This small-group tour aims to capture the essence of North and Southern India. Begin your trip in Delhi, the fascinating capital divided into two counterparts and the former home of Mughal Muslim Rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. Continue your journey to Agra, where you will discover the Taj Mahal, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and travel to Ranthambore. Visit the National Park, home to the largest tiger population in India where you may come across Royal Bengal Tigers. Next, you will drive to Jaipur, the famous Pink City home to the city palace and the impressive Hawa Mahal. Catch a flight to Southern India from Jaipur to explore Alleppey, a tranquil town and the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. From there you will discover Cochin, an old colonial harbor city boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea before you end your tour of North and Southern India.
This 11-day northern India tour finishes with two days exploring the Holy City of Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges, after exploring Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, rural Rajasthan and Jaipur.
This India tour starts in the capital city, Delhi, with tours of both the old and new sides of this bustling city, now home to over 18 million people. We then head south into the arid state of Rajasthan, home to impressive forts and palaces, colourful saris and jewellery, and fascinating Indian history. We firstly visit Agra, home to the incomparable Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument to love. We continue the tour's theme of mixing unmissable tourist sites with activities and experiences more off the beaten track by taking a Mughal Heritage Walk with a local villager through farmland and homesteads on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. This tour supports the local community and provides a fascinating insight into village life in Agra as well as providing great views of the Taj not normally seen. We'll also see the Taj Mahal close up at sunrise as the changing morning light brings the building to life in different hues and colours.
Our next stop is the small and remote town of Hinduan where we stay in a converted palace and explore the village and surroundings, getting a real feel for rural Indian life. We'll then visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, as well as exploring its famous craft and produce markets.
After returning to Delhi, we take to India's famous railway network for the journey to Varanasi. One of the world's oldest living cities, Varanasi is also considered one of India's holiest and is an especially auspicious place for Hindus to make a pilgrimage to bathe in the waters of the River Ganges. While in Varanasi, we'll take an early morning boat trip on the river, take part in an evening Aarti ceremony giving candlelit offerings to the river, and visit Sarnath, where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
Another train journey then takes us back to Delhi to finish the India tour (flight upgrades are available if preferred).
The accommodations used on this tour have been carefully selected and include a home-stay style hotel whilst in Delhi, modern properties in Agra and Varanasi, plus heritage hotels in Jaipur and Hinduan.
This 8-day India tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating country, covering the iconic 'Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with an additional village stop included at the Suroth Mahal.
This India holiday starts in Delhi, taking in both new and old sides to the city. Old Delhi, the home of the Mughal Empire centuries ago, boasts a wealth of fascinating history, beautiful architecture, great street food, and vibrant lifestyle, while New Delhi's architecture, religious sites and modern aspects form an intriguing contrast. We know that no visit to Delhi is complete without an iconic rickshaw ride or a taste of the world famous street food, that's why these experiences have been included at no additional cost!
Moving on to Agra, we'll firstly visit the Sheroes cafe for lunch, a great little NGO, supporting victims of acid attacks which we're proud to support. We'll then join a local villager who will escort us on a Mughal Heritage Walk through villages and farmland on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. This walking tour supports the local community and provides a fascinating insight into village life in Agra as well as providing great views of the Taj Mahal not normally seen. A sunrise tour of the Taj then follows before we head out into the countryside for a night in a converted palace and explore the village and surroundings, getting a real feel for rural Indian life.
As we move on to Jaipur, we visit the huge Step Well at Abanheri with its 3,500 steps and 13 stories (you might recognise it from the Great Exotic Marigold movie). Whilst in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of the arid state of Rajasthan, we'll visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory before exploring the city's famous craft and produce markets on foot and join a block printing workshop.
After returning to Delhi, you have the option of joining an optional tour to the huge Akshardam Temple, for their aweinspiring multi-media show.
The accommodations used on this tour have been carefully selected and include a home-stay style hotel whilst in Delhi, a modern property in Agra and heritage hotels in Jaipur and at Suroth Mahal.
Just recently completed the “Royal India” tour. It was magnificent. Excellent tour guide and driver. Lovely hotels with excellent service. And of course, amazing things to see and do. Highly recommend!
This extensive 29-day adventure through India takes you from bottom to top, revealing the icons and local secrets of this diverse country. Revel in the tropical climate, warm waters, and lush green landscapes of the south in places like Kochi, Puducherry, and Madurai. Then be dazzled by kaleidoscopic colours, Mughal grandeur, and the overt spirituality of the north in Jaipur and Agra. Travel from Kochi to Delhi and combine the slower delights of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the rush and jumble of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on our longest Original-style India tour.
I had the most amazing time on a trip to India with this travel operator. It was well thought out from start to finish. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable about the places we were visiting, he went above and beyond and kept things fun. The places we saw were overwhelmingly beautiful. The perfect mix of culture and a good time. I'd definitely travel with them again. Thank you!
Without the dust in Rajastan India is indeed a great destination not only for Westerners but anyone interested in East Indian cultures and traditions. Food was good but a little too salty for my tastebuds. In southern India food not as salty but also very good.
I plan at some later time to revisit India but be a little more prepared to deal with the dust and the northern weather in January.
Spend eight days discovering the cultural wonders of northern India, starting and ending in Delhi. From the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, this tour is packed with iconic sights and rich history. Stay in heritage properties in Karauli or Dholpur, and explore Jaipur’s ornate palaces and the striking Amber Fort. Highlights include rickshaw rides, Mughal architecture, and the vibrant Pink City. With plenty of free time and optional experiences like hot-air ballooning and street food tours, this trip offers a colourful, well-rounded introduction to India’s Golden Triangle.
Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion and cultural heritage come together. On this 11-day Premium adventure, you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, see the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, savour the many flavours of Lucknow cuisine and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi on a sunrise cruise. A local leader will show you around, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India through Exclusive Experiences, Feature Stays and local interaction.
Embark on a captivating journey through Northern India with our Discovery of India tour, designed for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Northern India has dazzled visitors for centuries, and this extended India tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore its most famous tourist attractions in India, among its unique treasures and hidden gems.
Your adventure in India begins in Delhi, where you'll discover the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. Visit the impressive Red Fort, marvel at the architectural beauty of Jama Masjid, and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the capital city. From there, travel to Agra to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Explore the rich heritage of the Mughal Empire as you journey through this remarkable region.
As you continue your holiday in India, uncover the charm of smaller towns and villages such as Mandawa and Pushkar. The tour also takes you to the serene lakes of Udaipur, often called "India’s Venice," where its picturesque beauty and tranquil ambiance will enchant you. And let's not forget to sample some of the most popular Indian dishes along the way.
This small group tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of comfort, culture, and camaraderie with like-minded adventurers. To make your experience seamless, we offer a complimentary one-way chauffeur service from your doorstep to the airport, ensuring a relaxed start to your journey. Enjoy 24/7 local assistance and personalized travel guidance to enhance your journey with a 16-guest limit and guaranteed departures with a minimum of two travelers.