INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS...INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour Days 5-6...

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour

Welcome to the India of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Join us and experience some of the India and

sights portrayed in the two very successful films. Ride auto & cycle rickshaws through Jaipur, visit Madge’s

exclusive ‘Viceroy’s Club’ and see where Sonny woos Sunaina at the Stepwell. Have a gin & tonic on the

terrace overlooking the lake in Udaipur and you’ll even get to stay at the Marigold Hotel itself.

In addition there are amazing Moghul sights in Delhi, the truly incredible Taj Mahal in Agra, and the

wonders of Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’. Included in this tour are the must do’s and we have allowed

plenty of free time for another of the wonders of India - Shopping.

Dossier Validity: 2020 - 2021

Highlights

• be part of the organized chaos and excitement of India’s capital city Delhi

• be left breathless by the unsurpassed Taj Mahal

• visit the film sets of the movie in Jaipur & Udaipur

• stay in the actual Marigold Hotel and the Viceroy Club

• enjoy a sunset drink overlooking the beautiful lake city of Udaipur

• shop till you drop in the markets & bazaars of Rajasthan

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour

11 days / 10 nights

2/14

www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

Day 1 Delhi

Delhi is an exciting, busy and often chaotic city and one of the most

interesting. With a past that stretches far back into the mists of time, it is

rich with the splendour and vitality of an eternal city. Divided into an

ancient and a modern part, 1000 years of history greet the visitor at every step. Mosques, monuments and

forts from many different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars lie scattered across its

sprawling expanse. There is more to see and do than we can possibly fit in during our short time here. If you

arrive earlier than day 1, there is an opportunity to make more discoveries - the ruins of Qutb Minar and

Purana Qila, Akshardham Temple, Indira Gandhi Museum and Rajghat are all recommended.

We meet up at 12pm midday for a short tour briefing

before heading out for an afternoon of sightseeing New

Delhi.

We take a drive down Janpath, the ceremonial avenue

lined with impressive and imposing government

buildings to view the President’s residence, and we visit

Humayans Tomb, the spectacular mausoleum of the

2nd Moghul Emperor.

Hotel: The Visaya

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Day 2 Delhi

This morning we will head to Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, where we

explore the Spice market and enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride through the

narrow laneways and markets.

The afternoon is free to visit more of the remarkable sights of the eight

cities of Delhi, head to one of the many markets and shopping

precincts or perhaps enjoy a high-tea at the Imperial Hotel

Hotel: The Visaya

Itinerary


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Ph: +91 95490 02876

Day 3 Agra

Travel time: 4 hours

Agra, today a busy industrial town was once the glorious capital of the Moghul Dynasty. Abounding with Forts

& Palaces, Mosques and Mausoleums, the Moghuls built a truly splendid city worthy of the World Heritage

Status now conferred on several of the monuments in the city.

A morning drive on Day 2 gets us to Agra allowing us plenty of time to explore the incredible Moghal sights of

this city.

The icon of India, probably the most famous and beautiful

building in the world, the majestic Taj Mahal surpasses all

expectations and it truly is a wonder of the world, if not the

greatest ever testimony to love. There are opportunities to

visit it at different times of the day to see how its colour

changes with the light. We also visit Agra’s Red Fort, built by

Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and the Itimud-u-Dualah,

also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, the first Moghul building in Agra

made from Marble.

Hotel: The Retreat or similar

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Day 4 Kanota


After a dawn visit to the exquisite and ethereal Taj Mahal, we head west to Rajasthan via the ancient stepwell

at Abhaneri - one of the largest in India. We stop for the night at Castle Kanota, the setting for the Viceroys

Club in the movie.

Hotel: Castle Kanota

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Days 5-6 Jaipur

Travel time: 1 hour

Crowning the crest of a hill, the fort palace at Amber was the former

capital of the Jaipur state, before Maharajah Jai Singh II built the new

capital of Jaipur, founded in 1727. We visit the Palace at Amber before

exploring the new ‘Old City’ of Jaipur - a modern Indian market town

known as the ‘Pink City’.

Whilst in Jaipur, we walk the streets and markets of this

colourful and busy capital of Rajasthan, with its palaces

and temples, and its bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and

folk-based arts. We visit Jaipurs famous landmark building,

the Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of the Winds’ and the exquisite

Jal Mahal - water palace.

Jaipur was also the setting for both ‘Best Exotic Marigold

Hotel’ movies and we explore some of the movie’s film

sets, including the ‘Stepwell’ where Sonny wooed Sunaina,

and the Fort & ‘Chatris’ where Douglas tries his hand as a

tour guide.

Hotel: Diggi Palace or similar

Stepwell - Jaipur

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Days 7-8 Khempur


The Village of Khempur is a small cluster of typical rural dwellings and

shops, and shaded squares where the villagers sit around drinking chai

and discuss the affairs of the world or share the local gossip. Rawla

Khempur is the local chieftains ‘Castle’, these days a small Heritage

Hotel that is famous originally for its Marwari and Kathiawari Horses and

more recently as being the film set for ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

On the morning of Day 7, we drive to Khempur and have

two nights to relax and enjoy the ambience and peace

of this small Heritage Hotel and the surrounding village

and countryside.

