Essential India - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main experiences and highlights of the Essential India tour?

  This tour allows you to explore India's vibrant cities, discover ancient forts and temples, marvel at the Taj Mahal, witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha, and sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi. It's designed to be a comprehensive introduction to India's rich heritage.

• What is the maximum number of travelers on this tour?

  The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 15.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in a variety of hotels (12 nights), a comfortable tented camp (1 night), and have an overnight sleeper train experience (1 night). Please note that hotel styles can vary, and power cuts can occur in many places throughout North and Central India. It's recommended to lock your room door as staff may enter without prior notice.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner are included in this trip.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  You will travel by train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, small riverboat, and plane. Train travel offers a unique experience, and road travel can be different from Western countries, with varying road conditions and driving styles.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides at specific sites.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. The overnight train on Night 11 is an exception where shared accommodation is standard.

• What unique activities and experiences are included in the tour?

  Included experiences are: a welcome meeting, an Old Delhi walk visiting Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place, an Amber Fort tour, a Rajasthani rural village stay with a cycling excursion, a visit to Abhaneri stepwells, entrance to the Taj Mahal, I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), and Agra Fort with a guided tour, an Orchha Palace complex visit, Western Temple complex entrance and guided visit, and Ganges River boat trips at sunrise and sunset, including a candle flower ceremony. An arrival transfer through the Women With Wheels project and a youth-led morning walk in Delhi by the City Walk project are also included.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include: a Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi, visits to Jantar Mantar and City Palace in Jaipur, seeing a Bollywood film at the Art Deco Raj Mandir cinema, a Jaipur Cycle Tour, a Jaipur Balloon Ride, a Fatehpur Sikri visit, an Orchha Cooking School experience, a Varanasi Heritage and Spiritual Walk, and a Guided Tour of Sarnath.

• What are the tipping guidelines for service providers on this trip?

  It is customary to tip service providers in Asia, usually around 10% depending on the service. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from $4-5 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $8-10 USD per person per day is suggested if you felt they did an outstanding job.

• What should I know about health and safety while traveling on this tour?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and hand sanitizers. For general safety, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Hotels may have safety deposit boxes. When exploring independently, especially at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  In India, a conservative dress standard is expected. It is recommended to wear loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders at all times. Wearing shorts may restrict entry to religious buildings and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket and a hat are useful. During colder months (Oct-Apr), warm clothes are essential, and waterproof clothes are recommended for the rainy season (Jul-Sep).

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money in India?

  The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Exchange rates fluctuate; you can check www.xe.com for daily rates. ATMs are available in major cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. USD cash is also recommended. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but may incur a 2-4% transaction fee.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects is also strongly recommended. If using credit card insurance, proof of purchase of the trip with a credit card in your name is required.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation and how does this tour support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. This tour incorporates experiences that support Planeterra projects like the 'Women With Wheels' arrival transfer, the 'City Walk' project in Delhi, and the 'Anoothi Project' for block printing in Jaipur.

• How can LGBTQ+ travelers ensure safety and comfort on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. You are encouraged to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure safety and comfort throughout the trip, including tools like Equaldex for specific destination information.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It's important to provide passport information at the time of booking. Please note, standard luggage allowance for internal flights is 15kg (33lb) for checked luggage and 7kg (15lb) for carry-on, with potential fees for excess weight.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, unless specified for trips traveling between two different countries. Check-in times and baggage allowances vary by airline and can change.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels for a charge. There will also be times when you may need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What are the emergency contact numbers during the tour?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the tour operator's Local Representative or Local Office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For airport transfer complications, call Sakha Call Center (+91 92787 08888) or Sakha Manager (+91 95997 81181) from outside India. The tour operator's South Asia Manager, Sorab (New Delhi, India) can be reached at +91 88518 06614. International toll-free and regional numbers are also available for sales assistance.