1. Royal Expeditions India

2. Why India ? Why Culture & Nature ? Diversity of the Indian Continent India is the size of Europe with a vast range palaces, forgotten forts, spiritual sites, ancient temples 26 World Heritage sites Romantic Palaces, forgotten forts, spiritual sites and ancient temples India has 80 national parks including 23 tiger reserves and more than of ecosystems, cultures and heritage sites. Wildlife: 440 sanctuaries. It is home to more than 350 different mammals and 1,220 birds, 1600 species of reptiles and amphibians and 57,000 species of insects

3. London, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich & Brussels Airlines- Jet Airways, Air India, Kingfisher, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, BMI, KLM & Swiss Air Via Europe India GETTING THERE

4. GETTING THERE By Air From USA Daily direct flights – New York, Newark & Chicago Airlines- Air India & United/Continental Airlines Delta/Air France

5. Dubai & Doha Airlines – Air India, Emirates Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian Air & Indigo Airlines Via Middle East –

6. TRAVELING WITHIN INDIA To & From Delhi By Air – Well connected by air with all major cities and towns of India. Major Airlines – Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways, Indigo, Spice Jet. By Train – Well connected by Trains ;Day & Overnight. Major Trains - Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, etc.

7. GETTING AROUND THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT AIR TRAVEL  Air networks are extensive in India and are often the best way to quickly move from one region to another and allow itineraries to see the vastly different geography of India. The internal airlines operating within India are: Jet Airways Jet Lite Kingfisher Airlines Air India Spice Jet Indigo Airlines

8. India has an extensive road network. Using a private car is one of the best ways to see India. It is much more usual for tourists to be driven in India than it is for them to drive on their own. Chauffeur driven vehicles are easily available in India. The vehicles commonly used are: TATA INDIGO – 1 to 2 Person TOYOTA INNOVA – 3 to 4 Persons Road Travel

9. TEMPO TRAVELLER – 5 to 7 Persons MINI COACH – 9 to 12 Persons LARGE COACH – 13 to 27 Persons TEMPO TRAVELLER – 5 to 7 Persons

10. Traveling by train is one of the great experiences in India. It is a system which looks like chaos, but it works, and well. Trains are often late, but they do run. There are also an increasing number of air-conditioned super fast trains – the Rajdhani Expresses that links distant cities to New Delhi, while the Shatabdi Expresses are day time trains which connect major cities within an eight-hour travelling distances. CLASSES OF TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA: The First-class A/C is the most expensive and the highest train travel class in India. The fare is nearly as much as air travel. It is a comfortable way to travel. It has private four or two person compartment with a locking door in an air-conditioned carriage The Second-class A/C is the second highest category of train class in India. It has two seats of two beds facing each other with two seats in the hall, in an air-conditioned carriage. The Third-class A/C is very similar to Second Class Ac, but it has three tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and bays of two (upper and lower) along the coach side on the other side of the aisle.

11. Executive chair car - this is available on the Shatabdi express trains. Travelling executive chair is similar to taking business class. You have a wider seat, more legroom, complimentary mineral water and tolerable food (although we would recommend you take your own with you for the journey to be safe). Air-conditioned chair car - this is the standard class available on the Shatabdi express trains.

13. ACCOMMODATION The Indian subcontinent has a huge variety of hotels including some of the world’s most luxurious properties. Accommodation like many things in India, provides good value for money, though in the major cities expect to pay international prices for luxury establishments that provide world class luxury and facilities. Royal Expeditions does not always follow any official classification of the hotels, but we do offer our opinion. Our categories are as follows: 1. Economy Hotels: They are simple hotels or guesthouses. The facilities will be limited but the rooms will have en suite facilities (unless stated otherwise). These hotels may not offer air-conditioning but a friendly service often compensates for the lack of amenities. 2. Standard Hotels: They are 3 or 4 star hotels offering a range of facilities and reasonable comfort. They mostly offer air-conditioning (where necessary).

