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Royal Expeditions Destination Management Co.

26, Community Centre, East of Kailash, New Delhi - 110065, India Tel: +91 11 4108 8335 / 4108 8330 Email : [email protected]

BEST OF INDIAN WILDLIFE

15 Days / 14 Nights (November to April)

OVERVIEW The Royal Expeditions wildlife safari experience in India continues to be unmatched, as we have been highly selective about the national parks on offer and the choice of accommodations. The lodges that we choose for your travels have all modern comforts, each catering to only a small number of guests at any one time. In addition, they have knowledgeable English- speaking resident naturalists who accompany guests, so that you can enjoy only the very best safari experience available in India. This wildlife tour takes you to some of the country's greatest national parks, among them the World Heritage Kaziranga National Park, host to the world's single largest population of the endangered one-horned rhino. Both Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park are noted the world over for their high number of tigers. The tour is aimed at offering the wildlife enthusiast a cross-section of India's fabulous wildlife experiences in some of the most stunning natural settings in not just the country but the world.



TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore the narrow maze of streets in Old Delhi by cycle-rickshaw Visit Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site & home to one-horned rhino Search for elusive tigers with top naturalists in 4WD Vehicles Elephant safari is Kaziranga Expert local naturalists at all the parks Long distance transportation in comfortable Vehicles Stay in certified small eco-friendly lodges, with all modern

comforts DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Low BEST TIME TO VISIT: November, February – April Journey MAP



Your itinerary Travel Dates Journey starts Delhi and Ends Delhi Meals provided indicated as breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) Day 1 Delhi

- Meet and arrival assistance at airport. We welcome you to Delhi, the vibrant capital of an emerging nation highlights the remarkable contrast between ancient core of Shahjahan’s city in the north and the late British capital of New Delhi to its south.

- Transfer to the hotel. - Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 Delhi

- After breakfast, proceed for guided tour of Old and New Delhi. - Take a cycle-rickshaw ride through the busy lanes of the colourful Chandni Chowk Market followed

by a visit to the Jama Masjid. - Afternoon visit the Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi Museum and drive past the President’s house, India

Gate and the government buildings. - Overnight at hotel - Meals B

Day 3 Delhi / Guwahati / Kaziranga National Park (193 Kms. 4 hours)

- Early morning, transfer to the airport to board flight for Guwahati. (Indigo 6E 939 departs at 0740 Hrs and arrives at 1010 Hrs)

- Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive to Kaziranga National Park, it is a World Heritage Site, where the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found.

- Arrive and check into your lodge. - If time permits, go for a nature walk along the Diphlu River with the lodge naturalist. - Overnight at the lodge. - Meals BLD

Day 4 Kaziranga National Park

- Morning at sunrise, game viewing either on elephant back or 4WD open vehicles - There is an organized elephant safari by the park authorities for duration of an hour at sun rise. - Afternoon game viewing by 4WD open vehicle accompanied by a local naturalist. - Overnight at the lodge. - Meals BLD


- Morning game viewing either on Elephant back or by 4WD open vehicles. - There is an organized elephant safari by the park authorities for duration of an hour at sun rise. - Afternoon game viewing by 4WD open vehicle accompanied by a local naturalist. - Overnight at the lodge. - Meals BLD


- Morning at sunrise Game viewing either on Elephant back or by 4WD open vehicles. - There is an organized elephant safari by the park authorities for duration of an hour at sun rise.



- Afternoon game viewing by 4WD open vehicle accompanied by a local naturalist. - Overnight at the lodge - Meals BLD

Day 7 Kaziranga National Park / Guwahati / New Delhi - After breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport to board flight for Delhi

(Jet Airways 606 departs at 1600 Hrs and arrives at 1900 Hrs) - Arrive at Delhi airport and check into your hotel - Overnight at the hotel. - Meals B

Day 8 Delhi / Jabalpur / Kanha National Park (160 kms, 3.5 to 4 hours)

- Morning transfer to the airport to board flight for Jabalpur. (Spice Jet SG 2871 departs at 1010 Hrs and arrives at 1200 Hrs)

- Arrive at Jabalpur airport and drive to Kanha, the largest national park with high population of tigers, deers and antelope, including the extremely rare hard ground barasingha deer.

