16 Days 15 Nights
Arrive at Delhi Airport and you will be greeted by our representative followed by transfer to your pre-booked hotel. No activities planned for the day, you can simply rest at hotel or you may want to visit we recommend Akshardham Temple tour in evening with water fountain show. Overnight in Delhi.
Delhi has a strong historical background dating back to the epic Mahabharat period. Pandavas founded their capital Indraprastha in the region. Its control passed from one dynasty to another beginning with the Mauryas followed by the Pallavas and Guptas of Central India. The city thrived under the reign of various dynasties of the Tomaras, Chauhans, Mughals, Slave Kingdom, Khalji Afghans, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, Lodhi and the British. The glorious history of Delhi is more than 5000 years old. Over the time
To discover this ancient kingdom of India, we start our day with visit to Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora founded by Tomar ruler Anangpal in 1060 AD around Qutub Minar complex, it is termed as ‘First City of Delhi’. The Iron Pillar was fixed by Anangpal in Qutb Complex in 1052 as per evident of inscriptions on it. Explore old ramparts and gateways in fort complex. This fort was expanded by King Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput Ruler also known as Rai Pithora, the popular hero of the stories of Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders. Lal Kot was Delhi’s original Red Fort and the Red Fort which we see today was originally called Qila-e-Mubarak built by Shah Jahan. Next, we visit the Qutub Minar, a gigantic victory tower built using the materials of demolished temples and Jain shrines built around Lal Kot city.
Our next move is to the second city of Delhi ‘Siri’ built by Alaud-din-Khilji to defend his kingdom against Mongol invaders. Most cities rise on stones and bricks and some are on severed heads. Siri is derived from ‘Sir’ means head is one such place. According to legend, it contains the sliced-off heads of 8,000 Mongols defeated by Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 1303. We take walk around the forgotten fort and hear the story from our expert guide before getting into the short story of Alaud-din-Khilji as his establishments around Siri could stave off Mongols to invade.
We complete our day with a Sufi evening at a local restaurant followed by dinner. Overnight in Delhi.
We start our day after breakfast to visit Firoz Shah Kotla, the first city built on the banks of River Yamuna. The mosque in Firzo Shah Kotla was so impressive that Timur who attacked Delhi in 1398, first stopper and prayed here before destroying it. He took the artisans with him to Samarkand to create a similar masterpiece. Our next stop is Shahjahanabad, built by Shah Jahan when he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1639. Shah Jahan was a brilliant architect and under his patronage, pietre dura (an Italian technique adopted by the Mughals) to create wonderful marvels with unprecedented art. The sights included Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and several temples with beautiful planning around the city.
Have lunch in old city and take a walk around the streets or by rickshaw with guide. Our final stop of the Delhi is Lutyens’ New Delhi Tour. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ to create New Delhi as a garden city lives on in its wide tree-lined boulevards. Take drive around whitewashed buildings, Viceroy’s lodge, War Memorial and finally to Connaught Place. Have dinner around this thriving centre of Delhi and return to hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
This morning, we fly to Varanasi from Delhi Airport. On arrival, our guide and driver will greet you followed by transfer to hotel. Varanasi has been the prime seat of pilgrimage for Hindus and considered one of the oldest cities of the world.
After freshen up we take an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon followed by musical evening tour in old city. In 7 BCE Chinese Buddhist scholar Huien Tsang travelled to Varanasi and described it Varanasi as “a centre of learning,” bustling with thousands of students, teachers, and sacred temples. He was very impressed by spiritual significance and Buddhist monasteries scattered around town. Overnight in Varanasi.
An early morning boat cruise on River Ganges is surely not to miss, you will see the ghats coming alive and other rituals performed by pilgrims and locals followed by tour of prominent sights built during the reign of Gahadvala Dynasty including Kashi Vishwanath temple and Assi Ghat.
Return to hotel for freshen up and relax. In the evening join Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.
This morning, we drive to Prayagraj another town situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati—Prayagraj is a place where spirituality and tradition meet. Prayagraj is a historical site was controlled by many dynasties including Maurya, Gupta and Kushan empires. On arrival, check in at hotel and after freshen up with your guide take plunge in the history of Mauryan Empire at Allahabad Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka during his reign in 3rd century BCE.
Afterwards explore Allahabad Fort and take holy dip on sacred waters of Triveni Sangam followed by aarti ceremony. Overnight in Prayagraj.
