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.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tor
New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tordi, Keoladeo National Park, Taj Mahal
I recently completed the Island Peak climbing expedition and it was nothing short of incredible! From the start to the summit, everything was well-organized, safe, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Dendi, my guide, was an absolute star. His professionalism and experience were evident from day one. Not only did he guide me through the trek and the climb with expertise, but he also shared so much knowledge about the culture, the landscapes, and climbing techniques. His calm demeanor and encouragement, especially during the more challenging sections, gave me the confidence I needed to push through. Whether it was pacing ourselves on the way up, helping with gear, or ensuring we stayed safe on the glacier, Dendi was exceptional.
Prakash, the manager and owner of this tour company, was also fantastic. From my first inquiry, he made the whole process so smooth. His communication was clear, and he made sure all my questions were answered promptly. I felt like I was in great hands from the get-go. The logistics of the trip, including permits, transportation, and accommodations, were all taken care of seamlessly. Prakash checked in regularly, which made me feel valued and well-supported throughout the experience.
The Island Peak itself was a thrilling adventure. The beauty of the Khumbu region combined with the excitement of scaling a 6,000-meter peak made it one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The views from the summit were simply breathtaking – standing there with the mighty Everest in the backdrop was beyond words.
Climbing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Island Peak, Kathmandu, Island P
Island Peak, Kathmandu, Island Peak Base Camp, Dingboche, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Tengboche
From start to finish easy planning. Everything went smoothly. The local tour operator team made several recommendations which worked well for us. Guide: Bikash Porter: Rajkumar were very attentive. We requested some changes While trip was underway, which the team made happen. Highly Recommended.
We did Gokyo Ri trek in August. Being it monsoon season, our biggest concern was the weather. We were ensured it is doable during the rainy season as well and since we had all tickets booked and everything arranged we decided to go with it and it turned out to be the best choice! It is very beautiful in August, all the hills are green and its very warm even at the higher altitude, means less packing. And for me personally, the main advantage was that it is quiet on the trek during off-season. We still met few people, which was nice, but not too many, so you get to enjoy peace and quiet. It also gives you a better choice for accommodation. Visibility is quite good as most early morning the sky is clear and if it rains it only starts late in the afternoon and we never got wet on the trek as our guide was very knowledgeable about the weather and we had always reached our lodge by the time the rain started.
I could not recommend this trek enough, it offers absolutely stunning views and Gokyo Ri is quite easy to do even being at a very high altitude. And don't be put off by monsoon rains.
My trek on the Annapurna circuit is one of the few trips I have done that did not seem ages ago by the time I landed back at Heathrow. The complete service provided by this tour company's team while in Nepal was great. I had been concerned that I may feel isolated as single trekker, but just me and my guide/porter worked fantastically. It was truly tailored to meet my needs. I attach a photo of the movie in Manang. I am happy for anyone to contact me for reference on how good the trip was.
I was female solo traveller from Australia and did India golden triangle tour and booked with bookmundi and happy with all services I had tour guides was helpful for me to show me monuments and markets and had delicious food in India and driver was amazing and thank you Mahesh for taking good care
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, italian, spanish
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
We had a blast going to EBC base camp last september. Me and friends booked our trip via this local travel specialist and they organized the whole trip so well. Guides and porters we also very cheerful and always smiling. We enjoyed the every moment during our trek. It was also my first experience in the remote Himalayan region and the breathtaking views alone were certainly worth the walk. Thank you Nilam and Devi for your assistance during the trek. I'll feel coming back again someday, this time probably with my family.
We embarked on a remarkable two-week journey to Nepal, expertly organized by Mr. Gokul of this tour company. Despite some last-minute changes on our part, he remained incredibly accommodating and patient throughout. We were thoroughly impressed and satisfied with the accommodations, tours, and activities he arranged for us.
Exploring Kathmandu with our knowledgeable tour guide, Siri, was an enriching experience. His insights into the city's vibrant history added depth to our exploration.
Our short but amazing flight to Pokhara was nothing short of unforgettable, thanks to the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys along the way. Mr. Kumar & Botie ( not sure the spelling) were exceptional skills ensured our safety, and the delicious food we enjoyed during the journey, especially the Dal Bhat, left a lasting impression.
Our stay in Pokhara was equally pleasant, with a well-located hotel providing easy access to shops, the lakeside, and various dining options. Exploring temples and cruising on Fewa Lake added to the charm of our visit.
However, the pinnacle of our trip was undoubtedly the journey to Annapurna Base Camp. The awe-inspiring landscapes and towering mountains along the route left us spellbound. Mr. Kumar, our experienced trekking guide, played a crucial role in making this leg of our journey truly unforgettable, sharing his expertise on the mountains, trekking routes, and religious sites.
We owe the success of our trip to the seamless coordination and outstanding arrangements made by Mr. Gokul, Ms. Ashmita and all the staff. Their dedication created memories that will last a lifetime, and we eagerly anticipate our next adventure in Nepal. Love you all !!!
