Karnataka

Karnataka & Kerala


Flights

Included


Starting From

USD 854 Per Person


Availability

Round The Year


12

Days


Hotel Category

3-4-5 stars

Travel Duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

Included in the trip
Entrance Tickets
Individual departures

Round The Year

Karnataka & Kerala - Art, Culture & Nature

Karnataka, located in the southwestern region of India, is a state that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. A tour of Karnataka would offer you an opportunity to explore its rich heritage, diverse landscape, and unique cuisine. Explore the rich heritage of Karnataka and Kerala in this off beat tour. Where we will take you from Mumbai, the most cosmopoliton city of India to the Karnataka. Visit Badami and its famous temples, Hampi the largest archiological site, the temples of Belur and Halebid, marvalous monuments of Mysore. And later enter the natural reserves of Ooty, the most visited hill station of South India. The tour will be concluded in Cochin, where we will take you in the world of Backwater in Kerala. Known as the God's Own Country. Come Join this Marvellous tour.

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Stages Of Tour

Land
Plane
Train

The Travel Program

12 DAYS

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Day 1

ARRIVAL IN MUMBAI & SIGHT SEEING

The Tour Starts at 10 AM in the Morning. If You happen to be arriving in the Morning on Tour Starting Date Our Representative will come and pick you up at the airport. Else we could pick you From Your Hotel too.

Arrival in Mumbai, After the customs formalities, Meet with MTA Representative. Our Representative will be waiting for You Outside the exit gate of International Airport. Start your day with a visit to Victoria Terminus, which has been designed inspired from St Pancras Station in London. Victoria Terminus has magnificent decoration of carved stone, flying walls and stained glass windows. Then proceed towards the popular Gateway Of India, Nariman point - the most important business center in Mumbai and then to Marine Drive. After that a visit to Mani Bhawan (Mahatma Gandhi’s old Mumbai residence). From there you will be taken to experience the uniqueness of Mumbai at Dhobi Ghat(Open laundry). Overnight Stay at Mumbai

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fee, Assistance

Highlights : Gateway Of India, Dhobi Ghat

 

Please Note : Hotel Checkin would be After the sightseeing.

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Day 2

MUMBAI - GOA - BADAMI (Flight to Goa and later proceed for 145 KM – 4 Hrs Approx)

Morning transfer to airport to take the flight for Goa. Arrival and transfer to Badami. Enjoy the greenery and panoramic views on the route. Arrive at Badami and overnight stay.

 

Inclusions : Domestic Flight, Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport

Highlights : Lush Green views in the route to Badami

 

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Day 3

BADAMI

Whole day is dedicated to the visit of the Badami cave temples. Beautiful Temples are carved out of hill, dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist devotees. Later Visit the Archaeological Museum with its beautiful sculptures. Overnight at Badami.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Badami Cave Temples

 

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Day 4

BADAMI – TEMPLES OF AIHOLE AND PATTADAKAL – HOSPET ( 155 KM – 3 Hrs Approx)

Drive to Hospet. Enroute visit the incredible temples of Pattadakal and Aihole. Pattadakal - a World Heritage Site, has 10 major temples representing early Chalukaya architecture, the biggest of which is dedicated to lord Virupakshesvara. Whilst Aihole, which is known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. Arrive at Hospet and checkin to the hotel. Overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Temples of Aihole and Pattadakal

 

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Day 5

HOSPET – EXCURSION TO HAMPI

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of the ancient ruins that are spread over 26 sq km area, Hampi is nestled within the ruins of medieval city of Vijayanagar in the state of Karnataka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. Set in a surreal and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, Vijayanagara (the City of Victory) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and although the city was destroyed by marauding Moghul invaders in the 16th century, much of it remains today. Many of them lie in and around Hampi Bazaar and the nearby riverside area, which also encompasses the city’s most sacred enclave of temples and ghats. East of Hampi Bazaar is the UNESCO - listed 16th century Vittala Temple, the undisputed highlight of the ruins. Overnight Stay at Hampi.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Hampi Ruins, Virupaksha Temple, Rock Cut Temples

 

 

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Day 6

HOSPET - CHIKMAGALUR (300 KM – 6 Hrs Approx)

Transfer to Chikmagalur, a day long journey through the core of Karnataka. Arrive at Chikmagalur and checkin to the hotel. Day for relax or for optional activities. Overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport

 

 

