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Who is travelling?

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Essence of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India Extension, 15 Days)

15 days
From New Delhi to Mumbai
5.0
1 traveler review

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 40
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Delhi

    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome Dinner with fine cuisine as the sun sets over Delhi)

    Included Activities

    • Floral garland welcome ceremony
    • Welcome dinner at hotel
  2. Day 2

    Delhi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Red Fort, former home of Mughal emperors
    • Tour of Jama Masjid, largest mosque in India
    • Exhilarating rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk
    • Visit Sikh temple and community kitchen
    • View President Palace, India Gate, and Parliament House

    Optional Activities

    • Foodie walk with renowned chef in Old Delhi - sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders
    • Visit 12th-century Qutub Minar, tallest brick minaret in the world, followed by lunch
    Landmarks
    Red Fort
    Jama Masjid
    Chandni Chowk
    Qutub Minar
    India Gate
    Parliament House
  3. Day 3

    Delhi to Agra

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Agra Fort and Muthamman Burj palace

    Optional Activities

    • Mughal Heritage Walk - meet the community and discover hidden gems while learning about daily life in the ancient village with views of the Taj Mahal
    • Private colonial bungalow high tea - meet host family and listen to stories about British Raj and Indian culture
    Landmarks
    Agra Fort
  4. Day 4

    Agra to Ranthambore

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal
    • Jan Shatabdi Express train from Bharatpur to Ranthambore
    Landmarks
    Taj Mahal
  5. Day 5

    Ranthambore

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Dawn safari in Ranthambore National Park with expert naturalist
    • Dusk safari in Ranthambore National Park with expert naturalist
    Landmarks
    Ranthambore National Park
  6. Day 6

    Ranthambore to Jaipur

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant, one of Jaipur's most revered local restaurants, offering fine Indian dining served amid opulent royal interiors with stunning sunset views and traditional music)

    Included Activities

    • Journey to Jaipur, the Pink City
    • Jeep ascent and tour of Amber Fort's courtyards and halls
    • Special blessing at Amber Fort
    • Blessing ceremony
    • Dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant
    Landmarks
    Amber Fort
    1135 AD Restaurant
  7. Day 7

    Jaipur

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlight Dinner created by head chef Kuldeep Rajvanshi at Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace, pan-Indian cuisine)

    Included Activities

    • View Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds
    • Visit Jantar Mantar, royal observatory
    • VIP high tea at City Palace
    • Meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw for a tour
    • Visit fresh flower and spice market OR Birla Mandir for traditional prayer ceremony
    • Highlight dinner at Cinnamon Restaurant
    Landmarks
    Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
    Jantar Mantar
    City Palace
    Birla Mandir
  8. Day 8

    Jaipur to Kochi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Arrival in Kochi and check-in at waterfront hotel

    Optional Activities

    • Relax with cocktail by outdoor pool
    • Dine at poolside Thai Soul restaurant
    Landmarks
    Bolgatty Island
  9. Day 9

    Kochi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Kerala home cooking), Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Paradesi Synagogue, oldest in the Commonwealth
    • Tour Portuguese Mattancherry Palace with Hindu mythology murals
    • Traditional Kerala home cooking lunch
    • Kathakali performance
    Landmarks
    Paradesi Synagogue
    Mattancherry Palace
  10. Day 10

    Kochi to Alleppey

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Gourmet lunch onboard the houseboat), Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Private waterwheel houseboat cruise across Alleppey backwaters
    • Gourmet lunch onboard houseboat
    Landmarks
    Alleppey Backwaters
  11. Day 11

    Alleppey to Kumarakom

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local's home in Vaikom Village), Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    • Guided boat tour through Vaikom village canals
    • Weaving demonstration with pineapple leaves or coconut husks
    • Lunch at local's home in Vaikom Village
    Landmarks
    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    Vaikom Village
  12. Day 12

    Kumarakom

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Fresh, local seafood)

    Included Activities

    • Yoga class
    • Rejuvenating massage
  13. Day 13

    Kumarakom to Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Flight to Mumbai
  14. Day 14

    Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebration Dinner - Indian cuisine and toasts to experiences and memories made along the journey)

    Included Activities

    • Learn about Dabbawalla lunchbox delivery service
    • Cruise to Elephanta Island
    • Visit cave temples complex on Elephanta Island
    • Celebration dinner
    Landmarks
    Elephanta Island
  15. Day 15

    Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Escort to Mumbai Airport
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

Operated by

Luxury Gold

4.3
(32 reviews)

Number of tours

130

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

5 hours

Response rate

100%

We invite you to embark on a journey unlike any other. Join us as we explore...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

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  • Essence of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India Extension, 15 Days) reviewer 1
    March 7th, 2019
    5
    India is a destination I would have not gone to on my own. I felt extremely comfortable with my group of like minded...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
    Reply from: Luxury Gold
    We are delighted to learn that your experience on the Essence of India guided holiday exceeded all your expectations. We are very proud to hear about the professionalism shown by our staff throughout your time with us. Furthermore, we are very happy to have been given the opportunity to host you and we hope that you were able to take in all the wonderful sights of India.
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Aug
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Saturday
    14 Mar, 2026
    To Sunday
    22 Mar, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $4,860 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Saturday
    14 Mar, 2026
    To Sunday
    22 Mar, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $4,860 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $144
    End New Delhi, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    17 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $8,548 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $577
    16 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    10 Oct, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $144
    End New Delhi, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    10 Oct, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Wednesday
    14 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    29 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $8,548 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $577
    16 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Wednesday
    14 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    22 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $144
    End New Delhi, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Wednesday
    14 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    22 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $8,773 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $577
    16 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    10 Nov, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $5,051 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $144
    End New Delhi, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
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Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Luxury Gold with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 112386

  • Currency
    Indian Rupee
    India
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for India. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for India. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for India. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 11th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 11th, 2026, a minimum payment of $350 is required to confirm your booking with Luxury Gold. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Luxury Gold will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Luxury Gold" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

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  • A World of Exceptional Dining - Luxury Gold Vacations
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  • 2021-2022 Worldwide Collection
  • Your Well-Being is Our Top Priority
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary in India

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec