Essential India (4 Star Hotels)
Essential India (4 Star Hotels)
Essential India (4 Star Hotels)
9 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IE1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 35
Age range:
18-59
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure through the vibrant heart of India with our meticulously crafted tour. Discover the captivating blend of history, culture, and wildlife as you traverse the iconic cities of New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Gurgaon, while also immersing yourself in the natural splendors of Ranthambore National Park. Visit Delhi and marvel at the impressive architecture of historical monuments such as the majestic Qutub Minar. Explore the grandeur of Agra Fort and other architectural wonders that will transport you back in time. Prepare for an exhilarating experience at Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. Embark on thrilling safaris to spot majestic tigers, along with other exotic wildlife species in their natural habitat. The modern metropolis of Gurgaon is the perfect finish for your India vacation with its cutting-edge infrastructure and lively ambiance. Book your 9-day India tour now and join us for an enchanting journey that promises to leave you with cherished memories of India’s diverse tapestry.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Greetings to India! Look out for the Travel Talk sign at the airport as we'll be there to pick you up and transfer you to our hotel in Delhi.
At 6:30 pm, gather in the lobby for a casual meeting with your guide and fellow group members to discuss your upcoming tour in India.
Following that, you'll have leisure time to unwind and recover after your long flight or, if you prefer, join an optional group dinner to get acquainted with your fellow travelers and toast to exciting new adventures and friendships ahead!
Accommodation
Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara - 4 Star - Or similar
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
 Group Dinner
Day 2: Delhi City Tour
At around 8:30 am today, you'll begin your sightseeing tour in Delhi with your guide.
Old Delhi unveils the enchanting charm of India's history, culture, and traditions, while the captivating New Delhi showcases the modern face of the country.
Begin with a visit to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosque.
Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk, Asia's largest wholesale market, teeming with shops, bazaars, and vibrant life.
Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
Pay respects at Raj Ghat, a simple yet powerful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Continuing to New Delhi, witness the British legacy with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar.
The Imperial Delhi part of the tour includes a drive past India Gate, a monumental war memorial arch, as well as the Parliament House, Secretariat buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace
Accommodation
Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Delhi
Sightseeing of Raj Ghat
Sightseeing of Jama Masjid
Sightseeing of Chandni Chowk
Sightseeing of Qutab Minar
Sightseeing of Humayun's Tomb
Entrance Fees
Humayun's Tomb - USD 8,30
Qutab Minar - USD 8,30
Jama Masjid - USD 4
Optional Activities
Rickshaw Ride - USD 2,80
Day 3: Agra
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Agra.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and take some time to relax.
In the afternoon, get ready for the optional "Discovering Oriental Agra" program, designed to connect you with the essence of this incredible city.
Or, join your guide for an orientation walk among the highlights of Agra.
For an eco-friendly and immersive experience, the tour is conducted using battery-operated rickshaws.
Your journey will encompass various significant places in the city.
You'll rewind to the time of Emperor Shahjehan at Dara Shikoh's library, where intellectual and literary conversations thrived.
You'll also visit the birthplace of the esteemed poet Mirza Ghalib in the Kala Mahal locality, as well as the headquarters of the Radhasoami faith at Dayalbagh.
Other highlights include the Mankameshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the magnificent Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country, and several churches, including the historic Akbar Church built by Emperor Akbar in 1598.
Accommodation
Howard Plaza - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Agra City Tour
Entrance Fees
Oriental Agra - USD 48
Day 4: Agra, Taj Mahal
In the early morning, embark on a visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal stands as an epitome of Mughal architecture and a poignant symbol of India's rich history.
Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as an expression of love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this grand monument is undeniably one of the world's wonders.
Its breathtaking marble inlay work, particularly when observed up close, is truly astounding, leaving visitors mesmerized by its brilliance.
After the Taj Mahal visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning to relax.
Later, continue your explorations with a visit to the Agra Fort and the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah, a remarkable Mughal mausoleum constructed in honor of Mumtaz Mahal's grandfather.
The tomb is affectionately known as the "jewel box" or the "Baby Taj.
