Delhi Palaces Ganges 12 Days | Starts/Ends: Delhi

TRIP NOTES

Delhi Palaces Ganges 12 days | Starts/Ends: Delhi

Explore Delhi, both old and new. • Fatehpur Sikri – Walk around and explore • Tipping Kitty: USD$40-50pp, paid in local Tour the legendary Taj Mahal in the well-preserved former Mughal city currency • Agra as well as the beautiful Pink which was abandoned 400 years ago Entrance Fees: USD$95-105pp, paid in • Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Ride on local currency City of Jaipur. Continue on to the a bicycle rickshaw around this wetland • International flights and visa incredible architecture in Lucknow reserve, home to rare bird species • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend and the beautifully colourful city of • Agra – Visit the lesser known but still you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Varanasi, right on the banks of the impressive Agra Fort and explore behind Tipping your guide is an entirely personal holy Ganges. its fortified walls gesture What's Included HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS DETAILED ITINERARY • Breakfast daily and 2 dinners Trip Highlights • 11 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels Day 1 : Delhi • Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur, Chand Saturday. Welcome to India! On arrival in Delhi • The Taj Mahal – Discover the most iconic Baori Step Well, Agra, Lucknow and we are transferred from the airport to our site in India and enjoy a guided tour at Varanasi hotel, where the rest of the day is free to relax this extravagant symbol of love • Sunrise boat cruise on the holy River or explore as you please. You may wish to visit • Varanasi – Sail on the holy Ganges and Ganges in Varanasi Akshardham - the largest Hindu temple in the watch the ancient tradition of religious • Rickshaw ride in Delhi world. ritual cleansing on the riverside ghats • Bicycle rickshaw ride in Keoladeo Ghana • Lucknow - Gaze at the incredible Islamic National Park Please note that the welcome meeting is and British Raj style architecture and • Eonomy class flight: Varanasi to Delhi hosted this evening at 18:00. Entrance fees discover the royal splendor of this • Escorted by an English-speaking Indian for your tour and a tip kitty are collected at incredible city tour guide (for groups of 6 or more) the welcome dinner on day 2. The tip kitty • Delhi – Tour the highlights of Old and • Services of English-speaking Indian covers any tipping required throughout the New Delhi including Jama Masjid and the specialist guides at some sites tour, apart from a tip for your tour guide. India Gate monument • Airport arrival and departure transfer on Overnight - Delhi • Jaipur – Explore highlights of the Pink days 1 and 12 City including the City Palace and lofty • All relevant transfers and transportation in Amber Fort private air-conditioned vehicles • Abhaneri – Admire the impressive Chand Baori step well which climbs down 13 What's Not Included stories to the water’s edge

Delhi Palaces Ganges - 12 days updated on 28-09-2021 05:56:15 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Delhi Palaces Ganges

