Dates March 1st to 13th 2016.
1st March Arrival Day
13th: Departure Evening.
Flights: From the US need to leave on 29th Feb, they mostly will get in later PM on the 1st March. Group space maybe held out of San Francisco , so we can have a uniform arrival time.
From Stephen:
I designed this trip from my experiences in India to give the first time visitor to India,a focused ie Northern India smorgasbord experience.
From Culinary to Ayurveda, the iconic Delhi Gate and the Taj Mahal, a visit on the wild side for a Tiger Safari.
We will experience rail, coach, local air flights, a Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, Dance, local Markets, local restaurants, with free time in Rishikesh( I will familiarize everyone with the area by a group walk about) so you can experience different Yoga classes,or do what you like to do.
Everyone will receive and experience Ayurveda treatments at a local Ayurveda Clinic.
All culinary experiences ie when we go to a restaurant when its pre included,and or the cooking demonstration that are included,are based on Vegetarian meals.
Its a dynamic trip that goes a bit deeper into the Culture/Places/People of India.
When we are in Delhi, and Jaipur, for those that want to participate,we will source local Yoga classes, so we can experience how yoga is taught over in India.
Outline Itinerary
| Days | Sector |
| Day 1 | Arrive Delhi |
| Day 2 | Delhi |
| Day 3 | Delhi |
| Day 4 | Delhi / Agra |
| Day 5 | Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/ Ranthambhore |
| Day 6 | Ranthambhore |
| Day 7 | Ranthambhore/ Jaipur |
| Day 8 | Jaipur |
| Day 09 | Jaipur/ Delhi/ Dehradun/Rishikesh |
| Day 10 | Rishikesh |
| Day 11 | Rishikesh |
| Day 12 | Rishikesh |
| Day 13 | Rishikesh/ Dehradun/ Delhi Departure |
There are 2 options for the costing.
If you plan to travel with the group, and estimate that at least 10 participants will come from your own mailing list, then the 1st costing below includes 2 free tour leaders staying in single rooms, so your land costs are mostly covered.
What is not covered here is the International Air and the Internal Air, the latter is about $230.00.These could be included into the final pricing.
Cost of Land Arrangement:
| Minimum Group size | Tour Price when Two Foreign Tour Leaders travel free, each staying in single room |
| 10 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 2,296 per person on twin share |
| 12 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 2,186 per person on twin share |
| 14 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$2,088 per person on twin share |
| 16 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 2,000 per person on twin share |
| 18 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 1,966 per person on twin share |
| Single Room Supplement available. |
If you choose not to travel with the group, then the rates are as below. Then you add in a mark up for yourself for the referral, I will travel with the group.
Cost of Land Arrangement:
| Minimum Group size | Tour Price when 1 Foreign Tour Leaders travel free, staying in 1 single room |
| 10 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 2,056 per person on twin share |
| 12 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 1,974 per person on twin share |
| 14 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$1,906 per person on twin share |
| 16 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 1,831 per person on twin share |
| 18 paying persons sharing same vehicle | US$ 1,798 per person on twin share |
| Single Room Supplement available. |
Inclusive of:
• Accommodation on twin share basis at above mentioned hotels
• Daily breakfast at the hotels.
. All meals will be provided at Ranthambhore Bagh and as mentioned in the program.
• Gourmet Desire cooking demonstration with by Spice / Vegetable Market Tour followed by lunch (4-5 hours)
• Dinner at Evergreen Restaurant in Delhi and Narain Niwas with Folk dance & music in Jaipur as per program
• Arrival & Departure transfers in private AC chauffeur driven vehicle as per group size (Mini/Large Coach).
• Assistance at airport arrival and departures
• Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary
• Services of accompanying English speaking escort from Day 01 till Day 09
• Monument entrance fee (one visit only)
• Morning and evening game drive by private Jeep at Ranthambhore national Park.
. Domestic flight tickets
• Two bottles of water (Indian brand) per person per day during journeys
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
• Sound & Light show at Amber Fort
• Train tickets from Bharatpur to Ranthambhore by Air-conditioned chair car class
• All presently applicable taxes.
. In Rishikeh every group participant will receive 3 Ayurveda treatments ie abhayanga massage + steam+ shirodhara.
. As well also included is a 1 to1.5 hour discussion on Ayurveda with a local Dr, and we will visit a local Ayurveda chemist, where we will talk with the chemist about the different Ayurveda products he has.
Not Included:
• Cost of any optional/additional activities
• Hotel early check in / Late check out
• International Airfares
• Indian Visa
• Any meals unless mentioned
• Travel and Health insurance
• Any drinks/water at any place.
