Essence of India (Mumbai, Small Groups, with South India Extension)

16 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

USTOA

Group Tour
Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India’s capital your way with the choice to tour the UNE...
$627 OFF
$5,108
From$4,481
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India’s capital your way with the choice to tour the UNESCO world Heritage Site at Qutub Minar or treat your taste buds to the Delhi Street Food Tour, joining a well-known local chef for a sojourn through the famous street snacks of the old city. After seeking out the wild tigers of Ranthambore, ascend by Jeep to the royal halls of Amber Fort—decked out with intricate ivory designs of times gone by and exquisite paintings. In Kochi, learn the art of home cooking with lessons from a local instructor—showcasing how to prepare the region’s traditional recipes. Continue the culinary delights in Jaipur where a VIP afternoon tea unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja, with a menu of traditional Indian sweets.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityNew Delhi
End CityMumbai

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Luxury Travel

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot

Your luxury tour from Delhi begins with a traditional welcome scarf, before your private chauffeur whisks you to your elegant hotel. Tonight, dine on fine cuisine as the sun sets over Delhi.

The Leela Palace, Delhi.

Dinner

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

See Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Curate your day and join a renowned chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi or visit the 12th-century Qutub Minar. Take an exhilarating rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit a Sikh temple and ...

Day 3: An Agra Adventure

Arrive at Agra’s historical fort and elegant Musamman Burj. Personalise your day with an eye-opening Mughal heritage walk or visit a private colonial bungalow for an intimate high tea with a local family.

Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore

Bask in the majesty of the Taj Mahal, framed in the warm hues of sunrise. Travel to the historic town of Bharatpur for lunch before boarding the Jan Shatabdi Express, the Express Train to Ranthambore, and taking in the views. Arrive at your hotel nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range.

Nahargarh Ranthambore.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore

Experience the beauty of Ranthambore National Park, the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur. Join a Local Expert on a quest for the elusive tiger. Explore the lakes and palace ruins of the park with an Expert Naturalist, including traditional Ch...

Day 6: Jaipur, the Pink City

After a relaxed morning at your hotel, wind through the countryside to the Rajasthan capital of Jaipur, the Pink City. Tonight is free for independent activities.

Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Jaipur Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Curate your morning seeing highly skilled artisans or focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery at a workshop. Attend a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort. Toast to your travels with a dinner tonight.

Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: In Jaipur

Enjoy a city tour of Jaipur and luxuriate in a VIP Indian high tea at The City Palace. In the evening visit the Spice market and flower market during the Pink Rickshaw ride or visit Birla Mandir to witness the ‘Aarti’ - a traditional prayer ceremony. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 9: Fly to Kochi via Mumbai

Upon arrival for your India luxury tour in this port city of tiny islands and peninsulas along the Arabian Sea, check into your waterfront hotel on Bolgatty Island. Relax with a cocktail by the outdoor pool or at the poolside Thai Soul restaurant, tempting you with cuisine inspired by the vibrant streets of Bangkok.

Crowne Plaza

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Kochi Sightseeing, Cooking School and Kathakali

In Kochi, view the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth and marvel at the Hindu mythology and legends in the murals of the Portuguese Mattancherry Palace. Lunchtime brings a colourful feast of traditional Kerala home cooking. The day ends with a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.

Crowne Plaza

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Kumarakom and the Alleppey Backwaters Relaxed Start

Take a private waterwheel houseboat cruise across the tranquil waters of Alleppey past picturesque villages, green paddy fields and a coconut plantation. Linger over a gourmet lunch before the day ends at Coconut Lagoon, your lakeside retreat built from preserved mansions of the nobility’s family homes.

Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Kumarakom and Vaikom Village Relaxed Start

View the area’s vibrant migratory birds on a tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Discover one of the oldest townships in Kerala cruising down the canals of Vaikom village. Meet the residents and try your skills at weaving from pineapple leaves or coconut husks before lunch at a local’s home.

Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Relaxing Kumarakom Relaxed Start

Personalise your day in tranquil Kumarakom and delve into one of the local nurturing practices. Harmonise your mind and body in a relaxing yoga class or enjoy a rejuvenating massage featuring Ayurvedic techniques. The day ends with a delicious dinner of fresh, local seafood.

Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Magical Mumbai

Journey north to Kochi for your flight to vibrant Mumbai. Settle into your deluxe hotel offering enticing views of the ocean and 'Queen’s Necklace' lights along the shoreline.

The Oberoi, Mumbai.

Breakfast

Day 15: Mumbai Sightseeing

Uncover the alluring sites of Mumbai and learn the intricate details of the magnificent, 130-year-old Dabbawalla lunchbox delivery service. Cruise to Elephanta Island to visit the complex of cave temples before raising a glass to your journey over an elegant dinner.