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Day 7

CHIKMANGLUR – BELUR – HALEBID – CHIKMANGLUR

Excursion to Belur and Halebid. These places along with Somnathpur hosts the masterpieces of the kingdom Hoysala, flourished between the eleventh and thirteenth century, one of the most exuberant periods of the history of Hindus. Visit the village of Belur, with its magnificent Channekeshava temple, enclosed in an area that includes a well and a bath for ritual baths. Transfer to Halebid, located 14 kilometers from Belur, we will visit the 12th century temple of Hoyasalashwara, Kedareshwara Dynasty. Back to hotel and overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Belur, Halebid Temples

 

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Day 8

CHIKMANGLUR – SRAVANBELGOLA – MYSORE (197KM – 4 Hrs Excluding Stops)

Drive to Mysore. Enroute stop at Sravanabelagola and visit the Jain shrine perched on top of a hill, where a long flight of steps leads to the spectacular statue of Gomateshwara (seventh century ), the statue is completely naked which symbolises total asceticism, the purity and renunciation of pleasures. As per history, Gomateshwara was the son of a king, like the Buddha, renounced voluntarily is life to meditation and the inner search. Sravanbelgola is a very important pilgrimage centre of Jainism, and its 17 meters high statue is considered the tallest monolithic statue of world. Continue to Mysore. Arrival and checkin. Overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Sravanabelagola

 

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Day 9

MYSORE – SOMNATHPUR – MYSORE

Excursion to the Keshava temple of Somnathpur, built in the thirteenth century in the open countryside, a thirty miles from Mysore. Visit the temple which is full of Stars plants and innumerable statues of Hindu gods, masterpiece of Hoysala dynasty. Return to Mysore. In the afternoon visit the “City of the Maharajas ” which evokes the scent of sandalwood and rose, musk and jasmine. Visit the Mysore Palace a magnificent residence of the Maharajas built in the first half of the twentieth century in indo – Saracenic style. Later Visit the temple of Sri Chamundewasra built in Dravidian style of architecture, dedicated to the goddess Kali and located on the hill. Back to hotel. Overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Somnathpur Temple, Mysore Palace

 

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Day 10

MYSORE – OOTY – COIMBATORE (210 KM – 5 Hrs Approx)

Drive towards Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty (158 km : 5 and half hour ) Situated at 2285 meters on the Nilgiri hills, immersed in the wide and long fields of Tea, coffee, eucalyptus, Ooty is the most important hill station of South India. Proceed to Coimbatore (88 km : 3 hrs). Arrive and Checkin. Overnight.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Ooty, Countryside fields and rural life

 

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Day 11

COIMBATORE – COCHIN (198 KM – 4 Hrs Approx)

Drive to Cochin through the landscapes full of palm trees and rice paddies. Arrival and check in at hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening move out for an excursion on a boat through the mazes of channels of the Backwaters to discover the picturesque nature of Kerala, overnight at hotel.

 

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Boat Ride

Highlights : Backwater Boat Ride and Life in Backwaters.

 

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Day 12

COCHIN – DEPARTURE

Visit the most cosmopolitan city in South India: the Chinese nets, the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the church of San Francesco which houses the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, the synagogue in the Jewish area. Afternoon enjoy the dance show of Kathakali. Transfer to the Airport. No accommodation.

 

Inclusions : Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Chinese Fishing Net, Fort Cochin.

 

Please Note : Please Note That you will be Dropped at the Airport or any other location of your choice. Please Plan Accordingly your Onward Journey.

 

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The hotels

MTA Provides a wide variety of hotels

Cost Per Person For Different Categories

#No of PaxStandardSuperior Prestige
12 PaxUSD 1424USD 1621USD 2434
24 PaxUSD 1139USD 1297USD 1947
36 PaxUSD 997USD 1134USD 1703
48 PaxUSD 854USD 972USD 1460

Supplements

#PlanStandardSuperior Prestige
1H/B Meal PlanUSD 44USD 88USD 132
2F/B Meal PlanUSD 88USD 176USD 264
3Single SupplementUSD 997USD 1134USD 1700
#MonthsDates 1Dates 2

Inclusions

·       Accommodation as per Itinerary on twin sharing with Bed and Breakfast Plan.

·       Transport by private air conditioned vehicle as per program.

·       Professional English Speaking Guide.

·       Domestic flight from Mumbai to Goa in Economy class, 15 Kg of baggage allowance.

·       Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites and parks. One visit to each monument is allowed

·       Backwater Boat Safari in Cochin

·       Kathakali Dance show at Cochin

·       One souvenir gift with compliments from MTA.

