OVERVIEW

Solos Only

North India Solo Travel Tours

Discover North India on this small group tour that explores Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Agra, and the option to extend and visit Varanasi. 

Get ready to visit palaces, hill forts, aromatic spice markets, and walk around local bazaars. You will move from bustling cities like Delhi to the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of the Thar Desert that surround Jodhpur, and will get a first-hand view of the local history, culture, and architecture of this stunning region of India.

TRAVEL TIP
:
Travel the seasons in North India outside the months April to September when temperatures/very hot are high

Solo Travel India (but not alone)

The tour will travel by road and plane. Whilst much of the tour will take place on dry land, you will also take to the water to cruise over the glassy Lake Pichola and with the optional visit to Varanasi, enjoy boat rides on the iconic waterway, The Ganges.

The package includes an internal flight to reduce road travel between Delhi and Udaipur, air conditioned vehicles, and boat travel.  Get ready to discover all the key sights in diverse and vibrant Northern India.

This is a boutique small solo traveller group tour. 

** We’ve selected travel dates that avoid the mid year high temperatures of the Indian summer in our tour region **

Varanasi Extension

Don’t miss Varanasi when you visit North India with this highly recommended extension tour after your Discover North India travels. Our past travellers have all claimed it as one of their favourite visits to India, and we agree.

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    40+
  • Duration:
    13 Days
  • Status:
    Bookings open
  • Region:
    Asia
  • Destinations:
    India
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD$5895 own room
  • Transport:
    Air
  • Pace:
    3
  • Max Group Size:
    16
REVIEWS

'The India trip was fantastic. We saw the best of Northern India in good company and with a very knowledgeable guide and a driver that made us all laugh. India can be confronting for some but we always felt safe and well looked after. One of the best trips I have ever taken!'

Marilyn, 62 years, Melbourne

'A good value for money holiday led by an efficient tour guide.'

David, 68 years, Sydney, NSW
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HOLIDAY VIDEO

VARANASI 'SPIRITUAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD'

Uncover the highlights of the spiritual capital of the world, Varanasi as a post tour extension to our Discover North India tour for solo travellers. There is a maximum of 16 solo travellers this extension option.

INCLUSIONS

Discover North India

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 12 nights hotel stays
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 11 dinners including 3 highlight dinners 

SIGHTSEEING AND GUIDES

  • English speaking national group tour leader escorting the group
  • Tours and excursions as per the itinerary
  • Entry fees for visits as detailed by the itinerary
  • Additional local guides as indicated by the itinerary

TRAVEL

  • 1 internal economy class flight Udaipur to Delhi 
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Rickshaw ride, Delhi
  • Boat ride, Udaipur
  • Jeep ride
  • Arrival airport transfer #
  • Departure airport 1 group transfer #

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Porterage in and out of hotels included where available
  • All applicable taxes in India
  • Small group, not more than 16 travellers

NOTES

# Airport transfers require that you are joining group services arranged with us
Tipping Fund payable day 1 of tour USD65 (or equivalent in local currency)
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining and is in addition to the price

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Varanasi 

INCLUSIONS

  • 2 nights deluxe hotel stay 
  • Daily breakfast 
  • 1 dinner
  • English speaking group tour guide
  • Return economy class airfare Delhi to Varanasi
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Rickshaw ride Varanasi
  • Boat rides on The Ganges river, Varanasi
  • Return group airport transfers 
  • All entrance fees, tours & excursion as per itinerary 
  • All applicable taxes in India

Tipping Fund payable day 1 of tour USD10 (or equivalent in local currency)

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfares to/from Delhi (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers unless specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Any tips or porterage at airports, hotels, drivers & local staff
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications 

Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
Get a quote
4 - 16 MAR 25
Early bird offer
AUD$5895 own room
REQUEST QUOTE

 