- Arrive at Kanha and check into your lodge. - Overnight at the lodge - Meals BD

Day 9 Kanha National Park

- Morning and afternoon game drive in Kanha National Park by open top 4WD vehicle accompanied by English speaking lodge naturalist

- Overnight at the lodge - Meals BLD

Day 10 Kanha National Park

- Morning and afternoon game drive in Kanha National Park by open top 4WD vehicle accompanied by English speaking lodge naturalist.

- Overnight at the lodge. - Meals BLD

Day 11 Kanha National Park / Bandhavgarh National Park

- After breakfast, drive to Bandhavgarh, a very famous tiger reserve with highest density of tigers in India (215 Kms / 4- 5 Hrs).

- Arrive at Bandhavgarh and check into our lodge. - Overnight at the lodge - Meals BLD

Day 12 Bandhavgarh National Park

- Morning and afternoon game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park by open top 4WD vehicle accompanied by English speaking lodge naturalist




Day 13 Bandhavgarh National Park - Morning and afternoon game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park by open top 4WD vehicle

accompanied by English speaking lodge naturalist - Overnight at the lodge - Meals BLD

Day 14 Bandhavgarh National Park

- Morning and afternoon game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park by open top 4WD vehicle accompanied by English speaking lodge naturalist


Day 15 Bandhavgarh National Park / Jabalpur / Delhi / Departure

- Drive to Jabalpur airport (190 Kms, 4.5 – 5 hours) with packed lunch to board flight for Delhi. (Spice Jet SG 2642 departs at 1630 Hrs and arrives at 1830 Hrs)

- Arrive at the domestic airport in Delhi and transfer to the international terminal to board flight for onward destination

- Meals BL

Note: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge but please note that changes to our trips can and do occur. This may be due to our effort to improve our program or logistical reasons such as changes in train/flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Royal Expeditions will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published

itinerary.



EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE: Cycling Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour Cycle in the buffer forests in Kanha

Gastronomy Cooking demonstration and meal with a local family in Delhi. Street food walk in Delhi Farm to table experience in Kanha

Community Service: Visit an NGO in Delhi

Primates Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary - Western hoolock gibbon, Bengal slow loris stump-tailed

macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur.

Wildlife Photography Special photographers permits for full day all zones/access in Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Professional wildlife photography mentor Cannon / Nikon.



Journey Reader

In this section, please find introductions to the main highlights of your journey

Delhi India’s capital city, a heady amalgamation of ancient cities, heritage monuments and 21st century shops, restaurants and malls.

Overview: Historic, modern, vibrant, chaotic and intense, Delhi is a heady mixture of experiences. Old Delhi, is chaotic with mediaeval winding alleys, crammed with cycle rickshaws, colourful shops and noisy street traders; New Delhi, has spacious, sweeping boulevards and magnificent buildings built by the British in 1911. Old Delhi is home to the bustling shopping artery of Chandni Chowk, Shah Jahan's Red Fort (Lal Qila) and India's largest mosque, the Jami Masjid, whereas New Delhi is home to some of the capital’s most distinguished addresses. It has an array of museums, gardens, temples and mausoleums. Delhi's shopping is unbeatable: from sari silks to contemporary fashion, crafts to jewellery, which can be found anywhere from market stalls to old-world shops to modern luxurious malls. A recent emergence is the thriving nightlife, and an increasing number of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants are also opening up across the city.

Visit highlights : Old Delhi & New Delhi Start the day by heading to the apparent chaos which is Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque), take a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys and vibrant shopping bazaars, savour the aromas of the famous spice



market. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. Drive through Lutyen’s Delhi, up to the Presidential Palace and down the impressive boulevard that is Raj Ghat to India Gate. Visit Birla house and the last stop of the day is at the world heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, which is wonderful to visit as the sun is beginning to set. Gandhi - Birla House The name of Gandhi is synonymous with India and a visit to this museum gives you an insight into the life of this great yet humble man. Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is situated in the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and also where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It is possible to visit the room where Gandhi lived, which remains just as he left it, as well as the prayer ground where he held a mass prayer meeting every evening. Humayun’s Tomb Humayun’s Tomb, having gone through six years of restoration is a stunning piece of architecture and one of the most impressive of all Delhi’s monuments. Constructed from red sandstone with white marble the building follows strict rules of Islamic geometry, with an emphasis on the number eight and many claim it to be the precursor to the Taj Mahal. The surrounding gardens contain the tomb of the emperor’s favourite barber – an entrusted position given the proximity of the razor to the royal throat!