·       2 Bottle of water per passenger per day

·       Local Assistance during the tour

·       Travel Kit with document folder

·       GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance

• Tips and personal expenses

• Anything not mentioned

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

In accordance to the COVID 19 pandemic all our tours are operated with all precautionary measures including SANITIZED CARSAND HOTELS/COMPLIMENTARY SANITIZERS/MASKS (Your safety is our priority)

  • All Inclusive Tour - Hotels / Transport / Domestic Flights / Guides / Monument Entrances/Backwater
  • India’s Commercial Capital Mumbai and Dhobi Ghat
  • Hampi World Heritage Archeological Site
  • Temples of Belur & Halebid
  • Statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanbelagola
  • Ooty – the Most Visited Hill Station of South India.
  • Boat Ride in Backwaters at Cochin
  • More Value for Your Money.

Enquiry Form

Please fill the below form for more information

PASSPORT


A valid passport is required for at least six months before Boarding the Flight. We encourage you to check the validity of the passport and we advise you to bring a photocopy of your passport and the page of the visa obtained, or carry multiple copies of ETA, useful in case of loss.


 


INDIAN CONSULAR VISA


To enter India, an entry visa issued by the Indian Embassy is required. It is categorically necessary that all travellers, whose itinerary includes leaving and returning to the country, have obtained a double or multiple visas. During the flight to India you will be given a disembarkation form to be filled in with your data and to be delivered to passport control. The detachable part completed with the customs declaration will be returned to you, and must then be handed over to the customs upon leaving the airport.


 


INTERNAL FLIGHTS


Air tickets for flights within India or between India and Nepal, if not included in the intercontinental flight, will be collected by your companion or our representative and will be delivered to you upon arrival. Flights within India and between Nepal are the trickiest part of the journey. We recommend a lot of patience, because it is not uncommon for flights to suffer delays, cancellations or make intermediate stops not foreseen at the time of booking. It is therefore essential to always go to the airport on time (about 2 hours before the flight). In the event of cancellations, however, the companies, according to the new regulations, will refund the cost of the ticket but have no obligation to re-route. The rebooking will then be done by our local office by purchasing a new ticket. Purchasing it on the same day, the same fare as the canceled flight is not always available. In case this exceeds that of the cancelled flight, the difference must be paid directly on the spot. If there are no other flights on the scheduled route, a land transfer by car/bus will be provided in lieu of the ticket.


 


DOMESTIC FLIGHTS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE


Since recently (August 2013) both on intercontinental flights and on internal flights, the companies are very strict in calculating the weight of the baggage and each additional kilogram is subjected to an extra payment according to the rules of the company itself. In this regard, we report the scheme concerning the baggage allowance for the economy class granted by each airline for flights within India and between India and Nepal:


 


Airline


Hand Baggage Weight


Checkin Luggage Weight


Air India


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Jet Airways


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Indigo & Spice Jet


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Go Air


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Jet Lite


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


 


The company has the right to apply an extra cost for each kilogram exceeding the above, (indicatively from 4 to 8-euro per kg).


 


LOCAL GUIDES AND ESCORT TOURS


For the entire duration of the group tour, starting from your arrival in India, you will be assisted by a Tour Escort or local Guide (for individual tourists) in each city who will take care of every technical-organizational detail. The tour escort will also act as a local guide in the cities for which he is licensed. In the others he will be accompanied by a local foreign speaking guide or English-speaking guide as per the provisions of the Indian government. In the latter case, he will provide for the translation.


In many cities of India, in fact, there are no local guides speaking foreign languages (especially in southern India, central India and some parts of Rajasthan), or there are few.


 


THEFT


We remind you that passport, telephone and valuable accessories in general must always be kept by the passenger and never left unattended, as no service facility takes charge of any loss/theft during the tour. It is also good to have all the emergency bank numbers with you in case of need.


 


TIPS


In India, tipping is a custom rooted in local custom. The amount of tips is at the discretion of the passengers, but as a rule they are in the local custom. In restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the bill as a tip.


 


A basic tip:


For half day drive with driver Rs. 300/ full day Rs. 500.


For porters Rs. 70 per bag


For Half Day Local Guide Rs. 500/ Full Day Rs. 800


Per Day Escorts Rs. 1000


 


(The amount is in total and refers to a group of 2/3 people, it can be increased if you are traveling in a group with more people)


For groups, even small in number but with tour escorts, it is advisable to give the guide a sum at the beginning of the tour (approximately 40/45 euros for 7/9 day tours) and he will distribute them appropriately, thus avoiding boring and continuous collections.


