Depart on your flight to Mumbai.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
See three contrasting sides of India on this journey from vibrant Mumbai into Gujarat and on through rural Rajasthan. Gujarat sits mid-way between Mumbai and Rajasthan, and this itinerary incorporates both into the trip.
Set off on an adventure through Mumbai’s vibrant cityscape, delve into Gujarat’s historical treasures and sample its diverse cuisine. End your adventure in Udaipur, where lakes and palaces create an unforgettable backdrop.
Rural Gujarat & Rajasthan
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
Mumbai
Arrive in India’s largest city and dive in with a guided food tour. Explore the bustling Khao Gaullis (eating lanes) and sample classic Mumbai dishes like behl puri and pav bhaji. The next day you’ll delve deeper into the inner workings of the city by taking a multi-transport tour, using buses and trains (and your feet) to discover sites like the Afghan Church and the Hanging Gardens of Malabar Hill. You’ll also see the Dabbawallas (lunch couriers) set off on their daily rounds and visit the vast open-air laundry, Dhobi Ghat.
Days 4 - 6
Bhuj
Depart Mumbai on a short flight to Bhuj in Gujarat. Bhuj is known for its impressive palaces and the many arts and crafts, such as block printing, that are being preserved in the surrounding villages.
There is plenty of time to explore the area’s villages, visiting local artisans, workshops, and markets; immerse yourself in their vibrant cultures and witness the intricate skills of the traditional craftsmen.
Day 7
Bhuj - Muli
Travel to Muli where history and culture blend with artistic charm and vibrant festivals. Explore the restored Ambika Nivas Palace for a glimpse into the state’s heritage before heading to the nearly village of Somsar. Here you’ll experience the traditional art of IKAT weaving and visit the Swaminarayan Temple, known for its intricate wooden craftsmanship. The day will conclude with an evening AARTi ceremony at Ambika Nivas Palace.
Day 8
Muli – Wadhwan – Dasada
Drive to Dasada, stopping at the town of Wadhwan to the making of copper utensils and visit the Madhavav Stepwell and Shiva Temple. Enjoy lunch at Little Rann of Kutch and take the afternoon to relax and unwind.
Day 9
Little Rann of Kutch
Explore the wildlife and nature of the otherworldly Little Rann of Kutch on morning and afternoon safaris. First, you’ll explore the sanctuary to see the last remaining population of Indian Wild Ass. Keep your eyes peeled for an array of bird species, too, notably flamingos, eagles, pelicans, stalks, and cranes.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit local villages and learn about their local crafts and culture in this unusual environment.
Day 10
Onwards to Rajasthan
Begin your journey to Dungarpur in Rajasthan; the day is full of interesting stops to break up the journey. You’ll visit the 11th-century Sun Temple of Modhera, known for its detailed carvings and as a representation of medieval Hindu culture. Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rani Ki Vav, one of the oldest step-wells in Gujarat, with carved pillars and over 800 sculptures. Arrive in Dungarpur and check in to your hotel for the night.
Day 11
Dungarpar
Today, your unique palatial hotel is your destination. Spend the day by the pool, browsing the private museum’s photographs and paintings, or wander around the extensive collection of vintage cars. There are even ancient temples hidden in the forest grounds of the property. If you wish to venture outside and explore a little further, there are various sites of interest – for example, Badal Mahal is a splendid place on the banks of the lake known for it’s elaborate design.
Day 12
Dungarpur – Udaipur
Say goodbye to your palatial residence and head to the magical city of Udaipur.
Days 13 - 14
Udaipur
Spend two days amongst the rolling hills and picturesque lakes of Udaipur, India’s most romantic city. Take a tour of the city, starting at the City Palace complex before exploring vibrant markets and bazaars and ending in the charming Garden of the Maid of Honour.
Finally, take a scenic boat tour on the placid waters of the lake and take in the views of the City Palace.
Day 15
Fly home
Set off back to Mumbai for your flight home, or continue your trip further into Rajasthan.
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Ian
28 February 2025Excellent
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.
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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Udaipur, India
Amet Haveli
Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, Amet Haveli offers uninterrupted views of Udaipur’s City Palace and the iconic Taj Lake Palace. Once used by Maharanas as an evening pleasure garden, this 350-year-old haveli now hosts travellers seeking a charming base in the City of Lakes.
Highlights
Highlights
Heritage ambience,
Lakeside dining
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Solos
Gallery
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Gujarat, India
Rann Riders Resort
Set on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, Rann Riders Resort is a rustic but welcoming base for exploring one of Gujarat’s most unique landscapes. Blending local craftsmanship with ecological design, the resort has a distinct village aesthetic and a focus on showcasing the region’s wildlife, wilderness and traditional culture.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife safaris,
Traditional-style cottages,
Rural desert setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Birdwatchers
Gallery
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Mumbai, India
Taj Mahal Palace
Overlooking the Arabian Sea beside Mumbai’s Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of India’s most iconic heritage properties. Built in 1903, its ornate blend of Moorish, Florentine and Oriental architecture makes a dramatic impression both inside and out. The palace wing is a celebration of regal Indian design, from Belgian chandeliers to historic tribal artefacts, while the newer tower wing provides a more contemporary experience. Service is refined, the atmosphere quietly luxurious, and the harbourfront location hard to beat.
Highlights
Highlights
Waterfront location,
Historic architecture,
Grand luxury
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Culture Seekers,
Business Travellers
Gallery
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Gujarat, India
The Bhuj House
Set in the heart of Bhuj, The Bhuj House is a restored heritage haveli offering a rare chance to experience traditional Kutchi culture in a warm and personal setting. With just four rooms arranged around a leafy courtyard, this historic home feels both intimate and atmospheric, a quiet escape from the bustle of the town outside.
Highlights
Highlights
Intimate courtyard setting
Best for
Families,
Groups,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
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Rajasthan, India
Udai Bilas Palace
Perched on the banks of Gaibsagar Lake, Udai Bilas Palace is a majestic blend of regal history, intricate architecture, and serene natural beauty. Once the private residence of Dungarpur’s royal family, it now welcomes travellers seeking an atmospheric and memorable stay.
Highlights
Highlights
Royal heritage,
Lakeside setting
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
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.
View Experience Page
Gujarat, India
Gir Wildlife Safari
Set off on a captivating safari into the Gir National Park, a sanctuary that has evolved into the last bastion for the endangered Asiatic lion since its establishment in 1965. The heart of the park, a 259-sq-km core area declared a national park in 1975, serves as a haven for these majestic creatures and has a remarkable success story of lion conservation – numbers surged from less than 200 in the late 1960s to an impressive 674 in the 2020 census.
The park’s dense forests and rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop for an immersive safari experience. Traverse the undisturbed landscapes, keeping watch for the revered Asiatic lions and a diverse range of wildlife, including chital deer, four-horned antelopes, gazelles, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard. The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with over 300 species of endemic and migratory birds.
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Rajasthan, India
Craft & Heritage Walk of Old Jaipur
Although most tourists visit Jaipur to view its incredible forts and palaces, there are many visitors who come to purchase some of the astonishing range of handicrafts for which the city is famous for producing.
On our exclusive and privately guided walking tour, explore the fascinating Old Quarter, where you will find most of the city’s master tradespeople. There is an incredible energy around this part of Jaipur as the locals and the incoming buyers take their shopping here extremely seriously. Walking around you will notice Indians who have been coming from far and wide to buy everything they need for their extravagant weddings.
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.
