Golden Triangle &

TRIP NOTES

Golden Triangle & Goa 13 Days | Delhi to Goa

The perfect holiday cocktail! What's Included Day 1 : Delhi Saturday. Upon arrival into Delhi, you are met Starting off with the sites of India's • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners at the airport and transferred to the hotel. famous Golden Triangle, this tour • 6 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels The remainder of the day is free to relax or concludes in the tropical climate of • 6 nights 3 star hotel in Goa (hotel independently explore this bustling capital. Goa. Sun, sea, sand and plenty of upgrade in Goa available) • famed Goan cuisine! You can also Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Agra, Karauli Please note that from October 2019, the and Jaipur try your hand at cooking up a curry welcome meeting will be hosted on day one at • Rickshaw ride in Delhi and travel by jeep or two! 18:00, where you'll meet the rest of the group to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur and your tour guide. Entrance fees for your • Economy class flight: Jaipur to Goa tour and a tip kitty will also be collected at • HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Escorted by an English-speaking Indian this time. The tip kitty will cover any tipping tour guide days 1 to 7 (for groups of 6 or required throughout the tour, apart from a tip Trip Highlights more) for your tour guide. Overnight - Delhi • Services of English-speaking Indian • Agra – Enjoy a visit to Agra Fort and specialist guides at some sites the legendary Taj Mahal, the most Day 2 : Delhi • Airport arrival and departure transfer on extravagant symbol of love ever built days 1 and 13 • Goa – Spend five days relaxing on the • All relevant transfers and transportation in beach or exploring the region’s cultural private air-conditioned vehicles attractions • Delhi – Ride on a rickshaw around What's Not Included Chandni Chowk bazaar and tour • highlights including Jama Masjid and the Tipping Kitty: USD$30-40pp, paid in local India Gate monument currency • • Karauli – Stay at the Palace Bhanwar Entrance Fees: USD$75-85pp, paid in Vilas, home of the Maharaja and see the local currency • Today we set off for a sightseeing tour beautiful Karauli City Palace International flights and visa • of Old Delhi. This 17th century walled • Jaipur – Visit the striking Amber Fort, see Tip for your tour guide. We recommend city of Shahjahanabad was the erstwhile the City Palace and discover the Jantar you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. capital of Mughal India, with city gates, Mantar space observatory Tipping your guide is an entirely personal narrow alleyways, bazaars, mosques and • Fatehpur Sikri – Explore this eerie former gesture other historic monuments. Today Old Delhi is Mughal city which was abandoned more still a hive of activity, and the Chandhi Chowk than 400 years ago DETAILED ITINERARY bazaar is a colourful place to people watch.

Golden Triangle & Goa - 13 Days updated on 26-09-2021 09:26:59 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

