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Highlights of Northern India

India - Trip code DIH Discovery
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737Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Journey beyond the Golden Triangle on this in-depth tour of Northern India. Search for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore, take a trip down the Chambal River to spot Gharial crocodile and witness the spiritual ceremonies of Varanasi. From the bustle of Delhi to the majesty of the Taj Mahal and the palaces of Jaipur, this trip ticks off all the must-sees and more.

Why we love this trip
  • Why we love this trip
  • The Golden Triangle - Explore Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, North India's historical hub, and home to the icons.
  • Temples and palaces - Journey down the River Chambal and uncover the 40 Hindu temples that line its banks.
  • Spot rare wildlife - Search for tigers and more on safari in the sprawling Ranthambore National Park.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 14

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

    Naturalist(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

    Boat

    Rickshaw

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

    6 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

    2 nights simple hotel

    2 nights comfortable lodge

    2 nights simple overnight train

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join tour in Delhi and city tour of New Delhi

Our tour starts in New Delhi, India's bustling capital, where old meets new and you can catch glimpses of a bygone era at every turn.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 1.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by an afternoon city tour. We'll visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and Humayun's Tomb dating from the Mughal Dynasty. We also drive past the imposing India Gate (war memorial arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is around a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

If you'd like to join the city tour, you need to arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and 45 minutes to transfer to the hotel. The latest your flight should arrive is 12pm. If you miss the welcome meeting, the tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walking tour of Old Delhi before travelling to Jaipur

Compared to New Delhi, the Old City is closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. This morning, we'll travel to Old Delhi by metro and walk around the narrow, packed lanes, culminating with a jamboree of sounds at Chandni Chowk Bazaar. A short cycle rickshaw ride will then take us to the Jama Masjid Mosque, a sublime example of Mughal architecture built by emperor Shah Jahan and an oasis in the midst of the city. While in Old Delhi we'll get to try some of the capital's street food treats straight from the stall sellers including aloo chaat (fried potato and spice mix) or paneer tikka (cottage cheese marinated in spices) along with freshly cooked breads like parathas and rotis.

In the early afternoon, we'll drive to Jaipur - this will take around six hours, including comfort breaks.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Jaipur - Amber Fort, City Palace, and Palace of the Winds

The capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur was India's first planned city. Here, the usual Indian urban chaos is replaced by wide streets and formal gardens.

This morning we'll visit the once mighty Rajput capital of Amber (traditionally known as Amer) and its fortress. Lying at the mouth of a rocky mountain gorge, overlooking Maotha Lake, the fort is crafted from white marble and red sandstone and contains a mix of Hindu and Muslim decoration, including the breathtaking mirrored halls of the Sheesh Mahal. It was from these towering walls that the Kachchawahas ruled over their kingdom for seven centuries until its importance was eclipsed by nearby Jaipur.

We'll also take in the unique Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, whose extraordinary façade of red and pink sandstone towers five stories above the city streets. Built at the end of the 18th century, its 935 windows were designed to allow the women of the harem to gaze out on the city below without being seen.

We'll spend some time exploring the lavish and well-preserved City Palace, where we'll find a collection of textiles, costumes, and armoury. Later this afternoon, we'll visit the extraordinary Jantar Mantar - a star-gazing observatory built by Jai Singh, the great Maharajah-astronomer.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Free morning in Jaipur and travel to Pushkar

There's free time this morning to explore Jaipur at your own pace. You might want to visit one of the many bazaars, which are bursting with delights, from marble statues to antique textiles; traditional print blocks to local musical instruments.

In the early afternoon, we'll drive to Pushkar, known for its camel trading fair which happens each year in November. The town is also an attraction for many Hindus as its lake is believed to be the site where a lotus thrown by the creator god of Hinduism Brahma landed. On arrival, we'll take a short orientation tour around Pushkar Lake and its waterside ghats (the steps leading to a river or lake).

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Camel ride and the Pushkar camel fair

Taking to camelback this morning we'll trek through the marketplace and up to the camel fairgrounds. Travelling by camel gives us a taste of the remote life of the tribesmen and their families and gives us a new perspective to appreciate our surroundings. Some people find that they prefer to combine riding with periods of walking, so make sure you have appropriate footwear. If you don't want to take part in the camel safari, our guide can arrange a walking tour of Pushkar.

We spend the rest of the day visiting the famous Pushkar camel fair. There is plenty to see from the highly decorated camels to traders bartering for livestock. There are food stalls, handicrafts, and musicians throughout the festival ground and plenty of chances to chat with locals who have travelled to enjoy the celebrations.

As the day draws to an end, we'll hike up into the nearby hills to visit the Savitri temple for sunset. Dedicated to Brahma's first wife, the temple lies at the end of a long series of steps that run behind the Brahma Temple and the lofty vantage point is perfect to watch the sun setting over the city.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park

We'll have an early start this morning, setting off on a five-hour drive back to Ranthambore. On arrival, we'll check into our accommodation before setting off for an afternoon game drive, where we might be able to spot tigers in the wild.

Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, although it was still used as a hunting reserve until the early 1970s. It became part of the Project Tiger scheme in 1974 and, today is home to over 40 of the remarkable beasts.

Aside from its more famous residents, the park is also home to sloth bear, langur, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, pythons and Ganga soft-shelled turtles. There's also the chance to spot a myriad of bird species, including crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfishers. Aside from its rich wildlife, the park's beauty is also noteworthy. Once part of the jungles of Central India, it comprises of rivers, lakes and forests that nestle among a surrounding girdle of steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Safari to spot tigers before visit to Fatehpur Sikri en route to Agra

This morning, an early start affords us more chances to spot tigers on our second game drive in Ranthambore. The tigers are usually most active early in the morning, before the heat of the day forces them to take shelter.

After our safari we drive towards Agra and stop to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Founded in 1569 and, for a brief time the capital of the Mughals under Akbar the Great, the city was deserted just 16 years later following the political unrest. Today it remains a ghostly testament to the power of 16th century Mughal India and is a perfectly preserved example of an imperial court. Amongst the many treasures left in the city are the five storey Panch Mahal, believed to have been a pleasure pavilion for the ladies of the harem, and the stunning lotus shaped carved central pillar of the Diwan-i- Khas (Hall of Private Audience). The city also features a central courtyard that contains a pachisi board, where the emperor played an Indian equivalent of chess, using real slave girls as pieces.

Later we continue our drive towards Agra.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal and visit Agra Fort and Baby Taj

An early start this morning as we visit one of the most universally recognised buildings on earth. The Taj Mahal was built by the emperor Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, and was once described by Rudyard Kipling as '…the embodiment of all things pure'. Built of marble and decorated with the most exquisite inlay work, it required the labours of 20,000 men and is estimated to have cost something in the region of 3 million rupees (at today's prices around $70 million) We visit at sunrise to watch the colours of the building changing as the sun slowly rises in the sky.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast we make our way to the imposing Agra Fort, whose grandeur and importance has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built by Emperor Akbar and then embellished by his grandson, Shah Jahan, this was once a great city, with palaces, mosques and halls all lying behind the protective embrace of 20m high walls. We will also visit is the exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah on the east bank of the river, a 17th century tomb built for the Emperor Jehangir's chief minister, also known as the Baby Taj.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Drive to Chambal Sanctuary for afternoon nature walk

Leaving Agra, this morning we'll take a two-hour drive to Mela Kothi-Chambal Safari Lodge, an eco-lodge that lies amongst acres of sprawling plantation and farmland, right in the heart of the Chambal Valley. The lodge accommodation is simple but has everything needed to enjoy the surroundings - including a library filled with books about the animals we hope to spot over the next few days.

After settling into our rooms, we'll head out on a nature walk. Starting off in the grounds of the lodge, we'll keep our eyes peeled for hornbills, babblers and barbets and as the sun goes down we'll be on the lookout for fruit bats and several species of owls.

The Chambal Sanctuary is rich with wildlife but has limited accommodation. Note that during the busiest part of the year, during the Bateshwar Festival (late October to early November), the lodge supplements its rooms with tented accommodation. The tents are homely with full-sized beds and en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 - Search for soft shell turtles and explore the temples at Bateshwar

Continuing our exploration into nature, this morning, we'll take to the River Chambal in motorboats. We'll be led by boatmen who are skilled at spotting soft=shell turtles, gharials and sarus cranes from a distance.

Once we're back on dry land, we'll drive to Bateshwar, a collection of 40 Hindu temples set on the banks of the River Chambal. Originally more than 170 temples lined the riverbanks, but many have crumbled over the years. We'll spend some time wandering through the temples and the small market. Afterwards, we'll transfer back to our lodge for the evening.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 - Free time in Chambal and overnight train to Varanasi

Today we'll have a well-earned rest with free time to enjoy the peaceful area around the lodge. If you're not finished with wildlife, there's the option to take another river excursion, too.

In the early afternoon, we'll drive to Agra where we'll board an overnight train to Varanasi. Sleeper trains are a rite of passage on any journey through India and are a great way to meet locals as we travel. Please note, we try our best to book second class carriages and keep the group together, however due to demand and the train booking system, our group might be split, with some passengers in third class. If this happen, our tour leader will make sure everyone finds their seat and is comfortable.

Second class sleeper carriages have four bed per compartment, separated by curtains. They're air conditioned and bedding is provided, however, you might want to bring a sleeping bag liner for added comfort.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Overnight Train

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Walking tour of Varanasi and evening watching a ceremony on the river

Arriving in the early morning, we'll take a short transfer to our hotel.

Varanasi (Benares) has been the centre of Hinduism since the dawn of history; its age is contemporary with Babylon and Thebes. Often known as 'Kashi' (City of Light) by Hindus it attracts over a million pilgrims each year - many of whom come to spend their last years here in the holy city. After breakfast and a freshen up, we'll take an orientation walk around the winding streets of the city. Then, in the evening, we'll make our way to the ghats to witness the evening aarti ceremony when the River Ganges is venerated with a display of light and sound.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Visit Buddhist temples at Sarnath and journey to Delhi

After breakfast, we'll visit nearby Sarnath. Having gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. The city was at its peak in the 5th century, when it was a respected centre of religious activity, learning and art. Muslim invaders destroyed much of the city and today the remains of several monasteries and stupas can be seen. There'll be free time later on to explore the labyrinth of streets, bazaars and temples that line the banks of the river. Then, in the early evening, we'll take an overnight sleeper train back to Delhi

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Overnight Train

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Free time in Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, we'll head to our hotel to freshen up. The day is then free to explore the capital at your own pace.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 15 - Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

India

Climate

There is considerable variation between the different regions of 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- September. During these months it can be very wet and therefore very humid. At altitude, temperatures can become quite cool at night even in the summer and may drop below freezing between December and February so warm clothing is necessary. In the winter, northern and mid India can be very cool, with cold evenings, so warm clothing, including plenty of layers, are essential. The south of India remains warm and sunny during the winter months.

Time difference to GMT

+5

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Catholicism, Hindu, Islam and Sikhism

Language

Hindi and English.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


On your free morning in Chambal you can choose from the following:
Jeep Safari to Sarus Crane Wetlands - 2,900 Rs per person
Jeep Safari to spot Blackbuck - 2,900 Rs per person
Etawah and Quila Pratap village tour - 2,900 Rs per person

Clothing

From March through to November the weather will be warm and lightweight clothing is recommended. Conditions in December through to February will be cooler, and will require warm clothing mainly for early morning and evenings although please note that midwinter does see occasionally very cold spells and hotels rarely have heating arrangements compatable with UK standards so a thick fleece is necessary. Local people may be offended by western styles of dress. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and women.Neutral coloured clothing is best for the game drives in Ranthambore.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage - so don't overload yourself. There are porters available for a small cost at train stations if you wish to use them.

Equipment

A torch is useful in case of powercuts/ emergencies. Binoculars are needed for game/ bird watching in Ranthambore and Chambal. We advise taking a water bottle for day to day use.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
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, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow GBP40, approx. 3'400 Indian Rupees for group tipping.
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
 

India

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£3
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Indian Rupee Recently new 500 and 2000 rupee notes have been bought in to circulation and as the old notes are no longer accepted there have been some cash flow issues. You don't need to worry about being given old notes as it's very easy to tell the difference, the new notes are pristine in comparison with most Indian money which is fairly tatty.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
Where To Exchange
The Indian rupee is a restricted currency and it is best not to obtain in the UK as rates are very poor. You can either change money at the airport on arrival or in major towns during the tour. Your Tour Leader will advise you on the best places in each town. Both GBP and USD cash are easy to exchange at the airport and at hotels however you will be restricted to changing £60 cash at a time and it's not possible to change money at these locations using a credit or debit card.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in most large cities in India but they are very limited elsewhere so please do not rely on this.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Rickshaw, Train

Accommodation notes

Accommodation in India is as varied as the country itself and standards might not always meet those back home.
Service can be slow, especially when travelling with a group and a number of hotels in India don't serve alcohol due to complicated licencing laws or for religious reasons. Hot water is not always available at small properties and with a group staying, you might find the water is cooler if you're showering last. Hotels also don't usually have heating, so it can become chilly in the winter months, however, blankets will always be provided.
Due to the growth in tourism in India, it's not always possible to stay at our listed accommodation and an alternative will be found.
In Delhi, we'll stay in a small hotel, chosen for its location in the Karol Bagh area. It's walking distance from markets and restaurants and within easy reach of Old and New Delhi. All rooms have air conditioning and en-suite facilities. Due to the nature of the low-rise buildings in the area, some rooms are internal. If you have an issue with your room, please speak to your tour leader.20

India

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

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. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


India: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport.

The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below -

You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India.

Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process.
There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows:

30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10
30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25
1-year validity - $40
5-year validity- $80

Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year.

Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India.

If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html

Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Included activities

Tiger Safari permit requirements

Ranthambore National Park is closely managed by the Indian Authorities. The number of vehicles permitted to enter the park at any one time is restricted and all game drives must now be booked and paid for well in advance. We recommend you book as early as possible in order to have the best chance of securing a space on a game drive.

In order to secure a booking we must provide your passport copy and full payment for the safari at the time of booking.
Once a game drive has been booked no changes are permitted and the payment is non-refundable. In order to proceed with bookings we require the following: A scanned copy of your passport - you must carry your passport during the game drive and if you renew your passport before travelling then you will need to take both passports with you.

We book all of our game drives in shared jeeps, with a maximum of 6 passengers per jeep with a driver and naturalist guide. On occasion we will be sharing jeeps with non-Explore passengers.
We will purchase seats for all passengers as soon as permits become available, usually 4 months prior, after this point it is not always possible to secure additional spaces.

We cannot guarantee the operation of any game drives until the necessary permits have been purchased. We aim to purchase the permits as soon as they are put on sale, whilst this is usually at 120 days before the date of the game drive on going changes to the booking system means that we cannot guarantee this.

India

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. 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 Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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