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Survey Northern India’s splendors as you travel between royal tombs and elegant temples.
The graceful bulbs of the Taj Mahal. The old, ornate walls of the Khajuraho temples. The flickering candlelight of the Ganga Aarti, Varanasi’s daily ceremony honoring the holy Ganges River. Northern India’s arresting monuments and heritage richly reward travelers who make the journey—and as you make your way from the buzz of Delhi to the peace of the Panna Tiger Reserve, you’ll find your heart growing fuller with each stop. With an extension to Mumbai waiting in the wings, this itinerary shows you India’s many marvelous faces. Which will be your favorite?
Your tour package includes
- 8 nights in handpicked hotels
- 8 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 12 guided sightseeing tours
Included highlights
- Jama Masjid
- Sarnath Buddhist Temple
- Aarti Ceremony in Varanasi
- Ganges River boat ride
- Varanasi heritage walk
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Delhi today.
Welcome to India! After arriving in Delhi, make the short transfer to your hotel with your groupmates. You’ll touch down later in the evening, so use the rest of your day to settle into your room, grab a bite to eat at your hotel, catch up on sleep, and look forward to the rest of your journey.
Finish shaking off that jet lag during a leisurely morning spent in the comfort of your hotel. Then, meet up with your Tour Director and set out for Old Delhi. Built on the order of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, this walled city was dubbed Shahjahanabad upon its completion in 1648 and served as the capital of Mughal India for over 200 years. Wind through its narrow lanes on a guided sightseeing tour and bask in its highlights.
- See the black marble pedestal and eternal flame of Raj Ghat, an enduring tribute to Mahatma Gandhi built on the site of his cremation. Then, visit a nearby museum dedicated to the “Father of the Nation,” filled with photographs and books documenting his life.
- Tour the exterior of Jama Masjid, the former imperial mosque of the Mughals. Immediately recognizable by its twin sandstone minarets and three onion-like domes, this immense marble structure is one of Delhi’s most iconic sites. Enjoy a reverent moment with your thoughts as you take in its courtyard.
- Split into groups and get ready to crank up the volume—and speed—on a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. Since opening in the 16th century, this market has ballooned into one of the largest in India. Zip through the streets of the “Moonlight Square,” feeling awed by the sights, smells, and sounds of this bustling bazaar.
Wrap up your first full day in India with an included welcome dinner, served with beer or wine at a local restaurant.
Please note: Women will be given robes to wear over their clothes at Jama Masjid.
Today, trade India’s cultural capital for its spiritual one as you board a flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Once you leave the airport, you’ll go sightseeing with your Tour Director. Take a closer look at one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and get a primer on the traditions of Buddhism—a minority religion in the country.
- Visit Sarnath, a pilgrimage site and hallowed ground in the Buddhist faith. It was here that Siddhartha Gautama—better known as the Buddha—delivered his first sermon to five former companions, laying out core tenets of what would come to be known as Buddhism.
- Explore the temple complex, learning about its different stupas and abbeys. Most of these were built in the third century B.C. by Ashoka the Great, leader of the Mauryan Empire. In the wake of a bloody war, he instituted a policy of dhamma—righteous conduct—and was drawn to Buddhism, becoming a generous patron of various monasteries. Sarnath memorializes that legacy.
This evening, head to the ghats (bathing steps) along the banks of the sacred Ganges to experience the Aarti, or the daily ceremony of light devoted to Ganga, goddess of the river. Look on as sadhus (Hindu ascetics) and pujaris (dedicated priests) perform the ritual, ringing bells, sounding conch shells, and chanting a string of mantras. Tiered brass lamps emit a warm glow, creating a hypnotic aura that only intensifies as the ceremony crescendos. As it draws to a close, watch devotees send diyas—candlelit flower bowls—floating down the river as a final offering to Ganga.
Head back to your hotel with a full heart and freshen up before reconvening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Venerated as one of the Sapta Puri—the seven chief Hindu pilgrimage sites—the city of Varanasi thrums with spiritual energy that emanates from its temples, sacred pools, and shrines. This ancient settlement has nurtured a beautiful culture as well, and with your Tour Director leading the way, you’ll experience it all by land and water.
- Begin your day by boarding a boat and sailing up the Ganges to the ghats you saw yesterday. Locals use these centuries-old steps to enter the holy river, bathing in its waters to purify their souls.
- Arrive at the ghats, disembark, and take an in-depth heritage walk through the heart of Varanasi. Sync up with the beat of the city as you wander through the stalls of its bazaar, pass its temples, and stroll by its ashrams—spiritual hermitages that are said to emit positive energy.
- Look on as your jaunt takes you past the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. As one of 12 jyotirlinga shrines venerating his different manifestations, it’s thought by some to be the holiest house of worship in Hinduism.
