The Best Exotic Marigold India Adventure 2026

Exclusive Tour for The Gap She Shed Members and their Friends!

Embark on an unforgettable journey designed exclusively for members of the Gap Women’s Shed Inc.!

This enchanting Marigold India tour takes you through the iconic Golden Triangle of India, visiting Delhi, Kemphur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra.

Experience the magic of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the Viceroy Club, as seen in the beloved movies. Join us in rediscovering the vibrant life and rich culture of India, and reinvigorate your senses with this unique travel opportunity.

For the Elderly and Beautiful

Oh the places we go ......

Book your Marigold India Adventure

Investment

*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED

This tour requires a $500 deposit, followed by two installment payments.

The first installment is due 6 months before the start of the trip.

The second installment is due 75 days prior to departure.

Trip Highlights

Enjoy guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.

For groups of eight or more, a Vibrant Women Travel Host will join the tour to provide additional support and ensure a seamless travel experience.

Inclusions
What is not included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive to Delhi

On arrival our driver will be waiting at the airport for you.

If you are arriving before 2pm or please consider what you will do with this time. Check in time for the hotel is 2pm.ย 

*Airport transfers are included on the 18th and 27th of February 2026 only.

**Please note there are no activities planned for this day.ย 

Meals – no meals

Accommodation – Blooms boutique Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Delhi Day Tour

Meet for breakfast in the hotels cafe at 8.00am.

8.30am Introduction Information Session.

9am Departure

Today we will visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh Temple that feeds over 10,000 people a day, followed by a visit to our local charity โ€“ Samadhan for differently abled children.

We then head off to The Lotus Temple โ€“ a beautiful Bahaโ€™i Faith Temple reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.

Finishing the day with a crazy bicycle rickshaw ride though Chandni Chowk, the oldest part of Delhi, going past the amazing and iconic Red Fort. We will stop along the way for lunch en-route probably to the Lotus Temple. We like to stay flexible given the craziness of the traffic and eat when we are hungry, (and go somewhere where we know we can use the loos ;))

7pm โ€“ Opening night dinner at a local Punjab Restaurant.

Overnight Delhi

Meals โ€“ Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation โ€“ Blooms boutique Hotel or similar

Day 3 – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotelย 

After breakfast we make our way out of the old city and on the road to โ€œThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotelโ€ in a small town called Khempur, where the film was shot.ย  1 hour drive from the airport

Check in and then enjoy a visit to the local village of Kemphur, spend the afternoon swimming in the pool and sampling some of local life, including *optional henna tattoos and sari dress ups before dinner and then the opportunity to watch the movie, (again I know how many times have you seen it!).

Overnight Kemphurย 

Meals โ€“ Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Day 4 – Transfer to Udaipur

After breakfast take a walk around the local village of Kemphur then upon arrival to Udaipur, transfer to your hotel in the Old City, overlooking Lake Pichola.

In the afternoon, explore the laneways of the Old City and perhaps have a palm reading or get a Kurta custom made by a local tailor.

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of Indiaโ€™s most picturesque cities. Palaces surround the city, the most famous being The Lake Palace, which covers an entire island and was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. The city was founded in 1559 and was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Thereโ€™s no doubt youโ€™ll enjoy this relaxing, seductive city.

Before check in have lunch and then spend the afternoon exploring.

Depart from the hotel approximately 5:30pm for Bagore-ki-Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat in the heart of the old city to see a one hour local dance performance. After the dance performance enjoy dinner at a roof top restaurant overlooking the stunning Lake Pichola, the City Palace and enjoy the sweeping views and many treasures housed inside.

Overnight Udaipur

Meals โ€“ Breakfast

Accommodation โ€“ Kankarwa Haveli Udaipur or similar

Day 5 – Explore the beautiful city of Udaipur

This morning head to the rooftop for to take in the beautiful view and enjoy some quiet time before indulging in a leisurely breakfast.

Then we explore this beautiful city firstly with a visit to a local Hindu Temple (no shoes and bring scarf).

Head to the City Palace for a guided tour with its many splendorous rooms and glimpses into the era of this opulence. After this we take a leisurely stroll to board our boat for a cruise around Lake Pichola.

We conclude with lunch on Jagmandir Island.

Free afternoon for more exploring, shopping and collecting items made by the tailor and then meet up for dinner at a local restaurant on the lake.

Accommodation โ€“ Kankarwa Haveli Udaipur or similar

Meals โ€“ Breakfast

Day 6 – Travel to Jaipur by Train

Early departure we catch the train to Jaipur approximately 7 hours. *Please pack light you need to be able to get your bag on and off the train and stowe it. *Breakfast and lunch included.

In the afternoon brave the crazy local Jaipur bazaar for some textiles, silver jewellery or copper pots, or sit in the courtyard of our Haveli, book a massage or just relax.