14. 3. Deluxe Hotels: These hotels may not be as luxurious as the top range hotels but will be of 4 or 5 star standard of comfort and have a good range of facilities. 4. Super Deluxe Hotels: These hotels are top of the range hotel of 5 star plus quality, offering a full range of facilities Apart from the above gradation, we also have the below category of accommodation which is based on the character of the hotel. 1. Home stays: Most home stays will offer a comfortable room with en suite bathroom but otherwise the facilities are likely to be limited. You will be welcomed to a family home and expected to eat the local cuisine. 2. Heritage: Heritage properties are old fashioned institutions brimming with class and offering a colonial or atmospheric ambience. 3. Boutique: These hotels are usually privately owned with a small number of rooms offering stylish accommodation. Each room has a unique theme based décor.

15. WEATHER India is essentially a tropical destination. However the country is so large and diverse that the stunning cold of the Himalayas can coexist with the searing heat of the Rajasthan Desert. It’s best to think of India in terms of hot, wet and cool. There are primarily four seasons in India: Winter – from December to March Summer – from April to June Monsoon – from June to September Post Monsoon – from October to November The best time to travel to the Indian Subcontinent is from October to March.

16. VISA REQUIREMENTS All Non Indian Passport holders require visas for India which must be obtained prior to travel to India. NO visa is issued on arrival at airports in India. If you are arriving into India more than once during your stay you will require a multi-entrance visa. In addition to the entry visas, special permits are required to visit the following restricted areas of India: North Eastern Frontier States (Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh), border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, selected areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Union Territories of Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands. We will require at least 4 weeks to apply for a special permit on your behalf.

17. HEALTH ADVICE No vaccinations are currently required, but the following are recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus, Anti-malarial prophylactics. If you have recently travelled in a Yellow Fever affected part of the world, proof of a Yellow Fever inoculation is required. We also suggest that you bring a appropriate travel medical kit, including items such as remedies for minor stomach ailments, dehydration and motion sickness. To protect against the risk of malaria we also recommend you bring mosquito repellent Cream or lotion.

19. DELHI

20. ATTRACTIONS IN DELHI Red Fort (Lal Quila) (laal - kilaa) Delhi’s most famous monument, this imposing sandstone fort is a ghostly vestige of Mughal splendor

21. Jama Masjid (jaamaa-maszid) India’s largest mosque with huge minarets offering a birds- eye view over the old city.

22. Chandni Chowk (chaand –ini – chauk) The great wholesale bazaars of Chandni Chowk still retain a souk-like quality. The narrow streets are lined with shops. Each lane specializes in a commodity: Dariba Kalan is the lane of jewellers and silversmiths, while Kinari Bazaar sells a bewildering array of tinsel and sequins.

23. Humayun’s Tomb (hoo-ma-yoon) An elegant red-brick fore- runner of the Taj Mahal, whose lovely gardens offer an escape from the heat. It is a World Heritage site.

24. Qutub Minar (koot-oob-meenar) The ruins of this twelfth century city of Delhi are dominated by the Qutub Minar or Victory Tower. A World Heritage site.

25. Akshardham Temple (uk-shur-dhaam) This temple epitomizes Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss.

26. HOTELS IN DELHI CATEGORIES: ECONOMY STANDARD DELUXE SUPER DELUXE

27. ECONOMY HOTELS HOTEL STAR ROCKS Hotel star Rocks provides luxury accommodation at reasonable priceshttp://www.hotelstarrocks.com/http://www.hotelstarrocks.com/ No. Of Rooms: 50 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Club Room Location: Distance from the airport – 20 Kms, 40 to 50 mins Distance from the railway station – 25 Kms, 50 mins to 1 hour Room Rate: Prices starts from USD 130 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