Wrap up your walking tour by heading back to your hotel for lunch. Not quite ready to call it a day? Examine yet another cultural cornerstone by adding this evening’s excursion. The history of Kathak dance dates back to 400 B.C., when ancient bards—known as kathakar, or “storytellers”—roamed Northern India. Join tonight’s optional outing for an introduction to this powerful art form.
Kathak Dance Performance & Dinner
From $199 per person
Board your bus and bid farewell to Varanasi, setting your sights on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. Make a pit stop for lunch as you drive through the central state of Madhya Pradesh. Arrive at your hotel and dust off a day of travel during an included dinner, served with beer or wine, before turning in.
Before striking out for Khajuraho’s famous temples, take a game drive through the Panna Tiger Reserve. Once ravaged by illegal poaching, this protected habitat now rivals Ranthambore for sightings of the elusive Bengal tiger. Intense conservation efforts helped the local tiger population rebound from zero; today, you might just spot one of these regal creatures.
- Hop aboard an open-air safari vehicle and set off into the reserve with your driver-guide. As they navigate, they’ll call out the pristine environment surrounding you—the plateaus, gorges, waterfalls, and forests that form the UNESCO-recognized Panna Biosphere Reserve. They’ll also educate you on the park’s dark recent history; habitat destruction and poaching nearly wiped out its resident Bengal tigers, but diligent work helped bring them back from the brink.
- Hear how the Panna Tiger Project endeavored to relocate villages that were previously in the center of the park; plant native species to restore the habitat for tigers and their prey; reintroduce tigers to the area; and clean the waters of the Ken River. (That last project helped make the Ken one of the purest rivers in the country!)
- Keep an eye out for more than 200 species of birds, as well as tigers, leopards, chinkaras, and other endangered flora and fauna.
Enjoy an included lunch before continuing your adventure through the reserve this afternoon. After a long day of game drives, return to your hotel and get cleaned up for an included group dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: As of 2022, there were roughly 60 tigers in the Panna Tiger Reserve—a relatively small number in such a large area. They’re also notoriously reclusive, so while you may see signs of recent big cat activity, we can’t guarantee a tiger sighting.
Ready for even more UNESCO-recognized monuments? Today begins with a trip to the Khajuraho temples. Built roughly 1,000 years ago by the Chandela civilization, the 20 or so remaining buildings are prized examples of the Nagara-style architecture typical of Hindu and Jain temples in Northern India. Roam the temples, taking in thousands of sculptures depicting scenes from daily life and other, more sensual moments.
With one major complex down, head to the small town of Orchha to visit another. Connected to land by an elegant arched bridge, the Orchha Fort complex sits atop a river island and contains a collection of 16th-century palaces, temples, and gardens. Enter this vestige of the Bundela Rajputs after an included lunch and examine its Mughal-inspired architecture and beautifully preserved murals.
Depart Orchha, rolling on to nearby Jhansi. There, board a first-class car on the Gatimaan Express—India’s first semi-high-speed train—and travel in style to the city of Agra. Once there, transfer to your hotel and sit down to an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: Shoes must be removed when entering the temples. A separate porterage service will transfer your luggage from Jhansi to your hotel in Agra; you won’t have to bring your bags aboard the Gatimaan Express.
Begin your final full day on tour with a free morning in Agra. If you’d prefer to rise with the sun, add today’s morning excursion and enjoy an invigorating yoga practice in view of the city’s most treasured monument: the Taj Mahal.
Once you’ve freshened up, meet your group for the day’s first guided sightseeing tour. Your target: the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, the lavish final resting place of the Mughal official Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It was built as a loving tribute from daughter to father, and its name derives from the title bestowed upon Ghiyas Beg by the emperor he served: I’timad-ud-Daulah, or “Pillar of the State.”
- Walk across its manicured gardens, set out in a perfect cross. (Fun fact: The only asymmetrical parts of the entire complex are the cenotaphs of Ghiyas Beg and his wife, Asmat Begum, laid side-by-side for eternity in the main tomb.)
- Enter the mausoleum with your Tour Director and come to understand why it’s known as the “Baby Taj.” Its use of white marble, red sandstone, and vibrant stone inlays marks a transition between eras of Mughal architecture, leading some to consider the tomb a first draft of the Taj Mahal.
Leave the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah behind and cross the Yamuna River, making the short trek to some of Agra’s most famous landmarks. Up first: the semicircular walls of the Red Fort. Hewn from rust-colored stone accented by splotches of cream, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has kept watch over Agra since the 16th century. Enter through its imposing gates and stroll along its grounds, learning about the fort’s importance to successive Indian dynasties.
