You have up to 60 days to get a full refund
Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind, you’ll get your money back.†
Come for the palaces. Linger for the beauty of the Land of Kings.
Rajasthan, India’s largest state, got its moniker for the graceful residences scattered throughout it. But what about the natural brilliance of Udaipur’s lakes, the divine symmetry of the Ranakpur Temple, and the majestic tigers of Ranthambore National Park? In truth, each corner of the region is fit for royalty, and this tour will immerse you in all its nooks and crannies (with a stop at the Taj Mahal along the way). To further broaden your horizons, add the extension to Kerala and Mumbai and come face-to-face with both the beauty of God’s Own Country and one of India's most mesmerizing cities.
Your tour package includes
- 11 nights in handpicked hotels
- 11 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 7 dinners with beer or wine
- 3 tastings
Included highlights
- Jama Masjid in Old Delhi
- Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi
- Sikh community kitchen
- Lake Pichola sunset cruise
- Udaipur’s City Palace
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 with your groupmates to your hotel. 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.
- Enter 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. Step inside to view this elegant building from within, and enjoy a reverent moment with your thoughts.
- 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 all the sights, smells, and sounds of the bustling bazaar as you go.
Wrap up your first full day in India with an included welcome dinner, served with beer or wine at a local restaurant.
Please note: The schedule of your sightseeing tour may vary based on your departure date and the conditions in Delhi. Also, women will be given robes to wear over their clothes at Jama Masjid.
After walking, driving, and rickshaw-riding through history yesterday, spend your day getting to know India’s present in New Delhi. Built over a span of 20 years and inaugurated as the country’s capital in 1931, it contains some of the nation’s most significant cultural sites. Check them out as you traverse the district with your Tour Director.
- Visit Humayun’s Tomb. Rising from an urban green space, the red sandstone walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site pay striking homage to the eponymous 16th-century Mughal ruler. Enter the mausoleum and explore this prime example of Islamic architecture.
- Enter one of the holiest places in the Sikh faith: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Originally a bungalow belonging to a local king, it grew from a small shrine to a gurudwara, or temple, associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Har Krishan. Its Sarovar, or lake, is said to have healing properties, further highlighting the temple’s spiritual importance.
- Learn about the history and traditions of Sikhism. This organized religion is the fifth-largest and one of the youngest in the world. It emphasizes the concept of seva—selfless service—and adherents at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib put it into practice each day. You’ll see it in action at the langar, or community kitchen, where free meals are served 24 hours a day.
After an included lunch at a local restaurant, spice up your afternoon with an optional cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn about local cuisine from two talented home chefs. Alternatively, recharge on your own and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Udaipur.
Please note: The schedule of your sightseeing tour may vary based on your departure date and the conditions in Delhi. Also, all travelers must wear a head covering in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. One will be provided for you before entering.
Delhi Cooking Demonstration & Home-Hosted Dinner
From $119 per person
Depart from Delhi today and fly to the lakeside city of Udaipur. This former capital of the Mewar Kingdom will be your introduction to Rajasthan, which is India’s largest state and famous for its hill forts, palaces, and wildlife.
Take your first look at the majestic terrain of the Land of Kings as you transfer from the airport to your hotel. Then, after dropping off your belongings, head to the shores of Lake Pichola for a sunset cruise.
Step aboard a private boat and push out onto this manmade lake. As you sail, snap pictures of the islands breaking its surface, made more elegant by the evening light. Before heading back, you’ll dock at an island for an included drink, sipping as you savor the surrounding views. Look on as golden hour glams up the palaces on Pichola’s shores, then return to land.
From Lake Pichola, go with your group to your hotel’s restaurant for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: Travelers must wear a lifejacket during the sunset cruise.
The City of Lakes. The Venice of the East. Decide which of these nicknames fits best as you follow your Tour Director on today’s guided sightseeing tour.
- Begin at the sprawling City Palace. Despite its name, it isn’t a single structure. Spilling out along the edge of Lake Pichola, this magnificent compound contains the palaces of 11 different rulers, going back almost 500 years. Stroll along its narrow corridors and vibrantly colored rooms, viewing priceless artworks and artifacts—pieces like the armor of Maharana Pratap, leader of the Rajput resistance against the Mughal Empire.
- Walk inland and reach the Old City—the charming, chaotic heart of Udaipur. Breathe in its bazaar-like atmosphere as you roam its streets and pass locals en route to the landmark Jagdish Temple. Recognizable by its bulging grey towers, it has venerated the god Vishnu since 1651. (If you’re nursing some nagging aches, look for people surrounding a marble slab—it’s said to possess pain-relieving powers.) While there, you’ll learn about Hindu prayer practices and watch the Jagdish’s langar in action. Hindu temples operate community kitchens, just like their Sikh counterparts, that serve delicious vegetarian dishes free of charge.
For an extra helping of Mewar history—and a lot of modern inspiration in the form of a women’s cooperative—add the afternoon’s outing to nearby Nagda. Prefer to unwind? Kick back in your hotel and get a head start on packing for tomorrow’s transfer to the Deogarh Region.