The Oberoi, Mumbai.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Depart Mumbai

Your luxurious journey comes to an end as you are escorted to Mumbai Airport for your onward flights.

The Oberoi, Mumbai.

Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,481
Price per day$280
Last Updated: 12/19/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
07 Jan 2025
15 Jan 2025
$4,481
$5,541
07 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$7,775
$9,605
21 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$4,481
$5,541
07 Mar 2025
22 Mar 2025
$7,850
$9,680
11 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$7,775
$9,605
30 Sep 2025
08 Oct 2025
$4,750
$5,850
14 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025
$4,975
$6,075
07 Nov 2025
15 Nov 2025
$4,750
$5,850
21 Nov 2025
29 Nov 2025
$4,750
$5,850
05 Dec 2025
13 Dec 2025
$4,750
$5,850

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Luxury Gold Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
398
Great
89
Average
24
Disappointing
15
Terrible
12
Write a Review

Other Luxury Gold Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Inspiring Australia

Would leave out Yarra Valley to have more time in Melbourne and keep Hunter Valley. Would have better back up plans for rain at Uluru (unusual I realize), but 3 d...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Inspiring Australia

I loved the whole experience

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Luxury Gold

premier
View Profile

Wherever you go, we'll delight and surprise you with amazing experiences, tastes, sights, sounds and people.

With specialist knowledge of exclusive VIP experiences, fine dining and luxury hotels, we are dedicated to bringing you journeys shaped by our family heritage of close to 100 years of high-end travel industry expertise and a total commitment to service.

You can unplug, relax, enjoy, open up to the charm of different cultures and let us take care of every little detail.

Journey Beyond the Ordinary

We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel. We put our heart and soul into everything we do, taking care of every detail to ensure your Luxury Gold journey is perfectly planned, personalised, and truly unforgettable.

Enriching Travel Experiences

As one of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, Luxury Gold is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation and shares a collective desire to protect and conserve the stunningly beautiful environments, fascinating cultures and awe-inspiring communities of our natural world.

TreadRight is a not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain for generations to come. Since 2008, TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide, working with expert project partners who directly oversee these projects on the ground.

When travelling with Luxury Gold on select itineraries, you’ll see some of these incredible projects in action. In Perugia, experience one of the last remaining hand-weaving textiles in Italy, reminiscent of great medieval and renaissance textile traditions in Italy. In choosing Luxury Gold you are helping TreadRight continue its life-changing work.

 

About the company:

As the world leader in Luxury Small Group Journeys, Luxury Gold is redefining the New Golden Age of Travel. With the finest end to end travel experience, guests are spoilt with high end experiences in magnificent environments. Exceptional dining at sort after Michelin Star restaurants to unique street food experiences. Curated experiences with afterhours access, VIP experiences and the exclusive Founders Collections meet and greets with nobility, icons and royalty. Magnificent stays at world leading properties such as the Belmond and Red Carnation Hotels or unique Chalets or Private Game Reserve lodgings. Beyond these high-end experiences, guests every need is catered to by their 24/7 Travel Concierge who combine local knowledge with the ultimate black book of contacts to customize guest’s journey

Luxury Gold is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They understand that true luxury lies not only in lavish hotels and gourmet dining but also in the immersive experiences that leave a lasting memory.
What they’re known for
Specially curated small-group luxury worldwide tours with unique VIP experiences.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

  • The Leela Palace, Delhi.
  • Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.
  • Nahargarh Ranthambore.
  • Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur.
  • Crowne Plaza
  • Kumarakom Lake Resort.
  • The Oberoi, Mumbai.
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
  • 9 Dinner (D)
  • 15 Breakfast (B)
  • 7 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
  • Delhi: Relax and acclimatise before your days in Delhi get underway with a delicious Welcome Dinner in the comfort of your hotel. Get to know your Travel Concierge and other travellers over superbly prepared local food and wine.
  • Jaipur: Dine in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD, one of Jaipur’s most revered local restaurants, offering fine Indian dining served amid opulent royal interiors with stunning sunset views. Hear traditional music playing as you indulge your palate.
  • Kochi: Learn the art of home cooking, Kerala style, as you meet a local cooking instructor who will demonstrate the techniques of preparing traditional recipes of the region.
  • Vaikom Village: Have lunch with a local in Viakom Village. You will be introduced to village life and given the opportunity to try your hand at weaving with pineapple leaves or coconut husks before you are invited to share lunch in their home.
  • Mumbai: Say goodbye to Mumbai in style with a showcase of Indian cuisine at your Celebration Dinner. Enjoy your final feast as you share tales and make toasts to the experiences you’ve had and memories you’ve made along your amazing journey.
  • Jaipur: Enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Savour an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
luxury-A553AN19

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >