19 Day 5 Star Treasures Of India
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Internal flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 16 nights in 5 star accommodation
✓ Overnight air-conditioned sleeper train
✓ Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
✓ Trace India’s famous Golden Triangle & sacred Varanasi and Khajuraho
✓ Fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Search for wild tigers on safari in Ranthambore National Park
✓ Incredible sightseeing with entry fees included – India’s stunning palaces and forts, the sacred Ganges River and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho temple complex and the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal
✓ Comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today, board your international flight to India’s capital Delhi! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and be met by our representative who will assist by transferring you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing session with the tour manager.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi beginning with Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Experience a rickshaw ride in the Chandani Chowk. The narrow lanes have kept alive the traditional workmanship which makes Delhi famous.
Stop by at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara to learn about the history of Sikh religion before and orientation tour of India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to the President’s House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building, and the Birla Temple.
This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner to get to know your fellow travellers.
After breakfast we’ll check out of the hotel and visit Dilli Haat, a vast marketplace boasting a diverse treasure trove of crafts, food and culture. Spread over six acres, these stores showcase the richness of Indian culture with local wares, traditional clothes and handicrafts from all states.
In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the railway station to board your overnight train to Varanasi, India’s spiritual centre. At 18:55, you’ll board the Shiv Ganga Express and travel in air-conditioned second class. We’ll provide a packed dinner to enjoy on the train.
Alternative option: Fly to Varanasi
Customers wishing to fly to Varanasi instead of getting the train can opt to upgrade to a domestic flight. This option includes return airport transfers, one-way domestic flight from Delhi to Varanasi and 1 night extra accommodation in Varanasi at the Clarks Varanasi Hotel.
Please note: As your guide will be accompanying the passengers travelling by train, this upgrade will be unguided however assistance will be provided by local representatives to and from the airport and your tour guide will rejoin you on day 4.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have room access to freshen up before exploring the oldest and most spiritual city in India. Varanasi is an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
A walking tour of the old city takes you through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as your first day in this sacred city comes to an end.
Visit the local ghats (steps leading down to the river), to witness an aarti ceremony. Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for homage and devotion, this surreal Hindu worship takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges River. Small diva (candle-lit lamps decorated with flowers) are floated down the river as an offering to the Goddess Ganga, accompanied by a chorus of chanting hymns, drums and temple bells.
Our day starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, the holiest of India’s rivers. Hindus consider the Ganges so sacred that a dip in its waters can rid you of past sins. As you sail along, watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river.
Later, return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to the airport to board an afternoon flight to Khajuraho. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Khajuraho’s remote location saved its stunning 1,000-year-old temples – infamous for their explicit carvings depicting the entire Kama Sutra – from destruction by foreign invaders. We’ll take a tour of these temples, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This morning we’ll leave Khajuraho and journey towards Orchha, approximately a five-hour drive.
Originally a hunting area on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha became the capital of the Bundela Rajas, with an inordinate number of temples and palaces for a town of this size.
See the Jahangir Mahal (Orchha Palace), a massive palace built by Bir Singh Dev in the 17th century to honour his friend Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler. This grand three-storey structure is a stunning example of Mughal architecture.
In the evening we’ll experience an evening puja ceremony at the Ram Raja Temple.
After breakfast, it’s about a seven-hour drive to Ranthambore. After we check into the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax in these lush surrounds.
Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting ground, is renowned for its population of Royal Bengal tigers, India’s national animal. It’s also home to the majestic 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, towering high on a hill overlooking the entire park.
Get ready for adventure, as we embark on a morning jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park in an open-roofed Jeep. As well as its famed tigers, the park is also home to leopards, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and Indian peafowl.
Please note: Ranthambore National Park is closed from July to September each year. During these times, we will instead visit the surrounding buffer zones, where more tigers have been found in recent years.
Traverse these incredible landscapes in Rajasthan’s premier national park on an afternoon jungle safari. In a shared open-roofed Jeep, keep your eyes peeled for the captivating, diverse wildlife that call this park home.
Starts: approx: To be confirmed on tour with your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx: 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll leave Ranthambore and head to Agra, home to the treasured Taj Mahal.
We’ll visit this flawless architectural creation, the Monument of Love, at sunset. This beloved icon of India, with its perfect symmetry and intricate marble etchings, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and took 20,000 workers to complete over two decades. The white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. A romantic light at this time of day casts a mesmerising glow over this stunning sight.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Agra and head to Jaipur, arriving in the ‘Pink City’ in the afternoon. Check-in on arrival with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Wandering the ‘ghost city’ of Fatehpur Sikri is to go back five centuries in time to the height of the Mughal Empire. This monumental walled city was built by the third emperor Akbar the Great as his capital, but it was abandoned within a few years of completion due to a lack of water. Today, it is a remarkably well-preserved collection of red sandstone palaces, pavilions and mosques. The buildings here present a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and include the Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti, which speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughals.
Starts: approx: Between 9:30am-10:00am
Duration: approx: 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel we head out for a tour of the Amber Fort.
Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples, and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces.
Return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful palaces within, such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. We’ll then make a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds and the city’s renowned bazaars: Johari (famous for its jewels and saris), Tripolia (bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware), Bapu (perfumes and textiles), and Chandpole (pottery and bracelets).
This morning we drive to Jodhpur, second-largest city in Rajasthan and gateway to the Thar Desert in the Marwar region. The old city, originally founded in the mid-15th century is familiarly known as the Blue City due to its blue-painted buildings and rooftops, and is surrounded by a 10-kilometre-long wall that dates from the 16th century.
Perched high above the city, the massive Mehrangarh Fort and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive architectural complexes in Rajasthan. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh is the pride of Jodhpur.
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Jodhpur starting from Mehrangarh Fort. The main palaces that make up the fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. The fort’s museum displays a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, and more. There are also a number of galleries and temples inside the fort.
We’ll also visit the stunning Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This white marble memorial is adorned with exquisite carvings and intricate detail. Built like a temple, the Thada is a testament to the skill of Jodhpuri sculptors.
Today, continue the journey driving to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Udaipur was founded in the mid-16th century and became the capital of Mewar. The rulers of Mewar, who belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs, have traced their dynasty back to the year 566. Fiercely independent, they refused matrimonial alliances with the Mughal emperors and took great pride in their reputation as the prime defenders of Rajput honour.
Visit Ranakpur Jain temple. Often regarded as poetry on marble, this 15th century Jain temple honouring Adinath is a work of architectural genius. The delicate marble carvings boast an enormous degree of skill and intricacy. Another interesting aspect about the temple is its play of shadow and light on the nearly 1,500 pillars, each of which proudly display a different motif.
This morning, visit the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple in the middle of the city. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built in 1651. Then visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, the garden of maidens, built in the mid-18th century. Stroll by the pools dotted with elegant kiosks, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains, along with an array of trees that make this garden worth visiting.
Continue to Fateh Sagar Lake, an artificial lake was originally built around the year 1680.
Later, explore the grand City Palace, a fusion of medieval European and Chinese architecture. This marble monument is situated on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. The palace’s numerous balconies, towers and cupolas provide a fantastic view of the lake and the city below.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, the spectacular views from the lake are sure to impress. Jag Niwas, known as the Lake Palace, was once the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and is now a 5-star hotel.
Starts: approx: Between 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration: approx: 1 hour
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, we continue to Pushkar.
The village of Pushkar lies on the edge of the Thar Desert and located at its heart is one of India's most sacred lakes, Pushkar Lake. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its camel fair held every year in the festival month of Kartik (October and November). Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.
You’re free at leisure in the evening, perhaps take a walk to admire the beautiful Pushkar Lake and colourful Pushkar market.
Today visit the temple of Lord Brahma, surrounded by Pushkar Lake. Witness devotees dip into the holy waters and offer prayers on the banks of the lake. Visit the Pushkar fair site and later, transfer to the Ajmer railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Forget what you have seen on social media. Long distance train travel in India is air-conditioned, reserved seating and civilised.
Enjoy the journey as the countryside zips past out the window. Upon arrival at Delhi railway station in the evening, you will be transferred to the hotel.
At the appropriate time, you will be picked up and transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
You will travel by overnight sleeper train from Delhi to Varanasi onboard the Shiv Ganga Express, in 2nd Class Air-conditioned sleeper (approx. 12 hours). Cabins are 4 berth and shared between other group members. Shiv Ganga Express is a civilised modern sleeper train and one of best ways to experience local Indian life.
For useful information on the journey, please click HERE.
You will also travel by train from Pushkar to Delhi, in Air-conditioned Car Class/2nd Class (approx. 7-8 hours).
Varanasi Flight Upgrade
You have the option to fly from Delhi to Varanasi, giving you an extra night in Varanasi. Includes:
Cost per person - AUD $454
Please note: If selecting this option your tour guide will meet you in Varanasi the following day when the rest of the group arrives by train. The flight between Delhi and Varanasi will be unescorted.
This option needs to be requested at time of booking, and can be purchased prior to making your payment.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares and transfers. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Internal flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho still included if choosing Land Only.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online (no later than 130 days prior to departure) or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We recommend AUD$3 per person, per day, to be paid in local currency. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6-10 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-5 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Any other tipping, such as tips for camera and video fees, bathroom attendants or hotel porters that are taking luggage to your room, is at your discretion as are gratuities for additional requested special services. We encourage passengers to have a supply of small denominations of local currency to distribute for personal tipping.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2099 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return.
An e-visa is required for entry into India. You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 120 days prior to departure.
You can visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$80 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days validity from the date of arrival.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10-30 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Unparalleled value for money is the name of the game. These tours tick all the boxes with loads of inclusions: sightseeing highlights, quality accommodation, transfers, private transportation, breakfasts and some meals. You will be travelling with up to 40 Inspiring Vacations guests and the tour will be escorted by an expert, local tour leader.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Click HERE for more information on the weather in India.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details