28. JUSTA THE RESIDENCE This tranquil hotel, in sylvan surroundings at the posh locality of Greater Kailash, offers a sense of home, with all its comforts and the uncompromising dedication and service of an efficient hotel staff. No. of Room: 20 Rooms and suites Category of Rooms: Superior Room Luxury Room Deluxe Room Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 20 Kms, 40 to 50 mins Distance from the railway station: 15 Kms, 30 mins Room Rate: Prices start from USD 190 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

29. STANDARD HOTELS ROYAL PLAZA A gleaming landmark of exquisite ambience, the hotel houses the best antique collection of Roman marble sculpture and statues.http://www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com/http://www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com/ No. of Rooms: 419 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Suites Location: Distance from the airport: 20 Kms, 45 mins to 1 Hour Distance from the railway statio: 3 Kms, 15 to 20 mins Room Rate: Prices start from USD 238 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

30. DELUXE HOTELS THE CLARIDGES Graceful architecture, elegant décor, and a seamless blend of old-world charm with contemporary facilities have made the Claridges a landmark in Lutyen’s Delhi since 1950’s. No. of Rooms: 137 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Claridges Room Club Room Deluxe Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 18 Kms, 40 to 50 mins Distance from the railway station: 7 Kms, 15 to 20 mins Room Rate: Prices start from USD 350 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

31. TRIDENT, GURGAON At his resort like hotel, set amongst 7 acres of landscaped gardens, one crosses the threshold from the chaotic whirl of India to a tranquil oasis. No. of Rooms: 129 rooms and 7 suites Category of Rooms: Superior Garden View Room Superior Pool View Room Deluxe Garden View Room Deluxe Pool View Room Suites Location: Distance from the airport: 15 Kms, 20 mins to 30 mins Distance from the railway station: 32 Kms, 1 to 1.2 hours Rom Rate: Prices start from USD 452 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

32. SUPER DELUXE HOTELS THE IMPERIAL Built in 1934, this is the most famous and most loved hotel in the city and regarded as one of Asia’s finest hotels. From its inception, it has collected, restored and displayed art as well as been a home to many famous artists. No. of Rooms: 233 Category of Rooms: Imperial Room Heritage Room Grand Heritage Room Heritage Suite Deco Suite Luxury Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 20 Kms, 30 to 40 mins Distance from the railway station: 2.5 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Rom Rate: Prices start from USD 595 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

33. THE OBEROI The hotel reflects the capital city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. A major player in the city’s luxury hotel scene, it is exclusive, expensive and very chic.. No. of Rooms: Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Luxury Room Premier Room Executive Suite Deluxe Suite Luxury Suite Duplex Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 25 Kms, 30 to 40 mins Distance from the railway station: 8 Kms, 15 to 25 mins Room Rate: Prices start from USD 465 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

34. THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL At the heart of New Delhi, the Taj Mahal Hotel stands as a tribute to timeless hospitality and service. A traditional and gracious hotel, it is arguably, the most distinguished address in India’s capital. No. of rooms: 294 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Luxury Room Taj Club Room Luxury Suites Location: Distance from the airport: 20 Kms, 40 to 50 mins Distance from the railway station: 5 Kms, 15 to 20 mins Room Rate: Prices start from USD 535 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

35. AGRA

36. GETTING THERE BY AIR: There f NO schedules flight flying between Delhi and Agra (only charter).

37. BY TRAIN: Agra is well connected by train from Delhi Bhopal Shatabdi – New Delhi / Agra – 06:15 hrs / 08:12 hrs Taj Express – New Delhi / Agra – 07:10 hrs / 10:07 hrs BY CAR: Agra is easily accessible by road from both Delhi and Jaipur Distance from Delhi – 210 Kms, 3.5 to 4 hours Distance from Jaipur – 237 Kms, 4.5 to 5 hours

38. ATTRACTIONS IN AGRA TAJ MAHAL (Taaj-Muh-aal) Described by the poet Rabindranath Tagore as a “tear on the face of eternity”, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture and quite simply one of the world’s most marvellous buildings.