Day 2 : Old & New Delhi whilst others calculate eclipses, the lunar Tonight, we enjoy a Namaste Dinner at our sightseeing calendar or simply the time of day. Even today, hotel. most of the constructions remain accurate! Overnight - Delhi (B, D) Early-risers can opt for a morning hot air Days 3-4 : Jaipur & Amber balloon ride over Jaipur, and sail over hilltop Fort forts, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples. Then we travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains below. We travel up to the palace by jeep. Arriving at the top we tour the fort’s well-preserved Set off for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. This interior and grounds. 17th century walled city of Shahjahanabad was the erstwhile capital of Mughal India, with city Before returning to Jaipur we make a short gates, narrow alleyways, bazaars, mosques visit of about 1 hour to a cotton trading/ and other historic monuments. Today Old Delhi - Jaipur. Today we travel by road to the tailor factory where we can watch a block Delhi is still a hive of activity, and the Chandhi UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur, capital of printing and screen printing demonstration Chowk bazaar is a colourful place to people Rajasthan. The journey takes approximately 5 with traditional Rajasthani designs. Travellers watch. We will enjoy a rickshaw ride through - 6 hours. Upon arrival, we embark on some looking for souvenirs can explore the small this bustling bazaar. sightseeing taking in the Old City and City bazaar offering regional souvenirs and other handicrafts in addition to cotton products Sightseeing highlights of Old Delhi include: Palace. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had the including saris. - Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India entire old city swathed in pink paint! Not as mad as it seems, as pink is a colour in India- and the final architectural extravagance of Later this evening you can also opt to explore associated with hospitality. The new paint job Shah Jahan Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City which is was completed in time for a regal visit by - Raj Ghat - on the banks of the Yamuna also great for shopping. Popular souvenirs the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), River lies a marble memorial marking the spot include jootis (traditional Rajasthani curled a tradition that has been maintained, hence where the great leader - Mahatma Gandhi was shoes), Jaipur’s famous blue pottery, textiles Jaipur’s name - the Pink City. cremated after his assassination and handicrafts around the City Palace or Hawa Mahal. Our vehicle will be available New Delhi, in contrast to Old Delhi is a city of En route to the City Palace, we pass Hawa to drop you off at the market and its easy wide tree-lined streets, parks, fountains and Mahal – the Palace of the Winds. Although enough to grab a rickshaw on the way back. roundabouts – designed by Edward Lutyens little more than an impressive façade it is Overnight - Jaipur (B:2) and built as the imperial capital of India one of the city’s landmarks. This 5-storey building which overlooks the main street of by the British. This part of the city also Day 5 : Chand Baori Step Well houses many government buildings including the bustling old city is a stunning example of Rashtrapati Bhavan – the official residence Rajput architecture. & Keoladeo Ghana National of the President of India which stands at the Park We explore the beautiful City Palace, a blend opposite end of the Rajpath from the India of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. If the Gate. flag is flying, the Maharaja is in residence. Sightseeing highlights of New Delhi include: A part of palace has been converted into a - Humayun's Tomb - the magnificent tomb of museum, which has an impressive collection the Mughal Emperor Humayun of arts, carpets, enamel ware and weaponry. - Rajpath – an immensely broad boulevard Just over the road from the City Palace is flanked on either side by ornamental ponds. Jantar Mantar, an observatory of astronomy The Republic Day parade is held here every built by Jai Singh in 1728. Of the five 26 January, drawing millions of people to this observatories he built, this is the largest and spectacle. It is at the eastern end of Rajpath Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur. Departing best preserved. At first glance, Jantar Mantar that we see the India Gate Jaipur we stop in the village of Abhaneri to resembles a sculpture park, though in fact, - India Gate - The 42 metre high stone “Arch see Chand Baori, which is the largest and each construction has a specific scientific of Triumph”, erected in memory of Indian deepest step well in the world. This incredible purpose. Some measure the positions of stars, soldiers who died in the First World War well has a staggering 3500 steps and is 13

