India Grand Journey
The complete India introduction for first-time visitors — north, east and south
From €3,350 per person (land only, twin sharing) · Final quote on request
Why choose this journey
India's scale can be overwhelming. This 16-day itinerary is engineered to remove that friction — giving you breadth across the subcontinent's most storied destinations without sacrificing depth or comfort.
Private from start to finish
Your own certified English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle throughout. No shared coaches, no fixed group schedules — India at your pace.
Curated over 16 years
Every hotel, driver and guide on this itinerary has been personally vetted by our India specialists. We've run this route since 2008 and continue to refine it.
Beyond the Golden Triangle
Most India tours stop at Delhi–Agra–Jaipur. This journey continues into the deep Rajasthan — Pushkar, Jodhpur, Udaipur — before culminating in spiritual Varanasi.
Taj Mahal at first light
We time your Agra visit so you arrive at the Taj Mahal gates as they open. You'll see the marble glow in the early morning light — before the crowds arrive.
Family-run with accountability
Globalduniya is not a call-centre operation. When you book with us, you deal with our India specialists directly — before departure and throughout your journey.
IATA accredited
We are IATA-accredited and operate under the regulatory frameworks of India's Ministry of Tourism. Your trip is in safe, professional hands.
Your route across India
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Pushkar → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Varanasi
Chandni Chowk & Humayun's Tomb
Taj Mahal at sunrise
Amber Fort & City Palace
Sacred lake & Brahma Temple
Blue City & Mehrangarh Fort
Lake Pichola & City Palace
Ganga Aarti & old ghats
All overland transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. The final leg (Varanasi → Delhi) is by domestic flight, included in the package price.
What you will experience
Eight defining moments across 16 days — from ancient fortresses to sacred river ghats.
Old Delhi immersion
Cycle-rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid and explore the spice markets of the walled city.
Taj Mahal at sunrise
Arrive at the eastern gate as it opens and witness the white marble transform in the morning light — the single most photographed moment of the journey.
Amber Fort elephant stables
Explore the fortified hill palace of Amber with its mirrored Sheesh Mahal, and Jaipur's colourful bazaars of gemstones and block-print textiles.
Pushkar at dusk
Walk the ghats of the sacred Pushkar lake at sunset and watch the evening aarti at the only Brahma temple in the world.
Jodhpur's blue labyrinth
Navigate the indigo-painted lanes of the old city and climb to Mehrangarh Fort — one of the most photogenic fortresses in Asia.
Udaipur by boat
A sunset cruise on Lake Pichola framed by the City Palace and the floating Lake Palace — the India most travellers only see in photographs.
Varanasi Ganga Aarti
Witness the ancient fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganges at dusk — one of the most profound cultural experiences in the world.
Photography golden hours
Our guides are trained to position you for the best light at every major site — early starts are rewarded with extraordinary photographs.
Where you will stay
Choose your accommodation tier at the time of booking. Our India team selects every property for character, location and quality of service — never by star-count alone.
The Luxury tier includes palace hotels in Jaipur and Udaipur — Samode Palace, Taj Lake Palace or equivalent. The Comfort tier offers characterful 3–4 star properties in each city.
Standard Tier
The Lalit Delhi
Delhi
Central 5-star.
Courtyard Agra
Agra
Good location, Taj views.
Sarovar Premier Jaipur
Jaipur
Reliable 4-star.
Brijrama Palace Varanasi
Varanasi
Ganges ghat heritage hotel.
Brunton Boatyard Kochi
Kochi
Colonial waterfront hotel.
Taj Lands End Mumbai
Mumbai
Sea-facing 5-star in Bandra.
Luxury Tier
The Leela Palace Delhi
Delhi
Premier urban palace.
Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
Agra
Taj views every room.
Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
Udaipur
Floating palace.
Taj Nadesar Palace Varanasi
Varanasi
Private palace.
Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Mumbai
The original grand dame of Mumbai.
How your journey works
Everything is pre-arranged and pre-paid — so you arrive, step into your vehicle and begin exploring. No queues, no confusion at the hotel desk, no searching for your driver.
Private airport transfers
Our driver meets you with a name-board at every arrival — Delhi, and your Varanasi departure. No shared shuttles.
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
A private, well-maintained AC Toyota Innova or equivalent throughout the overland journey — spacious, reliable and with Wi-Fi on request.
Certified English-speaking guides
Ministry of Tourism certified guides at each destination — not a single guide for 16 days, but local specialists who know their city intimately.
Hotel check-in coordination
Our operations team pre-coordinates early check-ins and late check-outs wherever possible, and confirms your preferences in advance.
24/7 in-country support
Your India specialist's direct WhatsApp number is shared before departure. Any issue — any hour — we are reachable.
Varanasi flight included
The internal Varanasi–Delhi flight is included in the package price. We handle booking, check-in coordination and airport drop.
Day-by-day itinerary
All 16 days, fully detailed. Every activity, transfer and overnight is accounted for.
Day 1: Delhi - Arrival at IGI & Oberoi New Delhi Check-in
Day 2: Delhi - Exploring Old Delhi & New Delhi's Highlights
Day 3: Delhi to Agra - The Taj Mahal Experience
Day 4: Agra - Sunrise at the Taj & Agra's Heritage
Day 5: Agra to Jaipur - The Pink City Journey
Day 6: Jaipur - The Amber Fort & City Sights
Day 7: Jaipur to Mumbai - Arrival in India's Financial Capital
Day 8: Mumbai - Gateway of India & Heritage Tour
Day 9: Mumbai to Goa - Beachside Bliss
Day 10: Goa - Churches, Markets & Culture
Day 11: Goa to Cochin - Kerala's Gateway
Day 12: Cochin - Kathakali & Backwaters
Day 13: Cochin to Kerala - Journey into Nature
Day 14: Kerala - Ayurvedic Relaxation & Local Village Tour
Day 15: Kerala - Farewell Sunset Cruise
Day 16: Departure — Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Indicative pricing
Prices below are indicative starting points, per person on twin-sharing basis (land only). Final pricing is confirmed once we know your travel dates, group size, hotel tier preference and seasonal availability.
| Package type | Group size | From price |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | — | €3,350 |
| Standard | — | €4,650 |
| Premium | — | €6,400 |
· Prices are per person on twin sharing. Solo travellers are accommodated at a single supplement.
