India Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trip Packages

India Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trips

706 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,101 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

152 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
Golden Triangle with Bollywood City - Mumbai
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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CULTURAL, WILDLIFE AND SPIRITUAL INDIA
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Delhi, Varanasi

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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Golden Triangle Tour - Small Group Tour
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4.7/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Visit one of the Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Experience Guided Walk Through Two Ancient Bazaars
  • Cycle Rickshaw Ride Through Delhi’s Chandni Chowk
  • Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
  • Visit India Gate
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"As much as I was looking forward to this trip, I have issues with our tour. The biggest was the tour vans we spent a lot of our time in. We had trouble being able to see out of the windows as the vans seat sat so low one could not see well over seats in front of us. My friend is quite tall and had to recline just to be able to see out of the windows. There were very nice vans in all three countries that we saw, so it’s time for an upgrade. They were uncomfortable as well. Sadly, this was the case in all three countries we visited. The second was that our itinerary was changed and deleted some of the very tours we were excited to see. Out tour guide told us not to be mad at him, he was just following the guide he was given. I would say that accommodations were great, the guides were lovely people. I doubt we will use your company again as we did pay a lot of money and did not get what we paid for. :("

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Trip to Golden Triangle and Ranthambore (Wildlife)
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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Icons Of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond With Dubai & Varanasi
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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Icons Of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond With Varanasi
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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Goa- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

Trip dates & details
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Golden Triangle Tour
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4.7/5 Excellent
13 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Discover famous monument of love-Taj Mahal
  • Explore Jaipur
  • Visit the Amber Fort

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I booked with Tours by Locals on Jan. 31, 2019. We were on a cruise out of New York City. We were due to arrive back to port in the morning and booked this to fill our day before we flew out in the evening. Two days before our tour I received an email that our guide was no longer available and they would try to find another. They didn't and cancelled our tour that had been booked for almost 9 months."

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Historical India with Rajasthan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Enjoy a Delhi city tour to see the landmarks and get a glimpse of local life
  • Marvel at the breathtaking dawn view of Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Visit the Jaipur's stunning buildings incl. Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, and City Palace Museum
  • Take an exciting jeep safari to the rural Bishnoi Village
  • Through the bustling bazaars of Udaipur and pay a visit to the Jagdish Temple

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
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Premium India
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal.
  • Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour with a local expert in Agra and a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur.
  • Embark on both morning and sunset safaris through Ranthambore National Park in search of antelope, sloth bears, leopards and the elusive tigers that call this park home.
  • Spend two elegant evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit to a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, and cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Discover India
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Khajuraho, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Walk the backstreets of delhi with a local guide
  • Enjoy a talk with a local historian and scholar
  • Explore the grand forts and palaces in rajasthan
  • Enjoy a safari in ranthambore national park
  • Experience village life near the holy town of pushkar

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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India Tiger Safari
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra

Highlights

  • Embark on 15 game drives
  • Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
  • Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Highlights of Southern India
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Arabian Sea, Chennai, Kerala, Kochi

Highlights

  • A 2-week adventure through South India's varied scenery, cuisine, culture and history
  • Explore Tamil Nadu's ancient temples, a riot of colour and packed with local pilgrims
  • Discover Kerala's peaceful backwaters, spice gardens and lush Western Ghats mountains
  • 20

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"An incredible amount is packed into this tour. It's a tiring schedule, but well worth it. The excellent tour leader, Alkan, really brought the history to life. The balance of locations, mixing up historical sights with natural wonders such as Capadoccia and Pamukkale as well as some beautiful seaside resorts, is a great mix. Highly recommended."

Trip dates & details
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152 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays
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India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,101  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV. Our trip ran smoothly despite issues beyond KVs control. He did everything to alter it...

E

Evelyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colourful and magical introduction to India

Colourful and magical introduction to India

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Amazing

Amazing! Loved what we saw in India, such a contrast from the craziness of New Delhi and Varanasi, to the more layed back and small village feel of Jojowar, to the m...

A

Agnes

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Awesome

Awesome!