Meals โ€“ Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation โ€“ Hotel Alsisar or similar

Day 7 – Jaipur – Amber Fortย  & Palace

Today we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Located high on a hill, Amer fort was built in 1592 and itsโ€™ name is said to derive from the many jewels that are used for decoration inside. The views and splendour of the mirrored rooms will leave you speechless.

After visiting the fort, youโ€™ll have an opportunity to visit a block printing and carpet factory, gemstone and jewellery store, and City Palace.

Relax in the evening and enjoy some traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

Meals โ€“ Breakfast

Accommodation โ€“ Alsisar Hotel or similarย ย 

Day 8 – Jaipur to Agra

After breakfast leave for Agra. Its a long bus trip today (approx. 7 hours) however will break it up with a stop on the way for morning tea at the Viceroy Club so well known in both movies now the โ€œThe First and Second Best Marigold Hotelโ€ (locally known as the Castle Kanota).

Meals โ€“ Breakfast and Morning Tea

Accommodation โ€“ Clarkes Shiraz Hotel or similar

Day 9 –ย  Taj Mahal

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is Indiaโ€™s most-photographed monument, and today youโ€™ll see why. Built between 1632 and 1653 in memory of Mughal emperor Shah Jahanโ€™s third wife, the Taj Mahal is world-renowned.

After the Taj Mahal, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Visit the marble workshop, beautiful products created by the descendants of the craftsmen of the Taj Mahal.

Take a 5 hour drive back to Delhi and spend a night near Delhi airport ready for departures the next day.

We have chosen to stay close to the airport on the last night for the convenience of guests. If you are staying past check out time 12pm you can store your bags before going to the airport.

Meals โ€“ Breakfast

Accommodation โ€“ near to airport (TBA)

Day 10 – Departureย Day

Finish your last day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before being taken to the airport, check out is 12pm.

*Please note no Hosts/Organisers will be available to assist you after 12pm however your airport transfer will be arranged in advance for you. If you are staying later than check out time, please consider what you will do with this time.

Meals โ€“ Breakfast

ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  โ€œEverything will be all right in the end and if itโ€™s not all right, then itโ€™s not yet the end!โ€ โ€“ Sonny Kapoor

Requirements:

This sightseeing tour has several walking tours and many stairs, you require a moderate level of fitness to attend. We can walk around 5km a day so you really need to be prepared. Please note you must wear practical and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for your own safety, road and paths are very uneven.ย 

What our guests say about our Marigold India Tour

5/5
The different foods and cultural experiences. The traffic chaos. . I would never have done these experiences by myself. 100% go for it!! It was so amazing. For somewhere I never thought I would go, I definitely want to go again!
Marlies H.
Marigold 2024
5/5
Sweet heart, dont think about it ... Just Book It... the thinking has been done for you. You will experience, see the best of India. What we did in 8 fabulous days would take a self tour organiser 3 weeks and a lot of getting lost and frustrated. The quality lives on long after the price is forgotten.
JanMaree B.
Marigold 2024
5/5
I meet beautiful people. The tour was a good mix of fun. It slowed at times to help catch my breath. It allowed me to experience India in a safe, comfortable group of like minded women. I loved older hotels, previously residences of the wealthier community. . Life begins where our comfort zone ends, is such great advice.
Virginia
Marigold 2023
5/5
Danielle and Nitin were fantastic hosts. They were extremely thoughtful and caring and nothing seemed too much. Couldn't thank them enough. Very well organised and fitted in so much. Took all the hassle out of solo travelling. Good size group.
Lyn
Marigold 2023

FAQ's

Arrival is on the 18th of February 2026 at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Departure is on the 27th February 2026 from Indira Gandhi International Airport.

*Airport transfers are included only on the 18th and 27th of February 2026.*

**Please note that there are no activities planned for arrival or departure days. **

Flights are approximately AUD $1200 return from Brisbane, depending on your airline and departure location. We usually suggest flying with Singapore Airlines from Brisbane to Delhi. You can see the suggested flight below to suit your dates.ย 

  • Flight SQ256: Departs at 9:10 AM

  • Return Flight SQ403

These flights have relatively short stopovers in Changi. We can organize a group booking if preferred and discuss this with the group. For more information about our flight booking service, please click HERE

If you are continuing your adventure to Nepal, we suggest you book this flight.ย 

The most convenient and cheapest way to get your visa is online e-Visa – To complete online choose E-Visa Application. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html a 30 day visa can only be applied for 30 days prior to travel unless you want a 12 month visa. Make sure you donโ€™t apply too early so that your visa is expired by the time you want to depart, 30 days in advance is enough, previously it has taken 3 days to receive the E-Visa. This cost is between $10 and $50USD, prices change all the time sorry but just to give you a guideline. We will also provide you with an info sheet on how to compete your visa application, separate to your trip notes.

