Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Mumbai, Varanasi & Kathmandu 2025 - Small Group
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 | Sunday, Mar 30, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 26, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 | Sunday, Nov 09, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Saturday, Nov 01, 2025 | Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Start your journey in bustling Mumbai. Witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River.Witness the symbol of eternal devotion with a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World. Here, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, you’ll travel to fascinating Kathmandu, Nepal. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka. Visit the residence of the Living Goddess at Temple of Kumari, and travel to Bouddhanath—one of the world’s largest stupas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Marvel at the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this Small Group Discovery tour of India and Nepal.
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAHello, Mumbai Welcome to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a vibrant history—now India’s premier seaport and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.MUMBAI-FLOWERS.jpg
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Day 2
MUMBAIMagical Mumbai Join your Local Guide for an orientation of some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L) Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Delhi. MUMBAI-CHHATRAPATI-SHIVAJI.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 3
MUMBAI–VARANASIPacked Lunches & Loyal Pilgrimages Today, witness Mumbai’s tiffin lunch box delivery system. Later this afternoon, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLUNCH BOX HEROES Each weekday dabbawalas (box carriers) deliver thousands of home-cooked lunches to people at work. Using a simple coding system of colors, numbers, and letters, deliveries are made with nearly 100% accuracy. Watch and learn about this fascinating process starting at Churchgate Station where the dabbawalas transfer the boxes onto local trains for distribution. Ride on one of the trains to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and see the boxes being sorted for final delivery.VARANASI-HINDI-WOMEN.jpg
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
VARANASISacred Rituals Near dawn, join your Local Guide and board a boat and watch a meaningful religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga or meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT FIRE & WATER Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river’s edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float “diyas” (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga. VARANASI-GANGES.jpg
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
VARANASI–DELHIToday, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (B)DELHI-INDIAN-FOOD.jpg
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
DELHIDelhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.DELHI-RED-FORT.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
DELHI–AGRARemembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome. DELHI-QUTUB-MINAR.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
AGRAMoghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Rise early for a bucket-list visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.AGRA-TAJ-MAHAL.jpg
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREABy Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION An oasis near the wild places of Ranthambore National Park, the Ranthambore Kothi Resort offers a lush retreat indulging you in a fusion of luxury and nature. With just 28 rooms appointed in the style of British bungalows, small groups enjoy the serenity of the hotel's gardens and lush jungle vegetation surrounding a luxurious swimming pool. FATEHPUR-SIKRI.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
RANTHAMBORE AREAThe Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on today’s guided game drives via small-capacity vehicles perfect for your group. RANTHAMBORE-BENGAL-TIGER.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 11
RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPURJaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. Explore the historic sights where, in 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and called the “Pink City” ever since. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC GEMS Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. JAIPUR-JANTAR-MANTAR.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 12
JAIPURJewels of Jaipur Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEPROMISING FUTURES Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Your small group is invited to visit the home of a local noble family to share a home-prepared dinner. You’ll also learn the art of sari-and-turban tying in the beloved tradition of India. JAIPUR-AMBER-FORT.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 13
JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPALGoing to Kathmandu Today, fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi), Nepal’s capital city, where you will be met by a Globus representative. (B) Please note: Your Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu is as outlined in the itinerary. KATHMANDU-STUPA.jpg
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
KATHMANDUCity Sights & Goddess Lights Join your Local Guide for morning sightseeing starting with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLIVING FAITH Discover the mysteries of the Temple of Kumari where the Living Goddess resides. Here, the manifestation of the Divine Mother is believed to live in the young girl who embodies The Energy – all riches, strength, beauty, and knowledge of the creator of the Universe. The temple is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree, featuring a 4-pillar hall from which sounds emanate from string and percussion instruments. A mysteriously beautiful sight!KATHMANDU-TEMPLE-OF-KUMARI.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 15
KATHMANDU-PATAN EXCURSIONThe Power of Faith Today, travel with your Local Guide to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (B,L)PATAN.jpg
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 16
KATHMANDUSafe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)KATHMANDU-HOLY-MAN.jpg
Meals: Breakfast
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Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
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Nariman Point
Mumbai , India
Nadesar Palace Ground Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi , India
Windsor Place, New Delhi
Delhi , India
Tajnagri Scheme
Agra , India
Near helipad, Village Khilchipur
Sawai Madhopur , India
Ashram Marg, Near Jawahar Circle, Rajasthan
Jaipur , India
Jhamsikhel Road 3, Lalitpur
Kathmandu , Nepal
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Questions & Answers Ask A Question
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Affordable Tours was easy to work with and helped me make my trip what I wanted it to be. Globus Tours provided well managed trip to Portugal -our guide Beatriz was very informative and gave us an inspirational time exploring almost all of Portugal -the experiences were unforgettable, and I loved learning about and experiencing Portugal!
This was my first trip with Affordable tours. Iwas very impressed. I personally didn't appreciate that I had to fight with multiple suitcase and having to walk long distances. Future trips i will definitely pack light because of all of the walking and transferring from plane, bus and trains.
You cannot beat Globus Escape tours for the price. They've become more and more popular as this is the 2nd or 3rd time they've opened a parallel tour to go with the one we've chosen. This tour was fast paced and would give a first time visitor a taste of the area. Globus tour directors are excellent and all of the hotels were located conveniently.
Super trip. Great tour director and super coach driver! We had a significant weather issue outside of their control and they did an outstanding job to deal with situation! Sites, hotels etc great!!
Some of the hotels were outdated but accessible to the city center. So you are trading one option for another.
Everything and everyone was great. Tracy and Francesco are the best tour guides I have ever met.
We had good tour director Mauricio. My only comment was that we booked it as a smaller group however we were integrated with a bigger group in total we were 24 in the group good thing the people in the tour were really nice people.
Karen is so helpful when booking our trips.
Ines was fabulous. Pedro was an excellent driver. I always felt safe.
Taking this trip off season is definitely the best way to go. Lovely area of the world with a lot of history. I learned a lot.
The tour director and driver were professional and courteous. It was great to learn the history of each area we toured. We enjoyed meeting our other travelers
Not as good as my previous trips with Globus . Of course weather was bad too . Hotel selection was not up to par
Affordable Tours was very helpful and so easy to work with. Brenda made sure I had all the information I needed and sent very appropriate and friendly reminders that were so helpful. Brenda also answered my emails and phone calls promptly and accurately. I highly recommend Affordable Tours.
Some of the optional tours were cancelled. Some hotels were not in the center of town. Our tour leader Rogan was fantastic. The wine tour in Melbourne Yarra Valley was maxed at 6 people. More people wanted to go but no other option. The barbecue lunch at the farm was on the same day as the farewell dinner....not a good combo. The best driver was Robin.
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Iguassu Host/Guide didn't speak English very well. Said he had learned English two months ago. He was prompt and courteous but didn't totally understand everything we were asking and discussed. All the South American destinations we had difficulties with communications when dealing with the locals (not guide or host). There appears to be less people that speak English than in Europe.