Begin With The Essentials

Start here for an overview of our itineraries, booking, policies and terms.

India Overview

Namaste! Get a sneak peek of our India itinerary.

India Overview

Northern India

Detailed Example of our Northern India Itinerary: Delhi | Jaipur | Agra, the famous Golden Triangle.

Northern India

Southern India

Detailed Example of our Southern India Itinerary: Bangalore | Kochi | Munnar, the lush Western Ghats.

Southern India

Every Step Tells A Story

India

Dive Into India with a Net

India intrigues, but it seems overwhelming to travel on your own
You're looking for a micro group experience that encourages cultural engagement and connection
Your intigued by textiles and handcrafting processes
You're looking for slow, in-depth travel as opposed to checking off your list of tourist attractions
You've always wanted to see the Taj Mahal
You like solo travel, but with a net
You approach diverse cultures with respect
You're intrigued by new experiences and outlooks
The other side of the world beckons
You've been to India before, but it went by too fast

Legit Reasons This Trip May Not Be For You

You're looking for calm all day, every day
You're not up for a few challenging circumstances
Every day life lived in the open upsets you
New experiences overwhelm you (and not in a good way)

That's okay if India is not for you right now!

If you're looking for a micro trip focused on flea markets, textiles and architecture with European flair you may love our Provence trip led by Hiata, owner of W & E!

Provence with Hiata

Our Adventure Overview

Whether a twelve-day journey to the Golden Triangle or a two- week excursion to Southern India, W & E Travel balances iconic wonders with immersive moments. Think rickshaw rides through old bazaars, hands-on textile and craft workshops, and lingering over five-star accommodations and dining. Along the way, visit an elephant sanctuary, take time with artists in their studios, enjoy culinary deep dives, and village meanders. Visit gorgeous waterfalls, and take a backwater trip on your own houseboat. You'll have the time to explore markets, museums, and architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal.

Some tours pack in more people and more travel, but we don’t rush—we travel slow, savoring the stories, heritage, and daily life that make India unforgettable.

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included in Booking Cost

PRE-ADVENTURE:

Guidance for the passport/visa process
Guidance for needed vaccinations
Travel Insurance Recommendations
Suggestions: What to Pack, & Safety
Recommended Reading and Watch List
Language Tips (optional Conversational Hindi Class 1 hour)
Zoom Gathering to meet your hosts and fellow travelers

ADVENTURE:

Hand-picked five-star accommodations
24/7 guide
Meet and transfer for arrivals and departures
Guide for exchanging money and procuring a SIM card
Domestic transport for larger journeys
Reservationsand their fees (tours/workshops/transport/excursions)
Help with check-in/check-out
Single Occupancy Five-Star Hotel
Luggage storage
Shipping assistance if needed
Entrance Fees
Farewell Dinner
Assistance with language
Assistance with navigating cultural differences
Assistance with navigating schedule changes if desired
Assistance with navigating any medical needs

POST ADVENTURE:

Private cloud storage for group photo share
Follow-Up Resources

You've Got This!

Airfare and arrival on a particular day

Passport and Visa Costs
Travel Insurance (we have resources we can recommend!)
Food, beverages, alcohol (with exception of Welcome and Farewell meals)
Phone SIM costs
Rickshaw negotiations and costs (I'll teach you!)
Gratuities
Camera Fee (some museums and monuments charge a small camera fee for professional cameras(not phone cameras)
Shipping Costs if needed
Sense of Adventure

Detailed Itinerary
Delhi | Agra | Jaipur

Arrival | Delhi

A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. With its kaleidoscope of scents, sounds, and sights, Delhi never fails to captivate.

Day 1: Delhi

You'll be met at the airport and given assistance with money exchange and SIM cards after which you'll be transported via private car to your hotel.

Arrive and Acclimate at your single occupancy 5 Star Hotel near the airport

Meals can be taken in hotel as needed.

