India Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

India Strenuous Tours & Trips

707 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,071 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous
Family India Golden Triangle Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Delhi, India Gate, Jaipur, Qutab Minar, Rajasthan, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • See the magnificent Taj Mahal and exotic palaces of Rajasthan
  • Experience the thrill of tiger tracking in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
  • Discover the wilderness of the desert on a camel ride
  • Stay in a restored fort

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
India Unrivalled 14 Day Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
17 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur

What travelers are saying

"Our tour with Mike was incredible. The itinerary allowed us to see some truly incredible sights of Japan and really absorb the culture. Mike did an awesome job guiding us around and being a friend to us while we were here. No doubt I will be biking another tour with him in the future"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Darjeeling, Durbar Square, Fes, Gangtok, Himalayas, Kathmandu, Paro, Punakha, Thimpu, Tibet, Tiger's Nest Monastery

Highlights

  • An epic journey that traverses countries, cultures and religions with stunning scenery
  • Discover the Indian foothills of the Himalaya and peaceful Darjeeling
  • Delve into Bhutan, a Buddhist nation where success is measured in Gross Domestic Happiness

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Rajasthan - Land of the Maharajahs
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, India Gate, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Qutab Minar, Rajasthan, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Venice

Highlights

  • An epic train journey across Northern India's highlights from Kolkata to Amritsar
  • Varied experiences from the sacred atmosphere in Varanasi, to the Taj Mahal and bustling Old Delhi
  • Explore the captivating Golden Temple of Amritsar, the heart of the Sikh faith

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
India's Golden Triangle
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • An 8-day journey through the cultural heart of North India's famous Golden Triangle
  • Get closer to local life with a stay in a family-run heritage property fit for a Maharajah
  • Explore the Pink City of Jaipur's iconic sites from the Amber Fort to the Palace of the Winds

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Delhi to Kathmandu
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Chitwan National Park, Delhi, Durbar Square, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Taj Mahal, Tibet, Varanasi

Highlights

  • A full-on journey from the majesty of North India's icons to the Himalayan beauty of Nepal
  • Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, witness the pink beauty of Jaipur and the sacred waters of Varanasi
  • Search for one-horned rhino and the Buddha's birthplace in stunning Nepal

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Treasures of Central India
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Arabian Sea, Bath, Goa, Mumbai, Rome

Highlights

  • A full on exploration of central India's historical and cultural riches beyond Mumbai
  • Bijapur - Visit the vast Gol Gumbaz, the Deccan mausoleum of King Mohammed Adil Shah
  • Ajanta and Ellora - Explore the UNESCO-listed painted caves and rock-cut temples
  • 20

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great itinerary being able to see so much of the island. Some free time was good to be able to choose from many options. Tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed every day."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Pakistan Expedition
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi

Highlights

  • Learn about Pakistan – its turbulent past, fascinating present, and hopeful future – from a local leader who knows and loves the country best.
  • Discover the jagged snow-capped peaks, bright blue lakes and traditional culture of the Hunza Valley, a little touristed but unbelievably beautiful region of northern Pakistan.
  • From its ancient museums, gardens and forts to its fantastic food scene, Lahore has so much to offer. Spend three days discovering this dynamic city.
  • Travel to the incredibly remote village of Shimshal where you’ll meet the local families who live in this challenging environment and hike through the surrounding mountains.
  • Visit a women’s group supported by the Aga Khan Foundation to learn about their projects and have lunch at a cafe run by local women.

Themes

Local Immersion & Homestays, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous
...

1

2

...

India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,071  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

E

Evelyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colourful and magical introduction to India

Colourful and magical introduction to India

C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV. Our trip ran smoothly despite issues beyond KVs control. He did everything to alter it...

A

Agnes

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Awesome

Awesome!

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Amazing

Amazing! Loved what we saw in India, such a contrast from the craziness of New Delhi and Varanasi, to the more layed back and small village feel of Jojowar, to the m...