• All international /domestic airport taxes
• Overweight luggage
• Personal expenses – mineral water, telephone calls, laundry, etc
• Tips & gratuities
• Camera Fees
• Lunches / dinner for Foreign Tour unless mentioned in inclusions
• Other services/activities which are not listed in inclusive column
Note regarding Meals:
When its a meal is your own account that means its not included as part of the tour rate, and its for your own expense.
Detailed Outline
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at the international airport, proceed for immigration clearance after disembarking.
Thereafter collect baggage from the baggage carousel and walk to the arrivals lounge after clearing customs.
You will be greeted by our guide, with a placard bearing your name on it.
He will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to the hotel.
Room will be held so that you have accommodation on immediate occupancy.
Most arrivals into India are in the mid to later PM of the next day.
Time to sleep and get over jet lag.
Overnight at the Hotel Justa greater Kailash – Superior Room
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel take full day guided city tour visiting Old and New Delhi
Your private guided tour of the capital today highlights the remarkable contrast between Old and New Delhi
Your excursion includes: Vijay Chowk vantage point for grand sweep of British Raj Era Buildings; Old Delhi focus will be on the magnificence of Jami Masjid (1656); Red Fort (1639) and Chandni Chowk with its busy hive of lanes that you will tour on Cycle Rickshaw.
After lunch at local restaurant in Old Delhi,(Own Account) you will be visiting Humayun’s Tomb (1565) first Mughal garden tomb and inspiration for several later monuments such as the incomparable Taj Mahal; The Qutb Minar (1193) tower.
Later you will be visiting Janpath Market, one of the oldest markets of New Delhi with establishment of some boutiques dating back to 1950.
Walk / drive around before returning to hotel
Breakfast: Justa Greter Kailash
Lunch/Dinner: Local Restaurant/hotel (Own Account)
Dinner at Evergreen Restaurant included.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Experience a cooking demonstration at a local home. Your host invites you to experience, explore and relish the culinary and cultural heritage of the capital city of India that is Delhi. Start your day with an Indian cooking lesson and lunch followed by a visit to a spice market with your host.
Later enjoy shopping at Khan Market. Khan Market is almost in the heart of the city, close to India Gate.
Breakfast: Justa Greter Kailash
Lunch: Included
Dinner: Local Restaurant/hotel (Own Account)
Overnight at the hotel
Day 04: Delhi / Vrindavan/ Agra
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra en-route you will be visiting Vrindavan. It is a center of Krishna worship, visit temples. Continue drive to Agra.
Upon arrival at Agra check in to the hotel.
Afternoon lunch at a local restaurant (Own Account)
Evening private guided tour to experience the wonderful effects caused by the reflections of the setting Sun in front of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight at the hotel The Grand Imperial – Deluxe Room
Breakfast: Justa Greter Kailash
Lunch/Dinner: Own Account.
Day 05: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambhore
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bharatpur railway station to board train for Ranthambhore
En route guided visit to Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory): Outlined by imposing gateways and well-defined private and public areas, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1570, in honor of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex includes numerous
Lunch Own Account
Kota Jan Shatabdi Express at 1550 hrs / 1802 hrs – Air-conditioned chair car carriage
Upon arrival at Sawai Madhopur railway station transfer to the hotel.
Breakfast: Agra Hotel
Lunch Own Account
Dinner: Ranthambhore Bagh
Overnight at the hotel Ranthambhore Bagh – Standard Room
Day 06: Ranthambhore
You will be woken up before sunrise. After tea or coffee in Lodge/hotel you will go on game drive in private Jeeps accompanied by a local park naturalist
Return to lodge/hotel for breakfast
Afternoon game drive in private Jeeps accompanied by local park naturalist. Return to lodge/hotel after sunset
Option exists for those who want to do some bird watching in between the game drives,that can be arranged.
Breakfast: Ranthambhore Bagh
Lunch: Ranthambhore Bagh
Dinner: Ranthambhore Bagh
Overnight at the Lodge
Day 07: Ranthambhore / Jaipur 160 Kms/ 3 hrs drive
Morning visit the Surwal Lake for bird watching by jeeps with a local naturalist
Return to the hotel for breakfast
Later drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Evening light and sound show at the Amber Fort followed by dinner at Narain Niwas Palace with Folk Dance and Music
Recipes served at Narain Niwas Palace are original recipes collected by Thakur Amar Singh Ji during his life time. Most recipes will not be found anywhere else.
These are made in complete supervision of the family members – all culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime experience for each of our guests.
Since 1863, the family of Kanota takes pride in continuing the centuries old tradition of following the original secret recipe in the same traditional way.
