Essential India

What our customers ask about this tour

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• L

  Lesley

  Asked on June 21st, 2026

  Can you tell me the payment arrangements? Do I pay for the tour in full when I book or do I pay a deposit and then the balance before the trip?

  Payments
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written June 2026

    You have multiple payment options including:
    Full Payment: Pay the total amount at the time of booking.
    Two-Time Payment: Pay a deposit at booking and the remaining balance on a set final payment date.
    Instalments: Pay a deposit followed by bi-weekly (fortnightly) payments until the final payment date. This requires a minimum balance of €200 and at least 28 days before the final payment.
• T

  Tara

  Asked on January 14th, 2026

  We will have 4 kids, ages 14, 13, 12 and 11. Will this work? If so, can you send me any additional info that might not be on the website?

  Age Range

  Group size
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written January 2026

    The minimum age for our trips is 12+ and we only offer twin bedded rooms on our trips, so we wouldnt be able to book this for you. The only option we would offer you would be something in our National Geographic Family range, but we do not have any trips in India at this stage.
• B

  Bill

  Asked on December 31st, 2025

  Is there any chance that maybe for this adventure an additional place would open up?

  Price / Availability
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written December 2025

    Unfortunately, that tour is sold out. There is a chance someone might cancel, but you would need to keep an eye on the availability. Alternatively, we can look at a similar tour operating during this time, if you'd like.
• V

  Victoria

  Asked on November 24th, 2025

  Is it not too late to book? I am a single woman of 50, looking to share a room with a fellow traveler. Will arranged taxi pickup be possible at such hour? Can you also please share information on how many booking you currently have for this trip and what are the demographics - age group, gender of travelers? Are many single travelers in the group?

  Age Range

  Group size

  Tour Details

  Travel Support
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written November 2025

    Our December 7th trip is available to book, however please ensure that you have time to get any visas needed for this trip. We have 7 travellers booked on this date, they are born from the 1950s to 1990s, mix of males and females and a mix of solo travellers and couples/pairs of friends. An arrival transfer is included on the 7th at any time.
• M

  Marilyn

  Asked on November 20th, 2025

  Whether you offer roommate-matching for same-sex travellers to share a room, or if it is only possible to book with a single supplement.

  Accommodation

  Single supplement
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written November 2025

    Essential India is a Classic Tour so rooms would be based on Twin Share with a same sex traveller. They can also add a single supplement and the price for Nov 1, 2026 date is 639.00 AUD.
• M

  Martha

  Asked on October 31st, 2025

  Is it possible to upgrade your room in any of the hotels that are offered within this tour. For example, if there are rooms with the balcony, is it possible to upgrade?

  Accommodation
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written October 2025

    We cannot customise our trips, so upgrades are not possible.
• D

  Dennis

  Asked on September 4th, 2025

  Would you please let me know the cost of the additional night

  Accommodation

  Price / Availability
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    The cost of additional night at the beginning of this trip is 35.00 USD.
  • D

    Dennis

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Do I need to book and prepay for the optional tours at time of booking? Or can I book later during trip with guide.
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    Only few optional activities can be booked in advance at time of booking or after booking: Guided Tour of Sarnath, Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras, Jaipur Balloon Ride, Jaipur Cycle Tour, Orchha Cooking School. Any other activities are to be booked on tour with the CEO!
  • D

    Dennis

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Activities such as the hot air balloon ride, if weather doesn't permit this activity, will I be reimbursed?
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    if the activity does not happen, you will be issued a refund.
  • D

    Dennis

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    As of now, the tour Essential India September 14-28 dates is guaranteed to continue? Not sure if you have a minimum number of people you need to book to proceed with tour.
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    All of our departures are guaranteed to depart, so once you are booked and confirmed on the tour you are guaranteed to go!
  • D

    Dennis

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Do you suggest I exchange dollars for Rupee prior to arrival? Are credit cards accepted at shops? Are dollars accepted? What is an approximate estimate per day of Rupee I should have on hand for expenses? I am from Florida where attire is not modest. I read shoulders, cleavage and thighs should be covered. Any other advise about appropriate clothing to wear as a woman?
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    It is generally best to get Rupees in destination, credit cards are accepted in most cities and larger towns. Often travellers simply exchange money upon arrival at the airport or their hotel. It is important to dress comfortably but modestly, yes. Lightweight cotton clothing is recommended, a packing list is included in the tour details once you have confirmed your booking.
  • D

    Dennis

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    What vaccines are required to enter India? I will be traveling from the United States. Or any precautionary vaccines I should have prior to entry.
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written September 2025

    For any advice with vaccinations or areas where vaccination is advised please check with a health professional. You can find advice on traveler's health through the CDC. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
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• O

  Olivia

  Asked on March 25th, 2025

  What is the group size and hotel star rating? We are two women aged 61 and want individual rooms.

  Accommodation

  Age Range

  Group size

  Single supplement
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written March 2025

    This tour has a maximum group size of 15 people and normally averages about 12 people per departure. The tour has a 'my own room' option which allows you to have your own room for an additional price of $399 per person. Note there will be an exception on night 17 with an overnight train where individual cabins cannot be booked.
• J

  Jenny

  Asked on January 14th, 2025

  is there a daily breakfast and dinner provided, how are other meals obtained? Would an airport transfer be include/available on departure return date?

  Flights / Transfers

  Meals
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written January 2025

    This tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 dinner. We recommend allowing USD345-450 for meals not included. Your arrival transfer will be included as part of the tour tour Day 1. A departure transfer can be added on as an optional extra.
• L

  Ludwig

  Asked on December 16th, 2024

  What are the visa and entry requirements for travelers?

  Visa
  • 

    G AdventuresOperator•Written December 2024

    Visas and entry requirements are the responsibility of the traveler. It is important to prepare and verify that you have completed all required documents for entry and exit.