From there, move on to the Taj Mahal, India’s crown jewel and a testament of undying love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his dear wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the sprawling white marble complex is symmetrical in nearly every way—from its soaring onion dome to the minarets framing it against the horizon. Embark on a sunset tour of this Wonder of the Modern World and let yourself get lost in the moment.
Please note: Shoes must be removed when entering the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah.
Yoga Lesson with Taj Mahal Views
From $79 per person
Make the trip back to Delhi, where you’ll celebrate your tour alongside your fellow travelers over a farewell lunch. But before saying goodbye to each other and India, make one final sightseeing stop. Rising up from an urban green space, the red sandstone walls of Humayun’s Tomb pay striking homage to the eponymous 16th-century Mughal ruler. Enter the mausoleum with your Tour Director and explore yet another prime example of Islamic architecture.
From there, transfer to a dayroom before going to the airport for your overnight flight home. (If you’re staying on for the extension to Mumbai, your day’s just revving up.)
Arrive home today.
Today follows the same outline as day 10 of the main itinerary: a farewell lunch followed by a Tour Director-led sightseeing walk through the grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb. Instead of retreating to a dayroom, though, you’ll make for the airport, boarding a flight south to seaside Mumbai—India’s largest city and financial hub. Touch down, transfer to your hotel, and settle in before joining up with your fellow travelers for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Kick off your time in Mumbai with a panoramic bus tour, disembarking at select spots and enjoying expert commentary from your Tour Director as you go.
- Begin at Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundromat in the world. An estimated half-million articles of clothing make their way through its concrete wash pens each day, all of which are cleaned, dried, and pressed by traditional washers (“dhobis” in the local tongue). Admire this chaotic symphony, then continue rumbling down Mumbai’s streets.
- Make a pitstop at Mani Bhavan, the “Jewel House” that served as Gandhi’s local headquarters from 1917–34. Nowadays, it serves as a museum; enter to view a library and the room the political leader stayed in, complete with his bed and two spinning wheels.
- Drive past a trio of landmarks: the Bombay High Court, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site honoring the city’s Victorian and Art Deco buildings; the University of Mumbai, main campus of one of the world’s largest university systems; and the Gateway of India, a waterfront arch, crafted from basalt, commemorating the visit King George V made to the country in 1911.
- Step inside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum) to examine some of the 50,000 archaeological, artistic, and historical artifacts housed within.
Sightseeing complete, spend a free afternoon at your leisure, and prepare for one final stop tomorrow before departing for home.
Take to the water on your last day in India, cruising from mainland Mumbai to the harbor island of Gharapuri—the “city of caves.” Dubbed Elephanta Island by Portuguese explorers who landed there in the 16th century, it’s home to a labyrinth of cave temples, first carved as long ago as 450 A.D. Leave your ferry and venture into the woods, coming across palm, mango, and tamarind trees (and maybe a curious monkey or two). You’ll enter the main cave complex, which is bedecked in rock art linked to the cult of Shiva, and converse with a few of the island’s 1,200 inhabitants before returning to Mumbai.
Then, transfer to a dayroom for some well-earned relaxation before heading to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Arrive home today.
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Reviews
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This five-star property is located nearby the Delhi airport. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, luxury spa, and a variety of on-site dining options. Nearb...
This comfortable hotel is located in India's spiritual capital city of Varanasi. Guests enjoy the fitness center, outdoor pool, and on-site coffee hou...
This modern hotel is located in the Sevagram district of Khajuraho. Guests enjoy the wellness center, outdoor pool, and peaceful garden. Nearby you’ll...
This beautiful hotel is located in Agra's Basai neighborhood. Guests enjoy the spacious rooms, on-site restaurant, and rooftop pool with Taj Mahal vie...
This new-age hotel is located near the Mumbai airport. Guests enjoy the bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Nearby you’ll find a handful of restaur...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- To enter India, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond their return date. We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must also obtain a visa prior to their tour. You may apply for an eVisa yourself or use a third-party provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have to pay to receive an Indian visa.
- If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Indian consulate for specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code INA.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Delhi (or depart from Mumbai on the tour extension).
- When you arrive in Delhi, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with either a Go Ahead sign or one bearing your name. If you don’t see them immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler and will be back shortly.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who purchase their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights, and who’ll arrive and depart from the same airports on the same travel days as their fellow group members, may request transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Physical Activity Level
This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout your trip.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most days and evenings to be full of included activities.
- Most transportation to be by private motor coach.
- Some transportation by rickshaw, boat, commercial flight, and train.
- Daily bus time to vary and occasionally be lengthy.
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2–3 miles each day on city streets, cobblestone roads, and uneven stone and dirt paths.
