The Jon Baines Tours logo depicitng David Wynne's Boy with Dolphin statue.
About ContactSearch Menu
Tours ProfessionsDestinationsTour leadersNew Colombo Plan
What are you looking for?
Close
See all tours Professional Cultural Cruises
Recently added
Latest tours
Europe
16
May
-
25
May
2026
A History of Medicine Cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean
Asia
15
Feb
-
1
Mar
2026
Veterinary Study Tour in Sri Lanka
Asia
7
Jan
-
20
Jan
2026
Tales of India
Filter all tours
Close
About News and events Partnerships Work with us Testimonials Projects we support FAQs
Latest news
On our travels
Agustina Fitte
Meet veterinarian Agustina Fitte - Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa, May 2025
Zhang Zhong Jiu (John)
Tempt Your Tastebuds - Shanghai-Sichuan Chicken by Vivienne Lu
Zhang Zhong Jiu (John)
Humans in the World featuring Zhang Zhong Jiu ('John')
Read all articles
Close
Tours ProfessionalCulturalCruisesFilter all toursProfessionsDestinationsTour leadersNew Colombo PlanAboutNews and eventsPartnershipsWork with usTestimonialsProjects we supportFAQsContact
Orange left arrow graphic.Orange right arrow graphic.

Tales of India

User icon.
Tour leader
Katie Hickman
Diary icon.
Dates
7 Jan
–
20 Jan
2026

In the company of bestselling author Katie Hickman, journey through India on an intimate exploration of its history, artistry, romance and women.

Begin in Hyderabad, stepping into the opulent world of the White Mughals before flying to historic Lucknow. Enjoy the erotic carvings of the Khajuraho temples and explore the surrounding wilderness on a jungle safari. Follow the path of rebellion along the River Betwa, spend two nights in Orchha and visit Gwalior Fortress, where the fearless 'warrior queen' Rani of Jhansi became a legend of the 1857 uprising. Conclude your journey in Agra, where the breathtaking Taj Mahal stands as the ultimate symbol of love.

Travel through spectacular landscapes and immerse yourself in India’s vibrant traditions. Enjoy afternoon tea in palaces, culinary walks, and watch artisans at work in marble, textile, and carving workshops.

Price (sharing a room)
Sharing icon.
0
per person
Price (room to yourself)
Single icon.
0
per person
Reference:
IND0126-3
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
Nights icon.
Nights
13
Map pin icon.
Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
Availability icon.
Remaining places
0
Book button icon.
Booking
Soon
Diary icon.
Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Hyderabad
Wednesday
,
7
January
Arrive in Hyderabad, historically a centre of trade for precious stones and known as the 'city of pearls' it was once India’s most affluent princely state.
2
Hyderabad
Thursday
,
8
January
Visit Chowmahalla Palace, explore the Charminar district and sample Irani chai and Osmania biscuits. Visit the former British Residency, an elegant Palladian villa that is now part of the Osmania University College for Women. Welcome dinner.
3
Hyderabad
Friday
,
9
January
Visit Golconda Fort, a mighty fortress famed for safeguarding treasures including the Kohinoor diamond. Afternoon tea at Falaknuma Palace.
4
Hyderabad / Lucknow
Saturday
,
10
January
Early departure for flight to Lucknow. Brunch upon arrival and witness Chikankar, a 400-year-old embroidery art. Check in to the Saraca Lucknow and at leisure.
5
Lucknow
Sunday
,
11
January
Visit the colossal Bara Imanbara and the Rumi Darwaza. Ride in tongas (horse drawn carriages) to the Hussainabad Complex. See the ancient metal engraving art of Naqqashi and take part in an Awadhi cuisine culinary tour of Lucknow.
6
Lucknow
Monday
,
12
January
Visit Dilkusha Palace stroll around its palm-fringed park and the La Martinière School. Visit Lucknow Residency, site of the Siege of Lucknow in 1857.
7
Lucknow / Khajuraho
Tuesday
,
13
January
Travel by train to Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho, a magnificent temple complex known for Nagara style and erotic sculptures. Arrive and check in to the hotel.
8
Khajuraho
Wednesday
,
14
January
Jungle safari at Panna National Park, home to a spectacular range of wildlife, wild cats, including tigers, along with deer and antelope. Explore the western group of monuments.
9
Khajuraho
Thursday
,
15
January
Continue your exploration of Panna National Park and witness the eastern group of monuments. Option to watch the sound and light show.
10
Khajuraho / Orchha
Friday
,
16
January
Drive to Orchha, a languid heritage town encircled by the Betwa river and lush forest.
11
Orchha
Saturday
,
17
January
Explore Orchha’s crumbling palaces, forts and beautiful trio of temples. At leisure.
12
Orchha/ Gwalior/ Agra
Sunday
,
18
January
Drive to Gwalior and explore the sun temple and Gwalior fort, this finely decorated fort looms large over the surroundings from its rocky outcrop. Arrive in Agra.
13
Agra/ Delhi
Monday
,
19
January
Rise early to watch the sunrise colour the perfectly symmetrical white marble of the Taj Mahal. Check out and watch a demonstration of marble inlay. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient, abandoned red sandstone Mughal capital, continue from here to Delhi.
14
Delhi
Tuesday
,
20
January
Transfer to Delhi airport.
Map pin icon.
Tour map

Plot your journey

This tour will start in lavish Hyderabad then fly to historic Lucknow. Explore erotic temples and incredible wildlife at Khajuraho then to Orchha. To Agra to see the Taj Mahal and return flight from Delhi.

Tour highlights icon.
What to expect

Tour highlights

Taj Mahal
Agra

Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal at dawn.

Panna National Park
Khajuraho

Safari at Panna National Park, the opportunity to see a stunning range of wildlife including tigers. Visit the Khajuraho Temple complex famous for its erotic motif.

Talks from acclaimed author Katie Hickman
Opulent ballroom, Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad

Join Katie Hickman on a tour examining women, history, romance and love throughout India.

Gallery icon.
Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Tour grade one icon.Tour grade two icon.Tour grade three icon.Tour grade four icon.Tour grade five icon.
Tour grade icon.
Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Gentle
Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

User icon.
Your expert companions

Tour leaders

Historian
Katie Hickman
No items found.
No items found.

Alert bell icon.
Not quite ready to book?

Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

Orange email icon.
Send us an email
Please allow 2-3 days for a response
Contact button orange.
02072239485
Email newsletter

Stay in touch