39. AGRA FORT A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort is an imposing structure made of red sandstone – enclosed within its walls are royal apartments, mosques, assembly halls and a dungeon.

40. IDMAT-UD-DAULAH (It-maad-ood-daula) Known as a also the Baby Taj, the small yet elegant garden tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628, is an exquisite example of Mughal-era craftsmanship

41. SIKANDRA (See-kan-dra) Built of deep red sandstone, Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra is enriched by white marble and designed in a classic garden style, where grazing deer (black bucks) are a common sight.

42. FATEHPUR SIKRI (Fatae-poor-seekree) The Moghul emperor Akbar’s elegant palace complex now lies deserted on a ridge near Agra, but remains one of India’s architectural masterpieces.

43. HOTELS IN AGRA ECONOMY STANDARD DELUXE SUPER DELUXE

44. ECONOMY HOTEL HOTEL AMAR Amar Hotel in Agra is a three star government approved hotel. It is perfectly located at the heart of the tourist hub and a short distance away from the Taj Mahal. No. of Rooms: 66 Category of Rooms: Executive Room Mughal Room Suite Location: Distance from the railway station: 4.5 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Distance from the Taj Mahal: 1.5 Kms, 10 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 90 + 10.15% taxes per room per night

45. STANDARD HOTEL TRIDENT, AGRA The Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. No. of Rooms: 135 Rooms and 2 Suites Category of Rooms: Deluxe Garden View Room Deluxe Pool View Room Suites Location: Distance from the railway station: 7 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Distance from Taj Mahal: 5 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 250 + 10.15% taxes per room per night

46. DELUXE HOTEL THE GATEWAY HOTEL FATEHABAD ROAD Set amidst six acres of landscaped gardens, this tranquil retreat is an ideal spot for a business or leisure stay, offering a magnificent view of The Taj Mahal from most rooms. No. of Rooms: 100 Rooms & 5 Suites Category of Rooms: Standard Room Superior Taj View Room Executive Taj View Room Executive Suite Taj View Location: Distance from the railway station: 5 Kms, 15 to 20 mins Distance from Taj Mahal: 3 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 238 + 10.15% taxes per room per night

47. SUPER DELUXE HOTEL AMARVILAS Rated amongst the leading resorts in the world, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers the best view of the Taj Mahal in Agra. The hotel is located 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and all rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument No of Rooms: 102 Rooms including suites Category of Rooms: Premier Room Premier Room with Balcony Deluxe Suite Luxury Suite Kohinoor Suite Location: Distance from the railway station: 10 Kms, 30 to 35mins Distance from Taj Mahal: 600 mtrs, 5 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 905 + 10.15% taxes per room per night

48. JAIPUR

49. GETTING THERE BY AIR: There are regular flights from Delhi to Jaipur. Delhi / Jaipur - Spice Jet – SG 913 – 13:40 hrs / 14:20 hrs Delhi / Jaipur - Jet Lite – S2 599 – 15:20 hrs / 16:05 hrs

50. BY TRAIN: Jaipur is well connected by rail network from Delhi Delhi / Jaipur – Ajmer Shatabdi – 06:05 hrs / 10:30 hrs BY CAR: Jaipur is easily accessible by road from Delhi and Agra. Distance from Delhi - 258 Kms,5 to 6 hours Distance from Agra - 237 Kms, 4 to 5 hours

51. ATTRACTIONS IN JAIPUR AMBER FORT (am-aer) The Fort is an imposing and rugged defensive structure on the outside, in stark contrast to its ornate and lavish interior. Amber’s gates are gigantic; designed to allow elephants to pass during stately ceremonies. Elephant ride at Amber: Guests may experience a royal ride on an elephant on their way up to the gates of the Amber Fort.

52. CITY PALACE & MUSEUM Still a royal residence, the palace is a sprawling blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture in the centre of Japiur. A part of it has been converted into a museum – full of miniature paintings, royal manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weaponry.

