India Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

India Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

685 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 1,933 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

11 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Small Ship Cruise
ME to WE & the Sacred Ganges
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Why we love them
They have the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry and a reputation for excellent service.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Udaipur

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve. Service was timely and professional. Most remembered your preferences and were prepared to assist."

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Cruising in Assam
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Cruising in West Bengal
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Road Scholar World Academy Semester 2: West from Asia to Europe
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Santiago de Compostela

Highlights

  • Experience an unforgettable voyage from Singapore to England along the famed Suez Canal route.
  • Explore wonders including the temples of Bali, the rock-cut city of Petra and Pompeii.
  • For the first time, Road Scholar World Academy takes place aboard Holland America Line’s elegant ms Rotterdam.

Themes

50 plus, Around the World, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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14 Night The Spice Route I Voyage
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4.1/5 Great
35 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Chennai, Dubai, Kochi, Mumbai

Highlights

  • Visit to Mumbai’s grand colonial architecture
  • Discover Goa’s beaches
  • Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture
  • Explore Chennai and don’t miss Mahabalipuram

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We love the Azamara Quest! Very friendly and Great food!"

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New York To New York
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4.2/5 Great
10 reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Adelaide, Auckland, Bali, Barcelona, Brisbane, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kochi, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Naples, New York, Perth, Phuket, Rome, Southampton, Sydney

Highlights

  • Step into the Monte Carlo-inspired Empire Casino which offers a full variety of opportunities to tempt Lady Luck.
  • Travel back to the grand old days of Venice at one of our Masquerade balls. Every evening on board is a real event and attending one of our balls in the Queens Room means you're in for a truly special evening.
  • The quality and range of literature available in this beautiful room magnifies the stunning views over the bow. Take the time to linger over more than 8,000 books, in the largest library at sea.
  • Wake yourself up with a brisk walk or breezy jog around our promenade deck. Three laps make a mile!
  • Barossa Valley is famous worldwide for producing some wonderful boutique wines and internationally recognised names.
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Themes

Around the World, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Clean and elegantly decorated ship, not gaudy like another cruise ship I have been on. I got a beautiful room with a balcony. The choice of foods was wonderful. I really enjoyed the shows and the music and the sightseeing."

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Bike, Hike & Kayak South India
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Kerala, Kochi, Munnar, Periyar

Highlights

  • Cycle the backroads of Southern India through tea plantations and quaint hillside villages
  • Embark on jeep safaris in search for wild Asiatic Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears and other wildlife
  • Trek through rain forest to the second highest peak of the Western Ghats
  • Depart on a UNESCO heritage train ride between Coonoor and Ooty
  • Experience the delightful backwaters of Kerala
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Subal, Dinesh, Santosh, Amber and the team were brilliant. Subal in particular was always on the look out for the well-being of the group. The views and hiking on the trip were unparalleled, and as may be stereotypical to say, I learnt a lot about myself. I would recommend this trip to anyone."

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Kerala & Maldives Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Kochi

Highlights

  • Succumb to the languid pace of South India life at beach side resorts
  • Take in the iconic backwaters of Alleppey by kayak
  • Uncover historic Kochi and its colonial architecture
  • Unwind with 5 nights aboard an authentic dhoni as you cruise the Maldives
  • Explore the rich mangrove ecosystems of Paravur

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Subal, Dinesh, Santosh, Amber and the team were brilliant. Subal in particular was always on the look out for the well-being of the group. The views and hiking on the trip were unparalleled, and as may be stereotypical to say, I learnt a lot about myself. I would recommend this trip to anyone."

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Historical India with Rajasthan
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Enjoy a Delhi city tour to see the landmarks and get a glimpse of local life
  • Marvel at the breathtaking dawn view of Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Visit the Jaipur's stunning buildings incl. Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, and City Palace Museum
  • Take an exciting jeep safari to the rural Bishnoi Village
  • Through the bustling bazaars of Udaipur and pay a visit to the Jagdish Temple

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Premium India
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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
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal.
  • Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour with a local expert in Agra and a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur.
  • Embark on both morning and sunset safaris through Ranthambore National Park in search of antelope, sloth bears, leopards and the elusive tigers that call this park home.
  • Spend two elegant evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit to a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, and cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians.
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Themes

High Adventure

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."

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Discover India
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Khajuraho, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Walk the backstreets of delhi with a local guide
  • Enjoy a talk with a local historian and scholar
  • Explore the grand forts and palaces in rajasthan
  • Enjoy a safari in ranthambore national park
  • Experience village life near the holy town of pushkar

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Essence of India  (New Delhi, Small Groups, None)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They understand that true luxury lies not only in lavish hotels and gourmet dining but also in the immersive experiences that leave a lasting memory.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Truly experience India by traveling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures, in the fall you can experience Diwali, which means “row of lights” and is honored by all Indians, regardless of faith.
  • Truly experience India by traveling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures in spring, experience the ancient Hindu celebration of Holi, known for its colorful parades.
  • Delhi: View the monuments of Old and New Delhi when you drive out to Red Fort, the former home of the Mughal emperors. Cruise down the Rajpath to see India Gate and Parliament House.
  • Delhi: Take a tour of Jama Masjid with your Travel Concierge. Feel the majesty of the largest mosque in India with its three great gates, 40-meter-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
  • Delhi: Jump into the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi by taking an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. Let the city’s sights and sounds swirl around you as you’re transported in traditional style.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Like the two days at each stop. gave time to set everything. The Tree walk, zip lining and the glow worm caves were a highlight"

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Highlights of Southern India
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4/5 Great
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
Moderate

Visits

Arabian Sea, Chennai, Kerala, Kochi

Highlights

  • A 2-week adventure through South India's varied scenery, cuisine, culture and history
  • Explore Tamil Nadu's ancient temples, a riot of colour and packed with local pilgrims
  • Discover Kerala's peaceful backwaters, spice gardens and lush Western Ghats mountains
  • 20

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"This tour was virtually perfect, due largely to the curating skill, personality, regional knowledge & appreciation, dining choices, guiding & FUN capability of our marvelous guide Rocio! And of course, the eye-popping scenery of the western Algarve, Portugal!"

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11 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,933  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
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...

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

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...

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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.

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