The Best Exotic Marigold India Adventure 2027

As Evelyn Greenslade says,

“Initially you’re overwhelmed. But gradually you realize it’s like a wave. Resist, and you’ll be knocked over. Dive into it and you’ll swim out the other side.” – Evelyn Greenslade

If you wake up every day feeling kind of ‘beige’, then maybe it’s time to let fate whisk you away.

Immerse yourself in the glorious colour and excitement of Mother India, as you paint your next life chapter…

On this exotic odyssey, we follow in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench and Bill Nighy—the irresistible stars of the movie—through some of the most romantic locations in India.

This is an opportunity to plunge in—to rediscover the vibrancy of life that India offers and to reinvigorate your senses. And with our guides leading this inspirational journey in style and comfort, you’ll gently recover your sense of adventure among India’s timeless rhythms…

Start packing—see you at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2027!

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.

If you wish to combine this tour to our Spiritual India Tour use the Button Below:

*NB: You receive $100 discount for combining tours which has already been applied at checkout.

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.

Inclusions
What is not included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive before the 2:00 pm check-in time, you may wish to relax at the hotel or begin exploring the city at your leisure.

Please note that airport transfers are included on 23 February 2027 and 4 March 2027.

No scheduled activities are planned for today, allowing you time to unwind after your journey.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Blooms Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 – Delhi City Tour

Please enjoy breakfast at the hotel at your leisure before the day begins.
Meet in the hotel foyer at 8:00 am for a brief welcome before departing at 9:00 am.

Our day starts with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most important Sikh temples, renowned for its community kitchen that serves thousands of free meals daily. We then visit our local charity partner, Samadhan, which supports differently abled children and offers a meaningful insight into community-based initiatives in Delhi.

Next, we continue to the serene Lotus Temple, a Baháʼí House of Worship admired for its striking lotus-inspired architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

The afternoon wraps up with an unforgettable cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the historic heart of Old Delhi. We weave through bustling laneways and vibrant markets, passing the iconic Red Fort along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed en route, with timing kept flexible to suit traffic conditions, appetite, and comfort (including dependable restroom stops 😉).

At 7:00 pm, we gather for our opening night dinner at a local Punjabi restaurant, celebrating the start of our journey together.

Overnight: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Blooms Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Experience

After breakfast, we depart Delhi and leave the bustle of the city behind as we journey toward the charming town of Khempur, famously featured in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The scenic drive takes approximately one hour from the airport, offering a glimpse of rural Rajasthan along the way.

On arrival, we check in and then head out to explore the local village, experiencing everyday life and the welcoming spirit of Khempur. The afternoon is yours to relax and unwind — enjoy a swim in the pool or soak up the atmosphere of this unique setting. For those who wish, there will be optional henna tattoos and sari dress‑ups, adding a fun and cultural touch before the evening.

After dinner, you’ll have the chance to watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the very place where it was filmed (yes, we know — how many times have you seen it already!).

Overnight: Khempur
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Day 4 – Transfer to Udaipur

After breakfast, enjoy a gentle walk through the local village of Khempur, soaking up the rhythms of daily life before continuing our journey to Udaipur. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in the Old City, beautifully positioned overlooking Lake Pichola.

Before checking in, we’ll stop for lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the atmospheric laneways of Udaipur’s Old City. This is the perfect time to browse artisan shops, perhaps enjoy a traditional palm reading, or have a kurta custom‑made by a local tailor.

Often referred to as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one of India’s most romantic and picturesque destinations. Founded in 1559 as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, the city is surrounded by palaces, temples, and shimmering waterways. The most famous of these is the Lake Palace, which appears to float on Lake Pichola and was famously featured in the James Bond film Octopussy. With its relaxed pace and seductive charm, Udaipur is a city that invites you to slow down and savour the moment.

At approximately 5:30 pm, we depart the hotel for Bagore‑ki‑Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat, to enjoy a one‑hour traditional Rajasthani dance performance. Following the show, we dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola and the magnificent City Palace, taking in sweeping views of the illuminated city and its many treasures.

Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kankarwa Haveli, Udaipur (or similar)

Day 5 – Exploring the Beautiful City of Udaipur

Begin the morning on the rooftop, taking in sweeping views over Lake Pichola and the Old City, and enjoying some quiet time before a leisurely breakfast.

We then set out to explore Udaipur, starting with a visit to a local Hindu temple (please note: shoes must be removed and a scarf is required). From here, we continue to the magnificent City Palace for a guided tour, wandering through its ornate rooms and gaining insight into the opulence and royal life of the Mewar dynasty.

After the palace visit, enjoy a gentle stroll to the lakeside where we board our boat for a cruise on Lake Pichola, offering beautiful perspectives of the city and its palaces from the water. We conclude the morning with lunch on Jagmandir Island, a tranquil retreat set in the middle of the lake.

The afternoon is free for further exploring, shopping, or collecting any garments made by your local tailor. In the evening, we reconvene for dinner at a lakeside restaurant, soaking up the magical atmosphere as the city lights reflect on the water.

Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kankarwa Haveli, Udaipur (or similar)

Day 6 – Travel to Jaipur by Train

An early start this morning as we transfer to the railway station to board our train to Jaipur, a journey of approximately 7 hours. Breakfast and lunch are included on board.

This is where your light packing will really come in handy, as you’ll need to navigate getting your luggage on and off the train and storing it securely during the journey.

