India Balanced schedule Tours & Trip Packages

India Balanced schedule Tours & Trips

706 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,081 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

374 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Balanced schedule
Mystical Northern India
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4.8/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Delhi, Red Fort

Highlights

  • Explore the magical “Yoga Capital of the world”
  • Hike to the holy Shiva temple of Neelkanth
  • Experience the Hindu Color festival of Holi
  • Learn about Ayurvedic Cooking
  • Hike the mountain Triund and sleep near its summit
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness

What travelers are saying

"I have had the pleasure to share my adventure in India with Chris and Kristie. Beautiful people, amazing trip, stunning places, helpful gentle full of life couple. I will love to meet them again on another adventure if will ever be possible. I will forever treasure what I have experienced. Many thanks always. Namaste"

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Golden Triangle
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Travel through the city of Delhi which has gone through three historic eras: feudal, Mughal and colonial.
  • Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
  • See Taj Mahal during sunrise or sunset.
  • Jeep ride to magnificent Amer Fort.
  • Explore the local markets of Pink city.

Themes

Cultural, Religious

What travelers are saying

"Thank you Breathtakers Tours for your ideas, your availability, your listening to the realization of this trip which was delicious, informative, and of which we keep a beautiful memory."

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India Photography Holiday to Kerala
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kerala, Kochi

Highlights

  • Visit the Shoot ‘street’ in the old alleyways of historic Fort Cochin
  • See the Capture behind the scenes of a Keralan dance drama, before the show starts
  • Experience the Long exposures at dusk, fronting the 500-year old Chinese Fishing nets
  • Visit the Climb the world’s highest tea plantation, shooting candid portraits of pickers
  • Explore backwater villages by luxury houseboat, photographing families in homes
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I had a fantastic time in Cuba last month with CE, my first group holiday of any kind & i was nervous but need not have worried! hotels, guide, tutor & locations all excellent plus the company of a lovely bunch of fellow travellers made it a very enjoyable memorable trip! thank you, Jo"

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Hidden Rajasthan and the Holi Festival
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5/5 Excellent
10 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Experience the rich traditions of Rajasthan's more remote towns, with their legacy of ancient temples, palaces, havelis (mansions), and imposing fortresses
  • Attend the Holi Festival in Siana, a spirited affair with singing and dancing
  • Explore the grand cities and palaces of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur, with a stay at the legendary Lake Palace Hotel on Lake Pichola

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I have taken 13 trips with WT, most recently a marvelous adventure in Viet Nam and Cambodia. Always difficult to name a favorite since their trips offer such a great mix of culture, history and scenic wonders. Each trip is unique but all trips share their great attention to detail, incredible trip leaders and a single, professional point of contact. Our Viet Nam trip no exception, the opportunities for exposure to the history, and culture (and incredible cuisine) was outstanding! Looking forward to my 14th!"

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Gujarat: The Land of Legends, Culture & Crafts
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5/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Gir National Park, Jama Masjid

Highlights

  • Wander through the Indus Valley civilization
  • Explore Gir Forest National Park
  • Discover the land of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth
  • Enjoy nine nights of Navratri festival
  • Visit Sabarmati Ashram
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We loved getting to know Cape Town and were enthralled with the wildlife of the Sabi Sands Reserve."

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Nagaur Relief Ride
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Delhi

Highlights

  • Visit a school in order to deliver educational materials to school children in the morning
  • Enjoy a vibrant and colorful ride from Ishru to Achina
  • Drive to the historic Ahhichatragarh Fort
  • The Nagaur region's splendid palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sandstones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization
  • Ride through marvelous desert sand flats to our first camp in Sawanreej.

Themes

Cultural

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Palace On Wheels Luxury India Train Journey
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amber Fort, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Enjoy a personalized experience in our luxury small group touring with a maximum of 16 passengers
  • Experience our first-class escorted tours
  • Complimentary one-way Chauffeur service in Australia*
  • Traditional welcome ceremony at Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi
  • Ride an elephant at Amber Fort, Jaipur
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

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Tigers & Other Wonders of India
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, India Gate, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Explore Delhi
  • Visit the Ranthambhore National Park is one of the largest in India
  • Discover Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - memorials of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru -, and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India,)
  • Explore city of Jaipur, the "color pink city" capital of Rajasthan
  • Opportunity to cruise on the Ganges river

Themes

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

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
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 didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
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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."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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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!"

Trip dates & details
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India Tiger Safari
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra

Highlights

  • Embark on 15 game drives
  • Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
  • Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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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 was a fantastic trip. Everything went well from start to finish, the views and the hikes were amazing! Nigel Lewis is an excellent guide and was patient and empathetic, managing the different walking paces in our group very effectively. The hotel was clean, comfortable and had a beautiful lakeside view. We were well fed, both in the hotel and in local restaurants. Our group gelled together very well and we sincerely enjoyed each other's company for the week. We swapped the walks on the last two days due to weather conditions and I feel that this should be amended on the itinerary as the walk on the last day was the best and a perfect way to end the week's hiking. A perfect holiday, thank you Explore for a great week, already searching for the next trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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374 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Balanced schedule

India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,081  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...

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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.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 706 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.

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