PER PERSON AUD$

OWN ROOM

MAIN TOUR – DISCOVER NORTH INDIA 13 DAYS

AUD $5895

PRE TOUR: Delhi group hotel with breakfast & airport to hotel transfer

AUD $290

POST TOUR: Delhi group hotel with breakfast 

AUD $290

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION - VARANASI

OWN ROOM

Varanasi 3 day/2 nights including return economy class airfare Delhi-Varanasi

AUD $1695

 

TIPPING PAYABLE (MANDATORY)

Tipping Fund, paid day 1 [Discover North India]

USD65

Tipping Fund, paid day 1 [Varanasi]

USD10

SHARE & SAVE
If you are happy to share with a roommate of the same sex, save $1200 on the price of taking a room to yourself (subject to roommate availability).

RETURN TRAVELLER REWARD - SAVE $100
Once you have booked and departed with us on an international tour, you qualify for our Return Traveller Reward on your next international tour booking. The offer does not apply to any cruises, resort packages, or tours within Australia.


Trip Code: india25-3

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS - DISCOVER NORTH INDIA

  • A mix of activities in both Old and New Delhi
  • A rickshaw tour of Old Delhi including Chandani Chowk market
  • Travel to the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur
  • Dinner overlooking the famous lakes and palaces of Udaipur
  • Relax on a boat tour on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
  • Visit Ranakpur, and incredible Jain temple
  • The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur
  • Visit Mehrangarh Fort that dates to the 15th century
  • A stay in Pushkar with a city tour
  • Exploring the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur
  • Visit The Birla Temple of Jaipur
  • Tour the magnificent Amber Fort & City Palace, Jaipur
  • Enjoy a hosted dinner by a local family and a cooking demonstration
  • A jeep safari to Bishnoi village, a community rich in the culture of Rajasthani life
  • Visit Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty.
  • The annual Holi Festival (March 2024 dates)
  • A guided tour of the mighty Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort
  • Visit old bazaars and local markets
  • Highlight 5 star hotel stays
  • Enjoy a small group experience only for solo travellers

DAY 1

Arrive To New Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport. You will be greeted and transferred to our group hotel in New Delhi, the bustling capital city of India. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.


Meals:  N/A

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Airport to transfer to group hotel

FREE TIME EXTRAS:

Optional Tour - Local Delhi Sightseeing Tour With Lunch
Pick Up: 1:00PM

Option available for passengers that have opted to arrive the day prior or before, or otherwise on flights that have them arrive to the hotel prior to this departure time.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and depart for a local lunch. There will be a shopping visit to 'Fab India', a store where you can browse and shop for local fashion. We find most customers enjoy this opportunity and it’s also comfortable attire to wear on tour. Then continue for an early evening visit The Qutub Minar, is a minaret and "victory tower" consisting of 399 steps and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city. Qutab-Minar in red and buff stand stone is the highest tower in India.


DAY 2

Explore New Delhi

Start the day by enjoying breakfast at your leisure at our hotel. This will be followed by a mid-morning group briefing; an opportunity to discuss the tour details with your tour leader, and ask general tour questions.


Today you will be taken back in time to the ancient walled city of Old Delhi, also known as ‘Shahjahanaabad’, which dates from the 17th century. You will explore the spectacular Jama Masjid or ‘Friday Mosque’, built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor also famous for his construction of the mighty Taj Mahal at Agra.

From Jama Mosque, take a rickshaw tour of Old Delhi, the highlight of which will be a trip to the sprawling Chandani Chowk market. In the days of old, the markets were flanked with canals to reflect the moonlight. Chandni Chowk is full to the brim of exquisite Indian fabrics, gold and silver ware, and aromatic spices. Enjoy this riot of colours and mouth-watering smells from the comfort of your own traditional cycle rickshaw, designed to give you a front row seat to see life in Old Delhi.