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
3-90 yrs
Operated in
english, nepali
Destinations
Annapurna Base Camp trek, Pokhar
Annapurna Base Camp trek, Pokhara, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, Deurali, Annapurna Base Camp, Bambo, Jhinu Hot Spring
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.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Keral
New Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Kerala & Tamil Nadu, Agra, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mandawa, Rajasthan, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur
I did the Everest Base Camp/Gokyo trek with this local operator. Booking our small group (4) with Babu was easy, and the trek more than met our expectations. Our guide, Jeevan, was knowledgable, accommodating, and enjoyable to travel with. Recommend this company heartily.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english, nepali
Destinations
Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek
Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek, Kathmandu, Phakding, Thangnak, Gokyo Lake, Machermo, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Dzonglha
We had an amazing experience during our stay! The staff went above and beyond, especially Nilam and Devi, who made sure everything was perfect. The service was impeccable, and the accommodations were cozy and comfortable. Highly recommend and would definitely visit again!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
8-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Langtang trek, Kathmandu, Syabru
Langtang trek, Kathmandu, Syabrubesi, Nagthali, Briddim, Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, Kyanjin Gompa
We booked the Classic Ceylon Sri Lanka Tour for our honeymoon. The tour agent was Aitken Spence Travels. Day 1: Arriving at Colombo airport, we were greeted by our guide/driver named Rane (guide and driver are the same person throughout the tour). Our first stop was the Ramada Hotel in Columbo, where we checked in. You can take advantage of the afternoon to explore the city or relax at the hotel. We have reviewed each hotel separately in this thread if you want to learn more about each hotel review in detail. Our guide agrees on a time for you to be picked up the next morni g, which was ours at 8am. to start on time. Colombo is a busy city so traffic can be very busy. Day 2: Drive from Colombo to Dambulla, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Your guide will make a rest stop for a drink if you wish. Once we reach Dambulla we visit the Temple of the Rock. This fascinating temple is built on the side of a rock with some historical monuments of Buddhas and paintings. Once we had visited the temple, we stopped for lunch at one of the various Sri Lankan tourist restaurants. The food is in keeping with the country and there are usually rice, potatoes, various meats and salads on the menu. We were never disappointed. Lunch is not included in the tour price so it is extra, but at approx 600 rupees it is very reasonable in terms of cost. Some days we didn't fancy lunch and you can skip this if you want. Your driver will be very accommodating. We were then taken to our hotel which would be home for the next 3 nights: Amaara Forest Hotel (review available separately). The following days consisted of: Day 3 - Drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa to visit the 2nd Heritage of the Capital City. This is an amazing experience that offers a fantastic insight into Sri Lankan history. After this we reached Minneriya to the national park. The opportunity to see elephants in the wild is something not to be missed. There are also wild buffaloes, monkeys, birds, and many more animals to witness. We also visited a silk shop where silk was made, and we were dressed in traditional Sri Lankan clothing, where you can take photos of each other. The ladies at this store were wonderful and we bought a few items. The woodcarving factory is also a good stop, where you can watch how they make traditional Raksha masks and other items. We really wanted to buy a pair of these and the factory store on site had plenty to choose from at reasonable prices. Day 4 - Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock). This spectacular rock of approximately 200 m high has impressive views. The only way to achieve this is through lots of steep steps so you will need to wear some good trainers as flip flops will wreck your feet. It can get quite busy on the stairs for the first part as there are historical paintings to see a third of the way which causes the delay, but it picks up soon after. Don't let this delay put you off, I almost decided not to bother you, but the wife talked me into it and I'm glad I did. When you get to about 2/3 of this way, this is where the Lions entrance is. At one point this one had a huge rock lion face on it which is sadly gone. From this point you can reach the top and the view of Sri Lanka can be seen for miles. Word of advice to all of you, there are people who offer to "show" you the rock, they will expect payment for their services, so you politely say no or agree to a cost up front. Also when on the stairs there will be men offering to help him up (at one point taking my wife's hand and escorting her down the stairs which I soon said no to) in all fairness once I say no they will leave you alone, so don't do it. Don't let this discourage you, but be prepared. This day you also have a tour of a rural town in a carriage and a boat ride. You may be offered lunch here which is a great experience and at 600 rupees well worth it. A local lady prepares dinner in her cabin in the woods, and there is a good choice to have. You won't get a chance to experience this again so totally recommend it. Day 5 - Kandy. The journey from the hotel above to here is around 2.5 hours, but it breaks down to an intermediate stop at Spice Garden, where you can see how various spices grow and are shown how to make curry mixes from scratch. The day also included a visit to a gem museum. Generally these places have a room or two showing the history of the gems etc but then a shop at the end. We found the gem shop too expensive for what we wanted to get out of our souvenir shopping, so we didn't buy anything. Again, you don't have to buy anything if you just want to look around. After you transfer to another hotel, we stopped at Earls Regent in Kandy. Day 6 - We visit the Botanical Garden which is a lovely relaxing day where you can walk slowly and take in the surroundings. After this, you can have lunch or return to the hotel to relax. Day 7: We visit a tea plantation on this day where you can see the process from tea leaf picking to the final product. We were allowed to pick tea leaves in the hills as well as visit the shop on site to pick up some reasonably priced local tea/souvenirs. From this point, you can return to the final hotel of the tour to rest in Nuwara Eliya. You can, if you wish, take a walk in the area near the hotel. Day 8 _ This is the route back to the airport, which takes around 7 hours in total, but is broken down by the different sights offering opportunities for waterfalls and a few breaks at local cafes and restaurants. As a guide, we leave at 8:30 am and arrive at the airport at 3:30 pm. Overall the tour was amazing but very tiring. It's not a relaxing vacation, so if you can get a second week in a row somewhere, you can relax. We went to the Maldives which is a 1 hour flight to Male airport. Some final points:
We were advised to tip the driver between $5-10 per person per day as an example, but you can tip what you feel was worth. Your guide will offer to take you to other places that are not listed on the tour and will be charged. If you don't want to do this, just say no thanks and they won't accept you. We almost fell for this and arrived at a spa which we were told would cost 5,000 rupees each for an hour which works out to a total of �40 so not a huge cost but we really didn't want a spa visit So we politely said we weren't interested. On the last day you will also be asked if you want to go rafting, which we didn't do as the last thing we wanted was to get wet en route to the airport. Overall, a worthwhile trip to an amazing country.