On arrival in Jaipur, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may wish to brave the vibrant local bazaars, renowned for textiles, silver jewellery, and copperware, or instead retreat to our beautiful haveli. Relax in the courtyard, book a massage, or simply unwind after the day’s travel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Umaid Haveli, Jaipur (or similar)

Day 7 – Jaipur: Amber Fort & City Palace

Today we visit the magnificent Amber Fort, dramatically set high on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. Built in 1592, the fort is renowned for its grand architecture and exquisite interiors. Its name is said to derive from the many jewels used in its decoration, and the breathtaking views along with the splendour of the mirrored rooms are sure to leave you speechless.

After exploring the fort, there will be opportunities to visit a block‑printing and carpet workshop, a gemstone and jewellery store, and the elegant City Palace, offering further insight into Jaipur’s rich artistic and royal heritage.

The evening is free to relax and unwind, with the option to enjoy some traditional Rajasthani cuisine, bringing the day to a gentle close.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Umaid Haveli, Jaipur (or similar)

Day 8 – Jaipur – Castle Kanota

Upon your arrival at the magnificent Castle Kanota, a 19th-century heritage hotel near Jaipur, immerse yourself in history with a guided walk through the General Amar Singh Kanota Library & Museum. This exceptional museum, curated by the family and showcasing the life of the current Raj’s ancestor, offers a glimpse into royal life through rare books, paintings, and arms.

Following this, indulge in a delicious, authentic lunch—featuring traditional ‘thikana’ recipes—within the castle’s charming, fortified surroundings. Spend your afternoon leisurely wandering through the lush, 8-acre gardens or relaxing by the swimming pool, savoring the quiet serenity of this exquisite regal oasis.

Meals – Breakfast

Accommodation – Castle Kanota or similar  

Day 9 – Jaipur to Agra

After breakfast, we depart Jaipur and travel by road to Agra, a longer journey of approximately 7 hours. The drive will be broken up with regular comfort stops along the way to stretch our legs and relax.

On arrival in Agra, you’ll transfer to your hotel. If we arrive with time to spare, there may be an opportunity to enjoy a massage before dinner — a welcome way to unwind after a full day of travel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clarks Shiraz Hotel, Agra (or similar)

Day 10 – Taj Mahal & Return to Delhi

We rise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, India’s most photographed and iconic monument — and once you see it glowing in the soft morning light, you’ll understand why. Built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces.

After our visit, we return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a stop at a marble workshop, where beautiful inlaid pieces are crafted by the descendants of the original artisans who worked on the Taj Mahal.

We then begin the approximately 5‑hour drive back to Delhi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight we stay near Delhi Airport, chosen for comfort and ease after a full day of sightseeing and travel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Gurugram Udyog Vihar (or similar)
(Approximately 10 km from the airport / 20‑minute drive)

Day 11 – Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast at the hotel before check‑out at 12:00 pm. Your airport transfer will be arranged in advance, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

Please note that Hosts/Organisers will not be available after 12:00 pm. If you are departing later in the day, we recommend planning how you would like to spend this time before your transfer.

Meals: Breakfast

“Everything will be all right in the end — and if it’s not all right, it’s not the end.”

then it’s not yet the end!” – 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. 

Your Marigold Accommodation

What our guests say about our Marigold India Tour

Rated 5 out of 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
Rated 5 out of 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
Rated 5 out of 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
Rated 5 out of 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 & Departure Information

Arrival is on 22 February 2027 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
Departure is on 4 March 2027 from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.

Airport transfers are included only on 22 February and 4 March 2027. Transfers outside of these dates will incur additional fees unless accommodation is booked through us, in which case the airport transfer is included in the accommodation price.

Please note that no activities are scheduled on arrival or departure days, allowing you time to rest, settle in, or travel at your own pace.

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 don’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. +91 94661 14456
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
 
India e‑Arrival Card

All foreign nationals entering India are required to complete an online e‑Arrival Card prior to arrival. This digital form replaces the paper arrival card previously completed on flights and helps streamline immigration procedures on arrival. The e‑Arrival Card can be completed online within 72 hours before travel and is separate from your visa application. We strongly recommend completing this form in advance to avoid delays at immigration.

The official Government of India e‑Arrival Card can be accessed here:
👉 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ [indianvisa…ine.gov.in]

If you require assistance to complete your visa application please read this article HERE  

All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 18kg 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 15kg. We have managed to pruchase an extra 3 kilos and you cannot pre pruchase more than this. Please keep this in mind when packing for your upcoming trip. Any excess luggage charges incurred will be at the expense of the passenger. For each kilo of excess baggage Air India charges approx 500 INR (on domestic flights and correct at the time of writing this but open to change)

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 do HERE

  • Up to 180 Days Before Tour Start: A $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained.
  • From 180 – 75 Days Before Tour Start: 25% of the tour cost, plus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be forfeited.
  • From 75 – 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 why travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest taking out travel insurance within 2 weeks of booking your tour. 

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
    – 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
    – 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
    – Refunds will not be issued if you cancel within 45 days of your travel date.
  • Unmet General Expectations
    – 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
    – 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
    – 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. 

Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical 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: 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.

India does have spicy food and there is no way around it. If you do not like spice your diet will be restricted to rice and naan, breakfasts are easy and ocassional western meals. 

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 5km a day to fully enjoy all the activities and explore the beautiful destinations with ease.

To ensure a safe and healthy journey, it’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 visit Travel Doctor. They provide expert guidance to help you stay protected while exploring the world.

If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our “Spiritual India Tour” after this trip.

Travel north into the peaceful foothills of the Himalayas to explore Amritsar and McLeod Ganj, home of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, where gentle mornings, spiritual insights, and breathtaking mountain landscapes create a deeply nourishing and soul-enriching experience.

Vibrant Women with a heart ♥

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