I did the Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour - 6 Nights / 7 Days India Package and overall it was a great experience! The sights in each place were incredible and the guides and drivers were all really knowledgeable and easy to get along with. The days were planned well (usually about 5–6 hours) so I had an easy start to the day and evenings free to do my own thing which was good.
If I were to do it again, I’d definitely upgrade to the 5-star hotel option. The 4-star hotels were fine, but not really the same standard you’d expect in Western countries ( more like 2–3 stars). Since hotels in India are pretty affordable, I think the upgrade is worth it for the extra comfort. Same with the train to Varanasi: I took 2nd class, which worked but wasn’t super comfortable. Next time I’d go for 1st class if possible.
A couple of things I think VWI could improve on: it wasn’t clear beforehand that this would be a private tour. I ended up being the only person with the guide, which was fine, but would’ve been good to know in advance. I also wish there was more information around how much cash to bring for entry fees, tips, and other extras so you can plan better. Breakfast at the hotels was included and dinners were on my own, but lunches weren’t really planned. It would’ve been helpful if the guide suggested a place for lunch or built a lunch stop into the schedule.
Our Golden Triangle and Varanasi tour with VWI Tours was absolutely incredible from start to finish! Everything was so well organized — from airport pickups to hotel stays and guided tours. The itinerary covered all the highlights: Delhi’s vibrant history, the majesty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the royal palaces of Jaipur, and the spiritual beauty of Varanasi.
A special mention goes to our amazing driver, Neetu Singh, who truly made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Neetu was professional, patient, and always smiling. He drove us safely through the busy streets and long highways, shared great local insights, and was always keen to help. His calm nature and sense of humor made every long drive a pleasure — we felt completely at ease and cared for throughout the journey.
Varanasi was truly the soul of the trip — witnessing the Ganga Aarti and the sunrise boat ride was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
I highly recommend VWI Tours to anyone wanting an authentic, smooth, and memorable India experience. We can’t wait to return and explore more with them!
This tour was poorly planned and failed to deliver what was advertised. To spare you the full essay (written mostly as catharsis), we left the tour after just one day. If you’d like to know why, read on.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, we were met at the airport by our driver and spent an expected three hours in traffic en route to the Qutb Minar - originally the fourth stop on our itinerary, but rescheduled due to timing. The change was fine and well-communicated. However, when we met our guide at around midday, he informed us that several visits would need to be cut short. Disappointing, yes, though the beauty of the Qutb Minar softened the blow somewhat.
After about half an hour, we returned to the car. When asked if we wanted a sit-down meal, we declined — we’d eaten on the plane and preferred to see more of the city, though we mentioned we’d appreciate a snack later. Our guide enthusiastically offered to take us for “the best samosas in New Delhi,” repeatedly calling ahead to ensure they’d be “piping hot” upon arrival.
During this drive, we were told that the Taj Mahal was “unexpectedly closed on Friday” - the day we were meant to visit - and that our itinerary would need to be reshuffled, cutting Jaipur short to compensate. We later discovered the Taj Mahal is always closed to the public on Fridays, open only for midday prayers. Frustration was starting to build, but we tried to remain optimistic.
When we arrived at the so-called “restaurant,” it turned out to be a shop where staff immediately began trying to sell us various items. We politely browsed but quickly realized the “samosas” were just a sales lure. After hours of travel and a rushed half-hour at a UNESCO site, we were not amused.
By this point, our guide - who had been with us for only about an hour - had already settled down for tea. We insisted on leaving to see more of New Delhi as promised. Though visibly irritated, he agreed. For the next three hours, we were driven around the city, passing major landmarks like India Gate and the Red Fort, but never allowed to get out and explore. According to our guide, the Red Fort “wasn’t worth seeing from the inside” and “you get a better feel from the outside since they shut off the interior.” Perhaps this approach suits those less mobile, but it certainly wasn’t our idea of sightseeing.
At around 16:00, the guide announced his part of the tour was over and departed, leaving us with the driver. Out of roughly four hours, we’d spent nearly 85% of the time sitting in the car.
Our driver then took us to our first hotel - supposedly part of a 5-star package we’d upgraded to for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, however were advised by the driver that the area wasn't safe to walk around. The lobby was adequate, though swarming with mosquitoes and staff wielding electric tennis rackets. When we reached our room, however, we found it shabby - and worse, a used condom wrapper on the floor. I took a photo and showed reception, who were apologetic and moved us immediately, but it was the final straw.
We contacted the tour provider to say we would not be continuing. The day had been chaotic and poorly managed, and we felt misled at every turn.
This trip was meant to be unforgettable and it was, though for all the wrong reasons. We received a partial refund but still lost over £600. We could have stayed, but after three major missteps in one day, we decided to cut our losses.
Both the tour company and Viator were unhelpful. When we called Viator about the unapproved itinerary change and issues we'd faced that day, they simply told us to “call back tomorrow.” I was lucky to be traveling with my male partner - had I been with female friends, I would have felt deeply unsafe and unsupported.
In short: do your research. India is a beautiful, complex country that deserves to be explored properly. But if a tour sounds too good to be true, it probably is.