· International flights are not included. We can recommend specialist flight search on request.
· Hotel tier upgrades are available — contact us for Luxury tier pricing.
· Prices may vary by departure date and season. Final price confirmed in writing before payment.
What's included
- 15 nights' accommodation across 7 destinations
- Private certified English-speaking guide at each destination
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all overland transfers
- All in-destination road and airport transfers
- Internal flight: Varanasi → Delhi (economy class)
- Monument & site entry fees as per itinerary
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (includes Garden ticket)
- Sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- Ganga Aarti boat experience, Varanasi
- Daily breakfast at all properties
- Bottled water in vehicle throughout
- 24/7 in-country support via WhatsApp
- GST and all applicable taxes
Not included
- International flights (land + domestic package)
- India e-Visa fee (apply online before travel)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended — not included)
- Lunches and dinners unless noted in itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry and minibar
- Tips and gratuities to guides and drivers
- Camera and video fees at some monuments
- Optional activities (hot-air balloon Jaipur, cooking class etc.)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions our India specialists hear most often.
How much India travel experience do I need for this itinerary?
None at all. Grand India First Journey is specifically designed for first-time visitors. We assign an escort guide who accompanies you across all five destinations — you never navigate independently unless you choose to. Every cultural moment (ghat ceremony, camel safari, houseboat) is introduced with context.
Are all internal flights included in this package?
Yes. All domestic flights (Delhi–Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer–Jaipur, and any other air legs on this circuit) are included in the package price. We book economy class on SpiceJet, IndiGo, or Air India — upgrades to business class are available on request at additional cost.
Is this itinerary suitable for senior travellers?
Yes, with some physical considerations. Monument steps and uneven stone paths require reasonable mobility. We can arrange wheelchair-accessible vehicles at any city. The houseboat is at water level and requires a step-down boarding — we assist all guests. Pace is deliberately not rushed.
When is the best time to travel on this route?
October to March is the ideal window — comfortable temperatures across Rajasthan and the plains. November through February is the peak season: expect clear skies in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and pleasant evenings in Udaipur. The Taj Mahal is particularly magical in winter morning mist. April and May can be very hot (40°C+) in the plains but are manageable with early-morning sightseeing. Monsoon (July–September) is best avoided for overland Rajasthan travel.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to India?
Absolutely — it was designed with first-time international visitors in mind. The pace is measured, the route logical, and our guides provide context throughout. Your accommodation is comfortable and reliable, transfers are private, and our operations team pre-empts the logistics that can overwhelm independent travellers.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. This is a foundation itinerary. We can add or remove destinations, change hotel tiers, extend nights in Udaipur or Varanasi, add a tiger safari (Ranthambore), or adjust the start and end cities. Speak to your consultant after requesting a quote.
What accommodation tiers are available?
We offer three tiers across the itinerary — Comfort (3-star characterful properties), Deluxe (4-star curated hotels), and Luxury (heritage palaces and 5-star hotels such as the Oberoi group, Taj Hotels and Samode Palace). Each tier has been personally selected. The Luxury tier includes palace properties in Jaipur and Udaipur.
How much luggage should I bring?
We recommend a maximum of one medium suitcase and a day bag per person. The internal flight has standard checked baggage allowance. Rajasthan is warm — light clothing in breathable fabrics works best. Your packing list is shared with your pre-departure documents.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most international travellers can apply for an India e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in before travel. Processing typically takes 72 hours. We provide a full visa guidance note as part of your pre-departure pack. Visa fees are not included in the package price.
Is the Taj Mahal closed on any day?
The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. We schedule your Agra visit to avoid Fridays and to ensure you arrive at first light — the monument opens 30 minutes before sunrise.
Why Globalduniya
We are not an OTA aggregator or a booking platform. We are a family-run, specialist travel company with 16 years of on-the-ground experience in India and Canada.
16+
Years specialising in India travel
IATA
Accredited — regulated and accountable
100%
Private itineraries — never shared coaches
24/7
In-country support throughout your trip
What our travellers say
"Twenty days of extraordinary India and we saved the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for last. The Gateway of India view from our room, the Harbour Bar, the history of the building itself — a perfect finale. Our overall coordinator Priya was available and responsive throughout the entire journey."
Alexander & Sophia Konstantinos
GR
"Twenty days of extraordinary India and we saved the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for last. The Gateway of India view from our room, the Harbour Bar, the history of the building itself — a perfect finale. Our overall coordinator Priya was available and responsive throughout the entire journey."
Alexander & Sophia Konstantinos
GR
"Twenty days of extraordinary India and we saved the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for last. The Gateway of India view from our room, the Harbour Bar, the history of the building itself — a perfect finale. Our overall coordinator Priya was available and responsive throughout the entire journey."
Alexander & Sophia Konstantinos
AU
Ready to begin your India journey?
Request a personalised quote and one of our India specialists will respond within 24 hours with a fully detailed proposal, hotel options and confirmed pricing for your travel dates.