N.B. (This figure does not include a possible tip for the companion)


 


ROOM AVAILABILITY


The rooms are available until 12.00 on the day of departure. In India there is no day use system, therefore if the rooms want to be kept until departure they will have to be paid for the entire following night.


 


CHECK-IN ONLINE


We inform you that the check-in procedure can take place via online check-in, which can be implemented from the airlines' websites or via the automatic check-in devices specifically installed at the airport.


 


CLIMATE


The most pleasant season runs from mid-November to March, with moderate heat and low rainfall. The maximum temperatures vary from 27° to 30°, the minimums from 16° to 22°. In March the temperatures begin to rise with highs reaching 38°. The month of August records the peak of the monsoon season (from June to October) which invests the south-western regions with rainfall that varies in intensity according to the areas, limited in some to severe thunderstorms. In October and in the first half of November the south-eastern part of India is affected by a north-east monsoon.


 


CLOTHING


Clothing must take into account the period and the regions where you go. In southern India, light clothing can be worn all year round, without forgetting long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects. During visits to the temples, excessively small clothing should be avoided. For those traveling to the northern regions, warmer clothing is needed, as the temperature can approach freezing in winter. In the desert region of Rajasthan the temperature varies a lot between day and night.


 


SHOPPING


In India the variety of handicraft production is practically infinite. Indian muslins, canvases, silks and brocades have enjoyed worldwide fame since ancient times and have been appreciated for the quality of the fabric, the beauty and resistance of the colors, the originality of the designs. Even today the brightly colored silk saris, embroidered or woven with gold or silver threads, the brocades of Varanasi as well as the cottons of Rajasthan, the wool or wool and silk carpets of Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh are renowned. The manufacture of fabrics is just one aspect of the varied and rich Indian craftsmanship which ranges from wood carving (teak, sandalwood, rosewood, ebony) spread almost everywhere, especially in Karnataka, to Agra marble inlays or the stone sculptures of Orissa, from ceramics to hand-painted lacquers, from brass and copper pottery to bamboo and leather objects. The skill of the Indians in the cutting and processing of semi-precious and precious stones has been known since ancient times. Haggling in the bazaars is common practice.


Do not buy souvenirs that cost animals their lives or harm nature.


 


FOOD AND DRINK


It is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water (found in almost all restaurants and hotels). Carefully avoid tap water and ice in drinks. It is advisable to consume only well-cooked foods and packaged foods, avoiding raw vegetables and fruit that cannot be peeled.


 


MEDICAL ASSISTANCE


In India there is a great variety of doctors practicing the most diverse forms of therapy and the only hospital in Europe is located in Delhi. It is advisable to bring from Italy tablets against any gastrointestinal disorders and medicines that are difficult to find locally.


 


BEHAVIOUR


Before entering the temples, mosques and or gurdwaras it is essential to take off your shoes, generally it is allowed to keep your socks on. To avoid discomfort, do not bring leather articles of any kind with you, because they could arouse some opposition. Inside places of worship, tourists can move as they please and sometimes attend religious rites, for which it is preferable to wear modest clothes, avoiding tops, skirts and shorts. A small donation will be welcome.


The folded hands namaste is the typical Indian greeting and its use will be greatly appreciated. Especially in cities, men will gladly shake hands with tourists; in fact, this gesture is considered particularly cordial. The majority of Indian women, on the other hand, are reluctant to shake hands with a man, both Indian and foreign (a possible refusal should not be considered an offense) and are generally surprised by the informality of relations between the two sexes used in western countries. In private homes you will be welcomed as guests of honor and your lack of familiarity with local customs and traditions will be understood and accepted. If you should be tempted to eat with your fingers, remember to use onlyyour right hand.


 


GASTRONOMY


Indian cuisine varies according to the regions, with notable differences between the southern and northern regions, but has as a common feature the wise use of spices which are used not only to flavor foods but also to aid digestion. In the north it looks remarkably like that of Middle Eastern or Central Asian countries; there is great use of chili (hot pepper), the staple food is wheat, and various types of unleavened bread are consumed, such as pooris or chappatis. The meats are quite common, naturally not beef. In the south, where the Muslim influence has been less strong, vegetarian diets prevail, and the cuisine revolves around rice, consumed in an infinite variety of ways. The highly savory taste of Indian foods is related to the blend of spices frequently used in food preparation. These mixtures (kari) can accompany various vegetables, chicken or lamb meat, fish or rice. Rogan josh (lamb curry), gishtaba (spiced meatballs with yoghurt), korna (vegetable meat-based stews) are very common in the north. In the south, various vegetable dishes are widespread, including bhujia (a vegetable curry) and along the coasts, fish dishes, the Cochin prawns are delicious. Perhaps the most common dishes throughout India are, however, the simple dhal, essentially a lentil soup, and the thali, the typical vegetarian dish, usually served on a tray with small bowls full of vegetables accompanied by large -of quantity of rice. Among the desserts, kulfi, the typical pistachio ice cream, is very common, while tropical fruit is very abundant. It is a frequent habit to conclude the meal by chewing pal, a mixture of spices, betel nuts and other powders, all wrapped up in an edible leaf. Tea is the most popular drink and some varieties of Indian tea are famous all over the world. Try the rice beer.


