Post on 04-Apr-2020
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: info@incredibleindiatours.com
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
3/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
4/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
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
5/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
Day 4 Kanota
Travel time: 5 hours
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
6/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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
7/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
Days 7-8 Khempur
Travel time: 6 hours
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
8/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
Stepwell - Jaipur
Days 9-10 Udaipur
Travel time: 2 hours
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
9/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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
10/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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
11/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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.
general tour information
12/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
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.
general tour information
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
13/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour
general tour information
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
14/14
www.incredibleindiatours.com
E-mail: info@incredibleindiatours.com
Ph: +91 95490 02876
INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Tour