Ultimate India

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Delhi to Varanasi
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Varanasi to Bangalore
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Chennai to Cochin

• 18 nights of hotel accommodation (standard or premium options)
• Overnight accommodation on an air-conditioned houseboat

• 24 meals including daily breakfast & 3 specialty lunches

• English-speaking tour guides
• Sightseeing & monument entry fees as per itinerary
• Airline taxes & surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• Transportation by train: Mysore to Chennai

• Return airport transfers with meet & assist

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location. (See checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Premium Accommodation: Upgrade your accommodation package. (See checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today, depart for Delhi, India.

Upon arrival, be met by a representative at the airport and be escorted by a private chauffeur car to your hotel.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Delhi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: In-Flight

As the capital, Delhi is a major gateway city to discovering the wonders of India. The area is a fascinating metropolis offering an intriguing mix of ancient sites and modern wonders while also serving as the headquarters of Indian politics. Many of the heads of the Indian government and other political parties reside in the city, including the Prime Minister and President of India.

After breakfast this morning, take a late-morning city tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour begins in Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi that boasts the famous colourful shopping bazaar. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through this bustling marketplace, then the tour continues on to see Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort, originally commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Visit New Delhi to see the Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. Afterwards, travel to India Gate, the 42-metre-high stone of triumph and WWI war memorial bearing the names of 85,000 Indian army soldiers. Then drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence of the President of India and has an interesting blend of Mughal and Western architectural styles.

Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is free for independent activities or an optional afternoon tour.

Optional Activity: UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour - $40 AUD per person
India has an astounding 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the largest concentrations in the world. On this tour, discover two of Delhi’s UNESCO-listed sites, starting at Humayun’s Tomb. This is the first great example of Mughal architecture in India and was built to house the Emperor’s body. Stop off at the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter victory tower with five distinct storeys. Built by Qutb ud-din Aibak in 1193, it is the world’s tallest brick minaret. The red sandstone structure has words from the Quran intricately engraved into it. Includes transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide and entrance fees.

Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, you'll depart for Jaipur on an approximately 250-kilometre journey.

As the picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is washed in pink, the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, forms what is known as India's Golden Triangle. Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, fighting for the honour of your clan is a way of life and treating guests as gods has been a tradition for centuries. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Discover beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage buildings. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to the hotel and then enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including a sari and Indian costume demonstration. Afterwards, perhaps take advantage of an optional cooking demonstration with dinner.

Optional Activity: Cooking Demonstration Experience With Dinner - $30 AUD per person
Make your day a special one by participating in a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of authentic Rajasthani cooking in an informative and fun way. Experience cooking traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes while getting an idea about the different spices used to make the dishes more delicious and rich. The royal household of Jaipur is known for many succulent recipes and kitchen secrets that have been handed down from one generation to another over centuries. Your local chef will show you many cooking techniques and secrets while enjoying dinner with their delightful families. A must for cooking enthusiasts, you are sure to learn some absolutely mouth-watering tips and tricks to cooking up a storm.

Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Your tour begins with a morning excursion to Amber Fort which is located 11 kilometres from Jaipur. It was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber and is a beautiful sight to behold as the fort is built with white marble and red sandstone. It looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground.


Optional Activity: City Tour to Hawa Mahal, City Palace & Jantar Mantar - $45 per person
Take part in an afternoon city tour visiting the Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds', which was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen. You'll also have the chance to discover Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh, and visit the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles.

Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, depart for Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is one of the many famous destinations of the western state of India, Rajasthan. The trip will take approximately 3 hours.

Ranthambore is famous as a tiger reserve, with interesting sightseeing and local excursions available to explore this famous destination. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and located very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. Ranthambore's deciduous forest was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, the area was declared as a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure or choose from one of the two optional activities available.

Optional Activity: Afternoon Safari Drive Through Ranthambore National Park - $75 AUD per person
Search for wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger, during an afternoon game safari. Join a naturalist guide on a drive to view wildlife and bird species found within the national park. Entry to specific areas within Ranthambore is monitored and controlled by the park authorities to ensure a limited number of jeeps and canters are allowed in, thereby increasing the chance for sightings. This optional tour includes a safari, English-speaking naturalist guide and park fees.

Optional Activity: Afternoon Visit to a Local Organic Dairy Farm - $30 AUD per person
Visit the Shabri Organic Dairy Farm. On this optional tour learn about the local organic farming methods, visit a traditional Indian village and take part in tea and coffee making processes. Finish the tour by trying some local buttermilk.