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India Tour Selection Trips

  • Trekking in India can be an incredible experience, particularly in the Himalayan regions of the North, however, intensity levels vary. Make sure you pick a trek that is suitable to your fitness level.
  • Pack appropriately. The weather varies greatly in different regions and at different times of the year, so bring suitable clothes and invest in decent gear. If you're hiking, make sure to wear decent hiking shoes that have been fully broken in. Also, make sure that gear advertised as waterproof is actually waterproof (stuck up a mountain in monsoon rain is not the time to be figuring this out!).
  • When booking a tour, find out as much as possible about what is included. For example: Do you need to bring your own drinking water? Does renting a sleeping bag or mosquito net cost extra? Will you be picked up and/or dropped at your hotel?
  • Different operators offer different levels of comfort, so be sure to investigate the sleeping and transport conditions. It's also worth asking how many people will be on the tour, as a comfy jeep becomes a lot less so when over a dozen people are shoved inside.
  • Inform the operator about your dietary needs beforehand. Vegetarians and vegans will usually be well catered for, but some more specific requirements (allergies, etc.) may require additional planning. The food can also be far spicier than the food back home, so let the operator know if you'd like the heat dialed down a bit.
  • India can be quite the sensory overload, so take it slow to fully adjust to all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Most tours have a good balance between organized activities and free time, but some more than others. If you predict that India will be overwhelming for you, choose a trip with an itinerary labelled as “relaxed”.
  • Get ready to walk, a lot. Most tours in India have a moderate level of physical activity because so much of the exploration requires walking. Be prepared for a lot of uneven terrain and dust while walking on the roads.
  • More days = more regions. India is incredibly large. If you decide to pick a tour that’s roughly 10 days or less, your tour will only have time to explore one region. Culture, pace of life, food, and even language vary within regions. If you have the time and want to explore all that India has to offer, choose a tour that’s 18 days or longer.

Additional details

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between October and March. Winters are generally very pleasant, but keep in mind that this means the country is packed with tourists during the winter.

Summers in India can get unbearably hot, and monsoons drench the country in rain from June to September. That said, visitors to India during or right after monsoon season can experience the beautiful green countryside, many areas of which are brown and dry most months of the year. 

Currency in India

The official currency in India is the Rupee. Visitors are not allowed to bring any amount of Indian currency into India, so bring cash, checks, and/or a credit card to exchange or withdraw currency upon arrival. Many vendors in India will not accept credit or debit cards, so it will be useful to carry small amounts of cash. 

What languages are spoken in India?

India has 22 official languages, and each of the 29 states in India has an official language. Hindi is the most common language spoken, and English is the second most common. Many Indians can speak two or more languages fluently, and most people that you interact with in the hospitality industry will speak English. 

Packing list for India

What you bring on your trip to India will depend on the season and itinerary of your trip. However, there are a few items that are recommended for any India tour:

  • Modest clothing - Clothing in India tends to be modest. Women should bring long skirts and shawls to cover their shoulders, especially when visiting holy sites. 
  • A traveler’s wallet and/or passport holder - Pickpocketing and theft is common in many of the crowded cities, so keeping cash and other valuables in a traveler’s wallet (theft-safe wallet that you can keep under your clothes) may help protect your belongings.
  • Sturdy walking shoes - Public transportation in most parts of India is lacking, so you will likely do a lot of walking.
  • Prescriptions, contacts, and other necessities - Although bodegas and drugstores are common in the major cities, they may not carry the same products that you find at home. 
  • Mosquito nets - Mosquitos are common in India, especially during the monsoon season.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase-- India is well-known for its clothing industry, and even the street markets tend to offer high-quality items.

Popular India tour routes

Many tours will take travelers through the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. New Delhi has the largest airport in India, so most tours will begin and end there. Tours using private buses or cars for transportation will likely visit smaller villages and areas in the countryside, while tours that rely on public transportation tend to stick to the major cities. 

Cruises along the Ganges River give travelers opportunities to visit small towns and villages that other tours generally do not visit. The river runs through the cities of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Varanasi, and Kanpur, among others. Many cruises begin near New Delhi and end at Kolkata.

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