“India, incredible India” proclaims the international add for Indian tourism. For once the destination equals the hyperbole. Incredible, captivating, seductive, extraordinary, mystical, enchanting – the experience of India outstrips any attempt of description. It is a dazzling tapestry of sounds, sights, colors, smells, mysticism, beauty, culture, and history.

Embark with Imprint on a journey through the heart of Northern India. As you travel through the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, each city unveils a tapestry of vibrant colors, rich history, and regal splendor. Jaipur, the Pink City; Jodhpur, the Blue City; and Udaipur, the City of Lakes. We will visit majestic palaces, daunting fortresses, and awe-inspiring temples.

Experience traditional dances, savor the flavors of Rajasthani cuisine, and discover the enduring legacy of Rajput heritage. We conclude our adventure in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the timeless testament to love. For those extending, we’ll discover India’s most sacred city – Varanasi.

· Udaipur: Rajasthan’s most romantic city, a dusk boat ride on Lake Piccola with twin ‘floating’ palace hotels, and the best palace in India.

· Jodhpur: India’s mightiest fortress, explorations of the “Blue City”, Bishnoi village visit, and dinner with an India family.

· Jaipur: The impressive palace fort of Amber, a 19th-century astronomical observatory, and the evocative Palace of the Winds.

· Agra: The incomparable Taj Mahal and Agra Fort where Shaw Jahan was imprisoned within sight of his beloved Taj.

Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense. 

Q: How do I obtain a visa for India?

A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Indian Embassy website: India Visa

If you would like help acquiring your visa there are many reputable outfits providing E-visas.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, when used, are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?

A: The tour starts in New Delhi (DEL) on March 26, (late afternoon) and ends in New Delhi (DEL) on April 6 (mid afternoon). If opting to depart on April 6, make sure you book an evening (8:00PM or later) flight. For those continuing to Varanasi, the extension ends after breakfast on April 9 (VNS).

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Q: When can I feel comfortable booking my flights

A: Avoid booking flights before July 26 unless you confirm the tour status.

Special Discount Price

Q: How do I avail the special discount recently offered?

A: The WeTravel registration/payment portal is currently programmed with the discounted (-$500) price. The discount will be available until registration closes on Dec 26, 2024.

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- or post-tour hotels bookings, how do I book extra hotel nights?

A: For pre-tour nights, our hotel Delhi hotel is The Park Hotel. If you would like to book post-tour nights in New Delhi, we do not have a tour hotel booked. If you are extending to Varanasi, our tour hotel is Guleria Kothi. Bookings are made under Intrepid Travel India and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: On the India Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website. 

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.
• Download Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for India. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.

This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?

A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.

In case you haven’t read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing trip insurance. We have partnered with Travelex, a leader in the travel insurance industry. We have chosen Travelex for their very high rating, their record and reliability of processing claims, and their excellent customer service. Travelex is proud to offer you a variety of travel protection plans to fit your travel needs. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it’s important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment. Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:

- Trip Cancellation

- Trip Interruption

- Emergency Medical Expenses

- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains

- Travel Delay

- Baggage & Personal Effects

- Baggage Delay and more

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world. For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.

Please Note:

Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for awaiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must bepurchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans canbe purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.

*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states. 

Welcome meeting
We will gather for our traditional get-acquainted meeting late in the afternoon. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy our first Indian meal together.

Humayuns Tomb; Jagdish Temple

This morning our goal is Humayun’s Tomb. Traffic allowing, we’ll make a photo stop at Rajpath, Delhi’s grand boulevard with the iconic India Gate and Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, and heavily influenced the Taj Mahal. Afterwards, an afternoon flight whisks us to Udaipur. Upon arrival we'll visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with noteworthy statuary.

City Palace; Lake Pichola cruise

Your morning is free for your personal explorations. In the afternoon we will visit Udaipur's City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake and surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, sumptuous rooms, and hanging gardens. Next we proceed directly to our classic evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. This lake is picturesquely surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. We’ll cruise by the famous floating Lake Palace Hotel and visit the island palace of Jag Mandir.

Ranakpur Temple

After breakfast we depart Udaipur by private bus to Jodhpur. On the way we will visit magnificent Ranakpur Temple. This Jain temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is our favorite temple in India. It features impressive pillared halls and majestic domes supported by over four hundred intricately carved marble columns. Upon our arrival in Jodhpur we’ll check into our hotel before adjourning to a roof-top dinner with views of mighty Mehrangarh, illuminated in the evening.

