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Best of India

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Best of India

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Description

Follow India’s famous Golden Triangle to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on this 19-day trip. Explore iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and Jaipur’s Royal City Palace, plus uncover the lesser-known highlights of this fascinating region. Witness the opulence of Rajasthan’s palaces and immerse yourself in local traditions at a heritage homestay. Head north into the Himalayan foothills and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander the small town of Mandi and Dharamsala – a mountain town with a rich Tibetan Buddhist culture – then end it all back where you started, in bustling Delhi.

Trip Name
Best of India
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
19
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Witness the lavish architecture of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Learn the story of how this extravagant monument was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife.
  • Experience Rajasthani hospitality and be surrounded by the region’s opulent architecture during a heritage homestay at Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli.
  • Encounter scenic views of the Himalayas at the charming Shimla Hill Station, which you’ll travel to on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway.
  • Learn about Sikhism on a visit to the religion’s most sacred monument, the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
  • Wander through the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in Rishikesh and walk along the banks of the Ganges River.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with hours (or days) to spare, consider striking out on your own, perhaps to visit the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb. If you've got time a great way to get under the city’s skin in very little time is to book an Urban Adventure. After the 6 pm meeting, head out for an optional meal with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Delhi
Join your local leader on an excursion through Old Delhi. Ride the city’s metro system, then hop in a rickshaw to the busy marketplaces of Chandni Chowk. See the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, before learning about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara. Ask your trip leader for their recommendation on where to go for dinner.
Day 3 - Jaipur
Drive into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’. Take your time to explore this busy city filled with palaces and bazaars selling everything from jewellery and textiles to tea and spices. You might like to stop by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Later, discover one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
Day 4 - Jaipur
This morning, you might want to take an optional early morning hot air balloon experience. Cruising through the air overlooking the countryside is often a highlight of visiting Jaipur. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.
Day 5 - Karauli
Leave the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur behind and drive to the Lotwara Village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. This town, founded in the 17th century retains its traditional temples and is known as the ‘Peacock Town’ of Rajasthan due to the dense population of peacocks. Take a guided walk around the Old Quarter, learning about rural Indian life off the tourist trail. Be sure to visit the local stalls along the way and sample seasonal local sweets made from Indian ingredients, including petha (pumpkin), jaggery (organic sugar) and gazak (sesame seeds). Tonight, you’ll stay in a restored heritage property where dinner is included.
Day 6 - Agra
On the journey to Agra, stop at the one-time capital of the Mughal empire, Fatehpur Sikri. Its stunning mosque displays both Persian and Hindu designs and is secured by a 54-m-high entrance. Once in Agra, you have the option to visit the marble tomb that was saved for the greatest of the Mughal Emperors – Akbar's Mausoleum. End your day at the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this opulent monument was built in the 1640s as a memorial to Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife.
Day 7 - Delhi
In the morning, take a guided tour along the banks of the Yamuna River to the iconic Agra Fort. Originally designed by Emperor Akbar in 1565 to be a military structure, it was converted into a palace during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign – it’s also where he was later imprisoned during the final years of his life. In the early afternoon, return to Delhi by private bus. You’ll arrive back at the hotel with enough time to freshen up, then you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new trip leader and the new travellers joining your group. Tonight, maybe join the group for an optional dinner.
Day 8 - Delhi
This morning, your leader will take the group for a guided walking tour around Old Delhi. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through Delhi’s lively streets. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.
Day 9 - Shimla
Depart Delhi and hop aboard a train journeying across the state of Punjab to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you’ll travel by private vehicle to Shimla – the state’s capital, situated in the lower foothills of the Himalayas. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore the town's quiet charm on an orientation walk with your leader. After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 10 - Shimla
Wake up early for a 30-minute scenic ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'toy train' – for views of the Himalayas and local villages. After, you might like to head out and shop along Mall Road, visit the Jakhu Temple or shop for specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar. Later, you’ll visit the Viceregal Lodge. This is a historic location where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. Set among rolling hills, Shimla offers gentle to challenging walking trails for those wanting to stretch their legs. In the evening, film fans might like to visit the cinema to watch a Bollywood blockbuster.
Day 11 - Mandi
Travel by private transfer to the small town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River and once part of the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is a town of both historic and religious significance. Your leader will take you on a guided walk where you will explore the town and its huge sunken shopping centre – the only one like it in India. Later, you might like to spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or hike to hilltop temples. In the evening, sit down to dinner with your group and stay in the restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi.