Delhi Palaces Ganges stories deep. Then we gain an insight into Akbar and additions were made until the rule two British Raj-era buildings, Dilkusha Palace local village life, visiting Adarsh Vidya Mandir of his grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s and the British Residency, both of which were local school (if open) where we operate our time, it was primarily a military fort though later shelled during the 1857 siege of Lucknow and ‘Change for Children’ programme. If you have the focus shifted and it partially became a today lay in ruins. The rest of the day is at bought any educational items with you to palace. leisure for you to further explore Lucknow. hand out to children this would be the time Overnight - Lucknow (B) to do so. You can also make a donation to From the Agra Fort we make the short journey the school, if you choose via our Change For to visit the legendary Taj Mahal. Described as Day 9 : Varanasi Children project. Your guide will hand out the most extravagant monument of love ever envelopes to those interested. built, this fine example of Mughal architecture was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory After hotel check in at Bharatpur and time of his beloved second wife-Mumtaz Mahal, to freshen up we visit the UNESCO World who died tragically during childbirth. Built Heritage Site of Keoladeo Ghana National entirely of white marble, construction began Park where we enjoy a leisurely rickshaw in 1631, the year in which Mumtaz died, and ride through the park. Keoladeo’s 29 sq.km was not completed until 1653. A staggering of swamps and lakes constitute one of the total of 20,000 workers contributed their most important breeding and migratory areas skills towards the construction of this unique in the world, where from October - March the mausoleum. Overnight - Agra (B) Lucknow – Varanassi. Today we drive from some 200 plus local species are joined by a Lucknow to Varanasi, one of the oldest and further 130 species from as far afield as the Day 7 : Lucknow holiest cities on Earth. The city is also an Russian Steppes and Central Asia. Overnight Agra – Lucknow. This morning we depart for important Hindu pilgrimage site, set on the - Bharatpur (B, D) Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. banks of the River Ganges. Boasting beautiful British Raj-era architecture Varanasi is perhaps the holiest city in India, Day 6 : Agra Fort and the Taj as well as fantastic examples of Islamic art known as Benares or the city of Shiva, it is also Mahal and design, Lucknow is an enigmatic city one of the oldest cities on earth. Sitting on the steeped in history. This afternoon we tour banks of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi has the highlights of a city which first gained been a centre of learning for more than 2000 importance in 1528 with its capture by Babur, years and it's an important Hindu pilgrimage the first Mughal ruler of India. Our first stop will site. Overnight - Varanasi (B) be to the Chota Imambara, one of the most intricate and exquisite buildings in Lucknow. Day 10 : Boat ride on the It was built as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims and today houses the tombs of Ganges Muhammed Ali Shah and his family. Our next Early this morning we take a boat trip along stop is the Rumi Darwaza, often referred to as the holy Ganges River. Hindu pilgrims come to Bharatpur - Agra. En route to Agra we visit the Turkish Gate. This imposing gate is a busy bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges at the Fatehpur Sikri, which was once a magnificent route through the city. We finish the day at ghats (river side steps), a ritual which washes fortified city and the capital of the Mughal Bara Imambara, this impressive complex built away all of their sins. There are a long string Empire from 1571 until 1585, until it was in the 1780’s houses a mosque, a step well and of ghats that line the Western bank of the abandoned due to a lack of water. a maze of corridors. Overnight - Lucknow (B) river and although most are used for bathing Fatehpur Sikri is well preserved and divided and cleansing the soul, there are several into four main parts: the women’s quarters; Day 8 : Lucknow dedicated to cremation. Bodies are cremated the emperor’s quarters; a quarter for princes Today we further explore the city of Lucknow, at ‘burning’ ghats and the ashes are scattered and noblemen; and weapons housing. We see heading first for La Martiniere college. into the water of the holy Ganges. Hindus various temples, pavilions and public areas, The college was established in 1845 from believe that dying here ensures release gaining a fascinating insight into how life must instructions in the will of Major General Claude from the cycle of rebirths and an instant have been for the inhabitants of this old city. Martin, who left a large endowment for its admission to heaven. On our boat trip we construction and upkeep. Today, it educates see the ritual bathing and a host of other Continuing on to Agra, we embark on a upwards of 6,000 pupils at one time and the fascinating scenes, from people performing short tour of the Agra Fort. Behind its Constantia building has been described as yoga, offering blessings and selling flowers, to colossal walls are some of the finest Mughal ‘perhaps the best-preserved colonial building people playing cricket and getting a shave. buildings in India. Construction of the fort in Lucknow’. Later we visit the remains of was commenced during the reign of Emperor

Delhi Palaces Ganges

Then we embark on a tour of India’s spiritual Crowne Plaza New Delhi city. At sunset consider re-visiting the ghats Rohini for the evening pilgrimage, which is different from the dawn ritual. Overnight - Varanasi (B) Located just footsteps from the nearest metro station, the Crowne Plaza New Delhi Day 11 : Return to Delhi offers a beautiful blend of contemporary Varanasi - Delhi. Spend our final morning in facilities and warm Indian hospitality. Each Varanasi at leisure, before we fly to Delhi Hotel Jivitesh en-suite guestroom features traditional wood this afternoon. Your final evening in India is The Jivitesh Hotel is centrally located furnishings and a minibar, free WiFi and a then free to spend as you wish. Perhaps visit in the heart of Karol Bagh, a popular flat screen TV. Guests can unwind in the the stunning Red Fort and attend its famous neighbourhood of Delhi renowned for its Adya Spa which features a mix of Asian Sound and Light show after dark. Overnight - excellent shops and vibrant street markets. and European therapies or take a swim in Delhi (B) The Jivitesh offers comfortable and spacious the outdoor pool to escape the heat. The guest rooms, with modern amenities such as hotel prides itself on its range of dining Day 12 : Delhi free WiFi, and you can be assured of a warm options including the Spice Art restaurant, Wednesday. Our Indian adventure comes to welcome and excellent customer service which serves delicious North Indian cuisine, an end today with an included transfer to the from the hotel staff. Enjoy authentic Indian and Moasic, where you’ll find a range of airport.(B) vegetarian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant international dishes. and take a refreshing dip in the outdoor HOTELS swimming pool after a day of sightseeing in the capital. Please note: The swimming Highlighted below are some of the hotels pool at the Jivitesh hotel is currently under which we frequently use on this tour, though renovation and is expected to be finished by we reserve the right to substitute these September 2020. hotels to ones of a similar standard. Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your Mandawa Haveli confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival information. Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury with intricately carved wooden beds and hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of king-size royal portraits, with modern New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the Jaypee Siddharth Hotel amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking The luxurious Jaypee Siddharth is a stunning bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on hotel has a unique angular design and property located just five kilometres from continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All the New Delhi Railway Station. Guestrooms the outdoor terrace or request a private, tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi- are exquisitely decorated with a blend of candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star- cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express cream and brown tones and benefit from air studded sky. Well located in the heart of restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi conditioning and complimentary WiFi. If you Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar have free time, guests can indulge in one hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the for a delicious array of heady cocktails of the rejuvenating treatments available at Palace of the Winds. or relax by the poolside with a refreshing the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The work up an appetite in the gym. A range of nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides cuisines are served in the various restaurants direct access to the heart of the city and found within the hotel complex. after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and massage parlour.

