The Best of India

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  • $2,299
  • 12
    Days
  • Average Tour Review
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DELHI, AGRA, JAIPUR, AND RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Rich traditions and inspiring culture await on this India tour including airfare from the U.S. Be welcomed with a cooking demonstration at a local home in Delhi, India’s capital. On tour of this city, visit Old and New Delhi, see Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque), the Chandni Chowk market, India Gate, and more. Plus, visit Akshardham, a stunning Hindu temple, and take a cultural boat ride. In Agra, explore one of the area’s lesser-known gems—Agra Fort, a red stone structure housing idyllic courtyards and artistic decor. On your next day here, discover the beautiful Taj Mahal with an in-depth excursion of this iconic mausoleum. We then take you on a Ranthambore National Park safari so you can admire India’s nature and wildlife, including the majestic Tiger. Spend your last few days in Jaipur, the “Pink City”, where you’ll take a yoga class, see the Amber Fort, explore colorful markets, and more!

For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our “Before You Depart” section.

Did you know that you can make this tour private for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.

Itinerary at
a Glance

  • International flight to India
  • 3 nights in Delhi
  • 2 nights in Agra
  • 2 nights in Ranthambore
  • 2 nights in Jaipur
  • International flight to USA

Tour
Highlights

  • Cooking Demonstration at a Family Home
  • Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi (Delhi)
  • Red Fort (Delhi)
  • Parliament House & Presidential Palace (Delhi)
  • Akshardham (Delhi)
  • Taj Mahal (Agra)
  • Agra Fort
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Ranthambore National Park Safari Expedition
  • Amber Fort (Jaipur)

Activity Level: Discoverer 

Your Tour
Includes

  • Round trip airfare from Newark (EWR)
  • Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-India ground transportation
  • Accommodations at deluxe and superior hotels
  • 18 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees
  • Experienced English-speaking Tour Director and local guides

Tour Itinerary

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Map

Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Depart USA

Your India tour begins this afternoon as you depart on a wide-body jet flight bound for Delhi.

Arrive Delhi

Afternoon arrival in India’s bustling capital. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your upscale city-center hotel. Later this evening, your tour director hosts a welcome briefing followed by a short orientation walk to explore lively Connaught Place, located near your hotel! This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

The Park Hotel or similar | Dinner

Delhi

After a good night’s rest and a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a guided tour to introduce you to Delhi’s major attractions.  In exotic Old Delhi you will view the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.  Visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and drive by the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal’s power. Then, walk through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.  In New Delhi, you will…

Delhi

After breakfast, proceed to visit Akshardham. The main building at the center of the complex is a 141-foot high monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India. Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11-foot high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the gurus of the sect. The building itself is constructed entirely…

Delhi/Agra

After breakfast, depart for the fabled city of Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love – The Taj Mahal. After you arrive this afternoon, take a guided visit to Agra Fort, the original red stone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort’s maze of courtyards, it’s marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah “a jewel box…

Taj Mahal Excrusion

Agra is an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom that covered much of southeast Asia. The highlight of this morning’s included tour is a guided visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned, Taj Mahal – considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. This 17th century, white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jehan to enshrine the mortal remains…

Agra/Fatehphur Sikri/Ranthambore

After breakfast depart Agra for Ranthambore, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital, and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Later, voyage by road to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. Afterwards continue to Bharatpur railway station, stopping along the way for lunch, and then board the train for Ranthambore. Upon arrival in Ranthambore,…

Ranthambore

Set out today on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals, and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds visitors of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection…

Ranthambore/Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. After you check into your upscale, conveniently-located hotel, join your guide for a walk to explore the colorful local bazaar. The balance of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring. You might consider watching a Bollywood movie at a local theater!

The Fern Residency or similar | Breakfast

Jaipur/Amber Fort/Jaipur

This morning venture out of the city to nearby Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. You’ll ride up to the imposing hill where the fort is perched. A local expert will guide you through its magnificent ramparts & watchtowers commanding spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. Visit the ornate chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their unique architecture and decoration. Return to Jaipur where the balance of the…

Jaipur/Delhi

This morning, attend a yoga session with a professional teacher. Later, enjoy free time for any last minute pursuits. Explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur where you can buy spices, unique local souvenirs or bargain for beautiful, hand-woven carpets. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight.

| Breakfast

Delhi/USA

Bid farewell to your incredible India tour. As you arrive the USA this morning,  your memorable travel to India ends .

Guided Tour Pricing

We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below and we will notify you once dates are available.

Request a Future Date

Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.

To enhance and make your India tour packages more complete and memorable, you tour director will offer optional tours. All rates are in US Dollars. Payment should be made in cash (US dollars). Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may be cancelled if the minimum is not met. Additional optional tours may be added for your enjoyment, and the optional tours listed below may not be available on all departure dates. Note that optional tours are non-refundable.

