• Escorted Tour

India & Assam

Including a seven - day Brahmaputra River Cruise

Discover the magic of India and Assam - a carefully crafted journey which offers an authentic taste of India’s rich tapestry. This extraordinary 25-day adventure will take you through the heart of incredible India - from the bustling streets of Delhi to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, the iconic Taj Mahal, and the sacred ghats of Varanasi.

Experience the warmth of Indian hospitality as you celebrate Diwali with a local family in Jaipur, cruise along the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam, and witness the incredible wildlife of Kaziranga National Park. You’ll explore ancient temples, ride camels through desert dunes, marvel at architectural wonders, and enjoy traditional cuisine. 

Every day brings new discoveries, unforgettable moments, and the chance to connect with one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.

Join us for a tour of India that you’ll never forget!

Your travel itinerary

Saturday 31 October

Auckland – Singapore

An evening departure on Singapore Airlines to Singapore from Auckland Airport. Overnight in Singapore.

Sunday 01 November

Singapore – Delhi

Depart Singapore in the afternoon, arriving Delhi late evening. Transfer to your hotel.

Delhi is a dynamic city of two parts, where the past coexists with the present. In 1911, the British decided to make it the capital of India and commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising, with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture that is amongst the most striking in the world.

Monday 02 November

Delhi

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This morning experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi beginning with a drive past the Red Fort, Raj Ghat followed by a Rickshaw Ride through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Visit the Sikh temple Bangla Sahib. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to New Delhi to see the historical India Gate, the Presidents estate, Parliament House and visit Humayun’s Tomb. Welcome Dinner tonight.

The place of ‘Sikh’ worship is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The ‘Langars’ or the community kitchens proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs where anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal. 

Tuesday 03 November

Delhi – Jodphur – Jamba

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This morning fly to Jodphur and then drive to Jamba and the Dera Dunes Retreat – the world’s first resort on top of a nearly 100 ft high sand dune.

Wednesday 04 November

Jamba

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Today we enjoy a desert jeep safari to explore the village communities. The Bishnoi people that inhabit the area believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life so wildlife finds a natural sanctuary around their villages. We also visit the Raikas and carpet weavers before taking an exciting sunset camel safari.

Thursday 05 November

Jamba – Jodphur

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Drive to Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’, with a stop at Kheechan to see a spectacular display of Demoiselle cranes being fed by villagers. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Meherangarh Fort.

Friday 06 November

Jodphur – Udaipur

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After breakfast we drive to Udaipur, stopping along the way at Ranakpur, home to some of India’s most exquisite Jain temple architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Udaipur. 

Saturday 07 November

Udaipur

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Today we visit Jagdish Temple, the largest and most revered temple in Udaipur built in 1651 AD by Maharaja Jagat Singh. Continue on to explore the serene Garden of Maidens (Saheliyon Ki Bari), the City Palace before taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola as evening falls.

Sunday 08 November

Udaipur – Jaipur

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Drive to Jaipur with some time to relax before dinner with a local family at their private home and be part of an authentic Diwali celebration.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most vibrant and cherished festivals. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In Rajasthan, this celebration becomes even more special with its rich traditions, royal charm, and heartfelt hospitatlity. 

Monday 09 November

Jaipur

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Today we visit the Amber Fort, built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 before a stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. After lunch we visit the City Palace which now houses the royal residence and museums with a fine collection of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts and paintings.

Jaipur is the largest city of Rajasthan, which is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery.

Tuesday 10 November

Jaipur – Agra

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After breakfast we travel to Agra. Enroute visit the spectacular Underground Step-wells ‘Chand Baori’ that lie hidden deep in the village of ‘Abhaneri’. After lunch in the hotel, proceed to see Mehtab Bagh, a garden built on the banks of Yamuna River.

Wednesday 11 November

Agra

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An exquisite early morning visit to the Taj Mahal - one of the wonders of the modern world, completed in 1652 as a mausoleum for the beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotel for breakfast before  a vist to Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Yamuna River. After a special home-hosted lunch with a local family enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Thursday 12 November

Agra – Varanasi

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Travel by train to Varanasi. Upon arrival visit Sarnath, which is one of four holy Buddhist sites before checking in to the hotel. 