Write a Review

India Tour Selection Trips

  • Trekking in India can be an incredible experience, particularly in the Himalayan regions of the North, however, intensity levels vary. Make sure you pick a trek that is suitable to your fitness level.
  • Pack appropriately. The weather varies greatly in different regions and at different times of the year, so bring suitable clothes and invest in decent gear. If you're hiking, make sure to wear decent hiking shoes that have been fully broken in. Also, make sure that gear advertised as waterproof is actually waterproof (stuck up a mountain in monsoon rain is not the time to be figuring this out!).
  • When booking a tour, find out as much as possible about what is included. For example: Do you need to bring your own drinking water? Does renting a sleeping bag or mosquito net cost extra? Will you be picked up and/or dropped at your hotel?
  • Different operators offer different levels of comfort, so be sure to investigate the sleeping and transport conditions. It's also worth asking how many people will be on the tour, as a comfy jeep becomes a lot less so when over a dozen people are shoved inside.
  • Inform the operator about your dietary needs beforehand. Vegetarians and vegans will usually be well catered for, but some more specific requirements (allergies, etc.) may require additional planning. The food can also be far spicier than the food back home, so let the operator know if you'd like the heat dialed down a bit.
  • India can be quite the sensory overload, so take it slow to fully adjust to all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Most tours have a good balance between organized activities and free time, but some more than others. If you predict that India will be overwhelming for you, choose a trip with an itinerary labelled as “relaxed”.
  • Get ready to walk, a lot. Most tours in India have a moderate level of physical activity because so much of the exploration requires walking. Be prepared for a lot of uneven terrain and dust while walking on the roads.
  • More days = more regions. India is incredibly large. If you decide to pick a tour that’s roughly 10 days or less, your tour will only have time to explore one region. Culture, pace of life, food, and even language vary within regions. If you have the time and want to explore all that India has to offer, choose a tour that’s 18 days or longer.

Additional details

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between October and March. Winters are generally very pleasant, but keep in mind that this means the country is packed with tourists during the winter.

Summers in India can get unbearably hot, and monsoons drench the country in rain from June to September. That said, visitors to India during or right after monsoon season can experience the beautiful green countryside, many areas of which are brown and dry most months of the year. 

Currency in India

The official currency in India is the Rupee. Visitors are not allowed to bring any amount of Indian currency into India, so bring cash, checks, and/or a credit card to exchange or withdraw currency upon arrival. Many vendors in India will not accept credit or debit cards, so it will be useful to carry small amounts of cash. 

What languages are spoken in India?

India has 22 official languages, and each of the 29 states in India has an official language. Hindi is the most common language spoken, and English is the second most common. Many Indians can speak two or more languages fluently, and most people that you interact with in the hospitality industry will speak English. 

Packing list for India

What you bring on your trip to India will depend on the season and itinerary of your trip. However, there are a few items that are recommended for any India tour:

  • Modest clothing - Clothing in India tends to be modest. Women should bring long skirts and shawls to cover their shoulders, especially when visiting holy sites. 
  • A traveler’s wallet and/or passport holder - Pickpocketing and theft is common in many of the crowded cities, so keeping cash and other valuables in a traveler’s wallet (theft-safe wallet that you can keep under your clothes) may help protect your belongings.
  • Sturdy walking shoes - Public transportation in most parts of India is lacking, so you will likely do a lot of walking.
  • Prescriptions, contacts, and other necessities - Although bodegas and drugstores are common in the major cities, they may not carry the same products that you find at home. 
  • Mosquito nets - Mosquitos are common in India, especially during the monsoon season.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase-- India is well-known for its clothing industry, and even the street markets tend to offer high-quality items.

Popular India tour routes

Many tours will take travelers through the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. New Delhi has the largest airport in India, so most tours will begin and end there. Tours using private buses or cars for transportation will likely visit smaller villages and areas in the countryside, while tours that rely on public transportation tend to stick to the major cities. 

Cruises along the Ganges River give travelers opportunities to visit small towns and villages that other tours generally do not visit. The river runs through the cities of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Varanasi, and Kanpur, among others. Many cruises begin near New Delhi and end at Kolkata.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 707 trips to India and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!