There are bound to be questions when travelling. Information on everything from weather to internet connections can be found below.

• Inclusive Prices

  Tour Prices

  Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, the services of Tauck Directors, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to the Oberoi, New Delhi is included provided you furnish us with accurate flight arrival information at least three weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from The Oberoi, Mumbai to Chhatrapati Shivaji (Mumbai/Sahar) International Airport is also included when you check out of the hotel. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.

  Hotel Accommodations

  The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triple requests on this tour will be accommodated in one two-bedded room and one single-bedded room, with the exception of The Grand Temple View, Gateway Hotel Varanasi, and the Kumarakom Lake Resort, where a triple will be accommodated in a two-bedded room with a rollaway bed. These accommodations, when so outfitted, limit the amount of open space in the room.

  Tauck Director

  A Portrait of India is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.

  Meals

  Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

  Gratuities Included

  All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, local guides and drivers are included.

  Luggage Handling and Restrictions

  Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
  
  Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on the on-tour flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges that can result in a considerable additional expense.
  
  The maximum allowable weight for carry-on luggage is 15 lbs (6.8 kg), and the maximum allowable dimensions are 22” by 14” by 10” (55.9 cm by 35.6 cm by 25 cm). These dimensions include all wheels, handles, pockets, etc. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on piece will be checked.
  
  Regulations within most airports require that customers handle their own luggage through customs.
  
  On two occasions, you will be required to pack an overnight bag during your India sojourn. The first such occasion will be for your two night trip to Varanasi and Khajuraho from Delhi on day 4 of your itinerary. You will be reunited with your checked luggage upon your arrival in Agra on day 6. The second occasion is on day 9 when your checked luggage will be collected late in the evening to be transported by luggage van very early on the following morning from Jaipur to Udaipur. You will travel by airplane from Jaipur to Udaipur.
  
  For your convenience, you will be provided with a duffel bag upon arrival in India. Packing an overnight bag on these occasions will ensure the safe and timely arrival of your luggage at your next destination, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
  
  Checked Luggage – General
  
  While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
  
  In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
  
  Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 44 lbs (20 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
  
  Tauck cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
  
  Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
  
  Carry-on Luggage – General
  
  Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
  
  For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

  No Options Sold

  Your Tauck Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

• On Tour Flights

  Airfare While on Tour – Five on-tour flights must be purchased through us as part of your tour package.

• Not Included

  Transportation

  Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

  Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours

  To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included in these bookings as described above in Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip in the Accommodations section above on this webpage and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

  Luggage Responsibility

  Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section below for more information.

  Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

  Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

  Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

  Tauck Director Gratuities

  The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

• Preparing to Go

  Journey Start and End Times

  Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins with your arrival at The Oberoi, New Delhi on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of The Oberoi, Mumbai. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.

  Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility

  We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.

  Holiday and Museum Closures

  Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.

  Photography On Tour

  Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

  Membership

  Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

  ATM and Credit Cards

  We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

  Cell Phone Usage

  We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
  
  Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to India.

• Health and Activity

  Your journey to the subcontinent is very active and includes six on-tour flights. You should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances over varied terrain. Various modes of transportation will be used to highlight different aspects of India’s culture and geography, including airplane, train, motor coach, trishaw and houseboat.
  
  There is a significant amount of walking on this journey; however, the pace of the itinerary has been carefully planned to intersperse sightseeing with leisurely days to ensure you have a most enjoyable time.

  AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

  Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

  Due to the ancient nature of several of the sites you will visit during your sojourn in India, stairs and walkways are sometimes dark, uneven, steep and/or slippery.
  
  It can also be quite warm when sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri and Elephanta Island, but using sun protection, including wearing a hat and sunglasses, and drinking lots of water can help minimize the impact of the weather.
  
  We advise that you always drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. Avoid having ice in your drinks, and clean your teeth with bottled water.
  
  Public toilet facilities are rare. You are encouraged to take every opportunity to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Most hotels catering to an international clientele provide western style restroom facilities.
  
  Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches. Hotels in India do not always have designated non-smoking rooms, but your preference will be forwarded to the hotels and every effort will be made to accommodate your request, although it cannot be guaranteed.
  
  Always keep mosquito repellent with you and be sure to pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.
  
  Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
  
  If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

  VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

  Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

  For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

  Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

  Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

  Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. 

