Best time to visit India : October through March is the best season to visit India. There is little or no rain in North India during this season. Average high temperatures in North India are in the 80s F/ C and the lower range is between 50F/C to 70F/C. However, in December & January the temperatures could drop to 35F/5C during night time. A sweater or a wind breaker is recommended. South India being tropical is warm to pleasant during this season with rains in some parts.
Is this your first visit to India ? If you are a first timer to India, we recommend a North India 14 – 18 days tour. Anything less may be ‘too far to go for too little’. Second timers should probably do South India or you might want to do Sikkim/Bhutan/Nepal or Myanmar. Our 21 Days ‘Passage to India’ tour covers the highlights of North and South. Sometimes visitors choose a 14-16 days North India Tour and add an extension either to Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet or South India. If time permits, you could pursue special interests like Wildlife, Yoga & Ayurveda therapy, Cultural Fairs, Trekking, etc. during most of the itineraries.
Travel Insurance : Generally, a comprehensive travel insurance plan covers trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, baggage claims, medical and emergency medical evacuation. Coverage costs about 6 – 7 % of the total tour price. Whether on a group tour or a private tour, considering the heavy cancellation penalties, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance.
Private Journeys :
Individual travel is affordable in India. Tours can be planned to fit your interests, travel dates and budget with exclusive use of your own private vehicle throughout when you are not joining other people. Just let us know how many people in your party, your interests, when you want to go, how many days, category of hotels you would like to stay. In a short spell we will advise you a Suggested Itinerary. All logistics are arranged in advance as per the agreed Itinerary. At each airport you are greeted and hosted by our local representatives/guides. Transfers and tour services are by private chauffeur-driven cars/vans/coaches with local guides and the hotels, domestic flights, train travel are booked in advance for a flawless tour.
Can I Share A Room/Single Room Supplements?
Yes you can, if Twin Rooms are available. Please indicate on the application form and we will try to accommodate you with another tour member, provided the two of you mutually agree. If a room share cannot be found, we will offer you a choice of paying single supplement. Sometimes, in a situation where passengers choose a double room with an extra bed (Triple Room), like in case of a family traveling together, it is important to know that only few hotels allow this facility. Most Premier Luxury Palace Hotels as a policy do not allow triple sharing rooms and their tariff for Single/Double rooms are almost same.
Our Tour Escorts/Guides:
An important segment in your travel arrangement is private sightseeing with a local guide or an accompanied tour escort. They are trained and licensed by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the place and most importantly they provide due care to every customer. Our Tour Escorts & Guides are friendly and knowledgeable. They are among the best in the industry and have worked in this field for many years. They are enthusiastic professionals selected not only for their knowledge of the destination but also for their experience in the travel business. Do not hesitate to discuss your special interests or hobbies with us enabling us to plan any activities to your ultimate benefit & pleasure.
Choices of Hotels:
Choice of hotels in India is growing every year as more and more hotels and other tourist infrastructure is added. You can ‘Pick or Mix’ two categories of hotels : from Premiere-Luxury or First Class 5* Deluxe to good 4* Superior Or very tastefully done Heritage Hotels. You can also choose hotel room upgrades with Suites on your travel. It is a standard policy of most hotels that rooms may not be available for Check-in before 2 pm. Check-out time is generally at 12 noon. Some hotels do not allow Triple sharing rooms as a policy.
What Kind of Food to Expect:
Full American breakfast is included daily with juices, fruits, breads, eggs and local items and is sumptuous and filling. You may dine early with the group or on your own on Escorted tours. Also on tours that are escorted we arrange lunches and dinners that are Buffets or a choice of three-course western or Indian style meal. In addition to this, on escorted tours depending on the dynamics of the group tour or occasion, we include Gala welcome or get-acquainted and farewell dinners. Meals that are included are indicated on the itineraries by symbols : Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) & Dinner (D).
Internal Flights & Train travel:
Internal Flights are usually on Economy/Coach-Class. However, upgrade to Business Class is possible on request and subject to availability. Air-conditioned/first class train tickets are arranged when a journey includes train travel.
Gratuities:
Gratuities/Tips are not part of the included feature on the tour. However, on our escorted group tours in special cases gratuities are included for included features such as meals, baggage handling, local guides and drivers. Only for the tour escort it is left at the traveler’s discretion towards the end of trip. Gratuities are not included on Private Guided tours. Of-course, we can help/suggest you with industry standards on tipping guidelines.