Essential India



From AUD $1574 Was AUD $2099
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)

Essential India
15 days
Small Group
Budget
Light
English
Experience Overview
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India.
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India. You'll float past the ghats on the Ganges River to encounter the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation's rich heritage, you're sure to be caught up in India's incredible tapestry of life.
Highlights
- Explore India's vibrant cities
- Discover ancient forts and temples
- Revel in the beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal
- Witness the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and Orchha
- Sail the Ganges in venerable Varanasi
Trip Details
15 days
Train, local bus, private vehicle, auto-rickshaw, small riverboat, plane.
Small Group
English
Delhi, India
Delhi, India
Budget
Classic
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Day 2: Delhi
Day 3: Delhi/Jaipur
Day 4: Jaipur
Opt to see the city on bicycle by pre-booking the Jaipur Cycle Tour.
Day 5: Jaipur/Dhula Village
Before saying farewell to the Pink City, admire it from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Day 6: Dhula Village/Āgra
Day 7: Āgra
Day 8: Āgra/Alīpura
Day 9: Alīpura
Day 10: Alīpura/Orchha
Day 11: Orchha/Varanasi
Opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Orchha Cooking School extra when booking your tour.
Day 12: Varanasi
Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Day 13: Varanasi
Day 14: Varanasi/Delhi
Day 15: Delhi
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $2099
Duration: 15 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
From the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal, this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction to India.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Sep 2025
Customer Reviews
12/31/2023
Our CEO made the trip seamless despite the challenges of travelling in India.
12/31/2023
The trip was extremely well-planned, travelling not too arduous, and covered many incredible sights
Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
12/31/2023
Our CEO made the trip seamless despite the challenges of travelling in India.
12/31/2023
The trip was extremely well-planned, travelling not too arduous, and covered many incredible sights
12/31/2023
Well organized. Have had overall good experiences throughout.
12/31/2023
Everything that was within the guide/organization was delivered and even exceeded.
12/31/2023
Tour guide & how the trip was organized
12/31/2023
I would gauge their age first as I think the classic tour, such as the one I did, might not be so suitable in terms of accommodation for 45+ age range
12/31/2023
It depends who you would be recommending too. I found most of hotel as 2 star back packers hotels
12/31/2023
The hassle free of organizing the trip, and all the travelling around Delhi and meeting new people who are now friends
12/31/2023
We',ve used G a few times and always enjoy their itineraries and this was no exception. Our guide, Ruby, was superb and the trip was well-balanced and extremely well organised.
12/24/2023
I have done many travel tours with different tour companies, and I feel that G Adventures has offered the best range of genuine experiences
12/24/2023
I have had wonderful experiences with G, am able to see a lot in a short amount of time, and take part in experiences that many times I may not find on my own
12/17/2023
it's been a great tour at a good pace which allowed to explore a big part of India. We had enough time to experience all the places. The organization of the tour was excellent, the places we visited was an amazing opportunity to see real India. From pick up at the airport to leaving the on the Last day it was all smooth and hassle free.
12/17/2023
Overall I was very happy with the whole trip and very grateful for the experience and that I choose this trip with G Adventures. The organization was really good, especially the transport was on time all the time, the itinerary made sense as well as the daily schedules of when and where to eat and I especially liked experiencing organizations' like Kitchen with a Cause, Sheroes and the Sikh Temple in Delhi. I really appreciate that G Adventures works with local guides and we got to see and experience villages as well as being invited into people',s homes. Our CEO, Dushyant Singh, was one of my highlights. He was very caring and made me feel safe. He answered all my questions with his expertise and knowledge, planned everything very well and made this trip extra special with his surprises, which were the real highlights for me. He also opened up about his personal life which was very interesting and gave me more insight into the Indian culture. He also faced some challenges during this trip, but he really did everything to make the best of it for us so that we did not miss anything. I was also very lucky to have a great group with people of different ages and backgrounds/countries.
12/17/2023
Well organized tours. Amazing local CEOs = knowledgeable, funny, friendly etc. Supports local communities and charities.
12/17/2023
Good organization, skilled CEO, ethical business model.
12/17/2023
I always had good experiences with G Adventures and liked the tours but sometimes the accommodation is not so great.
12/17/2023
3rd g trip and the 4th is booked love the company and their desire to help locals
12/17/2023
The spirit of G Adventures to let us, as foreigners, have a view of the authentic India. And I have to express my deepest thanks to your CEO Dushyant, who really lives the spirit of G adventure. He is the best promoter for all of us in the group to go out and motivate others to book your tours. If you decides to promote your tours, he is the one to choose.
12/10/2023
The price of G Adventures and the unique travel experiences that G offers.
12/10/2023
Personal experience

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