India

Join us on an amazing 14-day adventure to experience the vibrant culture and rich history of India. If you’re curious to try more Indian food, check out some ancient sites, go tiger spotting, and meet friendly locals, this is the tour for you!

The tour starts in the bustling city of Delhi, where we’ll explore the famous Chandni Chowk Market and visit the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple. We’ll also dive into the delicious cuisine that Delhi has to offer. Next, we’ll head to Agra to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (a wonder of the world!) and stay in a cozy family-run guesthouse for an authentic experience. Then we’ll embark on a thrilling tiger safari in Ranthambore, led by a professional guide and naturalist. We’ll also visit a local women’s collective and explore the historical Ranthambore fortress.

We head to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, which is an absolute can’t-miss destination! Finally, we’ll conclude our journey in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and sacred rituals of the holy Ganges River. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this tour is the perfect way to experience the most fascinating and beautiful parts of India. 

If you’ve always wanted to visit India but found its size and culture intimidating to do on your own, come explore with us!

Tour Itinerary

Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to our hotel by a private driver. The remainder of the day will be yours to rest and recover from jet lag (it’s probably been a long travel day for you). In the early evening, we’ll have a tour orientation in the evening followed by our welcome dinner so you can get to know your tour mates and see a bit of the magic of India.

Included meals: D

Rise and shine! Today, we’re taking a full morning tour of the bustling Chandni Chowk Market in Old Delhi. From hidden lanes and abandoned villas to markets selling elaborate wedding supplies, sweets, musical instruments and everything else you could imagine, this experience will immediately open your eyes to the wonders of India. After a unique local lunch in a 140-year old eatery, we’ll head over to the gorgeous Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, a holy shrine where we’ll encounter Sikh pilgrims from around the country and a massive communal kitchen that serves up 5,000 free meals per day. As evening rolls around, we’ll head to one of Delhi’s best restaurants for a dinner together.

Included meals: B, L, D

Hopping into our van, we’ll make the journey to Agra. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our family-run guesthouse and enjoy lunch as our rooms are being prepared. In the afternoon, we’ll meet our local guide and head to the one and only, Taj Mahal. After spending some time learning about the site with our guide, you’ll have as much time as you wish, just as the light is at its best, to enjoy this wondrous place. From the manicured grounds and fountains to going inside the Mausoleum to soaking up views of the river and distant countryside, it’s bound to be an impressive afternoon.

We’ll then have a home cooked dinner back at our guesthouse, prepared by our welcoming hosts.

Included meals: B, D

Leaving Agra after breakfast, our destination will be the quiet, countryside village of Ranthambore. The trip will take approximately 7 hours, including stops for lunch and to stretch. Once we reach Ranthambore in the evening, we’ll head straight to our accommodation where we’ll all enjoy dinner together before heading to bed.

Included meals: B, D

Early this morning, we’ll head into the Ranthambore National Park for a two-hour tiger safari led by a professional guide and naturalist. Considered one of the best locations in India for tiger spotting, we’ll also be on the lookout for endless varieties of colorful birds and other wildlife.

After lunch, you’ll have a chance to visit a wonderful local women’s collective that empowers women from remote villages in the region and to spend time wandering around the historical and expansive Ranthambore fortress perched above the jungle below. We’ll then have a relaxing evening back at our lodge after such an exciting day.

Included meals: B, L, D

This morning, we’ll drive to Bundi, where we’ll get situated in our centrally-located guesthouse. After lunch, we’ll walk up to the ruins of the grand Bundi Palace, towering over this magical blue town. Our walk will take us through narrow lanes, past ancient homes and mansions and bring us into contact with friendly families, shopkeepers and more. We’ll also stop for a special chai demonstration with a local vendor who will serve up some of the most amazing masala tea on the planet. Our day will finish with dinner overlooking the palace and fortress high above this small, little-visited, yet picture perfect, town.

Included meals: B

Today will be a free day to spend exploring this brightly colored, friendly town. You can wander the winding lanes, visit ancient stepwells hidden in the most unsuspecting of places, go for a hike up the Bundi hill, visit a lakeside palace and plenty more. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you plan an unforgettable day!

Included meals: B

Leaving in the morning, we’ll take the main highway to the Pink City of Jaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel and head out into the heart of the old town for a wander. There will be time for a rest until an excellent dinner in this most royal of cities.  

Included meals: B, D

With a full guided tour today, we’ll start by exploring the massive and intricately designed Amer Fort and Palace located in the hills on the outskirts of the city. We’ll then enter the Pink City to visit such highlights as the Jawa Mahal and the local markets that sell all of Jaipur’s well-known products, from silk to crafts to gems. For those interested, after lunch we’ll head to one of the most famous cinemas in all of India, the Raj Mandir, for a unique movie-going experience as we sit down to watch one of the latest Bollywood films.

