Empires and Epic Encounters Tour India. India transcends being a simple destination on a list - it’s an experience to be fully absorbed. We invite you to move past the role of spectator and into the heart of the story - to fully engage. Absorb the mystery of Lepakshi's hanging pillar, witness the majesty of Mysore's Palace lit with 100,000 light bulbs, and soar over Goa with a hot-air balloon ride returning for fresh seafood on the shoreline. Opt in to watch the unforgettable Unesco Taj Mahal at sunrise. We guide you on an elevated road trip through stunning landscapes, connecting you to many Unesco sites - and, more importantly, to the real story. While the monuments are magnificent, profound magic is found in the unfiltered, human moments that will stay with you forever.

From a sensory awakening at the wonderful K.R Flower Market to touching an ancient timeline at Gavipuram and Nandi Bull Temples. You'll hear the passionate story of the 'Tiger of Mysore' at Tipu Sultan Palace, followed by a taste of royal cuisine. Find stillness among the Venkatappa Art Gallery's garden statues before witnessing the power of the Vidhana Soudha. This tour recalibrates your senses, leaving you with the powerful realization that the past is breathing, blooming, and thundering all around us.

Prepare to step directly into a living royal dream, an experience far beyond any photograph. You will spend time exploring the opulent interiors of the breathtaking Mysore Palace - we are enveloped in its magic as domes and arches illuminate with thousands of golden lights. This cultural immersion continues with a private, hands-on incense-rolling workshop, an experience always filled with laughter. As honored guests, we sample premium oils from around the world while being offered fresh samosas and chai. This day is a sensory journey, connecting you to the artisans and traditions keeping the heritage alive.

Lepakshi to Hampi road trip, where India's epic myths are etched into living stone. This laid-back town whispers mysterious tales, most profoundly in the Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple, home to its mystifying Hanging Pillar. On the sacred grounds, the colossal Nandi Bull statue and the seven-headed Nagalinga keep silent watch. You stand before the legendary Jatayu statue, a testament to epic tales, all while surrounded by stunning murals and exquisite carvings. You leave Lepakshi with more than photographs; you leave with the powerful, lingering feeling of having walked directly through a legend.

Hampi stands as a vibrant UNESCO masterpiece, a landscape where history lives in every boulder. Stroll ancient streets, pausing before the majestic Kadalekalu Ganesha and Gagan Mahal palace - visualize the royalty of the past. You will see centuries of craftsmanship at the Archaeological Museum and find peace and coffee on Hippie Island at Hampi Lake. The adventure continues with Cooking Classes, creative Banana Fibre Workshop and the wild up-close sloth bear encounter at Daroji Sanctuary. Anegundi Village and Fort is framed by emerald rice fields. 

Badami Fort - ancient caves, while Agastya Lake reflects Bhuthanatha Temple. See Badami Archaeological Museum, Ravana Pralad Cave Temple. Malegitti Shivalaya Temple and feel the presence of the Nandi Bull statue. Walk Aihole's Galaganatha and Lad Khan Temple - both steeped in history. Pattadakal's Unesco sites including the singing pillars of Sangameshwara Temple, Jambu Lingeshwara - mysterious sweating walls. Kadasiddheshwara and Papanatha Temple -Aihole - Huchappayyagudi, Magati and Durga Temple.  Every carved detail honors a spirit that refused to fail.

Reignite your passion for exploration in dynamic Karnataka, a sanctuary for those who seek authenticity over the ordinary. Our journey awakens the senses, beginning amidst the aromatic breeze of Sahyadri Spice Farm and the art of Utsav Rock Garden. You will immerse yourself in the living heritage at Agadi Thota - Cultural Village, celebrating tradition before embarking on an exciting Dudhsagar Falls Jeep Safari, where nature performs its grandest water symphony. Between savoring local eateries, admiring intricate handloom textiles, every moment pulses with life. 

Meet Goa's beautiful coast, Walk the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and St. Augustine Church. Fontainhas blends serenity while Arjuna Flea Market is a beautiful short walk along the beach. A day out in Old Goa including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan churches, Royal Chapel of St. Anthony, Our Lady of the Rosary and Santa Catarina. Opt in for Hot Air Ballooning - breathtaking views of the Unesco sites. Board for our Goa to Mumbai Scenic Rail journey - stunning scenery. The most profound adventures are the ones that remind us how good it feels to be truly alive.

Mumbai radiates an intoxicating vitality, standing proud as India’s financial powerhouse. We traverse a landscape of wonders, from the colonial elegance of the Taj Mahal Palace and the Gothic heights of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to the ancient spirituality of the Elephanta Caves. The vibrant Colaba Causeway - leading you to the city’s beating heart. Witness the synchronized mastery of Dhobi Ghat and the entrepreneurial genius within Dharavi Slums. Monuments may define the city, yet the true masterpiece is the unbreakable human spirit.

