India | Sacred Art & Ancient Temples

18 Days | Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Panna, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajanta & Ellora, Mumbai

A richly layered expedition into India’s spiritual and artistic heritage — from luminous Mughal monuments to mystical cave temples, intricate textiles, and sacred sculpture.

Starting at $12,800 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement: $2,400
Final pricing may vary based on travel season and room category.

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Tour Overview

India is a living gallery of divine architecture, symbolic expression, and sacred craftsmanship. This 18-day journey is a pilgrimage through millennia of aesthetic and spiritual mastery — from the geometric gardens of the Mughals, to the erotic grace of Khajuraho’s temple carvings, the cosmic frescoes of Ajanta, and the monumental rock-cut architecture of Ellora.

Travel in comfort and insight as you explore bustling cities and tranquil temple towns, stay in heritage hotels and royal palaces, and engage with artisans, monks, and curators who carry India’s artistic legacy forward. This tour is for those who seek to encounter art not just in museums, but in living form — woven into daily life, ritual, and landscape.

Included in the Tour

18 days of curated travel through 9 iconic regions of India

Luxury & heritage 5-star accommodations, including palace hotels

Internal flights (5), deluxe trains, and all private ground transportation

Expert local guides in art, architecture, and history

Entry and private tours of all monuments, palaces, and temples listed

Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 8 dinners (with curated regional cuisine)

Visits to artisan workshops, textile ateliers, and sculpture studios

Private aarti ceremony on the Ganges, and guided jungle safari in Panna

All porterage, taxes, service charges, and gratuities

Not Included

International airfare to/from India

Visa fees for India (required for most nationalities)

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Meals not listed, personal shopping, or optional excursions

Tour Dates

January 10–27, 2025

November 5–22, 2025

Private, customizable departures available year-round

Itinerary

Day 1–2: Arrival in Delhi
Begin in New Delhi, where Mughal, colonial, and modern architecture intersect. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutb Minar, and explore the rich collections at the National Museum. Welcome dinner in a private haveli.

Day 3–4: Varanasi – The Eternal City
Fly to Varanasi, India’s holiest city. Witness a private Ganga aarti from a boat, explore Sarnath (where the Buddha gave his first sermon), and walk the ghats with a historian. Visit local weavers known for fine Banarasi silks.

Day 5–6: Khajuraho Temples & Panna
Travel to Khajuraho, famed for its 10th-century temples and intricate sculptures. Then, venture into Panna National Park for a luxury jungle stay and evening safari — a meditative contrast to temple artistry.

Day 7–8: Agra & the Mughal Legacy
Visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah, and sunrise at the Taj Mahal — a marble poem in stone. Stay at a Mughal-style luxury hotel with views of the Taj. Discuss Mughal aesthetics with an art historian over high tea.

Day 9–11: Jaipur – The Pink City
Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Visit Amber Fort, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory. Enjoy a block-printing workshop and an evening mehndi session in a private garden.

Day 12–13: Udaipur – Lake Palaces & Miniatures
Fly to romantic Udaipur, home to floating palaces and intricate miniature paintings. Explore City Palace, cruise Lake Pichola, and visit artists working in traditional styles. Optional visit to a local noble’s home.

Day 14–15: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves
Fly to Aurangabad, base for exploring India’s most significant cave temples. Begin with Ajanta, a 2nd-century BCE marvel with narrative Buddhist frescoes, carved straight into rock cliffs.

Day 16: Ellora & Kailasa Temple
Tour Ellora, a UNESCO site of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples. Stand before the astonishing Kailasa Temple, carved top-down from a single rock. Overnight at a restored heritage retreat.

Day 17–18: Mumbai – Final Flourish
Conclude in cosmopolitan Mumbai. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum, Elephanta Caves, and Mani Bhavan (Gandhi's Mumbai residence). Farewell dinner at an art deco rooftop venue.

Booking & Inquiries

Please contact us to book or inquire further about availability for this tour. We offer personalized consultation to ensure your experience with Couelle LLC is seamless and perfectly tailored to your preferences.

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