This evening there is an opportunity to watch a short film on Project Tiger and the history of the national park along with dinner.

Overnight: Ranthambore National Park (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning safari at the Ranthambore National Park before enjoying breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Agra by coach and on arrival, check in to the hotel. The trip will take approximately 5.5 hours.

Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice, the Taj-Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. So overwhelming is the magic monument that Agra has been immortalised, as the City of the Taj. This afternoon you relax, or take an optional food trail tour.

Optional Activity: Food Trail Tour - $35 AUD per person
Embark on a heritage walk through hidden lanes and bustling markets to visit an array of local eateries. Meet the people behind some of the city’s most famous snacks, sample traditional foods such as paratha and savour chai served in a traditional clay cup. You'll also have the chance to taste Agra’s famous sweet petha, originally prepared more than 350 years ago in the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan. This sugary white pumpkin sweet comes in a variety of flavours having adapted to consumers' changing tastes.

This optional tour includes transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and a selection of snacks and chai.

Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, just after sunrise, you'll visit the Taj Mahal at approximately 06:00 before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the mausoleum just after breakfast at 09:00.

The world-famous Taj Mahal is where you'll see the undeniable beauty of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643, the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.

Later you'll enjoy visiting Agra Fort (Red Fort), a fascinating sight that showcases a high level of ornamentation with the Kohinoor diamond reportedly part of the furnishings. The fort’s artwork mixes Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour. The Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history, art and innovative architectural style including its garden design which influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Red Fort Complex.

Enjoy this world-famous city of Taj Mahal at leisure or choose an optional activity exploring further landmarks of Agra.

Optional Activity: Visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh - $40 AUD per person
Head to the landmark mausoleum of Itmad ud Daulah, known as “the Baby Taj”. Marvel at the intricately carved marble monument, conceived before the Taj Mahal and considered the blueprint for its design. You'll then continue to Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) and sip a drink as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal. This optional tour includes transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide and entrance fees.

Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Delhi airport at the appropriate time to board the flight for Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade centre when Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC.

The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Right from ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings. In the evening, witness the glittering Aarti ceremony at the Ganges.

Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Varanasi’s temples. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, is the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Some of the other interesting places you will see on the panoramic city tour are Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and the Archaeological Museum.

Optional Activity: Visit to Sarnath - $40 AUD per person
In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to the city of Sarnath, just 10km from Varanasi. Sarnath is a highly revered Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It is believed that after reaching enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha preached his first sermon here. The great Dhamek Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. The Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples. The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmarajika Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India’s National Emblem. Also visit the Pillars of Ashoka and a Tibetan Temple on this optional tour

Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, then spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Bangalore, known as the garden city of India, is one of the most visited destinations of southern India. There are many stories and legends relating to the 16th Century designed garden city. Bangalore has also been nicknamed as the Silicon City of India in the wake of the Information Technology revolution in the country.

Overnight: Bangalore (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour visiting the Vidhana Soudha. The building is a massive neo-Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. Next, visit Cubbon Park, in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh, which is famous for the wonderfully bloomed red roses, and the Bangalore Palace. Following the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Bangalore (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast depart for Mysore. Travel time will be approximately 3 hours.

Mysore has been ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century except for a brief period of 40 years in the later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over the city. The Wodeyar family managed to win the kingdom back when, in 1799, Tipu Sultan surrendered to the British. The benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings is evident in the city’s meticulous planning. The city’s architectural heritage and its long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature were nurtured under their patronage.

This city is ‘The Jewel of Karnataka’ and provides glimpses of its past grandeur. Stately, Mysore with its tree lined boulevards, grand palaces, and gardens is one of India’s finest cities. Life retains its calm, measured pace, punctuated by outbursts of activity and celebrating festivals. Today’s program includes a city tour covering the Maharaja’s Palace, built as recently as 1897.

Overnight: Mysore (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the train for Chennai. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. The travel time by rail will be approximately 7 hours.

Chennai, capital of the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Today, it is hard to believe that a place that started as just a small fishing village would become such an enormous and beautiful city.

Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is perhaps the most peaceful and green metropolis in India. Chennai has a number of attractions for the tourists to see. One of them is the beautiful Marina beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras.

Overnight: Chennai (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full day city tour visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, and the largest in Chennai. Next, visit Fort St.George located on the seashore near the harbour. Fort St. George was built for the East India Co. in 1640 AD. Continue to Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai, and the second longest beach in the world. Other attractions are Fort Museum and St. Mary’s Church and Little Mount Shrine.

Return to the hotel to relax for the evening.

