Faq's

For peak season (October–March), book 3–6 months ahead — especially if you want specific luxury hotels like Oberoi Amarvilas or Rambagh Palace, which sell out early. For off-peak travel (April–September), 4–8 weeks is generally fine. We can sometimes arrange trips in 2 weeks for experienced India travellers, but early booking gives you the best hotel options.

Yes — flexibility is one of our core principles. Minor adjustments (adding a half-day, changing a restaurant, swapping one sight for another) can be made at any time, even during the tour. Major changes to hotels or transport are subject to availability and may affect pricing. Your tour is never rigid.

We typically require a 20–30% deposit to confirm your tour and begin hotel bookings. The balance is paid 30 days before your arrival date. For bookings made within 30 days of travel, full payment is required at confirmation. We never ask for 100% upfront — that's a red flag at any travel company.

Our standard policy: cancellations more than 45 days before travel receive a full refund minus a small processing fee. 30–45 days: 75% refund. 15–30 days: 50% refund. Less than 15 days: non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full details are in our Refund & Cancellation Policy.

We specialise in ground tours — hotels, transport, guides, and experiences. We do not book international flights. For domestic flights within India (e.g., Delhi to Goa), we can assist with recommendations. We suggest booking international flights through your preferred airline or aggregator and sharing your arrival details with us so we arrange a seamless airport pickup.

Yes, when booking with a verified, Ministry of Tourism-approved operator like us. We offer payment via secure bank transfer, PayPal, and our online payment gateway. Never pay via informal channels like WhatsApp Pay to a personal number — always use official invoiced payment methods. We provide a formal booking confirmation for every payment.

Absolutely. We never use vague terms like "similar hotel" or "best available." Your itinerary includes specific hotel names, star ratings, and room types before any payment is made. You can research each hotel independently and request changes if needed.

Most international visitors require a visa. Citizens of 160+ countries can apply for an India e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The e-Visa is valid for 30, 90, or 365 days (depending on nationality) and covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel to allow processing time.

Yes, very straightforward. Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in, choose "Tourist e-Visa," fill in the online form, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (typically USD $25–$80 depending on nationality). Most applicants receive approval within 72 hours via email. Print your e-Visa approval and carry it with you.

Yes — Indian hotels are legally required to record guest passport details during check-in. This is standard practice nationwide, including at 5-star properties. We also need your passport details to pre-check you into hotels for a seamless arrival. We operate under strict data privacy principles and never share guest information with third parties.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from India. If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying for your visa. Airlines may also deny boarding if this requirement isn't met.

Yes — some states in North East India require additional permits for foreign nationals. Arunachal Pradesh requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland require Restricted Area Permits (RAP). Sikkim requires a Sikkim permit for certain areas. We handle all permit applications on your behalf as part of your tour arrangement.

We provide guidance on the application process and can advise on documentation, but we do not process visas on your behalf. You apply directly through the official Indian government visa portal. We do handle all internal permits (North East India, restricted areas) as these are arranged locally.

Tourist visa extensions are possible but uncommon and require an application to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The e-Visa cannot be extended — you would need to exit India and re-apply. We recommend applying for the correct duration from the start. If you think you might want more time, apply for the 90-day or 365-day e-Visa.

100% private. Every tour we operate is exclusively for your group — whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or as a family of 12. You will never share a vehicle, guide, or itinerary with another group. Your driver and guide are yours for the entire duration of your tour.

Yes — this is something our guests consistently praise in reviews. Your driver stays with you from city to city for your entire journey. This means no awkward handovers, no re-explaining preferences, and a driver who genuinely gets to know you. By day 3, most guests consider their driver a friend.

Yes. All our guides and drivers are fluent English speakers, trained in Indian history, culture, and hospitality. At major monuments (Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Red Fort), we also provide specialist local monument guides who are licensed by the Archaeological Survey of India and know their sites in exceptional depth.

Completely. We don't sell off-the-shelf packages. Every itinerary is built from a blank page. You choose your destinations, pace (slow travel vs. packed schedule), hotel category, activities, meal preferences, and any special requests. Want to spend 3 days in Udaipur instead of 1? Done. Prefer to skip Fatehpur Sikri and spend more time at Agra Fort? No problem.

