- Golden Triangle Tour
- Classic India Nepal Tour
- Rural India Tour
- Rajwada Rajasthan Tours
- Heritage & Beach Tour
- Majestic India Tours
- Best of North India
- Central India
- Gujarat Tour
- Himachal Ladakh Tour
- Ladakh Tour
- Kashmir Ladakh Tour
- North East & Andaman Tour
- Andaman Islands Tour
- Assam – Arunachal Pradesh Tour
- Deccan Indian Tour
- Enchanting South & Lakshadweep Tour
- South India Splendor Tours
- Karnataka – Andhra Pradesh Tour
- Maharaja Tour
- On Footsteps of Buddha
- Jungle Safari Tour
- Markha Trek
- Lahaul Spiti Jeep Safari
- Orissa Tribal Tour
- Palace on Wheels Tour
- Golden Chariot
- Nepal Tour
- Sri Lanka Tour
- Nepal – Bhutan & Sikkim
- Nepal Tibet Tour
- Day Tours
Rural India Tour
The Village Safari still remains our main highlight. Showcasing the best of the land, it is a cultural experience, which encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies and abundant wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people’s homes and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life that takes them closer to their roots.
1
Arrival at Delhi.
Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon we drive to Old Delhi. The first stop would be at Raj Ghat.
Raj Ghat is the memorial built to mark the cremation spot of the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He was the man who changed the course of history with his ideologies and philosophies. There is a simple black cenotaph which marks the spot of cremation with an immortal flame burning at one end.
After paying respect to the Father of Nation, we then go to witness the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, the majestic Red Fort. Red Fort served as the capital and center of operations for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for two centuries. This majestic monument is now used as a platform by the Prime minister of India to address the people of the republic on the eve of Independence Day.
Board on to a rickshaw and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the intricate alleys of Chandni Chowk. After a joyful ride, we stop at Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the oldest and one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1656.
Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
2
After Breakfast, we depart for Mandawa.
Mandawa is a small town located 160 km from Jaipur and is renowned for its forts and havelis. The city of Mandawa was founded in the 18th century. Mandawa is often known as the Open Art Gallery because of its forts and havelis. Marvelous mansions dot the town and make it an important tourist attraction of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check-in the hotel.
In the afternoon, you start the city tour of Mandawa exploring Havelis which was built by great merchant families. There are various havelis such as Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, known for the paintings that display Lord Shiva on Nandi bull and Indra Dev on an elephant; Jhunjhunwala Haveli is known for its striking gold leaf painted room located to the right of main courtyard; Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli famous for the picture of a Maharaja stroking his mustache, and Aakharam ka Haveli which is more than 100-year-old Haveli.
Overnight stay.
3
After breakfast, leave for Bikaner.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Bikaner is a lively, undulating sand dunes town with a marvelous fort and a revitalizing outpost composition. The city is not so much frequented by visitors as other cities in Rajasthan, in spite of having splendid fort and a unique camel breeding farm.
In the afternoon start off with city tour of Bikaner and we will first visit Junagarh Fort.
Junagarh Fort is the only fort that has not been conquered and is an ancestral property of the rulers of Bikaner. The fort was built by Maharaja Rai Singh Ji, who traveled far and wide which gave him vision and great idea about art and architecture. We can see how precisely these designs were integrated into the architectural style of his building in the Junagarh Fort. The present-day fort is an amalgamated structure which is the result of passionate constructions of many rulers through four centuries and one of the valuable treasures of Indian architecture in the center of Thar Desert.
Overnight stay.
4
In the morning we shall drive to Jodhpur – Gateway to Thar Desert.
Jodhpur, the blue city as it is called because of its sandstone buildings stand out in intense blue when the sun shines. Jodhpur stands as an existing evidence of the grandeur, traditions and culture of the bygone era. The celebrated past of the city is still alive in its numerous forts, palaces and other memorials of Jodhpur.The view from the top of the cliff is totally mesmerizing.
We start the sightseeing of the city with Mehrangarh Fort.
The Mehrangarh Fort towering high above the city of Jodhpur is chiseled out of the rock. This magnificent fort is ranked high among the most majestic forts in Rajasthan. The fort was constructed in 15th century by Rao Jodha. The incredibly imposing fort is the pride of Marwar. The stories of valor and chivalry are associated with the Fort’s history. The gates of the fort are brilliant examples of Rajput military architecture.
Continue to drive to Rohet.
On arrival check-in at Rohet Garh.