Mehrangarh Fort

Today is a special day. This morning our destination is the magnificent Mehrangarh, India’s most majestic fort. Situated on a steep hill, its interior boasts sumptuous palaces and impressive courtyards. The audioguides we’ll use are narrated by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, whose family still owns the fortress. Next up, a Jodhpur “Food Walk” through the traditional “Blue City” section of the town. After a free afternoon we will enjoy a home-cooked meal, followed by a Q&A session, with our Indian tour manager's extended family. 

Village Visit

We will spend this morning visiting the Bishnoi tribe. The Bishnoi are born nature lovers and considered the original environmentalists of India. We’ll explore and learn about village life in this traditional Rajasthani culture. Your afternoon and evening are free.

Amber Fort

A morning train whisks us to storied Jaipur. After settling at our Heritage hotel we will visit splendid Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh built the fortress and walls in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks a photogenic lake and crenelated walls. Dinner will be at 1135 AD Restaurant inside the fort. All the recipes used at 1135 AD have been passed down for generations through various royal families. One expects the food to be rich and decadent, and it does not disappoint.

Free Day; Cooking Demo; Sari/Turban evening

Your day is free to explore the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, picturesque Hawa Mahal, go shopping in the old city, or just relax by the pool at our Heritage Hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll be visiting a local family where we will enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. To add to the festive atmosphere, ladies will be shown how to properly drape a sari and men will learn to tie a turban. And of course we’ll enjoy the results of the cooking demo for dinner, resplendent in our traditional attire.

Jantar Mantar; Rickshaw food tour; Bollywood night

This morning we visit Jantar Mantar, a fascinating 18th century observatory. Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, it features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll experience a rickshaw food tour. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a unique and innovative endeavor that provides employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households. Tonight is Bollywood Night! Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Bollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Chand Beori; Fatapur Sikri

During our drive to Agra we will visit two of India's lesser known but premier sights. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago. It is one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in India. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. But the city was abandoned during his lifetime, leaving the evocative ghost town of today. Dinner is at Pind Balluchi restaurant, an interesting amalgamation of rustic ambiance and delicious food. It boasts a Punjabi village theme with Mud walls, artifacts, and traditional attire.

Taj Mahal; Agra Fort

We’ll begin our day visiting the ultimate monument of love and flawless architecture. Shah Jehan's Taj Mahal has inspired poets and writers for centuries. It was once described as "A teardrop glistening on the cheek of eternity". Afterward we move on to Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and filled with palaces and gardens by his heir Jehangir. Shah Jehan was imprisoned here, within sight of his beloved Taj Mahal.

Qutab Minar; B’Hai Lotus Temple; Tour over
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Delhi where the tour ends at the airport. Enroute we’ll visit the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. If time allows we’ll make a photo stop at the B’hai Lotus temple and visit Safdarjung’s Tomb. Most international flights depart Delhi late in the evening or the wee hours of the morning. We'll provide day-use rooms at an airport hotel where you can relax and refresh before your flight departure. Those continuing on to Varanasi will be accommodated overnight at the airport hotel.

Upon our return to Delhi (day 12 of the regular tour) we will check in to an airport hotel, where we will be accommodated overnight.

Sarnath
An AM flight will transport us to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city. Before heading into the bustling city we will visit Sarnath, one of the world’s most significant Buddhist sights. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first public sermon, preaching the middle path for attaining Nirvana. It is also considered one of the best places to see the rich antiquities of the Ashoka period of the 12th century. Afterward we’ll be taken to our riverside hotel - via boat.

Ganges Sunrise boat; Old city tour; Aarti
We will greet the sunrise on a classic boat ride on the river Ganges, a must do activity in Varanasi. Watch Hindus from all over India come to take this holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. Our vantage point is from a rowed boat that moves silently and slowly from one Ghat to another, including the burning Ghat where devout Hindus are cremated. Later, we’ll take a walking tour of the old city. We’ll explore the lanes and alleys behind the Ghats, viewing the architecture of the temples, the colorful chaos of the city, and gain insight into the spirituality of this ancient city. In the evening we will observe the Aarti ceremony (bidding goodnight to Mother Ganga) from a boat on the river before gathering for a final dinner together.

Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.