Heart & Soul of India
New
Kick off in Delhi and finish back in Delhi – an 18 day journey that blends iconic cities, sacred rivers and UNESCO wonders. You’ll explore Old and New Delhi, then fly to Varanasi for sunrise and sunset boat rides on the Ganges and a visit to Sarnath. Continue to Mumbai’s boulevards, markets and heritage landmarks. Fly to Aurangabad for the spellbinding Ajanta and Ellora caves, plus Daulatabad Fort. In Rajasthan, expect to see Udaipur’s lakeside palaces, Jodhpur’s mighty Mehrangarh, Pushkar’s ghats and Jaipur’s Amer Fort and pink city sights. Round off with Agra’s Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri – with comfortable pacing throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
18 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
New DelhiEnds
DelhiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$7,885.00
$4,289.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
New Delhi
Delhi
Varanasi
Varanasi Division
Mumbai
Aurangabad
Ajanta
Ellora
Udaipur
Jodhpur
Jodhpur Division
Pushkar
Jaipur
Abhaneri
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - New Delhi - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. On landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax and recover from the journey. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Delhi - New Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full day city tour – beginning in Old Delhi, where we visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and the Khari Baoli spice market. We also enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes. After lunch, we continue into New Delhi to see Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple. We then drive through the ceremonial avenues past the President’s House, Parliament House, India Gate and the war memorial within India Gate. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Delhi - Varanasi
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Varanasi – one of India’s oldest and holiest cities. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel and have time to settle in. In the evening, we take a boat ride to witness the aarti ceremony at Dasashwamedh Ghat – a powerful daily ritual of prayers and light. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Varanasi
Varanasi We start at dawn with a boat ride along the Ganges and a walk by the ghats – riverside steps where devotees bathe and offer prayers. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then continue on a city tour taking in Banaras Hindu University and the Ramnagar Fort Palace. In the afternoon we drive to Sarnath – one of Buddhism’s holiest sites and the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC – to explore its temples reflecting diverse Buddhist traditions. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Varanasi - Mumbai
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. On arrival, we’ll be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax, take a stroll for a first glimpse of the city, and explore local markets and restaurants at your own pace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Mumbai
Mumbai After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a city tour. We drive along Marine Drive – one of the city’s finest seaside boulevards – then pass Parliament House – the Maharashtra State Assembly building – viewed from outside. We see Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) from the outside – formerly Victoria Terminus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit Dhobi Ghat to watch the open‑air laundry at work, then continue to the Prince of Wales Museum (closed Mondays) to view its heritage collections of ancient artefacts. We also visit Mani Bhawan – Gandhi’s former base in the city, now a museum – and Mount Mary Church, rebuilt in 1761 and an important place of worship. In the evening, we visit the ISKCON Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Mumbai - Aurangabad
After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad. On arrival, we’ll assist and take you to your hotel. Later, we visit Bibi ka Maqbara – built by Azam Shah in 1678 as a tribute to his mother – and Panchakki, a historic water mill fed by an underground channel with its source around 6 kilometres away in the mountains. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Aurangabad
Aurangabad – Ajanta (105 km – about 2 hours each way). After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves (closed on Mondays) for a full day of exploration. Discovered by British officers in 1819, the 30 Buddhist caves predate Ellora and date from around 200 BCE to 650 CE. Inside, we see sculptures and paintings depicting the Buddha’s life and his previous births. Five caves are chaityas – places of worship – and the remaining 25 are viharas – monasteries – reflecting both Hinayana and Mahayana traditions. In the evening, we return to the hotel in Aurangabad for overnight.
Day 9 - Aurangabad - Mumbai
After breakfast, we drive 36 km – about 1 hour one way – from Aurangabad to Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (closed on Tuesdays). We explore its ensemble of 34 monasteries and temples dating from around AD 600 to 1000, and visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On the return, we stop at Daulatabad Fort – a formidable stronghold of the medieval Deccan. After the visits, we transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, we provide assistance and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 10 - Mumbai - Udaipur
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Udaipur. On arrival, we provide assistance and a transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, followed by the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Udaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full day city tour of Udaipur, taking in its fort, palaces, havelis, gardens and temples. In the evening, we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Udaipur to Jodhpur – approximately 265 km, around 5 hours. En route, we visit either Ranakpur Jain Temple or Kumbhalgarh Fort, according to your preference. On arrival in Jodhpur, we check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or pursue personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 - Jodhpur
After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day discovering Jodhpur. We explore Mehrangarh Fort, visit the Jaswant Thada – a graceful marble cenotaph – and continue to the visiting areas and museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace. Later, we drive to Mandore to see its temples, chhatris and gardens. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 - Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur
After breakfast, we drive Jodhpur – Pushkar – Jaipur, covering about 330 km – around 6 hours – with a stop to visit Pushkar en route. On arrival in Jaipur, we check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax or visit the local market with your driver. If you wish, you can end the evening with a Bollywood film at the opulent Rajmandir Cinema. Overnight at Taj Rambagh Palace or The Oberoi Rajvilas Palace.
Day 15 - Jaipur
Jaipur – After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, including a jeep ride at Amer Fort. Later, we explore the city’s key monuments, taking in the City Palace, the Observatory, the Palace of Winds, Albert Hall Museum and Birla Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 - Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast in Jaipur, we drive 245 km – around 5 hrs – to Agra, stopping en route at Abhaneri, a small village known for its remarkable stepwells and a Hindu temple. We continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the evocative 16th century ghost town, for a visit before completing the journey. On arrival in Agra, we check in to the hotel. In the evening, we watch the live show Mohabbat the Taj. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 - Agra - Delhi
An early start for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, followed by breakfast back at the hotel. Later, we visit Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad–ud–Daula. In the afternoon we drive to Delhi – about 204 kilometres, roughly four hours – and check in to the hotel. You have the rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport in line with your flight schedule to board your onward flight. If your departure is later in the day, you can spend some free time relaxing at the hotel until it’s time to leave.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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