Meet and Greet in Evening

Day 2: Lodhi Art District/Gardens

AM: Gently acclimate to your new routine. Relax by the pool, book a spa treatment or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast

PM: We will leave our hotel for a gentle overview of the city, stopping at Lodhi Gardens/Lodhi Art District

Dinner:

A four-star restaurant that is light and delicious for our adjusting bodies.

Day 3: The Heart of Delhi

AM: Visit to the hustle and bustle of Chandi Chowk, the oldest city market. Visit UNESCO heritage site, The Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan

Lunch: Traditional tea downtown Delhi

PM: After visiting Jan Path Market to test your bargaining skills, we'll head to Dilli Haat to learn about the various crafts from the 28 States of India. This open-air market is the ideal spot to view and purchase textiles and handmade crafts.

Dinner: By chance and adventure!

Day 4: Antique Market

AM: Antique Market

After our visit to the market, we'll have plenty of flex time to go off the beaten path. Your guide will give you options and you get to choose!

Lunch: By chance and adventure

PM: Flex time

Dinner: By chance and adventure

Jaipur

Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan, dazzles with its rose-hued architecture, royal palaces, and lively bazaars brimming with textiles, jewels, and handicrafts. A harmonious blend of heritage and artistry, it remains one of India’s most vibrant expressions of design, color, and culture.

Day 5: Jaipur

AM: Early morning train or A/C car to Jaipur (Leave packages in the safety of Delhi Hotel)

Arrive at single-occupancy Five Star Hotel for lunch.

PM: Jal Mahal camel ride,

Amer Fort/Nahargarh Fort Sunset

Dinner : By Chance and Adventure

Day 6: Hawa Mahal and Block-Printing

AM: Visit Hawa Mahal and meander through the alleyways of The Pink City, the oldest and original part of Jaipur

Lunch: By Chance and Adventure

PM: Tour Bagru Village and learn block printing from generational artisans

Dinner: By Chance and Adventure, what are you craving?

Day 7: Elephant Sanctuary and Stepwell

AM: Visit an elephant sanctuary where we will get hands-on with these majestic creatures

Lunch: By Chance and Adventure

PM: Visit the Amrapali Museum and learn about the history of jewelry in Jaipur and India

Dinner: Govindram, for a five -star dinner.

Day 8: In the Studio

AM: We'll visit a pottery-making studio or paper-making studio, your choice!

Lunch: By Chance or Adventure

PM:Flex Time or visit the Panna Miyah ka Kund Stepwell

Dinner: Five Star Restaurant

Agra & The Taj Mahal

Agra, once the heart of the Mughal Empire, is home to the ethereal Taj Mahal—a symbol of love carved in white marble. Beyond its famed monument, the city hums with history, from the imposing Agra Fort to the lingering scent of stone in its centuries-old workshops.

Day 9: Morning at the Taj Mahal

AM: We'll start bright and early and travel by car from Jaipur for a spectacular sunrise at the Taj Mahal

After the Taj we'll check into our single- occupancy Five-Star hotel

Lunch: By Chance and Adventure

PM: We'll visit the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, otherwise known as 'The Baby Taj"

Dinner: Five-Star Restaurant

Day 10: Mehtab Bagh and Delhi

AM: We'll visit Mehtab Bagh and see a view from the Yumana River of the Taj Mahal

PM: After lunch we'll drive back to our Hotel in Delhi, arriving in time for a snack before we retire.

Agra to Delhi

Day 10: From Agra, we'll arrive back to our hotel in Delhi and spend the evening settling in or exploring.

Day 11: Final Full Day & Farewell Dinner

AM: Together, we'll decide what our last day will look like. Is there something you missed? A neighborhood you'd like to explore? Today is also a great day to ship any items you've purchased.

Dinner: We'll treat you to a Farewell Dinner at a five-star restaurant before we head back to the hotel for a good night rest.

Options: Micro Tours at Their Best

One aspect of W & E journeys that we love is going off the beaten path and leaving room for serendipity and flexibility: the hallmarks of any adventure.