Golden Triangle & Goa

We will enjoy a rickshaw ride through this drive). When we arrive our first stop is the and reception halls, stables and grounds at bustling bazaar. impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some leisure. The sovereigns continue to reside at of India's finest Mughal buildings behind the palace and the young princess often gives Sightseeing highlights of Old Delhi include: its fortified walls. Construction of the fort guided tours of the palace, which we will take - Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India began during the reign of Emperor Akbar part in if the opportunity arises. The family is and the final architectural extravagance of and additions were made until the rule of his also lovingly restoring the Karauli City Palace, Shah Jahan grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s time, it which we visit later this afternoon. Tonight - Raj Ghat - on the banks of the Yamuna was primarily a military fort though later the there is the opportunity to attend the evening River lies a marble memorial marking the spot focus shifted and it became a palace. Aaarti (prayer) taking place nearby. Overnight where the great leader Mahatma Gandhi was - Karauli (B, L, D) cremated after his assassination From the Agra Fort we make a short journey to the legendary Taj Mahal. Built Day 5 : Jaipur New Delhi, in contrast to Old Delhi, is a city by the order of Emperor Shah Jahan in the Karauli - Jaipur. This morning we make a of wide tree-lined streets, parks, fountains and 17th century in affectionate memory of his quick visit to the children and teachers at roundabouts designed by Edward Lutyens beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal remains a local school (if open) where we operate and built as the imperial capital of India the most magnificent moment of love ever our ‘Change for Children’ programme. If you by the British. This part of the city also seen. A staggering total of 20,000 workers have bought any educational items with you houses many government buildings including contributed their skills in the construction of to hand out to children this would be the time Rashtrapati Bhavan – the official residence this unique mausoleum. Overnight - Agra (B) to do so. Then we drive on to UNESCO-listed of the President of India which stands at the Jaipur (approximately 5 hours), the bustling opposite end of the Rajpath from the India Day 4 : Fatehpur Sikri & capital of the state of Rajasthan. Upon arrival Gate. Karauli the rest of the day is free for you to spend at Sightseeing highlights of New Delhi include: your own leisure. Overnight - Jaipur (B) - Humayun's Tomb - the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun Day 6 : The Amber Fort - Rajpath – an immensely broad boulevard flanked on either side by ornamental ponds. The Republic Day parade is held here every 26 January, drawing millions of people to this spectacle. It is at the eastern end of Rajpath that we see the India Gate - India Gate - The 42 metre high stone “Arch Agra - Karauli. Bright and early this morning of Triumph”, erected in memory of Indian we leave Agra and drive to the ghostly former soldiers who died in the First World War Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been Tonight, we enjoy a Namaste Dinner at our deserted for over four centuries after it was Jaipur. Early this morning there is the hotel. allegedly abandoned due to a lack of water. opportunity to see Jaipur from high above Overnight - Delhi (B, D) Thanks to the very durable red sandstone with an optional hot air balloon ride. We then from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri still travel just outside of Jaipur to the stunning Day 3 : The Taj Mahal remains well-preserved and is a fascinating 16th century Amber Fort where we enjoy a place to explore. tour of its interior and grounds. Later we visit a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration We drive on to Bharatpur where we enjoy of fabric dying and block printing. lunch before continuing our journey to Karauli, arriving mid afternoon. The total drive time En route to the City Palace, we pass Hawa today will be approximately 4-5 hours. The Mahal – the Palace of the Winds. Although rural village of Karauli was a princely state little more than an impressive façade, it is of India from 1348 until 1949. The current one of the city’s landmarks and a stunning Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and example of Rajput architecture. Next we Maharani of Karauli have recently opened the visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we make our doors of their stately Palace Bhanwar Vilas, and Mughal architecture, which is still the way to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the built in 1938 as a 3-4 star heritage hotel. We residence of the Maharaja. If the flag is flying, Mughal empire (approximately 4 - 5 hour spend the night here. During our stay we can it means he is home! A part of palace has explore the palace, guest quarters, banquet also been converted into a museum, which

