Destination: India

Q: Is tipping customary in India?

<p>If you&#8217;re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don&#8217;t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it&#8217;s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services. Typically, in upscale dining establishments, a service charge or gratuity is included in the bill; if not, it is customary to tip approximately 10% of the total bill. To ensure that the staff directly benefits from your tip, it is recommended to hand it to them directly or leave cash on the table.</p> <p>It is customary to tip service providers in hotels. For bellboys assisting with luggage, a modest gratuity ranging from 20 to 50 rupees (around $1.00) per bag is deemed appropriate. If you opt not to tip, it is advised not to accept assistance with your bags. Additionally, showing appreciation with a small gratuity for housekeeping services is not only acceptable but also warmly received.</p>

India Small group tours for seniors

When considering organizing small group escorted tours of India, it is indeed a daunting task to encapsulate the vastness and diversity of such a multifaceted country. A good starting point for an India group tour could be to highlight iconic landmarks like the magnificent Taj Mahal, the pink-hued architecture of Jaipur in Rajasthan, earning the city its moniker “The Pink City,” and the historic Qutub Minar, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These renowned attractions serve as just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of India’s cultural and architectural treasures, promising a truly memorable travel experience for visitors.

India Tours

Tours for Mature Aged and Senior World Travellers.

11 days

Mar, Oct, Nov

India Short Tour | Small group tour for seniors

Visiting India

A short small group tour for Mature and seniors couples and solo travellers of India and its icons. Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches. India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, such as the Taj or red fort royal cities, such Dehli, Jaipur , Agra and Madras colourful people, and rich culture.

From A$9,250 AUD

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Guaranteed

Taktshang Goemba, Tiger nest monastery, Bhutan

14 days

Nov, Apr

Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

Visiting Bhutan, India

Join Odyssey Traveller on this small group tour in the Indian subcontinent, taking us from the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, to the hilltop monasteries of the former independent kingdom of Sikkim, and finally to the pristine and beautifully isolated mountain landscape of Bhutan.

From A$12,325 AUD

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22 days

Nov, Mar

Cultural and History Tour of India | Small Group Tour

Visiting India

Small group tour for mature and senior couples and solo travellers to India. Visiting Delhi and the red fort, Jaipur, Agra and so much more over 22 days explore the world of the Mughal.

From A$12,300 AUD

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15 days

Oct

North East India small group escorted cultural tour

Visiting India

A unique small group cultural tour visiting the North East region of India, this tour was created for seniors travelling as couples and solo travellers. As we journey through the magnificent landscape and culture we stop to explore Darjeeling, which shares history with Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal, as well as Tiger Hill, where we witness the changing colours of the sunrise in the Himalayan Range.

From A$10,245 AUD

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Ensure your small group tour of India encompasses the must-see sites like old Delhi, the sacred River Ganges originating from the western Himalayas, and Lake Pichola, a man-made freshwater lake dating back to the 14th century. Explore Goa, Cochin, and Kerala on your escorted journey through Southern India, known for its hidden treasures. Don’t miss the wildlife reserves and tiger safaris in North India and the golden triangle in South India.

India, bordered by the grand Himalayas in the north and endless golden beaches, presents a diverse landscape featuring tea and spice plantations, ancient temples, royal cities, and a vibrant culture. Embark on a small group tour with Odyssey to delve into this captivating culture and history, ideal for couples and solo travellers. Travel from the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling to the hilltop monasteries of Sikkim and the pristine mountain scenery of Bhutan.

Discover North East India on a unique cultural tour tailored for seniors traveling alone or as couples. Explore Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, and other historical sites, immersing yourself in the rich heritage and landscapes of the region. Experience the varied cultures and heritage sites of Northern India, including the desert of Thar and the cosmopolitan city of Kochi in Kerala. Feel the spiritual allure of Varanasi, India’s holy city, and explore iconic metropolises like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and Cochin.

India’s diverse landscapes extend from urban metros to lush national parks where you can encounter wildlife like the royal Bengal tiger and sloth bears. Indulge in the rich flavors of Indian cuisine, from North Indian biryani to South Indian dosa and delectable desserts like gulab jamun. Unravel the country’s history, from the Mughals to its colonial past, through articles provided by Odyssey before embarking on your journey.

Immerse yourself in India’s vibrancy and unique travel experiences by visiting this multifaceted nation. Witness its rich history first hand and savor the unforgettable encounters it offers.

