850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary offers a vivid insight into North and East India: from Delhi’s fascinating blend of old and new to the colonial echoes of Shimla, Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage and the vibrant energy of Kolkata.
Along the way, you’ll travel through ever-changing landscapes, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the rural beauty of West Bengal.
History runs through every stop, but this is not a checklist trip. We’ve built in time to walk, to eat well and to let things land — and the rural calm of West Bengal at the end is deliberate: a quieter rhythm after the intensity of the cities, and a reminder that India is at its most rewarding when you slow down.
Footsteps of The Raj
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
Your driver and guide will welcome you to India and transfer you to your hotel.
Over two days, you’ll explore both Old and New Delhi with your guide; taking in the main sites, but also simply getting to grips with this sometimes chaotic, sprawling city: its sights, its smells, its energy.
You’ll travel by car, hop in a rickshaw and explore on foot, getting as close to the action as possible.
Day 4
Delhi to Shimla by train
Today, your driver will see you off on the Shatabdi Express and you’ll take a 3.5 hour journey to Chandigarh. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to Kandaghat, where you board the narrow-gauge toy train for the final climb to Shimla.
It is a brilliant way to take in the natural beauty of the region — winding through forested hills of fir, pine, walnut and apricot, past corn, capsicum and paddy fields, and through hillside villages that feel a world away from Delhi.
Day 5
Shimla
Once the summer capital of colonial India, Shimla still carries that history in its bones. Today you’ll explore its heritage zone with a local historian, taking in the grand buildings of the Raj including the Viceregal Lodge — where, in 1947, the decision was made to partition India into the two countries that became India and Pakistan.
Day 6
Shimla (hike to Shali Tibba)
Today you have the chance for a truly memorable trek up Shali Tibba, the highest peak in the vicinity of Shimla. The ascent is steep and steady, following an ancient trail through dense pine forests and alpine pastures. From the summit, the views stretch across endless snow-covered ranges — well worth every step of the climb.
Days 7 - 10
Lucknow
Your driver will whisk you along to Chandigarh airport (around four hours away), where you’ll board your flight to the multi-cultural city of Lucknow. A new driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Lucknow is one of North India’s most rewarding and lesser-visited cities. During your time here, you’ll explore its varied historic architecture across two guided tours: a morning focused on European-influenced buildings and an evening walk through the Victorian-era city. There is also a heritage walking tour of the Gol Darwaza market — a step back into another era — and the chance to watch an exclusive film about Gandhi.
You’ll also get hands-on in a private Awadhi cooking class, learning to prepare some of the region’s most distinctive dishes, including the celebrated pasanda lamb kebabs.
Day 10
Lucknow to Kolkata
Late this afternoon, you’ll fly from Lucknow to Kolkata, the former capital of British India; a riot of colour and a hub of Bengali culture, where slums and shopping malls sit alongside beautiful colonial architecture.
Days 11 - 12
Kolkata
Guided walking tours are the best way to get under the skin of this vibrant, layered city, and that is how we’ll arrange your time here. You’ll also take a short journey on the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902.
An evening sunset cruise on the Hooghly gives you scenic views of Kolkata at night, with a visit to the Dakshineswar Hindu temple, its beautiful gardens and the wide river views beyond.
Days 13 - 14
Rural West Bengal
Today, your driver will collect you from your Kolkata hotel and take you south to Bawali — around two hours by road. Once you have settled into Rajbari Bawali, an intricately restored manor, you are free to set your own pace. Relax by the pool, have a massage or walk through the village.
Over the following two days, you can continue to unwind or take part in Bengali cooking classes, village walks or bike rides, boat rides on the Hooghly, or simply spend time learning about the remarkable history of the property itself.
Day 15
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at Kolkata 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.
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.
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.
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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.