Golden Triangle & Goa has an impressive collection of arts, carpets, a cooking session; a 3-day add-on with two enamelware and weaponry. You should expect a total journey time of cooking sessions and a market trip; or the 4.5hrs. Flights are routing are subject to 5 day add-on with three cooking sessions, a Just over the road from the City Palace is change. We are able to tell you the exact flight market trip and a spice market trip. Jantar Mantar, an observatory of astronomy times reserved for you for this leg of the trip 3 Overnight - Goa (B:5) built by Jai Singh in 1728. On our way up here weeks prior to departure, should you require. be sure to keep an eye out for the snake Alternatively you can ask your tour guide upon Day 13 : Goa charmers, fortune tellers and astronomers commencement of your trip. Upon arrival to Thursday. Tour arrangements end after lining our pathway. Of the five observatories Goa you are transferred to your hotel. The breakfast, with hotel check-out and an onward built by Jai Singh, this is the largest and remainder of the evening offers free time. departure transfer to the airport. Unless, of best preserved. At first glance, Jantar Mantar Overnight - Goa (B) course, you’ve booked another week in the resembles a sculpture park, though in fact sun!(B) each construction has a specific scientific Days 8-12 : Sun, sea and purpose. Some measure the positions of relaxation HOTELS stars, whilst others calculate eclipses, the lunar calendar and simply the time of day. Highlighted below are some of the hotels Even today, most of the constructions remain which we frequently use on this tour, though accurate! we reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard. Later this evening you can also opt to explore Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City which is confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival a great place to pick up some souvenirs. Top information. choices include jootis (traditional Rajasthani curled shoes), Jaipur’s famous blue pottery, Jaypee Siddharth Hotel textiles and handicrafts around the City Palace The next five days are free for you to The luxurious Jaypee Siddharth is a stunning or Hawa Mahal. Our vehicle is available enjoy Goa your own way. Thanks to its property located just five kilometres from to drop you to the market, and it is easy picturesque location on the Mandovi River, the New Delhi Railway Station. Guestrooms enough to grab a rickshaw on the way back. palm-fringed beaches, warm waters and are exquisitely decorated with a blend of Overnight - Jaipur (B) relaxed atmosphere, Goa is one of India’s cream and brown tones and benefit from air prime holiday destinations. The local cuisine conditioning and complimentary WiFi. If you Day 7 : Goa is delectable and the state’s Portuguese have free time, guests can indulge in one heritage is still evident in its fine colonial of the rejuvenating treatments available at architecture, plazas and cathedrals, making it the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or a fascinating place to explore. A fun way of work up an appetite in the gym. A range of getting around Goa is by renting a bike or cuisines are served in the various restaurants scooter. These are easily available, but you found within the hotel complex. must hold an International Drivers License and be able to provide your passport details.

Although best known for its gorgeous stretches of beach, Goa offers many other Jaipur - Goa. Today we transfer to Jaipur attractions such as the Portuguese Catholic airport for your included flight to Goa. As Church of Old Goa, St. Anne’s Church and there is no direct flight between the two cities, the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The surrounding there is a short layover at one of India's larger countryside is dotted with luxurious old Vivanta by Taj Dwarka airports. the most frequent service we use is: estates built by wealthy Indians, including the Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury Jaipur- Mumbai 9W-2383 - 0830/1020, Braganza Palace, which is open to the public. hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of Mumbai-Goa 9W-475 - 1120/1220 hours OR New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the Jaipur - Goa SG-923 - 1305/1630 hours) with Why not try your hand at cooking while in airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking a 35min layover in Ahmedabad, no change Goa? Add-on a cooking course in a relaxed hotel has a unique angular design and of plane OR Jaipur - Mumbai - AI-612 - atmosphere at our custom–built kitchen, offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All 1355/1535 hours, with a 1h15m layover in where our expert chefs teach you Indian tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi- Mumbai followed by Mumbai - Goa AI-661 - culinary skills in a small hands-on group cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express 1650/1805 hours. course. Chose from either a 1 day add-on with

