Experience the Real India: FULLY ESCORTED Travel at 60 Social Tour
This extraordinary itinerary is unlike anything else on the market — and it’s been made especially with over-60 travellers in mind!
Join Mohini, a much-loved member of our Aussie travel team, as she returns home to show you the “Real India” both on and off the beaten track.
We’ve negotiated directly with Mohini’s favourite local suppliers to ensure this immersive 16-day journey will give you maximum bang for your buck.
It’s not just about the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the majestic tigers at Ranthambore and the extravagance of Varanasi; on this itinerary you’ll find just as much joy in the local street food discoveries, secret hotspots and delightful detours.
With comfortable transfers each step of the way, and tour logistics already taken care of, and five unforgettable train journeys in the mix, this is your special chance to experience India just five months from now — and all with a great group of like-minded travellers!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of India as you explore captivating destinations. Begin your adventure in Delhi, where the bustling streets and historical landmarks showcase the vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. Marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, witnessing its stunning transformation from dusky pink to alabaster white at sunrise.
Continue to the regal city of Jaipur, known for its ornate palaces, vibrant bazaars, and the colorful Hawa Mahal. Immerse yourself in the wildlife wonders of Ranthambore National Park, seeking out endangered tigers amidst vine-covered ruins and misty lakes. Experience the spiritual and mystical aura of Varanasi, where ancient ghats along the Ganges River offer a glimpse into India's spiritual heart.
Journey to Amritsar, a city steeped in Sikh history and spirituality. Visit the Golden Temple, a symbol of religious tolerance and unity. Throughout your travels, savor the diverse cuisine, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality that make each destination unique. This odyssey through Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambore, Varanasi, and Amritsar promises a tapestry of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.
- 15 nights hotel accommodation
- 15 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 3 lunches
- All transfers, sightseeing & excursions by Air-conditioned vehicle
- Airport transfers
- 1 Evening street food tour with storyteller guide
- Fully escorted Delhi return
- Local English speaking Guide at sightseeing spots as per itinerary
- Tipping for driver and guide
- Bharatpur – JanShatabdi express - Executive Chair car
- Delhi – Varanasi – Delhi: Vande Bharat Executive Chair Car
- Delhi – Amritsar – Delhi: Vande Bharat Executive Chair Car
- 01 Hr Yoga Session at Jaipur with professional Trainer
- Boat ride on river ganges at Varanasi
- Two Jungle safari's at Ranthambore National Park
- One safari at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- 1L water bottle per person per day
- Services of a representative at the airport for arrival / departure transfer
Highlights:
- Visit of mesmerizing Taj Mahal
- Experience various Indian cuisines
- Jungle safari at national parks and sanctuary
- Attending river Ganges worship ceremony
- Attending Guard exchange ceremony at India Pakistan border
Your fare excludes:
- Any expenses of personal nature for e.g. laundry, drinks etc.
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
- Visa Fees
- Camera or Video Camera fees at monuments
- Any other services not mentioned above
Day 1: 3 September 2024 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, India's rambunctious capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
Day 2: 4 September 2024 - Delhi
After a lavish breakfast head off for a half day city tour of Delhi. New Delhi is a mix of modern and colonial - with elegant pockets of tree-lined boulevards and blinding-white Georgian colonnades. We drive past the presidential palace of Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate - built to commemorate Indian soldiers who died in WWI; stopping to visit Raj Ghat - the final resting place of Gandhi. Jama Masjid - It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, and inaugurated by its first Imam, Situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (today Old Delhi), it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the demise of the empire in 1857.
Enjoy a special traditional lunch at Haveli Dharampura. Return to the hotel for some free time to relax prior to dinner at the hotel.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: 5 September 2024 – Delhi - Agra ( 205 Kms / 4 Hrs drive)
Morning Visit Qutub Minar: The Qutb Minar, is a minaret and "victory tower" that forms part of the Qutb complex, which lies at the site of Delhi's oldest fortified city, Lal Kot, founded by the Tomar Rajputs.
Drive to Agra visiting Sikandra enroute. Sikandra is a mainly residential area known for the tombs of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wife, Mariam. The 17th-century Tomb of Akbar the Great is an ornate sandstone building inlaid with white marble.
We take a guided tour of the city. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, and while it remains the star of the show, the former capital of the Mughal empire has more imperial treasures in its trove.
Optional (additional cost):
Evening High Tea at Taj Khema Restaurant. Enjoy High Tea overlooking whitish gorgeous Taj Mahal.
- Hotel: Radisson / Grand Mercure
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: 6 September 2024 – Agra
This morning visit Agra Fort. Begun in 1565 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, this vast red sandstone fort was finished over successive reigns by his grandson and great-grandson. A proper family home, the finished result is 2.5km long and 21m high.
Afternoon visit Fatehpur Sikri: Renowned as “The City Of Victory”, it was founded by the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Exhibiting a fusion of Hindu, Jain and Islamic style of architecture, this city is built using the Red sandstone also called as the “Sikri Sandstone”.
