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The intention behind each decision.
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Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary takes in the must-see sites of India’s Golden Triangle and beyond — Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur among them — while making space for a different side of Rajasthan: quieter and wilder.
We really rate rural parts of the state, with desert forts, dramatic scenery and wildlife that feel a world away from the cities.
Stay in opulent city hotels, where you can retreat properly from the clamour outside, and heritage properties in converted Rajput residences — places that have been welcoming guests for generations, and still do it well.
Classic Rajasthan with the Taj Mahal
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 - 3
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. In the afternoon, you will take a short journey around New Delhi to ease into your trip. You’ll visit some of the key sights and a beautiful stepwell that is rarely visited. You’ll round up with a drink at the famous United Coffee House.
The following day, visit Nizamuddin, a 14th-century village in the heart of the city, with a guided walk led by the Hope Project. Enjoy lunch at Khan Market before taking some time to relax. In the evening, head to Old Delhi for a fascinating street food tour by cycle rickshaw.
Day 4
Agra and the Taj Mahal
Leave Delhi this morning on the train bound for Agra. On arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch and time to settle in, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal — the most iconic site in India, and every bit as beautiful as its reputation suggests.
Days 5 - 6
Jaipur
If you wish, you can rise early this morning and revisit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Jaipur, a beautifully preserved, abandoned Mughal capital. Just outside the city, you have the option to stop and visit Abhaneri Stepwell, one of the most meticulously designed stepwells in all of India. On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel and relax.
The following day, explore the Pink City with a local guide: its Mughal and Hindu heritage, spice markets, and the palaces and forts that make Jaipur so visually arresting, including the famous Palace of the Winds.
Days 7 - 8
Fort Barli
A 3.5-hour drive takes you deep into the Rajasthani countryside and towards Fort Barli. After the bustle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the rural setting comes as a genuine relief. The historic fort, now a hotel, is your base here.
Use it as a place to properly unwind, or take part in some of the experiences on offer: trekking in the hills, walking around the local lake, cycling through the countryside, visiting ancient temples, or simply spending time with the villagers nearby.
Days 9 - 11
Chanoud Garh
Today, you’ll travel to Chanoud Garh, a rural palace lovingly restored by the latest generation of its custodians. During your stay, you’ll learn the family’s fascinating history, dine on the rooftop under the stars, and explore the nooks and crannies of a place that rewards curiosity.
From Chanoud Garh, a privately guided tour to Jodhpur is possible. Though it is quite far, the journey can be broken up with a jeep drive into the surrounding countryside for a unique insight into the Bishnoi people.
Jodhpur itself — Rajasthan’s second-largest city, nicknamed the “Blue City” after the painted houses of its old town — is best seen first from the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which looms more than 100 metres over the city. There is time to wander the winding alleyways below and visit the palaces, temples and havelis scattered throughout.
Days 12 - 13
Udaipur
Today, you’ll set off on the 4-5 journey to Udaipur, stopping en route to visit temples and forts and take in the beauty of the Arivali Mountain Range. Arrive in the state’s most romantic city set on Lake Pichola. You’ll settle into this location with a boat trip across the lake to view the famous Taj Palace Lake Hotel from the water (you can stay here, too, of course).
The following day, explore the sights and sounds of Udaipur, including the City Palace complex and the markets and bazaars of the old city.
Days 13 - 14
Mumbai
Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your morning flight to Mumbai. After arrival and checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to explore India’s most modern city.
On your full day, you’ll take our exclusive ‘transport tour’ of Mumbai using an eclectic range of transport from the infamous black and yellow taxi, a local bus, and the commuter railway!
Day 15
Fly home
Today, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
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 suggested route is ideal for a first visit to India, combining the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Udaipur with a taste of rural Rajasthan and local culture.”
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 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.
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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.