Jaipur Afternoon City Tour

  • Jaipur
  • From approx. $35 Per Person
This afternoon, proceed for a fascinating guided city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “Palace of Winds.” This was really a façade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and…

Evening Prayer Ceremony at Birla Temple

  • Birla Temple
  • From approx. $25 Per Person
Built by the Birlas, one of the India’s wealthiest families, the Birla Temple is known for its exquisite architecture and is indeed a sight to marvel at. A wonderful example of Indian architecture, the Birla Temple is defined by many exquisitely carved pillars, stained glass paintings that depict many gods and goddesses and a divine spiritual aura. There are three domes that represent three different faiths. The Birla TempleICI  is an idol of Lord Shiva…

Evening Rickshaw Ride

  • From approx. $25 for 2 persons Per Person
The beautifully decorated rickshaw awaits you with his rickshaw to take you on a wonderful adventure through the lanes of Jaipur. The rickshaw puller takes you on a ride through various routes, offering you a different view of the colorful town experience all together. The ride gives you a chance to glance at the colorful streets of Jaipur. You’ll ride through the Old Town and brings you face to face with wonderfully laid out shops…

Bollywood Film

  • From approx. $8 Per Person
Hindi cinema, often metonymously referred to as Bollywood, is the Indian Hindi-language film industry, based in the city of Mumbai. It’s the world’s largest film industry in terms of film production, with an annual output of 1,986 feature films as of 2017. Bollywood is its largest film producer, with 364 Hindi films produced annually as of 2017. Bollywood represents 43% of Indian net box office revenue, Bollywood is thus one of the largest centers of…

Reviews

Marlene k

"Just returned home from a fantastic trip from India and had a wonderful time. The experience of the sights,, people and the culture was truly enhanced by our tour leader jasmur ( Jesse) knowledge, patience, and wonderful interest in making this trip safe, fun and inclusive. A trip not to be missed. "

Allison H

"This was my first trip with Smartours and I would highly recommend. My mom and I went to celebrate her 80th Birthday. First, I would like to give a 5 star rating to our tour guide Jasvir. His attention to detail, flawless execution of our itinerary, superb English, patience, and amazing knowledge of history made the trip beyond exceptional. He made sure we were well taken care of at all times. India was a trip of a lifetime for us and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thank you Jasvir and Smartours!\r\n"

Tomas R

"Fantastic tour leader Jasvir Saurana took real good care of us during the whole great trip.\r\nThe Taj Mahal is one of the 7 new wonders of the world and its really beautiful.\r\nHad also a great tiger safari and were able to see 4 of them.\r\nTemple visits were very well directed and instructive.\r\nDo not forget to get the Monks blessing at the bus\r\n"

Sheila E

"First of all Smart Tours must update web pages and tour brochures which are so outdated.\r\nWe did the Passage to India with Bonita Backer. She was beyond suburb. So much knowledge and so much passion. Tended to each and everyones' needs. She really made the trip.\r\n\r\nHave not seen current events posted.\r\nWindyshe@aol.com"

Susan

"The tour was great because of our knowledgeable tour leader Bonita Backer.\r\nWithout her knowledge, expertise, organization .......I didn\u2019t think my experience in India on Smartours would have been the same. \r\n"

Myrna A

"This is the first group tour I have done. The trip was well organixed and executed flawlessly by our tour guide, Jessie(Jasvur). . He helped us not only with the historical facts of sites visited but also gave us insight into the daily lives of the people of India..He deserved 5 Stars.....I did find that the first Radisson Hotel chosen was outdated .Smartours"

Ana A

"This is a great trip, with many things to do and thanks to our tour guide Jasvir Saurian (Jessie) we where able to enjoy, be safe and learn a lot. Make sure he is your tour guide if you go on this tour, he will go above and beyond with the service and knowledge that he offers to his group. Thank you Jessie!!"

Maria T

"Jessie, our tour guide, was the highlight of this wonderful tour. He was professional, sensitive, well spoken, and a scholar of Indian history and culture. If you decide to take this trip make sure that Jesse is your tour guide!"

Amy A

"I just returned to the US, after an amazing trip with SmarTours! My tour guide was Jasvir Saurana. Jasvir was very knowledgeable and an excellent tour guide! He made this adventure very special. I will always treasure this special experience because of Jasvir's compassion and willingness to go above and beyond! Thank you Jasvir for being such an incredible tour guide!"

Charie

"This was my first international trip. I was a bit apprehensive about traveling to a country as busy as India. This trip was well organized and planned that I felt very comfortable in India. The sights and sounds were amazing. The food was delicious and the people were super friendly. The tour guide Arvind was excellent, he made the tour a success."

Elisa

"India was truly AMAZING!! The tour guide Arvin was wonderful and knowledge about India. The food was delicious! This trip was affordable and truly truly truly INCREDIBLE!!! This is a must do for your bucket list!"

Braj M

"Hi.\n Myself and spouse are very happy with every aspect of the tour, never boring. Our guide, Mr. Jasvir Saurana, is very knowledgeable, polite and passionate. If I am to go back to India I would love to have him as my tour guide. Way to go, smarTours! \n Braj K Mahipal"

Keema O

"This is my first tour I have ever taken and it was the best. I have always wanted to go to India but was afraid to go by myself, I found the courage and had a good time. The tour guide (Arvind) and his 2 assistants was was wonderful. I got to see India safely and meet new people. The hotels, food and shopping was great. The places we visited was amazing especially the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. I felt so at peace with myself during this trip that even though it was a little humid it didn't bother me. Most of all the people was very helpful and kind, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Most of all I felt at home, it was a spiritual journey that was completely amazing. I truly enjoyed this tour and will be looking forward to the next tour."

kevin n

"once again a great tour and tremendous guide"

Ed F

"If I ever had trepidations about traveling to India, they were quickly dispelled by our tour leader Bonita Backer. New York born, she has adopted India as her own, living there for 20 + years. Her understanding of \"India\" time, her compassion for the locals, and her many contacts (she seems to know everyone in airports to shops) were invaluable. That she also speaks Hindi and Nepalese made our journey through these countries seamless. Don't hesitate to take this trip!"
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