Today you will fly overnight to Jaipur via Mumbai or Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This isn’t the predictable Golden Triangle loop that most travellers follow.
This overland journey dives deeper, sweeping through Rajasthan’s colourful cities, rural corners and royal history before carrying you north to Amritsar for one of India’s most moving experiences: the Golden Temple at dawn.
You’ll still enjoy timeless highlights like Jaipur’s palaces, Jodhpur’s blue lanes and Udaipur’s shimmering lakes. But you’ll also uncover quieter villages, characterful heritage stays and the open-road freedom that only an overland route can give. Ending in Amritsar adds something truly special: a moment of stillness and spirituality that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Rajasthan Overland and the Golden Temple
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Jaipur - The Pink City
On arrival at Jaipur airport, you’ll meet your chauffeur driver who will stay with you until your journey to Udaipur airport on day 14. He is at your disposal during your time in Rajasthan.
Over the next two full days in Jaipur, you will explore the highlights such as the former capital of the Rajput Empire – the stunning Amber Fort made of red sandstone and marble rising out of the hills – and take an artisan walk around the old quarter. For a more immersive experience, you’ll have a cycle tour of the streets in the early morning to witness the markets come to life and a traditional puja. At the Anokhi museum, you can learn about hand block printing and how their handprinted textiles are made. You’ll have some downtime to recover from your journey and relax at your lovely boutique hotel too.
Day 5
Nagaur - Remote northern Rajasthan
At your leisure, you’ll journey to Nagaur today, a small but bustling town with an impressive fort, part of which houses your gorgeous hotel for the night. It will take around 5 hours, and then the afternoon can be spent exploring this remote town.
Days 6 - 7
Jaisalmer - The Yellow city
Today a relatively long journey awaits of 6-7 hours as you journey deep into western Rajasthan towards the beautiful city of Jaisalmer. You’ll be staying in a fort-like hotel close to one of the main attractions: the Jaisalmer fort. You’ll have a full day with a private guide to explore the key sites and perhaps do some shopping as Jaisalmer is one of the best places to buy fabrics.
Days 8 - 10
Rohet - Village life and the Blue City
Watch the scenery change as you leave the Thar desert behind and drive towards the small village of Rohet, about 45 minutes from the famous blue city of Jodhpur.
Here at ETG we think it’s much better to stay outside of the city and experience the peacefulness of village life, sleeping in luxury tents. You’ll have an exceptional experience with overlander jeep tours as you explore the tribal communities who live in this region.
Following that, a full day with a guide for historical Jodhpur and the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, the largest in Rajasthan and an architectural masterpiece.
Days 11 - 13
Delwara - The Lake City
You’ll journey through the famous Aravali hills today via Ranakpur (another stunning must visit the temple) towards the small village of Delwara and a spectacular hotel in a converted fort; with a surprising minimalist style, it goes against the grain of most heritage properties!
You are only 45 minutes from Udaipur, the famous lake city, but again at ETG, we feel it’s nice to be off the tourist trail and experience this region differently. You’ll have the opportunity to relax, but also to take a guided tour of Udaipur.
Days 14 - 16
Amritsar - The Holy City
Your chauffeur guide will drop you off at Udaipur airport today for your flight up to Amritsar, the spiritual home of Sikh faith. You’ll have an afternoon to relax after your journey and then two days of sightseeing await.
You have a chance to experience the famous Golden Temple in the morning (avoiding the hordes of tourists where possible who mostly visit at sunset) with a guided tour. In the afternoon, visit the Wagah border 30km from Amritsar on the road to Lahore to watch the retreat ceremony, a well-coordinated and spectacular display. The next day you’ll experience a unique evening street food tour with an opportunity to sample some of Punjab’s best cuisine.
Days 17 - 18
Delhi
No journey to India is complete without a train ride, and a roughly 5-hour train journey awaits to take you down to Delhi. On arrival at the station, you’ll be picked up by your guide and taken to your central hotel in New Delhi. You’ll then enjoy our signature tour around the lesser visited sites of the New Delhi and finish with a trip to the United coffee house.
Your final full day in India will take in more of New Delhi, but contrast it with Old Delhi through a walk with the Salaam Baalak Trust, which helps to rehabilitate street children. You can also visit Humayun’s tomb. In the evening, a local guide will dazzle your tastebuds with more of the fantastic street food that India has to offer.
Day 19
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Wonderful introduction to India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. A well-thought out tour... all backed up by fabulous hotels and full supportive team. ETG... have a strong environmental ethic and encourage their clients to respect the places they visit, and the world we all live in. But above all, they come up with innovative ideas and... can be relied upon.
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“This route blends Rajasthan’s vibrant culture with the profound beauty of Amritsar’s Golden Temple. A remarkable way to experience India.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