Varanasi or Benaras is one of the oldest living cities in the world. According to the English author Mark Twain “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as them all put together”.

Friday 13 November

Varanasi

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Rise early this morning for a boat ride on the Ganga past the Ghats where pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred waters in the misty light of dawn. After lunch enjoy a performance by a famous sitar player before taking a boat ride along the holy River Ganges and witness the captivating, twilight ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted by priests worshipping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps.

Saturday 14 November

Varanasi – Kolkata

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Transfer to the hotel for a mid-morning flight to Kolkata. On arrival we travel the busy streets to our hotel for our overnight stop. Evening at leisure.

Sunday 15 November

Kolkata – Jorhat for River Cruise

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After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Jorhat. On arrival, board the MV Mahabaahu in time for a Welcome Lunch ahead of our seven-night cruise. This evening raise a traditional toast to the mighty Brahmaputra River that carves the valley of Assam and enjoy a sit down Welcome Dinner.

Monday 16 November

Sibsagar

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Begin with a day-excursion to 13th Century Sibsagar, a city built around a huge water tank and Shiva temple. We visit the Talatal and the Rang Ghar before driving on to a tea estate for a home-hosted traditional Assamese lunch with the tea-estate family who have been involved in the tea business for more than a century. Return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset.

Tuesday 17 November

Majuli Island Visit – Mishing Village Visit

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Enjoy a talk of ‘Majuli, the seat of Vaishnav culture’ before sailing towards the closest Mishing Village, where people live on the bank of the river in ‘Chang Ghars’, houses with raised platforms. Take the opportunity to buy colourful cotton weaves from the Village’s expert women weavers before continuing on to Dhansiri Mukh for a dinner under the stars.

Wednesday 18 November

Boat Safari

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After breakfast we enjoy a boat safari. Sightings of otters, elephants, buffalo, darters, herons, kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more are possible. This evening a chef’s cooking demonstration before a relaxing evening onboard.

Thursday 19 November

Silghat

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Take the excursion boats to visit the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. Walk through the village and take in the simplicity of life and interact with the local women as they weave silk and cotton. Enjoy a relaxed lunch as we sail on to Silghat. Visit the Kaliabore tea estate and tea factory to see the process of producing Assam Tea.Visit a Jute Mill before a cultural evening and dinner on the ship tonight. 

Friday 20 November

Kaziranga National Park

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An early morning drive to the Kaziranga National Park - home to the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds.  Enjoy a special elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, deer and a variety of birds.

Saturday 21 November

Cruising – Peacock Island

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A relaxed morning as we travel on towards an island occupied predominantly by a ‘bangla’ speaking Muslim farming community. After lunch enjoy a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult and Peacock Island’. Continue to Pandu Port before a Farewell Dinner ‘Alvida Bhoj’ tonight. 

Sunday 22 November

Guwahati – Kolkata

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A relaxing morning before disembarkation and a transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata.  Check into your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Kolkata the city of joy as it is called is also commonly considered as the ‘Paris of the East’ as there is a happy amalgamation of different cultures, styles and moods, coupled along with numerous forms of industries, commerce and politics.

Monday 23 November

Kolkata

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Today, visit Mother Teresa’s House where her legacy of caring for abandoned children continues. In the afternoon, a pottery tour to Kumartuli, and in the evening, enjoy a river cruise on the Hooghly River, offering a unique and intriguing perspective of the city. Farewell Dinner tonight.

Kolkata mainly gained importance in the times of British rule as it had been the capital of India till the year 1912.  At present, it is the capital of West Bengal and is one of the most important places of cultural workshop and industrial centre.

