Explore Delhi, both old and new. Tour the legendary Taj Mahal in Agra as well as the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur, where you'll experience the illustrious City Palace and Jantar Mantar Space Observatory. Watch locals perform mesmerizing sunrise Hindu prayer rituals in the vibrant city of Varanasi, right on the banks of the holy Ganges.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Delhi
Saturday. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Overnight: Delhi
Old & New Delhi
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a group Namaste dinner for departures in 2024. Please note there is no dinner included for departures in 2025.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Taj Mahal
This morning, we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!
Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, we’ll journey to the impressive Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress houses some of India's most exquisite Mughal buildings, all safeguarded behind its towering fortified walls. It’s a site rich with history and grandeur, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mughal era.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Karauli or Dholpur
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning we journey to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route.
In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please note: Lunch will be included in 2024. Please note there is no lunch included for departures in 2025, instead you will have time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur | Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Jaipur sightseeing
Jaipur. Enjoy an unforgettable experience early this morning with an optional balloon ride over Jaipur. Sail with the wind over the surrounding region and pass above hill-top forts and regal palaces. Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Flight to Varanasi
Jaipur - Varanasi. Today you fly to Varanasi, India's holiest city. You will be transferred to the airport where you will take a flight to Varanasi. Depending on flight schedules this may be an indirect flight connecting via another city. On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Varanasi | Breakfast
Varanasi
Varanasi. We set off on a morning city tour. We will get to visit sites including Banaras Hindu University, Durga Mata Mandir, and Bharat Mata Mandir. There will be an optional excursion to visit the Sarnath Temple Ruins and Museum. A holy Buddhist site, Sarnath is said to be the location where Buddha held his first sermon.
Later, we enjoy an evening visit to the Ganges to see the Aarti ceremony. The Ganga Aarti is a ritual performed by use of fire, lamp and chants, on the ghats of River Ganga. We will watch as small lamps are lit with fire and oil, decorated with flowers, and floated onto the River Ganges as a ritual offering for the Indian deity, Ganga.
Please note: The visit to Sarnath will be included in all 2024 departures. From 2025, it will become an optional excursion that can be booked and paid locally.
Overnight: Varanasi | Breakfast
Varanasi
Varanasi - Delhi. Rise and shine, for an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, where you can watch the sunrise illuminate the ancient city. Not only will we experience breathtaking views of the Varanasi Ghats from the water, we will also get to witness locals performing Hindu puja - sunrise rituals that involve prayer, songs and ritual bathing.
Later today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Once in Delhi, you will take a transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Please note: included flight from Varanasi to Delhi varies between afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Delhi
Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Royale Regent Hotel, Agra
The stylish Royale Regent hotel offers views of the magnificent Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool, so guests can gaze at this World wonder while sipping on a cocktail and retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy an array of flavours in the onsite garden or mutli-cuisine restaurant.
Royale Sarovar Portico, Agra
Experience the best of Agra's offerings at Royale Sarovar Portico, located just a 10-minute drive from the iconic Taj Mahal. Indulge in rejuvenating massages or pampering manicures and pedicures. Enjoy delectable meals at Hibiscus, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Unwind in the outdoor pool, socialize at the bar/lounge, or stay active at the fitness center. With free Wi-Fi throughout the property, this upscale property offers massage services, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center for a fulfilling stay.
Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli
Built in 1938, this stunning property is the residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both the architecture and furniture have been designed in fitting with colonial styles and the property offers a fantastic insight into the history and elegance of a bygone era. The property offers deluxe rooms and luxury suites, each including a range of modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well-appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as international cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.
Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur, Karauli
With vibrant history and a rich heritage, Dholpur Palace also known as Raj Niwas Palace, is a mesmerizing journey back in time. Once home to generations of Royals, this converted palace still reflects the magnificence of the Rajasthani architecture of that era. Guest rooms offer a refreshing mix of Indian heritage and modern facilities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a mini bar. Set in 13 acres of garden, the Palace grounds are full of peacock and bird life that nip over from the National Chambal Sanctuary nearby.
Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Radisson Hotel Jaipur City Center, Jaipur
Radisson Hotel Jaipur City Centre is the perfect base for travelers touring India's famed Golden Triangle. Located centrally in Jaipur, the hotel is close to various forts, palaces and bazaars that the Pink City is renowned for. All guest rooms offer air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, kettle, a desk, seating areas and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a satisfying continental breakfast buffet at Mosiac, one of four on-site restaurants. Additionally, boasts a business center, a gym and spa, steam room and a relaxing rooftop pool where guests are free to unwind.
Om Vilas Benares, Varanasi
Om Vilas Benares presents a luxurious retreat in Varanasi, boasting an array of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a lush garden. The resort's restaurant serves delectable meals, while the air-conditioned rooms feature private bathrooms for guests' comfort. With a 24-hour front desk, room service, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property, guests can expect seamless service. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences such as a wardrobe, bed linen, and a balcony offering scenic garden views. For leisure activities, the resort provides a children's playground, and guests can also enjoy fishing and cycling in the area.
Park Inn by Radisson New Delhi, Delhi
Set in the heart of one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Delhi, the Park Inn by Radisson offers a comfortable stay in India’s bustling capital. With contemporary guestrooms which feature en suite bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. Enjoy al fresco dining and drinks at the 24-hour RBG Bar & Grill, which serves tasty traditional Indian fare and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the hotel's sparkling pool or work up a sweat in the fitness centre. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and a short walk from a metro station, it's easy to reach popular sites such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate and Connaught Place.
Best Western Maharani Bagh, Delhi
Best Western Maharani Bagh New Delhi offers comfortable accommodation amidst serene surroundings. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant on-site. Services including a 24-hour front desk, room service, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property add to the convenience. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with some rooms featuring a balcony for added relaxation. Guests will also find amenities such as a wardrobe and a kettle, ensuring a comfortable stay at Best Western Maharani Bagh New Delhi.
I really enjoyed this tour and loved India. Our guide Sat was great - patient, informative, funny and helpful. We enjoyed all the sites we saw and the information we received. ”
India was a wonderful place & I fell in love with the place and the people within a very short period of time.
Our guide, Yusuf, was professional & couldn’t have been more fun or helpful. He made the tour better than we could have hoped. A real asset to On the Go.
I know that I’ll return to India and I’ll be using On the Go again when I do. Overall, it was an great experience.”
As I wrote on the first feedback form, the tour itself was great. It covered a lot of ground and included various types of experiences -- something for everyone. On the Go did a really good job. The only disappointments were things out of your control (e.g., cancelled flight to Varanasi on 31 Dec, so we spent a lot of time at Khujaraho airport and missed the festive banquet for New Years; lots of "fog" and "mist" (read horrible smog); and not seeing much wildlife on the bolt-on "safari"). That last hotel in Varanasi had a nice restaurant, but the rooms were a little skeevy, with towels that were stained and faucet loose in the sink. But what SAVED it all, and turned every downside into an upside, was Satendra Sharma. He looked out for everyone without being overly controlling, and he found special opportunities to engage us in local happenings (e.g., a fabulous and unique festival in Orchha around Morari Bapu, which turned into an amazing experience!). When our flight was cancelled he somehow managed to quickly book us into a different hotel (Clarks) on New Years Eve. Satendra is thoughtful, knowledgeable, funny, and extremely competent at his job -- with managing logistics, giving us history, in his personal interactions, and in communicating with the group. I can't imagine a better tour guide! He is surely the Guide of the Year!”
I would like to vote for tour guide Satendra Sharma, he was impeccable, he has the most kindest heart, excellent knowledge, nothing was a problem, worked long hours to insured we enjoyed the most out of all sightseeing, our safety and well being, WWe had perfect weather however our flight was cancelled to Varanasi from fog and tech problems and he was quick to get us comfortable back into a hotel with dinner all paid by the airlines. I could not fault anything with our tour, I still think about how wonderful the time was. I highly recommend and give 5 stars for ON THE GO TOURS INDIA to all my friends and would make sure Satendra was their tour guide as he was recommended to me from my friend that did the tour earlier in May Fiona. I so hope he wins, he is so deserving and if I was ever back in India I would do a private tour with him.