FURTHER INFORMATION FOR YOUR APPLICATION:
India Mission is where your application will be lodged ie Canberra, Sydney etc. the office closest to you.
Reference name – Nitin Jangra
Address – Bloom Boutique, 104, Babar Road, New Delhi, 110001
And then your own personal AUSTRALIAN reference (Emergency contact)
Places to be visited – Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra
Name of Tour Operator – Nitin Jangra (Tour Manager) Vibrant Women Travel.
Address of Tour Operator – H.n. 67, Manakpur Devilal Colony, Pinjore, Dist. Panchkula, State Haryana, 134102
Name of hotel – Bloom Boutique, 104, Babar Road, New Delhi, 110001
Place of hotel – New Delhi
Expected port of Exit – Delhi
ย 
You can view an example of a completed form on the link here, keep in mind this is a 2020 visa application so you will need to adjust dates and this is Tammieโ€™s application so please complete your own person details.ย ย 
ย 
If you require assistance to complete your visa application please read this article HEREย ย 

All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg as well as your handbag.

It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that Indian authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage maybe confiscated.

Domestic airlines within India have recently reviewed their checked luggage limits, as such all airlines have now implemented a maximum checked luggage limit of 20kg. Please keep this in mind when packing for your upcoming trip. Any excess luggage charges incurred will be at the expense of the passenger.

NB* Please make sure when you pass through security that all of your hand luggage has a tag and security stamp including your handbag, otherwise when boarding the plane, you will be asked to return to the scanning section to have your tag stamped.

Read more about our Booking Process and why we have the cancellation policy we doย HERE

  • Up to 180 Days Before Tour Start: A $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained.
  • From 180 โ€“ 75 Days Before Tour Start: 25% of the tour cost, plus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be forfeited.
  • Fromย 75 โ€“ 45 Days Before Tour Start: 50% of the tour cost, plus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be forfeited.
  • Less Than 45 Days Before Tour Start or No Shows: The entire amount 100% of the tour cost will be retained, as we would have already incurred costs for accommodation, transport, flights, and activities, which cannot be refunded to us.
  • After Tour Commencement: No refunds will be issued.

This is whyย travel insuranceย is compulsory. We suggest taking out travel insurance within 2 weeks of booking your tour.ย 

Each trip may also have some specific policies relating only to that retreat or tour. Please check the webpage under cancellation policy for any specific details.

Payment of your deposit indicates your agreement to the cancellation policy and to our terms and conditions as stated above.

Circumstances that do not qualify for a refund

  • Failure to Read Terms and Conditions
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if you have not read and understood our Terms and Conditions, Website General Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or the specific Fine Print for your tour.
  • Change of Mind
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if you change your mind after paying your deposit, regardless of the reason.
  • Cancellation Within 45 Days of Travel Date
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if you cancel within 45 days of your travel date.
  • Unmet General Expectations
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if the tour experience did not meet your general expectations, regardless of the reason.
  • Inability to Travel Due to Personal Reasons
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if you are unable to travel due to a medical condition or any other personal reason. Cancellations on medical grounds should be covered by your travel insurer.
  • No-Show
    โ€“ Refunds will not be issued if you fail to show up or the suppliers (airline) decide to cancel your booking.

To view our Terms and Conditions please visit the link HERE

Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior to arrival in India. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure.ย 

Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance provider CoverMore

Please note:ย Dietary requirements must be disclosed at the time of booking the tour. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dietary restrictions that are shared after booking or during the tour.

If you are unable to consume items such as wheat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, dairy, nuts, or other ingredients, it is crucial to inform us upfront. Late disclosures make it impossible for us to make necessary arrangements, and in many countries, meeting complex dietary needs can be particularly challenging. This could affect your well-being and place undue stress on our guides and hosts as they try to meet these needs.

Thank you for your understanding.

Our tours are designed to provide a rich and immersive experience, which includes walking tours on some days. Participants will encounter uneven footpaths, stairs, and other elements that require good mobility. Therefore, we recommend that women joining our tours have a medium level of fitness. You should be able to walk up to 7km a day to fully enjoy all the activities and explore the beautiful destinations with ease.

To ensure a safe and healthy journey, itโ€™s important to be up-to-date with your vaccinations. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or visiting a travel health clinic for personalised advice based on your travel itinerary. For comprehensive information on required and recommended vaccinations, please visitย Travel Doctor.ย They provide expert guidance to help you stay protected while exploring the world.

Vibrant Women with a heart โ™ฅ

Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our charity Samadhan Dwarkaย and the amazing work they do in supporting children with an intellectual disability in India, so THANK YOU!ย