October 21, 2004 -- There is no destination that is more shrouded in mystery and dripping with the exotic than India. A country of over one billion people, it is revered for its intense beauty, spirituality, wildlife, architectural and natural wonders, history and culture.
India is a large and diverse destination featuring sprawling cities, deserts, remote islands, isolated beaches, vast plateaus, mountain ranges, mighty rivers and lush landscapes. Although they have sophisticated train and bus networks, as well as extremely reasonably priced domestic airfares, you might need to curb your desire to try and see the entire country in one trip.
A number of airlines fly from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) usually via the Middle East or Europe. Air India's (www.airindia.com) flights from New York start at $1151 for an economy roundtrip ticket including all taxes. Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) has a lower-priced option on AeroSvit Ukrainian Air for $857 plus taxes. If you are traveling independently, your overheads will be very low as
India is incredibly cheap in terms of accommodation, food and transportation. Alternatively you may wish to take a tour and let someone else do all the planning.
The best value low-priced option is with Friendly Planet Travel (800/555-5765; www.friendlyplanet.com). Unfortunately most of their tours sell out so quickly that they only have one 2005 date left -- The "India Nepal" tour on March 7, 2005. The $1,899 price includes roundtrip airfare from New York, airport transfers, internal flights,13-nights accommodation, and visits to Delhi, Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Kathmandu. Book by October 29, 2004 and you will receive $600 off per couple. Taxes and fees of $220 are additional. Friendly Planet also encourages potential travelers to put their names on waitlists for upcoming tours in case of cancellations.
Affordable Tours (800/935-2620; www.affordabletours.com/India) has an expansive selection of India tours from various tour operators ranging from a deluxe Pacific Delight "Golden Triangle Passage" tour for $1,718 to a luxury Abercrombie & Kent "Essence of India" tour for $7,290. The "Golden Triangle Passage" tour includes roundtrip airfare from Newark or JFK, ground transportation, seven-nights in deluxe hotels with breakfast, airport transfers, hotels taxes and service charges, sightseeing tours (visits to Delhi, the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, and an elephant ride in Jaipur to the Amber Fort), flight insurance and USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. The $1,718 price is valid for the following departure dates: November 6, 2004, February 12 and 26, March 12, 2005. Add $30 for departures on April 16, August 20, September 3 and 10, 2005. Add $70 for departures on January 15 and 29, 2005. Taxes are additional. Land only packages are available for $718 plus taxes. Affordable Tours guarantees to save you 5% on the booking price of all tours.
Snowlion Expeditions (800/525-8735; www.snowlion.com) specializes in small custom tours to Rajasthan and the famed Pushkar Camel Fair. Their 17-day "Festivals of Rajasthan" package includes the vibrant annual camel fair at the desert oasis of Pushkar, visits to medieval bazaars and imperial palaces of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, Agra and the Taj Mahal, highlights of Delhi, amazing shopping opportunities, accommodation in four and five-star hotels, specified meals, ground transportation (and one internal flight) and airport transfers. Departure dates are November 14, 2004 and November 3, 2005. The land-only price is $3,300. Airfare is additional. Other 16 or 17-day tour options include Art Treasures of Ladakh, Southern India, Kingdoms in the Sky, Markha Valley Trek and a trek to the base camp of the world's third highest peak - Kanchenjunga. Prices range from $2,000 to $3,700.
Gate1 Travel (800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) currently has a 15-day "India's Majesty and Nepal" tour, ranging in price from $2,099 to $2,379 plus taxes for selected departure dates between January and May, 2005. This tour takes in the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Kathmandu. It includes roundtrip airfare from New York to Delhi, internal flights, 13-nights deluxe and superior hotels, buffet breakfasts daily, all transfers, sightseeing on an air-conditioned bus and all entrance fees. Special features include an elephant ride and a boat trip along the Ganges.
Himalayan Tours (800/421-8975; www.himalayantours.com) also has a wide selection of India packages, and India in combination with Tibet or Nepal. Their 12-day "Super-Saver Grand India and Nepal Tour" features visits to Bombay, Delhi, Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Kathmandu and Patan. It includes roundtrip airfare from New York or Chicago, hotels with daily breakfast, airport transfers, sightseeing tours by deluxe coach or cars, and local English-speaking guides. Departure dates are November 1, 8, 15, 22 and December 6 and 27, 2004. Additional frequent departures dates from January to September, 2005 (no April dates). The tour costs $2,681 per person based on double occupancy, with a single supplement of $1,210. A high season airfare surcharge of between $89 and $458 may apply for certain departures.
Locally-based tour company, India Profile (www.indiaprofile.com) has a number of themed Indian vacations including spa retreats, healing and purification, yoga and meditation, golf, beach, wildlife, fishing, fitness, cultural and historical. Prices vary according to your needs, length of tour and destinations.
For further information about planning your adventure to India visit www.frommers.com/destinations/india and www.indiatourism.com.