Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Your tour itinerary
During this tour we will be spending long periods of time in a vehicle while on safari where the roads and tracks are likely to be uneven and bumpy; and whilst tiger sightings are highly likely, it must be accepted that wildlife does not appear to order and no guarantee of sightings can be given.
In December 2006 changes were introduced to the rules governing cantor (game viewing truck) bookings in Ranthambore NP in an effort to control the number of vehicles entering the park. As a result we are no longer able to guarantee the exclusive use of a cantor for Explore passengers and the seating arrangements within them.
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Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Tour Itinerary
Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Excursion Prices
Ranthambore
There are various options for additional game drives and final prices do depend on the numbers participating. Please note that the number of vehicles permitted in the park is limited therefore it may not be possible to use all of the options below.
Private Jeep Safari - 1-6 people, £110.
Shared Jeep Safari - £22 per person
Shared Cantor safari - £14 per person
Private Cantor Safari - 1-20 people, £277.
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Tipping
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Local Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £10.00 for tipping. Your tour leader will account to you for any organised tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Indian Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP or US$.
Where to Exchange: In Delhi.
ATM Availability:ATM’s are available in Delhi.
Credit Card Acceptance: Yes, in large shops and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in Delhi and Ranthambore. Camera & Video Fees: At some sites there is an additional camera charge. Video filming fees up to £5.00 per site may be payable.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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Local Costs
| |
UK |
India |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Single entry visas are required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN citizens – other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Indian Visa: It is no longer possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Indian Embassy. You must either apply for a visa through your travel agent or through the Explore Visa Service. Alternatively, you can go through to VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk (the company who the Embassy has outsourced its visa service to) online, by post or at the centre after prior appointment. If you are applying through visa swift then please do not pay for your visa through the on line Indian application, please send your payment into Visa swift so that they can submit the payment to the Visa Centre when they take your passport.
You must hold a valid passport to enter India. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
There is considerable variation between regions in India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon which lasts from June to Sept. Temperatures can become quite cool in the early mornings and at night particularly from December to February.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
In general only lightweight clothing is needed for daytime, but bring a warm sweater for early morning game drives and during winter evenings November to mid March, (esp. December and January) when a windproof jacket, several warm layers, gloves and hat are also recommended. Avoid bright colours for game viewing. Local people may be offended by western styles of dress. Brief shorts tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and woman.
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Footwear
Comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals.
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Equipment
Bring good binoculars, a water bottle, mosquito spray and a small torch (for use at the lodges).
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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