Mountains and Mystics make India incredible! On your 13 -days tour, wonder beauty of the Taj Mahal, get imbibed in spirituality at Golden Temple in the middle of sacred lake, and feel captivated with beauty of Snow-capped Himalayas. The journey of body, mind, and spirit traveling through foothills of Himalayas, doesn’t just include adventures like trekking, hiking, rafting etc. but it also makes you feel enlightened and enchanted by scenic beauty of Great Himalayas. From the pulsating heart of Delhi to the spiritual soul of Amritsar and to the serendipity of Himalayas - this is truly the Essence of Incredible India.
| Start | Delhi, India |
| Finish | Delhi, India |
| Theme | Explorer |
| Destinations | India |
| Physical rating |
 |
| Style |
Original |
| Ages |
Min 15 |
| Group size | Min 1 – Max 12 |
| Trip code |
HHSN |
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your Incredible India adventure begins. Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in northern part of the country. Arrive Delhi by International Flight. Meet your representative at airport and transfer to hotel. Check in and relax. Evening at leisure.
Start your day with Delhi sightseeing. Visit Jama Mosque which is one of the oldest
mosques in Delhi. Hop in Rikshaw and explore narrow lanes of one of the oldest
markets in India Chandi chowk, proceed to smell flavors in air of various Indian spices
and enjoy with Locals. Move on to Raj Ghat. Welcome Lunch @ local Ethnic Restaurant,
visit Gandhi Smriti, Parliament House, Secretariat buildings and much more. Evening at
leisure.
Drive to Agra (188 km/3.30 hrs.). Agra’s notable historical period began during Sikandar
Lodi's reign. Agra was capital of Mughal Empire under Mughal emperors Babur,
Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Transfer to hotel for check in and relax. Take
a guided tour along banks of Yamuna River to iconic Agra Fort and explore Old city of
Agra where to witness busy bazaar where locals do their shopping, visit worldwide
famous sweet shop established 100 years ago. Evening at leisure.
Start your day with Sunrise at Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in
memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. After breakfast, see live demonstration of inlay
work. Head over to learn local Indian recipes and lunch with local family. In evening
enjoy Taj Mahal Live Drama Show based on story behind construction of the love saga
‘Taj Mahal’ and experience traditional dance form from the North India.
Drive to Jaipur “Pink City” (188 km/3.30 hrs.) enroute visit abundant city of Fatehpur
Sikri once capital of Mughal during rule of Akbar the great. Head over to lunch at
heritage hotel. Continuing journey to Jaipur, visit Chand Baori, approximately 30 mtr
into ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. Arrive in
Jaipur, check in and relax.
Visit Amber Fort- Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, fort is example of Rajput
architecture and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its beautiful buildings. Popular
attraction at foot of the hill is elephant ride that takes tourists up to Amber Fort, while
returning from fort enjoy Jeep Ride. After lunch head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace
and explore extravagant rooms and apartments. Enjoy black and white photograph
taken by 150-year-old Camera while exploring local bazaar. Pass by Hawa Mahal and
walking tour of local Bazaar full of jewellery, textiles and folk arts. Evening at leisure.
Transfer to Jaipur Airport to board flight to Amritsar, City of Golden Temple (Harmandir
Saheb), holiest Sikhism Shrine. Arrive at Amritsar. Chauffeur will drive you to hotel.
Check in and relax. Take a guided walking Tour through rambling streets and bazaars of
Old City and attend Night Palki ceremony at Golden Temple which sits in middle of
sacred lake.
Explore Golden Temple, Listen to soothing sounds of devotional verse from Sikh holy book – Guru Granth Sahib. Pay visit to Jallianwala Bagh where tragic massacre happened in 1919, important event in India`s independence. Visit Partition Museum. Move ahead to Wagha Border, (India- Pakistan Border) and witness retreat ceremony- a military flag practice of India and Pakistan since 1959. Evening at leisure.
Transfer to Amritsar Airport to board flight to Srinagar, city known for majestic Himalayas and picturesque Dal Lake. Arrive at Srinagar. Chauffeur will drive you to Houseboat in Srinagar. Evening at Leisure.
Enjoy Shikara (traditional wooden boat) ride at Dal Lake, lake with floating gardens and houseboats. Visit to Mughal Gardens such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal. Take Gondola ride and explore through Trekking to Alpather Lake, stunning high altitude lake (4130 meters above sea level). Evening at Leisure.
Visit Sonamarg, “Meadow of Gold” known for its breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountains. Enjoy horse riding and hiking to explore surrounding countryside. Evening at Leisure.
Visit Pahalgam, hill station known for scenery of snow- capped mountains, lush green meadows and River Lidder flowing through. Explore Avantipur ruins, (9th century AD) during reign of King Avantivarman of Utpala dynasty. Enjoy view of Saffron fields and white-water rafting at Lidder river. Evening at Leisure. Tonight, grab a drink and cheers to a wonderful trip travelled.