Included meals: B

Departing Jaipur, we’ll take a flight across northern India to the city of Varanasi. When we arrive, where we’ll settle into our hotel in the heart of the old city, right near the holy Ganges River. Known as the spiritual capital of this country, you will instantly encounter an atmosphere that is intense yet calming, strange yet mesmerizing, shocking yet invigorating. As the sun sets and we eat dinner together, you’ll be left eagerly wondering what awaits us the following day.

Included meals: B, D

With a full tour of the Old City, we’ll walk along the various ghats, observing pilgrims engaged in rituals and prayers, as the city vibrates with activity. We’ll stroll through the winding lanes of the largest market, enjoy a glass of the city’s famous lassis and spend time at the burning ghats. You won’t even want to blink as the mystery and allure of this city unfolds all around you. We’ll have some free time in the afternoon before meeting up for a surprise evening event!

Included meals: B, L

Starting bright and early, we’ll board a typical wooden boat for a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges River. This experience will allow us to witness the city come to life as holy men make their offerings, bells are rung and chanting fills the air, laundry is washed in the river, cows roam the ghats, and meditators and yogis begin their daily routines. You’ll then have some time to enjoy this city at your own pace. We’ll then all witness the evening Aarti (Hindu religious ceremony) that takes place every night on the main ghat along the river.

Included meals: B

In the morning, we’ll have time for one more wander through this eye-opening city, with several optional excursions available as well. We can arrange half day trips to the village of Sarnath (where the Buddha gave his first teachings) or to the little-visited Ramnagar Fort and Museum that sits semi-abandoned on the banks of the river. We’ll then catch an hour-long afternoon flight back to Delhi. After checking into our hotel, we’ll all gather for our farewell dinner as the tour comes to an end.

Included meals: B, D

Today, our tour ends. After breakfast and depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be transferred to the airport by private driver. If you choose to stick around, our guide can help you decide what to do on your last day in Delhi.

Included meals: B

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Tour Essentials

Accommodation

Accommodation is 2- and 3-star hotels. All rooms have private bathrooms.

Transport

During the trip, we’ll travel via a private van and have two internal flights. Airport transfers are included.

Meals

Daily breakfast, three lunches, and four dinners are included. Alcohol is not included. Water will be provided the whole trip.

Sustainability

We aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled whenever possible. We avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.

Small Groups

This tour will have 10-15 travelers in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you’ll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people.

Expert guides

Led by a licensed and local expert guide who is always on hand to provide additional information, create spontaneous activities, join the group for non-included activities and meals, and to ensure that the trip is as memorable, fun, and informative as possible.

What’s Included

What’s Included

  • Accommodation
  • Transportation, including driver
  • Airport transfers
  • Internal flights listed in itinerary
  • All included meals mentioned above
  • All activities and entrance fees mentioned above
  • Local English-speaking guides during activities
  • Expert Tour Leader throughout the trip
  • Water throughout the trip
  • Gratuities at hotels/included meals

What’s Not Included

  • Flights to/from India
  • Passport/visa fees
  • Airport taxes
  • Meals and activities not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (which is required)
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Other gratuities

Reviews

“I love The Nomadic Network tours because they are off the beaten path, tend to attract all ages of free spirited, fun, and adventurous people. I met a lot of solo travelers which was inspiring.” – Dave, Oaxaca 2022

“The Nomadic Network’s group tours provide the perfect balance of personalization and flexibility. The itineraries capture the highlights you crave, yet allows you to stray if your heart desires. ” – Brandon, Romania 2022

“Morocco with TNN was a trip of a lifetime for me! While we saw the big sights, we also visited some hidden gems and got to connect with locals in a way I never imagined. The itinerary was carefully thought out to make our experience exceptional.” – Heather, Morocco 2022

“I liked the tour because we experienced new things every day. I embraced the new and the unexpected, and enjoyed getting to know 11 new people! Awe inspiring places, warm and welcoming people, appreciation and flexibility.” – Janet, Jordan 2022

“This TNN tour exceeded my expectations in a lot of ways. The group felt united in our desire to discover new places and things. Add in the convenience that I had to make no plans of my own, it’s an awesome way to travel.” – Brady, Morocco 2022

“The perfect blend of structured activities and free time. We hit several highlights of the country as well as many under the radar places, all with memorable interactions with locals.” – Kelly, Romania 2022

FAQ

Currently, obtaining an e-visa is the only extra requirement for most countries to enter India. This is a straightforward process and we will provide you with more information closer to the start date. 

Please note that we do not offer visa assistance. It is your responsibility to determine what entry requirements might be necessary based on your nationality.