Udai Vilas Palace Set amongst 2 acres of landscaped gardens, the Udai Vilas Palace is a traditional hotel located right in the heart of Bharatpur

Delhi Palaces Ganges city. Guest rooms are spacious and well While this is the mostly believed story, the equipped with comfortable beds and myths and legends that surround Holi differ large windows. The hotel is famous for its around the country, but the basic principle barbecue nights and Rajasthani folklore remains the same. Holi is meant to symbolise evenings, where you will be enthralled by the triumph of good over evil, the importance traditional music and dance performances. of love and of happiness, and supports the Keoladeo National Park, one of the most formation of new friendships. well-known bird sanctuaries in India, is also 25 March 2021 - Holi - just a five-minute drive away. Leaving our hotel, we'll drive to Bharatpur. Festival of Colour tour Arriving to our hotel in Bharatpur, you can pull Celebrated all over India since ancient times, up a chair and watch the Holi celebrations Holi is an annual festival celebrated on the that will take place out on the lawn. For those day after the full moon in the Hindu month of wanting to get involved we'll be providing Phalguna. Originally Holi was an agricultural white kurta pyjamas for you to wear and festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Today organic colours for you to throw. In this the central ritual of Holi incorporates the game of cat and mouse, stealth and the art throwing of coloured water and powders on of surprise will serve you well. Note: The Hotel Royale Residency friends and family which gives the holiday its festivities will take place between members of Situated a stone’s throw away from the modern name ‘the Festival of Colour’. This our groups, guides and some hotel staff, not legendary Taj Mahal, the Royal Residency ritual is also believed to be based on events the general public. We do not celebrate Holi Hotel is perfectly located for anyone in Hindu mythology and is associated with out on the streets with locals as the assault set wanting to immerse themselves in Agra’s Krishna's playful splashing of the maids with upon non-locals can be overwhelming and the famous monuments. Each comfortable air- water, but most of all it celebrates the coming chemicals/colours used for making coloured conditioned room features a minibar with of spring and the vibrancy of colour that the powder in unknown. tea and coffee making facilities, satellite season brings. After a bombardment of powder bombs and TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Holi - the festival of colour, will be celebrated shower of water in every imaginable colour, Guests can enjoy an array of flavours around nationwide on Monday, 29 March 2021 and there is time for lunch before visiting the the world in the multi-cuisine restaurant, or our arrangements are as follows: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Keoladeo perhaps sip on a cocktail next to the outdoor Ghana National Park where we’ll enjoy a pool. Days 1 - 4: Arrangements as per normal Taj leisurely rickshaw ride through the park. Traveller itinerary. Keoladeo’s 29 sq.km of swamps and lakes Day 5: Monday 29 March 2021. Jaipur - constitute one of the most important breeding Bharatpur. It's an early start today as the and migratory areas in the world, where from festivities of Holi bring thousands of people October - March the some 200 plus local out onto the streets in a dazzling display species are joined by a further 130 species of colour and good cheer. Celebrated every from as far afield as the Russian Steppes and Central Asia. Note: This departure does not Surya Hotel year in February or March, the ancient Hindu festival of Holi originated as a celebration of include a visit to Abhaneri Village School and Originally built in 1818 as an ancient Nepali the end of winter and beginning of spring it’s unlikely that we will be able to reach the King's Palace, the Surya Hotel has been in honour of Prahlada, who was protected Chand Baori step well. Overnight - Bharatpur beautifully restored to its former glory. from the flames by Vishnu when he was Day 6: Tuesday 30 March 2021. En route to Guestrooms are classically furnished with tricked to his near death by his father King Agra we visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once excellent amenities and beautiful European- Hiranyakashipu. a magnificent fortified city and the capital of style bathrooms. Meals are served in the the Mughal Empire from 1571 until 1585, until it Canton Royale Restaurant which serves up Today Holi is a time when Indians across the was abandoned due to a lack of water. a delicious array of Indian and International nation gather together with family, friends and neighbours to throw powder bombs, fire water cuisine. Those wanting a refreshing drink Fatehpur Sikri is well preserved and divided pistols and splash coloured water as they run should head to the Sol Bar for cocktails, into four main parts: the women’s quarters; through the streets. Shops and businesses beers and other beverages. The hotel also the emperor’s quarters; a quarter for princes close for the day, and on the eve of the offers traditional Henna tattoos and Indian and noblemen; and weapons housing. We see celebrations a bonfire is held to remember the handicrafts to purchase. various temples, pavilions and public areas, story of Prahlada and Vishnu.

