Price: from $2,209 / person
Tour Durations：2017/02/13 – /03/03
Trip begins at: Delhi
Trip ends at: Delhi
Attractions: The Taj Mahal, tigers, Old Delhi’s historic streets by rickshaw, Jag Mandir Palace, a yoga class, a cooking demonstration, City Palace in Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi international airport, meet and greet with our office representative & your group leader at the airport and they will escort you by bus to your hotel. Check in to the hotel. Day free.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel Vivanta by Taj or similar.
Day 2: Delhi
Today morning after late breakfast – you will meet with your group leader and he will brief you about your journey in India. Noon we will drive for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; visit the Raj Ghat; the black marble platform where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948 AD. After that we will give you some free time to take your lunch on own in nearby restaurant famous for Mughlai food. After lunch visit Jama Masjid; the largest mosque of India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Thereafter proceed to take Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chock; one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara.
After sightseeing return back to hotel for a welcome dinner in hotel.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel Vivanta by Taj or similar.
Day 3: Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of New Delhi; visit Qutub-Minar; the red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish.
Noon lunch at city restaurant on your own. After lunch walk around Lutyens Delhi to take pictures of beautiful building of British era; the Presidential House, Parliament and India Gate; the memorial bears the name of more than 13516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the 1st World War near the frontier of Afghan in 1919 AD, it was built in 1921 AD. Evening visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; is one of the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar. The kitchen include the Gurudwara as with all Sikh Gurdwaras the concept of langar is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall).
Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel Vivanta by Taj or similar.
Day 4: Delhi — Jaipur
After breakfast drive by surface to Jaipur. Noon lunch at en route restaurant. Afternoon arrive Jaipur and check-into hotel.
Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, has been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur state since its inception in 1727 AD; it was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II, a great ruler as well as renowned mathematician and astrologer. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra. In 1876 Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, and earned the epitaph ‘Pink City’.
Later on enjoy the walking tour of Bapu bazaar and other old bazaar of walled Pink city.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel Radisson Blue or similar.
Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast an optional hot air balloon ride to enjoy the bird’s-eve view of Jaipur.
Or after breakfast sightseeing tour of Pink city. Visit Jantar Mantar; a stone observatory, part of the city palace complex, Jantar Mantar is one of several other astronomical observatories created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. These concrete masonry instruments were used to measure everything from altitude to time, and map the movement of the planets and the stars. After that visit the City Palace & museum; the complex lies at the heart of the city. Getting in is simpler than it once was. At the heart of the complex is seven-tiered Chandra Mahal where the erstwhile royal family is still in residence, though only a small part of the apartments are occupied.
However, it is only the buildings around Chandra Mahal that are open to the public, and these also form part of a museum which includes everything from Grand outfits (including one with 18 kilos of golden thread woven into it) to swords and two silver urns that are believed to be the largest silver objects in the world.
After visit, lunch at city restaurant on your own. Then, you will be free to explore the city.
Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel Radisson Blue or similar.
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast take you to the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the winds) for exterior view and beautiful pictures. Hawa Mahal consists of five tiers of corridors on the inside, with pierced screen windows of 956, which overlook the street below. It is believed the women of the royal zenana would sit concealed behind these screens to see life in the city beyond the walls of the palace. After that we will drive to visit Amber Fort (11 kms away from city), Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh.
On a way back photo stop to take the beautiful pictures of Jal Mahal. Noon lunch at city restaurant on your own. After lunch you will be free for your own to explore the city. Evening, we will gather to go for a home hosted dinner with a Rajput local family. After dinner return back to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel Radisson Blue or similar.
Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambore
After breakfast drive by surface to Ranthambore.
Ranthambhore National Park, one of the most important National Parks in India. The Ranthambore national park was the private hunting reserves of the royal family of Jaipur till 19th century and founded by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. In 1973 it came under the auspices of Project Tiger and in 1980 with an area of 282.03 sq. k.m. of the inner part of Sawai Madhopur sanctuary declared as a national park.
Noon arrive and check-into lodge for lunch. Afternoon tour to the Ranthambore Fort; has a torrid history of battles of valiant and brave warriors. Ruled successively by; the Yadavs and Chauhans, Alauddin Khilji and the Mughals. The Ranthambore Fort is one of the oldest in Rajasthan having been built in 944 AD by a brave Chauhan warrior after receiving the blessing of an ascetic. Located securely at a vantage point of 250 meters above the forested valley, it is built on an awesome scale. Its massive ramparts, gates and bastions sent a stern massage to its enemies.
After visit return back to lodge and dinner.
Lunch & Dinner at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel Nahargarh or similar.
Day 8: Ranthambore
Early morning and afternoon game viewing in Ranthambore National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at hotel. Overnight stay at Nahargarh Palace or similar.
Day 9: Ranthambore — Karauli
After breakfast drive by surface to Karauli.