The 375-year old fortified desert home, Rohet Garh is now a boutique hotel owned and run by the Singh family. Often, the visitors find themselves in awe with the beautiful peacocks roaming under finely cut stone archways while the wind whispers through the neem tree forests and bougainvillea.
Overnight stay.
5
Rohet, a beautiful villagesituated 40 kilometers away from Jodhpur is very traditional, focused mainly around farming. It is quite a peaceful and interesting place to relax. One can explore the village by jeep, on foot or by horse!
In the morning, take a safari to Bishnoi village which offers a complete cultural experience, encircling all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people to the various customs and ceremonies and the profuse wildlife, you have the exceptional privilege of being welcomed into local’s homes and intermingling with them. You get to experience and understand a way of life that takes one closer to the roots. You can meet the Bishnois, the ‘Premier ecologists of the world’, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like Black Buck antelope.
In the evening, we leave for Sardargarh.
Sardargarh is a village, located 94 kilometers away from Udaipur, located amidst the mountains and dense forests and houses the 250-year-old fort, which dominates the landscape.
Upon arrival in Sardargarh, check in to Sardargarh Heritage Hotel, one of the magnificent forts of Rajasthan. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel and offers 21 suites, each with unique décor and name. The suites provide all modern amenities to its guests while retaining the old world charm.
Overnight stay.
6
Following breakfast, we embark upon a unique experience – a 44 km train ride between two villages.
We will go native today and travel with the villagers through exceedingly fascinating countryside and landscapes. This trail passes through the remarkable scenery of Ravli Sanctuary. You then ride on a meter gauge local train, having wooden sleepers, and accompany the villagers traveling to Marwar.
En route, stop at GoramGhat flag station where you can feed the monkeys that come from a neighboring bush jungle.
The car would be waiting at Phulad and take you back to Sardargarh.
In the evening, the day is free for leisure. Special cooking classes can be arranged for people with culinary inclination. The great joy of Indian cooking is the release of aromas of different herbs and spices that are added step by step to enrich the flavor of the curry.
7
In the morning, we shall leave for Udaipur.
En-route, stop at Kumbalgarh and explore the beautifully preserved and one of the most majestic forts of India, Kumbalgarh Fort.
13 mountain peaks surround the impregnable fortress of Kumbalgarh and 7 towering gates guard this UNESCO world heritage site. Being the birthplace of the legendary Maharana Pratap, Kumbhalgarh fort also holds a very special place in history and in the hearts of the Rajputs. The Kumbhalgarh fort wall is India’s very own Great Wall, being the second longest wall in the world spanning a length of 36 kilometers.
Continue drive to Udaipur.
On arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay.
8
In the morning, leave for Dungarpur.
Dungarpur which is the bastion of Bheels, the oldest and most primitive tribes of the world, dating back to 4000 B.C. We shall visit some of these untouched Bheel hamlets in and around the town.Dungarpur is famous for the exceptional architecture of its palaces and royal residences.You will get a chance to witness age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down over the centuries. You would be greeted by excited villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello to people, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!
You may proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or get on a boat on the lake or go for a trek into the forests.
Late afternoon, you visit the ancient fortified ruins of the Old Fort. You can get a fine panoramic view of the ancient town of Dungarpur from the fort. The fort also has well preserved natural colorful paintings and incredible art and architecture.
Overnight stay.
9
In the morning, leave for Dasada.
Dasada is the part of Little Rann of Kutch. This small yet beautiful village is surrounded by wetlands and has a long stretch of sandy desert.Besides bird watching, Dasada is home to tribal heritage area that are rich in local craft. You shall visit the pastoral Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, known for their embroideries, the silk-weaver’s colony at Dasada. You would also visit Ambala village, the local village of the Bharward shepherds and goatherds. The weaving cooperative at Bajana and other artisansâ workshops can also be included in the tours. Though this tour, you will have an opportunity to experience an authentic rural India!
Overnight stay.
10
Enjoy a jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch in the morning and again in afternoon.
Little Rann of Kutch has a unique landscape which supports a unique wildlife. It is the only place in India where wild ass can be found. The wild ass is a handsome chestnut brown member of the equus genus (horse family). Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds. You would be visiting lakes such as Kharaghoda, Mithaghoda, Nawa Talao which are prime bird-watching sites and where one can sight wildlife such as Wild Ass, Blue bull, and Jackal. Flamingos, Pelicans, Storks, Cranes arrive in large numbers during winter around these lakes.
Overnight stay.
11
In the morning leave for Ahmedabad.
Stop en route and visit Sun temple of Modhera.