Having worked up an appetite perusing the local flavours at Chandni Chowk, there’s a lunch break before we continue with afternoon sightseeing. We will visit Raj Ghat, the final resting place of Mahatma Ghandi, set on the banks of the Yamuna River.  We return to our hotel, on the way passing the Red Fort, and the famous Delhi Gate that links Old Delhi with New Delhi.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Morning group tour briefing
  • Visit Old Delhi
  • Explore the spectacular Jama Masjid.
  • Rickshaw tour of Old Delhi
  • Visit Raj Ghat, the resting place of Mahatma Ghandi
  • Dinner at hotel

 

DAY 3

Delhi - Udaipur 

Breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’. This afternoon in Udaipur we drive up to Monsoon Palace. The palace gets its name due to the fact that it was built mainly as an observation point for monsoon clouds, and James Bond fans may recognise it from the film Octopussy.
 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Airport transfer
  • Travel to Udaipur by air
  • Drive up to Monsoon Palace
  • Dinner at our hotel

 

DAY 04

Udaipur

We will start the day with a morning guided tour of the City Palace complex and adjoining museums. The former residence of a long lineage of Rajasthan kings, the palace is notable due to its ornate style and intricate attention to detail. As you wander the palace grounds, look out for beautiful views of Lake Pichola below. After our City Palace visit we take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Pichola to take in the scenery. Later today we make some market and bazaar visits.

Highlight Dinner
In the evening you will dine on a terrace, overlooking the palaces and lakes of Udaipur. This is a truly unique experience setting and outlook.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Tour the City Palace complex and adjoining museums.
  • Boat tour on Lake Pichola
  • Market and bazaar visit
  • Highlight dinner overlooking the palaces and lakes of Udaipur

 

DAY 05

Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur

Today we will travel to the city of Jodhpur that sits in the imposing Thar Desert. Jodhpur is often referred to by locals as ‘Sun City’ so get ready for some sunshine and blue skies. The city is studded with decorated palaces, crumbling forts, and elaborate temples. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’ so watch out for the traditional blue buildings that are dotted around Mehrangarh Fort.

Enroute to Jodhpur we visit Ranakpur, famous for Jain Temples with intricate carvings. We stop for a lunch break enroute and then travel on to arrive to Jodhpur.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: JEEP SAFARI TO BISHNOI VILLAGE
In the evening we set off for a Jeep Safari to Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi’s are a community of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and their love of nature and animals. Our memorable jeep outing will take us through various traditional villages, witnessing local handicrafts such as shoemakers, pottery, hand weaving; men in their traditional attire and women clad with ancestral silver jewellery.

Dinner in house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit the famous Jain Temples
  • Local lunch
  • Travel to Jodphur
  • Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village
  • Dinner at our hotel

SPECIAL NOTES:
At Ranakpur guides are not allowed inside the temples but audio guides are available at the entrance (a small fee for the audio guide is payable directly to the temple).

 

DAY 06

Jodhpur

Start the day with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort that dates from the 15th century and is located atop a hill that offers amazing views of the city. The fort is encircled by fortified walls, and the interior includes palaces, rambling gardens, and courtyards. The visit includes a guided tour so that you can learn all about the historical significance of the fort.

In the afternoon, we visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Asia’s most opulent royal abode. The palace is still the private residence of the Jodhpur royal family, and you can visit the large on site museum as part of the tour. Later will be a market visit to experience the local culture first-hand and peruse the high quality textiles, handicrafts, and exquisite footwear that comes in a range of flamboyant colours and styles.

Highlight Dinner
A superb dinner setting this evening with captivating views of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Enjoy an indulgent meal overlooking the fort.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit Mehrangarh Fort
  • Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
  • A local market visit
  • Highlight dinner, overlooking the Fort

 

DAY 07

Jodhpur – Pushkar

After breakfast we depart Jodhpur to travel to Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the important places of Hindus. We get to know Pushkar with a city tour that includes a drive around Pushkar Lake and see Brahma Temple (outside). Dinner tonight at our hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Travel to Pushkar by road (180KM / 4.5 HRS)
  • Pushkar orientation city tour
  • Dinner at our hotel

 

