Mysteries of India

15 days
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From the fabled Taj Mahal to the iconic tigers of Ranthambore, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color.

Overview

Trip type
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Learn the secrets to preparing incredible Indian food at a home-hosted dinner.
    • Indulge during a food tour through Old Delhi.
    • Experience an incredible farewell dinner in Varanasi.
    • Travel to Khajuraho on an exciting train journey.
    • Marvel at the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony.
    • Venture through the main streets and back roads of Old Delhi via rickshaw.
    • Behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
    • Watch for tigers in the wild during game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
    • Explore majestic Amber Fort and vibrant Jaipur, the “Pink City.”
    • Cruise the waters of the famous River Ganges.

What's this trip about?

    From the fabled Taj Mahal to the iconic tigers of Ranthambore, step into a world of captivating mysteries and vibrant color.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Destinations

  • Asia
  • India

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Delhi
  • Jaipur
  • Khajuraho
  • Varanasi

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Delhi, India - Tour Begins
A paradise of contradiction, Delhi features a mesmerizing modern 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.

Day 2 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 memorable dinner featuring Indian specialties.

Day 3 Delhi
Cut through Old Delhi’s buzzing streets on a rickshaw – your mode of transportation for an exhilarating food tour. Down narrow streets and corridors, enjoy bites of local flavor as you meet Delhi’s friendly food vendors. Your culinary adventure continues in the sacred Si...
Day 4 Delhi - Jaipur
A scenic drive through the countryside delivers you to Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Your first stop is at the Hawa Mahal, the former home of a maharaja. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of Jaipur as you stroll through the heart of the Old City. Walk the perfumed aisles of a flower market, where garlands are created for traditional Indian ceremonies.

Day 6 Jaipur
Set out to explore the beautiful city of Jaipur, starting with the City Palace. Nearby, take in the impeccable masonry at the Jantar Mantar – the world’s oldest stone sundial. The afternoon is yours to discover Jaipur however you please.

Day 9 Ranthambore - Agra
Hop on a train, coasting through tunnels and around bends as you follow the rails to Agra, a city rich with the splendors of the past. Home to stone forts and marble mausoleums, culture comes alive in this animated city.

Day 10 Agra
The Taj Mahal, a stunning vision in white marble and sandstone, was built as an expression of love by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the romantic spirit of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the colors of the sky dance on the bright façade and shimmer in its reflectiv...
Day 11 Agra - Khajuraho
Start your morning with a train ride to Khajuraho. In the shadow of the Vindhya mountain range, find a city of stone temples and mystifying sculptures.

Day 12 Khajuraho - Varanasi
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 locals wade into the river. From the Dasaswamedh Ghat, enjoy a reserved seat to experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony as it illuminates the night sky.

Day 14 Varanasi - Delhi - Tour Ends
Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi, where a day room has been reserved for you to freshen up before your return flight home.

Day 5 Jaipur
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. This afternoon, experience the vibrancy and aromas of the Jaipur Spice Market. In the evening, get to know a local family as you join them for a hosted dinner in their home.

Day 7 Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park
The tiger is a creature of unending fascination in India. Seek out tigers in their natural habitat at Ranthambore National Park. 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.

Day 8 Ranthambore
Surrounded by deep forests and scattered ruins, board a canter (open-air truck) and pass by barking deer, Indian gazelles and exotic birdlife as you follow the tigers’ paths in search of the sanctuary’s renowned wildlife. Then, it’s your choice! Return to your hotel to r...
Day 13 Varanasi
Today, 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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,499
Price per day$167
Last Updated: 11/4/2019

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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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

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 ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

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...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

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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Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

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.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

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).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

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.

Amazing Family Moments Included

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.

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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

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

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.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
24
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
collette-12719

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