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2026

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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$1,599
US $1,199 per person

Essential India

15 days
Start and end in New Delhi
4.9
102 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

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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

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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

Highlights

  • Explore Delhi with a youth-led city walk
  • Climb Jama Masjid's minaret in Delhi
  • Watch a Bollywood film in Jaipur
  • Cycle through rural Dhula Village
  • Witness a Ganges boat trip in Varanasi

Itinerary

View Full Itinerary
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Delhi
  2. Day 2 Delhi
  3. Day 3 Delhi/Jaipur
  4. Day 4 Jaipur
  5. Day 5 Jaipur/Dhula Village (1D)
  6. Day 6 Dhula Village/Āgra (1B)
  7. Day 7 gra
  8. Day 8 gra/Alīpura
  9. Day 9 Alīpura
  10. Day 10 Alīpura/Orchha
  11. Day 11 Orchha/Varanasi
  12. Day 12 Varanasi
  13. Day 13 Varanasi
  14. Day 14 Varanasi/Delhi
  15. Day 15 Delhi
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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.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

G Adventures

Number of tours

1,022

Age Range

12 to 90 years old

Response time

3 hours

Response rate

96%

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

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Animal Welfare

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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.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Accommodation
    Good
    3.7
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.3
  • 4.8
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Essential India reviewer 1
    · January 2nd, 2026
    I liked the trip very much. Our CEO, Kushwan, was a great leader—a kind and knowledgeable man—and a big part of the trip’s success. It was my first trip with G Adventures, and I appreciated the company’s focus on supporting local NGOs and initiatives. I believe this truly makes a difference. Some things could be improved, though—first of all, the location of the selected hotels. While the hotels in Jaipur and Varanasi were nice, it took around 40 minutes by taxi to reach the city center. Food choices for lunch and dinner could also be more interesting. We mostly visited touristic places, although for the same prices we could have enjoyed more upscale dining with opportunities to mingle with locals. One last thing to consider: December is always foggy, and train journeys can be unreliable. Both trains we took were delayed by 3–4 hours, and our morning flight was cancelled. As a result, we missed almost two full days of sightseeing due to transportation delays. I don’t have a specific suggestion, but it might be worth considering alternative options.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2025
  • RD
    · March 29th, 2025
    Excellent tour CEO, good itinerary including mix of cities and smaller towns and villages. Hotels were patchy - some really nice, some gross
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Thank you so much for sharing your review, Roger! We have passed on your feedback concerning hotels to the appropriate teams.
    Trip date: March 2025
  • SD
    · March 3rd, 2025
    I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to India. The tour was logistically very well run. Transportation to and from the sites was always on time. The main attractions in India (The Taj Majal, Jaipur, the Ganges etc.) are legendary must sees for any traveler but I especially enjoyed the time spent in small villages among the people of India. These are the authentic experience which help us see real lives and culture of these amazing people. Our guide Shakti did an exceptional job of making the tour both educational and fun. (He organized a birthday party and an impromptu cricket match with the local kids.) I also appreciate that G Adventures included social welfare experiences. We had lunch in a restaurant run by women who were assaulted by having acid thrown in their faces. It is one thing to see a video about this but it more affecting to meet these women in person and hear their stories. My two weeks in India were well spent.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    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!
    Trip date: February 2025
  • Essential India reviewer 4
    · January 13th, 2025
    Amazing experience. I absolutely loved how you get to visit locals, see their living, eat home made foods. The tour takes care of everything, while making this experience unique. India is much cleaner than you expect. All hotels have bottled water, laundry services, restaurant options and so on. Honestly, it was one if the trips I'll keep talking about for years. Thank you so much!
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    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!
    Trip date: December 2024
  • MK
    · January 8th, 2025
    Automatically translated. View in EnglishRate this translation
    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 like to criticize is the accommodation. In a country like In a country like India, you can get much better accommodation for a few euros more, and it was mainly the cleanliness that bothered us.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Thank you for your honest feedback, Marko. We will pass your concerns relating to the accommodations to the appropriate teams.
    Trip date: December 2024
  • Essential India reviewer 6
    · October 29th, 2024
    Great experience! A really well organized trip. Super recommended.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    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!
    Trip date: October 2024
  • Essential India reviewer 7
    · August 10th, 2024
    Manu is the best guide ever. A very authentic and jam packed, diverse trip and a lovely first impression of India. Jaipur and Taj Mahal were personal favourites.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    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!
    Essential India customer review photo 1Essential India customer review photo 2Essential India customer review photo 3
    Trip date: July 2024
  • Essential India reviewer 8
    · April 4th, 2024
    Automatically translated. View in EnglishRate this translation
    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. There was plenty of room for your own time and input. A friendly international group with a tour guide (CEO) who sensed very well what each person in the group liked.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your adventure with us. We hope to see you on another G Adventure again soon.
    Essential India customer review photo 1Essential India customer review photo 2Essential India customer review photo 3Essential India customer review photo 4Essential India customer review photo 5
    Trip date: March 2024
  • GB
    · March 16th, 2024
    Very good itinerary covered all the key points of interest.
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Hi Graham, We were happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us and that you covered all the points of interest.
    Trip date: February 2024
  • NG
    · February 4th, 2024
    Best thing I’ve ever done. Surpassed every single expectation of a group tour. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with India, but the experience was absolutely made by the G-Adventures CEO who travelled with us. He knew so much, nothing was too much trouble, he treated each one of us how we needed to be treated. He helped, advised, led, guided and he also joined in. Absolutely loved every minute and will 100% book with G Adventures again. Fantastic trip
    Show more
    G Adventures commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your review and beautiful photos, Nicola! This looks like a wonderful trip. We are so glad you enjoyed travelling through Incredible India with us. Our world deserves more you!
    Essential India customer review photo 1Essential India customer review photo 2Essential India customer review photo 3Essential India customer review photo 4Essential India customer review photo 5Essential India customer review photo 6
    Trip date: January 2024

Dates & Availability

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Jan
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2027

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Jul
Aug
Sep
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Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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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
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Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • 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.

  • S

    Sander

    Asked on October 6th, 2024

    Is the transfer service available if I arrive early?

    Flights / Transfers
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten October 2024

      Yes, the arrival transfer service is available and will meet you at the airport for early arrivals as well.

  • G

    Greg

    Asked on September 18th, 2024

    Does that mean just 'one' or a daily breakfast and dinner? Just wondering if the hotels serve breakfast or not?

    Accommodation
    Meals
    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten September 2024

      Yes only 1 breakfast & 1 dinner is included for the whole tour, the rest are just purchased locally. Food is very cheap in India so there is not as much need to include it in the price of tours. Your CEO guide would be on hand to help you order food and so on.

    • G

      Greg

      TravelerWritten September 2024

      Can I pay in instalments? Or how does payment work?

    • G AdventuresOperatorWritten September 2024

      We have asked TourRadar to reach out to you and advise what payment options is available.

    • G
      2 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at G Adventures with your enquiry, they usually respond within 3 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 March 2nd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after March 2nd, 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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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
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Jul
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Dec

2028

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