Delhi Palaces Ganges gaining a fascinating insight into how life must If you are unable to be vaccinated due payable by you at each site. If travelling to Sri have been for the inhabitants of this old city. to medical reasons, you may apply for an Lanka on our Delhi to Colombo tour, entrance exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on fees for the Sri Lanka section of your tour will Continuing to Agra, we embark on a short tour a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must be collected by your guide in Sri Lanka and of the Agra Fort. Behind its colossal walls are provide supporting documentation from a payable in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). some of the finest Mughal buildings in India. medical professional. Construction of the fort was commenced Tipping kitty during the reign of Emperor Akbar and Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Tipping is not a natural part of many Western additions were made until the rule of his be provided to us no less than cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s time, it 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept or unsure about when or how much to was primarily a military fort though later the COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid tip. However, in India tipping makes up a focus shifted and it partially became a palace. Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- significant part of many people’s wages so it’s mailed to [email protected] or you important that we get it right. For this reason, Our final stop today is the legendary Taj can upload your vaccination history we’ve developed a very simple system to take Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving yourself via our traveller login. https:// all the hassle out of tipping. memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who www.onthegotours.com/Login tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj With our ‘tipping made easy’ policy, a nominal Mahal is described as the most extravagant The information you will need to upload pre-determined amount is collected from all monument ever built for love and remains one includes: Administering national authority or group tour participants to cover tips during of India’s most enduring symbols. government, document No, name of Vaccine, your tour. This then saves you the hassle of Overnight - Agra date/s of vaccination. when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support Day 7: Wednesday 31 March 2021. Agra Confirming your trip staff. The tipping kitty amount is noted under - Lucknow. Onwards, arrangements as per At time of booking please provide us with: 'Exclusions' on the first page of this document. normal Delhi Palaces Ganges itinerary. - YOUR FULL NAME and DOB, 120 days prior PLEASE NOTE: The tipping kitty is to be paid in to departure to secure train tickets INDIAN RUPEES (INR) and it will be collected - A SCANNED COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO on day 2 of your tour. 90 days prior to departure to book your safari COVID-19 Vaccination by canter vehicle in Ranthambore National If travelling onto Sri Lanka on our Delhi to Park. Colombo tour, the tipping kitty for that section Requirements of your tour will be collected by your guide in As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of If booking less than 120/90 days, every effort Sri Lanka and is payable in Sri Lankan Rupees travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions will be made to secure seats in the same (SLR). If travelling on our Railways of the Raj that all travellers over 18 years provide proof carriage and canter as the others in your tour tour, a tip kitty will not be collected and we ask of COVID-19 vaccination. group, though this may not be possible. that you independently manage tipping along We recognise any vaccine that has been Entrance fees the way. authorised for use in the country where On our group tours, select entry fees are Our ‘Tip Kitty’ doesn’t include a tip for your the vaccine was administered. This includes included with in the tour costs, however all group tour guide, where we suggest an vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, other entrance fees must be budgeted for by amount of approx USD$4-7 per day multiplied Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- you. The total cost of these entrance fees, as by the duration of your tour. Naturally though, BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. noted under 'Exclusions' on the first page of the amount is up to you. The tip for your guide this document are required to be paid locally In all instances, you must be fully immunised. is an entirely personal gesture. by each traveller at the Welcome Meeting. This means you must receive the full dosage Entrance fee amounts are subject to change If travelling on a group tour with less than 6 of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum and as such upon arrival to India your tour participants, in place of ‘tipping made easy’ of 14 days before travelling in order for leader will highlight the exact total entrance we recommend the following amounts per immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 fee cost for your tour. PLEASE NOTE: Entrance person per day be allocated to cover tips vaccine has different dosages and timeframes fees are to be paid in INDIAN RUPEES (INR) paid directly by you to - bellhops, luggage for immunisation, so please check the related and they will be collected on day 2 of your handlers, your driver and local guides - medical advice associated with your vaccine. tour. USD$9 per travellers if the day includes a Children under 18 years are not required to local guide and sightseeing and USD$4 per provide evidence of vaccination to travel at If travelling on our Railways of the Raj tour, this time. entrance fees will not be collected and are