The Sun Temple is one of the seven temples that is dedicated to Sun God. Pillars of the temple count ancient stories, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately carved. The temple features Surajkund, a water tank to perform ceremonial rites; the Sabha mandap, the hall used for religious gatherings, and the gudha mandap which once housed the divine idol. The most interesting fact of the temple is that there was no blue print made before the construction. Rather, the mathematical calculations were so precise that the first rays of the sun fell directly on the main Deity of the temple.
Later, proceed to Patan.
Patan is an ancient fortified town, famous for its forts, step wells, lakes and places of worship. The main attractions of the city are the Ran ki Vav and Patola of Patan. Rani ka Vav is one of the richly sculptured monuments of the region. There is one pillar which still stands as evidence for elegance of design boasted by the largest step well. The site is now UNSECO World Heritage site of the country.
Then we shall visit Patola Weaving Center. Patola is one of the difficult forms of weaving in the world. Patola is the specialty of Patan and is known for extremely delicate patterns that are woven with great precision and clarity.
Late in the evening, reach Ahmedabad and check in at hotel.
Ahmedabad is largest city in Gujarat remains soaked in history and has a wealth of historical attractions. The pioneering city once served as the capital of Gujarat, has a strong relationship with India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of The Nation lived here for several years. The city served as the starting point for famous Dandi March. Today, the city is renowned for its mushrooming IT and scientific industries and unconventional design as it is for its primitive architecture. It has built its wealth on the flourishing textile industry, which has earned it the nickname of “the Manchester of the East.”
Overnight stay.
12
In the morning, we start the city tour of Ahmedabad.
We shall first visit Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram. Located on the west banks of Sabarmati River, this was Gandhi’s dwelling place from 1917-1930 during his battle for India’s independence. The legendary salt march to Dandi on the Gulf of Cambay was started in the year 1913 from here. Here, you will experience the calm ambiance of the Ashram and observe Gandhi’s belongings that are on display.
Then visit the famous Calico Textile Museum, which is one of the finest textile museums in the world displaying an impressive collection of rare textiles and costumes that date back to the early 17th century. (one needs to take prior permission to enter the textile museum and it is open only in the morning)
Later proceed to Adalaj Step Well. Stepwell or Baori as these are called is man-made ponds in which the water is stored and may be reached by descending a set of steps. This was built by Muslim king Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba in the year 1499. These five stories well are intricately carved and various festivals and sacred rituals are held here. The structure is built in sandstone on carved pillars and is built in Solanki architecture style.
Transfer to the airport to board a flight to onward destination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)
No, this is a private travel exclusively for you, your friends and family who may accompany you on the tour.
Yes, it is possible. But, the cost may be high in case of a single traveler. You may send us information in the form and we shall send you our best offer depending on number of persons in your group or for a single person.
Yes, since this is a private tour, you may decide the dates as per your choice. Only in case of certain tours, we have to check if there are any operational difficulties for organizing a tour of your choice. Certain tours are not possible for particular period which we shall let you know. Besides, the cost may vary depending on seasonality.
It is better if you could buy international tickets directly through your local agent or on internet. Although we can provide you international flight tickets, but you may a get a better deal locally.
No, you have to obtain visa on your own. The visa regulations will depend on your nationality. You may contact us for further details.
Yes, it is very much possible. You can extend your stay on arrival or departure or at any other place. You may also modify the tour. You may let us know your interest and we can send you modified tour itinerary with cost.
Our cost normally includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, private air-conditioned car with driver which includes fuel, parking and all taxes, entrance fee to monuments, train tickets if any, guided city tours in English or in other foreign languages, viz French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or other foreign languages subject to availability which we can notify at the time of reservation request. Our cost also includes some other services viz Elephant ride at Amer fort in Jaipur, camel safari in Jaisalmer and boat tour in Varanasi. We shall send you all details at the time of sending you quotation.
We may also include other services viz lunches, dinners or other services if you wish. We may also exclude guide service and entrance fee to monuments if you so wish.
Train tickets are included in our cost. But, we give supplement cost for domestic flight tickets as these days, there are dynamic fares and these are not fixed. We send you indicative fare at the time of sending you quotation which is subject to change until issue of tickets with advance purchase for which we need payment from you to issue flight tickets. You may also purchase domestic flight tickets directly on your own if you prefer.
We provide minimum standard (3 star or similar), superior (4 star or similar), deluxe (5 star or similar) hotels and the cost will depend depending on category of hotels. We can send you quotation for the category that you are interested in. We usually provide heritage or palace hotels which fit in your category of hotels. We may also mix the hotel category if you prefer and can also provide you rates based on hotels of your liking in all places if you like.