DAY 08

Pushkar – Jaipur

Today we depart for Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, and the capital of the state of Rajasthan in the north of India. In evening visit the Birla Temple, situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble, the Birla Temple is unlike the traditional ancient Hindu temples, and is built with a modern approach.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Travel to Jaipur by road (150KM / 3.25 HRS)
  • Visit the Birla Temple
  • Dinner at our hotel

 

DAY 09

Jaipur

We set off early for a trip to Amber Fort that sits atop a hill in the town of Amer, just outside of Jaipur. A place of great historical significance in India, the fort looks out over Maota Lake, and is famous for its Hindu design aesthetic. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of a group known as the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Later, there is a guided tour of City Palace, a majestic complex that is known for its stunning palaces, courtyards, gardens, and other administrative buildings that date from the 18th century. 

In the early evening, a chance to visit the old city bazaars, which are found within the ancient walled part of the city. The bazaars showcase the best of the region’s handicrafts including jewellery, metalwork, textiles, utensils, traditional footwear and pottery, where bargaining is considered an essential skill when making a purchase.

Highlight Dinner:
DINNER AT AN INDIAN FAMILY’S HOME & COOKING DEMONSTRATION
For a truly unforgettable experience in the evening, you will join a cooking demonstration of Indian cuisine that will take you through the importance and uses of local ingredients, and teach you how to whip up some staple Indian dishes. The cooking demonstration will be followed by dinner.

Meal: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • A trip to Amber Fort
  • Guided tour of City Palace
  • Visit the old city bazaars
  • Highlight evening, dinner with at the home of a local family with cooking demonstration.


DAY 10

Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

After breakfast depart for Agra. Known as the city of the Taj. Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar. Upon arrival to Agra, we transfer to our hotel.

Later a visit to Sadar Bazaar and textile showrooms to experience the best of local Indian arts, crafts, and food. The bazaar features aromatic sweet shops, leather handicrafts, and beautiful marble work, said to be the best in all of India (there is the option to opt out and remain at the hotel if desired). In the evening, a walk along the serene banks of the Yamuna River to witness the splendour of the unparalleled Taj Mahal from the riverside from Mehtab Bagh before  exploring it up close tomorrow morning.

ITINERARY ADDITION – MARCH ‘HOLI’ 2025
Holi, is a Hindu festival in which a bonfire is lit to celebrate the burning of the demoness, Holika. This ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil. It precedes Holi, the festival of colours, which celebrates the spring season.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit Fatehpur Sikri the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty built by Akbar.
  • Travel to Agra (260KM / 6 HRS)
  • Visit Sadar Bazaar & textile showrooms (optional)
  • An evening stroll to see the Taj Mahal
  • Dinner at our hotel

 

DAYS 11 & 12 – MARCH TRAVEL DATES - WITH HOLI FESTIVAL

 

DAY 11 MARCH

Agra

A dawn excursion; get ready for entry to the Taj Mahal when the gates first open in order to beat the crowds and explore this 17th century wonder on a guided tour. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will get to spend time marvelling at the ornate inner decorations as well as meandering in the abundant flower gardens studded with water features that are said to be modelled on the rivers of Paradise. You will then return to your hotel for breakfast. Today are Holi celebrations in the streets to witness.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Taj Mahal @ dawn
  • Dinner at our hotel

 

DAY 12 - MARCH

Agra – Delhi

After breakfast you will have the chance to visit Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage site and the sister monument to the Taj Mahal.

Later we drive to Delhi. In the evening visit Akshardham temple with a musical fountain show. Akshardham Temple the unique feature in the architectural plan is the complete absence of steel. The temple contains 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes and 20,000 statues and sculptures. The walls of the main monument are covered top to bottom with carvings of dancers, deities, flora and fauna. One can see a blend of various architectural styles used across India. Tonight is dinner in house, at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Tour Agra Fort
  • Travel by road to Agra (230KM / 4HRS)
  • VisitAkshardham temple with the musical fountain show
  • Dinner at our hotel

FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Yoga & meditation classes at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful morning light at Taj Khema. Cost applies and minimum numbers required (USD20 per person).

