INDIA

a Memorable Journey
November 11 – 26, 2017

HOST: VIVEK KHANNA

Vivek Khanna (originally from India) is a

40 year veteran in the Canadian tourism
industry and has travelled the world
extensively. As President of Tourcan
Vacations he built the company over 29
years ago to the recognized company it is
today. Vivek looks forward to sharing the
majesty of India with
you and making your
journey a vacation of a
lifetime.

SATURDAY, 11 NOVEMBER
ARRIVE DELHI
Welcome to Delhi. On arrival, clear im-
migration & customs having obtained
your visa prior to arrival. You are met by
our local representative and transferred
to your hotel.
Overnight: Le Meridien
SUNDAY, 12 NOVEMBER
DELHI
After breakfast, we cross the city into the
walled gates of Old Delhi, the capital of
Muslim India between the 17th and 19th
centuries. Our tour includes a visit to
the Jama Mosque, the great mosque of
Old Delhi (1650) and a drive through the
fabled area of Chandni Chowk. Then we
drive past the Red Fort (1639-1648) and
visit the Raj Ghat to pay homage to the
Father of India’s Nation, Mahatma Gan-
dhi. Lunch at Royal China Restaurant.
After lunch we visit the Qutab Minar, a
13th century sandstone tower. Then we
drive through the Embassy area, Con-
naught Place, India Gate and the govern-
ment buildings. Continue to Humayuns
tomb, also known as the forerunner to
the Taj Mahal. It was built in 1565 A.D
and is an excellent example of Mughal
architecture.
Overnight: Le Meridien (B,L,D)
MONDAY, 13 NOVEMBER
DELHI / VARANASI
After an early breakfast, transfer to the
airport to board your flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival you will be met by our
local representative and transferred to
your hotel. You have free time until your
afternoon tour to visit the Bharat Mata or
Mother India Temple. It was constructed
by the Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and
inaugurated by the Mahatma Gandhi
in the year 1936. The evening starts off
with a rickshaw ride through the bustling
streets of Varanasi as you make your way
to the Ganges River to witness the Ganga
aarti at the Ganga Ghat. Ganga aarti is
a group of priests who perform “Agni
Pooja” (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedi-
cation is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga
(the Ganges), Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and
the whole universe.
Overnight: The Gateway Hotel (B,D)
TUESDAY, 14 NOVEMBER
VARANASI
Early morning boat ride on the holy river
Ganges to see the ritual bathing and
cremation. This is a soul stirring experi-
ence as you witness the performance of
various rituals, laundry & cremations in
the background of the rising Sun. We also
have an opportunity to walk the narrow
streets which are preserved as they were
100’s of years back in time. Following
your visit, you realize why Varanasi is de-
scribed as the “eternal city”. On the drive
back to the hotel visit the Benares Hindu
University.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast the tour continues to
Sarnath the ancient Buddhist learning
center. Here, Gautama Buddha preached
his first sermon to his disciples. Visit the
Sarnath Museum and continue to the
Durga Temple better known as the Mon-
key temple because of the large number
of monkeys residing there. The temple
was built in the 18th century and is
stained red with ochre, representing the
red colour of Durga. This evening enjoy
dinner at the Great Kabab Factory.
Overnight: The Gateway Hotel (B,D)
WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER
VARANASI / AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel and later transfer to
the airport to board your flight to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, you are met and
transferred to your hotel. The remainder
of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,D)
THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER
AGRA
Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal a
symbol of eternal love, which stands on
the banks of River Yamuna. It was built
by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan
in the year 1631 in memory of his wife,
Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22
years. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized
as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. It is
regarded by many as the finest example
of Mughal architecture, a style that com-
bines elements from Persian and Indian
architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal
became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later visit Agra Fort, a powerful fortress
founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar
(1556-1605) on the right bank of the
Yamuna River. This bastioned fortress,
with 2.5km walls of red sandstone rises
above a moat. It is one of the symbols of
the Mogul grandeur which asserted itself
under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
The citadel comprises a large number of
fairy-like palaces, beautiful mosques and
reception areas.
Overnight: Trident (B,D)
FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER
AGRA / RANTHAMBHORE (265KMS)
After breakfast, continue to Ranthamb-
hore with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost
Capital) the political capital of India’s
Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign,
from the year 1571 until 1585, when it
was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack
of water. The complex of monuments
and temples includes one of the largest
mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. After
the visit continue the drive to Rantham-
bore National Park which used to be
the hunting preserve of the Maharajas
of Jaipur. Situated atop a 600 meter high
range, covered in thorn trees, scrub and
grasslands, it is beautiful with ponds,
streams, lakes and old ruins.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Sawai Mad-
hopur Lodge (B,L,D)
SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER
RANTHAMBHORE