Golden Triangle & Goa restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine from around the world in the hotel's cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar restaurant. The hotel is just 7km from the for a delicious array of heady cocktails nearest train station. or relax by the poolside with a refreshing smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides direct access to the heart of the city and after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or KNOW BEFORE YOU GO relax in the sauna and massage parlour. COVID-19 Vaccination Mandawa Haveli Requirements Made of pink and red sandstone, the As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions is a fine example of typical Rajasthani that all travellers over 18 years provide proof architecture. All rooms are well appointed of COVID-19 vaccination. with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern We recognise any vaccine that has been Hotel Royale Residency amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite authorised for use in the country where Situated a stone’s throw away from the bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on the vaccine was administered. This includes legendary Taj Mahal, the Royal Residency continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Hotel is perfectly located for anyone the outdoor terrace or request a private, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- wanting to immerse themselves in Agra’s candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star- BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. famous monuments. Each comfortable air- studded sky. Well located in the heart of In all instances, you must be fully immunised. conditioned room features a minibar with Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this This means you must receive the full dosage tea and coffee making facilities, satellite hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Palace of the Winds. of 14 days before travelling in order for Guests can enjoy an array of flavours around immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 the world in the multi-cuisine restaurant, or vaccine has different dosages and timeframes perhaps sip on a cocktail next to the outdoor for immunisation, so please check the related pool. medical advice associated with your vaccine. Children under 18 years are not required to provide evidence of vaccination to travel at this time. Sonesta Inns If you are unable to be vaccinated due The Sonesta Inns is tastefully arranged to medical reasons, you may apply for an around a vast central pool area with a exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on gently shelving expanse of sand and garden a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must Bhanwar Vilas Palace running from the hotel grounds to the provide supporting documentation from a Built in 1938, this stunning property is the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. The well- medical professional. residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal appointed rooms feature a balcony with a Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both view of the pool or gardens with white walls Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must the architecture and furniture have been and wooden furniture for clean lines and be provided to us no less than designed in fitting with colonial styles and bright space. The Sonesta Inns also offers 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept the property offers a fantastic insight into a health club with gym, steam room and COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid the history and elegance of a bygone era. Jacuzzi. Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- Rooms are split between deluxe rooms mailed to [email protected] or you and luxury suites, each including a range of can upload your vaccination history modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well- yourself via our traveller login. https:// appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized www.onthegotours.com/Login bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as

Golden Triangle & Goa

The information you will need to upload With our ‘tipping made easy’ policy, a nominal 6 persons you will travel from place to place includes: Administering national authority or pre-determined amount is collected from all with a driver and meet a local guide at government, document No, name of Vaccine, group tour participants to cover tips during each new destination, who will conduct your date/s of vaccination. your tour. This then saves you the hassle of sightseeing arrangements in this location. when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage Confirming your trip handlers, local guides and other support Change for children At time of booking please provide us with: staff. The tipping kitty amount is noted under On many of our Group Tours we stop at one - YOUR FULL NAME and DOB, 120 days prior 'Exclusions' on the first page of this document. of two Village