Kanziranga National Park Land of great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros

Overview: It is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. To name a few- Swamp Francolin, Great Hornbill, Pallas Fish Eagle, Pied Falconets, Greater Adjutant Stork, Long Billed Vulture. There is no telling what one might find in Kaziranga but it is always a great experience. The specialty here is the Blue naped pitta among a host of Raptors and Waterfowl.



Visit highlights : Elephant Safari Approximately 45 mins duration 05.30 to 06.30 06.30 to 07.30 Elephant safari for foreign nationals are held only on Kaziranga Range, Kohora (Central Range) Allocation of elephant riding seats and timings are regulated by the forest department, Kaziranga National Park, Government of Assam. The tickets for the same are issued only on the previous evening of the ride after 7:30 PM. subject to availability It starts very early in the morning and continues for approx 45 minutes. It is the best way to explore the wide variety of wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. The park is covered by elephant grass which is very high and so the view from elephant back is perfect! During the course of the safari one can see herds of Indian Elephants, One-horned Rhinoceros at a very close distance. This proximity to wild animals in Kaziranga National Park makes the trip memorable and thrilling. Jeep Safari Forenoon: Entry time between 0730 to 1000 Hours. No entry after 1000 Hrs Afternoon: Entry time between 1330 to 1500 Hours. No entry after 1500 Hrs. Jeep Safaris are permitted on pre-defined tourist circuits within Kaziranga National Park- currently at the following points. Each jeep safari is of about 1.5 hrs to 02 hours, subject to local range conditions and weather. Jeep Safari may be cancelled / curtailed due to any reason by the Park Authorities without prior notice.

Kanha National Park The largest park in India with the biggest cats

Overview: Madhya Pradesh is one of the kings of the Indian jungle when it comes to tiger parks, and Kanha is its most famous. Kanha's sal forests and vast meadows contain somewhere around 90 tigers and 100 leopards and support huge populations of deer and antelopes, including some 400 southern swamp deer (barasingha) which exist nowhere else in the world. You’ll see plenty of langurs, the odd gaur (Indian bison), maybe a family or two of wild boar and the odd lonesome jackal or two. Over 260 bird species have been recorded here too.



Jungle Excursions By Jeeps mainly and elephants. Sometimes the parks elephants can be on patrolling duty and may not be available for visitors.

Park Highlights

Largest National Park with high population of tigers and its prey - various deer and antelope, including the extremely rare hard ground barasingha deer.

Meadows surrounded by forest called maidans create ideal grazing spots for the hundreds of chital, barasingha and sambar deer and ideal hunting ground for tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Safari routes crisscross the maidans.

The beautiful and diverse landscape of Kanha deal for birdwatching, with over 250 bird species including migratory birds.

Bandhavgarh National Park Call of the wild tiger country

Overview: If your sole reason for visiting an Indian tiger reserve is to see a tiger, look no further. Two or three days at Bandhavgarh should net you a tiger sighting, except perhaps in October. India's 2014 tiger census counted 68 tigers here, the great majority of them in the relatively small (453 sq km) territory of Bandhavgarh National Park, which forms part of the reserve's core zone. Neck and neck with Rajasthan’s Ranthambhore for sightings, this is one of India’s top tiger playgrounds. There are also more than 40 rarely seen leopards and more commonly sighted animals such as deer, wild boar and langurs. Visit highlights : Game drives Once the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh is nowadays India’s foremost national park. Name after its ruined fort, the 105 square kilometre park (with an additional 40 square kilometre buffer zone) has one of the highest concentrations of tiger in India. It is there not surprising that the park is popular. The morning game



drive is the best time to appreciate the park; during these hours wildlife is at its most active so there’s a higher chance of spotting animals. Game drives are taken in the early morning and late afternoon in small 4WD open top vehicles called 'gypsy' that seat 2 to 4 visitors plus driver and naturalists. Park highlights – Bandhavgarh

High density of tigers in tourism zone nearly one tiger every 4.77 Sq Km. Park Authorities organize when ever feasible as part of a morning game drive tiger viewing from elephant

back. The elephant is greatest off road vehicle ever invented and you will find yourself ambling along at a gentle rolling pace.



