Grand Tour of India

Physical Rating - Level2

Group Tour

fully inclusive

Become acquainted with one of the most vibrant countries in the world. Embark on a journey, from the deserts of Rajasthan in the north, to the backwaters of Kerala in the south to experience the land of extraordinary contrasts.

Tour Highlights

Delhi

Varanasi

Agra

Kerala

Delhi

Discover architectural masterpieces in Delhi, Old and New

Varanasi

Take a cruise on India’s holiest river, the Ganges

Agra

Watch a spectacular sunrise over India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal

Kerala

Relax as you cruise through the stillness of these tranquil backwaters

What's Included

28 Day Grand Tour of India Tour Itinerary

Our Grand Tour of India itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO DELHI

Fly to Delhi for a two-night stay.

DAY 2: DELHI CITY TOUR

Explore Old Delhi with a walk through Chandni Chowk Bazaar to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, then take a Rickshaw ride to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market. After lunch, view India Gate and Parliament House before exploring Gandhi Smriti and Qutab Minar.

DAY 3: FLY TO VARANASI

Fly to Varanasi this morning. The oldest living city in India and the religious capital of Hinduism, it is situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the bathing ghats (steps) each day to worship. Visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath, where the ruins date back to as far as the 3rd century BC.

DAY 4: DISCOVER VARANASI

Rise early this morning to commence a cruise on the River Ganges to view the ghats at sunrise when they are abuzz with activity. Explore the city before enjoying some time at leisure. Later, return to the ghats of the River Ganges by rickshaw, to witness the Puja ceremony of Ganga Aarti, a Hindu devotional ritual.

DAY 5: KHAJURAHO’S TEMPLES

Fly to Khajuraho. This afternoon marvel at some of the world’s finest temple architecture at the Western and Eastern Groups of temples. In the Western Group, the most important temple is the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the Vamana Temple and the Javari Temple. The Eastern Group of temples represent some of the finest Jain temples including Parsvanatha, Adinath and Ghantai temples. This evening enjoy a dance display.

DAY 6: TRAIN TO AGRA

Travel via Orchha to Jhansi and board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, arriving in the evening.

DAY 7: TAJ MAHAL

Rise early to see sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Later, visit a marble inlay workshop and Agra Fort.

DAYS 8-9: RANTHAMBORE

Drive to Ranthambore National Park, home to leopards, hyena, bears and tigers. Stop at the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. The next day enjoy both an early morning and an afternoon canter safari.

DAY 10: JOURNEY TO JAIPUR

Journey to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur for a two-night stay.

DAY 11: EXPLORE JAIPUR

Begin the day with a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’, before travelling out of the city to admire the majestic Amer Fort. Back in Jaipur visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Later browse the local bazaar at Choti Choper before a traditional dinner and a dance performance.

DAYS 12-13: PUSHKAR AND KHIMSAR

Travel to Pushkar. Sat on the banks of one of India’s most sacred lakes, there are 52 ghats used for worship by Hindu pilgrims. This afternoon visit the lake and the Brahma Temple before a camel cart ride to witness the sunset in the desert. The next day continue on to Khimsar, perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India. Spend the afternoon exploring the local area.

DAY 14: KHIMSAR TO JAISALMER

Drive to Jaisalmer and visit Sunset Point for spectacular views.

DAY 15: EXPLORE JAISALMER

Visit Jaisalmer Fort, a Jain temple complex, and Badal Vilas Palace. Later, visit the Sam Sand Dunes and take a camel ride.

DAY 16: MEHRANGARH FORT

Journey to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan located at the entrance to the Thar Desert in a region called Marwar. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada Memorial, the museum located in Umaid Bhawan Palace and the local vegetable and spice market.

DAY 17: BISHNOI VILLAGE

Enjoy a jeep safari to Rohetgarh to visit a Bishnoi village. The Bishnois were founded in the 15th century by Jambeswarji, and follow 29 principles of a nonviolent Vaishanavas sect.

DAY 18: LAKE PICHOLA

Travel to Udaipur, visiting the Jain temples of Ranakpur en route. This afternoon cruise on Lake Pichola.

DAY 19: DISCOVER UDAIPUR

Explore the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery, Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, the magnificent City Palace and the local bazaar.

DAYS 20-21: JOURNEY TO AURANGABAD

Fly to Aurangabad (via Mumbai). Tomorrow, visit the caves of Ajanta.

DAY 22: ELLORA CAVES

Discover the Ellora Caves, which date back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD. Later, fly to Mumbai.

DAY 23: MUMBAI CITY TOUR

Tour Mumbai, including the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and Chowpatty Beach. Stop at Dhobi Ghat, the Crawford Market, Flora Fountain, Kamala Nehru Park and Mani Bhavan. This evening, fly to Kochi.

DAY 24: EXPLORE KOCHI

Visit the Dutch Palace and Fort Kochi. See the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance this evening.

DAY 25: KERALA BACKWATERS

Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi before driving to Nedumudy to board your overnight houseboat and cruise the backwaters.

DAY 26: TRAVEL TO KOVALAM

Disembark your houseboat in Alleppey and travel to Kovalam.

DAYS 27-28: KOVALAM –DEPART TRIVANDRUM TO AUSTRALIA

Explore Trivandrum before transferring to the airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Customary tipping amount of approximately US$150 (AU$217) is paid locally in India.

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Departures from CBR, CNS HBA, DRW and other cities, please contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre or post tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.

Single Supplement from $2,100.

27 Feb 2020 departure coincides with wonderful Holi Festival celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

Useful Information

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights. View Hotels Here

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to India. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. A myth about India is that the food is of poor quality and always spicy. This is definitely not the case! In addition, a great deal of Indian cuisine is vegetarian. Drinks are at your own expense. Beer is widely available. Bottled drinking water and soft drinks are widely available – you should only have ice, juices, or lassies from a trusted source that uses boiled or bottled water.