Our fleet ranges from Toyota Etios (couples, 4 guests) to Toyota Innova Crysta (families, 6 guests), Toyota Fortuner SUV, Mercedes Benz (luxury), Force Urbania van (groups up to 13), and Mini Coaches (groups up to 20). All vehicles are air-conditioned, GPS-enabled, fully insured, and regularly sanitized.

Yes — airport transfers are included in all our tours. Your driver will be waiting in arrivals with a name board when you land. For late-night or early-morning flights, we ensure seamless transfers. We also offer standalone airport transfer services for Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.

Yes — female guides are available on request, particularly for solo female travellers, women's groups, and families who prefer it. Please mention this when requesting your quote and we will specifically arrange a female guide for your tour.

One person. We regularly organise private tours for solo travellers. The price per person is higher for solo travel (since you have an entire private vehicle and guide to yourself), but the experience is completely personal and unhurried.

Monument entry tickets are not typically pre-included in tour prices (as entry fees change frequently), but your guide will arrange them on the spot. For the Taj Mahal, we strongly recommend booking entry tickets in advance during peak season — we can advise on this as part of your trip preparation.

Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel, English-speaking driver for full duration, accommodation as specified, English-speaking local guides at monuments, welcome assistance on arrival, and 24/7 emergency support.

Not included: International flights, India visa fee, monument entry tickets, meals (unless specified), personal expenses, tips for driver and guide, travel insurance.

Costs vary significantly based on hotel category and group size. Rough guide per person (including hotels, private car, guides — excluding flights):

• Standard (3-star): USD $600–$900 for 6 days, 2 people
• Superior (4-star): USD $900–$1,400 for 6 days, 2 people
• Luxury (5-star/Taj/Oberoi): USD $2,000–$4,000+ for 6 days, 2 people

Solo travellers pay more per person; larger groups pay less. For an accurate quote, request your free itinerary.

No. We believe in complete transparency. Our quotes include a detailed cost breakdown — accommodation, transport, and guide fees listed separately. The only costs you'll incur beyond the quote are personal spending, monument entry tickets (quoted separately as they change), tips, and any optional activities you add during the trip. We never add charges after you've confirmed.

The Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in all cities and airports — withdraw Rupees on arrival. USD, EUR, and GBP can be exchanged at airports and authorised money changers. Avoid exchanging currency at unofficial locations. Carry some cash for local markets, auto-rickshaws, and rural areas — credit cards are accepted at hotels and most restaurants.

Tipping is not mandatory but deeply appreciated. A widely accepted guideline: USD $5–$10 per day for your driver and USD $5–$10 per day for your guide. For exceptional service — which is what we aim for — many guests tip more generously. Tips are given directly to your driver and guide in cash (Rupees preferred).

Yes — we accept bank transfer (SWIFT/international wire), PayPal, and credit card payments through our secure online gateway. All invoices are issued in USD or the currency of your choice. We provide official receipts for all payments.

Strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover medical emergencies (including evacuation), trip cancellation, baggage loss, and personal liability. Medical care in India can be excellent but expensive for foreigners without insurance. We do not provide travel insurance directly, but can recommend reputable international providers.

India is one of the world's most visited countries and is safe for the vast majority of tourists. Our private tours provide an additional layer of security — vetted drivers, personally inspected hotels, 24/7 emergency contact, and local expertise. Like any country, common sense and awareness matter. We brief every guest on practical safety tips specific to their itinerary before travel.

India can be very safe for solo women with the right planning. With our private tours, you have a trusted, background-verified driver with you at all times. We choose hotels specifically for their security standards. Female guides are available on request. Many solo women travel with us every year and have an incredible experience. We can share specific safety briefings for solo female travellers on request.

Yes, with smart choices. Our guides know exactly which street food vendors are trusted and hygienic. General rules: choose freshly cooked hot food, avoid raw salads and cut fruit from street stalls, eat at busy stalls (high turnover means fresher ingredients). Delhi's street food is world-famous — you shouldn't miss it, but approach it wisely.