Accommodations Accommodations are subject to availability during booking. New Delhi THE CLARIDGES (5 Star) Deluxe Room 2 nights Set in the leafy boulevards of New Delhi, Claridges Hotel is been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950’s. Graceful architecture, elegant décor, and a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary facilities have made The Claridges, New Delhi one of the best addresses. Distinguished guest rooms and suites with their classic, understated décor, the lush landscaped garden with swaying palm trees, and personalised service create a tranquil haven for the business or leisure traveller in the heart of the busy city. www.clardiges.com

New Delhi THE OBEROI (Luxury) Deluxe Room 2 nights An elegantly styled hotel located close to city centre. It was Delhi’s first luxury hotel built in 1965. It is perfect if you want elegance and quit – an attribute that sets it apart form its counterpart. Adorned with valuable aquatints and lithographs, the spacious guest rooms have western decor with warm colors schemes. An elegantly styled hotel for the discerning business traveller, The Oberoi, New Delhi is located within easy access of the city’s commercial center and Central Government ministries. It offers its guests a range of state-of-the-art communications and business facilities. https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-delhi/

New Delhi THE IMPERIAL (5 Star) Imperial Room 2 nights From the time The Imperial opened its doors in the 1930s, when India was beginning to write the last chapters of its saga on independence, there was little space in New Delhi for an Indo- British rubbing of shoulders. The Imperial provided such a space. The Imperial is a fine confluence of a rich historical past and contemporary international appeal. After many restorations, it has managed to preserve its charm, and exudes its former glory. www.theimperialindia.com



Kaziranga National Park DIPHLU RIVER LODGE (5* / Luxury) Cottages 4 nights Diphlu River Lodge provides guests with a never-before intimacy with the natural world. Established in 2008, the lodge was purposely built to blend into the surrounding foliage and terrain. Its thatch-and-bamboo cottages on stilts are inspired by the simple architecture of Mishing tribal homes and the unique weaves and artifacts that adorn the lodge are handmade by local artisans. http://www.diphluriverlodge.com/

Kanha National Park KANHA EARTH LODGE (5 Star) Cottage 3 nights Kanha Earth Lodge lies in 16 acres of natural forest, tucked away in a small hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone. Its unique location, 30 minutes from the Khatia/Kisli park gate, ensures that it is close enough for easy access to the park, but still far enough from the glut of hotels lining Kanha’s tourist hub, offering a true wilderness experience to the guests. The 12 luxury bungalows with en suite bathrooms and open verandahs have been inspired by Gond tribal architecture and offer environmentally sensitive, low-impact accommodation through their design and use of local stone and waste wood, while the absence of neighbouring lodges or highways creates an ideal setting for nature walks, birding and cycling trips through the surrounding forest. https://www.kanhaearthlodge.com/



Kanha National Park BANJAAR TOLA (Luxury) Cottage 3 nights Taj Safaris’ third jungle safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. It consists of 2 elegant camps of 9 suites each. Each suite will feature its own intimate tented sitting area with its own discreetly positioned swimming pool. The camps have its own unique identity, celebrating the Bastar and Dogra art hailed from nearby Chattisgarh. The luxurious, yet lightweight, en-suite tents have been designed in a contemporary style, with pressed bamboo wall panels, gorgeous bamboo floors and locally crafted furniture hewn from the timber of exotic Indian trees https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/banjaar-tola-kanha-national-park/

Bandhavgarh SAMODE SAFARI LODGE (5 Star) Cottage 4 nights Samode safari Lodge is situated in the Tala zone. The property is 1 km from Bandhavgarh National Park and 10 km from Bandhavgarh Fort. It has well appointed villas which are situated around the main building. Each villa has a spacious lounge, a dressing area and a modern en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include swimming pool, fitness center, kids club and massage spa. Enjoy gourmet dining either indoors, al fresco or around the barbeque. http://www.samode.com/safarilodge/

Bandhavgarh MAHUA KOTHI (Luxury) Cottage 4 nights The Taj hotel’s luxury safari camp is named after one of India's most beautiful trees, the Mahua. The 12 jungle huts are built in the vernacular style. Each can have access through private courtyards with shaded seating, traditional swings and mud floors. The roof of the huts is made from hand made tiles. The amenities are being modern, luxurious and the bathrooms are en suite.A huge veranda runs the length of the building with generous built-in seats for star gazing and catching the jungle breeze. The open kitchen gives you glimpses of butter churning, spice being grounded and other traditional cooking. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/mahua-kothi-bandhavgarh-national-park/



TOUR COST

ESTIMATED TOUR COST – Please send us dates / month of travel for best price.