Transfer to Srinagar Airport to board flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi. Chauffer will drive
you to hotel for wash and change, also enjoy your farewell dinner. If you’d like to
extend your stay, please connect ahead of time. Further drop at IGI Airport to Board
Flight to onward destination.
Hotel (08 nights), Houseboat (04 nights)
Full time English Speaking Chauffer Driven private transport with fuel from Arrival to Departure in SUV/ Van for comfortable transfers and drives.
Airlines
Ans: Indian and subcontinent are now open for international travel.
Ans: New bookings made for travel through December 31, 2022, fall under our Booking policy, which allows you to change or cancel your reservation up to 30 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-related reason (some exceptions apply).
Ans: For information on India Compass health and safety protocols, consult Safeguarding Your Health on Your India Compass Journey. Prior to travel, all guests are required to sign an online India Compass Health & Safety Acknowledgement attesting to their physical wellbeing prior to travel and willingness to comply with all health and safety protocols.
Ans: India Compass requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all Journeys, for departures beginning September 1, 2022.
Ans: India Compass accepts all approved vaccines per the World Health Organization covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who. Guests must also comply with country vaccination requirements for entry.
Ans: Yes, all guests, including children, must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all journeys.
Ans: All guests will be required to show proof of full vaccination at the Welcome Briefing. Guests are advised to carry both an original vaccination certificate and a picture on their phone. Digital passports are accepted for guests who were vaccinated outside of the U.S.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should
have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
If you require assistance obtaining a visa, contact our Cal India Tours Team.
India and subcontinent requires valid tourist visa to enter in country; see Essential
Information for details as it pertains to your journey.
Below are links of Consulates of India in U.S you can reach there directly for more information:
https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/
https://cgihouston.gov.in/
https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/
https://indiainatlanta.gov.in/
Be sure to register with your nearest embassy or consulate for the destinations included in your
journey. U.S. citizens can register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(step.state.gov/step). Canadian citizens can enroll in Registration of Canadians Abroad at
travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health
Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your
destination. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before
departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
Be sure to pack your original COVID-19 and other vaccination certificates and required health
documentation in your personal carry-on baggage in case you are asked to show them on arrival.
Cal India Tours recommends travelling with some currency and at least three different major credit cards, such as
Visa, Mastercard and Amex, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank
and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as
confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations.
many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at
authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may
be required for exit.
While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service
before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan
options while travelling abroad.
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout
your journey, although Internet access may be poor to non-existent in remote destinations. Note
there are restrictions on access to social media sites or what content you can view or send online.
Many websites and smartphone apps allow you to check the forecast and time zones for specific
destinations. We recommend weather.com and timeanddate.com/world clock. Upon arrival, the
time on most smartphones will automatically adjust to the local time.
Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your
carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild
upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
Take care to observe safe health practices when travelling: Wash or sanitize your hands often.
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If
you begin to feel unwell at any point in your journey, please inform your guide.
Be sure to bring your own face masks and any other PPE you require during travel; a supply of
masks will be on hand where needed. We also recommend travel-sized hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.
Guests must wear a mask in accordance with local regulations and service provider
requirements. All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and
conditions.
Plan on packing light — many Cal India Tours journeys include domestic flights that impose much stricter
weight restrictions than your international carrier. Consult the Packing List and Baggage
Restriction’s specifics provided in Essential Information. Be sure to also confirm baggage
limitations with your international carrier before packing.
The typical attire on Cal India Tours journeys is relaxed and informal during the day. Choose comfortable,
versatile clothing that can be layered to account for changes in the weather throughout the day.
Smart casual is appropriate for evenings. Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to
recharge your electronics at your hotel or aboard ship.
will provide you luggage tags at the time of arrival. Please use these tags, even if your
bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for Cal India Tours staff to find and manage your luggage
for you.
Be sure to reconfirm your international flights 24 hours prior to your departure. Tickets for any
internal flights, if included on your itinerary, will be issued by Cal India Tours representatives at your
destination and presented to you as needed.
We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as Cal India Tours cannot be
responsible. Use safes where available to secure your valuables, especially passports, money,
jewelry, electronics and medications. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you
have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your
luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.
Your Cal India Tours local representative meets you at the airport when you arrive .See your itinerary for additional arrival
instructions.
If you are interested in shopping, your Cal India Tours guide may recommend local shops; however, Cal India Tours is
not responsible for the quality or value of merchandise. Any purchases and shipping are at your
sole discretion.
Be sure to review your credit card receipts before signing, paying special attention to currency
conversion. We recommend taking items with you in lieu of shipping them whenever possible.
Keep receipts and items together.
Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, including small children. Note
photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask
your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.
Tipping on Cal India Tours journeys varies depending on where and how you travel. Consult the Tipping
Guidelines provided for your journey in Essential Information.
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars).
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