Delhi Palaces Ganges traveller, if the day excludes a local guide and • Wall charts – map of the world, numbers, rates. If you are arriving early and book pre sightseeing. letters, multiplication tables tour accommodation with us then you will still • Any visual teaching resources, coloured qualify for our complimentary airport arrival Guides & groups cardboard, junior scissors, rulers, sharpeners, transfer. Our longest group tour in India is our Highway lead pencils to Himalayas – 16 day tour and our Passage • Reading books – suitable for any age If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially to India – 14 day tour tour. All other group between 4 – 12 years of age on a flight that arrives very, very early in the tours that we offer are sectors of a longer • Sporting equipment – cricket bat, tennis morning) consider purchasing a night of pre- tour. As such on your holiday you may have balls, soft balls, skipping ropes, elastics tour accommodation to save you waiting until travellers join you part way through your tour • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid soap for hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. or end their holiday when you continue on. washrooms Whenever there is 6 persons of more on your Visas & passports Visa requirements are subject to change and holiday you will have a tour guide escorting/ India Country Guide travelling with you. Your guide will conduct visa procurement is the responsibility of the the sightseeing arrangements, or accompany Welcome to India - Arrival traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also you where the local law dictates that a local ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 transfer months from your planned date of departure guide must conduct the sightseeing in this If your holiday includes a complimentary from India. region. Where the group number is less than airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the 6 persons you will travel from place to place 'Inclusions' section of these Trip Notes After booking your holiday, please provide us with a driver and meet a local guide at on page 1) from Delhi's Indira Gandhi with your passport details as soon as possible each new destination, who will conduct your International Airport, our arrival procedure is so that we can proceed to book all services. sightseeing arrangements in this location. as follows: Please be advised visa requirements are subject to change, therefore it is essential that Change for children Arrive to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International you check current visa requirements with the On many of our Group Tours we stop at one Airport, where after you have attended to embassy before travel. For information about of two Village Schools where we operate our customs and immigration formalities, please visas, head to www.onthegotours.com/India/ ‘Change for Children’ programme. If travelling proceed to the arrival hall. Please have your Visas via Karauli you will meet the children at tour voucher handy and make it available to Nishabd local school (supporting deaf and our representative who will be waiting for you Health requirements blind children), and if via Bharatpur, Adarsh in the arrivals hall, holding a prominent On The You should seek medical advice for Vidya Mandir local school. If you have bought Go Tours logo signboard, ready to escort you vaccinations and about medications before any educational items with you to hand out to to our awaiting transportation and onward to travelling. children, this would be the time to do so. You your start hotel. can also make a donation to the school if you Water choose via our Change For Children Project. If, for any reason you have trouble locating As tap water is not safe to drink in India, only Your guide will hand out envelopes to those our representative (after waiting 20 minutes drink bottled mineral water which is readily interested. in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed, available in hotels, shops and restaurants. please call or send a text message (standard You should also avoid salads which may be All schools are closed from mid-May through text message, not Messenger or WhatsApp) to washed in unhygienic water. till the start of July for the Summer Vacation the emergency contact number as stated on and then in December for Winter Vacation. your Tour Voucher. Please do not leave the Essential packing Additionally, they may be closed throughout airport or go to the hotel on your own. Call Please check local temperatures so the year during festival weeks such as Holi, our emergency contact number and follow the you can pack accordingly. Visit Diwali and others - including teacher training advice given by our local team. www.worldclimate.com days which only tend to be announced a day or two prior. Accordingly, it is not be possible If travelling on our other India holidays that • A small daypack for your day-to-day needs to visit the schools during these times and don't arrive into Delhi Airport (with arrival • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel should you have bought along items for the via Kochi, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, insurance policy, spare passport photos and a school, your guide will be happy to pass them Trivandrum, Kolkata and Dimapur Airport), the photocopy of your passport on when it re-opens, on your behalf. procedure for meeting you at the airport is the • Universal travel adaptor same as those detailed above. • Insect repellent to guard against mosquitos The schools have made the following • Spare camera batteries and memory cards suggesting's to support onward education: Pre and post tour accommodation can be arranged upon request, please contact us for