You may like to take a horseride through the village and

countryside, a bullock cart ride to the local lake or just sit

and read a book in the garden. Khempur is a quiet

retreat away from the hustle and bustle of India.

Hotel: Ravla Khempur

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Stepwell - Jaipur

Days 9-10 Udaipur


Without question Udaipur lives up to its reputation as India’s most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble

palaces and lakes combine to give Udaipur a very special appeal. It’s a centre for artists, dancers and

musicians and the shopping is superb.

Whilst here in Udaipur, we visit the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, full of unbelievable

treasures and take a walk through the old city. We see a traditional Rajasthani dance show, and take an

afternoon cruise on beautiful Lake Pichola.

There’s plenty of free time in Udaipur. You might like to visit

an artist’s school and try your hand at creating a miniature

painting or perhaps take an Indian cooking class.

In the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the gang

travelled to Udaipur and we stay in the hotel who’s rooftop

was the setting for Evelyn’s (Judy Dench) Gin & Tonic

episode.

Hotel: Udaigarh

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


Day 11 Udaipur/Departure Day

There are no organized activities today. You may depart at any time.

Various Indian domestic airlines have direct flights daily to 4 international airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and

Jaipur. You can book your flight out of Udaipur for today to connect to an onward international flight. Or you

might like to add a night or two more in Udaipur, a city just made to relax and chill.

Itinerary

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


transport

Private minibus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw.

We will be taking private vehicles and will also use Auto

Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws for some sightseeing.

activities included

The following is a list of included activities on this trip. Other

activities are optional and will be at your own expense.

Humayans Tomb, Raj Path, Old Delhi, Spice markets, Cycle

Rickshaw ride (Delhi)

Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Baby Taj (Agra)

Amber Palace, City walk, Step Well, Jaigarh Fort,

Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal (Jaipur)

City Palace, Heritage Walk, Lake cruise (Udaipur)

meal inclusions

10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

meals

Traveling with Incredible Indian Tours we ensure that you will

experience a vast array of the gustatory treats available in

India. Some meals are not included in the trip price when

there is a choice of eating options. This allows you to choose

where, and what to eat. More often than not however we eat

together as a group. Your leader will offer suggestions for

favourite restaurants throughout the trip.

money exchange As at May 2019

AUD1 = 48 INR

CAD1 = 52 INR

EUR1 = 78 INR

GBP1 = 89 INR

NZD1 = 45 INR

USD1 = 70 INR

There are many ATM machines (which accept both Cirrus/

Maestro debit cards and Visa and MasterCard) throughout

India. This is a safe and convenient way to access money in

India, however we suggest that you bring a small amount of

group size minimum 4, maximum 10

days 11 days / 10 nights

starts in Delhi

finishes in Udaipur

price includes

Arrival and departure transfers

All accommodation as specified

All transportation between overnight stops and to and from

included sightseeing

Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Meals as specified

All gratuities for hotels, guides and drivers

price does not include

Visa costs

Meals other than those listed

Drinks, meal tips, laundry and other items of a personal

nature

International flights

accommodation

Hotels (10 nights),

We stay in 4 star or Heritage Hotels. Rooms are twin share

with private bathrooms with western style toilets.

single supplement

If you are a single traveller, you are not required to pay a

single supplement as we will match you up with other

travellers. If we are unable to match you up with another

traveller of the same sex, we will pay your single

supplement for you. Should you not wish to share

accommodation at all, but would like to guarantee your

own room throughout the tour a single supplement of from

USD430 will be payable.

general tour information

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


travel insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended whilst traveling to

India and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible

Indian Tours.

visas

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Most

nationalities can apply for an e-Visa. Validities available are

30 days, 1 year and 5 years. You can apply up to 30 days

before the date of travel for the 30 day e-Visa and 120 days

before the date of travel for the 1 and 5 year e-Visas. The visa

is issued online (you do not need to send your passport away)

and takes up to 3 days. The 30 day e-Visas are double entry

with validity commencing from the date of arrival. The 1 and

5 year e-Visas are multiple entry with validity running from the

date of issue with stays of maximum 90 days at a time

allowed with the exception of US, UK, Japanese and

Canadian passport holders who can stay for up to 180 days

at a time.

When applying for your e-Visa, be aware of a number of

commercial websites offering e-Visas that do not belong to

the Government of India and will charge you additional

service fees to issue your visa.

The official Government of India e-Visa website is

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

health

We recommend that you consult your doctor for current

medical travel information about before departure. Your

leader will be carrying a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you

bring along your own as well as any personal medical

requirements .

The following websites have up-to-date information about

health requirements.

