Essence of India

14 – 27 Oct 2027

Delhi – Varanasi – Delhi – Taj Mahal – Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur – Mumbai

Overview

• Delhi ( IHCL The Claridges – Luxury heritage hotel – Luxury Balcony Room )
• Varanasi ( Taj Ganges – 5 star hotel – Deluxe Room )
• Delhi ( Roseate House – 5 star airport hotel – Deluxe Room )
• Agra ( Grande Mecure – 4 ½ star hotel – Superior Room )
• Ranthambore ( Khem Villas – Wilderness Lodge – Luxury cottage )
• Jaipur ( Samode haveli – Luxury heritage hotel – Deluxe Suite )
• Mumbai ( TAJ Mahal Tower – Luxury heritage hotel – Superior Sea View Room )

KERALA POST TOUR EXTENSION South India
• Cochin ( Forte Kochi hotel – Heritage hote – Premier Room )
• Backwater ( Overnight Cruise – Premium Houseboat – AC Cabin )
• Marari ( CGH Marari Beach Resort & Spa – Luxury Beach Resort – Garden Villa – *private pool villa upgrade option )

GOA POST TOUR EXTENSION
• North Goa ( Ahilya by Sea – Boutique Seaside Retreat– Rainha Room )
• Old Goa ( Postcard Mandovi on River – Heritage Boutique Hotel – River View Premier Room with sit out )
• North Goa ( ITC Grand spa & Resort – Deluxe beach resort – Lagoon View Premier Room )

MUMBAI WINE COUNTRY POST TOUR EXTENSION
• Nashik ( Source by Sula – Boutique Vineyard Hotel – Courtyard/Vintage Room )

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival / Delhi  VIP meet & greet service at airport. Transfer and check in to heritage hotel. Rest of day and evening at leisure. Overnight at the Claridges Hotel.

Day 2

Delhi Breakfast at the hotel. Morning heritage walking tour in Old Delhi and enjoy a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk. Visit to New Delhi, India gate, government buildings, Sikh temple Bangla Sahib & community kitchen. Leisure time at popular Khan Market  with lots of shopping opportunities. Welcome Dinner at local favourite Indian restaurant. Overnight at the Claridges Hotel.

Day 3

Delhi / Varanasi Transfer to Delhi Airport to board flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, transfer to your deluxe  hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore this ancient city. Witness evening ‘Aarti Fire Ceremony’ at the famous ghat. Overnight at the Taj Ganges hotel.

Day 4

Varanasi Early morning boat ride along the river from a Ghat. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites. Later visit Sarnath Stupa. Lunch at Local café and then explore local markets. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight at the Taj Ganges hotel.

Day 5

Varanasi / Delhi Breakfast at the hotel. On time transfer to Varanasi Airport for a local flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to nearby airport hotel. Rest of day and evening at your leisure. Overnight at Roseate House.

Day 6

Delhi / Agra Breakfast at the hotel. Drive 4 hrs to Agra and check in to hotel. Time at your leisure. Late afternoon visit to Agra Fort. Dinner and overnight at the Grande Mercure.

Day 7

Agra / Ranthambore Rise early and experience the Taj Mahal in the soft morning light, when cooler temperaturres and smaller crowds create ideal viewing conditions. As the sun rises over Agra, the monument’s white marble reflects changing hues offering a memorable opportunity to appreciate one of the world’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces. Specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura ( marble inlay work ) made with thousands of semiprecious stones. Return to hotel for breakfast. Drive to Ranthambore and upon arrival check in to Safari Lodge. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight at Khem villas.

Day 8

Ranthambore Morning and afternoon jeep Safaris to Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers. Spot the tigers in their natural habitat and see the park’s wildlife up close during the expertly guided jeep rides. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at lodge. Overnight at Khem villas.

Day 9

Ranthambore / Jaipur Breakfast at the lodge. Drive to Jaipur, the city known as the ‘Pink City’. Check into your Heritage hotel. Rest of afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 10

Jaipur Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Amer Fort, built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th-century. ‘Pink City Auto Rickshaw Ride’ around the city. Later continue on to visit the impressive Hawa Mahal, constructed of red and pink sandstone.  Afternoon leisure time for shopping and to explore colourful local markets. Overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 11

Jaipur / Mumbai Breakfast time and morning transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Mumbai. Check in to the luxury hotel. This pulsating and cosmopolitan city is home to 14 million people and famous for its movie making industry known as ‘Bollywood’. Early evening set off on a wonderful street food tour, for your first taste of Mumbai! Overnight at the TAJ tower hotel.

Day 12

Mumbai Today after breakfast you will enjoy a full day on the ‘5 Senses Tour’ where you will get a unique insight and fully imersive experience on all things Mumbai, from its history to its spice markets and cuisine. Even learn a few Bollywood dance moves of your own! Overnight at the TAJ tower hotel.