Nagda Temple & Women’s Cooperative Workshop
From $59 per person
Leave Udaipur behind and travel deeper into Rajasthan, stopping to visit Ranakpur Temple. A flash of creamy white in an otherwise verdant landscape, the mesmerizing spires of this house of worship mark one of the oldest and holiest Jain shrines in India. Enter the 48,000-square-foot structure, hewn entirely from marble, and marvel at its 1,444 intricately carved pillars. Once you pick your jaw up off the ground, you’ll get the chance to learn about Jain religious practices, immersing yourself a bit more in the symbolic beauty of this place.
Wrap up by heading to a local restaurant for an included lunch, then strike out for the Deogarh region, a mountainous area draped in forests and punctuated by waterfalls. Arrive and freshen up at your hotel—a historic heritage property—then reconvene for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
As you make your way to Jaipur, stop one last time in the Deogarh region to get a taste of village life and experience a lifestyle perfectly in sync with nature. Notice locals tending their fields and caring for cattle as you walk through, stopping to visit a pair of craftspeople. First, watch an artisan as they make pottery using a manually operated wheel. Then, visit a jeweler and learn about the art of making Rajasthani bangles—cylindrically layered bracelets that dazzle with their colors and stonework. Wrap up with a tasting of authentic chai (the Hindi word for tea) before continuing to the day’s final destination.
If you want to stretch your legs a bit, get active by adding the evening’s optional Bollywood dance class and dinner. If not, turn in early and dream about all you’ve seen so far.
Bollywood Dance Class & Dinner
From $99 per person
This morning, you have two options: Either sleep in and ease into the day, or join your groupmates for a sunrise excursion in a hot-air balloon.
Regardless of your choice, join back up with your Tour Director later in the morning for another spot of sightseeing. Your destination: the Amber Fort. Hunkered down atop a hill, this 16th-century complex is a paragon of Rajput architecture—so much so that it earned a spot among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Climb into a 4x4 Jeep and make the drive up the fort’s slopes. Once you’ve made it to its sandstone-and-marble exterior, disembark and let a combination of history and hilltop views wash over you. Then, take off on a guided tour and walk through gardens, under ornate archways, up serpentine staircases, and past beautifully patterned walls.
When it’s time to leave, you’ll head back to the Pink City of Jaipur—named for the dusty rose hue of the buildings in its Old City. The Rajasthani capital contains architectural marvels galore, and your Tour Director will show you some of its most magnificent.
- Sip masala chai as you walk through Jaipur’s bustling markets, where traders offer everything from handmade jewelry to traditional textiles and marble statues.
- Scope out the City Palace—built following the traditional Hindu system of Vastu Shastra—then explore its museum, taking a peek into the lives of the royals who lived there in the 18th century.
- Pass the honeycombed facade of the Hawa Mahal, nicknamed the Palace of the Winds due to a unique structural feature. When it was built in 1799, its architect dotted the exterior with 953 small windows. Besides allowing the royal ladies within to observe the streets below, they also created a gentle wind tunnel effect, ensuring a constant breeze that made the sweltering Rajasthani summers bearable.
Looking to understand Indian culture from a local perspective? Tonight, you and your group will head to a family’s home for dinner. You’ll sample the region’s specialties as you hear about day-to-day life in Jaipur from the Rajput perspective. (The term “Rajput” describes patrilineal clans that are descended from the warrior classes of old Northern India.) Afterward, head back to your hotel with both a full stomach and heart.
Jaipur Hot-Air Balloon Ride
From $565 per person
Once upon a time, the dense forest of Ranthambore served as the royal hunting grounds for the kings of Jaipur. Nowadays, it serves a more wholesome purpose as a national park and a refuge for Bengal tigers. Stop for an included lunch as you make your way there, then pay a visit to Dhonk. This women-run workshop, set up to provide stable jobs for the wives of ex-poachers, teaches its workers handicraft skills and supports the indigenous Moghiya and Bawariya tribes. Step inside to hear more about the organization’s work from the folks who run it; discover how groups like theirs help further responsible animal tourism; and, if you’d like, support their mission by buying one of their goods.
After leaving Dhonk, stop once more to enjoy typical Indian snacks at a local farm. Get a primer on the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve during a brief orientation talk, then proceed to your hotel in the region. After unwinding for a spell, meet back up for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Today, set out on a game drive in Ranthambore National Park. In addition to its famous tigers, the preserve is home to over 270 species of birds and 300 species of trees, as well as ancient forts and Jain temples. Needless to say, there’s plenty to spot, so lean on the sharp eye of your driver-guide.
After an afternoon break for an included lunch, head back into the park to continue your search for the elusive Bengal tiger. If they prove hard to spot, don’t fret—there are also sloth bears, striped hyenas, jackals, and Indian mongeese prowling around, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the country’s wildlife.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening and compare sightings with the rest of your fellow travelers before turning in for the night.
