a visit to the Great Cave Temple, which dates back to 550 A.D. Elephanta’s most striking figure represents the three aspects of Shiva – the creator, preserver and destroyer.
This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mumbai visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Gandhi museum and the bustling Dhobi Ghats, where you will see hundreds of men and their families engaged in the family business of washing clothes.
Meals: B
Overnight in Mumbai.
Today, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to onward journey / Back home.
Meals: B
We hope you enjoy your stay in our Incredible India…we look forward to welcoming you!
Includes:
- Accommodation on twin / Double sharing
basis - Daily breakfast included
- Meeting and assistance on arrival
and departures - Monument entrance fees
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Elephant ride at Amber fort,
Jaipur, subject to availability. Otherwise, Jeep ride will be provided. - Boat ride in Varanasi
- Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours
- English speaking guide will be
provided for sightseeing and excursion tours - All currently applicable taxes
- SLT exclusive tour performance guarantee.
- SLT $1 Million Insurance Protection Plan.
Excludes:
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone,
fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical
expenses, airport departure tax etc. - Local payments in domestic currency, such as entry fees
to monuments, tips and gratuities - Domestic airfares
- International air fare
- Indian Visa Fees 76 USD per person
- Optional excursion tours, as mentioned in itinerary
- Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above
Special Notes:
- Taj Mahal is closed on Friday
- Check-in, check-out time at hotels is usually 12:00 noon
- Domestic flights in the Indian subcontinent impose a baggage restriction of 20kgs for check in and 07kgs for cabin baggage.
Trip Interruption Insurance is available and is highly recommended.
REF: TOUR “T”
Hotels Used or Similar:
| CITY | 5* Hotels | # of Nights | ||
| Delhi | Jaypee Vasant Continental | 2 | ||
| Varanasi | Ramada JHV | 2 | ||
| Khajuraho | Radisson Hotel | 1 | ||
| Agra | Jaypee Palace Hotel | 2 | ||
| Jaipur | Marriott Hotel | 2 | ||
| Jodhpur | Taj Hari Mahal | 2 | ||
| Udaipur | Sheraton Hotel | 2 | ||
| Mumbai | Trident BKC | 2 |
All U.S. citizens need a valid passport and valid Indian visa to enter and exit India for any purpose (also see Special Circumstances section below). Most visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, must apply for visas at an Indian embassy or consulate abroad before entering the country. U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes, and who plan to stay no longer than 30 days, may apply for an electronic travel authorization at least four days prior to their arrival in lieu of applying for a tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate. Please visit the Indian government’s website for electronic travel authorization for additional information regarding the eligibilities and requirements for this type of visa. Without the electronic travel authorization, which must be obtained at least four days prior to arrival, visas are not available upon arrival for U.S. citizens. If you do not have a valid passport and visa you may be immediately deported. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation. Please carry photocopies of the bio-data page of your U.S. passport and the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take three to four business days.
U.S. citizens wishing to visit India are responsible for requesting the correct type of visa from the Indian Embassy or Consulate. There are generally no provisions for changing your immigration category (e.g., from tourist to work visa) once you have entered the country. Indian visa regulations change frequently, often with little advance notice, and changes may be poorly advertised and inconsistently enforced. Travelers are urged to check the website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. If you travel on a tourist visa, you are generally given six months of legal stay upon entering India; extensions are rarely granted. Indian visas may be obtained in the United States through Cox & Kings Global Services, the Government of India?s visa contractor. Diplomatic and Official visa applications, however, are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. Please review the information on the Cox & Kings website to determine your purpose for travel and the most appropriate visa category. All U.S. government employees, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India.
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Foreign citizens who visit India to study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) closest to where they will be staying in addition to having the appropriate visa when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. Some U.S. citizens traveling to India on tourist visas may not be allowed re-entry to India within two months of departure without specific permission from an Indian embassy or consulate abroad. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website. Travelers have reported that enforcement of this rule at ports of entry may be inconsistent.
If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to leave the country. Generally you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months until deportation can be arranged. Visa violators seeking an exit clearance are requested to schedule an online appointment at the Ministry of Home Affairs website before visiting the Visa Facilitation Center at The Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, NDCC-II Building, Sai Singh Road, New Delhi 110001 (tel. 91-11-2343-8037). Processing of an exit visa under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Exit permits for children born in India via surrogacy face the same potential delays if the parents have violated Indian visa requirements.
For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of India at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, or Houston. Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the Indian Ministry of Home
