Guidance for a Trip to India

Pace

  • Slow travel; absorb India rather than have it rush by
  • 5 to 7 full days in one place (e.g., Jaipur) preferably at a home stay with lots of opportunity to talk with Indian natives,
  • Take day trips in the surrounding area, explore textiles
  • Prefer 2 or more nights in a place with day trips
  • 4 to 6 weeks total depending on budget
  • Private car and English speaking driver throughout
  • Get train only for day trips
  • No travel at night

Interests

  • Experience India rather than “do” a bunch of sights; meet Indian people and culture especially religion and political life, domestic life, textiles and cooking
  • Textiles and other crafts
  • Classical Indian music and dance
  • Wildlife safaris or national parks

Must do

  • World-class guides; at least one per city
  • Purchase custom-made Indian style clothing early in trip (kurta like Judy Dench wears in Marigold Hotel)
  • See Taj Mahal
  • See Himalayan Mountains
  • Visit textile workshops
  • Visit Hindu temples, Mughal mosques, Buddhist temples
  • Experience rural life
  • Visit one or two places of significance in Gandhi’s life
  • Shop for quality textiles as well as visit military or religious sites
  • Visit Hotels: Safe, clean, mid-range or better with private Western style bathroom; room on ground or first floor where there is no elevator; average about 7,000 – 8,000 Rs per night over whole trip
  • Heritage, haveli, homestay!!
  • Occasional splurge if budget permits
  • Good neighborhoods where it is safe to walk in larger towns and cities
  • Appealing accommodations are B-19 and the Manor (Delhi), Chandra Niwas (Udaipur), Jas villas (Jaipur). All very highly rated on Trip Advisor.

Challenges

  • Everyone bargains in India. You’ll be spending 3 or 4 times as much as locals if you don’t join in the conversation shopkeeper and bargain as well.
  • If some of your family member are in their mid sixty and seventies then cannot do stairs without a handrail (will have folding cane);
  • They may need step stool to enter/exit van
  • You should avoid eating wheat and wheat related products if you have wheat allergy.
  • If you have dairy allergy you must avoid eating any dairy products like milk, cream, cheese or cooked yogurt;
  • small amounts of butter is okay; naan is usually okay

Questions to ask your travel counselor while planning a trip to India.

Here are some questions you must ask your travel counselor before you planning a trip to India.

What services do you provide:-

We create fully customized holidays ranging from A Sunset Yacht Tour of Gateway of India, Private Dining Experience at the Oberoi Amarvilas, The Jiva Spa Boat on Lake Pichola, JAWAI Leopard Camp and special celebrations

Our services include:-

Travel advice, inspiration and planning – over the telephone, via email and, if desired, in person. Booking of flights, accommodation, guides and activities.

Prior to travel we send clients their personalised day-by-day travel plan or itinerary. We also provide a document with personalized tips and suggestions, including some favorite restaurants, shops and markets – with specific tips on jewellery, clothes and textiles where appropriate.

We provide 24×7 support throughout your holiday, while are you traveling in India. We will provide the cell phone so you can call in the case of an emergency.

Will I Have the same guide throughout the tour:-

In India you will have same driver throughout but a different guide for each city. If you wish to have the same guide that can be arranged for any of our destinations. 

Which destinations in India we do go to:-

We are based in India and we know, what is happening on the ground and provide our clients with the best quality holidays. These are the countries in our portfolio:

  • India
  • Bhutan
  • Nepal
  • Sri Lanka

How do I book with Castle & King India Inc?


Nothing compares to a chat. Please start by calling us on +0091 9818885102 to speak to one of your Personal Travel Counsellor or specialists who will design your Customized travel itinerary. A conversation at the start of the planning process allows us to immediately understand your preferred style of hotel and suggest destinations and experiences to suit you. You can also email us at info@castleandking.com and if you would like to what’s up we would be delighted to do so.