Please note: Bengal tigers are extremely reclusive. We can’t guarantee you’ll spot one during your game drives.
From Ranthambore, head southwest to the city of Agra, stopping for an included lunch upon arrival. Then, get excited: You have a date with one of the most romantic buildings on the planet.
Make for the shores of the Yamuna River and pay a visit 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.
This evening, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Begin your final day on tour with one last outing. Your destination: 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.
Sightseeing complete, journey back to Delhi and sit down for an included lunch with your group. From there, you’ll either relax in a dayroom until your overnight flight home, or continue your adventure by flying to Southern India. Which will it be?
Arrive home today.
Today follows the same outline as day 13 of the main itinerary: a sightseeing tour of the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah followed by a farewell lunch. Instead of retreating to a dayroom, though, you’ll make for the airport and board a flight south to Kochi, a port city in the state of Kerala. Touch down, transfer to your hotel, and settle in before joining up for an included dinner.
Choose to enjoy a relaxing morning, getting up to speed at your own pace, or take part in a yoga lesson at your hotel early this morning. Then, discover why the city of Kochi is considered the finest jewel in Kerala’s crown on today’s sightseeing tour.
- Begin at Fort Kochi—a seaside neighborhood with more serenity than its name might suggest. Formerly the site of the first European fort on Indian soil, the district now houses some of the oldest colonial architecture in the country.
- Enter Mattancherry Palace—the “Dutch palace” built by the Portuguese and adorned with priceless Kerala murals—before moving on to the Santa Cruz Basilica. It’s of nine such churches in India, and its eggshell walls and Gothic styling immediately catch the eye.
- Make a stop at the oldest European church in India: St. Francis. Standing in the same place as it has since 1503, St. Francis Church was once the final resting place of Vasco da Gama. From there, go to an equally significant site and walk into the Paradesi Synagogue. This Orthodox congregation is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations; you’ll find time-worn gravestones inscribed in Hebrew in its cemetery.
- Continue through the Old City and stroll through the fantastically fragrant Spice Market, navigating its stalls with the expert guidance of your Tour Director.
This evening, join a chef in their own home for a demonstration of Keralite cooking. Watch them whip up some of the region’s typical dishes and learn more about the local cuisine before diving into a delicious dinner. Then, return to your hotel for the night.
Travel to Alleppey, the gateway to the peaceful Kerala backwaters, and board a houseboat for the day. As you motor along their famed lagoons and canals, you’ll enjoy a lunch prepared by private chefs, then have the chance to do some sailing of your own. Hop onto a country boat (a small, traditional watercraft) for a cruise through the more narrow waterways before returning to your houseboat and settling in for the evening. Take in the vistas as your houseboat floats along at a slow, leisurely pace, then sit down to another freshly cooked meal. Retire for the night, and let the sound of lapping water lull you to sleep.
Return to shore, disembark, and transfer to the airport in Kochi. Your last stop: Mumbai! Arrive, transfer to your hotel, and celebrate a trip well spent over a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Wrap up your trip with a panoramic bus tour of Mumbai, 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.
Then, relax in a dayroom before traveling to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Arrive home today.
Book for just $99 down
That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
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 heritage resort is located near Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. Guests enjoy the lavish hotel setting, outdoor pool, and activities like cooking classes,...
This impressive hotel housed in a heritage palace is located in the heart of Deogarh. Guests enjoy a truly unique experience in the magnificent buildi...
This comfortable hotel is located in Subash Nagar, Jaipur. Guests enjoy WiFi, a spa, and fitness center. Nearby, you'll find Nahargarh Fort, Om Sai Te...
This refined hotel is located in just outside of Rathambore’s National Park. Guests enjoy the spa centre, two swimming pools, and bicycle rentals. Nea...
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 modern hotel is located on Willingdon Island. Guests enjoy multiple restaurant options, an exercise room, and an outdoor pool with a sundeck. Nea...
This traditional house boat is located in Alappuzha, Kerala. Guests enjoy music systems, a crew, and housekeeping services. Nearby, you'll find the Ke...
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 INR.
- 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:
- Two one-night stays.
- Most days and evenings to be full of included activities.
- Most transportation to be by 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 Udaipur (and in the Kerala Backwaters and 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 Ranthambore National Park, 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, 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 drive 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 drive 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 Udaipur is included in the price of your tour. The tour extension also includes flights from Delhi to Cochin and from Cochin 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. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Your on-tour flights may have tighter 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.
- 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.
- 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. There may also 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; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- 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 for an additional $10USD on the excursion’s price.
- 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 INR.
- This tour includes seven lunches and seven 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.
- 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. Whatever you order, meals are usually served with rice or a variety of breads—such as unleavened roti, deep-fried puri, and famous, flat naan.
- Taking the tour’s extension? Southern Indian cuisine is often lighter, with a focus on rice-based dishes flavored with ingredients like curry leaves, tamarind, coconut, and chili. Spicy plates make use of local seasonings, but there are plenty of milder meals on offer as well.
- 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. And 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.