Articles about India

18 Total Articles

India's Mughal Empire

India’s Mughal Empire More than 4 centuries ago the Mughal empire was an immensely successful empire, covering the entire subcontinent of India and reaching a population of 100 million at its peak. It is because…

10 Dec 18 · 9 mins read

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Taj Mahal, India

Today, the Taj Mahal attracts around 8 million visitors a year. One of the most spectacular things about the Taj Mahal is the way white marble changes colour throughout the day.

13 Jan 20 · 5 mins read

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Varanasi, India

Often called the City of Lights, Varanasi is one of the world's oldest inhabited cities. Colourful, intense and mystical, it is the spiritual capital of India and the country's holiest Hindu city, located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh.

13 Jan 20 · 4 mins read

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The Indian flag flies high at the Red Fort

The Red Fort, Delhi

The Red Fort, also called Lal Qalʿah, is a historic fort in the city of Delhi, overlooking the Yamuna River. It served as the main residence for the emperors of the formidable Mughal dynasty for almost 200 years until the British took over in 1857. Like the Taj Mahal, it was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1638 who decided to move the Mughal capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, in present-day Old Delhi. The construction took ten years and the fort is octagonal in shape, covering an area of 254 acres.

13 Jan 20 · 5 mins read

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Sunrise at Mt Kanchenjunga, viewed from Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill, India

Tiger Hill is located 11 kilometres from Darjeeling town in West Bengal, India, and one of the places to visit in this town famous for its tea gardens.

8 Apr 20 · 2 mins read

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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

Known as the Toy Train, this historic railway is one of the three Indian railways listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site

8 Apr 20 · 3 mins read

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Touring India

The need to know

Getting around

When traveling with Odyssey, we primarily utilize coaches while occasionally incorporating local modes of transportation like trains and ferries, all clearly detailed in our tour itineraries. Public transport serves as the backbone of mobility for Indian citizens, witnessing substantial usage. Despite India boasting the world’s third longest rail network, it grapples with infrastructure challenges and inadequate investment. In addition to trains, taxis, rickshaws, and buses offer alternative travel options, though pricing can fluctuate. To navigate these varying rates, it is prudent to establish a set fare before embarking on your journey.

Accommodation

In prominent Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Cochin, and Jaipur, Odyssey ensures stays in well-located 4-5 star hotels, offering convenient access to public transportation. In less urban settings, such as smaller towns or rural areas, we typically accommodate our guests in high-quality 3 to 4 star hotels.

Tour Guides

Odyssey consistently partners with adept local guides possessing profound regional insights to lead our guided tours, guaranteeing an authentic experience. This approach allows you to delve deeply into the rich history and culture of the destinations you explore while on a small-group tour in India.

Health & Safety

Odyssey collaborates closely with skilled local guides who have in-depth regional knowledge, ensuring an enriching and genuine experience during our guided tours. This strategy enables you to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of the places you visit on our small-group tours in India.

Electrical Supply

When traveling abroad, it is essential to carry the right travel adaptor to ensure your devices can be powered correctly. In India, the electricity supply operates at 230V and 50Hz, with plugs of Types C, D, and M being commonly used. It is advisable to be prepared with the necessary adaptors to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.

Highlights

The best of India

Taj Mahal

The stunning Taj Mahal, commisioned to house the remains of Emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife.

Red Fort

The breathtaking Red Fort, a sight of cultural, historical and political importance.

Varanasi

The incredible holy city of Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and a site of great religious importance.

Tour Reviews

The trip to the Tang valley and the Ogyencholing museum were a highlight. Beautiful scenery, wonderful people and one of the best museums I've seen. That night and all next day it snowed - what a buzz. Made everything look magical and improved the scenery for the next few days

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

Your chat-operator was informative and helpful. We have covered quite a few countries and seasons to travel. Full marks for that!

Philip Lee

Discovering Myanmar | Small Group Tour for Seniors

The tour was fantastic and well organised and well managed. · I have travelled expensively but have not with a travel organisation that comes anywhere near Odyssey's attention to detail and the comfort of its travellers. · The tour was fantastic and well organised and well managed. The transport provided was always very good and where the seats were a little narrow, the bus was big enough for us to 'spread out' for more comfort. · Our accommodation was excellent as was our local guide.I would highly recommend a trip to this beautiful country with many treasures to explore and learn about. Discover Myanmar Nov ‘15

info@odysseytravel.com.au

Discovering Myanmar | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Loved: National Institute of traditional medicine hike to Wanyditse Goemba Punakha festival – definitely a highlight Hanging the prayer flags at the pass! The outdoor picnics! Archery competition! Dumtse Lhakhang – went to heaven!!! Dzong Drak Kha (mini tigers nest) amazing views and climb Sanga Choekor Shedra (Bhuddist College) Drakpa and his team (Nima and Karma) were just amazing. Drakpa was very knowledgeable, friendly, caring and cheerful. He went out of his way to provide us with information and experiences to help our understanding of the culture and religion, he was funny and entertaining and very professional under pressure.Nima was a very competent driver, and I have never felt in safer hands in the difficult driving conditions we were in.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

