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.
See More
Rajasthan, India
Chambal Safari Lodge
Surrounded by scrubland, riverbanks and history, Chambal Safari Lodge is a tranquil wildlife retreat just an hour from the Taj Mahal. A former 19th-century stable block turned eco-lodge, it offers bird-filled gardens, comfortable heritage cottages and remarkable excursions along the Chambal River. With a laidback, family-run charm and rich wildlife experiences, it’s an offbeat gem in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Highlights
Highlights
River safaris,
Bateshwar temples
Best for
Couples,
Birdwatchers,
Curious Explorers
Gallery
See More
Madhya Pradesh, India
Amar Mahal
Set in the quiet riverside town of Orchha, Amar Mahal is a peaceful retreat with views of the town’s ancient temples and palaces. With a relaxed atmosphere, a central pool, and rooftop dining overlooking centuries-old monuments, this hotel offers a simple yet scenic base for exploring one of Madhya Pradesh’s hidden gems.
Highlights
Highlights
Heritage setting,
Rooftop views
Best for
Couples
Gallery
See More
Kolkata, India
Calcutta Bungalow
In a historic corner of North Kolkata, Calcutta Bungalow is a restored 1920s merchant’s house turned heritage guesthouse. With just six unique rooms, a leafy terrace, and sustainable credentials throughout, this characterful retreat offers a glimpse into the soul of Bengali life. Expect a warm welcome, colourful interiors, and a peaceful base to explore the city’s cultural layers.
Highlights
Highlights
Heritage restoration,
Local immersion
Best for
Couples,
Solos
Gallery
See More
Madhya Pradesh, India
The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho
Overlooking the western group of Khajuraho’s iconic UNESCO-listed temples, The Lalit Temple View offers a peaceful and well-equipped base in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. With manicured gardens, a serene pool, and a superb location for exploring this fascinating site, it’s a dependable and comfortable choice.
Highlights
Highlights
Direct views of Khajuraho temples,
Landscaped gardens,
Pool and spa
Best for
Couples,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
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.
View Experience Page
Kolkata, India
The Kolkata City Experience
On this tour you will start with a visit to Kolkata’s most famous monument, the Victoria Memorial, which is set in beautiful grounds. You’ll then take a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata, starting at BBD Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. Much of Kolkata’s finest colonial architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses the secretariat of the state and is the central business hub of the city.
Then visit the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, St John’s Church and several other Raj-era buildings. Next, drive north to visit a traditional bazaar in “Black Town”, as well as the potter’s colony of Kumartuli. Lunch will be at a fantastic local restaurant, after which you will take a short journey on the historical tram, which is the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902. The carriages are basic and you can stay on for as little or as long as you like.
Kolkata is a town to experience, rather than just tick off the sites.
View Experience Page
Varanasi, India
Early Morning Ganges Boat Ride
Early this morning take sunrise boat excursion on the holy River Ganges. At dawn when it is full of pilgrims it’s an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river. See people bathing in the holy water and worshiping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. It is believed, if you die in Varanasi, you go straight to heaven.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Uttar Pradesh, India
Temples, Ghats & Wildlife in the Chambal Valley
The calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored by boat and a river safari provides a great opportunity to view the wildlife. The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them, and the trained naturalists who accompany you will provide expert information about everything that you see. Opportunities to go on Crane and blackbuck safaris are also available in this beautiful, remote region.
Alternatively the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna, 10 km from the Chambal Safari Lodge, consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshipping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. The local Ghats and aarti ceremonies provide a calmer and quieter experience to that of frenetic Varanasi too.
View Experience Page
Delhi, India
Old Delhi Street Food Tour
Take a street food tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. Visit selected food stalls to sample the myriad of dishes on offer such as thick and juicy jalebis; aloo chaat crispy fried potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and parantha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits. For dessert, try the deliciously creamy phirni which is served in earthenware pots, and end your walk with an exotic fruit-flavoured Kulfi ice cream. This is a wonderful chance not only to experience some true culinary delights but also to go behind the scenes and meet some of the chefs, bakers and families who have been providing fabulous food here for generations.
View Experience Page
Madhya Pradesh, India
Gwalior Fort
This massive fort, 3km in length, has dominated Gwalior since it was built in the 15th century and to this day can be seen from every point in the city.
Long regarded as the most impregnable of central India’s impressive array of Imposing forts, Gwalior Fort was built at a vantage point 100m above the rest of the city and has huge thick sandstone walls, enclosing the palace within.
Emperor Babar who was inspired by this imposing structure described it “the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind.” To see whether you agree with the great emperor, your local guide will bring the magnificent fort to life, with some telling anecdotes and a cunning route around the fort.
View Experience Page
Madhya Pradesh, India
Satpura National Park Safari
If you enjoy visiting wildlife sanctuaries without the crowds, Satpura National Park, deep in Madhya Pradesh, is a great option. It’s very much the wildlife connoisseur’s choice: access is not easy, and there are only a few accommodation options (though they are very good!).
Satpura is the only park in India where a variety of safari options are available. In addition to the usual Jeep safari, canoeing and boating safaris are also possible, as are walking safaris through the core area of the park. This, combined with the fact that the park attracts very few other visitors, means that you’ll get a much richer and more immersive wildlife experience.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Madhya Pradesh, India
Bhopal Heritage Walk
It is always said that the best way to get under the skin of a city is to spend time with a knowledgeable local. Our signature Bhopal experience is guided by a man obsessed with the city of lakes and its proud history and keen to demonstrate that there is so much to the city than the legacy of the great industrial disaster which wreaked havoc here.
Absorb the typical Bhopali way of life as you wander around and visit the old monuments with your guide. It’s a great way to discover the unique heritage of this fascinating city.
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.