We usually request 25% advance upon confirmation of our services unless otherwise informed at the time of sending you quotation. We shall send you all payment terms at the time of sending you our offer.I am interested.
Click here to send us information of your trip and we shall send you soonest possible.
Why StateExpress
Established in 1980, State Express has been providing most reliable services to travelers all over the world for last 35 years. We are renowned for our customer first approach and unobtrusive efficiency which ensures the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We have been awarded several times by State Government for being best Tour Operator. All aspects of our tours have been carefully researched and then designed to give ultimate experience to travelers. Let our travel knowledge help you to create a wonderful experience, whether on one of our tour itineraries or a tailor made tour itinerary made exclusively for you to give you an unforgettable holiday.
Our people make the difference
Our success has been possible because of our people who are our biggest asset. We have a team of highly dedicated, sincere, hardworking who work with integrity that has made State Express one of the leading and most reliable tour companies in India. They not only have expertise and experience to meet any requirement, they also speak foreign languages and trained to offer only the best and leave nothing to chance. We know that travel to Indian sub-continent is a dream of many of our guests and our team does everything possible to make their dream true and give them an experience of their lifetime.
Our infrastructure
We have complete infrastructure to provide you best rate and services to you. We are an IATA approved and authorized agents for all domestic airlines and Indian Railways. We have our own cars vans and coaches with experienced drivers. We have multi lingual staff to ensure that our guests do not face any language problem. We also have associate offices in all major tourist centers to provide assistance in shortest possible time.
Our fleet of vehicles & drivers
We undoubtedly have one of the best and most modern fleet of cars, vans, 4X4s and large coaches. Surface travel is a very important aspect in India as you spend lot of your time while travelling on the road and therefore given us an edge over other tour companies who have to rely on other transport companies to provide this service to their clients. We have our own garage and all our vehicles are well maintained to give you hassle free journey.
Besides having the best fleet, it is our drivers who truly make the difference as they play a crucial role in making a tour successful. Even if you stay in best of the hotels and travel in most comfortable and luxurious vehicles, if you do not have a good driver, it may spoil your experience. We have our team of drivers who are part of State Express and have been working with us for years and they are trained, dedicated and motivated to take care of our guests and make them comfortable. That is the reason that more than 90% of our guests thank us and appreciate them after returning to their home.
Our choice of hotels
We take utmost care in selection of hotels that we recommend to our clients and include in our list of suggested hotels. We inspect these hotels regularly to be sure of their quality of product and services. We give lot of emphasis on the location and the people who run those hotels. We want to give you clients an experience of heritage and palace hotels which are unique and not available in other part of the world.
Our tour itineraries
All our tour itineraries are designed by experts to give you an opportunity to see most wonderful sites in number of days at your disposal at the same time giving you time to explore the places in your own way. We have a number of itineraries to choose from which covers all India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. We also include mode of travel and approximate time taken between places to ensure that you do not have any surprises during the tour. Our specialists will also work with you to create an itinerary of your choice either by modifying our readymade tour itineraries or prepare an exclusive tailor made tour for you based on your interest and liking keeping in mind local conditions.
24×7 assistance during the tour
We provide you clients real 24×7 assistance during the tour. This is not a marketing gimmick but we have someone in our office always to assist you in case of any emergency anytime. We also provide cell phone numbers of our executive who you may contact even during odd hours when you need them for anything urgent. We have associate offices in all major cities of India to provide you assistance in minimum possible time.
Response time
We know that response time is key to our success and we value it a lot. Even at initial stages before reservation, you will get replies from us in not more than 24 working hours. We shall always be there whenever you need us during the tour.
Personalised Service
Apart from professional service, we believe in emphasising on personalised service. That is to make our guests feel at home in a foreign country and also feel that they have friends here who they can trust for any need. Our customer executives remain in constant touch with our guests during the tour to give them comfort and trust that we are always with them.
Good value for money
We know that there are so many travel companies providing their services and unless we provide good value for money to our clients, they will not be satisfied. Our own fleet of cars, vans and coaches and best special discounted rates with hotels due to our volumes enables us to offer value for money.
