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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.

a Memorable Journey

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 VARANASIEarly 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 / AGRABreakfast 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 AGRAEarly 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, 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 / VARANASIAfter 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

ric devices for measuring time, predict-ing eclipses, etc. Built in the 1700’s many of these instruments still give accurate readings today.Overnight: Trident (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER JAIPUR / JODHPUR (330KMS)After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, “The Sun City” which was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. Enjoy lunch en-route at the Hotel Mansingh in Ajmer. On arrival the remainder of the day at Leisure.Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal Or Welcome Hotel (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER JODHPURAfter breakfast proceed to the Mehran-garh Fort situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces. Also visit Jaswant Thada a white marble memorial, built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. The main memorial was built like a temple. Return to the hotel after the tour for an afternoon an evening at leisure. Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal Or Welcome Hotel (B,D)

THURSDAY, 23 NOVEMBER JODHPUR / UDAIPUR (275KMS) This morning, after breakfast, drive to Udaipur with an en-route visit to Ranak-pur well-known for the Jain Temples. These temples are dedicated to Adinath and date back to the beginning of the 15th century. After the visit, continue to Udaipur. Lunch is provided at the Ranak-pur Hotel.

Arrive in Udaipur, also known as the ‘white city’ or the ‘city of lakes” as it lies around the soothing and tranquil waters of Lake Pichola.On arrival check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER UDAIPUR Today Sightseeing includes the City Palace and Museum, which is consid-ered to be the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Also visit Saheliyon Ki Bari a small ornamental garden. In the evening take a walking tour through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur to the Washing Ghats at Lake Pichola. End the day with a boat ride on the lake.Overnight: Trident Hotel (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER UDAIPUR / DELHI After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi where you are

met and transferred to your hotel.The rest of the day is at leisure.Dinner at the hotel.Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, 26 NOVEMBER DEPART DELHI Today you say goodbye to India as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER RANTHAMBHOREEarly 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 JAIPUREnjoy 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-

INCLUDED:• 14 nights superior hotels as shown.• Breakfast daily• 8 lunches and 14 dinners• All transfer and sightseeing by Air-condi-

tioned vehicle• Assistance on arrival and departure • English speaking local guide during the

sightseeing• Adequate mineral water in the vehicle

during touring• Entrance fee to the monuments• All present applicable taxes • Baggage porterage at airports and hotels• Gratuities to guides and drivers• Domestic flights in India

NOT INCLUDED:• Visa and visa fees (approx. $75 CAD)• International airfare and taxes quoted

separately• Meals not mentioned above & all bever-

ages (soft drinks, bottled water & alcohol) are not included

• Personal expenses like laundry, telephone calls, etc

• Camera fee during sightseeing at certain monuments

• Insurance• Any item not listed under included

15 Night INDIA TOUR COSTin Canadian funds: Book By Book Between Book BetweenDec 15, 2016 Dec 16/16 – Mar 31/17 Apr 1 - Jul 31/17

$5995 $6295 $6495Per person double occupancy Single supplement: $2295

Cancellation Penalties: Up to July 31/17: $500 per personAug. 1 - 31/17: 30%Sept.1 - Oct. 5/17: 50%Oct. 6/17 - departure: 100% non refundable

AIRFARE including tax and transfers:

Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg: $1495 CADHalifax, Moncton, St. John’s: $1595 CADVancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon: $1695 CAD

DEPOSIT: $750 per person FINAL DUE: July 31, 2017

INDIA TRAVEL TIPS Documents and VisasPassport: 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 flightsAll 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 + hMaximum 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

WeatherAverage temperatures in November range from daily highs of 30 C to over-night lows of 14C.

ReligionsHindus constituted the majority with 80.5%, Muslims came second at 13.4%, followed by Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and others.

LanguagesThere 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.

MoneyThe 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 WaterAlways 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.

ElectricityDomestic 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.

TippingGRATUITIES 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 DifferenceIndia is 9.5hrs ahead of EST:Vancouver: 12.5hrsCalgary: 11.5hrsWinnipeg: 10.5hrsToronto: 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 ConditionsFor detailed terms and conditions ask for the CWT 2017 Hosted brochure or see it at: www.cwtvacations.ca (click on Groups), as well aswww.tourcanvacations/webpromo/2016/TermsAndConditions.pdfIf 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-CARLSONTo find your nearest CWT office go to: www.cwtvacations.ca

Your nearest CWT office is: