Best of India
Delhi, Agra & the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, two jungle safaris in Ranthambore & Varanasi; optional extension to Nepal
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | October 2024 – April 2026 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife | ||
| Activity Level | Moderate | ||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking. On the extension to Nepal, the tour reaches high altitudes requiring that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Join us and discover India's most significant cities, including New Delhi, the nation's capital and third-largest city; Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" for its unusual rose-colored sandstone architecture; Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument to love; and Varanasi, the holiest site in India, where thousands of Hindu pilgrims tour its temples and bathe in the Ganges River to gain religious merit.
Plus, experience the wilds of Ranthambore National Park, an amazing destination you won't find on some other India itineraries. This former maharajas' hunting ground turned wild sanctuary of jungle and dramatic rocky outcrops shelters a 10th-century fort, ruined temples and old hunting pavilions, overgrown tombs, and wildlife including crocodiles, pythons, monkeys, sloth bears, and more. Oh, and it's also one of the best places in India to potentially see tigers!
Want more? Choose to take our optional post-tour extension to Nepal. You'll base your adventure in the intoxicating and heritage-filled capital of Kathmandu and journey out into the Kathmandu Valley to charming places like Patan City and Bhaktapur. Of course, when in Nepal, it's impossible to forget that you are traveling in the shadow of Everest, and on this tour, we offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: an optional early morning sightseeing flight over the tallest mountain on our planet.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK or EWR) including taxes & fees
- Intra-India ground transportation and flight Jaipur to Varanasi
- 10 nights in superior & deluxe hotels with private bath
- 17 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 5 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- Comprehensive guided touring program including all entrance fees to places visited
- Experienced, English-speaking tour director
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional cultural show in Agra
- Optional Nepal post-tour extension
- Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
Why you'll love it
- Experience the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
- Ride by bicycle rickshaw in Delhi to India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid.
- Share High Tea with a local Indian family.
- Embark on two safari drives at Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers and other wildlife.
- Visit the Amber Fort, a vast complex comprised of numerous courtyards and elegantly decorated halls.
- Discover Jaipur’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar followed by a private dinner with a local family.
- Immerse yourself in the chanting mantras and fragrant incense of a traditional Aarti ceremony.
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims at a bathing ghat.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Delhi
- 3 Old & New Delhi
- 4 Delhi & Agra
- 5 Agra
- 6 Agra & Ranthambore
- 7 Ranthambore
- 8 Ranthambore & Jaipur
- 9 Jaipur
- 10 Jaipur & Varanasi
- Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride, $279
- 11 Varanasi
- 12 Varanasi, Sarnath & Depart Delhi
Nepal Extension
- 12 Varanasi & Delhi
- 13 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal
- 14 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath
- Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $250
- 15 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur
- 16 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your exotic journey to India begins today as you depart from the USA
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
- Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representatives and transfer to your hotel
Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar
Day 3 Old & New Delhi
- Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
- Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque
Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi, a city full of fascinating contrasts, where by day, temples are packed with the devout, and by night, hotel discos are filled with the affluent. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple, which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.
Continue to Gandhi Smriti, a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Then, drive past the Red Fort and continue by bicycle rickshaw to the Jama Masjid, the site of an exquisite mosque in red sandstone and marble. Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers, it is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world.
This afternoon visit New Delhi, the city reflecting the British's legacy. Whereas the walled old city is all tradition in all its facets, New Delhi is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st-century standards. Your tour to New Delhi begins with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the 234-foot high tower made of sandstone, known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan, the tallest stone tower in India, and an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue past the India Gate, and then proceed past the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you will enjoy sumptuous Indian food.
Day 4 Delhi & Agra
- Transfer to the city of Agra
- Evening visit to Sheroes Hangout
ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, make your way to the city of Agra. In terms of ambiance, Agra is still associated with the Mughal period. Besides being great rulers, the Mughals were also great builders and preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra and its neighborhoods. There are many beautiful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces, and aesthetically laid out gardens, each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in.
This evening, visit Sheroes Hangout, a café that employs women who have suffered from debilitating acid attacks. In order to regain their self-esteem and livelihoods, this café is solely run by these survivors.
Day 5 Agra
- Rise early for a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal
- Discover the Agra Fort
- Afternoon excursions in the local markets
- Evening High Tea with a local family
ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryRise early before sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the world's wonders. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations and yet another example of impressive Mughal architecture.
This afternoon, explore the local markets where you should do your best to bargain for marble products and high-quality leather wallets, shoes, and belts. Later, visit the "Petra Dura Workshop," where you'll find beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit, enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine-quality marble inlay pieces.
This evening, you are a guest for High Tea. This special treat, arranged exclusively for Friendly Planet travelers, allows you to meet and interact with an Indian family and learn more about life in India.
Day 6 Agra & Ranthambore
- This morning visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the “Baby Taj”
- Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur
- Transfer from Sawai Modhopur to Ranthambore National Park
The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the “Baby Taj,” the first Mughal structure entirely built from marble. Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur and the Ranthambore National Park was originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1972 the park was acquired by Project Tiger, a tiger conservation program, and became a National Park in 1980. Now the park is one of the best locations in India to get a close view of tigers and other wildlife. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive the short distance to your hotel for check-in.
Day 7 Ranthambore
- Early morning jungle safari to spot wildlife
- Get a second chance to spot wildlife on an evening jungle safari
The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryRise early for the best opportunity to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park in open-air vehicles. Return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Enjoy another chance to see wildlife on the evening jungle safari.