Overnight: Chennai (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight for Cochin. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Cochin is popularly known as the “Queen on the Arabian Sea” and is the oldest European settlement in India. Surrounded by backwaters, this city has always managed to attract voyagers to travel to Kerala, India. Cochin is one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast and Kochi has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. One of the most interesting towns in South India, its cosmopolitan character is reflected in its low rise, picturesque buildings and structures. This region is a prime tourist destination and commercial hub of Kerala with its wealth of historical associations and a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters, the city of Kochi, perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.

Take the afternoon to enjoy this heritage city at leisure or choose from optional activities.

Optional Activity - Heritage Walk through Fort Kochi - $30 AUD per person
This walking tour gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich history and heritage, showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make the city unique. During the tour, you will visit the old quarter of Fort Kochi, exploring the quaint streets of this city on foot. You will also visit Fort Kochi’s seaside promenade and get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi.

Optional Activity - Fort Kochi, Broadway Bazaar and Mattancherry by Rickshaw - $42 AUD per person
This tour is a walking exploration of two neighbourhoods, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. You will use a local rickshaw to travel between these two areas. Fort Kochi is made up of quaint streets, vibrant markets, beaches and old stately houses. Mattancherry, once a major trading centre, is home to a wide range of communities who have settled here over the years. At the heart of Mattancherry is 'Jew Town', where ancient Jewish traders first settled.

If you are charmed by colourful bazaars and like discovering local food and culture, you will thoroughly enjoy this exploration of Ernakulam's Broadway area. Broadway is the traditional nerve centre of business in the city. The area rose to prominence when the British took over control of the Cochin area from the Dutch. Traders moved from Mattancherry to Broadway, setting up shops selling everything under the sun. Today, Broadway continues to be a busy wholesale and retail bazaar with specialised markets for various products and services.

Overnight: Cochin (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will take a city tour of Cochin. Your tour begins by visiting the Dutch Palace which, despite its name, was built by the Portuguese. It's known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata epics, as well as dresses and palanquins used by Cochin's erstwhile rulers.

You'll then visit the Koonan Kurishu Shrine and a Jewish Synagogue, boasting several copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script. The tour continues to Fort Kochi and St Francis Church, the oldest church to be constructed by Europeans in India. Not to be missed is the Santa Cruz Basilica with its beautifully painted ceiling.

This afternoon, depart by coach to Periyar. On arrival check in at your hotel. The travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Thekkady (Periyar), in the Idukki district, is the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature’s splendour and human innovation, often known as Spice City of India. Lake Periyar is a paradise for nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Overnight: Periyar (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit a spice garden that's combined with a tea and coffee plantation. These plantations open up a world of information and offer an insight into the growing process. The climate here is perfect to grow these particular plants. You'll also stop by a local vegetable farm to learn how the locals cultivate their food using various techniques and experience the local culture here. You may get the chance to interact with people from the nearby villages or farms to learn more about their lives.This afternoon, enjoy this spice city at leisure or choose from optional activities.

Optional Activity: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour - $50 AUD per person
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 square kilometres, of which 360 square kilometres is thick evergreen forest. The lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The sanctuary is famous for its fauna such as elephants, tigers, gaurs, sambars, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, wild boars, spotted deer, barking deer, stripe-necked mongoose, wild dogs, sloth bears, Malabar giant squirrels, civet, Nilgiri tahr and more.

Optional Activity: Tribal Heritage Program - $55 AUD per person
This optional activity includes a tribal dance performed by two of the six tribes in Thekkady, the Mannan and Paliyan tribes. You will be introduced to various tribal musical instruments and costumes. The tribal dance theme is about narrating and presenting the story of the tribes in the region from the very beginning. This translates to a world once reigned by the children of the forest, who now significantly indulge in co-existence with the rulers of the forest.

Overnight: Periyar (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you'll depart for Alleppey on an approximately 120-kilometre journey. Upon arrival, check in to your air-conditioned houseboat and enjoy a cruise on tranquil backwaters.

Eat lunch onboard as you take in the relaxing atmosphere, bask on the sun deck and enjoy the experience on these majestic live-in boats with delicious Kerala-style food. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing the area, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the 'Venice of the East' by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.

By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre and is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

Overnight: Air-conditioned Houseboat, Alleppey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as you cruise the backwaters. After your cruise, disembark the boat and depart for Cochin, driving past Kumarakom, a town on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad lake, glittering against the starlit-dark.