 

 

DAYS 11 & 12 – OCTOBER TRAVEL DATES


DAY 11

Agra  

A dawn excursion; get ready for entry to the Taj Mahal when the gates first open in order to beat the crowds and explore this 17th century wonder on a guided tour. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will get to spend time marvelling at the ornate inner decorations as well as meandering in the abundant flower gardens studded with water features that are said to be modelled on the rivers of Paradise. You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later you will have the chance to visit Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the sister monument to the Taj Mahal, actually a walled city built out of red sandstone. Also a visit to Sadar Bazaar and textile showrooms experience the best of local Indian arts, crafts, and food. The bazaar features aromatic sweet shops, leather handicrafts, and beautiful marble work, said to be the best in all of India.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Visit Taj Mahal @ dawn with a guided tour
  • Tour Agra Fort
  • Bazaar visit
  • Casual local lunch
  • Dinner at our hotel


SPECIAL NOTES:
The Bazaar visit is optional; travellers can choose to opt out of this trip and remain at the hotel.


DAY 12

Agra – Delhi

Today there’s some free time before we travel by road to Delhi.

Upon arrival visit Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple also known as the Bahai House of Worship or Bahai Mashriqul-Adhkar Temple is one of the best architectural marvels in the country in modern times. The white marble structure is also called the Taj Mahal of the 20th century but it is so much more than just a splendid piece of architecture. It is a place where several visitors from all across the globe come for peace, meditation, prayers and study.

Evening visit of Akshardham temple with Musical fountain show. Akshardham Temple the unique feature in the architectural plan is the complete absence of steel. The temple contains 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes and 20,000 statues and sculptures. The walls of the main monument are covered top to bottom with carvings of dancers, deities, flora and fauna. One can see a blend of various architectural styles used across India.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Travel by road to Agra (230KM / 4HRS)
  • Visit Lotus Temple
  • Dinner at our hotel

FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Yoga & meditation classes at dawn to enjoy the Taj Mahal in the peaceful morning light at Taj Khema. Cost applies and minimum numbers required (USD20 per person).

----------------------------------------

DAY 13

Depart Delhi

Breakfast at our hotel and some hours at leisure. 

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Group transfer to the airport

SPECIAL NOTES:
If you have an onward flight/journey that does not coincide with the group transfer time in the afternoon, a private transfer can be arranged from the group hotel to the airport (service fee applies). There is also the option to forfeit the morning activities if you have an earlier flight today.



OPTIONAL EXTENSION: VARANASI 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS


DAY 13

New Delhi - Varanasi

Transfer to Delhi Indira Gandhi (IGI) International Airport for a short domestic flight to the city of Varanasi, known as the holiest city in India. Varanasi is home to the magnificent Ganges River, and is an important place of worship in Hinduism and Jainism. It is also said to be the city where Buddha founded Buddhism. The group will be met at Varanasi airport and transferred to our hotel. There will be free time to relax and rest after the flight.

You will end the day with a sunset boat trip to witness the Aarti Fire Ceremony, a religious ritual in Hinduism in which torches or candles containing ghee or camphor are set alight and presented as offerings to the deities. After witnessing this ceremonial spectacle, you will then head out for dinner at Shri Shivay restaurant for a traditional North Indian meal named Thali. Diners will get to sample a variety of small local dishes as part of the traditional Thali set, including curries, yoghurts, and chutneys.

Meals: Dinner

 

DAY 14

Varanasi

Get ready for an early start to witness the sunrise with a boat trip on the Ganges to watch the morning bathing rituals and famous cremations. It’s a spectacle to behold and a tour highlight. We return to the hotel for breakfast after the boat ride.

Later this morning, explore Varanasi on a walking tour of the old city and its famous lanes that wind through traditional markets, the labyrinth of laneways and local spots of interest. The tour will in the old city.

Varanasi is known for its fine quality silks, Benaras Hindu University, being one of the largest residential universities in Asia and ‘paan’, which is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut, and sometimes tobacco. Paan is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. 

In the afternoon you will tour a silk and textile weaving showroom to experience first-hand how these exquisite fabrics are produced. There is an afternoon excursion to Sarnath. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 15

Varanasi – Delhi

Later this morning, transfer to Varanasi airport for the return flight to Dehli. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to International Airport to board your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS – MARCH 2025 

Destination

Hotel

Nights

Delhi

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida 

2

Udaipur

Fateh Niwas      

2

Jodphur

Park Plaza

2

Pushkar

Pratap Mahal 

1

Jaipur

Indana Palace

2

Agra

Grand Mercure (previously Crystal Sarovar) 

2

Delhi

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida 

1

 


HOTEL - VARANASI EXTENSION

Destination

Hotel

Nights

Varanasi

Radisson Hotel

2


Hotels may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided

Park Plaza, Jodphur

Park Plaza, Jodphur

Grand Mercure Agra

Deluxe room, Grand Mercure, Agra

HOLIDAY INN NEW DEHLI MAYUR VIHAR NOIDA 

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is a modern, contemporary hotel. Stay in modern and comfortable rooms that features ergonomic chair, high speed internet connectivity. iPod docking station, in room safe and LED TV. The hotel offers 24 hours in-room dining, doctor on call, WiFi, parking facility.  

FATEH NIWAS, UDAIPUR 

The design of Fateh Niwas adheres to the signature style of Fateh Collection. This heritage resort features an aesthetic centred around the traditions and rich heritage that shaped Rajasthan’s history. The hotel offers unique experiences, immaculate accommodations, opulent dining facilities and exquisite event venues. 

PARK PLAZA, JODHPUR

Park Plaza Jodhpur offers guests a relaxing stay in the heart of the Sun City. Located five minutes from the Jodhpur airport and explore the city’s palaces, temples and shopping centres. 

 

PRATAP MAHAL, PUSHKAR

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Aravalli hills. This sanctuary built for business and leisure travelers at our luxury resort in Ajmer. You can enjoy the service and sitting in private balconies that accompany every room. 

INDANA PALACE, JAIPUR
A 5-star hotel with rich and varied dining experiences, a spa hotel experience, and pampering leisure amenities come together to provide a luxurious home away from home in Jaipur city.

GRAND MECURE, AGRA

Previously Crystal Sarovar Premier, the Accor group will be taking over this hotel including hotel updates and will become known as Grand Mercure. In the heart of Agra, with enchanting views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel has various dining choices and a large number of facilities such as a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, and travel desk are offered.  The hotel is close to major tourist spots of Agra like Akbar's Tomb, Agra Fort, and artisan markets.

Wi-Fi: available 


More About Accommodation

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Delhi, India
Ends In: Delhi, India

Arrival: Delhi, India
Departure: Delhi, India

‘Start’ and ‘End’ – relates to itinerary start and end.
‘Arrival’ and ‘Departure’ destination is the airport for access to start/end points

Optional Extension:  Varanasi
Starts & Ends: Varanasi, India

First Day Information
We meet all flights with an arrival airport transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to the group hotel. The rest of day and evening is at leisure. See below for details.

Final Day Information
There is one afternoon group transfer to the international airport. If your flight time does not correspond to this transfer time, there is the option to book a transfer service to meet your flight time. If you have an earlier flight you can opt out of the last day of touring, or extend your stay at the group hotel and depart the following day (cost applies).

Final Day Information – Varanasi Extension
Arriving back to Delhi Airport on the final day from Varanasi is to the domestic airport. This domestic flight Varanasi to Delhi is part of your package.  The flight arrives back to Delhi in the afternoon, and you need to book an outbound flight departing after 630PM. Flights prior to this time warrant an overnight stay in Delhi when returning from the Varanasi Extension.

We facilitate a ground transfer between the domestic Delhi terminal to international terminal, Delhi to meet international homeward bound flights.

