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Essential India
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India. You'll float past the ghats on the Ganges River to encounter the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation's rich heritage, you're sure to be caught up in India's incredible tapestry of life.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Merchandising: Top Seller
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Essential India - Itinerary
DAY 1
Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Women With Wheels Transfer:
Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hotel Singh Sahib:
Hotel Singh Sahib
Optional Activities
Essential India - Itinerary
DAY 1
Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Women With Wheels Transfer:
Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hotel Singh Sahib:
Hotel Singh Sahib
Optional Activities
What’s Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
- Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Old Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place
- Amber Fort tour
- Rajasthani rural village stay
- Village cycling excursion
- Abhaneri stepwells visit
- Taj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entrance
- Agra Fort entrance and guided tour
- Orchha Palace complex visit
- Western Temple complex entrance and guided visit
- Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Hotels (12 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).
- 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, small riverboat, plane.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Essential India Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Mar 06 2026 | Fri, Mar 20 2026 | Open (1) | $1,274.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Apr 12 2026 | Sun, Apr 26 2026 | Open (8) | $1,199.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Apr 26 2026 | Sun, May 10 2026 | Open (10) | $1,199.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Sep 20 2026 | Sun, Oct 04 2026 | Open (13) | $1,199.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Oct 18 2026 | Sun, Nov 01 2026 | Open (11) | $1,274.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Essential India
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Old Delhi walk with stops at the Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place. Amber Fort tour. Rajasthani rural village stay. Village cycling excursion. Abhaneri stepwells visit. Taj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) entrance. Agra Fort entrance and guided tour. Orchha Palace complex visit. Western Temple complex entrance and guided visit. Ganges River boat trip at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore India's vibrant cities, discover ancient forts and temples, revel in the beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal, witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha, sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 4, 2026 or March 22, 2027 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