  If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

  Airline Disinsection

  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

• Additional Information

  Travel Documents Required

  If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey that contains at least two blank pages. You will also need a current visa to enter India.

  We have collaborated with Pinnacle Travel Document Systems (TDS) to assist you in obtaining an entry visa for India. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, is not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to TDS. The amount of the visa fee is stated on the application.
  
  A TDS visa kit may be downloaded through the Pinnacle TDS website by clicking here. Visas for India cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and the process does take several weeks to complete.
  
  It is very important to note that while we have an affiliation with TDS for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through TDS, and may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through an Indian consulate or embassy.
  
  If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,  please contact a consulate or embassy of India to determine if an entry visa is required.
  
  Please note: The Indian government has recently introduced a new policy that requires leisure travelers entering India more than once within a two-month period to obtain a Re-Entry Permit. Thus, if you will be visiting India less than two months before or less than two months after your Tauck journey to India, you will need a Re-Entry Permit.
  
  We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

  Travel With Children

  Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
  
  Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
  
  Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
  
  Special Travel Documentation for Children
  Authorization for Travel
  
  If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a notarized note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
  
  If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
  
  Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
  
  Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
  
  In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

  Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.

  We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.

  Airline Security Measures

  If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
  
  If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
  
  For more information on the TSA's requirements, please visit their website by clicking here.

  If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
  
  Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.

• What to Pack

  Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we’ve partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.
  
  When packing for travel to India, we suggest you select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. In India, delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels. Plain cotton or cotton and synthetic blend clothing is the most practical and is the coolest in summer. It is best to avoid synthetic fabrics that do not “breathe”. A hat with a wide brim will help protect you from the harsh sun. During the fall season, a collapsible umbrella comes in handy. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are necessary.
  
  We do not advise you dress in shorts, mini-skirts or tank tops unless you are on a beach. In small towns and cities, people may tend to stare if you expose too much skin. Most Indians dress in modest clothing. To respect Indian sensitivities when in public, we recommend that women wear skirts below the knee or longer or relatively loose slacks. Avoid wearing sleeveless blouses and tight pants. Young women and teenage girls, especially those dressed in tight or short dresses, may attract undesirable attention. Men should avoid going shirtless; trousers are preferable to shorts. However, shorts and sleeveless tops and blouses are perfectly acceptable attire in the warmer, tropical Kerala.
  
  When visiting places of worship, women are not allowed to enter with bare shoulders, short pants or short skirts; a long skirt, dress, or slacks are recommended. A scarf is acceptable to cover shoulders if a woman is wearing a sleeveless top. Head covering is not required. Men should also dress appropriately for a holy sanctuary. Shorts are discouraged. All visitors will be required to remove their shoes in temples and mosques.
  
  For the welcome and farewell dinners, we recommend resort wear to suit a tropical climate.
  
  Following is a list of recommended items to pack:

  • Resort wear
  • A sports jacket for men for fine dining options
  • Skirt below the knee
  • Loose slacks
  • Trousers
  • Shorts
  • Short and long-sleeved shirts and blouses
  • Scarf
  • Light sweater
  • Light waterproof jacket
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • A pair of sturdy, yet comfortable, pre-worn walking shoes for uneven terrain
  • A pair of easily removable shoes or sandals for entering temples and shrines
  • Collapsible umbrella
  • Toiletries, sundries, tissues
  • Pre-moistened towelettes
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Antibacterial lotion
  • Medication for allergies/aspirin/upset stomach/diarrhea
  • Insect repellent
  • Travel alarm
  • Camera, film, memory cards, batteries and other photography accessories
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

• Upon Arrival...

  Air Conditioning

  All of the hotels on this tour provide air-conditioning. The motor coaches used on this tour are also air-conditioned for your comfort.

  Currency and Exchange Rates

  The official currency used in India is called the rupee and banks, hotels, and authorized moneychangers can exchange foreign currency for rupees. Receipts (called “encashment certificates”) should be retained, as these will enable you to reconvert the balance into dollars, or any other foreign currency, when you leave the country, provided the receipt is no more than 30 days old. Most large cities have ATMs that accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding, and in some Indian states you can find them in smaller towns. International airports have currency exchange booths that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights.
  
  To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or by logging on to oanda.com by clicking here.

  Customs and Tax-Free Shopping

  You should familiarize yourself with India’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may access India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs by clicking here.
  
  Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:
  
  (a) Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5000/- or equivalent.
  
  (b) Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent.
  
  If you are a U.S. resident traveling internationally who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
  
  If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
  
  Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.

  Dining

  We have designed your sojourn to India to include a balance of western-style menus and impeccably prepared regional cuisine. Indian food is typically served family style and is intended to be passed and shared. Rice is the basis of Indian meals, with a flavorful array of spices and sauces enhancing every dish. Curd or yogurt is served with most meals; it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. Beverages include tea, coffee, lassi (a yogurt-based drink), as well as soft drinks and beer. Most meals will be served in hotel restaurants where cleanliness is good and service is attuned to the international traveler. At all of the hotels on this itinerary, the amount of spice in the Indian food has been adjusted to suit a more western palate, but you may always request more or less spice when you place your order.
  
  Indian cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes. Good quality vegetarian food is easily available. We suggest that you eat non-vegetarian food only in upscale restaurants since meat is cheaper and can be of questionable quality in smaller establishments. India, being a primarily Hindu country, does not offer beef on most menus, but pork, mutton, and chicken are common.
  
  Minor stomach ailments are the most common affliction of visitors to India. Although it is a nuisance and can dampen your enjoyment of the trip for a few days, following the general precautions outlined below will minimize the chances of your becoming ill. We strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your travel through India. Always wash your hands before and after eating. We suggest that you eat fruit you can peel and make sure fresh fruit has been washed in bottled water.
  
  However, if you succumb to a stomach ailment, you may want to try the following remedies to alleviate your discomfort:

  • Drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts if the symptoms persist.
  • Drink lassi to help tone down the bacteria.
  • Eat plain rice, or try a simple khichdi-an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils.
  • Drink plenty of coconut water; it is cooling and naturally sterilized!

  Local Customs

  Eating – In India, people often eat with the right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and is generally not used to eat or to handle food and money.
  
  Feet - The soles of your feet pointing towards someone is considered offensive, so care should be taken not to do this. In the same vein, feet should not be placed on furniture. If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, it is common practice to apologize. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering a private home in addition to places of worship and burial.
  
  Garlands -- If you are given a garland of flowers, remove it after several minutes to demonstrate your humility.
  
  Greetings - Handshakes are not a common method of greeting among Indians. The Indian greeting is to put your hands together in front of your chin (as for praying) and incline your head forward, saying "Namaste".
  
  Language - The official language of India is Hindi in the Devanagri script. The individual states are free to decide their own regional languages for internal administration and education, so there are 18 official languages spoken throughout the country. English is widely spoken in India.
  
  Personal Space - India is densely populated and people are accustomed to being crowded. However, except in packed buses, strangers avoid touching each other. Cross-gender touching is especially offensive, although it is not uncommon to see same-sex friends holding hands or hugging.
  
  Religious Places - Most temples and mosques prohibit shoes inside the building and signs are sometimes posted when this is the case. Some Hindu temples do not permit non-Hindus to enter. A visitor should ask if there is any doubt and observe other visitors for guidance. In Sikh temples, called gurdwaras, white/saffron head coverings for both men and women are required (and sometimes provided). Priests in gurdwaras also offer the visitor blessed food, which should be accepted with the right hand to avoid giving offense. The food should either be eaten or given to someone else.
  
  It is customary to enter any religious place with the head slightly bowed.
  
  Special note: The visit to Jagdish Mandir Temple requires the removal of both shoes and socks.
  
  Street Scenes - Guests will have expectations of poverty before arriving in India, but unless you have previously traveled to a developing country, it is hard to suppress one’s shock. You will encounter people, including children, begging in the streets. You will see street scenes which may be unusual, including animals sifting through garbage in the streets. You will also see prosperity and middle class living. Being prepared for these different experiences will better enable you to enjoy your exploration through this colorful, vibrant and hospitable country.
  
  Photography - Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is required for use of tripod and artificial light. Photography in the wildlife sanctuaries is allowed on payment of a prescribed fee. In Delhi, videos are not allowed at Humayun's Tomb, and camera fees are imposed at both UNESCO sites visited in Delhi. Videos are not allowed in the Taj Mahal complex past the first viewing area; guests may store their cameras. Costs incurred for photography are at guests' expense.
  
  Your Tauck Director will advise you of all known camera related fees and rules for each city traveled.