Karauli was founded 1348 A.D. by Yaduvanshi Raja Arun Pal Ji from whom the present maharaja and the owner of present royal family palace Bhanwar Vilas now a heritage luxury hotel. Legend has it that the ruling family of Karauli are descendants of Lord Krishna. Noon arrive and check-into palace for lunch( your own).
After lunch sightseeing tour of Karauli, visit the old monument City Palace is exemplary in architecture, stone carvings and paintings. To witness the exquisite beauty of the Durbar Hall is a lifetime experience for the visitors. After that we will go for the charitable school visit (when is session) run and taken care by the royal family of Karauli and after we will go for the village visit to know the local people life, we may have chance to test the Indian Masala CHAI in a local house in the village.
In the evening we will witness the aarti (ritual) ceremony at the temple of Madan Mohan Ji, an unforgettable experience with elaborate rituals and depth of feeling attached to it.
Dinner with Royal family on Karauli. (Optional cooking demonstration can be organized).
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel Bhanwar Vilas Palace or similiar.
Day 10: Karauli — Fatehpur Sikri — Agar
After breakfast drive by surface to Abhaneri Step Well. These are ancient Baolis, a waterway built in step-well architect to provide a constant water supply to local inhabitants. Later continue drive towards Agra en route visit Fatehpur Sikri – the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but which, during its brief span, exceeded London in both grandeur and population.
Noon after visit lunch at restaurant in Fatehpur Sikri.After lunch continue drive to Agra. Late afternoon arrive and check-into hotel.
Evening optional visit of the Mohabbat-the-Taj show in Kalakriti. Expression of Love… The Sanskritik Natyashala presents ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ – a series of play depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shah Jahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era; immaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship… ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ at ‘Kalakriti is exceptionally inviting. The effort to hold up the cultural and historical legacy of India is worth a glance.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel Radisson Blu or similar.
Day 11: Agra
Early morning sunrise visit of the world famous Taj Mahal a monument of love built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, an incredible 20,000 workman’s labored on it, day and night. The construction of the Taj Complex began about 1631 AD. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 AD by employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen, whereas, the outlying buildings and gardens were finished five years later in 1653 AD.
After visit return back to hotel for breakfast. Later drive to visit the Red Fort built by three generations of Mughal emperors, between 1565 and 1573. It housed both the residential palaces of the Royal family and the military quarters. Lunch at city restaurant on your own. Afternoon will be free to visit the local market and relax in hotel.
Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight at hotel Radisson Blu or similar.
Day 12: Agar — Jhansi — Orchha — Khajuraho
After breakfast transfer to railway station.
0820 hrs depart by Bhopal Shatabdi to Jhansi. (Tea and coffee with breakfast on board).
1035 hrs arrive at Jhansi railway station- meet and drive to Khajuraho.
En route visit Orchha – an ancient capital of a powerful Rajput kingdom between 1531 & 1783, situated on a large rocky island in the Betwa River. Rarely visited, it is one of India’s surprises for the visitors. Noon lunch at restaurant in Orchha on your own. Afternoon continue drive to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD – 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Evening arrive and check-into hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel Jass Radisson or similar.
Day 13: Khajuraho — Varanasi
After breakfast sightseeing of Khajuraho. World famous for its magnificent temples built by the rich and powerful Chandela emperors. The temples present the best examples of Indian art and architecture. Visit the temples where forthright sculptures celebrate the joy of life and love for which there is no equivalent in the world. The Western Group of temples: This is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev. The Eastern Group of temples: Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the Khajuraho village. The largest Jain temple, Parshvanath, is in this group. Early lunch at city restaurant on your own. After lunch transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi.
1600 hrs depart by Air India to Varanasi
1700 hrs arrive Varanasi – meet & transfer to hotel.
Evening visit the Ghats to see the Puja ceremony on River Ganges.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel Radisson or similar.
Day 14: Varanasi
Early morning boat-ride on the Ganges River at dawn to see the Hindu pilgrims. Flock to the Ghats and have a ritual morning bath, practice yoga and perform ‘puja’ to the rising sun….all rituals evolved and derived from thousands of years of worship and traditions. Also cruise past the Manikarnika ghat to see the pyres being lit for the first cremations of the day. After the Boat ride visit a living Hindu temple to see the ceremony of morning “puja”.
Walk through the myriad of narrow lanes in the Old city, past the many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver and gold brocades for weddings or ever for cremation cloth. The most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or “Golden” temple, which though is off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Noon lunch at city restaurant on your own.
Afternoon visit Sarnath – 5 miles out of Varanasi – it is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with sculptures found at the site.
Evening free for your own activities.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel Radisson or similar.
Day 15: Varanasi — Delhi
After breakfast will be attend the Yoga and meditation class and relax in the hotel.
Noon after lunch on your on transfer to Varanasi airport.
1745 hrs depart by Indigo – Spice Jet flight to Delhi.
1915 hrs arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel.
Farewell Dinner at hotel.