What our clients say about us
Good Morning,
we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so
. Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;
. Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;
. Car good;
. Guide only in Jaisalmer good;
. Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots;
. Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast; we use a ranking from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent):
Iris Park 2; dirty bathroom with dirty towels, room dirty and uncomfortable (too small, difficult to move inside, put and open the suitcases; breakfast room trivial and food inadequate for european tourists;
Mandawa Palace 4 for all;
Lallgarl Palace 4 and no 5 for inadequate breakfast respect to the level of the hotel;
Mandar Palace 3-4 , room and bathroom no perfectly clean , breakfast inadequate for european tourist and internet didn’t work;
Krishna Prakas Havei unacceptable; room located in the roof without elevator and with dangerous stairs; room dirty with a door that didn’t close perfectly, bathroom dirty with dirty towels; breakfast room dirty with tablecloth dirty and broken, food trivial and inadequate also for amount;
Master Paradise 3, cold uncomfortable room without possibility to warm it; bathroom in the average and skinny breakfast;
Golden Tulip 5 and more, the best
Atulayaa Tay unacceptable, dirty and small room, dirty bathroom with microscopic sink an a glass wall between the bed, dirty towels, trivial breakfast;
Meradan Grand 4 for all
Last hotel in Dehli 4 for room and bathroom also here glass wall between bathroom and the bed but the light didn’t across;
we suggest, personal opinion, to cancel the hotel with a rank less than 3 and choose others of superior quality ( also if more expensive) because the hotel is important to rest in a daily tour step by step.
In summary we evaluate very good the experience of our first trip in India and surely we will recommend State Express to our friends.
Enzo Ferrante
27 January 2023
Hi Rinki,
Just wanted to say thank you for all the organisation for our India trip. Everything went very smoothly. Our vehicles, drivers and accommodation were all faultless.
Look forward to our next trip now whenever that may be.
I’d like to just comment on one thing… please encourage clients to do Chittorgarh as a day trip. The accommodation there must’ve been really good at some point but is quite run down now. They were lovely and very obliging but when we compare the accommodations it wasn’t the best.
I know I’d said I wanted a night in Chittorgarh but I wasn’t as conversant with availability there as someone who knows the areas more.
Thank you once again from my mum, massi and I.
Best wishes and regards to your team,
Ps. Next visit we must meet!! 🙂
Priya
14 January 2023
Dear Sirs, namaste.
The journey of my group is over and we have returned to our homes.
I hope all of you are fine.
I wish to thank State Express for the usual good assistance. A special thank to Mr Mamlesh Sahu for following my trip through his frequent telephone calls.
I hope to have the chance to come again.
Dhanyavad.
Alfredo Sermasi
12 December 2022
we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so
- Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;
- Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;
- Car good;
- Guide only in Jaisalmer good . Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots; . Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast;
Emily and I are home now, and we would like to thank you for organising what turned out to be a wonderful trip. We enjoyed visiting all the various places, and the hotels were comfortable. People were very friendly and helpful. The pace of the trip was perfect, travelling but not exhausting. The driver Chandra was very good and I would have no issue with recommending him as a driver. He was very polite, punctual, and courteous. We felt he was a very safe driver, and would like to extend our thanks to him as well. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have stayed an extra day or two in Verkala rather than the extra days in Mumbai, but that is as I say with the benefit of hindsight. Once again, thank you so very much for all your help in organising this trip for us, which we will remember fondly for many years to come.
To whom it may concern, we are writing you regarding the package booked with andanitravel for the India golden triangle from the 01/03/2020 to the 11/03/2020. On the 4th of March ’20 the staff from the Sher Gary Resort in Road Village Sherpur, Khilchipur, Rajasthan 322001, Ranthanbore, following the Advise from the Government of Rajasthan, invited us to leave the resort and the State of India as soon as possible due to our Italian Nationality. Immediately we contacted the DCM Italy of Rajasthan, Mr Carini, who told us there was a mistake and the Advise number 27 of the 4th of March 2020 was withdrawn with immediate effect. Although we informed on a timely manner the resort staff, we have been asked to leave anyhow. Only after the DCM Italy informed the resort about the mistake, we have been given the opportunity to leave the resort the following morning. All these difficulties, the constant hostility by the people in India despite the advise number 28, the decision made by the State Express emergency contact( Harish Bhatt) to interrupt our trip and the news regarding the spread of COVID-19 in India, induced us to arrange autonomously for a flight back home as soon as possible. At least but not last we kindly ask you to let us know of any official way to provide a positive feedback to the great support, empathy, help, kindness, professionalism, flexibility and special assistant given by the driver Mr Ashok Yadav in the sphere of his competences.
Hi, Rinki
Thank you for the trip arrangement. We have enjoyed very much.
Looking forward to our next trip in India next year and will get in touch with you again.
Once again, thank you very much for your excellent service.
Chua Boon Hua
09 October 2018