Quotation I Tour Starts: New Delhi Ends: New Delhi 5 Star hotels - Based on 2 persons traveling together. Land Arrangements Cost (November 2018 to March 2019):

USD 4825 Nett per person for minimum of 2 persons travelling together

Single Supplement Cost: USD 2300 Nett

Supplement Cost: UPGRADE AT HOTEL THE IMPERIAL (Imperial Room)

USD 185 per person for 2 nights

Quotation 2 Luxury Hotels - Based on 2 persons traveling together. Land Arrangements Cost for the month of November’01 2018 to January 05’ 2019



Land Arrangements Cost for the month of January 06’2019 – March 31’2019



Cost of Air

Delhi / Guwahati / Delhi Delhi / Jabalpur / Delhi Economy Class: USD 370/- per person

Note – The airfares are subject to change till the time of actual booking. Quote Validity :- This is an estimate price for travel between November 2018 to March 2019 Imp Note : - The above mentioned package cost / rates are Nett and Non commissionable.



Additional excursion / experiences.

Explore the lanes of Old Delhi on a morning cycling tour USD 55 per person Cycle in the buffer forests in Kanha USD 50 per person Home hosted cooking class in Delhi USD 55 per person Street food walk in Delhi USD 35 per person Visit an NGO in Delhi USD 25 ( 01 – 02 persons) Farm to table experience in Kanha USD 30 per person Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary USD 250 (1 – 2 persons) Special photographers permits for full day all zones/access in Kanha and Bandhavgarh USD 1500 (1 – 3

persons) The Land Cost arrangements quotation includes:

All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary All meals as noted in the itinerary Accommodations, based on double-occupancy and including breakfast, lunch, dinner, service

charge, and government tax except in Delhi where only breakfast is included. Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip Game drives in Kaziranga, Bandhavgarh & Kanha. An Elephant ride in Kaziranga (Subject to availability)

The Land Cost quotation excludes:

× Any International or Domestic flights (mentioned separately in additional costs) × Travel, health and trip cancellation insurance × Meals apart from those included in the itinerary and alcohol × Expenses of a personal nature × Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary × Discretionary gratuities for guides and chauffeurs × Tourist Visa, which is required for all foreign passport holders. × Any supplement cost for the Festivals, X Mas and New Year.

PAYMENTS

Booking Deposit USD _____ Due by Balance payment Due by

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Booking Procedure/Security Deposit The receipt of a security deposit will be taken as an understanding by the company that the participant has read, understands and agrees to abide by the conditions set out our Website / E brochure. To make a reservation please forward a security deposit of USD 500 Per Person or as advised in quote. Please note there will be an additional supplement at the hotels during peak season (Peak season – Festival dates, Conferences, Christmas, New Year dates etc)



2. Final Payment Final Payment is due 60 days prior to Arrival in India. If payment has not been received by the due date we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled. This arrangement shall be strictly adhered to unless other wise agreed upon in advance.

3. Client Names – Exactly as per Passport. For security reasons, airlines and the majority of our service providers

require your name exactly as it appears in your passport. It is your responsibility to advise these details. If you or your Travel Agent do not advise the correct information and we have to re-issue airline tickets or other documentation, then we will bill you for all costs incurred, such as airline cancellation charges and courier fees, in addition to our own administration fee.

4. Travel Insurance / Trip cancellation Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for the full duration of your tour. Your policy must include medical cover. It is advisable to insure expensive camera equipment separately. Insurance policies rarely cover for loss of cash. We strongly recommend that insurance be purchased at the time you pay your security deposit as our cancellation conditions will be strictly enforced. The choice of insurer is at the sole discretion of the client. Royal Expeditions as company has General Liability Insurance for Professional and Premises – Operations Coverage from iAAA rated (Highest claim paying ability) ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited.