I will post on Trip advisor 5 stars for ON THE GO TOURS.
Thank you, Patricia ”
I had a wonderful trip with my 19 new travellers and all made very welcome by our wonderful tour guide Saatendra who amazed us with his knowledge and insight to the history and told us in detail about the sights we visited and stories relating to past times and really explained everything in descriptive detail capturing all our attention. Saat organised everything to perfection, the other guides, passes in and buses organised to various sights, although he had no control over the weather, we had an unexpected overnight stop due to lack of flight to Varanasi and he very quickly overcame that obstacle (given it was New Year's Eve and most places book out) but arrangements very quickly organised, overall I would highly recommend On the Go to others and particularly request Saat as their guide.”
I would like to say how wonderful and amazing our Tour was to India especially a big mention our tour guide Satendra Sharma, he has a wonderful kind heart, impeccable knowledge, nothing was any problem. He worked long hours to make sure our trip was memorable and he went over and beyond his job. I still think about the tour, we were lucky to have a wonderful group of people and extra lucky to have Satendra. If there is anywhere I can put a recommendation for him please advise. I had a friend Fiona Baker that did the tour back in May 2017 and also had Satendra and she advised me before I went that I was in for a amazing tour, we both would come back possibly to do a private tour with him. I have told all my friends about ON THE GO TOURS and highly recommend the high quality and pricing is very reasonable for what you receive.
The only complaint about the trip was that we had to leave :-) Thank you ON THE GO TOURS and a big thank you to Satendra. I will be a return customer in the future. Kind Regards
Patricia ”
What can I say! Not only was this my first trip to India, but also my first overseas. I had always wanted to see a country different to my own (Australia), and that I did! I chose to go at Diwali time, and so glad I did. It was incredible. I also chose the "bolt - on" of going up in a hot balloon, which was another first for me. It was fantastic, and especially being able to see the Indian villages from above in the basket. There were highlights throughout the tour. I cannot just pick one, but I will say that the Diwali made it more special. It was great also, to see the Taj Mahal as well as the temples and hear the history of each. The experience of Varanasi, I will never forget either. I felt incredibly lucky to have been able to be there in India, embracing it all. Our tour guide, Yusuf added his own touch and personality to the whole trip, but I have to say that I personally thank him from the bottom of my heart for he had a confident aura about him, which allowed me to relax. I can be a panic merchant, but with him in lead, I felt safe. He also made the Diwali night an evening I will never forget. I would love to go back to India one day, because I think it is a pretty incredible place to visit, with so much to learn and appreciate. Thank you On The Go Tours, And thank you Yusuf!”
As I have said with feedback form given to me by Yusuf, it was through Yusuf, that I was not only able to enjoy ( apart from excessive heat) but feel safe. He was in control of any situation that might crop up, which left me and others feeling safe in what a trip in India represents, some interesting, though exciting challenges. I do also, thank On The Go for making these types of trips possible. For my first time out of Australia, it was a great experience. Thank you!
Cheers Kathy ”
The tour was well organised and covered a lot of ground. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the whole trip very enjoyable as well as feeling safe.”
From the moment Sammy met me at the airport I felt in safe hands. He was professional yet easy going and friendly, well organised and calm. The group met for a briefing the next morning and then we were off. And I absolutely loved every minute of the next 13 days. We saw amazing things and people, went to astonishingly wonderful places and throughout, Sammy managed to gently herd us along without us ever feeling managed. At Varanasi we were all stuffed in pairs into tuc tucs and sent off into the pre dawn traffic mayhem of the 3 day Puja there. Sammy somehow materialised at the riverside (20mins ride away) and got us all into a boat and onto the water to see the magical sunrise. I never worked out how he did that! And it was all with implacable calm. He was funny and fun, informative and interesting, organised and efficient and brought out the best in the group. He is a brilliant ambassador for India and all its wondrousness. I Loved the entire tour and would like to nominate Sammy for an award ”
At a Glance
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I really enjoyed this tour and loved India. Our guide Sat was great - patient, informative, funny and helpful. We enjoyed all the sites we saw and the information we received. ”