Day 13

Mumbai Rise early to witness Mumbai by dawn on a private tour. Return to hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Overnight TAJ tower hotel.

Day 14

Mumbai / Departure Breakfast at the hotel. Time at your leisure until your transfer to Mumbai Airport. On arrival connect with international flight for departure.

KERALA post tour EXTENSION
6 Days /5 Nights

Kerala Explore the tranquil waterways of Kerala with a private journey starting in historic Fort Kochi before  boarding a deluxe houseboat, for an overnight cruise through the scenic backwaters, passing palm-fringed canals and local village life. Float along and soak in the peaceful nature sounds of this area often called the 'Venice of the East'. Finish your adventure with a relaxing beach stay at Marari beach, combining culture, nature and coastal luxury in one immersive itinerary.

Day 1

Mumbai / Cochin Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Mumbai Airport for flight to Cochin. Check in to your heritage hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Overnight at Forte Kochi hotel.

Day 2

Cochin Breakfast at the hotel. Morning heritage walk of the former Dutch Colonial Port City of Fort Cochin, originally known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Late afternoon, visit the cultural Kathakali performers, see their elaborate make-up session and show. Followed by the serenity of a relaxing Sunset Boat Cruise. Also see the city’s famous Chinese fishing nets. Welcome Dinner at Seafood Restaurant. Overnight at Forte Kochi hotel.

Day 3

Cochin / Houseboat Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Alleppey and board your overnight houseboat. Enjoy lunch aboard. Cruising along the palm tree-lined backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat, watching local villages and lush jungle slip by while your onboard chef cooks up a storm. Enjoy dinner and overnight aboard the houseboat. This is an essential South Indian experience. Overnight Private deluxe houseboat.

Day 4

Houseboat / Marari Breakfast on board. Disembark back at Alleppey and transfer to Marari and check in to Beach Resort. Rest of day at your leisure exploring and relaxing. Dinner at resort. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.

Day 5

Marari Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy a full day and evening at your leisure to enjoy the Beach Resort and facilities. Dinner and overnight at the Marari Beach Resort.

Day 6

Marari / Cochin / Departure Breakfast at the resort and morning at your leisure. Transfer to Cochin Airport. VIP departure assistance at airport upon arrival.

GOA post tour EXTENSION
6 Days /5 Nights

Experience the best of Goa on this refined private tour, exploring the regions fascinating blend of Portuguese heritage, vibrant culture, beautiful coastal scenery and beaches. Begin your private journey as you explore North Goa, delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of North Goa ( Panjim ) and its charming Latin quarter, Fontainhas, one of the best preserved Portuguese neighbourhoods in India. Wander through its narrow winding lanes, lined with colourful colonial houses, red tiled roofs, ornate balconies and picturesque chapels. Next visit and stay in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India and one of the State’s most important historical and religious centres. Finish your journey in South Goa, offering you a more relaxed and tranquil side of the region. With golden beaches, swaying coconut palms, charming villages and a slower pace of life. Stay in specially hand picked seaside Boutique, Heritage and Beach Resorts, all in TIKKA TOURS comfort & style.

Day 1

Mumbai / Goa Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Mumbai Airport for flight to Goa. Transfer to North Goa and check in to your Seaside Boutique Hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at Ahilya by Sea.

Day 2

North Goa Latin Quarter Breakfast at the hotel. Morning heritage walk of the Latin Quarter followed by morning tea at historic backstreet bakery. Return to hotel for leisure time. Early evening, return to Latin Quarter for an elevated, dining experience in local Goan restaurant. Overnight at Ahilya by Sea.

Day 3

North Goa / Old Goa Breakfast at hotel. Drive to historic Old Goa for Heritage walk to visit some of its famous Cathedrals and churches. Continue to Mandovi River and check in to Heritage Riverside hotel. Rest of day at your leisure. Overnight Postcard Mandovi on River.

Day 4

Old Goa / South Goa Breakfast at hotel. Drive to the coastal region of South Goa and stop for Seafood Lunch Feast at local ‘Toes in the Sand’ beachfront restaurant. Continue to Beach Resort and check in. Rest of afternoon and evening at your leisure. Overnight at the ITC Grand Spa & Resort.

Day 5

South Goa Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy a full day and evening at your leisure to enjoy the Beach Resort and facilities. Overnight at the ITC Grand Spa & Resort.

Day 6

South Goa / Departure Breakfast at the Resort and time at your leisure before transfer to airport for onward flight.

MUMBAI WINE COUNTRY post tour EXTENSION
4 Days /3 Nights

Nashik Wine It is a common misconception that India is not a serious wine destination, but Nashik, the wine growing region just a short drive away from Mumbai, has firmly challenged that view and is now widely regarded as the country’s leading wine region. With TIKKA TOURS, a pioneer in taking Australian guests into this region over the last 10 years, you will enjoy a private, highly personalised tour of India’s Premier Wine Region. Visiting boutique wineries for curated tastings, cellar tours and behind the scenes insights into winemaking, offering a wide range of relaxed and immersive experiences. Stay in Sula Vineyards, located within the Sula vineyard estate in the heart of Nashik’s wine country, India’s first Heritage Winery Luxury Resort.

Day 1

Mumbai / Nashik Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to wine country region, with first stop at Boutique Vineyard for wine tasting and lunch. Continue to another well known Boutique Winery before heading to your hotel for check in and some leisure time. Overnight The Source at Sula.

Day 2

Nashik Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit a Micro Boutique Winery and then a special visit to the renowned Chandon Vineyard. Return to hotel. Overnight at The Source at Sula.

Day 3

Nashik Breakfast at hotel. Today you will visit Sula Cellar Door for a real treat, private tour and wine tasting. Rest of day can be enjoyed at your leisure. Overnight The Source at Sula.

Day 4

Nashik / Departure Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mumbai airport for onward flight.

Prepare for your trip

 India is everything, and more, all at once.

It's a sensory potpourri; a visual explosion of bright saris, lumbering cows, marigolds, incense, spices and bursts of sunlight - where you're guaranteed to craft your very own Darjeeling Limited experience.

As for the language, Hindi isn't spoken by everyone in India - in fact there are more than 20 languages spoken throughout the country and English tends to serve as a common one.

A few Hindi phrases will definitely help along the way: "Namaskar" (hello), "shukriya" (thank you), "aap kaise hai" (how are you), "kitna hai" (how much) and "naam kya hai" (what's your name), may come in handy on your trip.

As for money, you'll be dealing in Indian rupees - there are about 55 rupees to each Aussie dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but make sure you know all your pin codes as signing has been phased out around the country.

WHERE TO SHOP

Rajasthan is famous for its colourful embroidered textiles, clothing, homewares, gemstones, silver & gold jewellery, pottery, carpets and durrie rugs, antiques and furniture. As well as miniature paintings, papier mache puppets and embroidered leather shoes.

To buy precious and semi-precious gemstones head to the "pink city" of Jaipur, where gorgeous blue-glazed pottery is also made. Jodhpur holds a treasure trove of shopping bounty.

Marble wares inspired by the Taj Mahal, some of them exquisitely detailed and inlaid with semi-precious stones, can be sourced in Agra, while Varanasi is a popular place to pick up silk and saris.

Delhi is globally recognised for quality and very affordable pricing across a variety of goods.

Mumbai take your pick of jewellery, Sarees or block-printed fabric, Art and of course Retro Bollywood posters and postcards.

Goa is well known for its beautiful variety of decorative Azulejos Tiles. cashew nuts and spices, coconut decor, beachwear, bags and accessories. As well as a variety of hats and musical instruments.

Kerala is known for oils and essence. The best and purest forms of oils and essence are found here. Kochi’s options to shop almost rivals its obsession with food. Pick up an array of packaged spices on offer, such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, tamarind, cloves and bay leaves… let the wafting aromas guide you there.

In Cochin there are many varieties of cotton clothes and silk emporiums... you can’t leave without buying at least one traditional saree. Along with colourful bead handicrafts, brass bangles, metal mirrors, silver and gold jewellery.

Always a trade destination, from tradtional merchants to hip, young designers who create modern, fresh styles and fashion.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All tours include domestic flights, accommodation, transport, air conditioned mini coach with refreshments, sightseeing entrance fees, special tour events and activities, local guides, most meals and tipping (includes: baggage at airport, bell boys at hotel, any activities, paid meals, driver and his assistant and accompanying local guide). Prices may be subject to currency fluctuation or surcharges.

As part of a conscious initiative to reduce the use of single use plastic bottles, TIKKA TOURS ground operator now provides alternatives to plastic bottled water. Re-usable metal water bottles with re-filling facility are part of our guest’s vehicles.

TOUR PRICE

14 Days /13 Nights
$16,980 ( twin share per person )*
$5,320 ( single supplement )*
Fully escorted small group tour
( Based on 6–10 passengers )

KERALA post tour EXTENSION
6 Days /5 Nights
On request ( twin share per person )
On request ( single supplement )
Private tour ( Based on min 2 passengers )

GOA post tour EXTENSION
6 Days /5 Nights
$3,978 ( twin share per person )
$2,160( single supplement )
Private tour ( Based on min 2 passengers )

MUMBAI WINE COUNTRY post tour EXTENSION
4 Days /3 Nights
$2,316 ( twin share per person )
$784 ( single supplement )
Private tour ( Based on min 2 passengers )