Land Journey

India's Golden Triangle, Udaipur & Mumbai

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Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

Days
13
From (per Person)
$8,990 USD
Includes On-Tour Air
Journey Type
Land
Time of Year
Jan - Mar, Oct - Nov
Cities & Landmarks
New Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Varanasi, Jaipur, Mumbai
Gateway of India
Mumbai

TEXT SIZE

Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 "World's Best" hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure – The Leela Palace Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas (offering unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal), as well as the flagship Oberoi Mumbai, set along a scenic urban coastline known as the Queen's Necklace.

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

On-Tour Air (4 flights)

 

Three nights in the "City of Lakes," Udaipur, including a sari & turban demonstration and an auto-rickshaw tour of the city's spice and vegetable markets

 

Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment

 

Two nights in Mumbai, with guided visits to heritage landmarks

 

Boat ride on the River Ganges, providing an opportunity to experience revered, centuries-old traditions in Varanasi

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

3
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Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Pace

3
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Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

View Full Itinerary

Experiences of a lifetime

Northern India... Timeless cities... thousands of years of compelling history. Breathtaking architecture, like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Dramatic, sun-drenched landscapes... a rich mix of local cultures and cuisines... and age-old spiritual traditions on the ghats along the River Ganges.

Along the Golden Triangle – from bustling Delhi to mystical Varanasi and the "Pink City" of Jaipur, to Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," – and finally to glorious Mumbai, city of wealth, slums, and Bollywood, Tauck has crafted a 13-day grand tour of India perfect for travelers with less time to spend. Experience contrasting images of the capital, Delhi, old and new. Sail on the Ganges in Varanasi to witness holy men "putting the river to sleep." Travel to Agra to visit the famous Taj Mahal... which you can see from your hotel room! Celebrate India's culture and cuisine among Jaipur's pavilions and palaces at a special Maharajah evening in Jaipur. Spend three nights at The Leela Palace and two nights at the Oberoi Mumbai, on a scenic bay in the commercial heart of the city. Throughout, you'll enjoy accommodations in some of the world's top-rated hotels... dine on local specialties... and discover the heart and soul of India! Read Less

Prayer rituals along the Ganges

"Putting the river to sleep" in Varanasi

The ancient city of Varanasi, set along the banks of the sacred River Ganges, has been an important destination for pilgrims seeking purification in the river's waters since the 6th century BC. Visiting this spiritual city, board a boat to witness the unforgettable evening prayer spectacle along the Ganges, as hundreds of pilgrims line the steps into the river to chant, pray and "put the river to sleep" with hundreds of floral offerings and lighted candles.

The incredible Taj Mahal

A timeless monument to love...

You could say that India's Taj Mahal is so famous that it needs no introduction… but it's so compelling a destination that it's hard not to talk about it. Considered the greatest achievement of Indo-Islamic architecture, this exquisite, domed, white marble mausoleum complex in Agra was commissioned in 1632 and completed two decades later as the tomb and memorial of Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Constructed at a cost that would be upwards of USD $825 million today, it ranks among history's most expensive declarations of love. Along with touring it with a local guide, you'll also see it from your hotel room!

A private cruise on Lake Pichola

In Udaipur, enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola by private boat

One of several artificial fresh-water lakes created over the centuries to supply water for drinking and irrigation in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Lake Pichola dates to the 14th century and is named for the nearby village of Picholi. The lake predates the city of Udaipur, which was later founded along its shores – and is today aptly dubbed the "City of Lakes." Your cruise by private boat is a perfect way to view not only the city of Udaipur, but the lake itself and its four islands dotted with palaces, mansions, temples, ghats and ornamental arch bridges.

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Your Journey

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Includes On-Tour Air

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About Booking This Tour

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How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.


At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date
  • Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Email Address*
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
  • Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

 

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits:

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

 

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.

  • Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.

  • Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.

  • Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 

  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
  • Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

 

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $759 per person

 

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $1250 per person

7-1 days before departure = $2000 per person

 

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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Travel Documents

All citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom require a valid passport to enter India (Note: Guests residing outside of these regions will also need a valid passport to enter India), and that passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. (Please note that although adult passports are valid for a full ten years, children's passports require renewal every five years.)  Your passport must also contain at least two blank visa pages. If you are a United States citizen and do not have a valid passport, please contact the closest U.S. passport agency or consult the U.S. State Department web site for detailed information on how to obtain or renew your passport at: www.travel.state.gov. 

Tauck must provide our ground operator with each guests' passport info 60 days prior to departure.

A visa is required to travel to India and they cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure. The visa fees are not included in the tour cost. 

