Mysteries of India - 2024
Overview
Highlights
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- Travel to Khajuraho on an exciting train journey.
- Venture through the main streets and back roads of Old Delhi via rickshaw.
- Marvel at the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Watch for tigers in the wild during game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
- Cruise the waters of the famous River Ganges.
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort and vibrant Jaipur, the “Pink City.”
- Behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Discover India’s perfect synthesis of nature, spirituality, and regal legacy. From the fabled Taj Mahal to the iconic tigers of Ranthambore, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color.
A paradise of contradiction, Delhi features a bustling energy, age-old monuments, and an all-encompassing vitality that courses its way through the busy streets. Experience everything this dynamic metropolis has to offer, from modern New Delhi to historic Old Delhi.
Start your morning at the expansive Humayun’s Tomb, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments dating back to the 1500s. This sprawling complex inspired countless mausoleums, including the legendary Taj Mahal. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Gather with your group in the evening for a welcome dinner featuring Indian specialties.
Cut through Old Delhi’s buzzing streets on a rickshaw – your mode of transportation for an exhilarating tour of old Delhi. See the city’s friendly vendors as you travel down narrow streets and busy corridors. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and...
Wish the city goodbye and embark on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant before arriving in Jaipur, the “Pink City.” See Hawa Mahal, the former home of a maharaja (Indian prince). Marvel at the city’s architectural brilliance as you stroll through the heart of the Old City during your free time.
Take in the extensive palace complex of Amber Fort, India’s former seat of power. Head to the palace by means of a vintage jeep, scaling the hills overlooking Jaipur. In the evening, get to know a local family as you join them for a hosted dinner in their home.
Set out to explore the beautiful city of Jaipur, starting with the City Palace. Nearby, take in the impeccable masonry of the Jantar Mantar – the world’s oldest stone sundial. The afternoon is yours to discover Jaipur however you please.
Travel to Ranthambore National Park where we will seek out tigers in their natural habitat. Learn about Project Tiger’s conservation efforts and the impact the organization has had on the Ranthambore sanctuary. Connect with a naturalist, introducing you to India’s extensive wildlife.
Board a canter (open-air truck) for your first game drive. Seek out barking deer, Indian gazelles, and exotic birdlife. Follow the tigers’ paths in search of the sanctuary’s renowned wildlife. Then, it’s your choice! Return to your hotel to relax -OR- experience an Im...
Today we depart early as we make our way to Agra, a city rich with the splendors of the past. Along the way, visit the impressive Abhaneri step well. Built over 1,000 years ago it is an architectural marvel hidden from visitors until recently. Then stop for lunch and ...
The Taj Mahal, a stunning vision in white marble and sandstone, was built as an expression of love by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the romantic spirit of the Taj Mahal in the early morning, when the colors of the sky dance on the bright façade and shimmer in its ref...
Start your morning with a train ride to Jhansi where you will connect with your coach and make your way to Khajuraho. In the shadow of the Vindhya mountain range, find a city of stone temples and mystifying sculptures. Make the most of time at leisure this afternoon to explore the area on your own.
Take in the Chandela Temple complex, home to unparalleled temple architecture and intricate stone carvings. Fly to Varanasi – India’s holiest city – where spiritual energy radiates from the ground up. Sail along the River Ganges and pass by the ghats (banks) where loc...
Take advantage of a morning boat ride for an opportunity to see the sunrise on the River Ganges. Travel to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama – later known as Buddha – gave his first sermon in the 6th century B.C. Discover this holy site and gain insight into the country’s divine past. Celebrate your adventure through India alongside new friends at a farewell dinner.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi, where a room has been reserved for you to freshen up before your return flight home.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
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From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
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Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Taj Mahal From Riverside – Sunset and Dinner - $50
Agra Climb aboard your tuk tuk and travel to impressive Itmad-ud-Daula, a Mughal mausoleum. This is the first mausoleum made completely of marble, the same kind that was used for the Taj Mahal. This monument may be smaller than the Taj Mahal, but it is just as remarkable. The tomb is often described as a “draft” of the world-famous Taj Mahal and has been nicknamed "Baby Taj." Continue on to behold the mysteriously beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Stop at Mahtab Bagh – the “Moonlight Garden” on the banks of the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – for a picture perfect view of the ornate white structure surrounded by the vibrant colors of the setting sun and see for yourself why it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Conclude your evening with dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Balloon Safari - $285
Jaipur A balloon safari offers you the opportunity to see India and its spectacular forts, hidden palaces, breathtaking terrain and traditional local villages from a very unique perspective. In Jaipur, the “Pink City” is a step back in time. Be mesmerized as you drift slowly over the area surrounding the spectacular Amber Fort. Capture a privileged view of traditional Rajasthani villages and of this historic city, home to many forts and palaces that may have faded with time, but who do not cease to amaze with their marvellous architecture and splendor. Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note, this option is available for sale on tour only. Note: duration is approximately 2 hours with 1 hour flight time +/- 15 minutes.Hike Ranthambore Fort - $20
Ranthambore Venture to the amazing vantage point of Ranthambore Fort, a fortress atop a hill within a prominent tiger reserve. Hike up the steps of the 10th-century fort enclosed by a magnificent stone wall. Explore its elaborate ruins, including palaces, monuments, and temples. See the daily rituals that take place today at the famous Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the beloved elephant god. Enjoy a traditional tea or coffee with cookies during your exploration. And don’t forget a good pair of binoculars – the view of Ranthambore National Park from atop the fort practically puts you eye-to-eye with soaring eagles. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note that this option is only available for sale on tour. Guests must be in good physical condition to partake in this optional tour and have proper footwear to hike on uneven terrain, rocky or loose surfaces and be able to climb 250 steps.Become a member
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