5. Cancellations and Refunds If it is necessary to cancel your holiday, you should notify us immediately in writing and this will take effect the day it is received by us. All monies will be forfeited as follows:

6. Number of days before departure:

More than 60 days – Nil 59 - 30 days - USD 250* 29 - 15 days – USD 500* 14 days or less - No refund

*In addition to these charges, some principal(s) “Resort hotels, Jungle Lodges, National Park Entry Permits, Airlines, Trains, House boats & cruise operators” apply individual cancellation charges. Any further charges applied by the principal(s) maybe applicable to your booking.

7. Land Tour Costs

Tour costs are based on ground costs, airfares and latest exchange rates and the company cannot be held responsible for any changes which may occur. No surcharge will be made in respect of currency fluctuations once full payment has been received by the company. However, we reserve the right to amend your tour costs up to the date of departure should there be extreme increase in hotel and transport taxes, fuel cost, game entrance park fees, government charges/taxes or other costs.

PROCESS FOR BOOKING TOUR Once you have accepted our itinerary and cost of tour please let us know. We will then tentatively reserve the hotels and flights and get back to you with the status within 2 working days. After receiving the status of reservation. We will need to be paid a deposit or if time is less the full cost of the tour. Deposit – To be paid by credit card online on our web site or via bank transfer. (See how to pay us below).

Balance Payment - To be paid 60 days before arrival in India. Or as per prior agreement.



HOW TO PAY US

1) ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFER USING SWIFT MT100/103 METHOD

We Bank with HSBC (The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

HSBC, Mumbai Swift code : HSBCINBB Account number 094-016177–511 Beneficiary Name : ROYAL EXPEDITIONS PRIVATE LIMITED

Purpose of remittance: Travel Arrangements in India (Must be mentioned per Indian Govt. regulations)

2) CREDIT CARD – We accept Visa and Master Card online. We also accept American Express Card but you need to email scan copy of authorization form. Please note there will be an additional surcharge of 3% on the amount paid by Credit Card.

LIABILITY

ROYAL EXPEDITIONS PVT. LTD., while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodations and other services only acts as an agent on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel facilities (Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Transporters, Railways) arranged by the company, its employees or agents. Rates quoted are subject to change without notice due to change in foreign exchange rate, or transport or hotel tariff. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond our control. Trip Expectations 1. How strenuous is this trip? 2. What types of meals are included? 3. Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences? 4. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like? 5. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance? 6. What will the weather be like? 7. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home? 8. What is the group size? Is there a minimum and/or maximum number of people for this trip? 9. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get? 10. What inoculations should I get before visiting India? 11. What kind of emergency procedures are in place? 12. Do I need travel insurance? 13. What to wear?

1. How strenuous is this trip? Your journey is considered moderate touring. Moderate touring includes full days outside the hotel, with drives up to 3 or 4 hours on mainly well-maintained, paved roads. When possible, for longer journeys we try to schedule in a free afternoon or a 2-3 hours break in scheduled activities for free time. We stay in luxury hotel.

2. What types of meals are included? There is still some mystery surrounding Indian cuisine, and foreigners do not always know what to expect when coming to Indian Sub-continent. Food on our journeys is chosen with international clients in mind. While some dishes will be selected to highlight local specialties and allow our guests a real taste of local cuisine, classic Indian dishes will always be available. Most meals will be at restaurants that meet both Royal Expeditions standards and the hygiene standards set by the local government.



3. Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences?

Royal Expeditions provides vegetarian options at every meal. We request restaurant chefs to not add chilly and spices to dishes. We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Guests are highly encouraged to inform Royal Expeditions ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals.

4. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like?

We travel in well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles, driven by experienced local drivers. All our vehicles are licensed for foreign passenger travel and are insured. You will ride in a minivan that seats or sedan. Roads in Indian are well-paved, modern highways links major cities like Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. The roads on the drive to the National parks may be slightly bumpy and curvy, and it’s recommended to bring motion sickness medicine if you’re prone to getting carsick. Though most roads around India will be modern and well-paved, some smaller roads in more remote locations may be bumpy. Public restrooms stops throughout China have squat toilets, Our drivers know places to stop which have western toilets during long journeys. Our vehicle always carry bottles water and snacks during long journey.

5. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance?

Luggage assistance is included for all parts of this journey. For all safari and hikes, we recommend guests bring a small daypack to carry one bottle of water and personal items (e.g. camera, extra layer or two of clothing, parka, hat, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, sunscreen, etc.). Royal Expeditions staff will supply additional water.