  Electrical Current

  The electrical current in the hotels in India is 220v, 50 Hz, AC. If you bring electrical devices that do not meet these standards, you may need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.

  Internet Access

  Complimentary basic Internet where available in hotel rooms; service levels are not guaranteed.

  Time Zones

  All cities on this journey are located in the same time zone. They are 5.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). India does not observe Daylight Savings Time or other seasonal adjustments. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.

  Elevation

  The maximum elevation on this itinerary is 1,721 ft (525 m).

  Weather

  The climate in India varies depending on the location and time of travel. In northern India, the weather during the late fall and winter months of October through March is dry with temperatures averaging 45 °F (7 °C) in the early morning and evening, and 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C) during the day. However, as you travel south to Mumbai and then Cochin, temperatures rise, with daytime temperatures averaging 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C) in Mumbai to 90 °F (32 °C) in Cochin.
  
  India is known for its rainy season, when monsoons make headlines. However, from October through March – the best time to travel – no more than one inch of rain per month on average falls on the cities we visit.

  To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

  	Average Temperature
  	Delhi, India		Varanasi, India
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	69 / 45	21 / 7	73 / 47	23 / 8
  February	74 / 50	23 / 10	79 / 51	26 / 11
  March	84 / 59	29 / 15	91 / 60	33 / 16
  April	96 / 70	36 / 21	102 / 71	39 / 22
  May	102 / 78	39 / 26	106 / 79	41 / 26
  June	101 / 82	38 / 28	103 / 82	39 / 28
  July	94 / 80	34 / 27	92 / 79	33 / 26
  August	92 / 79	33 / 26	81 / 78	27 / 26
  September	93 / 76	34 / 24	91 / 75	33 / 24
  October	91 / 67	33 / 19	90 / 68	32 / 20
  November	82 / 55	28 / 13	84 / 57	29 / 14
  December	73 / 47	23 / 8	76 / 49	24 / 9
  	Agra, India		Jaipur, India
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	73 / 43	23 / 6	71 / 49	22 / 9
  February	78 / 46	26 / 8	76 / 54	24 / 12
  March	89 / 55	32 / 13	87 / 63	31 / 17
  April	101 / 67	38 / 19	97 / 74	36 / 23
  May	107 / 77	42 / 25	103 / 80	39 / 27
  June	105 / 83	41 / 28	101 / 83	38 / 28
  July	95 / 80	35 / 27	91 / 79	33 / 26
  August	92 / 78	33 / 26	89 / 77	32 / 25
  September	93 / 75	34 / 24	92 / 75	33 / 24
  October	94 / 62	34 / 17	91 / 69	33 / 21
  November	85 / 49	29 / 9	82 / 59	28 / 15
  December	76 / 44	24 / 7	73 / 51	23 / 11
  	Cochin, India		Mumbai, India
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	88 / 73	31 / 23	85 / 66	29 / 19
  February	88 / 75	31 / 24	85 / 68	29 / 20
  March	88 / 79	31 / 26	88 / 72	31 / 22
  April	88 / 79	31 / 26	90 / 77	32 / 25
  May	88 / 79	31 / 26	92 / 80	33 / 27
  June	84 / 75	29 / 24	89 / 79	32 / 26
  July	82 / 75	28 / 24	86 / 77	30 / 25
  August	82 / 75	28 / 24	85 / 76	29 / 24
  September	82 / 75	28 / 24	86 / 76	30 / 24
  October	84 / 75	29 / 24	90 / 77	32 / 25
  November	86 / 75	30 / 24	91 / 73	33 / 23
  December	86 / 73	30 / 23	88 / 69	31 / 21
  	Khajuraho, India
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	76 / 51	24 / 11
  February	82 / 55	28 / 13
  March	92 / 64	33 / 18
  April	101 / 73	38 / 23
  May	106 / 81	41 / 27
  June	99 / 80	37 / 27
  July	88 / 76	31 / 24
  August	85 / 75	29 / 24
  September	88 / 74	31 / 23
  October	89 / 68	32 / 20
  November	84 / 58	29 / 14
  December	78 / 51	26 / 11

   