Schools where we operate our to departure to secure train tickets PLEASE NOTE: The tipping kitty is to be paid in ‘Change for Children’ programme. If travelling - A SCANNED COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, INDIAN RUPEES (INR) and it will be collected via Karauli you will meet the children at 90 days prior to departure to book your safari on day 2 of your tour. Nishabd local school (supporting deaf and by canter vehicle in Ranthambore National blind children), and if via Bharatpur, Adarsh Park. If travelling onto Sri Lanka on our Delhi to Vidya Mandir local school. If you have bought Colombo tour, the tipping kitty for that section any educational items with you to hand out to If booking less than 120/90 days, every effort of your tour will be collected by your guide in children, this would be the time to do so. You will be made to secure seats in the same Sri Lanka and is payable in Sri Lankan Rupees can also make a donation to the school if you carriage and canter as the others in your tour (SLR). If travelling on our Railways of the Raj choose via our Change For Children Project. group, though this may not be possible. tour, a tip kitty will not be collected and we ask Your guide will hand out envelopes to those that you independently manage tipping along interested. Entrance fees the way. On our group tours, select entry fees are All schools are closed from mid-May through included with in the tour costs, however all Our ‘Tip Kitty’ doesn’t include a tip for your till the start of July for the Summer Vacation other entrance fees must be budgeted for by group tour guide, where we suggest an and then in December for Winter Vacation. you. The total cost of these entrance fees, as amount of approx USD$4-7 per day multiplied Additionally, they may be closed throughout noted under 'Exclusions' on the first page of by the duration of your tour. Naturally though, the year during festival weeks such as Holi, this document are required to be paid locally the amount is up to you. The tip for your guide Diwali and others - including teacher training by each traveller at the Welcome Meeting. is an entirely personal gesture. days which only tend to be announced a day Entrance fee amounts are subject to change or two prior. Accordingly, it is not be possible If travelling on a group tour with less than 6 and as such upon arrival to India your tour to visit the schools during these times and participants, in place of ‘tipping made easy’ leader will highlight the exact total entrance should you have bought along items for the we recommend the following amounts per fee cost for your tour. PLEASE NOTE: Entrance school, your guide will be happy to pass them person per day be allocated to cover tips fees are to be paid in INDIAN RUPEES (INR) on when it re-opens, on your behalf. paid directly by you to - bellhops, luggage and they will be collected on day 2 of your handlers, your driver and local guides - tour. The schools have made the following USD$9 per travellers if the day includes a suggesting's to support onward education: If travelling on our Railways of the Raj tour, local guide and sightseeing and USD$4 per • Wall charts – map of the world, numbers, entrance fees will not be collected and are traveller, if the day excludes a local guide and letters, multiplication tables payable by you at each site. If travelling to Sri sightseeing. • Any visual teaching resources, coloured Lanka on our Delhi to Colombo tour, entrance cardboard, junior scissors, rulers, sharpeners, fees for the Sri Lanka section of your tour will Guides & groups lead pencils be collected by your guide in Sri Lanka and Our longest group tour in India is our Highway • Reading books – suitable for any age payable in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). to Himalayas – 16 day tour and our Passage between 4 – 12 years of age to India – 14 day tour tour. All other group • Sporting equipment – cricket bat, tennis tours that we offer are sectors of a longer Tipping kitty balls, soft balls, skipping ropes, elastics Tipping is not a natural part of many Western tour. As such on your holiday you may have • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid soap for cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, travellers join you part way through your tour washrooms or unsure about when or how much to or end their holiday when you continue on. tip. However, in India tipping makes up a Whenever there is 6 persons of more on your India Country Guide significant part of many people’s wages so it’s holiday you will have a tour guide escorting/ important that we get it right. For this reason, travelling with you. Your guide will conduct Welcome to India - Arrival we’ve developed a very simple system to take the sightseeing arrangements, or accompany transfer all the hassle out of tipping. you where the local law dictates that a local If your holiday includes a complimentary guide must conduct the sightseeing in this airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the region. Where the group number is less than