No — never drink tap water in India. Always use sealed bottled water, even for brushing teeth if you are sensitive. All our partner hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks at local establishments; ice at upmarket hotels and restaurants is generally made from filtered water.

Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus) are up to date. For longer trips or rural areas, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis may be recommended. We are not medical advisors — always get personalised advice from your GP.

Contact us immediately at +91-8955000999. Nand Singh or a team member is reachable 24/7 during your tour. Major Indian cities have excellent private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max). Always carry a copy of your travel insurance documents with your emergency contact numbers. Your driver will know the nearest reputable hospital for every city on your itinerary.

It's a common concern but very manageable. Prevention: bottled water only, be selective with street food, take probiotic supplements before and during travel. If it happens: rest, rehydrate with ORS (oral rehydration salts, available at all Indian pharmacies), and avoid heavy food. Most cases resolve within 24–48 hours. Pack ORS sachets and consider carrying a prescription antibiotic (consult your doctor in advance) for severe cases.

Malaria risk varies by destination and season. Major tourist cities (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) have lower risk than jungle, rural, or monsoon-season travel. Dengue fever is more common in cities than malaria and peaks during/after monsoon. Pack quality insect repellent (DEET-based), wear long sleeves at dusk, and consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication if travelling to higher-risk areas.

India is relatively conservative, especially at religious sites. Key rules:

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques, and sacred sites (both men and women)
• Remove shoes before entering temples and mosques — wear slip-ons for convenience
• Light, breathable cotton or linen clothing is ideal for the heat
• A scarf or shawl is useful for covering up at religious sites

Casual Western clothing is absolutely fine in cities, hotels, and restaurants.

International roaming works in India, but can be expensive. We recommend buying a local Indian SIM card at the airport on arrival (Airtel or Jio are the most reliable). Carry your passport — it's required to register a SIM. Expect to pay approximately ₹300–₹500 (~USD $4–6) for a month of data and local calls. WhatsApp works seamlessly across India on data.

• Light, breathable clothing (cotton/linen) — layers for winter
• Comfortable walking shoes + easy slip-on shoes for temple visits
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses
• Insect repellent (DEET-based)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• ORS sachets and any personal medications
• Portable charger — long drives between cities
• Copies of passport, visa, insurance, and emergency contacts
• Small day bag for sightseeing

Yes — in local markets (bazaars, souvenir shops, street stalls), bargaining is expected and part of the experience. A good starting point is to offer 40–50% of the first asking price and negotiate from there. Fixed-price shops and government emporiums don't negotiate. Your guide can assist with fair pricing and help you avoid tourist traps.

A calm, polite "no thank you" and walking on is usually sufficient. Avoid engaging or making eye contact as this can invite persistence. If you wish to give, it's generally more impactful to donate to verified local charities rather than give cash directly. Your guide will help navigate busy tourist areas and deflect persistent touts.

India uses Type C, D, and M plugs at 230V/50Hz. Most modern hotels have universal sockets. If you're travelling from the UK, US, or Australia, a universal travel adapter is recommended. Power cuts (load shedding) can occur in some areas — all our partner hotels have backup generators.

India is one of the best countries in the world for vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarian food is deeply embedded in Indian culture. You will find exceptional vegetarian options everywhere. Please let us know your dietary requirements when booking and we'll ensure every restaurant and hotel is briefed in advance.

Generally yes, with some restrictions. The Taj Mahal: photography allowed in the gardens; tripods require a separate permit. Most temples: photography of the main idol/deity is often prohibited — always ask before shooting. Video cameras sometimes attract additional fees at monuments. Your guide will advise at each location.

October to March is ideal for most of India. November through February offers pleasant temperatures (15–25°C) across the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, and North India. South India and Kerala are best October–March. Avoid North India in April–June (extreme heat, 40–45°C+). The monsoon (July–September) brings lush landscapes and lower prices but heavy rainfall.

For a first visit focusing on the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), 7–10 days is ideal — enough to see the highlights without rushing. With 14 days, you can add Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer) or Varanasi for a deeper experience. We don't recommend trying to "see all of India" on one trip — choose a region and explore it properly.