Optional (additional cost) - Kalakriti Dance Show: The only daily live show in India. Our show "Mohabbat The Taj" is based on the story behind the construction of the love saga Taj Mahal. The 16th century era is portrayed on stage by our professional artists. We also have interpretation facilities in 10 foreign languages. The highlight of the show is that the biggest replica of Taj Mahal appears on the stage and a light and sound show mesmerizes you with the Taj in different moods.
- Hotel: Radisson / Grand Mercure
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: 7 September 2024 – Agra – Bharatpur – Ranthambore (4 hrs road and train journey)
This morning visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a famous avifauna sanctuary in Bharatpur that hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter season. Over 350 species of birds are known to be resident. Later, transfer to railiway station to board Kota Janshatabdi Express Train to Ranthambore. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel.
Sawai Madhopur - the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. Slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, the 1,000-year-old crumbling forts and tangled vines provide an Indiana Jones-esque backdrop for spotting India’s elusive Bengal tigers. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool ahead of tomorrow’s safaris.
There are two optional excursions (additional cost): a guided nature walk; or a visit to Dastkar to see the stunning handicrafts made by the women of the village in order to support their families.
- Hotel: Hotel Ananta Baagh
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: 8 September 2024 - Ranthambore
Today we go on a morning and afternoon safari drive in open-sided vehicles. The promise of tigers and leopards are the big cat draw of Ranthambore, we also keep a close watch for the park’s other residents amongst the scattered ruins and lakes - including hyena, sambar, wild boar, water buffalo and crocodile.
- Hotel: Hotel Ananta Baagh
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: 9 September 2024 - Ranthambore – Jaipur ( 190 Kms / 4.5 Hrs )
Today we leave for one of the points of Rajasthan’s famous Golden Triangle, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, drive by road to Jaipur. The jewel in Rajasthan’s already be jewelled crown, the pink-hued archways, bustling bazaars and carved palaces of Jaipur. Arriving mid-morning, the rest of the day is free. Early evening gather for a 1 hour yoga session with the professional trainer.
- Hotel: Hotel Sarovar Premier or Ramada
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: 10 September 2024 - Jaipur Full Day sightseeing
Today’s tour starts outside Jaipur at the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the Rajput empire. Seemingly carved out of the desert sandstone hillside, the palace complex rises majestically above a mirrored lake. Within the creamy coloured ramparts, we explore a maze of marble-inlaid halls, emerald-green gardens and sunken royal courtyards.
Back in Jaipur, we visit City Palace: The City Palace, Jaipur is a royal residence and former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Visit Jantar Mantar. Built in the 1720s, architectural and astronomical accuracy combine to reveal 18 huge stone sculptures, including a 27m-high sundial that can calculate the time to within two seconds. Not bad for a 300-year-old clock. We also drive past Hawa Mahal, ‘The Palace of the Winds’. Built in 1799 so that royal women could watch street processions while in purdah, like tiers on a wedding cake, layer after layer of intricately carved windows create Jaipur’s most recognisable site.
Enjoy a traditional Rajasthan Lunch at a Local Restaurant.
Optional (additional cost): Enjoy an Elephant ride at Amer Fort.
- Hotel: Hotel Sarovar Premier or Ramada
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9: 11 September 2024 – Jaipur – Delhi ( 250 Kms / 6 Hrs)
This morning we make our way to Delhi. In the afternoon visit Humayun Tomb. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Later there is free time to explore Janpath local market.
Enjoy dinner at Café Lota Delhi, a modern Indian restaurant reinventing classic dishes.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: 12 September 2024 – Delhi – Varanasi (8 Hrs Train journey)
This morning transfer to the Railway station to Board Vande Bharat Train to Varanasi. Mid afternoon check in to your hotel in Varanasi and freshen up for the walking food tour. This afternoon explore the local streets of Varanasi with a local storyteller guide and enjoy tasting the street foods. You'll stroll through the ancient city's streets trying different snacks from tried-and-tested food stalls and learn about local treats along the way. This evening attend Ganga Aarti Ceremony that would remind you of the ancient Vedic Rituals of fire and water.
- Hotel: Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: 13 September 2024 – Varanasi
Early morning enjoy a Boat ride on the River Ganges. The boat ride will pass through various ghats i.e. Man Mandir Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Visit Sarnath : Sarnath is where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. It is also where the Buddhist sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples.
Visit a local restaurant and enjoy a traditional Satvik Dinner. A satvik diet includes foods that are light and healthy. In Ayurvedic practice, satvik foods are thought to increase energy, happiness & calmness.
- Hotel: Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12: 14 September 2024 – Varanasi - Delhi(8 Hrs Train journey)
This morning visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara (IAST: Viśvanātha and Viśveśvara), literally meaning Lord of the Universe. This afternoon transfer to Railway station to board Vande Bharat Train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi late evening and transfer to your hotel.