- Stone pathways and archaeological sites can become slick when wet.
- To get in and out of the boats in Varanasi (and in Mumbai on the tour extension), travelers should be prepared to crouch down and slide through tight quarters.
- To get in and out of the game drive vehicles in the Panna Tiger Reserve, travelers should be prepared to climb a small ladder or negotiate upward and downward steps.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Temperatures during the warmer months (April–June) can often range from 90–105 F.
- During the cooler months (October–March), expect cooler temperatures from 50–65 F.
- Monsoon season (June–September) brings high levels of humidity, short and intense bursts of rainfall, and temperatures from 75–95 F.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the whole group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including trains, planes, boats, rickshaws, and 4x4 land cruisers. To board some of them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps. For instance, the 4x4 land cruisers used on the game drives have high steps. Often, there won’t be access to ramps or lifts. Additionally, you may have to stoop to get into and out of your seat on boats.
- Your game drives will be long and may cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride and the impact it may have on your body.
- A flight from Delhi to Varanasi and a train ride from Jhansi to Agra are included in the price of your tour. The tour extension also includes a flight from Delhi to Mumbai.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag each due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions, and you’ll be responsible for any fees incurred.
- Your on-tour flights may have tighter capacity limits than the ones you’ll take to get to and from India, with weight restrictions as low as 33lbs for checked bags and 15lbs for carry-ons. Be sure to contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your specific flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels, airports, or train stations.
- Your luggage will be transferred from Jhansi to Agra by a third-party porterage company.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It’s preferable not to visit temples or other holy places with bare legs or shoulders; entrance may be denied on this basis. And remember: You must remove your shoes at all Hindu and Buddhist religious sites.
- Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities. Binoculars are also handy for taking a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three- to four-star hotels, always include private bathrooms, and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. Also, there may not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets, so our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, which will be no more than a few blocks away.
- India operates on 230-volt electricity and uses a Type D plug with two small round pins and one larger round pin.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most can be bought while on tour. While traveling, you can purchase them directly through your mobile app; the price of each excursion bought on tour will be $10USD more than the price listed online.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least three days prior to your tour departure. Please note: Some excursions have advance booking deadlines, so check your itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather, or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you’ll be refunded the full cost of the excursion. (It may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.)
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions, which can only be purchased on tour, in cash, in the local currency.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- Local governments may require proof of yellow fever vaccination—often referred to as a “yellow card”—or a statement of medical exemption from it. This is only required of travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. (Please note: The U.S. and Canada aren’t on that list.) Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of your tour, as well as for any possible delays.
- Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure. Its rays can be especially strong in some of the areas you’ll visit.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, even when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables, unless they’ve been washed and peeled or cooked in clean water.
- Public restrooms in India can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
- Bring a small first aid kit—including antacids, antidiarrheals, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medicines you take—in your carry-on bag.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code INA.
- This tour includes five lunches and five dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- A hotel breakfast is included each morning, and is typically a buffet-style meal with hot and cold options.
- The meal served on the optional Kathak Dance Performance & Dinner excursion will consist of family-style, vegetarian dishes served with water, coffee, and tea.
- While meat-free options abound in the country, Northern India’s known for flavorful meat dishes like kebab (a mixture of meats and seasonings, skewered and grilled) and biryani (a hearty serving of rice, meat, and spices). However, the tandoor is the region’s culinary calling card. You’ll find everything from chicken and vegetables to paneer (an ubiquitous Indian cheese) slowly cooking in these cylindrical clay ovens.
- Meals are usually served with rice or a variety of breads, such as unleavened roti, deep-fried puri, and famous, flat naan.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10–$12USD per person, per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person, per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price; it isn’t necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You’ll use the Indian rupee on this tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas—though you may want to order some currency from your local bank or a retailer, such as Travelex, before you arrive.
- Travelers may bring up to 25,000 rupees with them when entering the country through an airport. Travelers may also take up to 25,000 rupees out of the country, unless they’re continuing to Bhutan or Nepal.
- If you wish, you can get rupees at a currency exchange booth at your arrival airport. Keep a receipt of your transaction.
- Cash is the preferred method of payment across India. Some larger vendors may accept international debit and credit cards, such as Mastercard and Visa. This, however, is uncommon, and minimum purchases are generally required on card-based transactions.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, bus driver, and local guides.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will lead your group. Their role is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each day’s activities, and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and can’t provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
- Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 risk management guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
- Using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
- Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional support for travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. If there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will support and facilitate communication between travelers and their families.
- India is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). The country doesn’t observe daylight saving time.
- When it’s noon in New York from November through March, it's 10:30pm in Delhi. Subtract an hour from April through October.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip. Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.