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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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From
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Essential India

15 days
Start and end in New Delhi
4.7
52 traveler reviews
From
$1,599
-25%
US $1,199 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
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May
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Sep
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2027

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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

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

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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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
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 10 - 15
Ages 12+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Delhi

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Singh Sahib)

    Included Activities

    • Women With Wheels Transfer
    • Meet Your CEO and Group

    Optional Activities

    • Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Delhi

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Singh Sahib)

    Included Activities

    • City Walk
    • Jama Masjid Visit
    • Gurdwara Sis Ganj Visit
    • Connaught Place Visit
    • Chandni Chowk Visit
    Landmarks
    Jama Masjid
    Gurdwara Sis Ganj
    Chandni Chowk
    Connaught Place
  3. Day 3

    Delhi to Jaipur

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Utsav Niwas)

    Included Activities

    • Anoothi Block Printing Experience

    Optional Activities

    • Jantar Mantar Visit (approximately 200INR per person, 1000INR per group)
    • Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person)
    Landmarks
    Jantar Mantar
    Raj Mandir Cinema
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 4

    Jaipur

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Utsav Niwas)

    Included Activities

    • Amber Fort Visit

    Optional Activities

    • Jaipur Cycle Tour
    • Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person)
    Landmarks
    Hawa Mahal
    Amber Fort
  5. Day 5

    Jaipur to Dhula Village

    Meals
    Dinner
    Accommodation
    Camping (Camp Dhula Bagh)

    Included Activities

    • Village Cycling Excursion

    Optional Activities

    • Jaipur Balloon Ride (pre-booking required when booking your tour)
  6. Day 6

    Dhula Village to Agra

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Marine House)

    Included Activities

    • Abhaneri Stepwell Visit
    Landmarks
    Abhaneri Stepwell
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Agra

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Marine House)

    Included Activities

    • Taj Mahal Visit
    • Agra Fort Visit
    • Baby Taj Visit
    Landmarks
    Taj Mahal
    Agra Fort
    Baby Taj
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Agra to Alipura

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Alipura Palace)
  9. Day 9

    Alipura

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Alipura Palace)

    Included Activities

    • Khajuraho Temples Visit

    Optional Activities

    • Evening dance performance
    Landmarks
    Khajuraho Temples
    Itinerary Image 1
  10. Day 10

    Alipura to Orchha

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Ganpati Palace)

    Included Activities

    • Tarragram Visit
    • Puja Ceremony
    Landmarks
    Ram Raja Temple
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  11. Day 11

    Orchha to Varanasi

    Included Activities

    • Orchha Palace Visit

    Optional Activities

    • Orchha Cooking School (1000INR per person)
    Landmarks
    Orchha Palace
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  12. Day 12

    Varanasi

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Vaibhav)

    Included Activities

    • Evening Ganges Boat Tour

    Optional Activities

    • Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
    Landmarks
    River Ganges
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  13. Day 13

    Varanasi

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Vaibhav)

    Included Activities

    • Morning Ganges Boat Tour

    Optional Activities

    • Guided Tour of Sarnath (200INR per person, 5000-9000INR per group)
    Landmarks
    Sarnath
    River Ganges
  14. Day 14

    Varanasi to Delhi

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Singh Sahib)
  15. Day 15

    Delhi

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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

G Adventures

4.7
(12,544 reviews)

Number of tours

1,014

Age Range

12 to 90 years old

Response time

4 hours

Response rate

96%

G Adventures gives you the opportunity to explore interesting and unusual...

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Sustainability Initiatives

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.7
Overall rating based on 52 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.8
  • Transport
    4.5
  • Guide
    4.7
  • Accommodation
    3.8
  • Food
    4.3
  • 4.7

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  • Essential India reviewer 1
    February 17th, 2026
    5
    I loved this trip! I experienced the real India while being kept safe and having all of the details of...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2026
  • Essential India reviewer 2
    January 2nd, 2026
    5
    I liked the trip very much. Our CEO, Kushwan, was a great leader—a kind and knowledgeable man—and a big part of the...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2025
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you for your thoughtful review, Edita! We are delighted to know that you have enjoyed your trip overall, but have passed your constructive feedback to the appropriate teams.
    Show more
  • R
    March 29th, 2025
    4
    Excellent tour CEO, good itinerary including mix of cities and smaller towns and villages. Hotels were patchy - some...
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2025
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you so much for sharing your review, Roger! We have passed on your feedback concerning hotels to the appropriate teams.
    Show more
  • S
    March 3rd, 2025
    5
    I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to India. The tour was logistically very well run. Transportation to and from the sites...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2025
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Steven! We are delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us and Shakti. Our world deserves more you!
    Show more
  • Essential India reviewer 5
    January 13th, 2025
    5
    Amazing experience. I absolutely loved how you get to visit locals, see their living, eat home made foods. The tour...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Victoria! We are delighted to know that you enjoyed Incredible India with G Adventures and hope to welcome you on another adventure in the near future!
    Show more
  • M
    January 8th, 2025
    4
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    The route of the trip was great, the organization so far, the tour guide was also quite good, the only thing I would...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you for your honest feedback, Marko. We will pass your concerns relating to the accommodations to the appropriate teams.
    Show more
  • Essential India reviewer 7
    October 29th, 2024
    5
    Great experience! A really well organized trip. Super recommended.
    Traveled in October 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you for sharing your review with us, Cynthia! We are so glad you enjoyed incredible India with us and hope to welcome you on another adventure in the near future!
    Show more
  • Essential India reviewer 8
    August 10th, 2024
    5
    Manu is the best guide ever. A very authentic and jam packed, diverse trip and a lovely first impression of India....
    Show more
    Traveled in July 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Thank you so much for your review and photos, Rob! We are so glad you enjoyed your time with Manu. The world deserves more you!
    Show more
  • Essential India reviewer 9
    April 4th, 2024
    5
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    A very varied round trip that is well worth the effort. From busy cities like Delhi to small villages like Dhula....
    Show more
    Traveled in March 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your adventure with us. We hope to see you on another G Adventure again soon.
    Show more
  • G
    March 16th, 2024
    4
    Very good itinerary covered all the key points of interest.
    Traveled in February 2024
    Reply from: G Adventures
    Hi Graham, We were happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us and that you covered all the points of interest.
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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2026

Jan
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Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Want to read it later?

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten September 2025

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

    • D

      Dennis

      TravelerWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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

      TravelerWritten September 2025

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

    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten September 2025

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

    • D

      Dennis

      TravelerWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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

      TravelerWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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

      TravelerWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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.

    • D
      10 more answers
  • 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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 AdventuresOperatorWritten 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.

  • E

    Elke

    Asked on November 12th, 2024

    What facilities are included in the arrival transfer service?

    Flights / Transfers
    Transport
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten November 2024

      The arrival transfer service is complimentary. Once booked, your transfer will automatically be confirmed, and you do not need to do anything further.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at G Adventures with your enquiry, they usually respond within 4 hours.
From
$1,599
-25%
US $1,199 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 5502

  • 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 April 30th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 30th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with G Adventures. 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 45 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 G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "G Adventures" 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.

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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
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Dec

2027

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Feb
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2028

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