Today we drive to Khajuraho en-route visiting one of the greatest cities in India from the late Vedic period known as Kosambi or Kaushambi. It was a powerful trade centre for Vatsa Kingdom during the time of Gautam Buddha. Explore the Ghoshitaram monastery in Kosambi dating back to 6th century BC.
Continue to Khajuraho and check in at your pre-booked hotel for overnight stay.
Khajuraho was the principal seat of Chandela Rajputs built lofty temples and other architectural marvels in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Today after breakfast we discover the magnificent sights of Western and Eastern Group of temples identified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
This afternoon we travel to Panna was the capital of Bundela Rajput ruler Chhatra Sal and now a famous tiger reserve. On arrival opt for Jeep Safari in National Park to spot wild animals. Return to Khajuraho and stay overnight.
Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion to Ajaigarh Fort and Kalinjar. Our first stop will be Ajaigarh Fort constructed during the peak of Bundela dynasty. Drive to this beautiful fort passes through serene hill views and Ken River. Few gates and courtyards create an astounding experience as you hear the history by our expert guide.
Later drive to Kalinjar Fort, a monument of great historical significance perched on an isolated flat-topped hill of the Vindhya range. The scriptures state that this citadel has been known by different names over time. Explore the fort with your guide and return to Khajuraho in evening for overnight stay.
After a soothing breakfast at hotel, we embark on our next destination to Orchha. The enchanting town was founded by Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh, a Bundela chief in 1531. Arrive at hotel and proceed to your room before joining your guide for immersive experience at Orchha Fort complex adorned by intricate palaces, cenotaphs, temples, and panoramic views along the Betwa river that create an idyllic escape from modernity. It houses the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the Sheesh Mahal.
We also explore Raja Ram Temple and delve deep into the village walk with your guide takes you away from the regular track. Experience the life in an ordinary family of rural village in India and with Turban Adventures support the local communities as you travel differently with us. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
By leaving early this morning we straight head to Jhalawar, a cultural jewel of Rajasthan was founded by Jhala Zalim Singh is a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. On your arrival, check in at hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel.
Today we explore the Gagron Fort is a fine example of hill and water fort and one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan to be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Afterwards we discover the Buddhist caves, an 8th century marvel has stupas, chaityas containing figures of Buddha.
After exploration drive to Shahpura Bagh, an oasis of calm in rural Rajasthan. This 120-year-old family-owned estate is a fabulous retreat to experience a gentle way of life. On arrival, check in at hotel and spend the remaining day at leisure. Overnight in Shahpura Bagh.
Morning after breakfast embark on a leisurely walk with village expert and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle, arts and crafts and vibrancy. Interact with locals and witness daily life unfold before your eyes.
You may have variety of activities to choose from hotel’s reception directly. In the evening enjoy sundowner followed by dinner at Dhikola Fort in outskirts. Overnight in Shahpura.
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Jaipur. One of the most powerful kingdoms ruled by the Kachwaha Rajput clan. On arrival, check in at hotel and in the evening visit Birla Temple, built in white marble with intricate carvings. You will have option of a home cooked dinner with local family after your sightseeing to enjoy the authentic experience and delicious Rajasthani cuisine.
After a leisurely breakfast embark on full day sightseeing of Jaipur.
Start your day with visit to Amber Fort, located at a short distance of 11 kms from Jaipur famous for its architecture and Sheesh Mahal.
Take walk in Amber town and explore the old palace built before the Amber Fort.
Return to city and take a short stop at Jal Mahal, famous as Water Palace built as a summer residence for the rulers of Jaipur. Have lunch at Baradari followed by tour of the residence of present royal family of Jaipur famous for its excellent architecture and houses weaponry and royal collections of erstwhile rulers.
Then we will visit Jantar Mantar which houses the world’s largest sundial. Later take walk in old city with your guide to explore the local bazaars and narrow streets filled with shops. Return to hotel in evening for overnight stay.
Check out from hotel in morning and drive to Delhi. 5 hrs drive takes you straight to Delhi Airport to board flight for onward journey.
No bucket list items found.
No flexibility information available.
India has a wide range of climatic conditions from tropical in the South to alpine in the North. Most of the country except Himalaya region is best to travel between October and March. During this time, days are pleasant to cool, and rain is very rare. The summer season begins in April and ends in September. It is interrupted by the south-west monsoon which arrives around the mid of June. In the winter season i.e., from November to March, woollens are needed from early evening to mid-morning.