Day 12 - Dharamsala
Today, journey through the mountains by private vehicle along bumpy, winding roads to Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. A mountain town with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, you’ll find robed monks strolling between monasteries and prayer flags hung from above. When you arrive, maybe wander the streets and see for yourself. Dharamsala is also known as the home to the Dalai Lama and where the Tibetan government resides in exile. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the town at your own pace, walking through the streets framed by the Himalayas.
Day 13 - Dharamsala
Today, visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, developed to train Tibetan refugees in skills needed to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. Its grounds feature an intricate temple and several workshops where you can see woodcarving, painting and needlework in action. Then, make your way to the Tsuglag Khang complex to see the Dalai Lama’s temple. You may also like to visit the Losel Doll Museum to learn about the daily lives and customs of Tibetan people.
Day 14 - Amritsar
Today, travel down the mountains to Amritsar, situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India's ‘breadbasket.’ Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and the centre of Sikhism in India. With your group, wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City on foot before you explore the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Soak up the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.
Day 15 - Amritsar
Journey to the Jallianwala Bagh this morning – the site of the tragic 1919 massacre that played a vital role in India's independence. Then, head out to the India–Pakistan border to watch the daily flag ceremony that has been followed since 1959. This famous military practice garners crowds every day who come to watch as the security forces of India and Pakistan engage in an elaborate ceremony of bowing, chanting, marching and high kicks. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.
Day 16 - Rishikesh
Disembark in Haridwar this morning, then drive to Rishikesh and check in to your hotel. Later today, you have the chance to go on an orientation walk with your leader to see the mural-lined walls of Chaurasi Kutia – the ashram made internationally famous when the Beatles visited in the 1960s. In the evening, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River, where you’ll hear the ringing of the temple bells and watch as the nightly fire rituals of Ganga Aarti begin.
Day 17 - Rishikesh
You have a free morning to enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh. Maybe take a walk along the Ganges River or relax and unwind in a yoga class – Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the Ganges! In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a walk through the nearby jungle.
Day 18 - Delhi
Bid farewell to Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi. This is a long journey, so get stuck into a good book or reminisce on your incredible adventure with your fellow travellers. The train arrives back in Delhi at around 11 pm and you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final night.
Day 19 - Delhi
There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Hidden Gems of Delhi tour.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-04-202608-05-2026AUD $ 3,458-
27-04-202615-05-2026AUD $ 3,640-
31-08-202618-09-2026AUD $ 3,640-
07-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 3,640-
14-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
17-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
21-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
28-09-202616-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
05-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
08-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
12-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 3,640-
15-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
19-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
22-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
26-10-202613-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
02-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
09-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
12-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
16-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
23-11-202611-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
28-12-202615-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-
11-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 3,775-
18-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 3,775-
01-02-202719-02-2027AUD $ 3,880-
08-02-202726-02-2027AUD $ 3,775-
15-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
22-02-202712-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
01-03-202719-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
04-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
08-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
11-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 3,775-
15-03-202702-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
18-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
22-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
25-03-202712-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
29-03-202716-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
05-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
12-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
19-04-202707-05-2027AUD $ 3,775-
26-04-202714-05-2027AUD $ 3,775-
03-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 3,775-
30-08-202717-09-2027AUD $ 3,775-
06-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 3,775-
13-09-202701-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
16-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
20-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
27-09-202715-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
04-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
11-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
14-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
18-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
21-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
25-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
01-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
08-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
11-11-202729-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-
15-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 3,775-
22-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 3,775-

Accommodation

Heritage Property (2 nights), Hotel (15 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Train

Map

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