Day 8 Ranthambore & Jaipur
- This morning travel to Jaipur, the magnificent Pink City
- The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure
ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, board your touring coach for Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City due to its pink stucco buildings in imitation of sandstone. Here you find invincible forts and magnificent palaces and gardens, waves of dunes, and serene lakes. Little seems to have changed except for the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses. After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the colorful streets and bazaars.
Day 9 Jaipur
- Discover the ancient capital of Amber, en route brief stop at the Palace of Winds
- Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur
- This evening, join a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur
ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En route, take a brief photo stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Famous for its beehive-like structure, the Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, from where the cloistered ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.
Continue to the Amber Fort, begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent wall paintings and some inlaid with precious stones and mirrors.
This afternoon, embark on a tour of Jaipur, including the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens, courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The City Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armories, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings.
Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur held exclusively for Friendly Planet.
Kindly note: You will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision not to include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process of training these brilliant animals is not up to our ethical standards. In addition, elephant backbones are delicate and not meant to carry the weight of saddles and people. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Day 10 Jaipur & Varanasi
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
- Enjoy dinner with fellow travelers
Taj Ganges Varanasi or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, the sacred heart of Hindu India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. It is probably the oldest inhabited city in India and one of the world’s most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, and many Hindus wish to spend their retirement here in the latter part of their lives.
Tonight, enjoy dinner with fellow travelers.
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride, $279Rise early this morning and take to the sky over Jaipur, flying in a hot air balloon. Before take-off, enjoy a selection of tea, coffee, and light refreshments as your balloon comes to life. Soar high above local villages and breathtaking landscapes from an exclusive vantage point. This will become a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will remember long after returning from India! Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.
Day 11 Varanasi
- Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges
- Exciting city tour of Varanasi
- Enjoy an evening aarti ceremony
Taj Ganges Varanasi or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning at dawn, depart for an unforgettable experience on a boat ride on the river Ganges, stopping at the most important bathing ghats. From your boat, you will witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims, which follow centuries-old tradition and the belief that those who die in Varanasi or whose mortal remains are immersed in the holy Ganges will be incarnated to human life in the next birth.
After your early morning tour of the bathing ghats, return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, board your touring coach for a visit to the city of Varanasi, including Vishwanath Temple, Benaras Hindu University, and the Bharat Mata Temple. Explore Vishwanath Temple from the outside; dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. Continue to Benares Hindu University, considered the largest residential university in Asia.
This evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at the Assi Ghat. This ceremony celebrates the religious significance and history of Varanasi, replete with tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots
Day 12 Varanasi, Sarnath & Depart Delhi
- This morning explore Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists
- Visit the Sarai Mohana weaving village
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
- Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA
Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryBefore your flight, drive to Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Enjoy free time independently exploring the many stupas and temples or visiting the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the “Lion Capital of Ashoka”. This statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become an emblem of modern India and a symbol on the Indian flag. Next, make your way to Sarai Mohana, a village well-known for its silk weaving. Meet with a local and discover the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into weaving a traditional saree, which can take from 15 days to 6 months to complete.
Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving next morning.
Nepal Extension
Take advantage of your already included airfare and add an optional extension to mysterious Nepal. The Nepal Extension includes 1 night in Delhi, flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and onwards from Kathmandu, 3 nights in Kathmandu with a complete touring program, transfers, breakfast daily, and a farewell dinner and performance. Passengers taking the Nepal Extension will return to the U.S. 4 days later than the return dates shown.
Day 12 Varanasi & Delhi
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
- Overnight in New Delhi at the Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar Breakfast
Day 13 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal
- Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel
- Visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Upon exiting the terminal, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa.
Day 14 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath
- Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
- Travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
- In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City, located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, shops, and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then Patan Durbar Square, where you will see the sky-piercing temple of Taleju.
In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval, and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples.
Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $250Early this morning, have an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas, weather permitting. This optional excursion must be purchased locally.
Day 15 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur
- Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
- In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryIn the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, and statues of the kings of Nepal.
In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari Temple, Taleju Temple, Shiv Parvati Temple, and Kal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds, and smells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance.
Day 16 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi
- Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight
- Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the USA
- Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
The deluxe Shangri-La Eros Hotel is centrally located amid landscaped gardens in New Delhi's historic government district. It is an elegant oasis nestled within the heart of a bustling metropolis. Travelers around the world are offered a relaxing place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring this fascinating city.
Sprawled over 35 acres of lush gardens, the ITC Mughal is in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. This 5-star hotel is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past.
The Tigress Ranthambore resort is located next to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary known for spotting tigers and other wildlife. The hotel offers an elegant and welcoming ambiance with close access to the Park.
ITC Rajputana is located less than a mile from the center of Jaipur. The regal-influenced design and gardens echo Jaipur’s history.
Taj Ganges Varanasi is a modern first class hotel nestled amidst 42 acres of lush gardens. The hotel is an oasis of greenery and a haven of peace and tranquility. Located in the bustling temple city of Varanasi, the hotel offers a fine mix of comfort, culture and cuisine in a 5-star ambiance. A visit to the on-site spa, swimming pool, or fitness center will refresh and invigorate.
The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is a five-star rated hotel that is ideally located at Aerocity, just minutes away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and the Delhi Aerocity Metro Station. The hotel provides guests in transit with an excellent option for a comfortable overnight stay with first class amenities. The facilities include a fitness center, sauna and outdoor pool. A full service spa and beauty salon offer guests various services and treatments.
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a five-star luxury hotel and resort in Kathmandu, set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and created in the traditional Newari-style of Nepalese architecture. This beautiful hotel and resort is located within a short walk to Boudhanath Stupa: the most holy of all Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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What should I know before I go?
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?
Can I make changes to my trip?
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?
Should I purchase travel insurance?
What's the fine print?
What should I know about India?
What should I know about Nepal?
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