Early this morning depart for your first
safari by jeep. The shy tigers of Ranth-
ambhore have often been photographed
by visitors. Sambar, largest of all Asian
deer are easily seen, as are Nilgai (blue
bull) and Chinkara, the largest and small-
est Indian antelope. Ranthambhore is
also excellent for bird watching: peafowl,
grey partridge,
quail, sand grouse,
flocks of parakeets,
eagles, shorebirds
and water birds.
Return to the hotel
for Breakfast. After
lunch depart for
your second safari
by jeep.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj - Sawai Mad-
hopur Lodge Ranthambore (B,L,D)
SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER
RANTHAMBHORE / JAIPUR(150KMS)
After breakfast depart by road to Jaipur.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
Remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,D)
MONDAY, 20 NOVEMBER
JAIPUR
Enjoy breakfast and then proceed to visit
Amber Fort, the former capital of the
royal Rajputs. Amber Fort is known for its
artistic style of Hindu elements.
At the entrance to the palace near the
fort’s Ganesh Gate, there is a temple
dedicated to Sila Devi, a goddess of
the Chaitanya cult. Ascend the fort by
Elephant or Jeep ride. Return by jeep.
(Elephants subject to availability).
Lunch at Samode Haveli. After lunch the
tour continues to the Hawa Mahal or Pal-
ace of the Winds, a five-storied structure
of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal
and delicately honeycombed windows
overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled
royal woman could peer down unseen by
the world through its 593 stone screens.
Later, proceed for a guided tour of the
City Palace museum. The palace was built
between 1729 and has a fusion of Indian
Rajput, Mughal and European styles of
architecture. The final visit today is the
Solar Observatory consisting of geomet-
ric devices for measuring time, predict- met and transferred to your hotel.
ing eclipses, etc. Built in the 1700’s many The rest of the day is at leisure.
of these instruments still give accurate Dinner at the hotel.
readings today. Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel New
Overnight: Trident (B,L,D) Delhi Aerocity (B,L,D)
TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER SUNDAY, 26 NOVEMBER
JAIPUR / JODHPUR (330KMS) DEPART DELHI
After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, Today you say goodbye to India as you
“The Sun City” which was founded by are transferred to the airport for your
Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, return flight home.
in 1459. Enjoy lunch en-route at the B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Hotel Mansingh in Ajmer. On arrival the
remainder of the day at Leisure.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal 15 Night INDIA TOUR COST
Or Welcome Hotel (B,L,D) in Canadian funds:
Book By Book Between Book Between
WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER Dec 15, 2016 Dec 16/16 – Mar 31/17 Apr 1 - Jul 31/17
JODHPUR
After breakfast proceed to the Mehran- $5995 $6295 $6495
garh Fort situated 400 feet (122 m) above Per person double occupancy
the city and enclosed by imposing thick Single supplement: $2295
walls. Inside its boundaries there are
several palaces. Also visit Jaswant Thada Cancellation Penalties:
a white marble memorial, built out of Up to July 31/17: $500 per person
intricately carved sheets of marble. The Aug. 1 - 31/17: 30%
main memorial was built like a temple. Sept.1 - Oct. 5/17: 50%
Return to the hotel after the tour for an Oct. 6/17 - departure: 100% non refundable
afternoon an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal AIRFARE including tax and transfers:
Or Welcome Hotel (B,D)
Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa,
Winnipeg: $1495 CAD
THURSDAY, 23 NOVEMBER
JODHPUR / UDAIPUR (275KMS) Halifax, Moncton, St. John’s: $1595 CAD
This morning, after breakfast, drive to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Udaipur with an en-route visit to Ranak- Regina, Saskatoon: $1695 CAD
pur well-known for the Jain Temples.
These temples are dedicated to Adinath DEPOSIT: $750 per person
and date back to the beginning of the FINAL DUE: July 31, 2017
15th century. After the visit, continue to
Udaipur. Lunch is provided at the Ranak- INCLUDED:
pur Hotel. • 14 nights superior hotels as shown.
• Breakfast daily
Arrive in Udaipur, also known as the • 8 lunches and 14 dinners
‘white city’ or the ‘city of lakes” as it lies • All transfer and sightseeing by Air-condi-
around the soothing and tranquil waters tioned vehicle
of Lake Pichola. • Assistance on arrival and departure
On arrival check in at your hotel. Rest of • English speaking local guide during the
the day at leisure. sightseeing
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,L,D) • Adequate mineral water in the vehicle
during touring
• Entrance fee to the monuments
FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER • All present applicable taxes
UDAIPUR • Baggage porterage at airports and hotels
Today Sightseeing includes the City • Gratuities to guides and drivers
Palace and Museum, which is consid- • Domestic flights in India
ered to be the largest palace complex in
Rajasthan. Also visit Saheliyon Ki Bari a NOT INCLUDED:
small ornamental garden. In the evening • Visa and visa fees (approx. $75 CAD)
take a walking tour through the narrow • International airfare and taxes quoted
lanes and back streets of Udaipur to the separately
Washing Ghats at Lake Pichola. End the • Meals not mentioned above & all bever-
ages (soft drinks, bottled water & alcohol)
day with a boat ride on the lake. are not included
Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,L,D) • Personal expenses like laundry, telephone
calls, etc
SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER • Camera fee during sightseeing at certain
UDAIPUR / DELHI monuments
After breakfast transfer to the airport to • Insurance
board your flight to Delhi where you are • Any item not listed under included