On arrival in Cochin check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight: Cochin (Standard or Premium Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at leisure this morning. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cochin airport to board your flight for home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 3rd December 2025.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies:
Standard Package: $850
Premium Package: $1300

Please note: accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates
2024
November: °7

2025
January: ^8, **15, 29
February: 12, 26
March: 12, *26
April: *9, *23
May: 7, 21
June: 4, *18
July: *2, *16, 30
August: 13, 27
September: 10, *24
October: *8, 22
November: 5, *19
December: ^3

Please note: see checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges
Please note: 
• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $150 per person.
• dates/months with a ° incur a high season surcharge of $200 per person.
• dates/months with a ** incur a high season surcharge of $450 per person.
• dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $1000 per person.

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth and *Auckland 

Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane: $200 per person
Adelaide: $300 per person
Auckland: $700 per person

International Full-Service Flights
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Domestic Flights
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: Delhi - Varanasi, Varanasi - Bangalore, Chennai - Cochin

Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person
1x 15 kilograms of checked baggage.
1x 7 kilograms of carry-on baggage.

Preferred Airline Surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Singapore Airlines: $300 per person 
Please note: 
• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Preferred airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners. 

Arrive Early in Delhi
$300 - $500 per person
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $500 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
28th March 2025 - 27th April 2025
16th June 2025 - 20th July 2025
15th September 2025 - 12th October 2025
1st December 2025 - 31st January 2026

Stay Behind in Cochin
$300 - $500 per person
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $500 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
28th March 2025 - 27th April 2025
16th June 2025 - 20th July 2025
15th September 2025 - 12th October 2025
1st December 2025 - 31st January 2026

Stopover Packages 
Singapore
Includes:
• 2, 3 or 5 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers 
For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note: 
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
22nd December 2024 - 3rd January 2025
4th - 6th April 2025
September 2025
22nd December 2025 - 3rd January 2026

Flight Class Upgrades
Business: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed.

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Accommodation Used:
Standard Package:
3 & 4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Delhi: Park Plaza or similar.
• Jaipur: Wall Street or similar.
• Agra: Taj Vilas or similar.
• Varanasi: Hotel Meraden Grand or similar.
• Bangalore: Abad Atrium or similar.
• Mysore: Regenta Central Herald or similar.
• Chennai: Quality Inn Sabri or similar.
• Cochin: Gokulam Park or similar.
• Periyar: Peppervine or similar.
• Alleppey (boat): AC Premium Houseboat.

Premium Package:
4 & 5-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Delhi: ITC Dwarka or similar.
• Jaipur: Ramada Plaza or similar.
• Agra: Grand Mercure or similar.
• Varanasi: Revitas or similar.
• Bangalore: Chancery Pavilion or similar.
• Mysore: Southern Star or similar.
• Chennai: Accord Metropolitan or similar.
• Cochin: Radisson Blu or similar.
• Periyar: Elephant Court or similar.
• Alleppey (boat): AC Premium Houseboat.

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights
Not available 

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share
Not available.

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 4, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.
Please note: A Small Group Tour is defined as a tour with no more than 20 travellers per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities
Day 2: UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour - $40 AUD per person
Day 3: Cooking Demonstration Experience With Dinner - $30 AUD per person
Day 4: City Palace, The Former Royal Residence - $45 AUD per person
Day 5: Afternoon Safari in Ranthambore National Park - $75 AUD per person
Day 5: Late Afternoon Shabri Organic And Dairy Farm - $30 AUD per person
Day 6: Optional Food Trail Tour - $35 AUD per person
Day 7: Baby Taj And Mehtab Bagh - $40 AUD per person
Day 9: Visit To Sarnath - $40 AUD per person
Day 15: Heritage Walk Through Fort Kochi - $30 AUD per person
Day 15: Fort Kochi, Broadway Bazaar And Mattancherry By Rickshaw - $42 AUD per person
Day 17: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour - $50 AUD per person
Day 17: Tribal Heritage Programme - $55 AUD per person

Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate. 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Optional gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
India
• Summer: April, May & June - Expect hot temperatures, very low to moderate humidity and low precipitation.
• Autumn: October & November - A pleasant climate characterised by warm days, cool nights, low humidity and low precipitation.
• Winter: December & January - Typically cool to cold temperatures with moderate humidity and low precipitation.
• Spring: February & March - Expect a pleasant climate with warm days, cool nights, low to moderate humidity and moderate precipitation.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

Meals:
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:
An easy/low level of fitness will be required. Easy/low is described as requiring light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and the ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is 300 Rupees per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

India
A tourist visa for India is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport. You will be able to start your visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.
Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: 
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.