Northern India
Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal
Mughal imperial architecture, vibrant Old Delhi bazaars, and the iconic white marble Taj Mahal.
All Destinations
South AsiaCountry Guide & Tailor-Made Journeys
India Holidays & Tours
Book flights to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), or Kochi (COK), and explore tailor-made journeys through the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s royal palaces, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, and sacred ghats along the Ganges.
The marble dome and reflecting pools of the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, India
A Guide to India
A subcontinent of incomparable historical depth, architectural splendour, and sensory vibrancy, India invites travellers on journeys that span Mughal imperial marvels, Himalayan serenity, and lush southern coastlines.
From the marble silhouette of the Taj Mahal in Agra and the pink sandstone palaces of Jaipur to private houseboat journeys through Kerala’s palm-fringed backwaters and spiritual dusk Aarti ceremonies in Varanasi, India presents an extraordinary canvas for bespoke touring.
Key Cities & RegionsThe Golden Triangle, Royal Rajasthan, Kerala Backwaters & Varanasi.
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
Primary GatewaysDelhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kochi (COK), Chennai (MAA)
Cities & Regions
Places to go in India
Essential cities, cultural heartlands, and coastal regions
Western India
Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan
The Pink City palaces, Amber Fort, royal heritage havelis, and desert fortresses across Rajasthan.
Southern India
Kerala Backwaters & Kochi
Tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, traditional private houseboats, spice plantations, and Fort Kochi colonial charm.
Western Coast
Goa & The Konkan Coast
Portuguese colonial churches, golden Arabian Sea beaches, boutique heritage villas, and fresh coastal dining.
Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi & The Sacred Ganges
One of the world’s oldest living cities, morning boat rides, and spiritual evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies.
Maharashtra
Mumbai & Western Gateways
The Gateway of India, Victorian Gothic architecture, vibrant contemporary arts districts, and waterfront promenades.
Curated Experiences
Things to do in India
Tailor-made excursions and private local touring
01.
Private Sunrise Tour of the Taj Mahal
Experience the soft morning glow on the white marble dome of the world’s greatest monument of love before crowds arrive.
02.
Alleppey Private Houseboat Cruise
Drift past coir-making villages and emerald paddy fields with your private onboard chef preparing regional Keralan delicacies.
03.
Amber Fort & City Palace in Jaipur
Explore mirror-inlaid royal chambers and hilltop ramparts overlooking the Maota Lake with an expert private guide.
04.
Dusk Boat Ceremony on the Ganges in Varanasi
Watch floating clay oil lamps, sacred mantras, and rhythmic temple bells during the evening Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti.
Itinerary Styles
Golden Triangle TouringRoyal Palace StaysKerala HouseboatsCulinary & CultureWellness & Ayurveda
Curated Journeys
Sample India Itineraries
Tailor-made routes crafted by NZ travel specialists
Every itinerary is handcrafted to fit your preferred pace, accommodation style, and flight schedule from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Explore our popular route frameworks below, or customise them in our interactive studio.
12 DaysBalanced Cultural & Scenic Pace
Option 1: 12-Day India Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal, Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan, Kerala Backwaters & Kochi, Goa & The Konkan Coast with private local guides
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $4,200 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal➔Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan➔Kerala Backwaters & Kochi➔Goa & The Konkan Coast
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kochi (COK), Chennai (MAA)
•4-Star Premium Comfort stays with daily breakfast
•Private airport transfers, inter-city rail or domestic flights, and English-speaking local specialists
•Ideal seasonal window: October to March
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal (Northern India)
Arrive in Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal. Mughal imperial architecture, vibrant Old Delhi bazaars, and the iconic white marble Taj Mahal. Includes private sunrise tour of the taj mahal.
Days 4 to 6Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan (Western India)
Discover Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan: Alleppey Private Houseboat Cruise
The Pink City palaces, Amber Fort, royal heritage havelis, and desert fortresses across Rajasthan. Enjoy alleppey private houseboat cruise with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 7 to 9Kerala Backwaters & Kochi (Southern India)
Discover Kerala Backwaters & Kochi: Amber Fort & City Palace in Jaipur
Tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, traditional private houseboats, spice plantations, and Fort Kochi colonial charm. Enjoy amber fort & city palace in jaipur with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 10 to 12Goa & The Konkan Coast (Western Coast)
Goa & The Konkan Coast Signature Sights & Departure
Portuguese colonial churches, golden Arabian Sea beaches, boutique heritage villas, and fresh coastal dining. Enjoy dusk boat ceremony on the ganges in varanasi with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
12 DaysRelaxed Pace with Free Afternoons
Option 2: 12-Day India Boutique, Culinary & Leisure Journey
Slower-paced stays across Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal, Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan, Kerala Backwaters & Kochi, Goa & The Konkan Coast
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $5,600 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal➔Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan➔Kerala Backwaters & Kochi➔Goa & The Konkan Coast
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kochi (COK), Chennai (MAA)
•Boutique & heritage properties selected for $4,000 to $6,500 NZD / person
•Curated culinary walks, scenic excursions, and dedicated Wellington support desk care
•Planned for departure: Flexible dates
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal (Northern India)
Welcome to Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal & Neighbourhood Dining Walk
Touch down from Auckland (AKL) with a private transfer to a boutique property in Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal. Settle in at an easy pace before alleppey private houseboat cruise.
Days 4 to 6Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan (Western India)
Boutique Stay in Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan with flexible mornings, explore mirror-inlaid royal chambers and hilltop ramparts overlooking the Maota Lake with an expert private guide.
Days 7 to 9Kerala Backwaters & Kochi (Southern India)
Boutique Stay in Kerala Backwaters & Kochi & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Kerala Backwaters & Kochi with flexible mornings, watch floating clay oil lamps, sacred mantras, and rhythmic temple bells during the evening Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti.
Days 10 to 12Goa & The Konkan Coast (Western Coast)
Unrushed Goa & The Konkan Coast Stay & Homeward Connection
Spend 3 nights based in Goa & The Konkan Coast with flexible mornings, experience the soft morning glow on the white marble dome of the world’s greatest monument of love before crowds arrive.
Seasonal Planning
Best time to visit India
Best months: October to March
Cool, pleasant dry weather across Northern India, Rajasthan, and the beaches of Goa and Kerala. Ideal for palace touring and wildlife.
October to March
Winter & Pleasant Dry Season
Clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and cool evenings across the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
April to June
Himalayan & Foothills Season
Warm across the plains; perfect time to explore Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himalayan tea estates.
July to September
Monsoon & Ayurvedic Season
Lush green landscapes across Kerala and Goa; premier season for traditional Ayurvedic wellness retreats.
International Airfares
Compare India FaresFlights from New Zealand to India
One-stop flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch via Singapore Airlines (SIN), Malaysia Airlines (KUL), Cathay Pacific (HKG), or Qantas (SYD/MEL).
Arrival hubs: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Kochi (COK), Chennai (MAA)
Combine with Neighbouring Destinations
View all 12 destinations
India • 18 Days (17 Nights)
Choose Your Highlights in IndiaToggle places to visit and allocate nights per stop
6 Stops • 17 Nights3n
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Best time: October to March
Calculated return: 2026-12-05
Transparent Cost EstimateNZD $5,730 / person
Total for Party (2 adults):NZD $11,460 (GST incl.)
Return Airfares
~NZD $1,450 / person from AucklandHandpicked Stays
~NZD $2,210 (17 nights 4-Star)Private Transport & Guides
~NZD $2,070(AC chauffeur & daily sights)SuperGold Cardholders receive $20 discount on booking service fee.
Bespoke Proposed Itinerary
Option 1: 18-Day India Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal, Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan, Kerala Backwaters & Kochi, Goa & The Konkan Coast, Varanasi & The Sacred Ganges, Mumbai & Western Gateways with private local guides
Day-by-Day Schedule & Local Experiences:
Days 1 to 3
Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal (Northern India)B / L / D
Arrive in Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Delhi, Agra & The Taj Mahal. Mughal imperial architecture, vibrant Old Delhi bazaars, and the iconic white marble Taj Mahal. Includes private sunrise tour of the taj mahal.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 4 to 6
Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan (Western India)B / L / D
Discover Jaipur & Royal Rajasthan: Alleppey Private Houseboat Cruise
The Pink City palaces, Amber Fort, royal heritage havelis, and desert fortresses across Rajasthan. Enjoy alleppey private houseboat cruise with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 7 to 9
Kerala Backwaters & Kochi (Southern India)B / L / D
Discover Kerala Backwaters & Kochi: Amber Fort & City Palace in Jaipur
Tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, traditional private houseboats, spice plantations, and Fort Kochi colonial charm. Enjoy amber fort & city palace in jaipur with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 10 to 12
Goa & The Konkan Coast (Western Coast)B / L / D
Discover Goa & The Konkan Coast: Dusk Boat Ceremony on the Ganges in Varanasi
Portuguese colonial churches, golden Arabian Sea beaches, boutique heritage villas, and fresh coastal dining. Enjoy dusk boat ceremony on the ganges in varanasi with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 13 to 15
Varanasi & The Sacred Ganges (Uttar Pradesh)B / L / D
Discover Varanasi & The Sacred Ganges: Private Sunrise Tour of the Taj Mahal
One of the world’s oldest living cities, morning boat rides, and spiritual evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies. Enjoy private sunrise tour of the taj mahal with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 16 to 18
Mumbai & Western Gateways (Maharashtra)B / L / D
Mumbai & Western Gateways Signature Sights & Departure
The Gateway of India, Victorian Gothic architecture, vibrant contemporary arts districts, and waterfront promenades. Enjoy alleppey private houseboat cruise with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide