Overview
Independent Spirit of India
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. Y 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 explore 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 of Independent Spirit of India
City Highlights
Related Tours
Transportation
Travelers Notes
Your Globus Independent tour gives you the freedom to explore with the I-time you crave–with all the perks you'd expect from Globus. We take care of the details with included accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing and transportation between Delhi/Agra/Jaipur via private vehicle, and Local Hosts in each city to assist you when needed. Private transfers to/from airport for all intra-vacation flights are also included (intra-vacation flights and taxes not included). We’ll also handle flight arrangements and airport transfers at the beginning and end of your tour, if you wish.
UNESCO Sites
Agra Fort|Amber Fort|Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Humayun's Tomb|Jaipur Walled City|Jantar Mantar|Qutab Minar|Taj Mahal
Independent Tour
Venture further to enjoy the world your way without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and select meals, guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your tour and see the world your way.
Product Group
Independent India: The Golden Triangle
Meals
Breakfast daily; 4 lunches
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIAWelcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
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 tiffin 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• Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)
Day 4
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• Today, fly to Delhi, India’s capital city. (B)
Day 6
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• 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• 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• 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 children in need the valuable skills they need. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)
Day 10
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• Today, drive back to Delhi.(B)
Day 12
DELHIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Taj President, Mumbai | Taj President, Mumbai exudes nostalgia combined with world-class service and hospitality. Strategically located, the hotel is close to all the major attractions and award winning restaurants. Guest rooms are crafted for the global traveler and are spacious and bright. Hotel Amenities include iconic restaurants, a stylish lounge bar and outdoor pool, making it an urban oasis. | Mumbai | 90 Cuffe Parade | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Radisson Hotel Varanasi | The Radisson Hotel Varanasi, located in the heart of the city's illustrious business district, boasts 116 spacious rooms, modern architecture, and amenities including high-speed Internet access, multiple dining outlets, and an on-site spa. It provides easy access to top attractions like Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga ghats, and many other temples. During your stay, be sure to take advantage of a fitness center, open air pool, and on-site restaurant with a lounge. | Varanasi | The Mall, Cantonment | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Le Meridien New Delhi | Ideally located in the heart of New Delhi, the luxurious Le Meridien New Delhi stands tall over the historic landscape of Lutyen's Delhi. The hotel features a sophisticated and modern design, and sweeping views of New Delhi. | Delhi | Windsor Place, New Delhi | Moderate Deluxe |
| 4 | Taj View Agra | Spread over six acres of manicured gardens and equipped with smart rooms, the Taj View Agra offers the finest amenities alongside hassle-free services. With friendly staff offering impeccable service and hospitality, the hotel blurs the lines between business and pleasure. | Agra | Taj Ganj, Fatehabad Road | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Taj Amer, Jaipur | Nestled within the breathtaking Aravalli mountain range and in close proximity to the iconic Amer Fort, Taj Amer invites you to a journey that is regal, artistic, and immersive. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the wellness center, several restaurants featuring international cuisine, a fitness center, and a rooftop inftinity pool with stunning panoramic views. | Jaipur | Khasra 54,55,56, Chimanpura | Moderate Deluxe |
| 6 | Vivanta by Taj - Dwarka, New Delhi | Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka stands as a beacon of luxury and comfort. Its striking modern architecture merges style with spaciousness. Rooms feature vibrant décor and custom-designed furnishings, offering a charming and comfortable stay. Hotel amenities include 2 trendy restaurants, a bakery and a cocktail bar, plus a sleek lounge, spa and an outdoor pool and a sundeck. | Delhi | Metro Station Complex, Sector 21 | Superior First-Class |