We did this tour in 2011. Wonderful, extraordinary experience. Loved every minute.

Rex and Maree

Journey through Mongolia and Russia small group tour

The local guide, Drukpa, was exceptional value. When I was ill for a couple of days his care for me, assisted by Len, was way beyond my expectation.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

I wish to sincerely thank Len for his amazing care, good cheer and flexibility ! Len has that great combination of simultaneous organisation and flexibility, which is so very necessary on a small trip such as this. In his stride, he was able to re-design the program at short notice due to weather conditions (working closely with Drakpa) and the end result was better than the original plan in my opinion!!! It was clear from day one, that Len cared and payed attention to each and every one of us at every step of the way – going out of his way to assist those who needed it. The trust and camaraderie we developed with Len made the trip that much more special! I miss our laughs.

Participant March 2017

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

FAQs

What is the time zone?

Indian Standard Time (IST) is the official time standard observed throughout India, maintaining a consistent time offset of UTC+5:30, without any provisions for daylight saving or seasonal adjustments.

Is tipping customary in India?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services. Typically, in upscale dining establishments, a service charge or gratuity is included in the bill; if not, it is customary to tip approximately 10% of the total bill. To ensure that the staff directly benefits from your tip, it is recommended to hand it to them directly or leave cash on the table.

It is customary to tip service providers in hotels. For bellboys assisting with luggage, a modest gratuity ranging from 20 to 50 rupees (around $1.00) per bag is deemed appropriate. If you opt not to tip, it is advised not to accept assistance with your bags. Additionally, showing appreciation with a small gratuity for housekeeping services is not only acceptable but also warmly received.

Is travel to India safe?

While exploring India, it is crucial to heed the Australian government’s recommendation to “exercise a high degree of caution.” Specifically, it is advised to avoid traveling to the cities of Srinagar and Jammu, as well as other regions within Jammu and Kashmir, due to safety and security concerns. It is also advisable to reconsider the necessity of traveling to certain areas in India that are flagged for similar issues. At Odyssey Traveller, we prioritize adherence to government travel advisories, ensuring that our tours in India do not encompass these high-risk regions.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in India?

Ensure to contact your cell phone provider to verify your ability to make calls and use data in India. Numerous providers offer daily fees enabling you to stay connected without incurring additional charges. It is crucial to notify your provider about your trip abroad to prevent any service interruptions due to perceived unusual activity, akin to how banks monitor and may freeze accounts for security reasons.

Articles about India published by Odyssey Traveller.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to India.

7 Wonders of India (World Atlas)
New Seven Wonders of the World (Travel Channel)
7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Qutub Minar (National Geographic Traveller India)
Incredible India

Responsible Travel Advice for Visitors to India

1. Familiarize Yourself with Local Greetings: Knowing some of the local language’s greetings can enhance your cultural experience in India.

2. Keep a Hotel Business Card Handy: Store a business card from your hotel to assist in case you get lost during your travels.

3. Travel Insurance: It is essential to have travel insurance coverage for your trip. For advice on suitable options, feel free to reach out to Odyssey for assistance.

4. Plan Ahead for Visits to Shops and Museums: When exploring independently, be sure to check the operating hours of shops and museums to avoid missing out on any experiences. Note that museums and galleries are commonly closed on Mondays. Additionally, verify if your travel dates coincide with any public holidays to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

5. Notify Your Bank and Confirm ATM Compatibility: Inform your bank about your international travel plans to prevent any disruptions in card transactions due to security alerts. Furthermore, check for ATM locations and banks that are compatible with your cards to avoid excessive withdrawal fees.

6. Carry a Variety of Rupee Denominations: Before your departure, ensure you have a mix of Rupee notes in various denominations. This will facilitate transactions in places where credit cards are not accepted, help you avoid extra charges, and simplify tipping during your stay.