Depart your home country on your flight to Kolkata.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This holiday is for travellers with an adventurous spirit who like to get away from the tourist trail.
It’s for those who want to experience India’s eclectic, ever-evolving cities, but also crave the contrast of the calming countryside.
Take time to delve into Kolkata and Varanasi with our signature experiences in each. You’ll journey by car, train and minimal internal flights so that you can experience the beautiful rural life and landscapes of the Gangetic Plain as you move around. You’ll also spend four days exploring northern Madhya Pradesh and three days in a remote valley of Uttar Pradesh: two very different perspectives on rural India and its wildlife.
East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain
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.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Kolkata
On arrival at Kolkata airport, your private guide will welcome you to India and your driver will whisk you to your hotel, a renowned retreat in the centre of the city. The rest of the day is yours to recover from the flight.
Over the next few days, you’ll get under the skin of Kolkata, the former capital of British India: a riot of colour and a hub of Bengali culture where slums and shopping malls are interspersed with beautiful colonial architecture and green spaces. Highlights include a walking tour through the Bow Barracks and Burrabazar neighbourhoods, lunch with an art collector and a private riverboat journey on the River Hooghly, complete with Indian snacks and Darjeeling tea. You’ll also spend a morning at the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata’s most famous monument and wander through the Gariahat food market with its dazzling array of street food.
Days 4 - 6
Varanasi
This morning, your driver will take you to Kolkata airport for your short flight to the holy city of Varanasi.
On arrival, you’ll be picked up by your local driver and taken straight to a hotel right on the atmospheric ghats. Relax this the afternoon, before heading out on river at sunset to watch the amazing Aarti ceremony from your boat – one of those magical experiences that stays with you.
Early the next morning, you’ll cruise along the sacred Ganges in a small private boat, watching devoted pilgrims bathe and pray in the holy water as the sun rises. Later, throw yourself into the frenzy of Varanasi’s markets and alleyways: it’s noisy, intense, and completely captivating.
The following day, slow the pace. Simply people-watching while sipping a lemon soda is an experience in itself. Or, armed with your new-found knowledge of this incredible city, you might choose to wander independently. If you fancy it, a visit to the Buddhist centre of Sarnath (where the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon) makes for an fascinating excursion outside of the city.
Day 7
Khajuraho
Today, take a three-hour midday flight to Khajuraho, home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. Famed for their ornate sculptural detail, these temples are extraordinary – the carvings are very intricate and some are highly erotic, making this UNESCO World Heritage site one of the most fascinating and unusual you’ll explore.
Days 8 - 9
Orchha
Travel west with your driver today (around 4-5 hours) to reach the laidback town of Orchha, where tales of feudal chivalry and romance echo through its many temples and cenotaphs. Legend has it they once beguiled Lord Ram – and they’re no less bewitching today. This almost-hidden corner of Madhya Pradesh is a lovely place to slow down, sip chai, or venture into the surrounding countryside for a walk, cycle, or even a canoe ride.
In the evening, watch the sun sink behind a riverside cenotaph in the company of kingfishers and parakeets, or join an atmospheric Aarti ceremony in town.
Day 10
Gwalior
This morning, your driver will take you north to Gwalior (around a three-hour journey).
Explore the fort that the city is famed for and unravel its thousand-year history with your guide, then stay overnight in a former palace turned beautiful heritage hotel.
Days 11 - 13
Chambal
Today, it’s time for a tree-hour drive north to the remote Chambal Valley.
The Chambal river is one of the cleanest rivers in India and home to turtles, dolphins, exotic birds, and the rare gharial crocodile. Remote hamlets and ancient temple complexes line its banks, adding even more depth to the scene.
The best way to appreciate the wonders of this special landscape is to take to the calm waters with a skilled Chambal Safari boatman and an expert naturalist. As you drift along, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and soak up a world that is strangely connected to, and at the same time removed, from modern India.
Days 14 - 15
Delhi and fly home
Today, you’ll be driven back to Delhi – about a five-hour journey – ready for your flight home tomorrow. If you’ve not yet seen it, you could even fit in a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal along the way.
If that feels like a lot in one day, you might prefer to add another night in Delhi before heading home.
And if you have the luxury of time, why not extend your trip and relax in Goa or Kerala?
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
850 Reviews
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 journey captures the essence of India’s heartland, from Kolkata’s colonial charm and the spiritual energy of Varanasi to the temples of Khajuraho, the hidden beauty of Orchha and the wildlife and serenity of the Chambal River. It’s history, culture and nature in one unforgettable trip.”
Sara
India Specialist
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.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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.