 


LANGUAGE


In India a large number of local languages are spoken, very different from region to region, among which Hindi is the official one. English represents a strong instrument of national cohesion and is very widespread, especially in hotels or in places frequented by Westerners.


 


RELIGION


Religion forms an integral part of India's complex tradition. Four of the most important faiths in the world meet on this territory: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam and among these the first two were born in India. furthermore, this country which welcomed the Jews and the Parsees (followers of Zoroaster), who then integrated into Indian life, gave rise to Jainism, Sikhism and other innumerable cults and regional sects of lesser importance and which for centuries have acted and interacted with each other.


 


AIRPORT FEES


They usually already include exit taxes from the country. However, we recommend checking at the airport, as these are subject to change regulations.


 


PHONE


The cellular network is active in the country, however Italian cell phones are only active in the main cities and it is therefore advisable to purchase a card locally. To call from India the area code is 0039. To call India dial 0091.


 


VACCINATIONS


No mandatory vaccination is required for travelers from Italy. Before travelling, it is advisable to consult the competent ASL on the need to carry out vaccinations or appropriate prophylaxis. In general, subject to medical opinion, vaccinations against: diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, polio and tetanus booster are recommended. However, we recommend checking the Viaggiare Sicuri website at the link http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/index.php?india


 


CURRENCY


The legal tender in India is the Indian Rupee. It is advisable to have currency in US dollars especially for entrances, Euros are also welcome. No Indian currency can be brought into the country or exported, while any amount of foreign currency can be imported. It is very complicated to exchange the Rupee in another currency, so it is advisable to buy in such quantities as to no longer have liquids in local currency at the time of departure. Credit cards, preferably from the VISA circuit, are accepted both in authorized shops and in hotels in large cities, where automated bank branches can also be used.


 












 

Our Staff


Our guides and professional escorts have experience in the area and in-depth cultural preparation. We can provide Guides in differenr languages also in most of the sectors but in some areas there shall be only english speaking Guides available, Such as Ladakh and the Himalayan areas, Kindly do check it with our travel experts regarding the availabiluty.


 


Means of transport


Our organization boasts a large fleet of new generation air-conditioned means of transport: from standard or deluxe cars (2/3 pax) to Overland vehicles (2/3 pax); from minibuses (4/8 pax) to grand tour buses (10/40 pax), with professional English speaking drivers, always attentive to the needs of travelers. The roads that connect the main cities of India are generally good. Indian Traffic conditions limit the transfer times to an average of 50 km per hour.


 


Hotels and tented camps


In Indian Subcontinent, the official category of hotels does not guarantee international standards and does not always correspond to the expectations of the traveler. The structures that MTA chooses, from luxury hotels, to Heritage Hotels (former residences of the Maharajas), to lower category hotels, are periodically supervised by our staff. In the Himalayan areas of Ladakh, hotels are provided among the best existing and standard tented camps with limited comfort, where a good spirit of adaptation is required.


 


Flights


The Major airports where International flights Land are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Almost all of the major International Airliens have theor scheduled flights from these cities. including Swiss, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, BrusselsAirlines and Etihad.


 


Personalized trips


Our Product Managers are available to travelers to develop personalized itineraries (for individuals or groups) and offer ad hoc programming, designed with maximum flexibility and with smallest details, for those who want to immerse themselves in the magic and spirituality of " Land of the Gods” outside the classic Itineraries or with programs already present in the catalog. MTA is also available to develop personalized travels in cinema, nature, sports, honeymoons, incentive travel, business tourism and medical tourism in India.


 


India Visa


To obtain an entry visa to India it is essential to have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel (with at least three consecutive free pages), and two passport photos. you can apply for ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) The Link of the website is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa Kindly check for permission Granted on ETA before boarding your flight.