We highly recommend having international roaming on your phone to avoid communication breakdown when arriving and during sightseeing. All major telcos have good roaming plans.
You can also purchase a SIM at the airport (or at kiosks everywhere) for use while travelling in India. Airtel or Vodaphone are a good bet. SIMs are relatively cheap but will require lot of paperwork. You will need to usually provide 2 passport sized photos and a copy of your passport will be made. It’s not really recommended as it can take hours before it gets activated.
E-sims are not recommendable as they are not reliable at all in India.
We get this question asked a lot of tipping and the right amount of tipping. Tipping is very customary part of travel and hospitality industry in India. It’s a sign of you showing gratitude for their outstanding service provided.
Tipping is widely expected in India. As desired below we are furnishing you the amount of tipping which you can give to the drivers and Guides.
Tip to Guide: The guide at your service during the sightseeing schedules can be tipped between INR800 ($15) per guide.
Tip to driver: As the driver at your service will be taking care of all your needs and will act as a ready assistance at any hour of need and, he will remain with you for a major part of the trip, he definitely expects a little more tip. Depending upon your satisfaction with his service, an amount of INR1000 ($18) per day is considered as a very good tip.
Note: It’s a total amount not per person.
In Restaurants: 10% on total bill
Porters : INR 20 to 50 ($1) per baggage
Bell Boys : INR 20 to 50 ($1) per baggage
Please note foreign travellers are not allowed to bring in Indian Currency.
You can bring in foreign currency notes like AUD or USD up to the value of USD$5000 and exchange them at the airport or other exchanges in major cities in India for local Indian currency.
Allow $100 per day (2 people) as spending money for food, drinks, and other shopping.
Bank Travel Money Cards issued by your bank are highly recommended. As you can transfer money into them from your bank quite easily.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
You can bring in foreign currency notes like AUD or USD up to the value of USD$5000 and exchange them at the airport for local Indian currency.
ATMs are readily available in major cities in India (Except little towns or villages). Please ask your driver/guide for assistance if you need to use ATM. Maximum ATM withdrawal limit is 25000 Rupees.
Currently, most travellers from Australia can enter India without proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
You are not required to get any vaccines before your trip to India. However, if you have travel plans to India and to avoid any risk, it is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist at least 45 days before your tour start date.
The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health, and of course what vaccines you have had before.
We strongly endorse current public health recommendations that all travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella, polio and influenza, and paediatric vaccinations for children.
Our representative would remain present at the arrival lounge of the airport and would be holding a placard in your name. He will also assist you during your hotel check in. The same procedure will be followed whenever you make an internal connection by air or rail and again on your final departure from India.
Magnificent Hotels
Vibrant India Tours chooses magnificent hotels to ensure your supreme comfort. Stay at the acclaimed properties that offer outstanding levels of service in fantastic locations where you can truly experience the local colour. With plenty of free time in our itineraries, we give you room to breathe, so you can enjoy the wonderful hotels amenities that many of these hotels have to offer.
Handpicked for their elevated comfort and service, these amazing properties are renowned for their excellence and individuality and are often the highest rated hotels in the place they are situated.
Luxury
Stay like Maharaja in a stately hillside fortress, relax on your own private beach or set out from a luxury treehouse in search of tigers. The luxury hotels handpicked by us for our guests are best of the best on offer in India. Beautifully appointed rooms with everything you might need, luxurious touches to elevate your stay and staff who make hospitality personal, are all elements of each hotel we choose for your journey.
Heritage Stays
India is a magical destination, known for its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage. And one of the best ways to experience both is with a stay in a magnificent palace hotel. There are many opulent palaces, which have been converted into luxury hotels today.
We handpicked some of the most incredible palace hotels in India, which will make make even the humblest traveller feel like a Maharaja. These hotels were actually once home to India’s royalty, and in some cases still are.
An increasing number of Rajasthan palaces owned by former maharajas are being converted into hotels. These “Heritage Hotels” (Palaces/Forts/Havelis turned into luxury hotels) provide a unique experience and mostly, although not all, are operated by the larger hotel groups. An accommodation is naturally more limited than in the purpose-built hotels and should be reserved in advance if at all possible.