INDIA TRAVEL TIPS
Documents and Visas
Passport: Canadians must present a passport to visit India, which must be
valid for at least 180 days from the date of entry into India and contain two
blank pages for a visa.
Visas: Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit India. You must
obtain a visa prior to arrival (approx. $75 CAD). This can be done online:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
Insurance
Comprehensive Travel Insurance is essential.
Polio
Effective February 14, 2014, you must produce proof of polio vaccination if
you are arriving from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan,
or Somalia. Contact the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the closest
Indian consular office for more information.
Boarding flights
All passengers boarding flights in India must present their tickets or print-
outs of their e-tickets along with photographic identification to be allowed
into the departure terminals.
Baggage Allowance on Domestic flights: Subject to change as per
airline rules.
Carry-on: 1 piece. Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: max. 115 cm
(45 inches) l + w + h
Maximum Weight of Carry-on Luggage: 7 kg. And 1 Personal item - in-
cludes a purse, briefcase or laptop bag.
Checked: 1 piece of checked baggage is free, max. 15 kg (33 lbs), max. 158
cm (62 inches) l + w + h
Weather
Average temperatures in November range from daily highs of 30 C to over-
night lows of 14C.
Religions
Hindus constituted the majority with 80.5%, Muslims came second at
13.4%, followed by Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and others.
Languages
There are 22 different languages that have been recognized by the Con-
stitution of India, of which Hindi is an Official Language. Article 343(3)
empowered Parliament to provide by law for continued use of English for
official purposes.
Money
The currency is the rupee. The Indian rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paise (p),
but paise coins are increasingly rare. Notes come in Rs 10, 20, 50, 100, 500
and 1000 (this last bill can be hard to change outside banks). Credit Cards
are widely accepted.
ATMs linked to international networks are common in most towns and cit-
ies in India. However, carry cash or travelers cheques as a backup.
Health and Water
Always ONLY drink bottled water. Bottled water should have a hard plas-
tic seal that you have to break when you unscrew the top. Please stay away
from bottles with ONLY cellophane seals.
Contact your local health clinic or doctor to determine if any inoculations
are required for travel to India.
Electricity
Domestic supply is 220 volts. Sockets suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of
British standard design are the norm. However, you must bring an adaptor
with you. Alternatively, adaptors can be purchased in local supermarkets.
Tipping
GRATUITIES ARE INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TIP
ANYONE.
If you are doing activities on your own and eating at restaurants the follow-
ing tipping guidelines are for your information:
Taxi 5-10% of fare.
Restaurant 10-15% of cost.
Time Difference
India is 9.5hrs ahead of EST:
Vancouver: 12.5hrs
Calgary: 11.5hrs
Winnipeg: 10.5hrs
Toronto: 9.5hrs
Some Do’s and Don’ts
• Do not encourage beggars & street urchins by giving them money or
other articles. They will continue to follow you around.
• Don’t ever enter a temple or tomb with shoes on. Leather articles are for-
bidden to be carried in Hindu & Jain temples. Do not wear black clothes
while visiting a Jain temple.
• Dress conservatively at a place of worship. One should cover his/her
head with a cloth.
• Taking photographs of the deity in a temple is normally not permitted.
• Public show of personal affection is generally disapproved of, particularly
in smaller cities and villages.
• Try to avoid shaking hands. Greet people with a ‘Namaste’ (hands pressed
together at chest level as if in prayer). You will be appreciated for using
the Indian style of greeting.
• Safe clothing would be trousers, capris, skirts, tops and shirts.
• Do not wander around alone at night.
• Don’t eat anything off the streets, unwashed fruit, veggies and salads.
• Don’t photograph women without permission. Taking photos at a crema-
tion or a religious ceremony or of people bathing in rivers may cause
offence.
• Drink only bottled water. Buy it only from respectable or known outlets.
In restaurants insist that they bring a sealed bottle to your table.
• Exchange money only through authorized banks or at the hotel. Insist on
Encashment certificate while exchanging money. These certificates will
be required to reconvert the unused money on departure from India.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and credit card in a safe place.
• Plan and obtain necessary immunizations and malaria prophylaxis
Terms and Conditions
For detailed terms and conditions ask for the CWT 2017 Hosted brochure or
see it at: www.cwtvacations.ca (click on Groups), as well as
www.tourcanvacations/webpromo/2016/TermsAndConditions.pdf
If the advertised host is unable to travel an experienced CWT or Tourcan
host will accompany the group.
For further information contact your nearest Carlson Wagonlit
Travel Location or Call 1-800-CARLSON
To find your nearest CWT office go to: www.cwtvacations.ca
Your nearest CWT office is:
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