  	Average Rainfall
  	Delhi, India		Varanasi, India
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	0.8	20	0.7	18
  February	0.8	20	0.7	18
  March	0.6	15	0.3	8
  April	0.8	20	0.2	5
  May	1.0	25	0.5	13
  June	2.8	71	4.5	114
  July	9.3	236	13.6	346
  August	9.3	236	9.4	240
  September	4.5	114	7.8	198
  October	0.7	18	1.3	33
  November	0.4	10	0.4	10
  December	0.4	10	0.4	10
  	Jaipur, India		Mumbai, India
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	0.4	10	0.0	0
  February	0.3	8	0.0	0
  March	0.3	8	0.0	0
  April	0.2	5	0.1	2
  May	0.6	15	0.5	12
  June	2.3	58	23.3	592
  July	7.8	198	26.8	681
  August	8.0	203	19.2	488
  September	3.3	84	12.1	307
  October	0.6	15	2.4	61
  November	0.1	3	0.9	23
  December	0.3	8	0.1	2
  	Khajuraho, India
  Month	Inches	Millimeters
  January	0.5	13
  February	0.6	15
  March	0.4	9
  April	0.2	4
  May	0.4	9
  June	4.8	121
  July	11.2	285
  August	11.8	300
  September	5.9	149
  October	0.8	20
  November	0.3	7
  December	0.3	7

  
  

• Book This Trip

  Have Information Ready

  To help expedite your booking, please have the following information ready before you call us:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s): Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver’s license.
  • Traveler’s Address(es)
  • Traveler’s Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing Tauck’s Travel Protection Product (see below).
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

  For Reservations Call

  For reservations, call 800-788-7885 or contact your travel agent to book today!
  
  Reservation Sales Center hours – North America Eastern Time Zone (New York City time):

  Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM  
  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
  Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM  

  Deposit Date

  Deposit Date
  Upon your request, we will hold space tentatively for you and give a “Deposit Due Date,” by which a deposit must be received or space is automatically released. Your deposit is $1000 per person.

  Special Requests

  Special Requests
  We will be happy to advise hotels of any special requests, provided we receive them at time of booking. We regret that requests cannot be guaranteed.

  Final Payment

  Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

  Final Documents

  Final Documents, which may include airline tickets, when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, hotel lists, tour itinerary, clothing suggestions, luggage tags and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your tour cost.

• Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

  Tauck’s Guest Protection and Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Guests booking a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing cancellation protection from Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations.

  Tauck’s Travel Protection Plan is available to all travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico. Residents of Puerto Rico are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Tauck’s Cancellation Fee Waiver (see below).

  Tauck’s Guest Protection

  Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Guest Protection, you can cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost. The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost. The cost is $610.00 per person.

  In addition, Tauck’s Guest Protection provides comprehensive travelers’ insurance and 24-hour emergency assistance. Coverage for the following elements is provided by BerkelyCare, Ltd. and is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy:
  

  • Airfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your tour for covered reasons, airfares and air penalties will be covered up to the original airfare cost.
  • Medical Protection – You are reimbursed for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your trip (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of deposit).
  • Luggage Protection – You are reimbursed for lost, stolen, delayed or damaged luggage.
    

  This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

  Tauck’s Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Should you have to cancel your tour for any reason, Tauck’s non-refundable Cancellation Fee Waiver waives all cancellation fees outlined (except in Extreme Circumstances*), provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. The cost is $400.00 per person.

  This Waiver is not insurance; it does not cover airline penalties, luggage damage, personal injury, or protect travel agent commissions. The advantage of this waiver is that you may cancel regardless of reason, without written notice. Should you wish protection beyond our Cancellation Fee Waiver, your travel agent will recommend insurance companies.

  This optional Cancellation Fee Waiver must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. It assures a full refund of land tour costs received by Tauck, except for the cost of the Cancellation Fee Waiver and any extra fees resulting from partial room cancellation.

  *Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

  If You Have to Cancel

  Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the following fees apply.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection will incur cancellation penalties of $610.00 per person regardless of cancellation date prior to tour departure date.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties of $400.00 per person regardless of cancellation date prior to tour departure date.

  Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  
  60 days or more before departure
  $1000.00 per person
  
  59-8 days before departure
  $1500.00 per person
  
  7-1 days before departure
  $2000.00 per person
  

  
  Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office.

  In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

  Tour Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund of land tour costs if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less $40 per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

  Partial Room Cancellation – A person canceling or leaving a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

  Click here to download our complete Description of Coverage.

• Air Services

  Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.