Independent Spirit of India
Independent Spirit of India
Independent Spirit of India
12 Days Starting in Mumbai, India and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IAI2-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Independent Spirit of India" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of India. Begin your journey in Mumbai, exploring iconic landmarks like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India, and experience the unique tiffen lunch box delivery system. Fly to Varanasi to witness the spiritual rituals along the Ganges River, including the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. In Delhi, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and visit historical sites such as the Red Fort and India Gate. Continue to Jaipur, the "Pink City," to explore the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar, and visit Ladli, a training program for orphaned children. This tour includes private guided sightseeing, luxurious accommodations, and internal flights, offering a comprehensive and enriching experience of India's diverse heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
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.
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 Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur at specified hotels.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily and 4 lunches.
-
Guided Sightseeing
Private guided sightseeing tours in Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
-
Internal Flights
Flights from Mumbai to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi.
-
Transportation
Transportation between cities as per the itinerary.
-
Cultural Experiences
Experiences such as witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visiting the Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai, and exploring the City Palace Museum in Jaipur.
-
UNESCO Sites
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.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from India are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into India are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 4 lunches
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
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.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights from Mumbai to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi, as well as private guided sightseeing and drives between cities.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes flights from Mumbai to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi, as well as private guided sightseeing and drives between cities.
-
What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in Mumbai at Trident, Nariman Point; in Varanasi at Taj Ganges, Varanasi; in Delhi at Le Meridien New Delhi and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity; in Agra at Trident, Agra; and in Jaipur at Trident, Jaipur.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily along with 4 lunches.
-
What kind of guided tours are included?
The tour includes private guided sightseeing tours in Mumbai, Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
-
Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visiting the Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai, and exploring the City Palace Museum in Jaipur.
-
Will we visit any UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes, the tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Humayun's Tomb, Jaipur Walled City, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal.
-
Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from India are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees for entry into India are not included.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there may be optional activities or excursions available, but they are not included in the itinerary and would be at an additional cost.
-
What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Mumbai, India, and your hotel will be available for mid-afternoon check-in.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Varanasi?
In Varanasi, you will experience a boat ride at dawn to observe the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges, and in the evening, you will witness the Ganga Aarti on the ghats leading to the sacred Ganges River.
-
What activities are planned in Delhi?
In Delhi, you will have a private guided sightseeing tour that 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.
-
What will we do in Jaipur?
In Jaipur, you will visit Jantar Mantar, explore the City Palace Museum, and visit Ladli, a training program for orphaned and destitute children.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.