Delhi Palaces Ganges

• Consider packing some pencils, pens or the weather is cooler, air-conditioning may not Beds are a tad wider and mattresses more modest educational supplies that can be be provided. cushioned. Each cabin has a 'bell' switch, given to village schools or street children which when pressed summons the attendant • Buy some Indian Rupees at the airport on 2nd AC COACH/SLEEPER of the coach. arrival and keep a supply of small notes for If travelling overnight, we accommodate local transactions passengers in the 2nd class sleeper 3rd AC COACH/ SLEEPER air-conditioned category (unless otherwise We do not include 3rd AC coach travel Domestic flights - Baggage indicated at a higher level). 2nd class sleeper within any of our tours, though if you were allowance air-conditioned cabins consist of 2 upper and considering it for personal arrangements a 2 lower bunks, plus a double-decker set of description can be given as follows. 3rd AC If your holiday includes a domestic flight or bunk beds on the opposite side of the cabin coach is very similar to 2nd AC coach with the you have independently booked domestic shared by you and other Indian travellers. You only difference being that there is a middle flights separate to that of your international can sit up on your bench seat during the day berth ie not just a 2 bunk bed but a triple bunk flights, please be mindful that that free and simply lie down once you are ready to go bed, hence making it possible for 6 people baggage allowance for Economy class travel to sleep. to be accommodated within the space. Like on flights within India is near always 15kg, the 2nd AC coach there is also another set with 5-7kg allowance for hand luggage. All cabins are mixed sex. Your cabin is not of bunk beds on the opposite side - running Additional weight is charged per kilo and is self-contained as such. ‘Cabins’ are separated parallel with the length of the train. Like 2nd payable by you directly to the airline at check- from the carriage corridor by curtains, serving AC, there’s no door just curtains and again you in. If travelling with more than 15kg on a flight as an artificial barrier that can be drawn sit up on your bunk bed during the day and lie included within your holiday, please contact at night. Luggage, including hand luggage down to sleep. us so we can confirm the exact luggage should be locked (as you would do when allowance for your flight and give you the travelling on any overnight train anywhere in Travel Operators for Tigers current per kilo cost for additional weight. the world) and can be stored underneath the Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), is a lower bunks or on the floor. The carriage is What to expect UK based campaign, set up to encourage manned by an attendant who will distribute sustainable wildlife tourism in tiger reserves Please visit www.onthegotours.com/India/ linen, free of charge. Dependent upon the and national parks. Funds generated through Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local customs, service, a variety of snacks and drinks or full TOFT will be used to fund tiger conservation currency, WiFi and other helpful information to dinner service can be ordered at an additional initiatives and local community development, prepare you for an enjoyable holiday. cost (except for the Shatabdi Express and through their two partner conservation Train travel in India Rajdhani Express where meals are included organisations - Global Tiger Patrol and the within your fare). Food aboard the Shatabdi Environmental Investigation Agency. On The Travelling by train in India is an unforgettable Express train is most often exceptionally Go Tours are members of TOFT and we local experience where you will get to meet good, though on many other train services happily pledge a USD$20 contribution to Indian people and experience daily life as they it is probably best to buy snacks, fresh fruit TOFT for each of our clients that choose to do. The Indian Railway system is the world’s that can be peeled or meals prior to the start travel on a wildlife tour to India with us. second largest, with over 108,706 km of track, of your journey. In addition, there are WC connecting more than 7000 stations. Every facilities (European and ‘squat-style’) at each Not like home... & begging day, more than 7000 trains run, carrying some end of the carriage. Cleanliness varies, so Travelling to far–flung corners of the earth 14 million passengers, including us. Several be prepared and take your own anti-bacterial often involves encountering lifestyles and our holidays include train journeys, some by hand wipes and toilet paper. conditions that are very different from day and others overnight. If your holiday does what you are used to back home. As include train travel, we have noted within the 1st AC COACH/ SLEEPER such it is important to come prepared for itinerary the coach/class of travel that will be All Indian trains offer 2nd and 3rd AC coaches, unusual situations, local inadequacies and booked. Below is some further information but only a handful of trains offer 1st AC unpredictable events as and when they occur. that may assist you in planning for your coaches, which can accommodate a tiny total Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for journey. of 18 people. 1st AC coach/ sleepers only have people who expect or demand everything to berths on one side of the train hence making AC CHAIR CAR go exactly as planned, as things can and do the cabin more spacious. The cabin may have If travelling on a daytime journey, you will change in foreign countries. 2 berths or 4 which seat/sleep 2 or 4 persons. travel in an air-conditioned seated carriage You can sit up a on bench seat during the The people, customs, creed, food and (called AC chair car), similar to that of a day, which is folded into bunk beds at night. languages of India are different from one standard city trains in most western countries. The 1st AC coach also has a door making it region to the next. It is as vast as it is When travelling to loftier destinations where fully closed and lockable for 2 or 4 persons.