Hotel Check In/Out Times
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. If you arrive prior to the check in time, the hotel will store your luggage until the check in time and can also store your luggage until you are ready to depart for your onward journey at the completion of the tour..

Hotel check in:  most hotels have check in from 2PM or 3PM
Hotel check out: most hotels require check out by 10AM or 11AM.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS, DELHI

Airport Transfers are included as follows:

  • We meet all flights on day 1 of the tour, and pre tour given you have your hotel arrangements booked with us.
  • On the final day of the tour (day 13) the airport transfer is scheduled to arrive to the international airport by 5:45PM. Other transfers are available for a service fee.

If you are making your own flight arrangements, we require your flight itinerary no later than 45 days prior to travel (and even if you are not making airport transfer arrangements with us).  Where transfers are part of your arrangement, if your itinerary is not provided to us within the required timeframe, you forfeit the airport transfers, or additional fees may be incurred for the service.

note: if you have extended your stay by your own arrangement transfers cannot be provided, and are by your own arrangement.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.

VISA/ENTRY INFORMATION
See 'VISA/ENTRY' information in our MORE INFORMATION section below. 

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience. 

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 16 travellers. This is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.

THE PACE  [3 out of 5]
Travellers of 70 years or over, or if  with pre existing medical conditions, may be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. More Information > Visit Travel Fitness

This is a medium paced tour with some full days and other half days of sightseeing. You will require reasonable fitness, enough for the tolerance of daily walking, hot weather and some days with longer hours of travel by road. There’s also some early starts for some the sightseeing inclusions. India is a vast country and to travel between the tour destinations requires some decent travel time by road – please be prepared for the road travel.

You need to let go of your western ways and let things happen as they do in India. These types of things are part of parcel of any travel in a third world country.  Please advise us in advance if you have any health issues or are taking any form of medication as this is a strict condition of travel that this information is provided to us at the time of booking.

TIPPING
Tipping may not be your custom, or the custom of your home country, however it is significant in many parts of the world for roles in tourism. It’s customary to tip tour service personnel including your group tour leader, driver, local guides, restaurant staff, and hotel porters. It’s also appreciated to leave small tips for room attendants and restaurant wait staff.  We appreciate that for many travellers tipping is awkward, and they are unsure about how and what amount to tip. For this reason, we collect a tipping fund payment from each traveller at the commencement of the tour, and your tour leader manages it, and pays the tips for the included group services along the way.

The Tipping Fund
At the beginning of your tour, the tipping fund is payable to your group tour leader. The fund does not cover tips for your group tour leader.
USD65 – main tour   |  plus USD10 – Varanasi extension; combined is USD75

Your Tour Leader
Tipping is not included. As tipping is customary, please recognise your tour leader’s good service, and the custom of tipping tour leaders, and tip them at the completion of your tour. Your tour leader is away from home for the duration of your visit and tipping is a part of recognising this dedication and service provided.

ABOUT THE MEALS    
It’s regular that our trips include a number of group dining experiences.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures. Daily breakfast is included and other meals as specified by the itinerary.

Meals are Indian cuisine. If you do not like Indian food you will have limited choices in most destinations except most breakfasts have some western choices. There are meal options that are tasty but not overly hot in taste but spices are used in the majority of Indian meals. To a western palette it may seem repetitious if you are not accustomed to eating a lot of Indian food. This is all part of the experience – to eat like a local.

Drinks, tea/coffee are not included with meals.

Are you a flexitarian?
If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices

About the Food in India
The traditional cuisine of North India is Hindu vegetarian. Whilst meat is available at many higher end hotels, we encourage travellers to eat the wide range of delicious vegetarian dishes available. In many parts of Indian, Hindu vegetarian meals are the standard and they this means no fish, chicken, pork, beef or mutton (goat). 

We advise travellers against street food, particularly with meat, and that you only dine at places that are recommended by your guide or escort/leader.  By following best advice it’s far less likely that you will become unwell with any stomach complaints.

