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2026

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

0

Essence of India (Small Groups, End Mumbai, With South India Extension, 16 Days, Door To Door)

16 days
From Delhi to Mumbai
5.0
1 traveler review

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
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 in the comfort of your hotel with local food and wine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Leela Palace, Delhi.)

    Included Activities

    • Welcome Dinner at hotel
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Delhi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Qutub Minar), Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Leela Palace, Delhi.)

    Included Activities

    • Red Fort and Jama Masjid tour
    • Qutub Minar visit and lunch
    • Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk
    • Sikh temple and community kitchen visit
    • President's Palace, India Gate, and Parliament House viewing

    Optional Activities

    • Culinary walk with renowned chef in Old Delhi
    • 12th-century Qutub Minar visit
    Landmarks
    Red Fort
    Jama Masjid
    Qutub Minar
    Chandni Chowk
    India Gate
    Parliament House
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Delhi to Agra

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.)

    Included Activities

    • Agra Fort visit
    • Musamman Burj visit

    Optional Activities

    • Mughal Heritage Walk
    • High tea at private colonial bungalow with local family
    Landmarks
    Agra Fort
  4. Day 4

    Agra to Ranthambore

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Nahargarh Ranthambore.)

    Included Activities

    • Taj Mahal sunrise visit
    • Jan Shatabdi Express train from Bharatpur to Ranthambore
    Landmarks
    Taj Mahal
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 5

    Ranthambore

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Nahargarh Ranthambore.)

    Included Activities

    • Tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park
    • Expert naturalist-guided exploration of lakes and palace ruins
    • Chhatri pavilion viewing
    • Fort exploration
    Landmarks
    Ranthambore National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Ranthambore to Jaipur

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.)
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Jaipur

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD restaurant with fine Indian dining, traditional music, and sunset views)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.)

    Included Activities

    • Amber Fort visit with special blessing ceremony

    Optional Activities

    • Visit highly skilled local artisans
    • Block printing and blue pottery workshop
    Landmarks
    Amber Fort
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Jaipur

    Meals
    Breakfast, Afternoon Tea (VIP Indian high tea at City Palace with views of handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique), Dinner (Farewell Dinner - Celebration Dinner featuring Indian cuisine)

    Included Activities

    • City Palace Museum tour with private access
    • VIP Indian high tea at City Palace terrace
    • Spice market and flower market visit or Birla Mandir visit with Aarti ceremony

    Optional Activities

    • Pink Rickshaw ride to Spice market and flower market
    • Birla Mandir visit for Aarti ceremony
    Landmarks
    City Palace Museum
    Birla Mandir
    Itinerary Image 1
  9. Day 9

    Jaipur to Kochi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Crowne Plaza)

    Optional Activities

    • Cocktail by outdoor pool
    • Dining at poolside Thai Soul restaurant
  10. Day 10

    Kochi

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Kerala home cooking), Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Crowne Plaza)

    Included Activities

    • Paradesi Synagogue visit
    • Portuguese Mattancherry Palace visit
    • Learn art of home cooking, Kerala style with local cooking instructor
    • Kathakali performance
    Landmarks
    Paradesi Synagogue
    Portuguese Mattancherry Palace
  11. Day 11

    Kochi to Alleppey

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Gourmet lunch onboard houseboat), Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort)

    Included Activities

    • Private waterwheel houseboat cruise on Alleppey backwaters
    Landmarks
    Alleppey Backwaters
  12. Day 12

    Alleppey to Kumarakom

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with local family in Vaikom Village), Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort)

    Included Activities

    • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary tour
    • Vaikom village canal cruise
    • Weaving demonstration with pineapple leaves or coconut husks
    • Lunch with local family in Vaikom
    Landmarks
    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    Vaikom Village
  13. Day 13

    Kumarakom

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Fresh, local seafood dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coconut Lagoon - CGH Earth Resort)

    Optional Activities

    • Rejuvenating 30-minute body massage
    • Rejuvenating 15-minute foot massage
  14. Day 14

    Kumarakom to Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Oberoi, Mumbai.)
  15. Day 15

    Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Elegant dinner - Celebration Dinner featuring Indian cuisine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Oberoi, Mumbai.)

    Included Activities

    • Mumbai Dabbawalla experience
    • Cruise to Elephanta Island
    • Elephanta Island cave temples visit
    Landmarks
    Elephanta Island
  16. Day 16

    Mumbai

    Meals
    Breakfast
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Luxury Gold

4.3
(32 reviews)

Number of tours

133

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

4 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

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Sustainability Programs

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

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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, 16 Days, Door To Door) reviewer 1
    March 7th, 2019
    5.0
    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

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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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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 15 Apr, 2026
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    17 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $8,548 per person
    Multiple Room Types
    Additional Upfront
    $577
  • 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
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  • From Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    10 Oct, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
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    From:
    US $8,773 per person
    Multiple Room Types
    Additional Upfront
    $577
  • 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
  • From Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    10 Nov, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $5,051 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    To Saturday
    5 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    To Saturday
    12 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $8,548 per person
    Multiple Room Types
    Additional Upfront
    $577
  • From Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    To Saturday
    5 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    Additional Upfront
    $144
    End New Delhi, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
  • From Friday
    11 Dec, 2026
    To Saturday
    19 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $4,831 per person
    End Jaipur, 9 Days Version
    View this tour
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Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Luxury Gold with your enquiry, they usually respond within 4 hours.

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 265908

  • 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 July 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 15th, 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.

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