Born to Explore
India: Good Karma
Explorer Richard Wiese travels to the mystical land of India to explore its ancient yet vibrant traditions. His mission—to perform a “sewa” or good deed at the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi, a Sikh temple known for feeding thousands. At the world-renowned Kalakshetra Foundation, he experiences the magic of Indian music and dance and discovers why they’re considered holy arts. Meet an artist who paints holy elephants and find out why Indian pottery is an age-old craft.
Seasons
The best time to go to India is in the Dry Season, November-March.
High season is November-March and the shoulder season is
September-October and April.
Accommodation
The accommodation across India will be in hotels. Given the
difference between US and Indian standards, we are starting
with 5* Indian hotels, equivalent to a 4 star hotel in the US.
Food
Indian food varies by region, but is full of local flavors and reflects the cultural diversity of the land. Note:travelers with certain allergies including dairy and spices may not enjoy this trip. Please be aware that it is common for foreigners to experience some stomach discomfort/sickness on their first trip to India.
Activities
India Activity Level = Easy
Please note that some travelers may find the heat and extreme humidity
a challenge.
Family Trips
This trip can be adapted for families and groups very well. Please note that children should have the approval of their doctor's approval in advance of planning
as there may be significant
vaccines required.
INDIA CLASSICAL ADVENTURE
Golden Triangle and Udaipur
9 Days / 8 Nights
Pricing Starting at
$3,700 PER PERSON*
Day 1
Arrive in New Delhi at Indira Gandhi International airport and meet your VIP representative on the aerobridge. You will clear customs and collect your baggage before being transferred to your hotel to settle in.
Includes Accommodation
Day 2
After breakfast, you will meet your guide for a 4-hour morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys and lanes in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest trading markets of the country. You will then finish the day with a surprise experience and dinner in Old Delhi.
Accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Today, you will engage in an optional philanthropic experience--a "sewa"(helping). You will visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a live Sikh temple still in active worship. Developed in opposition to the caste ridden and ritualistic forms of Hinduism, Sikhism is a religion built foundation of “sewa” – socially responsibility irrespective of a person’s community standing. Thus, every Sikh Temple has the famous community kitchen, where it is considered a privilege to assist cooking the food and serving a simple meal to pilgrims, the economically challenged or a visitor.
Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 4
After breakfast, you will be driven to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, you will visit the Agra Fort, built in red sandstone, including magnificent palaces, halls and gardens. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a private guided “Mughal Heritage Walk” and sunset Taj Mahal viewing.
Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 5
In the early morning, you will visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise ahead of the tourists and tour inside. After breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur, land of the Majarajas (Royals of Rajasthan). Known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is an exuberance of color, dance and traditional arts and crafts.
Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
After breakfast, you will be taken on a Jaipur city rickshaw ride and visit the Amber Fort, built in the 16th Century. You will then continue your tour with the Anokhi Museum to interact with local craftsmen and learn how to print your own "block print" on a cloth from the masters. In the afternoon, you will visit the City Palace Observatory and Hawa Mahal. In the evening, you will enjoy the city and have dinner and drinks on your own.
Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 7
After breakfast, you will be in Jaipur at leisure. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for a one-hour flight to Udaipur.
Udaipur, called the 'City of Lakes' and 'Venice of the East' is an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan and dates back to 1567AD. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the centuries.
Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 8
After breakfast, you will proceed on a half day city tour starting with the City Palace, on the banks of Lake Pichola and continue to Saheliyon-ki-Bari [Garden of the maids of honor], a small ornamental garden which was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, followed by a private cooking class for dinner.
Accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
You will have a free morning to relax and explore Udaipur on your own before an afternoon flight back to Delhi and connecting home.
Accommodation, Breakfast,
INCLUSIONS: Accommodation / Daily Breakfast / Optional Sewa at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib / Airport transfers / Entrance fees
to all monuments, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, taxes / English-speaking guides for all of the sightseeing tours and
excursions / All currently applicable taxes
EXCLUSIONS: International Air / Domestic Flights / Insurance / Visas (if required) / Gratuities / Lunch, Dinner, and Alcohol / Personal
Expenses
EXTENSION
TIGER SAFARI IN RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
3 Days / 2 Nights
Pricing Starting At
$1,900 Per Person*
After a 6-hour drive to Ranthambore National Park, a wildlife reserve known for its resident population of tigers, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in safari Jeeps and visit the Dastkar Ranthamboare Project which focuses on crafts for local people.
Inclusions: Accommodation, Meals depending upon hotel selected, Airport transfers, 2x Jeep Safaris, Park Guide during Safaris, All currently applicable taxes.
Exclusions: International Air, Personal expenses, Insurance, Meals depending upon hotel selected
EXTENSION
SUNNY BEACHES
OF GOA
4 Days / 3 Nights
Pricing Starting At
$1,350 Per Person*
You will connect from Udaipur via Mumbai to Goa where you will be transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay. You may relax on the beach, pamper yourself in the spa or opt for a city tour of Goa.
Inclusions: Accommodation, Daily breakfast buffet, Airport transfers, International and Domestic Air, All applicable taxes
Exclusions: International Air, Personal expenses, Lunch, Dinner and Alcohol, Activities and excursions
EXTENSION
YOGA RETREAT IN THE HIMALAYAS
4 Days / 3 Nights
Pricing Starting At
$2,250 Per Person*
You will fly from Udaipur to Dehradun via Delhi and then embark on a short drive to Rishikesh/Dehradun to begin your 3-night yoga retreat at the Himalayan foothills. You will engage in a mix of daily yoga and meditation classes as well as visiting significant sites in the area including the Holy River Ganges and ashrams of Rishikesh.
Inclusions: Accommodation, Daily breakfast buffet, Airport transfers, Yoga classes, Entrances at the monuments, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes, All applicable taxes.
Exclusions: International Air, Domestic Flights, Personal expenses, Lunch, Dinner and Alcohol
EXTENSION
VARANASI FOODIES DELIGHT
3 Days / 2 Nights
Pricing Starting At
$1,000 Per Person*
You will fly from Udaipur to Varanasi via Delhi to begin your foodie adventure. You will enjoy Thali style meals (6 different flavors of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy on one plate), a walking tour of the old city to enjoy local delicacies being cooked in roadside cafes and street carts laden with "neem" sticks (local toothbrushes). The cultural portion of this trip will include a morning boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the pilgrims and in the evening watch as the priests prepare the evening "aarti" ceremony.
Inclusions: Accommodation, Daily buffet breakfast, Airport transfers, Entrances at the monuments, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes, All applicable taxes.
Exclusions: International Air, Domestic Flights, Personal expenses, Lunch, Dinner and Alcohol
*The "starting at" pricing is a per person estimate of the land arrangements only based on double occupancy. Please note that
international flights and insurance are always excluded and booked separately.
Exact pricing will be possible following a tailored quote that will include exact dates, number of travelers and specific itinerary. In general, pricing is subject to availability, currency exchange rate fluctuations and hotels may change their pricing at any time.
Groups of 4+ travelers may have better pricing and may or may not include credit card fees as noted.
The total cost of the core trip and the extensions will be quoted in USD.
Payment by credit card will be an additional fee. Payment by wire transfer will only incur bank fees.
For international air and domestic/regional flights, please contact us for current pricing.
Insurance quotes are available for American and Canadian travelers.
Trips to be planned in partnership with Periplus Travel.
Photo credits above to Born to Explore, Periplus Travel, St. Regis and the Taj.