Golden Triangle & Goa

'Inclusions' section of these Trip Notes After booking your holiday, please provide us included within your holiday, please contact on page 1) from Delhi's Indira Gandhi with your passport details as soon as possible us so we can confirm the exact luggage International Airport, our arrival procedure is so that we can proceed to book all services. allowance for your flight and give you the as follows: Please be advised visa requirements are current per kilo cost for additional weight. subject to change, therefore it is essential that Arrive to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International you check current visa requirements with the What to expect Airport, where after you have attended to embassy before travel. For information about Please visit www.onthegotours.com/India/ customs and immigration formalities, please visas, head to www.onthegotours.com/India/ Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local customs, proceed to the arrival hall. Please have your Visas currency, WiFi and other helpful information to tour voucher handy and make it available to prepare you for an enjoyable holiday. our representative who will be waiting for you Health requirements in the arrivals hall, holding a prominent On The You should seek medical advice for Train travel in India Go Tours logo signboard, ready to escort you vaccinations and about medications before Travelling by train in India is an unforgettable to our awaiting transportation and onward to travelling. local experience where you will get to meet your start hotel. Indian people and experience daily life as they Water do. The Indian Railway system is the world’s If, for any reason you have trouble locating As tap water is not safe to drink in India, only second largest, with over 108,706 km of track, our representative (after waiting 20 minutes drink bottled mineral water which is readily connecting more than 7000 stations. Every in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed, available in hotels, shops and restaurants. day, more than 7000 trains run, carrying some please call or send a text message (standard You should also avoid salads which may be 14 million passengers, including us. Several text message, not Messenger or WhatsApp) to washed in unhygienic water. our holidays include train journeys, some by the emergency contact number as stated on day and others overnight. If your holiday does your Tour Voucher. Please do not leave the Essential packing include train travel, we have noted within the airport or go to the hotel on your own. Call Please check local temperatures so itinerary the coach/class of travel that will be our emergency contact number and follow the you can pack accordingly. Visit booked. Below is some further information advice given by our local team. www.worldclimate.com that may assist you in planning for your If travelling on our other India holidays that • A small daypack for your day-to-day needs journey. don't arrive into Delhi Airport (with arrival • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel AC CHAIR CAR via Kochi, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, insurance policy, spare passport photos and a If travelling on a daytime journey, you will Trivandrum, Kolkata and Dimapur Airport), the photocopy of your passport travel in an air-conditioned seated carriage procedure for meeting you at the airport is the • Universal travel adaptor (called AC chair car), similar to that of a same as those detailed above. • Insect repellent to guard against mosquitos standard city trains in most western countries. • Spare camera batteries and memory cards Pre and post tour accommodation can be When travelling to loftier destinations where • Consider packing some pencils, pens or arranged upon request, please contact us for the weather is cooler, air-conditioning may not modest educational supplies that can be rates. If you are arriving early and book pre be provided. given to village schools or street children tour accommodation with us then you will still • Buy some Indian Rupees at the airport on 2nd AC COACH/SLEEPER qualify for our complimentary airport arrival arrival and keep a supply of small notes for If travelling overnight, we accommodate transfer. local transactions passengers in the 2nd class sleeper If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially air-conditioned category (unless otherwise on a flight that arrives very, very early in the Domestic flights - Baggage indicated at a higher level). 2nd class sleeper morning) consider purchasing a night of pre- allowance air-conditioned cabins consist of 2 upper and tour accommodation to save you waiting until If your holiday includes a domestic flight or 2 lower bunks, plus a double-decker set of hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. you have independently booked domestic bunk beds on the opposite side of the cabin flights separate to that of your international shared by you and other Indian travellers. You Visas & passports flights, please be mindful that that free can sit up on your bench seat during the day Visa requirements are subject to change and baggage allowance for Economy class travel and simply lie down once you are ready to go visa procurement is the responsibility of the on flights within India is near always 15kg, to sleep. traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also with 5-7kg allowance for hand luggage. All cabins are mixed sex. Your cabin is not ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 Additional weight is charged per kilo and is self-contained as such. ‘Cabins’ are separated months from your planned date of departure payable by you directly to the airline at check- from the carriage corridor by curtains, serving from India. in. If travelling with more than 15kg on a flight as an artificial barrier that can be drawn