Australia https://www.travelvax.com.au/

New Zealand http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-

money in cash in case there are times that ATMs are not

available. The major currencies, including AUD and CAD

are no problem in general to exchange. Visa &

MasterCard credit cards are accepted in major shops and

restaurants in the bigger cities.

spending money

Although entrance fees to specified sites are included in

the tour price, there are additional sights that you may like

to visit. Many sites levy camera fees.

Spending money requirements will differ from one person

to the next. You will need to take into consideration your

spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, and

optional activities.

You will need to allow enough money for the following:

Meals – USD200 (or equivalent)

Optional Activities – USD50 (or equivalent)

Money for drinks, shopping and incidentals.

Tipping is an integral part of Indian life and is essential to a

smooth trip. To make things easier, we cover tips for hotel

porters, local guides and for drivers of private transport we

use. We do NOT cover restaurant tips. You will need to

allow approximately 10-15% on top of your restaurant bill.

physical rating

There will be plenty of walking around towns or sites, which

due to the warm to hot weather in India at this time of year

will make general sightseeing a little more strenuous.

culture shock rating

Conditions in India are not always as comfortable as in

other countries. You may need to occasionally deal with a

squat toilet, cold showers or power failure.


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Ph: +91 95490 02876


living/travelling

USA https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

UK http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/

Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines

communications

Most of our hotels have Wifi, but do not rely on it always

being available. You can also purchase a local prepaid sim

card (for unlocked cell phones) and data sticks (for mobile

internet on your laptop) easily and inexpensively in India.

Recommended are Vodafone, Airtel and Reliance. You will

need extra passport photos for this as well as photocopies of

your photo and visa page from your passport.

your tour manager

Your tour manager is there to organise and streamline your

travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Whilst they

are not a guide per se, they will share their local knowledge,

give you suggestions for your free time and manage the day

to day running of the tour. They will introduce you to their

local friends and recommend great local restaurants and

experiences. They will have a broad general knowledge of

India, so do feel free to tap into their wisdom. At some sites,

local guides may be hired where we think more specific

knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are

visiting.

responsible travel

We believe strongly in responsible travel. This includes being

respectful to the local culture (ie dressing appropriately, and

learning a few basic cultural do’s and don’ts), being mindful

of the environment, and leaving a positive image behind.

Remember we are ambassadors for our country. Bringing a

few photos of your family and home with you is a great way

to interact with the locals by giving them a glimpse of your

world whilst you visit theirs.


joining hotel

The Visaya

N-82 Panchshil Park

New Delhi 110017

Ph: +91 11 4319 0000

transfer/joining instructions

Your airport transfer pickup will await you holding a sign with

your name when you exit the baggage claim area of the

arrivals hall. There may be large crowds here so please look

carefully for your transfer.

early arrival information

If you are arriving earlier than day 1, extra accommodation in

Delhi is available from USD150 Single/Double (or equivalent)

per night per room. Please notify us as early as possible if you

require extra accommodation as our hotel in Delhi books up

well in advance.

finishing hotel

Udaigarh

Lal Ghat, Udaipur

Ph: +91 96600 55500

staying on

If you are staying on in Udaipur after the tour, which we highly

recommend, extra accommodation is available at Udaigarh

from USD 65 Single/Double (or equivalent) per night per room.

what to take

We will be on the move a lot, so try to pack as lightly as

possible. The smaller your bag in India the better, as our

transports have limited storage space. Do however ensure

you have enough room for shopping, so a bag with extra

room, or perhaps a 2nd small bag that can be folded up or

kept inside your large bag initially could work well.

India is very conservative and we ask that you dress

accordingly. As a guideline, shoulders and knees should

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Ph: +91 95490 02876



Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access);

credit cards (widely accepted in big cities); cash (for

emergencies)

Money pouch

Alarm clock and torch/flashlight

Mosquito repellent

Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper

Lock for your suitcase or bag

We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt to

store your passport, air tickets, credit cards and cash. Avoid

bringing valuable jewellery with you. Some hotels we use

have safety deposit boxes.

Updated on: 8th March 2020

always be covered. The wearing of shorts is looked upon

by locals as akin to wearing your underwear and will limit

your entry into mosques, temples and other places of

worship. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful

and cool. Singlets, tank tops and short shorts are not

suitable attire for India.

Note that Indian domestic airlines have recently reduced

their check-in baggage allowance to 15kg. If you have

heavier luggage, you will need to pay the excess at the

airport for any internal flights. Excess luggage charges

range from around Rs400 (USD6) per kilo.

laundry

Inexpensive laundry facilities are offered by most hotels we

use.

weather

The weather during our journey should be great. Daytime

temperatures will be warm to hot, in the range 25-35oc.

Night time temperatures will be comfortable. Rain is not so

likely at this time of year, but sun is, so sunblock and a hat

are essentials.

checklist

Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t

forget your emergency insurance contact details), air

tickets.

Photocopy of above documents

Day pack

Health vaccinations/medication

First aid kit

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Ph: +91 95490 02876


INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS...INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour Days 5-6...

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