Day 16: Delhi — Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free at leisure. Early Dinner at the hotel.
| Land Only Price | From $2209 / person, double occupancy |
|---|---|
| Single Supplement | $1,060 / person |
| Month of Departure | February |
| Tour Dates | 15 February, 2017 – 02 March, 2017 |
| Durations | 14 Days Plus Tours |
Package Inclusion && Exclusion
Includes:
- Indian Domestic airfares & taxes
- 15 nights’ Five Star hotel accommodations
- Daily Breakfast at hotels. 11 Dinners at hotels and 4 dinners at restaurants including one farewell dinner on last day.
- One Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
- One Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
- 2 jeep safaris on shared basis in Ranthambore national park. (We need passport copies to book the Jeep Safari in advance due to less jeeps available in the park)
- Train ticket from Agra to Jhansi in A/C Chair Class.
- 2 boat rides on shared basis in Varanasi.
- All monument and park entry tickets as per the program.
- Current airfare in economy class for Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi sector (subject to change)
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Excludes:
- Indian Entry Visa fees
- Any lunches
- All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers (it is encouraged to pay $10 per day from per person)
- Personal travel insurance (we can help buy the insurance, please contact with us)
Terms & Conditions
1. Payment
Reservations, Fares & Payments:
Currency: All tour fares are payable in U.S. dollars.
Deposit:
A non-refundable $300.00 (USD) deposit per person is required at the time of booking. If reservations are made less than 45 days before departure, full payment must be made at the time of booking.
Final Payment: The balance of your payment is due 45 days prior to departure, otherwise Spring Tour reserves the right to adjust the price of the tour fare according to the booking status and the group air ticket availability and it is also subject to cancellation and the deposit will be forfeited.
Payments received 1-10 days overdue will assess a $50 late fee per invoice, not per person. Bounced checks will assess a $25 fee per check. Installment payments will incur a $20 fee per payment.
If you decide to switch payment types after a deposit has been made, there is no additional fee, but requests must be submitted in writing to our office. Depending on whether you’re switching from check to credit card or vice verse, your invoice will be adjusted the difference if you qualify or no longer qualify for the cash discount rate.
If your final payment has already been charged to your credit card, the transaction cannot be reversed. Therefore, switching payment types is not allowed at that time.
Tour fares are subject to change without prior notice which is beyond the control of Spring Tour.
2. Cancellation
Cancellation & cancellation fee:
Written Notice: Cancellation requests must be submitted to Spring Tour or its agents in writing by mail or fax at the following address:
For E-mail address, please inquire sales person of Spring Tour
Office in Los Angeles: 18558 Gale Ave #262 Season’s Place City of Industry CA, 91748 Fax: 626-363-0889
Office in Salt Lake City: 2825 East Cottonwood Parkway #500 Salt Lake City UT, 84121 Fax: 801-990-3111
Cancellation Fee:
Air Portion:
All Air Portion cancellations, regardless of time to departure date, will be subject to the penalty fees set forth by the Airline cancellation policy (Most air tickets are non-refundable and in some circumstances one could exchange for a later departure date with a processing or date change fee).
Land Portion:
- Cancellation requests received 60 days prior to the departure will forfeit the non-refundable $300 deposit.
- Cancellation requests received from 59 days to 45 days prior to the group departure will forfeit 25% of land cost and the deposit.
- Cancellation requests received from 44 days to 10 days before departure will forfeit 50% of land cost and the deposit.
- Cancellation requests received from 9 days to 4 days before departure will forfeit 75% of land cost and the deposit.
- Cancellation requests received within 3 days before departure (including “no shows”) will forfeit 100% of the total tour cost including Airfare. No refunds will be given in such cases.
- No refunds will be made for the fee of the visa which has been processed and issued. The cancellation to the issued group air ticket will follow the regulation of the airline and any incurred costs or fee from the cancellation of the flight will be applied to the customer who cancelled the tour and Spring Tour will not be responsible for any loss.
- If your cancellation affects the price of your roommate, such as forcing them to pay a single supplement, we will deduct this amount from your refund prior to your own cancellation fee. If you have not yet paid in full for your tour, you are responsible to send in the difference to cover your roommate’s single supplement.
- If any guest is not able to continue the trip based on any reason other than Spring Tour’s fault, including but not limited to illness or other health issue of the guest, personal emergent affairs, etc, Spring Tour will not refund any amount paid, even if there is no actual cost occurs.
- If any guests miss the flight or other transportation arranged by Spring Tour due to his or her own negligent, the guests are responsible to reach the destination at his/her own costs.
Tour Schedule Departure Date Change or the Tour is cancelled:
If the departure groups from Spring Tour have less than 6 people booking, Spring Tour reserves the right to change the departure date or cancel the tour due to less booking. Spring Tour will inform the people who booked the tour 30 day prior to the departure date and the payment received will be refunded back except the fee of the visa which has been processed and issued.