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Maharaja Express >> The Heritage of India |
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At a Glance
The Heritage of India itinerary let you explore the medieval caves of Ajanta, forts and Palaces of Rajasthan and the ethereal TajMahal in a journey lasting 8 days. The itinerary of the Heritage of India tour includes the "city of lakes" Udaipur, the "pink city" Jaipur, the immortal beauty TajMahal. Also included in the Maharajas Express itinerary is the cultural hubbub of local sightseeing tour and shopping excursions, spa and royal banquets at select destinations.
Detailed Itinerary
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Duration : |
7 Nights / 8 Days |
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Places to See : |
Mumbai - Ajanta - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore |
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Agra - Delhi |
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| Day 01/Saturday: |
| MUMBAI Departure 1640hrs |
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Welcome to a regal journey aboard the Maharajas Express as you embark on Heritage of India tour. Report at Hotel TajMahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai by 1400hours, where registration and check in formalities will be done after that traveller are transferred to ChhatrapatiShivaji Rail Terminus .A welcome drink on arrival while you board the Maharajas’ Express & depart from Mumbai at 1640 hours Your travel begins from the land of Marathas. Dinner on board Overnight on Maharajas’ Express
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| Day Highlight |
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Welcome Ceremony at ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus |
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| Day 02/Sunday: |
| AJANTA Caves |
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Morning excursion to World Heritage site of Ajanta Caves from Jalgaon Railway Station. These Buddhist cave temples date were sculpted out of hill sides between 2nd century BC to 7th Century AD & famous for colorful frescoes executed On a ground of mud plaster in the tempera technique, showing incidents from life of Lord Buddha & the Jatakas.
Later return to the train & depart. Lunch & dinner on board.
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| Day Highlight |
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Guided Tour to Ajanta Caves |
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Post breakfast; embark on a sightseeing tour to the City Palace complex and Crystal gallery. The royal lunch served in the gallery restaurant of the FatehPrakash Palace forms the crescendo of the day. Post lunch, you have an option to go on a walking tour across the old bazaar, market, of the Udaipur city or visit the vintage car collection or royal family or take delight in Son-et-Lumiere program at City Palace.
Dinner and overnight stay on-board the train
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| Day Highlight |
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Sightseeing tour to City Palace and Crystal Gallery in Udaipur |
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Son-et-Lumiere program at City Palace |
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Walking tour across Old Bazaar |
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Vintage car collection of the Royal Family of Udaipur |
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Post a leisurely breakfast and a lavish lunch aboard the train, get ready to explore another jewel of the state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur. The Heritage of India Tour itinerary is set with a number of elements to capture and present before you the finest picture of this Blue city of India. Embark on a sightseeing trip across the city by paying a quick visit to the Old Clock Tower market and a leisurely trip across the Mehrangarh Fort. While here, do not miss to feast on the exotic delicacies of the place; a barbeque experience at Mehrangarh Fort will surely linger in your hearts for long.An optional tour of the RohetGarh village, home to Bishnoi tribe.
Return to the train by evening for dinner and overnight stay.
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| Day Highlight |
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Expedition to the Old Clock Tower |
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Trip to Mehrangarh Fort |
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Optional Tour to RohetGarh village |
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As the train reaches Bikaner, the Harbor of the ship of the dessert - the camel, you may relax on board or pick any of these excursions:
1. Explore the imposing red sand-stone palace – The Lalgarh palace, which stands as a hybrid architecture and mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles.
2. Visit the astonishing Karni Mata Mandir or the Rat temple in Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner. The temple has thousands of rats that live, and are revered in the temple. Eating food that has been nibbled on by the rats is considered to be highly auspicious.
Post lunch, which is served on board maharajas' express, visit the Junagarh Fort that dates back to 1588 A.D. Built by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, built in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. Immerse yourself in the true colours of the dessert with a camel cart procession, which is followed by sun downer cocktails, barbecue and Rajasthani folk dance performances on the sand dunes. Board the train for dinner and overnight stay. The train proceeds towards to make you witness sheer symphony in pink in Jaipur.