Golden Triangle & Goa at night. Luggage, including hand luggage sit up on your bunk bed during the day and lie with an open mind you will have a wonderful should be locked (as you would do when down to sleep. time here. In return, please remember to travelling on any overnight train anywhere in demonstrate sensitivity and respect for local the world) and can be stored underneath the Travel Operators for Tigers customs. lower bunks or on the floor. The carriage is Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), is a manned by an attendant who will distribute UK based campaign, set up to encourage Begging linen, free of charge. Dependent upon the sustainable wildlife tourism in tiger reserves With more than 350 million people in India service, a variety of snacks and drinks or full and national parks. Funds generated through living on less than USD$2 per day, inevitably dinner service can be ordered at an additional TOFT will be used to fund tiger conservation you will come across many people begging cost (except for the Shatabdi Express and initiatives and local community development, for money. Begging has a legitimate place in Indian society. Even poor people give to Rajdhani Express where meals are included through their two partner conservation within your fare). Food aboard the Shatabdi organisations - Global Tiger Patrol and the beggars or charities to earn religious merit. Express train is most often exceptionally Environmental Investigation Agency. On The The Indian government, however, would like good, though on many other train services Go Tours are members of TOFT and we to regulate begging more stringently. Though it is probably best to buy snacks, fresh fruit happily pledge a USD$20 contribution to begging is common, you are not under that can be peeled or meals prior to the start TOFT for each of our clients that choose to obligation to give money. If you choose to of your journey. In addition, there are WC travel on a wildlife tour to India with us. give money to beggars, we advise you to do facilities (European and ‘squat-style’) at each this from the vehicle and not on the street. end of the carriage. Cleanliness varies, so Not like home... & begging Alternatively, consider donating pencils, pens be prepared and take your own anti-bacterial Travelling to far–flung corners of the earth or modest educational supplies to village hand wipes and toilet paper. often involves encountering lifestyles and schools. conditions that are very different from 1st AC COACH/ SLEEPER what you are used to back home. As Shopping All Indian trains offer 2nd and 3rd AC coaches, such it is important to come prepared for India is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. At the many but only a handful of trains offer 1st AC unusual situations, local inadequacies and bazaars known as ‘chowks’, the cardinal rule coaches, which can accommodate a tiny total unpredictable events as and when they occur. is to bargain hard. State run craft emporiums of 18 people. 1st AC coach/ sleepers only have Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for that stock the best of what a state has berths on one side of the train hence making people who expect or demand everything to to offer can give you a reasonable idea the cabin more spacious. The cabin may have go exactly as planned, as things can and do of what is acceptable in terms of price 2 berths or 4 which seat/sleep 2 or 4 persons. change in foreign countries. and quality. You'll find carpets of quality You can sit up a on bench seat during the equal to those of Persian origin, Rajasthani day, which is folded into bunk beds at night. The people, customs, creed, food and pottery and metalwork, embellished slippers The 1st AC coach also has a door making it languages of India are different from one known as jootis, jewellery in breathtaking fully closed and lockable for 2 or 4 persons. region to the next. It is as vast as it is designs. Likewise, leatherwork, silks and saris Beds are a tad wider and mattresses more crowded, and as opulent as it is squalid. in spectacularly colourful designs, paintings cushioned. Each cabin has a 'bell' switch, India is exciting, intense and diverse - an and clothing make excellent souvenirs. which when pressed summons the attendant all-embracing experience, a veritable assault on the senses. Sometimes the poverty will of the coach. In the tourism industry it’s common practice get you down, Indian bureaucracy can test for commission to be offered in exchange for 3rd AC COACH/ SLEEPER your patience and facing another traffic jam recommending particular shops or suppliers. We do not include 3rd AC coach travel will seem almost too much to bear. Yet, it’s This can become an issue when clients feel within any of our tours, though if you were all worthwhile! While India is far from the obliged to purchase goods. We do our best considering it for personal arrangements a easiest country in the world to travel around, to avoid this by monitoring all shopping description can be given as follows. 3rd AC On The Go will try their upmost to make experiences offered. coach is very similar to 2nd AC coach with the your holiday as seamless as possible. Our only difference being that there is a middle holidays combine comfortable transportation, All shopping experiences on your tour berth ie not just a 2 bunk bed but a triple bunk comprehensive sightseeing and good hotels, have been noted in the itinerary and they bed, hence making it possible for 6 people allowing you to concentrate on getting the been carefully selected based upon positive to be accommodated within the space. Like most out of your stay. feedback from On The Go travellers. You the 2nd AC coach there is also another set are under no obligation to partake in a India is a country of unparalleled contrasts, of bunk beds on the opposite side - running listed shopping experience and you are a destination where you’ll be afforded plenty parallel with the length of the train. Like 2nd most welcome to wait inside or outside the of unique encounters, and if you can travel AC, there’s no door just curtains and again you premises.

Golden Triangle & Goa

Although we only visit reputable retailers, please note that we cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of their products. All purchases made whilst on holiday with us are at your own discretion. Please make sure that you are completely happy with your purchase. On The Go cannot be held responsible for any items that you buy if they fail to meet expectation, or any shipping arrangements. Proceed with caution.