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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

with Cochin, Kerala Backwaters & Mumbai extension

Duration: 11 or 15 days
Group size: 14-25
Reviews: 73

Experience the wonders of this vibrant and mystical land.

Conjure up India at its most alluring—the mystique of Eastern religions, the swirl of colorful saris, and of course, the magic of the Taj Mahal. On this grand tour, you’ll experience all the sights, sounds, and spiciness of the subcontinent while hitting the highlights of the Golden Triangle, with its exotic architecture and prolific wildlife.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 lunches
5 dinners, select meals with beer or wine
8 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Jama Masjid
Red Fort
Taj Mahal
Mehtab Bagh garden
game drives through Ranthambore National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Delhi today.

Delhi3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive late this evening in Delhi and settle in to your hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a restful morning and included lunch. Then, take a guided tour of Old Delhi.

• Visit the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress built during the peak of Mughal power

• See Raj Ghat, Delhi’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and visit the Gandhi museum

• View the black-and-white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, one of the most elegant mosques in India

• Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi

This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, your Tour Director introduces you to New Delhi.

• Visit the India Gate, the most famous war memorial in India

• See Qutub Minar, an early Islamic tower and UNESCO World Heritage site

• Explore the grand boulevards, government buildings, and city parks

• Visit Humayun’s Tomb and learn about the UNESCO-recognized complex

Agra1 night

Day 5: Agra via Sikandra & the Taj Mahal

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stop in Sikandra to explore the Mausoleum of Akbar the Great with your Tour Director and enjoy free time to explore the beautiful grounds. Then, continue to Agra.

Enjoy an included lunch before heading out on a guided tour of the legendary Taj Mahal at sunset.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Ranthambore2 nights

Day 6: Mehtab Bagh garden & train to Ranthambore

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free morning in Agra or add an excursion.

This afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh garden with your Tour Director.

• Admire the incredible views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River

• Stroll through the square-shaped garden

• Learn abut the Mughal empire and the Persian design elements they incorporated into the garden

Continue on to Ranthambore National Park by train and sit down for an included dinner.

Yoga Lesson with Taj Mahal Views

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Game drives in Ranthambore National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Ranthambore National Park.

• Set off on a morning game drive, keeping watch for the elusive Bengal tiger

• Enjoy an included lunch

• Head out on an afternoon game drive through the rugged terrain

• Try to spot sloth bears, striped hyenas, jackals, and Indian mongooses

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Jaipur2 nights

Day 8: Transfer to Jaipur & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

View rural life during a stop at a local school in Rajasthani Village. (Please note: The school visit is only available when school is in session.)

Continue on to Jaipur, known as “The Pink City.”

• Walk through the city's bustling markets

• Marvel at historic sites and enter the City Palace to explore its museum with your Tour Director

Day 9: Amber Fort & 4x4 Jeep ride

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, make your way to the 16th-century Amber Fort to take in stunning architecture and sweeping views, making photo stops en route.

• View Hawa Mahal, “The Palace of Winds,” and walk through the colorful bazaar

• Stop to admire the Jal Mahal, “The Floating Palace,” located on Man Sagar Lake

• Climb into a 4x4 Jeep to ascend the slope to Amber Fort

• Enjoy beautiful views from the top of the fort as well as a guided tour

After free time to explore Jaipur’s many markets and bazaars, sit down for a farewell dinner with a local Rajput family in their home.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 10: Transfer to Delhi & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel back to Delhi. If you’re not extending your tour, you’ll have time to relax in a dayroom before returning to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 11: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to Cochin, Kerala Backwaters & Mumbai

Some of India’s most stunning scenery lies in its southern region. Uncover the culture, architecture, and flavors of Cochin. Spend the night cruising through the serene Kerala backwaters aboard a houseboat. And marvel at the vibrancy of Mumbai as you discover its fascinating history and contemporary culture.

Cochin2 nights

Day 10: Flight to Cochin

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly from Jaipur to Cochin this morning. Then, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Cochin

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take part in an optional yoga lesson at your hotel early this morning.

Then, discover why Cochin is considered the jewel in the crown of Kerala on today's tour.

• Visit Fort Cochin, home to some of the oldest European architecture in India

• See Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica

• Enter and marvel at the St. Francis Church—the oldest European church in India—and Paradesi Synagogue, where you’ll see Hebrew-inscribed gravestones

• Stroll through the old city and explore the Spice Market with your Tour Director leading the way

Tonight, join your group for dinner and a spellbinding Kathakali performance.

Kerala Backwaters1 night

Day 12: Transfer to Alleppey

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Alleppey to board a houseboat for a cruise through the Kerala backwaters, a network of picturesque lagoons and canals.

• Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine cooked by private houseboat chefs

• Spend tonight on board the houseboat for a unique opportunity to experience some of India’s most stunning scenery

• Sit down for an included dinner of regional cuisine cooked by the private houseboat chefs

Mumbai1 night

Day 13: Transfer to Cochin & flight to Mumbai

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Disembark and enjoy an included farewell lunch in Cochin before flying back to Mumbai.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Mumbai & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, you’ll be introduced to the vibrant culture of Mumbai on a guided tour.

• Ride past Marine Drive and make your way to the Hanging Gardens

• Make a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat

• Visit Mani Bhavan, the headquarters of Gandhi’s political activities from 1917 to 1934

• See the stunning Victorian Gothic Revival architecture of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station

• Pass by the Bombay High Court, the University of Mumbai, and the Gateway of India

• Step inside the CSMVS museum to explore some of the 50,000 archaeological, artistic, and historical artifacts

Relax in a dayroom this afternoon before traveling to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 15: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.6 average

WOW

03/12/2019 by 10th time traveler Linda B.

It was all new to me. I was not aware that people still lived that much in poverty. Very happy people in India no signs of violence. it was a place I was glad to have on my bucket list. My tour director was very knowledgeable. The Taj Mahal was breathtaking and all the other sites were breathta...

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11/26/2018 by 6th time traveler James T.

The tour was well planned and the guide, Rajat was very knowledgable about the history, and places we visited. Couldn't believe the beauty of the Taj Mahal seemed to beautiful to be real. The discussions of some of the history of the Forts, palaces and leaders peeked my interest not only in the or...

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LOL

11/16/2018 by 15th time traveler Thomas S.

Tour was great. Travel was gruesome.

My Views

11/06/2018 by 5th time traveler Lawrence C.

Hotels were over priced and too far away from city centres. Out of pocket meals at these hotels were costly for value. Extra tipping to all bus/porter assistants was bothersome and difficult to obtain Rupees to pay same.( should be included in total cost). Off sight included restaurants were poorly...

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The tour director could have done a much better job and the itinerary and accommodations can be improved!

05/29/2018 by 3rd time traveler Fred M.

I've given much thought to this review and decided it was important because I put a lot of value on reviews of other GoAhead travelers and their reviews. Unfortunately, there were many times when commentary from the tour director, Raj, would have been helpful, but not delivered. Local guides were...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

Hyatt Regency Delhi

This upscale hotel is located in Cama Place, New Delhi. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurants, and yoga classes. Nearby, you'll find Sarojini Nag...

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Trident Agra

This upscale hotel is located in the Bansal Nagar neighborhood. Guests enjoy multiple restaurant options, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Nearb...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

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

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter India, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter India. You may choose to apply directly to the Indian consulateor use a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. Obtaining an Indian visa will be an additional cost.
If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Indian consulate for specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Delhi (or from Mumbai on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A train ride from Fatehpur Sikri to Ranthambore is included in the price of the tour. (The tour extension includes flights from Jaipur to Cochin and Cochin to Mumbai, as well as a houseboat cruise through the Kerala Backwaters).
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Please note that the flights included on the tour extension may have baggage restrictions as low as 33lbs for checked bags and 15lbs for carry-on bags. You will be responsible for any costs associated with overweight baggage.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

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.
Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as ayellow card) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
Take proper care with sun exposure, the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
Public restrooms in India can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In the northern regions of India, you’ll encounter a great deal of flavorful meat dishes, as well as kebabs and biryanis. In tandoor cooking, probably the most popular cuisine in this region, vegetables, paneer (Indian cheese), or meat is marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked over coals. As many Indians are vegetarians, meat-free options abound. Meals are usually served with rice or bread, such as unleavened roti or deep-fried puri. Many of your included meals will be buffet style, which will allow you to try a variety of new dishes.

Electricity & air conditioning

India operates on 230 volts and uses a type D plug with two small, round pins and one larger round pin.
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.
The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

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.

Time zones

India is 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
When it’s noon in New York, it's 10:30pm in Delhi from November through March and 9:30pm from April through October.

Currency

You will 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 foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex, before you arrive.
Travelers may carry up to 25,000 Indian rupees into the country when entering through an airport. Travelers may bring up to 25,000 Indian rupees out of India unless continuing on to Bhutan or Nepal.
If you wish, you can also obtain rupees through a currency exchange booth at the airport upon your arrival in India. Keep receipt of your exchange.
Cash is the preferred method of payment across India. Some larger vendors may accept international debit and credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, though it is uncommon and a minimum payment is generally required.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

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 $7USD to $10USD 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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate you understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.