The itinerary we have suggeste here is flexible. While we have certain experiences that are booked in advance, we have plenty of free time that allows us to go where the wind may take us! (Or the bazaars!)

That means as a group we'll decide where the path takes us and when it takes us, within a particular loose structure.

Some of the options we'll build into our itineraries:

Sari Tying Education: Did you know each state and region has its own tradition of sari tying? Learn about the history and traditions behind sari and learn to tie your own!

Early Morning Flower Market: Rise at dawn for a view of the chaos and beauty of the flower market.

Dance Performance: Dinner and traditional Indian dance performance

Indigo Dying and Shibori: Learn the history and process of indigo dying and the art of shibori.

Marble Carving: Watch the intricate art of marble carving from generational artisans.

Block Printing Class: Block printing as heritage textile craft is near and dear to the heart of W & E. We'll explore block printing in a hands-on class where you create a souvenir to take home.

Paper-Making: Learn about eco- friendly paper making with this hands-on workshop.

Bagru Printing, Lac Making, Jewelry Making, there is no end to Indian art! If you find something you like before our trip, we can discuss taking a workshop

Stepwells, Architecture, Markets and Museums: There is no end to the opportunities you'll have to explore your interests creatively and intellectually. We'll create a trip perfect for you and our group.

Detailed Itinerary
Bengaluru| Kochi | Munnar | Kumarakom

Arrival | Bangalore

Welcome to Bangalore! Bangalore is known as India's "Silicon Valley" for its prominent IT industry, as well as its vibrant cosmopolitan culture, historical palaces like Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, and beautiful gardens such as Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

Day 1: Bangalore

You'll be met at the airport and given assistance with money exchange and SIM cards after which you'll be transported via private car to your hotel.

Arrive and Acclimate at your single occupancy 5 Star Hotel near the airport

Meals can be taken in hotel as needed.

Meet and Greet in Evening

Day 2: Acclimate and City Tour

AM: Gently acclimate to your new routine. Relax by the pool, book a spa treatment or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast

PM: We will leave our hotel for a gentle overview of the city and it's history.

Dinner:

A Welcome Dinner at a four-star restaurant that is light and delicious for our adjusting bodies.

Day 3: The Artistic Culture of Bangalore

AM: After breakfast we'll learn the history and culture behind the textiles of the region with a hands-on workshop.

Lunch: Traditional Indian tiffin

PM: We'll head to the Museum of Art and Photography to get inspired.

Dinner: By chance and adventure!

Day 4: Day Trip to Mysore

AM: We'll take an early morning transport for a three -hour journey to the historic city of Mysore. We'll explore the architecture, palaces and markets of the region.

Lunch: Relax with a lunch overlooking the palace.

PM: We'll continue our Mysore adventure

Dinner: By chance and adventure

Day 5: Nandhi Hills Winery

AM: We'll begin our sojourn to Nandhi Hills as we experience the architecture of local temples and dive into the heart of wine making in India.

Lunch: At Nandhi Hills

PM: After we say good-bye to the winery we'll have time to relax and prepare for the next several days adventure.

Kochi

Kochi is a city and major port on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, west-central Kerala state, southwestern India. Known for it's waterways and islands, it's often referred to as the Venice of Asia.

Day 6: Bangalore to Kochi

AM: We'll rise early and fly from Bangalore to the West Coast city of Kochi.

PM: We'll arrive at our five- star hotel and settle in before taking a walking history tour of this fascinating city.

Dinner : We'll experience the life of Kochi through a tour of its food in an interactive dinner experience.

Day 7: Living Islands Tour

AM: Kochi is often called the Venice of India for its waterways and islands. We'll visit one of these islands and get to know island and village life.

Lunch: Dinner on the Island.

Dinner: By Chance and Adventure, what are you craving

Munnar

Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty.