Delhi Palaces Ganges crowded, and as opulent as it is squalid. in spectacularly colourful designs, paintings India is exciting, intense and diverse - an and clothing make excellent souvenirs. all-embracing experience, a veritable assault on the senses. Sometimes the poverty will In the tourism industry it’s common practice get you down, Indian bureaucracy can test for commission to be offered in exchange for your patience and facing another traffic jam recommending particular shops or suppliers. will seem almost too much to bear. Yet, it’s This can become an issue when clients feel all worthwhile! While India is far from the obliged to purchase goods. We do our best easiest country in the world to travel around, to avoid this by monitoring all shopping On The Go will try their upmost to make experiences offered. your holiday as seamless as possible. Our All shopping experiences on your tour holidays combine comfortable transportation, have been noted in the itinerary and they comprehensive sightseeing and good hotels, been carefully selected based upon positive allowing you to concentrate on getting the feedback from On The Go travellers. You most out of your stay. are under no obligation to partake in a India is a country of unparalleled contrasts, listed shopping experience and you are a destination where you’ll be afforded plenty most welcome to wait inside or outside the of unique encounters, and if you can travel premises. with an open mind you will have a wonderful Although we only visit reputable retailers, time here. In return, please remember to please note that we cannot explicitly demonstrate sensitivity and respect for local guarantee the quality of their products. All customs. purchases made whilst on holiday with us are Begging at your own discretion. Please make sure that With more than 350 million people in India you are completely happy with your purchase. living on less than USD$2 per day, inevitably On The Go cannot be held responsible for you will come across many people begging any items that you buy if they fail to meet for money. Begging has a legitimate place expectation, or any shipping arrangements. in Indian society. Even poor people give to Proceed with caution. beggars or charities to earn religious merit. The Indian government, however, would like to regulate begging more stringently. Though begging is common, you are not under obligation to give money. If you choose to give money to beggars, we advise you to do this from the vehicle and not on the street. Alternatively, consider donating pencils, pens or modest educational supplies to village schools.

Shopping India is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. At the many bazaars known as ‘chowks’, the cardinal rule is to bargain hard. State run craft emporiums that stock the best of what a state has to offer can give you a reasonable idea of what is acceptable in terms of price and quality. You'll find carpets of quality equal to those of Persian origin, Rajasthani pottery and metalwork, embellished slippers known as jootis, jewellery in breathtaking designs. Likewise, leatherwork, silks and saris