You should fly into and out of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

  • On the first day, our orientation meeting generally takes place in the early evening, around 5:30pm. It’s best to arrive by the afternoon so you have enough time to get settled in before we meet up.
  • On the last day, you can depart at any time. We’ll have breakfast available for you and the rest of the day will be yours to explore Delhi.

Yes, a transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival in Delhi. Same is true when you depart on the last day.

During our tour, India transitions from the post-monsoon season into winter. During this time, the weather is typically pleasant with warm days and cool evenings. The climate remains mostly dry, and you can anticipate clear and sunny skies. The temperature during the day hovers around the mid-80ºs F (approximately 30º C), while the nights can get chilly with lows in the mid-50ºs F (around 12º C).

We will send you a packing list ahead of time to help you prepare. While shorts are okay for men in major cities, you’ll almost never find Indians wearing such items. For women, long, lightweight pants and loose-fitting shirts that cover part of the arm is a good idea as Indian women dress rather conservatively and more western attires (skirts, tight clothing, tank-tops, etc.) tend to draw unwanted attention.

As a woman, there is nothing out of the ordinary to be concerned about when traveling to India. In order to respect local culture and avoid standing out too much, we would suggest wearing clothes that include long pants and loose t-shirts/shirts that at least cover the shoulders, but apart from that, there are no other steps to take.

India uses plug outlets (Plug Types “C”, “D”, and “M”), so if you’re coming from the US or Canada, you will need a plug adapter. You can easily find cheap ones online, so we’d suggest shopping around for a universal adapter.

As for electricity, most mobile phones, laptops, and other devices can handle voltage 110 – 220V when charging. The standard voltage in India is 230v/50Hz. You will most likely need a convertor in order to use your electronics and not cause any damage. These are also easy to find online.

Strong internet is not exactly widespread in India. While all of the hotels we stay at have WiFi, the connection is often poor at best. It will work and you’ll be able to send emails and do whatever you need to do, but it just might take longer than normal. You can also activate the international plan from your network at home, purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in Delhi or purchase an e-sim online. All of these options will ensure you have a good connection throughout the tour.

We’ll stay in comfortable and convenient 2- and 3-star accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. We will send out exact hotel details before your trip.

Twin share rooms:

  • If you are traveling solo, you’ll be paired with someone of the same gender in a room with two single beds.
  • If you book two spots, you’ll get the entire room for you and your travel partner. 

Private rooms:

If you’d like to get your own private room, you can add that option at checkout for an added cost. There are a maximum of 8 single rooms available. Private rooms run on a first come, first served basis.

This tour requires a certain level of physical activity. Please note that the trip can involve somewhat long days, journeys by van of up to 8 hours (with stops), walking tours in crowded cities, a variety of temperatures and early morning wake-ups.

Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners are included. You can refer to the itinerary to see which ones. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice. Alcohol is not included. Water is provided throughout the whole trip.

No, we will provide you with drinking water throughout the trip.

Additionally, we’ll only eat at places where the food is clean and well-prepared. Fruits and vegetables will always be washed in filtered water as well. We will provide you with tips during our arrival orientation meeting so you can avoid any Delhi Belly problems.

You should budget an average of $25 USD per day for all your extra needs. Most of your expenses are covered in your trip price, but you will need cash for non-included meals and any additional purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc.) as well as activities you do on your own. Certainly bring more money if you plan to shop!

Do NOT change money at home before you arrive. India recently removed certain bills from circulation and if you end up with the old bills, they will be worthless upon arrival. Once you arrive, our guide will get you to an ATM or a trusted money exchange office.

Yes, you will be able to withdraw cash when you get to India. We recommend using ATMs which are widely available in cities throughout India and will dispense Indian rupees. This way, you won’t have to carry around large amounts of cash and you’ll receive the best exchange rate possible. However, please check with your home bank as many banks charge foreign transaction fees every time you withdraw money from an ATM overseas. Learn how to avoid paying extra fees here.

If using an ATM machine is not an option, the second-best method is to simply bring U.S. dollars or Euros in cash that you can exchange at money exchange booths or banks located all over the country.

Tips for local guides and included meals are already included.

Generally, tipping in India is not as common as in the West, but in some cases it is expected. Here’s a general guideline:

  • Restaurants: 5-10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
  • Hotel staff: 50 – 100 INR if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
  • Our drivers: At the end of the trip, we recommend that everyone gives a $30 USD trip for our drivers. We will collect this on the last day and give it to our drivers before we say goodbye to them. 

Find our general FAQ here to get any of your other questions answered.

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Book with confidence. Your deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days after your booking is made, as long as it’s 60 days prior to departure, so you don’t lose out in case your plans change.

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