Day 8: Transport to Mannur

AM: We'll begin our day bright and early and start our journey to Mannur , a four-hour journey. Along the way we'll stop and learn how bamboo is used in daily life and in the economy of the region with a hands-on tour.

Lunch: We'll arrive at our five star hotel for lunch.

PM: We'll spend the afternoon wandering through nearby tea plantations.

Dinner: In-house cooking demo and dinner.

Day 9: Spice Plantation and Waterfalls

AM: This morning, we'll dive into what makes the Mannur region special, with a visit to a local spice plantation.

Lunch: Local fare.

PM: On our way back to the hote,l we'll stop by a well-known waterfall with perfect post monsoon timing.

Day 10: Spa Day

After the hustle and bustle of travel and site-seing this is your day to indulge in rest, relaxation or meandering walks on the beautiful grounds of our hotel.

Kumarakom

Kimarakom is known for its lush green backwaters, mangrove forests, rice paddies, and diverse birdlife, including the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The area includes many islands below sea level.

Day 11: On our way to Kumarakom

AM: After an early start, we'll take a morning break at a cocoa plantation where we learn about how cocoa is harvest and made into chocolate.

Lunch: On the road adventure!

PM: Arrive at our five -star hotel in Kumarakom

Day 12: Backwater Tours

AM: Rise and shine for a relaxing and meandering tour of Kerala's backwaters.

Lunch: Very different from our meals in Mannur, we'll learn about the culinary delights of the coast.

PM: We'll watch a beautiful sunset and listen to the birds from our sunset cruise.

Day 13: Bird Sanctuary

AM: We'll take a tour through a local bird sanctuary and learn about the diverse eco-system found near the backwaters.

PM: Free time, whether it's last minute pool time or a market meander, it's up to you!

Dinner: By chance and adventure!

Options: Micro Tours at Their Best

The itinerary we have suggested here is flexible. That means as a group we'll decide where the path takes us and when it takes us, within a particular loose structure.

Here are just a few of our favorite options:

Sari Tying Education: Did you know each state and region has its own tradition of sari tying? Learn about the history and traditions behind sari and learn to tie your own!

Early Morning Flower Market: Rise at dawn for a view of the chaos and beauty of the flower market.

Dance Performance: Dinner and traditional Indian dance performance

Indigo Dying and Shibori: Learn the history and process of indigo dying and the art of shibori.

Folklore: This region is known for it's wooden toy making, and we can be part of a local workshop experience.

Block Printing Class; Block printing as heritage textile craft is near and dear to the heart of W & E. We'll explore block printing in a hands-on class where you create a souvenir to take home.

Mysore Soap Factory: Mysore has been known for it's sandalwood soap since 1916. It's the scent of India and a wonderful experience.

Architecture, Markets and Museums: There is no end to the opportunities you'll have to explore your interests creatively and intellectually. We'll create a trip perfect for you and our group.

Booking and Payment

Booking and Payment FAQ

Itinerary

The detailed itinerary listed above for both itineraries is a general idea of what you'll be experiencing. As you can see, there is plenty of room for flexibility.

We'll have a fully locked-in and detailed itinerary sixty days before our travels.

Group Minumum & Maximum

Our groups are flexible, personal, curated and intimate because they are not just small by industry standards, but micro!

This means there will be no more than six participants (seven including your guide, Maria!) in a given itinerary group.

If spaces fill up for your preferred date, consider booking as soon as possible for your second date preference.

We will run the tour itinerary with no less than three participants. If there will be less than three participants, we will alert you and grant you a full refund of your deposit less a $300.00 handling fee. This handling fee may be deducted for trips booked with us in the future.

How To Book

To book, fill out the contact form HERE and we'll be in touch with the next steps!

Spots are limited to just SIX people per tour.

In addition to getting to know you and your travel preferences, you'll need the following:

Name: First/Last as it appears on your passport

Mailing Address, Email Address, Phone Number, Emergency Contact Person (someone not joining the trip, in case of an unlikely emergency)

The option to purchase a travel protection plan from us is availble.