 

Tuesday 24 November

Kolkata - Singapore

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After an early breakfast, a visit to the flower market – Eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls where 2,000 flower growers from the surrounding areas sell their flowers and garlands. We complete our experience with a visit to the Victoria Memorial. This marble white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Kolkata. An afternoon free to relax before transferring to the hotel for a late flight to Auckland

Wednesday 25 November

Singapore - Auckland

Change planes in Singapore and continue on to Auckland.

Today the optional 5 day tour to Bhutan departs from Kolkata

Inclusions

  • Return economy Singapore Airlines airfares Auckland – Singapore – Delhi // Kolkata – Singapore – Auckland 
  • Economy class airport and security taxes $330 per person
  • Domestic air flights Delhi – Jodhpur // Varanasi - Kolkata -         
  • Travel in air-conditioned coaches
  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels with private facilities
  • Breakfasts daily, lunches and dinners as specified
  • Entrance fees at monuments outlined in the itinerary
  • Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi
  • Desert Jeep safari
  • Camel ride in Jamba
  • Home hosted lunch in Agra
  • Diwali celebration in Jaipur
  • Boat ride on the river Ganga in Varanasi
  • Cultural performance in Varanasi
  • Seven-day river boat cruise with included meals on MV Mahabaahu
  • Excursions off the boat 
  • Home-hosted meal, Tea Estate, Assam
  • A bottle of mineral water per person, per day
  • Government Service Tax @ 5%
  • English speaking guide for the 14 days pre & post to the cruise
  • Services of English-speaking naturalist / destination manager during all the included boat excursions
  • New Zealand passport holders require a visa for India (approx. NZD43 per person)
  • Pukekohe Travel tour escort (subject to 15 people travelling)

Cost

ESTIMATED Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle
Suite (1 only) (283 sqft)  $19,726   N/A 
 Luxury Cabin with balcony  (230 sqft)   $18,972  $25,877
 Deluxe Cabin - Balcony (206 sqft)

$18,675

 $25,386
 Superior Cabin – No balcony (150 sqft)

$17,795

$23,995

Business Class Upgrade

To Be Confirmed

Premium Economy Class Upgrade

To Be Confirmed

Early Booking Discount (01 March 2026 ) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Camera / video fees at monuments
  • Travel Insurance is essential (please ask us for a quote)
  • Gratuities and tips (approx USD8 per person per day)

Booking Conditions

  • A non-refundable deposit of $1250 per person will secure a place on the tour
  • Full payment due no later than 17 July 2026 

Cancellations

  • From the date of booking until 17 July 2026 – loss of deposit 
  • After 17 July 2026 – no refund

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.

General Information

Documentation

• A current New Zealand passport is required valid six months beyond the date of travel.

• New Zealand passport holders require a visa for India (approx. NZD43 per person)

• All other passports please ask

Temperatures ˚C  Max Min

Delhi

30 19

Varanasi

29 15 

Jodhpur

34  26 

Kolkata

30 19
Agra

 

35

12

Currency / Money

  • Cash is king in India. Take USD, Euro or Pounds Sterling to change into Rupees
  • ATMs are available in the cities and it is advisable to use ones located inside a bank – this can be time-consuming!
  • Credit Cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in all the hotels we will be staying in and larger more up-market restaurants and shops.

Clothing

  • Comfortable clothes are the order of the day – the laundry service in the hotels is inexpensive and efficient. Hats, sunglasses and comfortable sandals are a must.  A scarf or pareu is handy for temples etc or for sun protection.
  • A small umbrella is great for rain showers or sunshade.
  • Photographic opportunities are plentiful – respect the local people and ask before taking photos.

Health and Mobility

  • There are no obligatory inoculations required
  • The tour stays in 4 Star hotels and included meals will be at recommended restaurants which will minimise health risks
  • Hepatitis should not be an issue but precautionary measures are your choice
  • Update your tetanus and polio
  • Assam is a malaria-risk area. A good deet insect repellent is recommended and long sleeved trousers and shirts early morning and evening are advised
  • Malaria prevention varies considerably. Check with your medical professional
  • The streets of India are busy and pavements crowded and rough. A good standard of health and mobility are required with the ability to climb steps and walk up hills

 

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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