Depart 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.
You’ll explore India’s history through its cities – each revealing a different facet of the British Raj – before venturing into the countryside for a more tranquil rhythm of life. With its mix of grand architecture, warm hospitality and captivating contrasts, this journey captures the depth and diversity of India at every turn.
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 guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your opulent hotel.
During your time here, in order to get a sense of this sometimes chaotic, sprawling and disorientating city, you’ll take a guided exploration of both Old and New Delhi, taking in the main sites, but also building up a sense of where you are: taking in the sights and smells. You’ll be taken by vehicle and rickshaw and guided on foot too, so you can get as close as possible to the incredible action.
Day 4
Delhi to Shimla by train (express and toy 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 transfer by road to Kandaghat where you’ll board the narrow gauge railway (toy train) to Shimla in the north-west Himalayas. A journey by toy train is a brilliant way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region winding your way through forested hills of fir, pines, walnut, and apricots, corn, capsicum and paddy fields.
Day 5
Shimla
Shimla was once the summer capital of colonial India and today you will explore its heritage zone with a local historian. You’ll explore a number of buildings from the British Raj including the grand Viceregal Lodge where, in 1947, the decision was made to partition India and the two countries that became India and Pakistan.
Day 6
Shimla (hike to Shali Tibba)
Today you have 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, and from the peak you get an unforgettable view of endless snow covered ranges.
Days 7 - 10
Lucknow
Transfer by road to Chandigarh airport which takes around four hours. From here you’ll fly to the multi-cultural city of Lucknow where, upon arrival, your new driver will meet you for the transfer to your hotel.
During your time in Lucknow you’ll enjoy guided tours of the varied historic architecture including a morning tour specifically focussing on the European influenced buildings and an evening tour exploring the Victorian era. Here you’ll also enjoy an evening heritage walking tour of the Gol Darwaza, the main market, where you’ll enter a bygone era and you’ll have chance to view an exclusive film about Gandhi. You’ll even have chance to sample and learn how to cook some original Awadhi cuisine (including delicious 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, a hub of Bengali culture where slums and shopping malls are interspersed with beautiful colonial architecture.
Days 11 - 12
Kolkata
During your time in Kolkata you’ll take guided walking tours of the vibrant and diverse city, a fascinating way to explore. You’ll also take a short journey on the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902. An evening sunset river cruise on the Ganges will give you stunning views of Kolkata at night and will include a visit to Dakshineswar Hindu temple with its beautiful gardens and excellent views.
Days 13 - 14
Rural West Bengal
You will be collected from your hotel in Kolkata and transferred south through greater Kolkata to Bawali by road, which should take two hours or so.
After you have settled into your room at the stunning and intricately restored Rajbari Bawali you are free to relax – use the pool, have a massage or walk around the village.
Over the next 2 days you can continue to relax or take part in Bengali cooking classes, village walks or bike rides, boat rides on the Hooghly or you can learn about the history of this stunning property.
Day 15
Fly home
Today your driver will transfer you to 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 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.
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.
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Himachal Pradesh, India
The Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Set high in the Himalayan foothills at the quieter end of Shimla’s famous Mall Road, the Oberoi Cecil is a restored grand heritage hotel brimming with colonial charm. A former favourite of British Raj elites, it retains the elegance of its origins with polished wood interiors, vintage touches, and panoramic valley views.
Highlights
Highlights
Colonial charm,
Sweeping Himalayan views
Best for
Couples,
Families
Gallery
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Kolkata, India
The Oberoi Grand
A Colonial-era landmark in the heart of Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand combines stately charm with comfort, providing a welcome sanctuary from the city’s chaos. Set on Chowringhee Road, the hotel offers elegant interiors, excellent service, and a central location perfect for exploring Kolkata’s cultural highlights.
Highlights
Highlights
Peaceful courtyard,
Heritage charm,
Iconic bar with live jazz
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture seekers
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Uttar Pradesh, India
Saraca, Lucknow
Saraca offers a calm and elegant base in the heart of lively Lucknow. A beautifully restored colonial-era mansion set within manicured gardens, it blends early 1900s charm with thoughtful, modern hospitality.
Highlights
Highlights
Colonial-era architecture,
Refined Lucknowi cuisine,
Art Deco interiors
Best for
Couples
Gallery
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Delhi, India
The Claridges
Set among leafy avenues in one of New Delhi’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, The Claridges blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts. Built in 1952 and recently renovated, it offers a refined atmosphere with a pool, gardens, and easy access to the capital’s key cultural and commercial sights.
Highlights
Highlights
Historic charm,
Central location,
Elegant garden setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Business Travellers
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West Bengal, India
The Rajbari Bawali
A regal retreat just two hours from Kolkata, The Rajbari Bawali is a peaceful sanctuary steeped in heritage. Once the grand seat of the Zamindars, this 300-year-old palace has been lovingly restored and now offers a unique blend of faded opulence, rural charm, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Highlights
Restored palace,
Rural tranquillity
Best for
Couples,
Families,
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.
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Uttarakhand, India
Corbett National Park Wildlife Safari
Corbett National Park, once the nobility’s favoured northern hunting ground, is nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the ancient Shivalik Hills, and was the first reserve to be established in 1936 as a national park. It is a green and lush region which extends over 1,300sq km, and is made up of grassland and forests. The Ramganga River bisects the forest and forms a reservoir at its centre. The park protects wild elephants, tigers and sloth bears, nearly 600 domestic and transitory birds, and remarkably rare reptiles.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