If you wish to stay an extra day before or after the tour, let us know, and we'll be happy to accommodate your request for an extra fee.

Deposit & Payment

When booking the trip you will be asked for a non refundable (unless W & E must cancel, see below) deposit of 25% to secure your adventure.

The remainder of the trip (75%) is due 90 days before our tour starts.

If W & E needs to cancel due to lack of participants you have the option to move to another itinerary date. If you decline to book another date, you will be refunded in full less $300.00 handling fee, which may be put towards future travel with W & E.

We will send you a secure link for payment. We accept debit card, Discover, Visa, Mastercard and Amerian Express.

After You've Booked

After booking, you'll receive an email with a PDF reviewing information pertaining to your travel.

Flight recommendations
Vaccine suggestions
Documentation information
Money Exchange
SIM card information
Packing List
Travel & Safety Tips
Recommended Apps for travel
Recommended Reading/Watching Lists

Best of all, you'll get input as we finalize itinerary details!

As we near our travel date, we'll have a dedicated group chat with fellow travelers and have the option to meet via video conference.

Cancellation Policy

Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and plans must change. We hope our cancellation policy is clear and we aim for fairness to all parties involved ,including our suppliers.

If you need to cancel for any reason at any time you will receive a $150.00 credit to future travel.

If you must cancel 60 days before our tour begins, you will receive a full refund if you've already paid in full minus a 5% handling fee. This refund is LESS the non-refundable 25% deposit.

If canceling 59-45 days before our tour begins, you'll receive a 50% refund, less a 5% handling fee and the non-refundable 25% deposit.

If you need to cancel less than 45 days before our tour begins, we do not offer refunds.

Learn more by viewing our Terms & Conditions

Preparing For Travel

Passport & Visa Informatoin

Passport:

If you already have a passport, make sure that it is good for six months AFTER the completion of travel. You passport must contain at least two blank pages.

If you don't have a passport, you can find information here: Travel U.S.A.

Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to have your passport sent to you in time for travel. Don't cut it close!

Tourist Visa:

All citizens of the United States, Canada and UK require a valid tourist visa to visit India. You will need to apply for the visa no more than 30 days in advance of your travel. Book your flights before applying.

You may wish to use a third-party visa processing service; however, you may also apply for an e-visa at the official Indian Government Travel website.

You will need your travel itinerary before applying, which you will have sent to you 60 days before we travel.

If you think you need extra help navigating the visa process, you will want to reach out to a third-party visa specialist. We are not affiliated, but have had success with Sherpa.

Air, Luggage & Transport

Airfare is not included.

We require your flight information four weeks prior to the tour. We ask that you arrive at the airport during daytime hours (between 5AM and 7PM). This ensures that the currency exchange and SIM card kiosks are open.

You may also want to think about what travel times work best for your internal clock, you'll have plenty of built-in time to adjust your body to the new time zone.

Luggage

It is your responsibility to be clear on the requirements of the airline you choose to use for your travel to India. W & E is not responsible for any delays or costs due to luggage restriction changes.

We will spend five days away from our main city hotels (depending on your itinerary, Delhi or Bangalore) For this aspect of transport (whether vehicle or train) you will want to pack light. We suggest bringing a small bag or duffel for ease of travel and travel storage during this leg of our journey. We'll be reunited with our luggage when we return to our departure city hotel.

Transport

In-country transport and travel (by vehicle, train) is included with the exception of auto rickshaw rides as desired.

Our in-town transport will be in a private car. We may also travel via train.

Health & Saftey

Health: The CDC has some wonderful information on keeping healthy and taking precautions in India. CDC India Travel

When reading through the precautions, note which region your itinerary is in (Northern India or Southern India) as some of the precautions listed are for other locations in India.

Vaccines: The CDC website also shares information on vaccines that you may choose to have.

Of Note: For Sourthern India itinerary, we will be traveling post-monsoon so there will be more mosquitoes present, even in the cities. Bring a good mosquito repellent.