Food of Kerala
If including the pre tour visit to Kerala, expect the food of Kerala to be more spicy that the north. Some dishes may be more spicy than the western palette is accustomed too – take care when you choose your dishes – you may find some curries packed full of spice that take you by surprise.

About the Water in India
Due to poor quality of drinking water in India, you must only drink bottled water and only bottled water from reliable sources. Also, use bottled water for brushing teeth. Most hotels have bottled water included in the room for the purpose of brushing teeth.

About Special Diets
Please be sure to advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. We always do our best to accommodate special diet needs and in most cases, special dietary needs can be met. However, in some destinations the variety of choice for certain special diets may be limited. If you are concerned please check with us before you book.

GROUP TOUR LEADER/GUIDE
This is a private group tour with a local English speaking group escort and a driver. The driver may have limited or less than fluent levels of English. The role of your group tour leader is to lead the group, take charge of all the trip logistics on tour, and of course, make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so ultimately you have the best possible experience. From time to time, as is the nature of travel, ‘hiccups’ can occur, such as unexpected delays to due to traffic congestion, unexpected weather conditions that make a change of plans necessary, and many other things that go hand in hand with travel. In these circumstances your group leader will do their utmost to make the best possible alternative plans – please be ready to accept that these situations are out of the control of anyone and trust in your group leader to assist as best as possible.

TRANSPORT
Transport is by private air conditioned vehicles.   As a guide, sightseeing and excursions are by an 18-seater air conditioned mini-coach for up to 15 passengers. Where the group reaches 16 passengers, a 27-seater air-conditioned coach is utilised.
Throughout the tour there will be some leisurely boat trips and two jeep safaris. We also include a one way flight from Delhi to Udaipur to avoid an otherwise long journey by road.

About The Road Transport
While on the road, commuting from one destination to another, driving is generally at around 75-80 kilometres per hour on the main highways. The speed is slower on lesser roads and through towns, and it’s not uncommon to be travelling at only 40-50 kilometres per hour. It’s a slower pace than what we are accustomed to in countries like Australia, New Zealand and other western countries.  Furthermore, the driving style is different. There is a lot of overtaking of slower vehicles, more ‘honking of horns’ and at times what may feel like a precarious situation to westerners. Tour drivers are very experienced and well adept to managing this driving style. For anyone anxious about this, you should talk to us before you confirm your booking.

TOUR LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
Luggage is limited to one medium size suitcase per person up to 20kg, the sum of its length/width and depth not to exceed 140cm (56") plus an overnight bag (airline bag size) which may be carried on board the vehicle. If your luggage exceeds this limit, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for the excess to be forwarded to the termination point of your tour. We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as porter assistance may not always be available.

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight: 20KG
Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information: 7KG

Internal Airline Luggage Limits
The maximum checked weight is 20kg/one bag.

For international airline luggage restrictions refer to your ticket details. Please note that the maximum luggage weight for touring may be less than the airline maximum limit.

 

TRAVEL GUIDE QUICK FACTS
Visit our Travel Guide page on our website for destination information.

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'The India trip was fantastic. We saw the best of Northern India in good company and with a very knowledgeable guide and a driver that made us all laugh. India can be confronting for some but we always felt safe and well looked after. One of the best trips I have ever taken!'

Marilyn, 62 years, Melbourne

'A good value for money holiday led by an efficient tour guide.'

David, 68 years, Sydney, NSW

'This is definitely for those who seek an Indian holiday that will take you out of your comfort zone and visit all those places that you have learned and wondered so much about. For those of us who seek that ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!'

Gayle, QLD
Since 2006
Since 2006 leading the way for solo travellers. As a boutique tour operator, we delight in detail, delivering personal service and finding your next best memory.©
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100% Australian, created by Australians for Australians; we 'get' the Australian travel style. And, better still, our arms are open to welcome our friends from other countries around the world, who'd like to travel with friendly Aussies.©
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