The UNESCO Agra Fort radiates power through red sandstone walls, guarding the Sheesh Mahal where a thousand mirrors fracture the light into infinity. Witness the UNESCO Taj Mahal as it defies gravity in white marble perfection. Shift from stone to spirit at UNESCO Keoladeo National Park for your own unscripted National Geographic encounters. The sensory overload fuels the soul. We devour the art and the wildness with equal passion. Standing amidst these giants, a truth took root,  we travel to witness the legacies of others, only to discover the most enduring empire is the wild, uncontainable spirit within ourselves. Empires and Epic Encounters

• Airport pick up and transfer
• Comfortable, spacious accommodation
• All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner snacks including treats. 
• A/C private vehicle and driver
• Entrance fees to all sites and events, unless specified as optional extra's.
• Workshops with local artisans.
• Known and trusted Guides 
• Internal Flights and all Transfers
• Scenic Railway Journey
• International Foods 

• International Airfare: We organize this  equal in value of the fare. 
• Comprehensive Health & travel insurance: Highly recommend agents. 
• Visas: Organises with Airfare. AUD $62 
• Transport Charges Outside of Itinerary: Catch up taxi AUD $2 - $8
• All Insurance Related Issues: Medical
• Goa Hot Air Ballooning: 47% of guests engage in this experience. AUD $273
• Beverages: Some meals include drinks
• Spa's, Massage. AUD $45 (local) - $120 (Hotel). We organised these for you.
• Cooking Classes: 36% of our guests opt out of this activity. AUD $50 - $80

Optional Extra: Agra - Taj Mahal

• Hot Air Ballooning - 47% of guests engage in this experience AUD $399

Rest assured, your journey through India is in expert hands. Our Australian tour leaders provide constant support while respecting your independence. Local guides share personal stories, hidden gems, and scam-free navigation. Small groups (6–8) ensure personalized attention and flexible pacing. With expertise, we blend cultural immersion, well-being, and responsible tourism, transforming landmarks into living stories. We handle logistics, dietary needs, safety, and offer 24/7 crisis support for a seamless travel experience. The pace of each day is balanced, with free time as well as guided outings.

• Unseco Sites: We explore 6 Unesco World Heritage Sites: Hampi, Pattadakal, Elephanta Caves, Ajanta - Ellora Caves and the Taj Mahal.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Agadi Thada and the Banana fibre workshop 
• Directly Support Local Cottage Industries: Artisans display their skills.  
• Timings: Perfectly timed itinerary for special events - Lighting of Mysore Palace 
• Mystery's: Hanging Pillar Lepakshi
• Immersive Local Experiences: Mysore Incense rolling and world class oils. Dharavi Slums - small-scale industries. Bear Sanctuary in Hampi
• Jeep Safari: Dudhsager Falls adventure.
• Opt Outs: Options, free time and rest periods: Well timed and flexible
• International Cuisines: We make sure you don't get bored with Indian meals. International - with thoughtfully selected restaurants, cafes and street vendors.

Zero guesswork, ask our Australian leaders to help you identify the tour that provides what you are looking for. We guide you through our unique routes, ensuring the your experiences align. Personalize the journey with optional extras, and private tours - simular in pricing as our small groups of 8. Every detail will be clear before you commit. Secure your spot when you know it’s the right fit. Ask us anything, we’ve had every question imaginable over the years, speak your mind with total freedom, be completely comfortable and hear the answers you need. Empires and Epic Encounters Tour India. 

We offer two distinct paths: the creative freedom of a Private Tour where you act as the architect to design your own itinerary, or the Small Group Journeys following our unique pre-set routes - with just eight guests and two leaders. Surprisingly, the investment for both options is remarkably similar. This empowers you to choose based purely on your personal travel style - whether you crave independent design or the comfort of curated company. Connect with us directly to explore which path aligns with you. Our reputation is built on transparency, feel the absolute freedom to ask the questions that give you peace.

True luxury is the freedom to explore India without compromise. Gather your circle of friends and design a private journey that moves strictly at your rhythm. Simply select your preferred destinations and dates, then allow our us to orchestrate every logistical detail with precision. We ensure every aspect is vetted for your safety and comfort. Surprisingly, our custom private tours rival the investment of standard group packages, making exclusivity accessible. Enjoy complete transparency and flexible planning. No group is too intimate, and no destination is out of reach. "Return from India transformed, from embracing a world that is finally as vast as your spirit."