Discuss your travels with your doctor, explain the dates you'll be traveling, and they can help you make decisions about your healthcare during your trip.

Bring the necessary medications that you take regularly. We'll send a What To Pack PDF that includes some first aid items you may wish to have on hand.

We highly recommend travel insurance, which can be purchased through us or through your preferred travel insurance provider.

Hospitals and Healthcare If Needed

Good hospitals are easily found in both Delhi, Jaipur (for Northern itineraries), and Bangalore and Kochi (for the Southern itinerary). Private hospitals offer excellent care. Appointments are easily made, and care is inexpensive by Western standards.

Saftey:
Theft is a fact no matter where you go in the world. The rule of thumb in India is as it would be in any city in the U.S.A. Do not leave your possessions unattended, be alert to keep your items close to you. Don't draw attention to yourself with expensive equipment or jewelry. We'll send a guide well before your trip with some suggestions on how best to accommodate the regions you'll be visiting in terms of safety.

Terrain

The terrain will generally be flat with very little uphill climbing. That said, the terrain will very often be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes with good treads are highly recommended.

Weather

Our Southern India itineraries will run in the early winter months when it is cooler in the region. This post monsoon time is somewhat like a 'second Spring'. The monsoon makes it's exit which brings beautifully warm days, but without the oppressive heat and high humidity. Blooms appearing at their best. The temperature is generally between 86F (30C) and 68F (20C) in the evenings.

For our Northern itineraries we will be traveling in early Spring months when the winter cold, haze and fog have settled into clear and warmer weather. Generally speaking the temperature is around 65F (19C) during the day and 55F(13C) in the evenings.

What To Pack

Here is some basic information in terms of what to pack, however, we will send you a more detailed PDF once you've booked your travel.

Skip the delicates and synthetics. Pack sturdy but lightweight, breathable and natural clothing (think cotton and linen). A packable hat with brim can come in handy when the sun is too oppressive.

While India is very modern and you'll see a variety of clothing, traditionally, women dress with their shoulders, chest, and legs covered. Out of respect for the traditional culture, we recommend following suit. Thus, we discourage shorts and spaghetti straps.

In places of worship like mosques or temples, you will be required to remove your shoes.

A small flashlight always comes in handy, as well as a small luggage padlock.

After You've Booked

After booking, you'll receive an email with a PDF reviewing information pertaining to your travel.

Flight recommendations
Vaccine suggestions
Documentation information
Money Exchange
SIM card information
Packing List
Travel & Safety Tips
Recommended Apps for travel
Recommended Reading/Watching Lists

Best of all, you'll get input as we finalize itinerary details!

As we near our travel date, we'll have a dedicated group chat with fellow travelers and have the option to meet via video conference.

Wi-fi

You'll be in range of Wi-Fi for most of our trip. Hotels and restaurants often have free wi-fi for their guests. That said, in some areas the Wi-fi will be spotty or nonexistent.

We'll walk you through how to get an Indian SIM card before your trip, which can be especially great to have to stay connected locally.

We'll have a dedicated WhatsApp group for communication between members of our group during your journey.

India will weave its way into your heart as it becomes part of your story.

We return to India because it overflows with inspiration, diverse colors that shift with each region, crafts that carry generations of skill, and a heritage rooted in storytelling through textiles, art, and design. Every piece feels alive with culture, history, and human touch, which is exactly why we love it
so much.

We can't wait for you to join us!

Begin With The Essentials

Start here for an overview of our itineraries, booking, policies and terms.

Every Step Tells A Story

India

Detailed Itinerary Delhi | Agra | Jaipur

Detailed Itinerary Bengaluru| Kochi | Munnar | Kumarakom

Booking and Payment FAQ

Preparing For Travel

Detailed Itinerary
Delhi | Agra | Jaipur

Detailed Itinerary
Bengaluru| Kochi | Munnar | Kumarakom