tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Explorer

Best of India

19 days • 5

Excellent

3 reviews

19 days

Start

Delhi, India

Finish

Delhi, India

Trip Code

HHSGC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

From £1,884(19 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

The Taj Mahal is not only a sumptuous masterpiece of Indian architecture, but also a truly meaningful stop on any traveller’s journey.

Experience authentic Rajasthani luxury with a heritage stay at the lavish Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli.

The charm of Shimla Hill Station offers a great introduction to the Himalayas, and the World Heritage-listed ‘toy-train’ is a great way to get there.

Learn about Sikhism on a visit to the faith’s most sacred monument, the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Breeze through the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in Rishikesh and walk along the banks of the holy Ganges River.

Is this trip right for you?

Old Delhi can be very busy and crowded. While it’s an exciting place to see local life moving around you, be aware that on the walking tour you’ll need to navigate through people, tight spaces, and walkways.

Rajasthan can reach extremely high temperatures in the summer. While we aim to do our walking tours early in the morning when it’s cooler, remember to keep hydrated and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and anything else that will protect you from the sun.

We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees.

This trip involves some long train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential Indian experience. The journey from Delhi to Shimla takes nearly a full day of train travel and you’ll also be taking a ten-hour overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.

Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow, and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender.

We’ll be taking a local bus between Mandi and Dharmsala. The road through the mountains is rough and bumpy, but the scenery, adventure, and opportunity to mingle with locals will distract you from any discomfort.

In Dharmsala, our vehicle can’t get all the way to the hotel so some walking (500 m) with your luggage will be required.

As Rishikesh is a sacred town, no alcohol is permitted.

This trip travels into the Himalayas, where temperatures can get very low. We don’t run the trip in winter, but ensure that you’re well prepared for cold weather at any time of the year. The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and any other relevant sun protection.

Long-distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between Dec-Feb. Please see the transport section of the essential trip information.

We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Tuuur style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.

Itinerary

Discover Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before launching into the Himalaya, a land of contrasts to the plains and deserts of India

Visit India and follow the famous Golden Triangle. Enjoy the perfect introduction to India's three most popular destinations - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur - as we explore the icons and discover the secrets of this fascinating region. Experience the history of massive forts, the opulence of Rajasthan's palaces, and the traditions of a heritage homestay. Head north into the Himalayan foothills and be introduced to the Mountains and Mystics of this incredible country. These mystical lands look and feel very different from the rest of India - from the food and clothes to the crisp, clean mountain air and spiritual sway of the inhabitants. Discover the complex diversity of India and be enchanted by a land balanced between physical and spiritual worlds.

DAY 1
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
To book an Urban Adventure before you meet your tour leader, go to
DAY 2
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
DAY 3
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Optional activities
Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 4
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional activities
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
Special information
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 1 hour. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your trip leader at your welcome meeting on Day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
DAY 5
Day 5 • Lotwara
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.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Lotwara - Village Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Fatehpur Sikri – 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour
Agra - Taj Mahal
Optional activities
Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 7
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 and later became his prison. In the early afternoon, take the 3-4 hour journey back to Delhi by private bus. Arrive back at the hotel with enough time to freshen up and decide whether to enjoy one final dinner with the group.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Special information
As this is a combination trip, your group composition as well as your tour leader may change today.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Delhi
This morning, join the group for a walking tour around Old Delhi, which has been an important city in India for over 2000 years. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through the colour and chaos of Delhi’s traffic. In the afternoon, learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Special information
If you would prefer not to join the group for the walking tour around Old Delhi you can have a free day to relax and rejuvenate before the next part of your trip. You can also choose to do any of the optional activities in Delhi, talk to your leader for more information.
DAY 9
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 10
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
Optional activities
Shimla - Cinema - INR100
Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
DAY 11
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.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
In Dharmsala, our vehicle can't get all the way to the hotel, so some walking (approximately 500 m) with your luggage will be required.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
Optional activities
Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
DAY 14
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Amritsar - Golden Temple
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Amritsar – Overnight train
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.
Accommodation
Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
Special information
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 10 hours.
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. Beds are padded berths with sheets, a pillow and a blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender.
DAY 16
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
Optional activities
Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Please note that being sacred, Rishikesh is a dry town and alcohol is prohibited.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Rishikesh – River Ganges
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
DAY 18
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
DAY 19
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.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Special information
Head to urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours for more information.

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

Included activities

Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque

Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour

Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour

Jaipur - Amber Fort

Lotwara - Village Walk

Fatehpur Sikri - Guided tour

Agra - Taj Mahal

Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour

Shimla - Leader-led walking tour

Shimla - Viceregal Lodge

Mandi - Leader-led walking tour

Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute

Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple

Amritsar - Golden Temple

Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh

Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony

Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour

Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'

Optional activities

Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600

Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750

Delhi - Red Fort - INR600

Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350

Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200

Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400

Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280

Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300

Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600

Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000

Shimla - Cinema - INR100

Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free

Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free

Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50

Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600

Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500

Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Monday Sep 01, 2025

Friday Sep 19, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£2,063

Thursday Sep 04, 2025

Monday Sep 22, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£2,063

Monday Sep 08, 2025

Friday Sep 26, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£2,052

Monday Sep 15, 2025

Friday Oct 03, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Monday Sep 22, 2025

Friday Oct 10, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,134

Monday Sep 29, 2025

Friday Oct 17, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£2,409

Monday Oct 06, 2025

Friday Oct 24, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£2,354

Monday Oct 13, 2025

Friday Oct 31, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£2,294

Monday Oct 20, 2025

Friday Nov 07, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£2,239

Monday Oct 27, 2025

Friday Nov 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£2,409

Monday Nov 03, 2025

Friday Nov 21, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Monday Nov 10, 2025

Friday Nov 28, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£2,217

Monday Nov 17, 2025

Friday Dec 05, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£2,217£1,884

Monday Nov 24, 2025

Friday Dec 12, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£2,354

Monday Dec 29, 2025

Friday Jan 16, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£2,233

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 15 (Sleeper Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP or credit card and is USD 260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).

3. Please note that due to train arrival times there may not be any free time in Delhi at the end of this tour. We advise booking additional accommodation to extend your stay.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

5. As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group, as well as the group leader, may change on Day 7.

Reviews (3)

5 stars

Mark

Apr 21, 2024

I would highly recommend travelling with Intrepid as the tour guides were both caring and professional and this made it an enjoyable experience for all of the travellers in my group.

Deborah

Apr 21, 2024

A fascinating, well organised and enjoyable introduction to India. Our guides were fantastic - had great communication skills and a great sense of humour.

Lesley

Dec 01, 2022

This trip is a combination of two tours...a taster of Rajasthan which would invite you to do more and followed by a trip into the mountains to visit all the spiritually important places of Northern India. This part was simply wonderful, giving us an opportunity to visit the holy places in Hinduism, including Sikhism, and Buddhism as well as finding clear clean air in the mountains after the pollution of Delhi...it is a completely different view of India quiete, peaceful and indeed spiritual. I highly recommend it. Our group leaders, Guarang on the Rajasthan portion and Ajay on the Mountains & Mystics portions, made the whole adventure a delight. We'd learned so much and at least for myself absorbed some of the spirituality of this wonderful country

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