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| Day Highlight |
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Visits to Deshnok Temples/Lalgarh Palace Museum |
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Visit to Junagarh Fort |
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Sam Sand dune excursion on a camel carter |
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Cultural performances by the Kalbeliya and Langa artists |
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Shopping in the local marketing |
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| Day 06/Thursday |
| Place: Jaipur, Rajasthan |
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The train reaches Jaipur - the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, sitting on a dry bed lake and surrounded by barren hills, forts and crenelated walls. Post breakfast on board, your trip into this buzzing metropolis starts an exclusive experience - an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match at Jai Singh Palace. Set amidst 18 acres of Mughal Gardens, you get a grand welcome with royal military band and the beating of 'Nagadas'. The match is followed by Champagne lunch at the hotel.
Following lunch continue on a visit to the Amber Fort -a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens, and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. Enjoy a royal elephant ride to palace complex, which emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Mootha Lake. Further, the guests may pick from any of the following:
• Take one of the optional tours.
• Have a revitalizing spa at a five star hotel in Jaipur.
• Enjoy Golfing at the Rambagh Golf Club - a 18 hole, 6303 yard, Par 70 layout that is beautifully laid
out & centrally located
• Visit the City Palace - the former royal residence; and JantarMantar - a stone observatory
Dinner and overnight stay on board the royal train.
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| Day Highlight |
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Exhibition Elephant Polo Match |
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Elephant ride to the top of Amber Fort |
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| Day 07/ Friday: |
| SawaiMadhopur (Ranthambore), Rajasthan and FatehpurSikri, Uttar Pradesh |
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Early morning arrival in SawaiMadhopur Railway station , where a safari tour is awaiting at Ranthambore National Park. Originally private hunting ground of Maharajas, Ranthambore is a National Park famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. After experiencing the exhilarating expedition, have a lavish breakfast at Vivanta by Taj - SawaiMadhopur Lodge.
During the latter half of the day, the train takes you across the fabled magnificent fortified Mughal city FatehpurSikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the changing landscape while enjoying a hearty lunch on board. Brace yourself with the Mughal history by visiting this complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, including one of the largest mosques in India - the Jama Masjid. Other prime attractions here include Palace of JodhaBai, BibalBhavan, KarwanSerai&HiranMinar, PanchMahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am.
Return to the train to enjoy the flavours of an 'India Night' as the train continues its journey towards Agra.
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| Day Highlight |
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Jeep Safari to Ranthambore National Park |
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Visit to attractions in and around UNESCO World Heritage Site, FatehpurSikri |
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| Day 08/ Saturday |
| Morning: Agra, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi |
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On the last day of what can be termed as a truly magical tour, you arrive into Agra city. The city homes the most extravagant monument ever built for love - TajMahal. This poignant mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory if his beloved wife, MumtazMahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor heartbroken. The construction of the Taj began in that year and continued till 1653. Over 20,000 workers from India and Central Asia are believed to have created this marvel. No wonder, the result is so breath taking and awe-inspiring
The TajMahal stands on a raised marble platform, north of the ornamental gardens. Purely decorated white minarets grace each corner of the platform. Twin red sandstone buildings frame the Taj; the western one is a mosque, the identical eastern one is purely for symmetry. The central Taj structure has four small domes. The tombs of MumtazMahal and Shah Jahan are in a basement room.
The visit to this amazingly beautiful monument is followed by Champagne breakfast at Hotel TajKhema, which overlooks TajMahal. Return to the train and enjoy your lunch on board in any of the exquisite restaurants - The MayurMahal or the Rang Mahal.
Bid farewell to Maharajas’ Express as your ‘Heritage of India’ journey comes to an end at approximately 1530 hours on arrival into Safdarjung Station. Though the royal journey is over, but memories gained would indeed live on forever!