53. JANTAR MANTAR (OBSERVATORY) (jan-tar-man-tar) UNESCO’s World Heritage List describes it as "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince…”

54. HAWA MAHAL (ha-vaa-ma-hal) Known as the ‘Palace of Winds’, its unique five- storey exterior resembles a honeycomb with its 953 small windows decorated with intricate lattice work.

55. HOTELS IN JAIPUR Economy Hotels Standard Hotels Deluxe Hotels Super Deluxe Hotels

56. ECONOMY HOTELS ALSISAR HAVELI Built in 1892, a nobleman's town house, it has been aesthetically restored, incorporating in itself the grandeur of traditional Rajput architecture with rambling courtyards, serene alcoves and lush greenery. No. of Rooms: 45 Category of Rooms: Standard Room Deluxe Room Location: Distance from the airport – 12 Kms, 20 to 25 mims Distance from the railway station – 2 Kms, 5 to 10 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 115 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

57. STANDARD HOTELS TRIDENT, JAIPUR Situated en route to Jaipur’s famous Amber fort, Trident offers gracefully furnished rooms that are well equipped with modern amenities. The rooms offer to guests spectacular views of the Mansagar Lake and the surrounding Aravalli Range. No. of Rooms: 134 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Garden View Rooms Deluxe Lake View Rooms Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 21 Kms, 35 to 40 mins Distance from the railway station: 10 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 310 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

58. SAMODE HAVELI Unexpected and charming, Samode Haveli is a self-contained, intimate, heritage hotel, hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old Jaipur. A nobleman's urban abode restored to perfection, the Haveli emerges, as if from nowhere at the end of a narrow lane - an oasis of serenity in the depths of the lively city. No. of Rooms: 39 Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Deluxe Suite Haveli Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 17 Kms, 45 mins to 50 mins Distance from the railway station: 6 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 310 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

59. RASA RESORT Adjacent t the meandering wall of Amber Fort is an ancient gateway that leads to a valley transformed into a geometric garden. Forty futuristic tents, canvas cubes that are rendered in pattern, interspaced with sculpted landscape against the background of rocky hills. This combination of contrasts evokes a range of emotions and tastes that the word “rasa” stands for. No. of Rooms: 40 Category of Rooms: Luxury tents Location: Distance from the airport: 25 Kms, 30 to 40 mins Distance from the railway station: 14 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 242 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

60. DELUXE HOTELS JAIMAHAL PALACE Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. No. of Rooms: 94 rooms and 6 suites Category of Rooms: Deluxe Room Luxury Room Luxury Room with private sit out Luxury Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 12 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Distance from the railway station: 3 Kms, 5 to 10 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 452 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

61. SUPER DELUXE HOTELS RAMBAGH PALACE It’s an architectural masterpiece that transcends time. Walk from room to room amongst rich textures, opulent furnishings and exquisite objects d’art. Step out into expansive, ornamental gardens arranged in brilliant symmetry. Retire to rooms that were once the sanctuaries of kings, princes and their guests. No. of Rooms: 79 Category of Rooms: Palace Room Historical Suite Royal Suite Grand Royal Suite Grand Presidential Suite Location: Distance from the airport: 12 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Distance from the railway station: 5 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 1179 + 15.15% taxes per room per night

62. RAJVILAS Rated amongst the leading resorts in the world, The Oberoi Rajvilas is a unique way to experience Jaipur. Amongst the most preferred luxury hotels in India, the distinctive character of The Oberoi Rajvilas revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes. No. of Rooms: 71 including suites Category of Rooms: Premier Room Luxury Tent Royal Tent Luxury Villa with Private Pool Kohinoor Villa with Private Pool Location: Distance from airport: 5 Kms, 10 to 15 mins Distance from the railway station: 10 Kms, 20 to 25 mins Room Rates: Prices start from USD 905 + 15.15% taxes per room per night