"
Accommodation
Howard Plaza – 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Amber Fort
Sightseeing of City Palace & Hawa Mahal
Sightseeing of Jantar Mantar
Entrance Fees
Taj Mahal - USD 18
Agra Fort - USD 9
Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah - USD 5
Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore
After enjoying breakfast, your journey continues towards Ranthambore with an enroute stop at the remarkable Fatehpur Sikri.
Situated in the province of Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585.
This world heritage site boasts one of the best-preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India.
Marvel at the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque, the intricately designed palaces constructed for Emperor Akbar's wives, the grand public and private discussion halls, and the vast ornamental pool.
After a captivating exploration of Fatehpur Sikri, continue your journey towards the mesmerizing Ranthambore.
Accommodation
The Sher Garh Resort - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri
Entrance Fees
Fatehpur Sikri - USD 9
Day 6: Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park
Start your day with an early morning Game safari at Ranthambore National Park (from 6:00 am to 9:30 am) on a Shared Canter Safari.
After breakfast, continue your journey towards the enchanting "Pink City - Jaipur," which is approximately 160 kilometers away, taking around 3.
30 hours from Ranthambore.
Upon reaching Jaipur, check-in at your hotel and take some time to unwind.
In your leisure time, you have the option to join a delightful Cooking Lesson.
Early evening, embark on a cooking lesson with a local Indian family.
What to Expect:
No trip to India is complete without experiencing its rich culinary heritage with a local family.
Immerse yourself in this exclusive time with your host, discovering their secret ancestral and family recipes, age-old culinary techniques, and health-conscious ingredients.
Delve into the specialty of Jaipuri cooking art and gain insights into various aspects of Indian lifestyle.
This unique opportunity allows you to learn to prepare a complete Indian meal with your host.
It goes beyond just cooking; it is also about enjoying an unforgettable communal dining experience in the comfort of an Indian home.
The warmth of the Indian hospitality combined with the delicious flavors of the cuisine promises an exceptional and memorable experience.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Jaipur - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ranthambore National Park
Optional Activities
Cooking Lesson: USD 36
Day 7: Jaipur
After a delightful breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour led by your private guide.
During the morning, explore the city's highlights, starting with the impressive City Palace.
This grand complex boasts exquisite palaces, gardens, courtyards, and intricately carved doorways.
Stroll to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, an Astronomical Observatory built in the 18th century.
Don't miss the opportunity for a photo-stop at the picturesque Patrika Gate.
As an optional activity, in the late afternoon, indulge in a bazaar walk coupled with local food tasting.
In 1727, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh decided to shift the Kachwaha rulers' bastion from Amber to a larger and more spacious capital.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Jaipur - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Jaipur
Optional Activities
Bazaar Walk with Local Food Tasting: USD 30
Day 8: Amber Fort, Delhi, Dwarka
After a delicious breakfast, check out from your hotel in Jaipur and embark on a journey just outside the city to the historic capital of Amber.
Here, you will marvel at the magnificent Amber Fort, a testament to the grandeur and splendor of the bygone era.
En route, enjoy a photo stop at the iconic "Palace of Winds," famously known as Hawa Mahal, an architectural gem adorned with intricate latticework.
Later, you will be driven back to Delhi, a journey of approximately 5 hours.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to a hotel located nearby the airport, ensuring a convenient and comfortable stay for the night.
Accommodation
ITC Welcomhotel - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Amber Fort
Entrance Fees
Amber Fort - USD 7
Day 9: Dwarka
Experience seamless assistance and a hassle-free airport transfer as you prepare to board your onward flight for an unforgettable journey.
Bid farewell to the splendid India until your next great adventure!
Meals
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotels
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Meals
7 breakfasts, drinking water supply in vehicle
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Transportation
A/C coach or mini-bus, Jeep ride at Amber Fort, rickshaw ride in Delhi
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced guide licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
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Safari
Jeep ride at Amber Fort, rickshaw ride in Delhi
What's Not Included
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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No passenger under the age of 18
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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What is the maximum group size?
Average group size is around 2-35 people
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.