6. What will the weather be like?

We offer year round trips to India and its environs, but seasonal climate plays a major role in dictating where we travel on the sub-continent and when. As such a vast country with an incredibly diverse landscape, it should not come as a surprise that the climate can differ too from region to region. As a general rule however, the climate in the north of India is cooler, central India is hot and dry, and the south is hot and humid.

High Season ( October – March )

- Pleasant weather – warm days, cool nights. Peak tourists. Peak prices. - December and January bring chilly nights in the north. - Temperatures climb steadily from March. -

Shoulder Season ( April & September ) - Passes to Ladakh and the high Himalaya open from July to September. - Sporadic Monsoon rain-showers persist in September. North India is clean and green. - April best time to see tigers. - Competitive hotel prices.

Low Season (May to August )

- May and June are hot but dry heat. Competitive hotel prices. - From July, the monsoon sweeps from south to north, bringing humidity. - Beat the heat in the cool hills. - May is best for photographing tigers.



7. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home?

You are responsible to make your own way to the starting city. Once the journey is complete, it is also your responsibility to make your way home.

8. What is the group size? Is there a minimum and /or maximum number of people for this trip?

This journey is a private experience that includes your party, as well as a private guide and/or tour leader. Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted by your private Royal Expeditions staff, guide or tour leader. The guides and leaders will accommodate for all your needs. Since this is such an intimate method of travel, guides are flexible about the itinerary and can more easily cater to your preferences.

9. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get?

Nearly all foreign visitors to India will need a tourist visa. Travelers must apply for a tourist visa online or in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction. If the traveler cannot go in person, in some countries, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies.

Government of India Services of e-Visa involves completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim speedy/express grant of e-Visa and charge money for it. Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the online visa. Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure.

10. What inoculations should I get before visiting India ?

Please contact your local international travel clinic for information regarding inoculations and other relevant health-related information. You may also wish to refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides a comprehensive list of recommended immunizations prior to traveling in India : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.

11. What kind of emergency procedures are in place?

India has good network of hospitals in all cities. All Royal Expeditions travelers can purchase through us emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility of international standards. The plan costs US$ 15 Per week, which will be added to your final payment. Please note: this is NOT medical insurance. On arrival you will be provide a copy of their medical insurance card. In the event of a medical emergency, Royal Expeditions first call of action would be to contact the International SOS 24-hour center, where doctors would instruct our staff on appropriate next steps, which may include rest, a visit to a SOS-recommended hospital, or, in extreme cases, evacuation by Air Ambulance Air or Road.

12. Do I need travel insurance?

We highly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance, including coverage of trip cancellation.

13. What to Wear Casual clothing is the order of the day. Hard wearing, easy to wash travel clothes are ideal. We may wish to pack

one set of slightly smarter clothes to wear at the hotels. Laundry service will be available at all the places we stay. Early morning can be cold (November to March) until the sun is up especially on game drives, in open top Jeeps and in the jungle. A light windproof or fleece jacket, warm hat, gloves and scarf are recommended. During the day we will need a wide brimmed sun hat and sunglasses. Lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are advised for throughout the holiday and for sightseeing.

Special note: No bright colours in the field please, including brightly coloured clothes, hats, gloves, etc. Although the birds and other wildlife are relatively approachable, muted colours are essential to improve our chances.



We should bring a pair of binoculars in good repair. If we are keen birders we may want to bring a spotting scope. We should bring all the camera equipment, spare batteries and film that you will need. For digital camera users bring sufficient memory cards and storage. If we are using rechargeable batteries you will need to bring our charger and a travel adapter (round two pin). Plastic bags, cotton bags or pillowcases are useful to protect our camera equipment from dust and sand. A small daypack/camera bag is essential for carrying excess clothing, camera equipment and a water bottle.

For additional information, please contact us. Royal Expeditions Travel in Style – India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka Vishal Singh Tel : +91-11-41088330 M : +91-9810 028849 E : [email protected] / [email protected] Skype: vishalroyalexp International Sales Offices North American Sales Kiki Paris, Boudler, Co. M : 917 573 8788 E : [email protected]

Latin American Sales Ralph Russi, Brazil

M : +55 4 99286 7788 [email protected]

Iberia Sales Jordi Dosta, Spain M : +34 667 738 647 [email protected]

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