Optional (additional cost): Packed dinner while on board train from Varanasi to Delhi
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: 15 September 2024 – Delhi – Amritsar (4 Hrs train journey)
This morning visit Akshardham Temple. 'Akshardham' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. This afternoon transfer to Railway station to board Vande Bharat Train to Amritsar. On arrival at Amritsar transfer to Hotel.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Regency or Courtyard by Marriott
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: 16 September 2024 - Amritsar
Amritsar is a city of extremes, where resplendent temples and artificial lakes provide moments of serenity and enlightenment amongst the beeping traffic and full-to-bursting bazaars. This morning’s tour takes us to Jallianwalah Bagh - a memorial to commemorate the Indians who died at the hands of British troops during a demonstration in 1919. We also visit a local bazaar and Durgiana Temple, or the Silver Temple - an elaborately carved Hindu temple built in the style of the city’s Golden Temple. This afternoon we travel to the border town of Wagah to see the changing of the guard - a military ceremony involving Indian and Pakistan troops that’s taken place each evening since 1959. Attended by hundreds, with loud cheering from both sides of the border, it’s quite the spectacle. This evening, we admire Amritsar’s crowning glory - the gilded domes and mirrored waters of the Golden Temple. The holiest site in the world for Sikhs, we visit a free community kitchen nearby that feeds thousands of pilgrims each day.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Regency or Courtyard by Marriott
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: 17 September 2024 – Amritsar – Delhi (4 Hrs train journey)
Transfer this morning to Amritsar Railway station to board Vande Bharat Train to Delhi. Late the afternoon visit Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a Baháʼí House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its lotus-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification.
Tonight is our last night together, celebrate the end of an amazing tour of India at our farewell dinner in the hotel.
- Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 16: 18 September 2024 - Delhi
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
*Please note the above itinerary is subject to change without notice.
One Date Only 03 - 18 September 2024
- From $3,999 per person twin share
- From $5,749 for Solo traveller
Call our team today 1300 414 198 to book. Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Note: prices are subject to change without notice.
- Delhi - Hotel Hyatt Centric or Radisson Dwarka
- Agra - Radisson / Grand Mercure
- Ranthambore - Hotel Ananta Baagh
- Jaipur - Hotel Sarovar Premier or Ramada
- Varanasi - Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
- Amritsar - Hotel Hyatt Regency or Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended flights for escorted tour from Brisbane
Departure flights - with Singapore Airlines
03 Sep 2024 (Tue) Brisbane 09:20 - Singapore 15:30 / 03 Sep 2024 (Tue) Singapore 16:50 -Delhi 20:10
Arrival flights - with Singapore Airlines
18 Sep 2024 (Wed) Delhi 09:00- Singapore 17:25 / 18 Sep 2024 (Wed) Singapore 2130 - 19 Sep (Thu) Brisbane 06:55
What are the visa requirements?
You must apply for a visa before arrival. Refer to Smartraveller.gov.au for full details. Check if you're eligible for an e-visa on the Indian Visa Online website. For information regarding other visa categories or entry and exit requirements, see the Indian High Commission in Australia website.
Indian Tourist e-Visas can be granted for 30 days, one year or five years. Additional conditions regarding the maximum length of stay may apply depending on the nationality shown on your passport. Detailed information regarding your visa validity and the maximum length of stay for each visa category can be found on the Indian Visa Online and Ministry of Home Affairs websites.
Is September a good time to travel to India?
of course, its the shoulder season. Average temperature 24-34 C during the day.
What is the dress code on this tour?
The dress code while on tour is very relaxed; however please note that clothing covering the arms and legs may be more appropriate when visiting religious buildings. Be sure to include your comfortable walking shoes. We suggest smart casual attire for the evenings.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A moderate level of fitness is required. Some days on tour will be longer than others. Excursions may require moderate walking at a steady pace, and you might be required to walk further distances, including over mixed terrain and up and down stairs. Wheelchairs or wheelie walkers will not be able to be accommodated on this tour.
How much money should carry for this tour?
Whilst on tour you will need to take enough money to cover the cost of any meals not included in the holiday and for drinks, tipping and other incidentals including shopping and optional activities. We recommend that you have access to more than one source of money while travelling in Asia - bringing some cash, a credit card and an ATM debit card (or travel card) will give you the most security and flexibility.
Counterfeit cash is a problem throughout Asia, so shop owners and clerks at banks or exchange desks are very cautious and can refuse to accept notes in bad condition. Do not accept any notes that are torn, very faded, a different shade, have ink stamps or writing on them. If you accept the notes or sign the exchange receipt and then notice a problem later, you will not be able to exchange them.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Please Note: traveler needs to arrive at New Delhi by 03 September 2024.
Cancellation Policy :
- A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person is required within 7 days.
- 75 Percent Cancellation charged if booking is cancelled between 60 to 16 Days Period to the date of arrival.
- 100 Percent Cancellation charged if booking is cancelled within 15 Days Period to the date of arrival.
Pricing Guideline for Optional Extras
- Day 3 - High Tea at Taj Khema - $8 Per person
- Day 4 - Kalakriti Dance show in Agra - $35 Per person
- Day 8 - Elephant ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur based on 2 Pax on one elephant - $10 Per Person
- Day 12 - Packed dinner while on board Varanasi to Delhi- $15 Per Person - (Suggestive Menu - Fried rice, Sandwich, one fruit, one Pack of Juice, 01 stuffed Paratha, 01 curd, Sauté Vegetables)