Heritage hotels are a wonderful way to experience Indian hospitality harking back to the days of the Maharajah. The properties we choose have previous incarnations as Palaces, Forts, Government houses and more. Each room is unique, the decor is original, the staff and owners friendly and local. Please be aware that each room is different and bathrooms have often been retrofitted, some rooms will be bigger than others, some have a different view or outlook. These properties are different from a standard hotel and thus may not have some of the mod cons such as televisions. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
Beach Resorts
Beaches, sand, sun, and exotic resorts make for a wonderful way to spend a getaway with your family or friends. India has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world spread across its vast coastlines majorly the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The beach resorts handpicked by our team in India disappoint you on your getaway. Located on the beautiful beaches are some private beach resorts in India. These properties are perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. It also offers an unwinding experience away from the rush of the city.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
DESERT CAMPING
We ride camels into the dunes of the Thar desert and camp under the stars. Bedding, blankets and pillows are provided and we sleep on a camp style cot in the open air. Sleeping bags are recommended as it can get very cold at night. The camp is very simple with a wind break, and set up against a sand dune. It’s a great experience to wake up under the stars in the desert. Simple vegetarian meals will be prepared by our local team for dinner and breakfast (included). Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Toilets are very basic long drop style. There is no shower and many travellers recommend bringing a small hand towel or some wet wipes (don't forget to carry them and any other rubbish out again).
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
WIFI
Generally, wi-fi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it’s free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for Wi-Fi access. Your tour leader can assist locally in accessing the internet.
ISSUES
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Inclusions
The land price of your tour includes:
Exclusions
The land price of your trip does not include:
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number 15 days before the tour starts. You will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank's name and credit card details.
Vibrantindiatours highly recommends you investigate and secure travel insurance options that best suit your individual circumstances, including any applicable to pre-existing medical conditions and world events.
Private Tours Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation or Rebooking by the traveller
Cancellation Policy with Standard - Deluxe - Premium Hotels
From 30 days before tour start date:-
Luxury Tours Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation or Rebooking by the traveller
Cancellation Policy with Luxury Hotels
From 60 days before tour start date:-
Cancellation by us
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have been fully paid by traveller. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic, or other external events outside our reasonable control, it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.
Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets.
Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third-party tour and transport operator fees.
Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets.
Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
Cancellation Due to Government Or Public Health Authority
If you are ordered into a period of quarantine by a government or public health authority as a mandatory directive for any reason and this requires you to amend or cancel your travel arrangements with us after your departure date, Vibrantindiatours will not be liable for any third-party costs, cancellation fees or prepaid arrangements such as (but not limited to) airfares and cruise ship bookings.
We will not be responsible for any additional cost incurred to you while on tour if you are instructed by a government or public health authority to enter into a period of quarantine or to return home early, this includes any extra accommodation costs or amendments to your onward travel arrangements.
Vibrantindiatours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf, or negotiate a credit for future use, should a disruption to your tour arrangements occur due to a government or public health authority directive.
Vibrantindiatours highly recommends you investigate and secure travel insurance options that best suit your individual circumstances, including any applicable to pre-existing medical conditions and world events.
The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third-party tour and transport operator fees.
Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets.
Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
Booking amendments
We do not encourage changes in the confirmed arrangements. But if you do need to make amendments in the arrangements already confirmed, we will do all possible to accommodate the changes, depending on the availability of various segments of the tour, for the new requirements. However, the changes will be subject to certain minimum amendment / administration charges.
Note: Cancellation, Changes or Refund regarding both international and domestic airline tickets is subject to respective airline policies.
We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
Illness
If due to any illness, suspected illness or failure to satisfy any required tests (such as a temperature test in relation to Covid-19):
We will not be liable to refund the cost of your trip (or any part of it) because we would have already paid (or committed to pay) suppliers and we would have already performed significant work preparing for the delivery of your trip and servicing your booking. We will not be responsible to you for any loss or expenses incurred in connection with your booking (for example, airfares and visa expenses) if you are prevented from commencing or continuing your trip in these circumstances.
We do not encourage changes in the confirmed arrangements. But if you do need to make amendments in the arrangements already confirmed, we will do all possible to accommodate the changes, depending on the availability of various segments of the tour, for the new requirements. However, the changes will be subject to certain amendment / administration charges.
Note: Cancellation, Changes or Refund regarding both international and domestic airline tickets is subject to respective airline policies.
We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
See T&C’s for full details.
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
India Expert
Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.
January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!
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