Breakfast: Ranthambhore Bagh
Lunch: Local Restaurant/ hotel Own Account
Dinner: Narain Niwas Palace
Overnight at the hotel Alsisar Haveli – Standard Room
Day 08: Jaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, full day guided tour of the city
In the morning take an excursion to the hill top Fort Palace of Amber. It offers panoramic view of moated lake and historical old town at the base of the hill. Time permitting you may have opportunity ride up to the fort on elephant back.
Afternoon you will visit City Palace Museum (a part of the Palace still remains the residence of the Jaipur royal family), the Jantar Mantar – an 18th century observatory, and the legendary Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
Breakfast: Hotel
Lunch: Local Restaurant/ hotel Own Account
Dinner: LMB/ Chokhi Dhani Own Account
Overnight at the hotel
Rishikesh Portion
Image I took..Ganga river, part of the Himalaya foothills,and the area across the river is part of Laxman Jhula.
Day 09: Jaipur / Delhi/ Dehradun/Rishikesh
Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Dehradun via Delhi.
Jet Airways 9W 2250 Dep. at 07:50 hrs Arr. at 08:55 Hrs
Arrive Delhi and take connecting flight to Dehradun
Jet Airways 9W 824 Dep. at 11:10 Hrs Arr. at 12:10 Hrs
(Check In for Domestic flights start 1 hour prior to the flight departure)
Upon arrival at Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh (20 kms, 1 hour)
Arrival and check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Lying at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, the clear,clean Ganges river flowing right next to it,made famous by the Beatles visit in 1968.
Technically we are not going to the town of Rishikesh,nor did they go to that town..its the 2 small little we will call them villages that are located close to each other,right by the Ganges, that is where we will be, and for all you Beatles Lovers, you can go and visit that ashram,its still there.
Its a place with all types of Yoga,Meditation,Restaurants,Bakeries,Shops…where locals and Westerner mingle together.
Day 9,10,11, 12
Here the trip becomes more unstructured.
On our arrival day, I will walk around and show you the 2 areas ie Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula,point out restaurants, yoga classes, shops, show you the different interconnected pathways, the white sandy beach,yes you can swim here, the Ganges flows out of the Himalayan mountains, clear, crisp and cold.
Everyone will be scheduled for a 2hr Ayurveda bodywork experience consisting of 3 different treatments,( massage, sweat and oil drops on the forehead)we will also meet with a local Ayurveda doctor and visit a Ayurveda chemist as we investigate this ancient system of healing.
These 4 days here are intended to give you the space to experience at your pace,and at your choice, with just 2 group, and 1 Individual treatment as structured time.
Breakfast will be included.
Meals are relatively inexpensive…if you pay IR 3 to 400 for a meal, at today’s conversion rate its about $7.00, yoga classes with a dynamite Iyengar trained teacher is IR200 about $4 per class for a 2 hr class..
Our lodging will be in a quite area as parts of this area can be busy at times, we will be a short 2 minute walk to the Ganges River.
Even though we dont have a lot of structure, we can still do group activates together ie everyone gets some picnic take away food, and we go to one of the beach areas to sit, talk, relax, swim, etc…maybe we will have informal spontaneous group talk on Spirituality, Mysticism, Vegetarianism etc…or possibly everyone will enjoy the freedom to explore at there own pace, and do what they want to do..
For our last night together, we will go to one of the local restaurants, for your own account, for our farewell meal.
Day 09: Jaipur / Delhi/ Dehradun/Rishikesh
Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Dehradun via Delhi.
Jet Airways 9W 2250 Dep. at 07:50 hrs Arr. at 08:55 Hrs
Arrive Delhi and take connecting flight to Dehradun
Jet Airways 9W 824 Dep. at 11:10 Hrs Arr. at 12:10 Hrs
(Check In for Domestic flights start 1 hour prior to the flight departure)
Upon arrival at Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh (20 kms, 1 hour)
Arrival and check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 13: Rishikesh / Dehradun/Delhi Departure
Pick up from hotel in Rishikesh and drive to Dehradun airport to board the flight for Delhi.
Jet Airways 9W 334 Dep. at 15:55 hrs Arr. at 16:55 hrs
(Check In for Domestic flights start 1 hour prior to the flight departure)
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to local restaurant for Dinner (close to the airport / time permitting).
After dinner transfer to International airport to board the flight for onwards destination.
(Check In for international flights start 3-4 hours prior to flight departure)
Dinner: Own Account
END OF SERVICES
As there has been a significant rise & fall of Indian Rupee against the US Dollar for the last one year, in case the US dollar falls below 58 against 01 US$ we have to re quote the price.