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| Day Highlight |
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Visit to TajMahal, Agra |
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Breakfast with Champagne at TajKhema |
Please Note :
All 'Options' / 'Optional Tours' are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey. |
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Maharaja Express >> The Heritage of India Schedule
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Heritage of India Departure Dates for Season 2016-17 & 2017-18 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| Oct-16 |
Sat, 22nd |
| Nov-16 |
Sat, 19th |
| Dec-16 |
Sat, 17th |
| Jan-17 |
Sat, 14th |
| Feb-17 |
Sat, 11th |
| Mar-17 |
Sat, 11th |
| Apr-17 |
Sat, 8th |
| Oct-17 |
Sat, 7th |
| Nov-17 |
Sat, 4th |
| Dec-17 |
Sat, 2nd |
| Dec-17 |
Sat, 30th |
| Jan-18 |
Sat, 27th |
| Feb-18 |
Sat, 24th |
| Mar-18 |
Sat, 24th |
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HERITAGE OF INDIA FARE FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18
(7 Nights & 8 Days)
(Covering approx. 3285 kms)
| Rooming |
Deluxe Cabin |
Junior Suite |
Suite |
Presidential Suite |
| Per Adult on Twin Sharing |
$6,840 |
$9,890 |
$13,800 |
$23,700 |
| Single Supplement |
$5,160 |
$8,910 |
$13,800 |
$23,700 |
NOTE : |
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All the above prices are on per person per journey on twin sharing basis |
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The above cost is exclusive of 4.50% service tax that will be charged extra. |
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All Optional Tours are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey. |
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Please note all bookings confirmed are non-transferable and will invite a cancellation charge as applicable. |
INCLUSIONS : |
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Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with attached bathrooms |
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All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits |
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Butler service, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board |
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Guided off train tours as included in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide |
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Porter charges at stations |
EXCLUSIONS: |
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Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary |
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Taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry |
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Alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands) |
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Video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers |
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International and domestic air tickets |
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Pre and post tour accommodation |
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Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys |
Green Chili Holidays takes this opportunity to mention that it is not the direct vendor of Maharajas Express train and presents itself as service provider in the sector of luxury train travel. On this page are highlights of various Terms & Conditions pertinent to Maharajas Express journeys and cover all aspects of the journeys. All listed Terms & Conditions here let Maharajas Express guests make an informed decision.
PAYMENT : |
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Payment of amount equal to 25% of published price plus applicable taxes is required to be paid at the time of booking. |
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Balance amount is to be paid 75 days prior to the departure date. |
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Pay 100% of the tour cost if you are booking 75 days prior to departure date. |
If the payment is not done, than the request would not be accepted & booking would be treated as cancelled & relevant cancellation charges would be applicable.
On the completion of the booking & payment formalities, a confirmation would be sent to passenger by email. The final documentation containing the itinerary & briefing sheet would be sent to passenger 14 days prior to date of journey.
PAYMENT OPTIONS : |
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(a) Guests can pay online by Credit Card Authorization (VISA/ MASTERCARD only) |
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(b) Swift wire transfer |
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(c) Indians can pay in equivalent Rupees by RTGS/Cheque payable at par in New Delhi(India) |
CANCELLATION : |
In case you wish to cancel the confirmed booking you must communicate cancellation in writing by email. Such notification will only be deemed to have been given once we receive cancellation in writing from you by email. The computation of the period of notice of cancellation will commence only from the time, the email reaches us on working days. |
CANCELLATION CHARGES : |
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60 days or more prior to departure, 25% of published price. |
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45 to 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the published price. |
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0 to 44 days prior to departure, 100% of the published price. |
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For any cancellation days are counted excluding the date of departure. |
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All confirm bookings are non-transferable and hence no name change would be allowed. |
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In case of 'force majeure' situation - due to which a departure has to be cancelled- there would be no refund of the amount paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of this cancellation / change. |
CHANGES & CANCELLATION BY TRAIN AUTHORITIES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE : |
A train authority reserves the rights to make changes to the program if necessary at any point of time. This change can be due to insufficient no. of passengers in a particular departure or due to certain operational reasons & conditions. In this case train authorities reserve the rights to cancel the departure or amend the same.