There is an option of e-visa which is multiple entry and valid for one year from date of approval. Guests can apply no more than 90 days in advance from proposed date of travel for a visa that is valid for 30 days of visiting. The evisa website link is: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa.

Tauck has collaborated with VisaCentral in the US to assist our guests with processing and issuing their travel documents. If a guest opts to work with VisaCentral, their services are available online at www.visacentral.com/tauck. To speak directly with VisaCentral Customer Service, please call 844-860-7199 (toll-free in the US) or email tauck@visacentral.com.

Please Note: While Tauck has an affiliation with VisaCentral for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through VisaCentral, and you may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through the appropriate consulates or embassies.

Regardless of which visa service company you chose (or if you opt to work directly with the appropriate consulate or embassy), your visa application will require a summary of your Tauck itinerary. Please email journeypreparationteam@tauck.com to request your itinerary summary, which we will be happy to provide.

Please Note: Because a visa is an official document, Tauck cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, and we are very limited regarding the assistance we're able to provide.  If you require help, we recommend working with a reputable visa service company as they can provide the highest level of assistance.

Non-U.S. citizens passport holders should check with the Indian Embassy or Consulate to determine necessary travel documents.

For contact details within India:

The Leela Palace New Delhi

Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 023, India
Phone: 011-91-11-39331234
Email: reservations@theleela.com

Please see the below contact information for our visa partner in India: Worldwide Adventures India

Suite 211, Tower A
Spazede Building, Gurgaon
Delhi, India
Email: balu@worldwideadventuresindia.com, manoj@worldwideadventuresindia.com
Phone:  + 91 124 438 7371, +91 981 109 3859

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.


Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on the on-tour flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges that can result in a considerable additional expense.

To help in your packing, we are pleased to provide you with a special Tauck duffel bag. If you are a resident of the U.S., your bag will be sent to you two weeks prior to your departure date. If you reside outside of the U.S., you will receive your bag upon arrival in India because customs regulations prohibit the easy delivery of the duffel bags in advance. Packing an overnight bag on these occasions will ensure the safe and timely arrival of your luggage at your next destination, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

In addition to the Tauck duffel which will be your checked piece of luggage for these overnights, you will be allowed to bring ONE piece of carry-on luggage aboard your intra-tour flights weighing no more than 15 pounds (7 kg) and with maximum dimensions of 21" x 13.75" x 10" (55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm).  

Regulations within most airports require that customers handle their own luggage through customs.

On one occasion you will be required to pack an overnight bag during your India sojourn. This occasion will be for your overnight trips from Delhi to Varanasi on day 3 of your itinerary. You will be reunited with your checked luggage upon your arrival in Agra on day 4.

Checked Luggage – General 

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage – General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

We advise that you always drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. Avoid having ice in your drinks, and clean your teeth with bottled water.

Public toilet facilities are rare. You are encouraged to take every opportunity to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Most hotels catering to an international clientele provide western style restroom facilities.

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches. Hotels in India do not always have designated non-smoking rooms, but your preference will be forwarded to the hotels and every effort will be made to accommodate your request, although it cannot be guaranteed.

Always keep mosquito repellent with you and be sure to pay special attention to mosquito protection between dusk and dawn.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

MOBILITY

Your journey to the subcontinent is very active and includes four on-tour flights. You should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances over varied terrain.

There is a significant amount of walking on this journey; however, the pace of the itinerary has been carefully planned to intersperse sightseeing with leisurely days to ensure you have a most enjoyable time.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Due to the ancient nature of several of the sites you will visit during your sojourn in India, stairs and walkways are sometimes dark, uneven, steep and/or slippery.

It can also be quite warm when sightseeing at some of the sights, but using sun protection, including wearing a hat and sunglasses, and drinking lots of water can help minimize the impact of the weather.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited

SAFETY

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches. Hotels in India do not always have designated non-smoking rooms, but your preference will be forwarded to the hotels and every effort will be made to accommodate your request, although it cannot be guaranteed.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

Weather and Travel Gear

WEATHER

The climate in India varies depending on the location and time of travel. In northern India, the weather during the late fall and winter months of October through March is dry with temperatures averaging 45°F (7 °C) in the early morning and evening, and 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C) during the day.

India is known for its rainy season, when monsoons make headlines. However, from October through March – the best time to travel – no more than one inch of rain per month on average falls on the cities we visit.

To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.


TRAVEL GEAR

We have partnered with New Headings, an experienced online provider of travel gear, to assist you in selecting the appropriate gear for this destination. Their Tauck-exclusive website is accessible at necessarygear.com. Please note that while Tauck has an affiliation with New Headings, this is only one option for travel gear. You may wish to look into other outfitters for your travel needs.


The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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