Yes — Ranthambore National Park is a 3.5-hour drive from Jaipur and is one of India's best places to see Bengal tigers in the wild. We can easily add 1–2 nights at Ranthambore to any Golden Triangle tour. The best tiger sighting months are October–June; the park is closed July–September. There are no guarantees of sightings, but October–April success rates are excellent.

Sunrise is magical — arrive at opening time (6am) when light is golden, crowds are minimal, and the atmosphere is unforgettable. Our driver will get you there before the gates open. Spend at least 2–3 hours exploring all areas, including the less-visited riverside viewing point behind the main mausoleum. Consider a sunset visit the evening before for a different perspective — this requires a separate ticket but is well worth it.

Absolutely — Varanasi (Benares) is unlike anywhere else on earth. The ghats along the Ganges, the Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk, the ancient alleyways, and the spiritual intensity create an experience that stays with guests forever. It's not for the faint-hearted — it can be confronting and overwhelming — but it's deeply rewarding. We recommend 2 nights minimum to absorb it properly.

For most Golden Triangle and Rajasthan tours, your private car covers all intercity travel — comfortable, direct, and flexible. For longer distances (e.g., Jaipur to Varanasi), we arrange domestic flights. Luxury train journeys (Shatabdi Express, Palace on Wheels) are available on request and add a uniquely Indian dimension to the trip.

India offers incredible honeymoon experiences across different landscapes. Top picks:

• Taj Mahal + Udaipur: The world's most romantic monument + the Lake City's palace hotels
• Kerala: Backwaters on a private houseboat, Ayurvedic spa retreats
• Rajasthan: Sleeping in a royal palace (Rambagh, Umaid Bhawan, Taj Lake Palace)
• Goa: Beach relaxation combined with a culture circuit

We specialise in honeymoon packages with romantic hotel upgrades, private dinners, and surprise touches.

India is a wonderful family destination when planned well. Children are warmly welcomed everywhere in India — they'll love elephant experiences at Amber Fort, rickshaw rides, Rajasthani puppet shows, and the Monkey Temple in Jaipur. We pace family tours differently — shorter driving days, hotel pool time built in, and child-friendly restaurant choices. Tell us your children's ages and interests when booking.

Absolutely. We design many tours specifically for senior travellers — slower pace, ground-floor hotel rooms where possible, fewer steps, more rest time, and avoidance of exhausting back-to-back sightseeing. Many of India's top attractions (including the Taj Mahal) have good accessibility. Please mention any mobility requirements or health considerations when booking.

Yes. India decriminalised same-sex relations in 2018 and same-sex couples travel throughout India regularly. We are an inclusive, welcoming operator and have organised many tours for LGBTQ+ couples and groups. Public displays of affection are generally discouraged for all couples in India (this applies equally to straight couples), but same-sex travellers can expect respectful, professional service from our entire team. We offer dedicated LGBT India tours.

Yes — we offer dedicated photography tours timed around golden hour, with access to less-visited viewpoints and local village experiences that most tourists never see. We arrange early morning Taj Mahal access, guide you to the best Hawa Mahal angle in Jaipur, and can connect you with local life in Rajasthan's villages for authentic portrait opportunities. Check our Golden Triangle Photography Tour.

Yes — we handle corporate travel, incentive groups, and MICE events across India including venue sourcing, ground transport, hotel blocks, team-building experiences, and gala dinners at heritage properties. Rajasthan is particularly spectacular for corporate events — palace settings create unforgettable incentive experiences. Contact us directly for corporate enquiries.

Yes — India is one of the world's most spectacular settings for destination weddings, particularly in Rajasthan's palaces. We work with venues including Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur), Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur), and Samode Palace (Jaipur). We coordinate décor, catering, guests' travel logistics, and on-the-day management. Read our palace wedding guide for inspiration.

Yes — we integrate wellness experiences into our tours on request. Yoga and meditation experiences in Rishikesh (the world's yoga capital) can be combined with a Golden Triangle or North India tour. Ayurveda retreats in Kerala are a highlight of South India tours — from single-day treatments to full 7-day Panchakarma programmes. We can arrange dedicated wellness tours built entirely around your health goals.