Normally the changes made are minor in nature however, on certain occasion the changes could be significant. (A change is defined as significant if it involves a change of destination or date of departure). In such an eventually, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you with the following solution:-
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Accepting the changed arrangements or |
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Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of the payment remitted to us. |
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In case of 'force majeure' situation - due to which a departure has to be cancelled- there would be no refund of the amount paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of this cancellation / change. |
AMENDMENTS : |
Any amendment to the services would be treated as a cancellation of the original services and any new arrangements will be regarded as an entirely new booking. Cancellation charges will be applied as per chart given above. |
FORCE MAJEURE : |
| Neither party shall be considered in breach of this Agreement or in default of its obligations hereunder if it fails to perform or observe any or all of the terms of this Agreement as a direct or indirect result of causes beyond the reasonable control of such party, such as but not limited to, acts of God, Civil or military authority, acts of the public enemy, threat of war, declared war, undeclared war, war riots, actual or threatened terrorist activity, civil disturbances, insurrections, industrial dispute, strikes, accidents, explosions, fires, earthquakes, floods, transportation embargoes, epidemics, diseases, acts of government, its agencies or officers, non-availability of venues or any other legitimate cause beyond the reasonable control of the parties. |
REFUND : |
| Train authorities reserve the right to determine the amount of refund value in case of cancellation and amendment. The decision of the train authorities on the quantum of the refund will be final. There will be no refund for unutilized services. |
TRAIN SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY : |
| Please note that Maharajas Express operate within the constraints of Indian Railway network & as per timing agreed upon by them. You are requested to abide by timings suggested by your guides, escorts etc. |
COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS : |
| Should you have any complaints or face any problem during your journey, please bring it to the attention of the train manager immediately while on board, in order for him or her to provide you with an immediate solution rectifying the problem while on tour. It is only if you do this, the train authorities has the opportunity to put matter's right, on the spot. Failing to do this, any right to compensation, which you may have, will be extinguished or reduced. |
LAW & JURISDICATION : |
| Your relationship with train authority or with us or any disputes or other matters arising from it shall be interpreted as per Indian Law's & Court in New Delhi (India). |
PRIVACY OF INFORMATION : |
| We try to maintain the privacy of the personal information provided by you. However, it would be necessary for us to share this information with Consultants, Embassies, Airlines, Hotels and other service providers who would be providing you service during the tour. We should also be constrained to disclose such information if we receive an order of the court, a requisition from any government or statutory authority, subpoena, or under any law, rules or regulations such disclosure becomes necessary. |
CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL : |
| You will have to strictly follow the tour program. There would be no refund if you fail to join the group at the tour, or join the group later or leave the group before culmination of the tour for any reasons whatsoever. You are responsible to register with the representative of the Company at the appointed date, place and time and you would be treated as a no-show if you fail to do so. Under no circumstances would any refund be given for nay unutilized services. |
COMMUNICATION : |
| The communication transmitted to your mailing / email address on record shall be deemed to have been communicated to you. All communication from you to the Company has to be in writing, not orally. |
TRAVEL INSURANCE : |
| Maharaja-Express-India do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements, in their home country. All baggage & personal property's at all times are at the client's risk. |
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR, SIGNATURE JOURNEY SUPPLEMENT CHARGES : |
| There will be supplement charge of 10% will be Extra for Xmas Eve & New Year Eve departs. The supplement charge will be applicable for child between 05-12 years also. Supplement charges may be applicable for certain signature journeys as announced by Train Authorities from time to time. |
CHILD POLICY : |
| Maharajas Express does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain.
1. Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject of double bed at the time of booking. However, this is not recommended by us.
2. Single child (5 years – 12 years) sharing cabin with adults – 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing of double bed with two full paid adults. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. However, this is not recommended by us. OR
Single child (5 years – 12 years) in a separate cabin – 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges) if requested in a separate cabin.
3. Two child (5 years – 12 years) in a separate cabin – 50% of the adult fare for each child in a separate cabin on twin sharing basis.
4. Three child (5 years – 12 Years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
OR
If third child request in a separate cabin – 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges)
5. Single child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis.
6. Two child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- One adult fare plus 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
7. Child booking if required in a separate cabin is subject to travelling with the adults. It is to be noted that single child has to share guide/ vehicle with adults travelling together in case of Suite & PS cabin booked passenger. In case, a separate higher category vehicle is required then supplement will be levied.
8. Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins except in the Professional Suite Car.
9. All applicable taxes will be charged extra.
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POLICY ON GUIDE/VEHICLE : |
I) Policy on Guide (PS & Suite Cabins)
We will provide a Local English speaking local guide at each destination on complimentary basis.
1. In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
2. In some of the destinations language speaking local guide are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.
II) Policy on Guide with Separate vehicle for Group Bookings
In case, a group desires a separate vehicle/ guide the policy will be followed as under:
(a) For a group (15+1 passenger or more) an air-conditioned deluxe bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis but a Volvo Bus can be provided at supplement cost.
(b) For a group (30+2 passenger or more) Volvo bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis.
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NOTE : |
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1. In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability. |
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2. In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. |
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3. Whereas language speaking local guides at those will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English Speaking local guides. |
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