Independent Spirit of India

Independent Spirit of India

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Independent Spirit of India

12 Days Starting in Mumbai, India and ending in Delhi, India

Visiting: Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAI2-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. There’s no better introduction to India than this incredible Globus Independent tour . Tour bustling Mumbai, witness its tiffin lunch box delivery system, and visit the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll also explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. In the capital city of Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your cameras fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. Enjoy the I-time you crave with free time and optional excursions to experience this fascinating destination in your own way.

Highlights

  • Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India.

  • Witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system.

  • Visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • Near dawn, board a boat and watch a moving religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges.

  • In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River.

  • Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar.

  • Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise.

  • Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.”

Places You'll See

Trident, Nariman Point

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Le Meridien New Delhi

Trident, Agra

Trident, Jaipur

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, India

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Mumbai,India

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point

Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Accommodation Name: Trident, Nariman Point

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

MUMBAI• Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos? at some of the city’s famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. • Witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. • Visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. (B,L)

Day 3: Mumbai,Varanasi

Location: Varanasi

Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

MUMBAI–VARANASI• Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)

Day 4: Varanasi

Location: Varanasi

Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

VARANASI• Near dawn, board a boat and watch a moving religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga, meditating, take a ritual dip and offer flowers to the river. Return to your hotel for breakfast and leisure time. • In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River.(B)

Day 5: Varanasi,Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

VARANASI–DELHI• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B)

Day 6: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DELHI• Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. • Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B,L)

Day 7: Delhi,Agra

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DELHI–AGRA• This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret constructed in the early 13th Century. • Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). • After lunch, drive to Agra, a city where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings.(B,L)

Day 8: Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Trident, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast

AGRA• Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. • In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.(B)Today's I-Time TipsExplore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”

Day 9: Agra,Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

AGRA–JAIPUR• Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” • After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. • Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)

Day 10: Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Trident, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

JAIPUR• Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. (B)Today's I-Time TipsJoin a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur.

Day 11: Jaipur,Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Meals Included: Breakfast

JAIPUR–DELHI• Today, drive back to Delhi.(B)

Day 12: Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Meals Included: Breakfast

DELHIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in first-class hotels: Trident, Nariman Point in Mumbai; Taj Ganges in Varanasi; Le Meridien in New Delhi; Trident in Agra; Trident in Jaipur; Novotel New Delhi Aerocity in Delhi.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 4 lunches are included.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Private guided sightseeing tours in Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

  • Transportation

    Flights from Mumbai to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi. Ground transportation between cities.

  • Special Visits

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Humayun's Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Experiences such as witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visiting a traditional Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai, and exploring local bazaars in Delhi.

What's Not Included

  • Taj Mahal Closure

    The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

    In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as a visit to Itmad-ud-Daula in Agra and a walking tour through old Jaipur are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

UNESCO Sites

Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal

Meals

Breakfast daily; 4 lunches

Notes

The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Friday. In this instance, we will visit on the morning before transferring to Jaipur.

Accommodation

Mumbai: Trident, Nariman Point Varanasi: Taj Ganges, Varanasi Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi Agra: Trident, Agra Jaipur: Trident, Jaipur Delhi: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at first-class hotels in various cities: Trident, Nariman Point in Mumbai; Taj Ganges in Varanasi; Le Meridien in New Delhi; Trident in Agra; Trident in Jaipur; and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity in Delhi.

  • What unique experiences are included in the Mumbai itinerary?

    In Mumbai, you will have a private guided sightseeing tour that includes visits to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. You will also witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system and visit a traditional Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • What activities are planned in Varanasi?

    In Varanasi, you will board a boat near dawn to watch the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. In the evening, you will witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats leading to the sacred Ganges River.

  • What can I expect to see in Delhi?

    In Delhi, your private guided sightseeing tour includes a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. You will also take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a local bazaar, and visit Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

  • What is special about the visit to Agra?

    In Agra, you will have a special visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a private guided tour of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also have the option to explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s 'Baby Taj.'

  • What will I experience in Jaipur?

    In Jaipur, you will visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.' You will also explore Jantar Mantar, the City Palace Museum, and visit Ladli, a training program for orphaned and destitute children.

  • Are there any special notes about the tour?

    Yes, the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning prior to transferring to Jaipur.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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